Post by Mr.Ego on Mar 17, 2017 22:57:04 GMT -5
Monday, March 13th - Chicago, Illinois: Directly following match
He had fought valiantly, but no one man can withstand a four-on-one onslaught when the four are the caliber of 'The Engine of Chaos'. With his partner unconscious out on the floor, it was only a matter of time before he was put down for the three count. Hell, scratch that, ref could have counted to fifty, and it might not have mattered. Because for the second week in a row, 'The Engine of Chaos' had their way with 'Vain' Alan Wallace, doing anything and everything that they wanted to do to him. And for the second week in a row, he had been helpless to stop them.
One has to wonder… with the way the last two weeks have gone, where is Vain's mind at, as he heads into 'Rise or Fall', where he and Killian will square off against two members of 'The Engine of Chaos'. Two people who have humbled Vain like nobody else before. Two people that would love nothing more than to beat Alan Wallace to a pulp again - this time in front of a pay per view audience - and see to it that maybe this time, he doesn't get up.
As 'The Engine of Chaos' make their way to the back, Vain finally begins to stir, as does Jason Ingalls out on the floor. Glassy-eyed, Wallace gets himself to a seated position, holding the back of his head and base of his neck with his right hand, as he checks his teeth with his left. Ingalls slides in and can be seen talking to Vain, though the camera audio doesn't pick up what is said. Wallace looks up at him for a few moments, before hanging his head, and rolling under the bottom rope. Now in a seated position on the ring apron, he slowly takes his elbow pads off… dejectedly tossing them to the floor, before hopping down and slowly making his way up the ramp, leaving Jason Ingalls in the ring, watching his exit.
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Vain looks out of the window, the left hand side towards the front of Vain Force One, staring down at the outskirts of Miami as everything gets smaller during the planes ascent. He begins to speak.
"I've accomplished a hell of a lot during the course of my career, most of which was spent not only waging my battles in the center of the ring, but also fighting the political battle backstage. It's a hard thing, keeping one's mind right, when so much is at stake. There have been detractors… many, many detractors… but I have always managed to make people eat their words. Whether they thought it possible, or not."
"Early on during my career within UGWC, after I had sullied my hands with wrestlers of no consequence like Jordan King and Kurt Brady, there came a point where I was forced to take a stand against someone that I once considered a friend. Someone that I respected beyond measure. Someone that had paved their own way in this industry, and the industry had been better for it."
"That wrestler was Jezebel Saint."
"When I had first signed that dotted line to join this prestigious company, there was a certain level of excitement that I felt, knowing that at some point in time, Jezebel and I would find ourselves across the ring from one another. It would be a match like no other, and at the end, we would shake hands, and the defeated would raise the hand of the victor in a supreme sign of respect. Only, that isn't what happened."
"We did indeed have our match, but neither one of us held any respect for the other. All that the two of us harbored for one another was ill-will, and blatant contempt. And it was during this match - a match that nobody gave me a shot in hell of winning, mind you - that I went further than I ever had during the course of a match. I didn't want to just beat Jezebel Saint, no. I wanted to injure Jezebel Saint… I wanted to take everything that she had fought so hard for, and I wanted to destroy it. I wanted to destroy her."
"And that is exactly what I did."
"For those new to UGWC, I'm sure upon hearing the name Jezebel Saint, they would answer with a question of their own: 'Who'? And that is absolutely, undeniably, because of me!"
"It's a funny thing, really. Holding someone's health and well-being, their livelihood, in the palm of your hands… being the sole reason why a person can either continue doing that which they love, or is relegated to retiring from that which they know, because they are no longer healthy enough to continue on the path they had set for themselves. Being able to pull the strings of another individual, with everything they are meant to do going forward, being at the sole discretion of whether you decide to allow it or not."
"Maybe I truly am a God?"
"Then again, what has transpired with me, since I made Jezebel's decision on her wrestling future for her? Sure, I have had a fair amount of success over the last two years, yet now I find myself in a quandary. I find myself doubting my own abilities like never before, relegated to hanging my hat on previous accomplishments, simply because as of this point in time, I have nothing of consequence left to give."
"Just like with myself and Jezebel Saint, apparently the good Lord giveth, and the good Lord can taketh away. But where does that leave me?"
"I am 'The Vain Lord', but the question remains… am I still 'Your Better'?"
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Tuesday, March 14th - New Orleans, Louisiana: King Estates
"The hell did you ditch me for after the show, bro" Jason Ingalls asks, as he stands in the doorway of the room that 'Vain' Alan Wallace is currently using at the home of his heterosexual life partner, and England's Greatest Export, Killian King. "I mean fuck dude, I was supposed to fly back with you, remember?"
Vain doesn't move, preferring to instead lay on his bed, and stare up at the ceiling. A minute goes by, as Jase awaits an answer. Finally growing tired of being given the silent treatment, Ingalls walks into the room and kicks the bed.
"Answer me, goddammit" he says loudly, as he turns back towards the door, and flicks on the light switch. "First you leave me in Chicago, and then you ignore all of my calls and texts. Now you want to just lay there when I'm fucking talking to you, and ignore what the fuck I'm saying? I don't think so, Alan. Not fucking today."
A long, slow exhale emanates from 'Vanity at its Finest', before he slowly scoots himself up in the bed, grimacing and reaching for the back of his neck as he does so. He finally looks up at Jason Ingalls, and Jase can see the anguish in his eyes.
"What do you want from me, Jase? An apology? Me to tell you it will never happen again? Me to promise to be a better friend? What?"
"I want you to be as pissed as I am about what happened last night" Jase spits, a flash of anger appearing on his face. "I want you to show that fire that I've seen throughout your career."
"Not sure I have it in me anymore, Jase. The last two weeks… they've taken full advantage of the situation both weeks. And I've been left embarrassed in the ring. Not to mention, because of my mouth and my ego, two of my best friends in the business have had to suffer right along with me. And it isn't right, Jase. You and Killian both deserved better than what I was able to give the last two weeks. And if I'm being honest… I'm not sure if I have anything left."
"Fuck outta here with that 'woe is me' shit, Alan" Jase answers emphatically, as he walks over and stands before 'Vain' Alan Wallace. "I don't give two shits what they've been able to do the last two weeks. You're still 'Vain' Alan Wallace, and they're not. Not even close, even on their best day. So they've won a few battles lately, big fucking deal! You and Kill humiliate them in the ring at 'Rise or Fall', take their titles, and stop the bullshit momentum they somehow feel they have going for them… and win the fucking war, Alan!"
"And if we don't? What happens then, Jase? Kill will be fine… he has another date with Lucy at some point, and another World Title reign in him at worst. Where's that leave me? A joke in the Cooperative division… and an afterthought amongst the masses of people that tune in each week. 'Rise or Fall' is extremely important for me right now, Jase. I need to be at my best to even have a chance of not completely ruining everything that I've worked for to this point. And I honestly don't know if my 'best' is good enough anymore…"
"This is a joke, right" Jase asks, as he begins looking around the room. "I'm being 'Punk'd', right? That's gotta be it, because the shit you're saying? That's not 'Vain' Alan Wallace. Far fucking from it. And if you want my advice? I suggest you get the fuck up, go get some food with me, and stop wallowing in your own self misery, when it's completely unwarranted. That's what the fuck I advise you to do."
"Just leave me be, Jase. Just leave me be."
Vain lays back down on the bed and rolls over, turning his back on Jason Ingalls. With a shake of his head, Ingalls turns and makes his way towards the door. Turning back, he speaks.
"I don't know what bad trip you're having" he begins, as Vain doesn't move. "But get the fuck over it, and quit being a bitch!"
With that, Ingalls walks out into the hall, slamming the bedroom door shut. Vain simply sighs, and then closes his eyes.
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Vain is in a different seat now, this one towards the front of the plane, on the right hand side. He stares out of the window at the clouds and sky, as the Captain has announced that the flight is on schedule, and they should be arriving at their destination in approximately two hours. Vain smiles.
"During the course of my career, I've usually been known for my brash demeanor, and my arrogant personality. The fact that, physically, I seemingly have no limitations set forth with what I can do in the ring allows the majority of fans and wrestlers alike to overlook the fact that I am a fairly intelligent individual as well. Such a pity for there to be that many oblivious people in the world, but such is life."
"I spent the first year or so of my UGWC career flying under most people's radars. Or so it looked from the peons that can only see things in black or white. Of course when it happened, most fans were surprised. They never saw it coming, but shouldn't they have?"
"It started with 'The Puppet Masters'. While Dirge and Donovan Hastings received the bulk of the media and fan attention, the true glue that held that quartet together was none other than 'Yours Truly'. Those that are of a different opinion? Look no further than what happened to 'The Puppet Masters' once I turned on them, and joined 'The Syndicate'. Remi Monroe disappeared; Donovan Hastings went back to being Donovan Hastings; and Dirge became a hobo. While all of that was going on, 'The Syndicate' ran roughshod over anybody and everybody. We did what we wanted, to whom we wanted, when we wanted. Nobody could touch us. And the fans loved each and every minute of it."
"You're welcome."
"Even after the success that I had in two of the most powerful factions this company has ever seen, was it truly the right path for me to take? Sure, it allowed for me to have others watching my back, but ultimately, we all will still find ourselves alone during our greatest times of need. So while joining both was the smartest action I could have taken at the time, it ultimately is meaningless in the end. Because from where I currently sit, all I have seen is disappointment and despair… regardless of what type of spin I attempt to put on the collaborations, or how much I try to tell others of the importance of either group."
"I am 'The Intellectual Adonis', but the question remains… have I been too smart for my own good?"
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Wednesday, March 15th - Miami, Florida: Wallace Estates
"This is where it all began, Simon. This, right here, is what led to the path I currently find myself on."
'Vain' Alan Wallace and Simon 'The Scholar' Wellington are shown standing in front of the home that Vain has not inhabited for almost five months.
"It was all fun and games, the debacle that was the extent to which I went to get people to believe that I was completely destroyed by the damage that supposedly was caused by Hurricane Matthew. But let's face it… it was just a stupid chair. A chair was blown over, and I made it seem like the entire place had come down around me, and was now a pile of rubble. And why?"
"While I was not a fan of the plan, Alan, I will admit that you did slow burn the entire thing. Getting into the good graces of Travis Roberts… befriending him, even… all leading up to the match that the two of you were to have for his World Title? It really did turn out to be a grand plan of getting close to the one that has what you want, in an attempt to eventually take it. While it might have had a little too much theatrical nonsense attached to it, I know that you did it for the right reasons."
"But did I, Simon? Really?"
"What do you mean? Of course you did, Alan. Don't be ridiculous."
"Maybe that was the plan. Get close to Roberts, learn his strengths and weaknesses, and when the time was right, take back what was mine. At least at first, anyway. Or maybe, deep down, I knew that my best days were behind me. Maybe, deep down, I knew that I didn't have what it took to lead this company anymore. Maybe, deep down, I was merely looking for a reason, any reason I could, to be near the championship that I fought so hard to bring meaning to for almost the entirety of 2015. A championship that I knew I wouldn't be good enough to hold again."
Simon turns, reaches out, and grabs Alan's arm. Spinning him around, he looks directly into his eyes.
"I'm not sure where all of this is coming from, but this isn't the Alan Wallace that I have watched in awe for parts of the last decade. You mustn't allow a few bad weeks to discourage you from the ultimate goal of being the very best wrestler that this industry has. You've fought worse odds in the past, and passed those tests with flying colors. The minor nuisance that is 'The Engine of Chaos' is merely a speedbump on your return to glory. And you will prove that at 'Rise or Fall'."
"I wish I had that same confidence as you, Simon. Truly. I just don't know anymore. Two years ago, I'd have left them all laying where they had once stood. Now? Maybe I'm not the same man I once was. Maybe losing to Roberts - whom I do consider a friend, mind you - maybe losing to him at Horizons was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back? I was sure I would become the World Champion, Simon… so sure of that… only to once again find myself staring up at the lights as the official counting to three. I couldn't get it done when I needed to at Horizons, and I couldn't get the job done the last two weeks when I needed to. And if recent history is any indication… I won't get the job done at 'Rise or Fall', either."
"I'm going to say this to you one time, and one time only, Alan. You are one of the best I've ever seen lace up a pair of boots, and when your mind is right, there is nobody that can beat you. Enough with this pity party that you're throwing for yourself, and focus on the Altitude O match."
"It's pointless, Simon. Utterly pointless."
Vain gives his homestead one last glance, and then turns and walks away, leaving Simon standing there aghast at what his client has been resorted to.
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Once more in a different seat, Vain gazes out the window from his seat in the back left of Vain Force One.
"For as long as I can remember, the name 'Vain' Alan Wallace has been synonymous with greatness in the professional wrestling realm. Fifty years from now, when fans research the archives of wrestling greats, they will see my name listed at the very top. As it should be."
"When people ask me where I feel the meteoric rise to superstardom began for 'Vain' Alan Wallace, it is truly hard to pinpoint one exact moment. Surely, the entirety of my HSW career was the thing of legends and gods… as was bringing the UGWC World Championship back to the level of prestige that it should be. For me though, if I'm being honest, I can point to one moment, and one moment alone. And it can be summed up in four little words…"
"Run of the Mill."
"Five competitors vying for not only the UGWC Cross-Hemisphere Championship, but also for bragging rights. To be involved in a match like 'Run of the Mill'… to make it the greatest 'Run of the Mill' match ever seen… and to come out victorious over four other people? That is when people began to take notice. At the end of the night, I held one-half of the UGWC Cooperative Championship… I was the undisputed greatest HSW World Champion of all time… and was the newly crowned Cross-Hemisphere Champion. After my self-imposed sabbatical… after doling about and fighting in inconsequential match after inconsequential match… after feuding with wrestlers that aren't capable of lacing my boots… all while acting as if I wasn't bothered by being overlooked and underbooked… I finally felt that I had fully arrived here in UGWC."
"Maybe 'Mr. Run of the Mill' should be added to my ever growing list of monikers…"
"I am 'The Vain One'… but am I truly still one of the greatest ever? Or am I just content to sit back and let others do the heavy lifting, while I allow my ego and past successes to take the credit?"
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Thursday, March 16th - New Orleans, Louisiana: King Estates
"Enough of this wretched self-pity lad" Killian says, as he walks into the kitchen and sees Vain sitting at the table. "Over the last two hours I've had to hear both Ingalls and Wellington piss and moan about this depression that apparently has set in with you, and quite frankly, I'm already bloody sick of it."
"Hey Kill, good to see you, too."
"Listen to that. Even your greeting would have lesser individuals looking for a way out of their miserable existence", King remarks, as he walks over and stands over his partner-in-crime. "You and I both well know that we have faced more insurmountable odds when sparring with one another, than we will face when we take on 'The Four Idiots of Confusion'. The twat bastards got lucky two weeks ago when they left the two of us laying, because had the twin cunts named Pierce and Wylde not saw to it to focus on myself and attack without provocation, that evening turns out drastically different. And last week, it took a four-on-two advantage for them to beat you and Ingalls. Ingalls, Alan! Come 'Rise or Fall', their fairytale comes to an end."
"How can you be so sure, when they have pretty much done whatever they've wanted since they have formed?
"Because mate" Killian says, as he pulls out a chair and takes a seat next to Vain. "This week, they won't have the numbers on their side. And they cannot handle us two-on-two. Hell, they barely fucking handled us when it was basically five-on-two a few weeks back. And it doesn't matter what combination we get, no two of them will be able to handle 'Sex and Violence' at their best. And by God and the dear Queen Mum… if I have to kick your arse myself between now and then… you will be at your best on Monday!"
With that, Killian slaps Vain on the shoulder, and then rises from his seat. He makes his way through the family area, and up the stairs, before meeting up with Eden, and then shutting the bedroom door. Vain sits in silence for many moments, as he looks out the window, towards the beautifully maintained flower garden.
"Good talk, Kill. I hope you're right."
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Vain is shown seated next to the last window on the right, at the rear of Vain Force One.
"I have been asked on more than one occasion where I get the nerve to act the way that I do. Some of the actions I take, and some of the things that I say… some of my little various quirks, if you will… they don't sit well with others. Or maybe they are just incapable of understanding it."
"I pity the weak of mind. Truly."
"Honestly, a mentor of mine once told me that in order to get ahead in this industry, I had to find a way to stand out, and I had to be excellent at my craft. I passed those two tests with flying colors, if I do say so myself. But with every accomplishment, came new and unchartered challenges. Yet, I still rose to the occasion. Each and every time. And with each success, the confidence grew, as did the ego."
"As well as my intricacies."
"But as the years have gone by, there have been times that I have wanted to dwindle into the shadows, and forget all about the world of professional wrestling. More importantly, there have been times where I wished like hell that the world of professional wrestling would forget about me. Because there are times where I truly believe that life would be so much easier, if I were anyone but myself."
"But then again, how could I deprive the world of all that I have to offer, either as 'Vain', or as simply Alan Wallace?"
"I am 'Mr. Personality'… but how can I continue being successful if there is always the thought that I am not being my true self?"
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Friday, March 17th - New Orleans, Louisiana: Unknown Restaurant Location
"I just don't know what is going on anymore. I don't feel any differently, but the results have been far from what I have wanted them to be. How could it have all changed that quickly? I just don't understand it…"
Vain is shown seated at a table, a plate of untouched spaghetti in front of him. He reaches out and grabs his glass of water, taking a large gulp, and then placing it back on the table. He looks across at the still-unseen individual he is dining with.
"Ever since I started in this business, I've pretty much said and done what I have wanted. No matter who it harmed, or who it pissed off. And whenever anyone wanted, we would step into the ring, and I would show them the error of their ways. I have been the pinnacle of this business for the majority of the time that I have spent in it. I feel just as good now, as I did two years ago when I became the UGWC World Champion; just as good now, as I did when I first started in HSW. Yet, the results have turned themselves upside down. I can't beat Roberts… I can't beat 'The Engine'… I'm nothing more than a footnote in history at this point, and for the life of me, I do not know what to do, to right myself. Christ, it's because of me that someone like Mil Vidas, Jr. is now the champion, for crying out loud. He is the champion… and I'm a laughingstock."
"The quit."
The voice was soft and sweet, but serious in tone. Vain just stares at the woman, unsure of how to respond.
"I… you… are you serious?"
"Why not? You have more than proven yourself over the years. What more do you have to prove to anyone?"
"I do not feel as if I have to prove anything to anyone within this industry. My record speaks for itself. My history will be talked about for years to come. I have nothing left to prove to my detractors."
"Then what is the problem? If you don't owe anyone anything, then just walk away. Enjoy your life in Miami, away from all of the nonsense that you currently surround yourself with."
Vain picks up his fork and pokes at the food that is on the plate in front of him, as a pair of slender hands appear on the other side of the table. The unseen female interlocks her fingers together, and then rests her hands on the table… the dark hue of the burgundy fingernail polish in stark contrast to the bright white tablecloth that adorns the table in which they sit. Vain looks back up.
"As wonderful of an idea as I think that is, I don't think I can."
"And why is that?"
"Because I would be doing a disservice to myself."
"Why?"
"Because I owe it to myself to keep going, to continue being the best at what I do. For the wrestling industry itself. Quite honestly, I feel that I have a lot left in the tank, so to speak… I feel that I have a lot left that I can teach the younger generation, before I ride off into the sunset. If people like Eden, Killian, and myself do not eradicate the cancer that is 'The Engine of Chaos'… they will bring the entire industry to its knees, and professional wrestling worldwide will suffer severely."
"Then stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop making excuses, and do what needs to be done. That's as simply as I can put it, Alan."
"Do you think I can?"
"If there is anyone that can reinvent themselves any time they wish, and be successful no matter the amount of adversity being face, it is you, Alan Wallace. That, I have no doubt."
Vain smiles, appearing to be at ease for the first time since he arrived. He reaches over and places his hand onto the top of hers.
"I want to thank you for coming on such short notice. It is appreciated more than you know."
The camera finally pans around to show the person that Vain has been speaking with. Celeste Worth, known amongst wrestling fans simply as Candi.
"It was my pleasure, Alan. I'm glad that you called."
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Instead of focusing on Vain this time around, the camera opens just in front of the cockpit, focused squarely towards the back of the plane. Four Vain's are shown, two on the right side - front and back - and two on the left side - front and back. The four Vain's (Vainii?) all stand as one, and make their way towards the aisles of Vain Force One. As each one smiles, their shapes begin to shift.
The Vain that had been sitting towards the front of the plane, on the left hand side, morphs into Rogan MacLean; The Vain that had been seated in the front right morphs into Gabriel Baal; the back left Vain morphs into Ichabod; and the final Vain, the one who had been seated in the rear right of the plane, morphs into Holden Orson.
The four men glare into the camera, their smiles never wavering, and speak.
"We are 'Arrogance Personified', and we are simply better than all of you."
The intercom comes to life, and a voice is heard over the PA system.
"Gentlemen, please return to your seats, and put on your bloody safety belts. Frankly, you're going to fucking need them. We are preparing to descend to our destination of Philadelphia, but seeing as how the four of you are nothing more than a bunch of twats, we have decided to forgo the use of wheels, and we have also decided to see how fast this damn thing can go. In other words, we're going in hot, and there isn't a bloody goddamned thing you can do about it!"
The four men look at one another, yet say nothing. Suddenly, the door opens to the cockpit, and 'Vain' Alan Wallace appears. Behind him, Killian King can be seen slamming his fist against any button that he can, and jerking any wire that he sees out of whatever it is connected to. Vain smiles.
"The four of you have taken the wrestling world by storm since you first came together. You've been able to do just about everything that you have set out to do, and the destruction that has been left in your wake has truly been a sight to see. Hell, that very destruction claimed 'Yours Truly' as a victim for two weeks straight. But if these last two weeks has truly been the best that you four are capable of, then it leaves me severely wanting."
"Which is a shame, because I had such high hopes for the collective known as 'The Engine of Chaos'. If I can be frank for a moment, with the skills that the four of you possess, I had high hopes for you to not only reach the heights that 'The Syndicate' reached, but to completely eclipse them, and stand alone as the greatest pairing of talent in professional wrestling history."
"Unfortunately, 'The EOC' is no 'Syndicate'. Nor is 'The EOC' even akin to 'The Puppet Masters'. No, I feel it is much more reasonable to compare you to the Australian contingent that we were unfortunately forced to endure for far too long a time. Talk quite a good game and, on paper, seem to match up. Yet when push comes to shove… just can't get the job done."
"Which is why I ended them, forcing them back to life on the Outback, to dodge 'roo attacks, and hide from the shame of knowing they disappointed their entire country by being humiliated by 'Yours Truly."
"Which is why I will end you, as well. And I'll be providing that same humiliation for your little band of merry misfits, free of charge. Because I'm a giver like that."
"You're welcome."
Numerous alarms are now going off in the cockpit, and the plane is beginning to violently shake. Vain's demeanor remains unchanged.
"You see, for all of the blubbering that the four of you have done over the last six months, during that entire time, you haven't really said anything. Not of substance, at least. You should be ruling this entire company with an iron fist. And by that, I mean actually ruling it, and not just thinking that you are."
"What? We are supposed to be impressed with the fact that you retired an old alcoholic, whose best days were behind him years ago? My apologies if I do not stand shaking in my boots. Remember, I retired a member of the Devil's Most Wanted as well, only she was far and away better than the 'buzzsaw' that the four of you hang your hat on."
"The four of you continually take credit for almost everything that occurs within that ring, whether it be UGWC, Warped, Billy-Bob's Backyard Brigade of Trampoline Artists. I remember taking credit for everything that went on around me as well. It didn't make me intelligent… didn't make me an intellectual savant of the industry. It just made me full of shit, as it does the four of you. Newsflash, gentlemen… nobody cares if you think you are the reason for the success of others. The only way to truly make an impact in this industry is to lead by example. Which, outside of the confines of group attacks, you have failed to do."
"I do not discount the successes that you have had, fleeting as they may be, but you view this industry entirely the wrong way. Your attempts to stabilize the industry by trying to get rid of people like me… like Killian and Eden… even like that drunken buffoon, Chaos… will only cause this industry to grow stagnant. Because while the four of you may hate the fact that someone like me has seen vast amounts of success… at the expense of others, I'm sure… you fail to realize that by my just being employed by this company, I'm already making it better. Don't be misguided… I will not give anything to anyone. Instead, I choose to make them earn it. They can do with that what they may. To get rid of those of us like myself, is to attempt to fill this company with wrestlers that may not be ready for the big time. Then again, maybe that is what the four of you want."
"It would keep the four of you on top for a hell of a lot longer, wouldn't it?"
"No, hell no. Killian and I will not allow the four of you to wage your wars unchallenged any longer. We gave you the opportunity to lead by example… we sat back for far too long and allowed the four of you to speak your rhetoric for all who would listen, only to disappoint time and time again. No more. At 'Rise or Fall', 'Sex and Violence' are going to prove to you that we are two men that you shouldn't have placed in your crosshairs. Because regardless of your personal feelings towards us, we aren't Chaos. We aren't Vidas. We aren't Jason Ingalls. We are 'Sex and Violence'… 'Hugs-n-Fisticuffs'… Killian King and Alan Wallace."
"And come hell or high water, we will see to it that this 'reanimation' that you hope to somehow attain here in UGWC… it's going to crash and burn. Not because the four of you aren't capable, talent wise. Simply because the four of you are incapable of accepting the fact that even when joined together, you still don't hold a candle to the likes of me. And I'm going to show you that firsthand on Monday."
"You're Fucking Welcome!"
With those last words, the plane crashes directly into The Wells Fargo Center, resulting in a fiery explosion, as everything fades to black.
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Saturday, March 18th - Chicago, Illinois: The Langham, Room 12th Floor, Club River View Suite
His eyes flicker open, having awoken from his nights slumber. Vividly remembering his dream, he takes a deep breath, before breaking out into a huge grin.
FIN
He had fought valiantly, but no one man can withstand a four-on-one onslaught when the four are the caliber of 'The Engine of Chaos'. With his partner unconscious out on the floor, it was only a matter of time before he was put down for the three count. Hell, scratch that, ref could have counted to fifty, and it might not have mattered. Because for the second week in a row, 'The Engine of Chaos' had their way with 'Vain' Alan Wallace, doing anything and everything that they wanted to do to him. And for the second week in a row, he had been helpless to stop them.
One has to wonder… with the way the last two weeks have gone, where is Vain's mind at, as he heads into 'Rise or Fall', where he and Killian will square off against two members of 'The Engine of Chaos'. Two people who have humbled Vain like nobody else before. Two people that would love nothing more than to beat Alan Wallace to a pulp again - this time in front of a pay per view audience - and see to it that maybe this time, he doesn't get up.
As 'The Engine of Chaos' make their way to the back, Vain finally begins to stir, as does Jason Ingalls out on the floor. Glassy-eyed, Wallace gets himself to a seated position, holding the back of his head and base of his neck with his right hand, as he checks his teeth with his left. Ingalls slides in and can be seen talking to Vain, though the camera audio doesn't pick up what is said. Wallace looks up at him for a few moments, before hanging his head, and rolling under the bottom rope. Now in a seated position on the ring apron, he slowly takes his elbow pads off… dejectedly tossing them to the floor, before hopping down and slowly making his way up the ramp, leaving Jason Ingalls in the ring, watching his exit.
-------------------------------------------------
Vain looks out of the window, the left hand side towards the front of Vain Force One, staring down at the outskirts of Miami as everything gets smaller during the planes ascent. He begins to speak.
"I've accomplished a hell of a lot during the course of my career, most of which was spent not only waging my battles in the center of the ring, but also fighting the political battle backstage. It's a hard thing, keeping one's mind right, when so much is at stake. There have been detractors… many, many detractors… but I have always managed to make people eat their words. Whether they thought it possible, or not."
"Early on during my career within UGWC, after I had sullied my hands with wrestlers of no consequence like Jordan King and Kurt Brady, there came a point where I was forced to take a stand against someone that I once considered a friend. Someone that I respected beyond measure. Someone that had paved their own way in this industry, and the industry had been better for it."
"That wrestler was Jezebel Saint."
"When I had first signed that dotted line to join this prestigious company, there was a certain level of excitement that I felt, knowing that at some point in time, Jezebel and I would find ourselves across the ring from one another. It would be a match like no other, and at the end, we would shake hands, and the defeated would raise the hand of the victor in a supreme sign of respect. Only, that isn't what happened."
"We did indeed have our match, but neither one of us held any respect for the other. All that the two of us harbored for one another was ill-will, and blatant contempt. And it was during this match - a match that nobody gave me a shot in hell of winning, mind you - that I went further than I ever had during the course of a match. I didn't want to just beat Jezebel Saint, no. I wanted to injure Jezebel Saint… I wanted to take everything that she had fought so hard for, and I wanted to destroy it. I wanted to destroy her."
"And that is exactly what I did."
"For those new to UGWC, I'm sure upon hearing the name Jezebel Saint, they would answer with a question of their own: 'Who'? And that is absolutely, undeniably, because of me!"
"It's a funny thing, really. Holding someone's health and well-being, their livelihood, in the palm of your hands… being the sole reason why a person can either continue doing that which they love, or is relegated to retiring from that which they know, because they are no longer healthy enough to continue on the path they had set for themselves. Being able to pull the strings of another individual, with everything they are meant to do going forward, being at the sole discretion of whether you decide to allow it or not."
"Maybe I truly am a God?"
"Then again, what has transpired with me, since I made Jezebel's decision on her wrestling future for her? Sure, I have had a fair amount of success over the last two years, yet now I find myself in a quandary. I find myself doubting my own abilities like never before, relegated to hanging my hat on previous accomplishments, simply because as of this point in time, I have nothing of consequence left to give."
"Just like with myself and Jezebel Saint, apparently the good Lord giveth, and the good Lord can taketh away. But where does that leave me?"
"I am 'The Vain Lord', but the question remains… am I still 'Your Better'?"
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Tuesday, March 14th - New Orleans, Louisiana: King Estates
"The hell did you ditch me for after the show, bro" Jason Ingalls asks, as he stands in the doorway of the room that 'Vain' Alan Wallace is currently using at the home of his heterosexual life partner, and England's Greatest Export, Killian King. "I mean fuck dude, I was supposed to fly back with you, remember?"
Vain doesn't move, preferring to instead lay on his bed, and stare up at the ceiling. A minute goes by, as Jase awaits an answer. Finally growing tired of being given the silent treatment, Ingalls walks into the room and kicks the bed.
"Answer me, goddammit" he says loudly, as he turns back towards the door, and flicks on the light switch. "First you leave me in Chicago, and then you ignore all of my calls and texts. Now you want to just lay there when I'm fucking talking to you, and ignore what the fuck I'm saying? I don't think so, Alan. Not fucking today."
A long, slow exhale emanates from 'Vanity at its Finest', before he slowly scoots himself up in the bed, grimacing and reaching for the back of his neck as he does so. He finally looks up at Jason Ingalls, and Jase can see the anguish in his eyes.
"What do you want from me, Jase? An apology? Me to tell you it will never happen again? Me to promise to be a better friend? What?"
"I want you to be as pissed as I am about what happened last night" Jase spits, a flash of anger appearing on his face. "I want you to show that fire that I've seen throughout your career."
"Not sure I have it in me anymore, Jase. The last two weeks… they've taken full advantage of the situation both weeks. And I've been left embarrassed in the ring. Not to mention, because of my mouth and my ego, two of my best friends in the business have had to suffer right along with me. And it isn't right, Jase. You and Killian both deserved better than what I was able to give the last two weeks. And if I'm being honest… I'm not sure if I have anything left."
"Fuck outta here with that 'woe is me' shit, Alan" Jase answers emphatically, as he walks over and stands before 'Vain' Alan Wallace. "I don't give two shits what they've been able to do the last two weeks. You're still 'Vain' Alan Wallace, and they're not. Not even close, even on their best day. So they've won a few battles lately, big fucking deal! You and Kill humiliate them in the ring at 'Rise or Fall', take their titles, and stop the bullshit momentum they somehow feel they have going for them… and win the fucking war, Alan!"
"And if we don't? What happens then, Jase? Kill will be fine… he has another date with Lucy at some point, and another World Title reign in him at worst. Where's that leave me? A joke in the Cooperative division… and an afterthought amongst the masses of people that tune in each week. 'Rise or Fall' is extremely important for me right now, Jase. I need to be at my best to even have a chance of not completely ruining everything that I've worked for to this point. And I honestly don't know if my 'best' is good enough anymore…"
"This is a joke, right" Jase asks, as he begins looking around the room. "I'm being 'Punk'd', right? That's gotta be it, because the shit you're saying? That's not 'Vain' Alan Wallace. Far fucking from it. And if you want my advice? I suggest you get the fuck up, go get some food with me, and stop wallowing in your own self misery, when it's completely unwarranted. That's what the fuck I advise you to do."
"Just leave me be, Jase. Just leave me be."
Vain lays back down on the bed and rolls over, turning his back on Jason Ingalls. With a shake of his head, Ingalls turns and makes his way towards the door. Turning back, he speaks.
"I don't know what bad trip you're having" he begins, as Vain doesn't move. "But get the fuck over it, and quit being a bitch!"
With that, Ingalls walks out into the hall, slamming the bedroom door shut. Vain simply sighs, and then closes his eyes.
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Vain is in a different seat now, this one towards the front of the plane, on the right hand side. He stares out of the window at the clouds and sky, as the Captain has announced that the flight is on schedule, and they should be arriving at their destination in approximately two hours. Vain smiles.
"During the course of my career, I've usually been known for my brash demeanor, and my arrogant personality. The fact that, physically, I seemingly have no limitations set forth with what I can do in the ring allows the majority of fans and wrestlers alike to overlook the fact that I am a fairly intelligent individual as well. Such a pity for there to be that many oblivious people in the world, but such is life."
"I spent the first year or so of my UGWC career flying under most people's radars. Or so it looked from the peons that can only see things in black or white. Of course when it happened, most fans were surprised. They never saw it coming, but shouldn't they have?"
"It started with 'The Puppet Masters'. While Dirge and Donovan Hastings received the bulk of the media and fan attention, the true glue that held that quartet together was none other than 'Yours Truly'. Those that are of a different opinion? Look no further than what happened to 'The Puppet Masters' once I turned on them, and joined 'The Syndicate'. Remi Monroe disappeared; Donovan Hastings went back to being Donovan Hastings; and Dirge became a hobo. While all of that was going on, 'The Syndicate' ran roughshod over anybody and everybody. We did what we wanted, to whom we wanted, when we wanted. Nobody could touch us. And the fans loved each and every minute of it."
"You're welcome."
"Even after the success that I had in two of the most powerful factions this company has ever seen, was it truly the right path for me to take? Sure, it allowed for me to have others watching my back, but ultimately, we all will still find ourselves alone during our greatest times of need. So while joining both was the smartest action I could have taken at the time, it ultimately is meaningless in the end. Because from where I currently sit, all I have seen is disappointment and despair… regardless of what type of spin I attempt to put on the collaborations, or how much I try to tell others of the importance of either group."
"I am 'The Intellectual Adonis', but the question remains… have I been too smart for my own good?"
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Wednesday, March 15th - Miami, Florida: Wallace Estates
"This is where it all began, Simon. This, right here, is what led to the path I currently find myself on."
'Vain' Alan Wallace and Simon 'The Scholar' Wellington are shown standing in front of the home that Vain has not inhabited for almost five months.
"It was all fun and games, the debacle that was the extent to which I went to get people to believe that I was completely destroyed by the damage that supposedly was caused by Hurricane Matthew. But let's face it… it was just a stupid chair. A chair was blown over, and I made it seem like the entire place had come down around me, and was now a pile of rubble. And why?"
"While I was not a fan of the plan, Alan, I will admit that you did slow burn the entire thing. Getting into the good graces of Travis Roberts… befriending him, even… all leading up to the match that the two of you were to have for his World Title? It really did turn out to be a grand plan of getting close to the one that has what you want, in an attempt to eventually take it. While it might have had a little too much theatrical nonsense attached to it, I know that you did it for the right reasons."
"But did I, Simon? Really?"
"What do you mean? Of course you did, Alan. Don't be ridiculous."
"Maybe that was the plan. Get close to Roberts, learn his strengths and weaknesses, and when the time was right, take back what was mine. At least at first, anyway. Or maybe, deep down, I knew that my best days were behind me. Maybe, deep down, I knew that I didn't have what it took to lead this company anymore. Maybe, deep down, I was merely looking for a reason, any reason I could, to be near the championship that I fought so hard to bring meaning to for almost the entirety of 2015. A championship that I knew I wouldn't be good enough to hold again."
Simon turns, reaches out, and grabs Alan's arm. Spinning him around, he looks directly into his eyes.
"I'm not sure where all of this is coming from, but this isn't the Alan Wallace that I have watched in awe for parts of the last decade. You mustn't allow a few bad weeks to discourage you from the ultimate goal of being the very best wrestler that this industry has. You've fought worse odds in the past, and passed those tests with flying colors. The minor nuisance that is 'The Engine of Chaos' is merely a speedbump on your return to glory. And you will prove that at 'Rise or Fall'."
"I wish I had that same confidence as you, Simon. Truly. I just don't know anymore. Two years ago, I'd have left them all laying where they had once stood. Now? Maybe I'm not the same man I once was. Maybe losing to Roberts - whom I do consider a friend, mind you - maybe losing to him at Horizons was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back? I was sure I would become the World Champion, Simon… so sure of that… only to once again find myself staring up at the lights as the official counting to three. I couldn't get it done when I needed to at Horizons, and I couldn't get the job done the last two weeks when I needed to. And if recent history is any indication… I won't get the job done at 'Rise or Fall', either."
"I'm going to say this to you one time, and one time only, Alan. You are one of the best I've ever seen lace up a pair of boots, and when your mind is right, there is nobody that can beat you. Enough with this pity party that you're throwing for yourself, and focus on the Altitude O match."
"It's pointless, Simon. Utterly pointless."
Vain gives his homestead one last glance, and then turns and walks away, leaving Simon standing there aghast at what his client has been resorted to.
-------------------------------------------------
Once more in a different seat, Vain gazes out the window from his seat in the back left of Vain Force One.
"For as long as I can remember, the name 'Vain' Alan Wallace has been synonymous with greatness in the professional wrestling realm. Fifty years from now, when fans research the archives of wrestling greats, they will see my name listed at the very top. As it should be."
"When people ask me where I feel the meteoric rise to superstardom began for 'Vain' Alan Wallace, it is truly hard to pinpoint one exact moment. Surely, the entirety of my HSW career was the thing of legends and gods… as was bringing the UGWC World Championship back to the level of prestige that it should be. For me though, if I'm being honest, I can point to one moment, and one moment alone. And it can be summed up in four little words…"
"Run of the Mill."
"Five competitors vying for not only the UGWC Cross-Hemisphere Championship, but also for bragging rights. To be involved in a match like 'Run of the Mill'… to make it the greatest 'Run of the Mill' match ever seen… and to come out victorious over four other people? That is when people began to take notice. At the end of the night, I held one-half of the UGWC Cooperative Championship… I was the undisputed greatest HSW World Champion of all time… and was the newly crowned Cross-Hemisphere Champion. After my self-imposed sabbatical… after doling about and fighting in inconsequential match after inconsequential match… after feuding with wrestlers that aren't capable of lacing my boots… all while acting as if I wasn't bothered by being overlooked and underbooked… I finally felt that I had fully arrived here in UGWC."
"Maybe 'Mr. Run of the Mill' should be added to my ever growing list of monikers…"
"I am 'The Vain One'… but am I truly still one of the greatest ever? Or am I just content to sit back and let others do the heavy lifting, while I allow my ego and past successes to take the credit?"
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Thursday, March 16th - New Orleans, Louisiana: King Estates
"Enough of this wretched self-pity lad" Killian says, as he walks into the kitchen and sees Vain sitting at the table. "Over the last two hours I've had to hear both Ingalls and Wellington piss and moan about this depression that apparently has set in with you, and quite frankly, I'm already bloody sick of it."
"Hey Kill, good to see you, too."
"Listen to that. Even your greeting would have lesser individuals looking for a way out of their miserable existence", King remarks, as he walks over and stands over his partner-in-crime. "You and I both well know that we have faced more insurmountable odds when sparring with one another, than we will face when we take on 'The Four Idiots of Confusion'. The twat bastards got lucky two weeks ago when they left the two of us laying, because had the twin cunts named Pierce and Wylde not saw to it to focus on myself and attack without provocation, that evening turns out drastically different. And last week, it took a four-on-two advantage for them to beat you and Ingalls. Ingalls, Alan! Come 'Rise or Fall', their fairytale comes to an end."
"How can you be so sure, when they have pretty much done whatever they've wanted since they have formed?
"Because mate" Killian says, as he pulls out a chair and takes a seat next to Vain. "This week, they won't have the numbers on their side. And they cannot handle us two-on-two. Hell, they barely fucking handled us when it was basically five-on-two a few weeks back. And it doesn't matter what combination we get, no two of them will be able to handle 'Sex and Violence' at their best. And by God and the dear Queen Mum… if I have to kick your arse myself between now and then… you will be at your best on Monday!"
With that, Killian slaps Vain on the shoulder, and then rises from his seat. He makes his way through the family area, and up the stairs, before meeting up with Eden, and then shutting the bedroom door. Vain sits in silence for many moments, as he looks out the window, towards the beautifully maintained flower garden.
"Good talk, Kill. I hope you're right."
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Vain is shown seated next to the last window on the right, at the rear of Vain Force One.
"I have been asked on more than one occasion where I get the nerve to act the way that I do. Some of the actions I take, and some of the things that I say… some of my little various quirks, if you will… they don't sit well with others. Or maybe they are just incapable of understanding it."
"I pity the weak of mind. Truly."
"Honestly, a mentor of mine once told me that in order to get ahead in this industry, I had to find a way to stand out, and I had to be excellent at my craft. I passed those two tests with flying colors, if I do say so myself. But with every accomplishment, came new and unchartered challenges. Yet, I still rose to the occasion. Each and every time. And with each success, the confidence grew, as did the ego."
"As well as my intricacies."
"But as the years have gone by, there have been times that I have wanted to dwindle into the shadows, and forget all about the world of professional wrestling. More importantly, there have been times where I wished like hell that the world of professional wrestling would forget about me. Because there are times where I truly believe that life would be so much easier, if I were anyone but myself."
"But then again, how could I deprive the world of all that I have to offer, either as 'Vain', or as simply Alan Wallace?"
"I am 'Mr. Personality'… but how can I continue being successful if there is always the thought that I am not being my true self?"
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Friday, March 17th - New Orleans, Louisiana: Unknown Restaurant Location
"I just don't know what is going on anymore. I don't feel any differently, but the results have been far from what I have wanted them to be. How could it have all changed that quickly? I just don't understand it…"
Vain is shown seated at a table, a plate of untouched spaghetti in front of him. He reaches out and grabs his glass of water, taking a large gulp, and then placing it back on the table. He looks across at the still-unseen individual he is dining with.
"Ever since I started in this business, I've pretty much said and done what I have wanted. No matter who it harmed, or who it pissed off. And whenever anyone wanted, we would step into the ring, and I would show them the error of their ways. I have been the pinnacle of this business for the majority of the time that I have spent in it. I feel just as good now, as I did two years ago when I became the UGWC World Champion; just as good now, as I did when I first started in HSW. Yet, the results have turned themselves upside down. I can't beat Roberts… I can't beat 'The Engine'… I'm nothing more than a footnote in history at this point, and for the life of me, I do not know what to do, to right myself. Christ, it's because of me that someone like Mil Vidas, Jr. is now the champion, for crying out loud. He is the champion… and I'm a laughingstock."
"The quit."
The voice was soft and sweet, but serious in tone. Vain just stares at the woman, unsure of how to respond.
"I… you… are you serious?"
"Why not? You have more than proven yourself over the years. What more do you have to prove to anyone?"
"I do not feel as if I have to prove anything to anyone within this industry. My record speaks for itself. My history will be talked about for years to come. I have nothing left to prove to my detractors."
"Then what is the problem? If you don't owe anyone anything, then just walk away. Enjoy your life in Miami, away from all of the nonsense that you currently surround yourself with."
Vain picks up his fork and pokes at the food that is on the plate in front of him, as a pair of slender hands appear on the other side of the table. The unseen female interlocks her fingers together, and then rests her hands on the table… the dark hue of the burgundy fingernail polish in stark contrast to the bright white tablecloth that adorns the table in which they sit. Vain looks back up.
"As wonderful of an idea as I think that is, I don't think I can."
"And why is that?"
"Because I would be doing a disservice to myself."
"Why?"
"Because I owe it to myself to keep going, to continue being the best at what I do. For the wrestling industry itself. Quite honestly, I feel that I have a lot left in the tank, so to speak… I feel that I have a lot left that I can teach the younger generation, before I ride off into the sunset. If people like Eden, Killian, and myself do not eradicate the cancer that is 'The Engine of Chaos'… they will bring the entire industry to its knees, and professional wrestling worldwide will suffer severely."
"Then stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop making excuses, and do what needs to be done. That's as simply as I can put it, Alan."
"Do you think I can?"
"If there is anyone that can reinvent themselves any time they wish, and be successful no matter the amount of adversity being face, it is you, Alan Wallace. That, I have no doubt."
Vain smiles, appearing to be at ease for the first time since he arrived. He reaches over and places his hand onto the top of hers.
"I want to thank you for coming on such short notice. It is appreciated more than you know."
The camera finally pans around to show the person that Vain has been speaking with. Celeste Worth, known amongst wrestling fans simply as Candi.
"It was my pleasure, Alan. I'm glad that you called."
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Instead of focusing on Vain this time around, the camera opens just in front of the cockpit, focused squarely towards the back of the plane. Four Vain's are shown, two on the right side - front and back - and two on the left side - front and back. The four Vain's (Vainii?) all stand as one, and make their way towards the aisles of Vain Force One. As each one smiles, their shapes begin to shift.
The Vain that had been sitting towards the front of the plane, on the left hand side, morphs into Rogan MacLean; The Vain that had been seated in the front right morphs into Gabriel Baal; the back left Vain morphs into Ichabod; and the final Vain, the one who had been seated in the rear right of the plane, morphs into Holden Orson.
The four men glare into the camera, their smiles never wavering, and speak.
"We are 'Arrogance Personified', and we are simply better than all of you."
The intercom comes to life, and a voice is heard over the PA system.
"Gentlemen, please return to your seats, and put on your bloody safety belts. Frankly, you're going to fucking need them. We are preparing to descend to our destination of Philadelphia, but seeing as how the four of you are nothing more than a bunch of twats, we have decided to forgo the use of wheels, and we have also decided to see how fast this damn thing can go. In other words, we're going in hot, and there isn't a bloody goddamned thing you can do about it!"
The four men look at one another, yet say nothing. Suddenly, the door opens to the cockpit, and 'Vain' Alan Wallace appears. Behind him, Killian King can be seen slamming his fist against any button that he can, and jerking any wire that he sees out of whatever it is connected to. Vain smiles.
"The four of you have taken the wrestling world by storm since you first came together. You've been able to do just about everything that you have set out to do, and the destruction that has been left in your wake has truly been a sight to see. Hell, that very destruction claimed 'Yours Truly' as a victim for two weeks straight. But if these last two weeks has truly been the best that you four are capable of, then it leaves me severely wanting."
"Which is a shame, because I had such high hopes for the collective known as 'The Engine of Chaos'. If I can be frank for a moment, with the skills that the four of you possess, I had high hopes for you to not only reach the heights that 'The Syndicate' reached, but to completely eclipse them, and stand alone as the greatest pairing of talent in professional wrestling history."
"Unfortunately, 'The EOC' is no 'Syndicate'. Nor is 'The EOC' even akin to 'The Puppet Masters'. No, I feel it is much more reasonable to compare you to the Australian contingent that we were unfortunately forced to endure for far too long a time. Talk quite a good game and, on paper, seem to match up. Yet when push comes to shove… just can't get the job done."
"Which is why I ended them, forcing them back to life on the Outback, to dodge 'roo attacks, and hide from the shame of knowing they disappointed their entire country by being humiliated by 'Yours Truly."
"Which is why I will end you, as well. And I'll be providing that same humiliation for your little band of merry misfits, free of charge. Because I'm a giver like that."
"You're welcome."
Numerous alarms are now going off in the cockpit, and the plane is beginning to violently shake. Vain's demeanor remains unchanged.
"You see, for all of the blubbering that the four of you have done over the last six months, during that entire time, you haven't really said anything. Not of substance, at least. You should be ruling this entire company with an iron fist. And by that, I mean actually ruling it, and not just thinking that you are."
"What? We are supposed to be impressed with the fact that you retired an old alcoholic, whose best days were behind him years ago? My apologies if I do not stand shaking in my boots. Remember, I retired a member of the Devil's Most Wanted as well, only she was far and away better than the 'buzzsaw' that the four of you hang your hat on."
"The four of you continually take credit for almost everything that occurs within that ring, whether it be UGWC, Warped, Billy-Bob's Backyard Brigade of Trampoline Artists. I remember taking credit for everything that went on around me as well. It didn't make me intelligent… didn't make me an intellectual savant of the industry. It just made me full of shit, as it does the four of you. Newsflash, gentlemen… nobody cares if you think you are the reason for the success of others. The only way to truly make an impact in this industry is to lead by example. Which, outside of the confines of group attacks, you have failed to do."
"I do not discount the successes that you have had, fleeting as they may be, but you view this industry entirely the wrong way. Your attempts to stabilize the industry by trying to get rid of people like me… like Killian and Eden… even like that drunken buffoon, Chaos… will only cause this industry to grow stagnant. Because while the four of you may hate the fact that someone like me has seen vast amounts of success… at the expense of others, I'm sure… you fail to realize that by my just being employed by this company, I'm already making it better. Don't be misguided… I will not give anything to anyone. Instead, I choose to make them earn it. They can do with that what they may. To get rid of those of us like myself, is to attempt to fill this company with wrestlers that may not be ready for the big time. Then again, maybe that is what the four of you want."
"It would keep the four of you on top for a hell of a lot longer, wouldn't it?"
"No, hell no. Killian and I will not allow the four of you to wage your wars unchallenged any longer. We gave you the opportunity to lead by example… we sat back for far too long and allowed the four of you to speak your rhetoric for all who would listen, only to disappoint time and time again. No more. At 'Rise or Fall', 'Sex and Violence' are going to prove to you that we are two men that you shouldn't have placed in your crosshairs. Because regardless of your personal feelings towards us, we aren't Chaos. We aren't Vidas. We aren't Jason Ingalls. We are 'Sex and Violence'… 'Hugs-n-Fisticuffs'… Killian King and Alan Wallace."
"And come hell or high water, we will see to it that this 'reanimation' that you hope to somehow attain here in UGWC… it's going to crash and burn. Not because the four of you aren't capable, talent wise. Simply because the four of you are incapable of accepting the fact that even when joined together, you still don't hold a candle to the likes of me. And I'm going to show you that firsthand on Monday."
"You're Fucking Welcome!"
With those last words, the plane crashes directly into The Wells Fargo Center, resulting in a fiery explosion, as everything fades to black.
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Saturday, March 18th - Chicago, Illinois: The Langham, Room 12th Floor, Club River View Suite
His eyes flicker open, having awoken from his nights slumber. Vividly remembering his dream, he takes a deep breath, before breaking out into a huge grin.
FIN