Champagne Supernova - (World Title RP Vs Hide Yamazaki)
Aug 15, 2020 16:57:59 GMT -5
Adelaide Ainsworth likes this
Post by Sebastian Everett-Bryce on Aug 15, 2020 16:57:59 GMT -5
The Dover Suite at The Langham hotel in Chicago was a professional, comfortable and well decorated meeting room. It was a private space - perfect for meetings that required a certain level of delicacy. It was within these four walls that Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third found himself on this warm and sunny Wednesday afternoon in the lead up to Kobayashi Maru.
“How long do you think this is going to take? I hope to get a little bronzing in while this weather holds.” Seb asked the lawyer sat to his right. Percival Wainwright was a balding, middle-aged man with a severe flop-sweat problem. Honestly, Seb had no idea where his father had dug him up, and yet, he came highly recommended.
“Well I guess that depends on how quickly we can settle this.” Percy said. “But I had a pre-mediation meeting with the Plaintiff's representation and she was pretty ticked off.”
“Ticked… Off…” Said Seb, his mouth curling in something like concern.
“Oh yes siree.” Percy said.
“Wait - it’s not Johnny’s lawyers? Rabinowitz, Feinstein and Chong.” Seb asked.
“Evidently Doctor Numbers didn’t want to muddy the waters with accidental racism.” Percy said.
“Well that’s a shame.” Seb answered as the door opened and one of the hotel staff wheeled in a coffee trolley. “Excellent. Tea time.”
He climbed to his feet and walked towards the trolley while rubbing his hands together.
“Name, sir?” The staff member asked Seb.
“What?” Said Seb in horror. “I am Star of Stage and Screen, and future UGWC World Heavyweight Champion… Sebastian… Ever…”
“This isn’t for you - this has been paid for by the legal team for the doctor.” The staff member said.
“Oh… Right…” Seb said, turning to Percy. “When does our tea arrive?”
“I… Didn’t… Order any.” Percy said. Seb closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“Hold it together Sebastian. You need to remain… Calm.” He said as he retook his seat.
“I have half of an Oatmeal raisin cookie. And you can have the rest of the Yoo-Hoo I bought on the train.” Percy said again.
“I’m… Good… Thanks.” Seb said quietly.
“Suit yourself.” Percy said. “I do hope Mr. Everett-Bryce the First is here.”
“Why would my grandfather be here?” Seb asked.
“Because I called him as a character witness, of course.” Percy said.
“You called my grandfather as a character witness?” Seb asked. “Why do I need a character witness? I assumed the point was to prove that I did nothing wrong…”
“Well yes - that is our primary tactic. But you did kick an old man in the face, so there’s every chance we’ll need a back up. And what better way is there to prove that you don’t routinely kick old men in the face than by having an old man who you’ve never kicked in the face swear to that under oath?” Percy said, smiling as if this was the best idea anyone had ever had. Seb’s concerns continued to grow.
“Percy… How many mediations have you been a part of?” Seb asked.
“Oh hundreds.” Percy said. “I’m an old hand at this kind of thing now.”
“Oh… Well… That’s good.” Seb said, feeling better.
“And I’m confident that I’ll win my first any time now.!” Percy replied. “Hopefully this one!”
“Wait a second…” Seb began, but as he did, the door to the room opened again. This time three people entered, and at the front was a woman in her mid-thirties. She looked professional and determined - a sharp legal mind if ever he’d seen one. In her wake followed two younger individuals - likely less qualified, but equally as dogged. Seb looked again at Percy who dabbed his brow with a handkerchief which he then hung on the back of a spare seat to dry out.
“Fantastic.” Seb muttered as the opposing legal team took their seats.
“Good morning.” Seb said, smiling and extending his hand across the table. The woman looked at it without so much as a hint of warmth before continuing to unpack her briefcase. “Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third.”
“Leticia Nummers.” She replied. “This is the rest of my team - Helder Ramsay and Rebecca Warpole.”
“Leticia… Nummers...” Seb said slowly, turning to face Percy who clearly hadn’t mentioned the pertinent information.
“Yes - I’m representing my Uncle - Doctor Samuel Nummers.” She replied.
“Ohhhhh… Doctor Numbers is your uncle!” Said Percy.
“You didn’t… Know that before now?” Seb asked, doing his best to maintain his cool.
“Of course not - Nummers and Numbers are different names.” Percy said, scoffing as he looked at Helder and rolled his eyes.
“I’m relatively confident that the legal documentation provided didn’t name the plaintiff as ‘Doctor Numbers’.” Seb said. “Did you even read…”
“Well it was VERY short notice, Sebastian.” Percy replied, suddenly shifting papers. Seb stared at him, hoping that the ferocity of the stare would cause his legal representation to burst into flames necessitating the requirement for a replacement. “Oh! Yes! Look! Dr. Samuel Nummers.”
“No matter what happens today.” Seb said quietly as he sunk into his chair. “I’m going to kill you.”
“Well that’s just rude.” Said Percy, the flop sweat returning with a river-like vengeance. It had started to alter the colour of his shirt. Seb felt nauseous.
“Morning all.” Said another voice as the mediator arrived. Seb climbed to his feet. “Oh no, no, please, take a seat - no need to stand on my account.”
Seb sat back down.
“Alright - I think this is reasonably straightforward. We’re here today to discuss the case of Dr. S. Nummers Vs Mr. S. Everett-Bryce...”
“The Third.” Said Seb. The mediator paused to stare at Seb - this was already going terribly well..
“... Mr. S. Everett-Bryce the Third…” Said the Mediator, before looking down to work through the documents that he laid out before him. “Ms. Nummers, would you like to deliver your opening statement?”
“Of course.” Said Leticia. “On the evening of 27th July, 2020 - my uncle… Apologies, I know I shouldn’t make this personal.”
“Take your time.” The mediator said, as Leticia stopped to dab tears from her eyes with a handkerchief that had ‘S.N.’ embossed upon it. She stopped for a moment and pressed it against her heart.
“My uncle, Samuel Nummers, known herein as Dr. Numbers, was the subject of a vicious and unprovoked attack from one Sebastian Everett-Bryce…”
“The Third..” Said Seb, immediately regretting the decision, holding up his hands in apology.
“... The Third.” She said before stopping to dab at her eyes again. “My uncle was an innocent bystander with no axe to grind. His only concern was the welfare of his patient, Hide Yamazaki, and a man he had grown to call a friend - Mr. Everett-Bryce. In the wake of their defeat, my uncle entered the ring in order to try to help Mr. Everett-Bryce and Mr. Yamazaki to heal any potential rift that defeat may have caused - and what was his prize for his selfless act? He was kicked in the face! A defenceless pacifist like my uncle was forced to undergo various tests during a harrowing hospital stay. Whilst his physical injuries have been diagnosed and treated magnificently by some of the amazing doctors here in Chicago, the mental trauma and damage caused by being so brutally attacked is yet to be fully understood. My uncle has not returned to work since the incident and has suffered loss of earnings. He requires extensive therapy to help him trust in people again, and what’s more, he has already seen the effects of post traumatic stress disorder, everytime he hears Tinie Tempah…”
“Does he Pass Out?” Asked Seb with a smirk before yet again recoiling under the disapproving stare of the mediator.
“My uncle couldn’t be here today as he is too afraid of what Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third would do.” She continued.
“Touch dramatic.” Seb said under his breath.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce, I suggest you hold your tongue and allow Ms. Nummers to finish.” The mediator said with not just a hint of annoyance.
“Thank you, sir.” She said, hiding her smirk as the mediator looked back towards her. “Whilst we are unable to pursue a criminal case against Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third, we seek punitive damages to help cover the costs of my uncle’s medical expenses, loss of earnings, and untold trauma that comes with an attack of this kind.”
“Thank you, Leticia. And, please, extend my warmest sympathies to your uncle for his pain.” Said the mediator - Seb had a suspicion that this wasn’t the first time the two had met. “When he’s feeling better, he and I need to go out onto the lake and have another fishing trip.”
“Of course you do.” Seb said under his breath.
“I will, sir. It’s very kind of you.” She said. As the Mediator looked towards Seb, she smirked again. Seb screwed up his face just in time for the mediator to catch him.
“Mr. Wainwright.” Said the mediator, looking anything but impressed with Seb’s conduct.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Seb asked, gripping Percy by the wrist.
“Relax - I know exactly what I’m doing.” Percy said, before clearing his throat. “As singer-songwriter Shaggy once penned - “It wasn’t me.” .. in this case, it was my client...”
“Oh for fuck sake...” Said Seb as he slowly slid down into his seat, his hand covering his eyes.
Sebastian had spent most of his Saturday morning rewatching the cooperative matches that he and Hide had partaken in throughout the year. There had been five, and they had lost four of them. It was shocking that they had even been considered a team.
The first time was in January of this year - a result of Gabriel Baal’s return and his attempt to create chaos. He had, almost by mistake, created The Uncommonwealth. They fought bravely against the team of Alan Wallace and Travis Roberts, but had fallen short. It was to be expected considering Seb and Johnny had spent the previous six months being horrendous to one another. But there was a spark there - Hide and Seb together had worked well… Just not quite well enough.
And then came the infamous Prison Break match in which The Uncommonwealth, in only their second outing, bested teams much more experienced than they were and came within an inch of defeating two of the biggest legends in the history of UGWC.
Third time's the charm… They finally captured the UGWC Cooperative Championships.
And then things started to go wrong - they lost to Angie and A-Kis on Synergy… They clashed at Wrestlestock before finally losing the Cooperative titles to Eden and Donovan on the first Synergy back.
As Seb watched himself burst into life and first attack Johnny, then Numbers, and finally Hide himself, he let out a satisfied sigh and took a sip of his champagne.
“The Uncommonwealth… is no more.” He said, leaning back in his seat. “Now let me make one thing.... PERFECTLY CLEAR… If I had to do it all again, I would. In a heartbeat.”
He finished off his glass before lifting the bottle from an ice bucket and pouring out another.
“I’ve been asked and asked and asked over the past three weeks, why is it that I felt the need to break up our union? And furthermore, why choose to do it in such a way that it meant that we would forever go our separate ways? Let me address the elephant in the room - why did I attack Johnny Bonecrusher?” Seb said as he took another sip. “Hide Yamazaki doesn’t need Johnny. All the #1 Hitmaker has ever done is take away from his client.”
Seb tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair as he restarted the videos of their first match.
“I’m sure Johnny would love for us all to forget what he did to Hide in December - but that should be forever etched within Yamazaki’s broken mind; Johnny stole from Hide. He stole the opportunity that Hide had earned and squandered it, forcing us to live through another four… whole… months of Sarah Lacklan proclaiming to be the single greatest wrestling entity in the history of the world.” Seb said, rolling his eyes. “We thought we were finally done with him, that finally Johnny Bonecrusher would make the right choice and stay away. And yet, we returned in the New Year and here he was, the cancerous tuber attached to Hide Yamazaki’s career.”
Seb watched carefully as Travis Roberts pinned him for the one, two three. He took another drink.
“Let me tell you what I noticed about Yamazaki’s year - he grew more successful the less Johnny was around. I mean, that’s fact - Hide and I were both at our level best when Johnny was hiding away in Texas. We won cooperative gold without him - we grew as a team and Hide grew as a man. Little by little, Yamazaki came back to us, less a walking dumpster and more human as every day went by. That wasn’t Johnny’s influence - it was mine.” Seb said as he watched the two of them defeat Travis and Alan to win the Cooperative Championships. “And then, he was back - and when the cancer returned, Hide and I were unable to maintain the strength we had gotten back whilst in Remission. Angie… Kisaragi… They defeated us. Just as Johnny had made his return…”
Seb shook his head, turning his glass between his fingers.
“You’re not nice, Johnny - you’re not a changed man. You’ve always played the victim, hiding behind your loud, vile exterior. You’ve always claimed to be made out to be a villain that you’re not, but in truth you’re just a parasite - latching on to anything that lives and breathes and eating away at everything that’s good within them. It is no surprise that Hide won the World Championship at Wrestlestock - he was still fuelled by his time stood by my side. He didn’t win the World Heavyweight Championship because of you, Johnny - he won it despite of you. It’s only a matter of time before your canker infects him. This Monday perhaps - I only hope for his sake, Hide manages to cut it away before you’re the death of his career.” Seb said draining his glass one more time. “I wasn’t going to let you be the death of mine.”
The first hour had been brutal. Percy was offering the kind of defence that would match any Maria Salvatore Synergy appearance. And yet, Seb couldn’t help but feel positive. It was time for his first character witness.
His grandfather.
Seb felt safe and sure that the man who had stuck up for him all of his life would be his savior. And as Bastian sat down and introduced himself, he was asked to provide his statement. Seb sat back, waiting for the moment this brilliant, wonderful, eloquent man would bring forth the reasoning that Sebastian was in the right and should not be held respon…
“My grandson… is a nitwit.” Said Bastian.
“What the fuck?” Seb sat up, clearly shocked at this turn of events.
“Hold on to your underwear, my boy, I’ve not finished yet.” Bastian said.
“Oh. Right. Well… Continue.” Seb said, leaning back in his chair, just a fraction less certain this time.
“My grandson is a nitwit. And he was absolutely in the wrong for kicking your uncle in the face.” Said Bastian.
“What in the actual fuck?!” Seb came forward again.
“Language!” Shouted Bastian.
“Gramps!” Seb shouted back.
“Have some respect for your grandfather - this is precisely the kind of behaviour I would expect from someone who routinely makes a habit of kicking the elderly in the face..” Said Leticia.
“Routinely?! Are you having a laugh?!” Seb asked.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third...” The mediator began, only to be interrupted.
“No, wait a second! How the fuck has this become about me routinely kicking old people in the face?!” Seb asked. “I’ve never kicked an elderly person in the face in my life!”
“You kicked my uncle in the face.” Said Leticia.
“He’s not that old!” Seb said. “He’s in his fifties, at the latest.”
“You also wrestled that sixty-five year old man in your third match…” Said Bastian.
“He beat me! And you’re supposed to be on my side!” Said Seb.
“But you did kick him in the face, though, is that correct?” Percy questioned.
“Don’t you start! That’s the first question you’ve asked all day that’s relevant to this case, and it’s making things WORSE for us!” Seb said.
“Mr... Everett… Bryce!” Said the mediator. “You need to calm… Down, otherwise we’ll have to ask you to leave.”
Seb whispered something under his breath that sounded like “Shucking full-bit”.
“Now… Mr. Everett-Bryce the First - you were saying?” The mediator said.
“Thank you.” Bastian said, before casting Seb a warning look. “Now, I won’t repeat what I’ve already said. Despite his many faults, I can’t believe for one second that my grandson would purposefully choose to hurt someone like your uncle. He is passionate, he is emotional, and I suspect he’s even a touch vindictive. But to suggest that your uncle was anything but the victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time would be slanderous. I do not believe that my grandson would ever plan to attack a man like Dr. Numbers. He is, at his core, kind, loyal, loving and would do almost anything for the people he cared about - and I believe your uncle was one of those people. Even to the last.”
Seb looked at his grandfather and smiled, giving him a small nod.
“Any questions, Leticia?” The mediator asked.
“Just one.” She said. “Is that okay, Mr. Everett-Bryce the First?”
“Ask away, my dear. Ask away.” Bastian said.
“Are you aware of any other occasions in which your grandson has attacked someone in a fit of passion?” She asked.
“Of course - he’s a professional wrestler. It’s part of what they do. He has, in the heat of the moment, attacked a number of people.” He said. “But I could never believe any of it was ever premeditated.”
Seb’s mouth curled into a victorious smile.
“Would it surprise you if I was to present evidence that your grandson has, in fact, planned to attack seven people in the past and managed to cover it up successfully as a “fit of rage”?” She asked.
“It would, my dear.” Bastian said. “I would find it hard to believe.”
“Sir, I have here a list of opponents of Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third. These opponents were all from when he was a member of the London Extreme Wrestling organisation. We have a witness who is willing to testify that she was part of the plans to attack these gentlemen. Plans that were, later, passed off as a “fit of passionate rage”.” Leticia said.
“Wait. Did you say… She?” Seb asked, his suspicions growing.
“Yes - this is witness testimony from one Natasha Wilmslow of London, England. She was your girlfriend at the time of these attacks, was she not?” Leticia asked.
“More of a long-term. repeated mistake.” Seb said as he glanced over the list he’d been handed. “She has a vendetta against me. There’s no way you can prove this.”
“We have a video recording where you plan the attack upon the first name on the list…” Leticia said, before starting the video on the screen at the far end of the room.
“Oh come on. You can’t even hear anything… That could be any…” Seb began.
“I, Sebastian Everett-Bryce, the Third will once again be victorious!” On screen Seb said.
“... One... “ Seb said. “Okay, fine - but that could be someone pretending to be me, you can’t even see his…”
On screen Seb turned and grabbed the camera phone from Tasha and began walking around the locker room singing his own theme song.
“... Face.” Seb said. “Right, yes - but I haven’t heard anything that even sounds like a plot to attack someone!”
”I should really attack Jimmy Flash after our match tonight - send a message that I’m not to be messed with. And when I do, I’ll act like it was some fit of passionate rage.” On screen Seb said.
“... Of course... “ Said Seb.
“Well… For all we know, this video could have been doctored!” Said Percy.
“Give up Perc, she’s got me bang to rights.” Seb said, leaning back in his chair.
“Sebastian - I would never have believed it.” Said Bastian.
“Yes, Gramps, I’m a prick - who knew?” Seb said, rubbing his hand over his face wearily before fixing a grin on his face. “Alright, what’s next?”
Another glass in hand, Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third was already in the mood for celebrating.
“Excuse me.” Said Seb with a chuckle. “Two little words that changed everything between you and I, Hide - two little words that cemented our future as one that would be at odds rather than equals.”
Seb let himself sigh, an almost wistful sigh.
“Truth be told, I had always foreseen a time where the two of us would shake the parasitic nature of Bonecrusher and Numbers. I had foreseen a future in which the two of us would dominate this company for years to come. I’d even started to learn Japanese… Can you believe that? I believed in our partnership, and I believed that it was, for the want of a better term, uncommon in its brilliance. And Johnny may consider himself to be the smartest man in the room, but he didn’t see it coming, did he? He didn’t foresee the moment I gave him two concussions - one for each brain.” Seb said with a smirk that eventually faded. “Yes, I had played that moment out over and over in my head… Time and time again… But when I’d imagined it originally, I had left you whole and with a choice: an Uncommonwealth or an Empire.”
He topped up once again and ran his finger around the rim of the glass creating a low hum.
“I took away your choice, didn’t I, Hide? I wrapped a chain around my foot and made the decision for you. For that, you will have to… Excuse me.” Seb said with an almost sad smile. “You see, I hadn’t learned enough Japanese to understand what you said to me at Wrestlestock. I assumed that it had been a declaration of regret or an apology of some kind. I was frustrated that I had failed to be victorious, but there was a part of me that could be happy for you, because you, in the heat of battle, had taken the time to show remorse, to expand on that connection we had.”
Seb pressed ‘play’ again, this time watching as Hide whispered in his ear before performing The Devil into the ring steps.
“There was no remorse, though, was there Hide? Instead, you looked at the man who had had your back for six long months, the man who had been there for you when your manager had skipped town and when your doctor left you behind… You looked at that man who had begun to consider you a friend, not just a partner, and said ‘Excuse me’. Is that really all you had to say? To me? Excuse me… Like I was in your way. Not a friend. Not a partner. Just an obstacle. That is how you treated the ONLY person who has been at your side through choice. Not for fortune. Not for fame. Not for success. Just because he saw something better in you. And that’s all you had for me? Excuse me?” Seb repeated the two words again, his face contorted in distress.
“Yes, Hide - you sealed your fate in that moment. As soon as I heard those two words, the picture in my head changed - Johnny Bonecrusher and Hide Yamazaki felled by my hand.” Seb said, his mouth curling into a smile. “The Uncommonwealth, falling all around you, destroyed by the only person who has ever come close - me. Don’t get me wrong, the announcement that it would be I who faced you at Kobayashi Maru may have sped up my plans somewhat, but it didn’t change them, not after those two unfortunate words - you would suffer for the wrong you did me. And I was able to pay you back. Whatever happens after that? Well… That’s just gravy.”
Seb climbed from his seat and walked towards the window to look out over the parkland outside.
“And yet, even after Kobayashi Maru, you and I will be linked. Once I have defeated you, then another opportunity will be gifted. However, that opportunity will be mine, because I will get to beat you again at Outlast. Oh, I’m sorry Hide, does… Does that make you feel like I’m looking past our match at Kobayashi Maru? Like I’m not treating you with the respect you deserve? That I am assuming my own victory with absolute assurity? That I’m drinking champagne to celebrate my inevitable triumph when we face for the World Heavyweight Title? Does that make you feel something less like an opponent? More like… An obstacle perhaps?” Seb asked raising a glass and curling his mouth into a grin. “My humble apologies, Hide. Please… Excuse me.”
And with that, Seb drained his glass once more as the camera faded out.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury…” Percy began.
“There’s no jury, Perc. Have you been drinking?” Seb asked, now slumped so low in his seat that his head was barely visible above the table.
“Oh. Right. Of course.” Percy said, leaning down to scribble out ‘Ladies and gentlemen of the jury’ from his list of sentence starters.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third has something of a chequered past…” Percy continued.
“Oh, this should be helpful.” Seb said, rolling his eyes.
“... However, he has come to make friends during his time in the United States.” Percy said.
“Yes! And my Uncle believed he was one of them.” Leticia said, slapping her hand upon the desk.
“Objection!” Percy shouted.
“Mr. Wainwright, this is not that kind of case.” The mediator said.
“Yes… Sorry… Touch overzealous.” Percy replied before letting out a high-pitched giggle.
“My point is that during his time here, my client has managed to engage in friendships with all manner of people. And some of them are JUST as nice as Doctor Numbers, and he most certainly hasn’t done ANYTHING like what he did to them.”
“Where are you going with this, Percy?” Seb asked, not even looking at his lawyer now.
“I have, here, a statement from Ms. Sloane Anais Taylor.” Said Percy.
Seb looked up at Percy through a gap in his fingers. This wasn’t terrible. Unless she was still mad with him…
“Ahem.” Percy said, clearing his throat pointedly. “Sebastian can be one of the most thoughtless, selfish and arrogant people I have ever met. I am frequently frustrated by him and his ability to annoy me in the extreme...”
“Another home run, Perce.” Seb said, closing his eyes again.
“... HOWEVER.” Percy said pointedly. “I also know that Seb can be warm-hearted and caring. In the past six months, I have seen him go over and above in his attempts to change. He did that because he wanted to make things easier for me, because being his friend when he was kicking Kenzi Grey in the face and saying mean things on Twitter was difficult for me. I couldn’t separate the Seb who stayed up to watch reruns of terrible nineties sitcoms with me and the man who once kicked Angelica in the head when she had a concussion so he could win a title.”
“Yeah, just keep talking about all the times I’ve kicked people in the head. That should help.” Seb said.
“Now, I’ve decided that Seb’s actions are his own and that as a grown man, what he does isn’t a reflection on me. So now that I’m able to compartmentalize, I’m happy, willing, and able to be his friend when he does bad things, like getting terrible bloggers to ring the bell and declare him the winner when as the referee, that was up to me. Wait, no… Not to screw Duncan over, just to declare the winner. They’ll know what I mean. Yeah, that’s it. Oh and could you ask him to pick up some chicken for me on the way home? I’m making Fajitas. Thanks!” Percy finished.
“Pretty sure you could have paraphrased some of that.” Seb said, before letting it sink in. “Wait… That’s it? She didn’t say anything to defend me.”
“Oh. Right.” Percy said. “Well I do have a statement from Beckett Taylor?”
“Is it going to help?” Seb asked.
“It might.” Percy replied.
“I doubt it, but crack on.” Seb answered.
“Ahem.” Percy began again. “Doctor Numbers is SO lucky - I would love to have gotten in that ring, even if I got kicked in the face for it.”
Percy placed the paper down.
“You have got to be kidding me?” Seb said. “This literally cannot get any worse.”
“Alright, Ms. Nummers - next witness?” The mediator said.
“By video call - we have Mr. Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Second - the defendant’s father.” She said with a smirk, pressing a button on the conference phone before her as his father appeared on the screen.
“How could I forget the rancid pickle to top off this huge shit sandwich?” Seb said. “Hello father.”
“Sit up straight in your chair - you look like a commoner.” Seb’s father said.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Second,” Leticia began.
“You can leave off the titles… Neither “the first” nor “the third” are worthy to use the name.” Seb’s dad said. Seb smirked and gave him an ironic thumbs up.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce.” Leticia continued. She looked away from the screen and directly at Seb with a victorious smirk. “Do you think your own son planned to viciously attack a poor, defenceless man like my Uncle?”
“No.” Said Seb’s father. Leticia whipped around to face him, looking at him with a touch of concern.
“Sir, when we spoke, you told me that your son was…” She began, but he cut her off.
“Lazy. Entitled. Spoilt. Angry at the world. Spiteful. Vindictive and a terrible human being.” His father said. This was almost a hug in comparison to some of what his father had said over the years. “But do I think he is capable of planning such an attack? Lord, no. He’s also a coward. Yes, he has done this kind of thing before, but only because he had a woman behind him willing and able to push him to do what needs to be done. If left to his own devices, he’d be sat at home right now making TikTok videos lip-syncing scenes from ‘Love Actually’.”
“You remembered my favourite film… I’m touched…” Seb said, rolling his eyes.
“This, here - he’s disrespectful and lacks drive. You think this child planned to attack your uncle and put him in a hospital bed? No, Ms. Nummers, he is not capable. That would take a kind of spine and resolve that my so-called son has never managed to locate.”
Seb didn’t answer. He looked down at his hands, balled into fists.
“No… No further questions.” Leticia said.
“Alright.” Said the mediator. “I have listened to character witnesses, and despite what you have said here today Ms. Nummers, I have seen nothing that concretely suggests that Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third lured your uncle into the ring to attack him. Your uncle entered a wrestling ring under his own steam, even though he is not a wrestler. He had an opportunity to steer clear of a volatile situation and did not - what’s more, he did so knowing the risks. I’m not saying Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third was right in his actions, but I see nothing that necessitates him to settle with your Uncle. You may pursue this in court if you wish, but when his own father is willing to testify that…”
“Wait.” Said Seb, clearing his throat. “I have something to say.”
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third, I am just about to rule in your favour, and we have had quite enough of your outbursts for one day.” The mediator said.
“You shouldn’t. Rule in my favour, I mean.” Seb said, getting to his feet. “I did it.”
“What?!” Exclaimed the mediator. “You’re admitting that you lured Dr. Numbers into the ring?”
“Oh god no.” Seb said smiling. “No, but I did kick him in the face - not out of passion, and not as a spur of the moment thing. Consider that I was finally… Letting go. For six long months that useless, stuttering moron clung desperately to the coat-tails of myself and Yamazaki. Actually, he clung desperately to Yamazaki’s coat-tails while Yamazaki clung desperately to mine. Everytime he was on screen, he made things worse - no-one wants to listen to Dr. Fucking Numbers. All they wanted was more and more Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third.”
Seb began to walk around the table, slapping his hand on the shoulder of the mediator before stopping behind Leticia.
“Think about it, Tish… Can I call you Tish? I’m going to call you Tish.” Seb said, rubbing her shoulders. “The more time your Uncle was around, the less successful Hide and myself were. I can prove it - more Numbers equals more failure. Now, that could have been because of the games he was playing with Hide’s mind, or perhaps he managed to drill his dull, sleepy overtures into both of our brains, but either way - Hide and I were at our very best when it was just he and I. And yet, first Johnny and then your uncle managed to worm their way between us every… single... time.”
He continued to walk along the line, slapping Helder and Rebecca on the shoulders before standing in front of the screen from which his father was staring.
“The truth is, I attacked your uncle because he was in my way and had been so for months - in my ear, complaining and stuttering like the useless fuck knuckle that he is. I kicked your uncle in the face because I couldn’t stand another minute of being in his company; I kicked your uncle in the face because he had no business being in the ring with real competitors. He’s proven that by all this nonsense.” Seb said, waving his hands in the air. “So, you tell him to tune in on Monday, you tell him to tune in and watch, because what happens to Hide Yamazaki is his fault. When Hide loses and finally understands that I was the reason he was successful in the first place? That will be on him - I’ll even blow him a kiss when it happens.” Seb said before turning around to face his father.
“How’s that for spine… Dad.” Seb asked before slowly turning back towards his seat.
“We’ll settle.” Said his father. Seb slowly turned to face the screen and saw a smirk upon his father’s face. “Percy - get in contact with my legal team, we’ll iron out the details.”
“Well…” Said the mediator clearing his throat. “Well that’s that. We’ll connect the legal teams to discuss terms and… All of you… Have a nice day.”
The room began to empty, leaving just Leticia and Seb.
“I hope you’re happy with yourself.” She said, stuffing the handkerchief into her purse.
“Quite. Thank you.” Seb said with a smirk. As she turned and left, he faced the screen where his father still watched on. “Why?”
“Because for the first time in your life, you reminded me of myself. For once, I wasn’t ashamed to call you my son.” His father answered. Seb chewed back a usual snippy response. “Good luck on Monday.”
And without another word, the feed ended. Seb couldn’t help but feel mildly conflicted by the interaction, but he knew one thing for sure…
He didn’t need luck.
“How long do you think this is going to take? I hope to get a little bronzing in while this weather holds.” Seb asked the lawyer sat to his right. Percival Wainwright was a balding, middle-aged man with a severe flop-sweat problem. Honestly, Seb had no idea where his father had dug him up, and yet, he came highly recommended.
“Well I guess that depends on how quickly we can settle this.” Percy said. “But I had a pre-mediation meeting with the Plaintiff's representation and she was pretty ticked off.”
“Ticked… Off…” Said Seb, his mouth curling in something like concern.
“Oh yes siree.” Percy said.
“Wait - it’s not Johnny’s lawyers? Rabinowitz, Feinstein and Chong.” Seb asked.
“Evidently Doctor Numbers didn’t want to muddy the waters with accidental racism.” Percy said.
“Well that’s a shame.” Seb answered as the door opened and one of the hotel staff wheeled in a coffee trolley. “Excellent. Tea time.”
He climbed to his feet and walked towards the trolley while rubbing his hands together.
“Name, sir?” The staff member asked Seb.
“What?” Said Seb in horror. “I am Star of Stage and Screen, and future UGWC World Heavyweight Champion… Sebastian… Ever…”
“This isn’t for you - this has been paid for by the legal team for the doctor.” The staff member said.
“Oh… Right…” Seb said, turning to Percy. “When does our tea arrive?”
“I… Didn’t… Order any.” Percy said. Seb closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“Hold it together Sebastian. You need to remain… Calm.” He said as he retook his seat.
“I have half of an Oatmeal raisin cookie. And you can have the rest of the Yoo-Hoo I bought on the train.” Percy said again.
“I’m… Good… Thanks.” Seb said quietly.
“Suit yourself.” Percy said. “I do hope Mr. Everett-Bryce the First is here.”
“Why would my grandfather be here?” Seb asked.
“Because I called him as a character witness, of course.” Percy said.
“You called my grandfather as a character witness?” Seb asked. “Why do I need a character witness? I assumed the point was to prove that I did nothing wrong…”
“Well yes - that is our primary tactic. But you did kick an old man in the face, so there’s every chance we’ll need a back up. And what better way is there to prove that you don’t routinely kick old men in the face than by having an old man who you’ve never kicked in the face swear to that under oath?” Percy said, smiling as if this was the best idea anyone had ever had. Seb’s concerns continued to grow.
“Percy… How many mediations have you been a part of?” Seb asked.
“Oh hundreds.” Percy said. “I’m an old hand at this kind of thing now.”
“Oh… Well… That’s good.” Seb said, feeling better.
“And I’m confident that I’ll win my first any time now.!” Percy replied. “Hopefully this one!”
“Wait a second…” Seb began, but as he did, the door to the room opened again. This time three people entered, and at the front was a woman in her mid-thirties. She looked professional and determined - a sharp legal mind if ever he’d seen one. In her wake followed two younger individuals - likely less qualified, but equally as dogged. Seb looked again at Percy who dabbed his brow with a handkerchief which he then hung on the back of a spare seat to dry out.
“Fantastic.” Seb muttered as the opposing legal team took their seats.
“Good morning.” Seb said, smiling and extending his hand across the table. The woman looked at it without so much as a hint of warmth before continuing to unpack her briefcase. “Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third.”
“Leticia Nummers.” She replied. “This is the rest of my team - Helder Ramsay and Rebecca Warpole.”
“Leticia… Nummers...” Seb said slowly, turning to face Percy who clearly hadn’t mentioned the pertinent information.
“Yes - I’m representing my Uncle - Doctor Samuel Nummers.” She replied.
“Ohhhhh… Doctor Numbers is your uncle!” Said Percy.
“You didn’t… Know that before now?” Seb asked, doing his best to maintain his cool.
“Of course not - Nummers and Numbers are different names.” Percy said, scoffing as he looked at Helder and rolled his eyes.
“I’m relatively confident that the legal documentation provided didn’t name the plaintiff as ‘Doctor Numbers’.” Seb said. “Did you even read…”
“Well it was VERY short notice, Sebastian.” Percy replied, suddenly shifting papers. Seb stared at him, hoping that the ferocity of the stare would cause his legal representation to burst into flames necessitating the requirement for a replacement. “Oh! Yes! Look! Dr. Samuel Nummers.”
“No matter what happens today.” Seb said quietly as he sunk into his chair. “I’m going to kill you.”
“Well that’s just rude.” Said Percy, the flop sweat returning with a river-like vengeance. It had started to alter the colour of his shirt. Seb felt nauseous.
“Morning all.” Said another voice as the mediator arrived. Seb climbed to his feet. “Oh no, no, please, take a seat - no need to stand on my account.”
Seb sat back down.
“Alright - I think this is reasonably straightforward. We’re here today to discuss the case of Dr. S. Nummers Vs Mr. S. Everett-Bryce...”
“The Third.” Said Seb. The mediator paused to stare at Seb - this was already going terribly well..
“... Mr. S. Everett-Bryce the Third…” Said the Mediator, before looking down to work through the documents that he laid out before him. “Ms. Nummers, would you like to deliver your opening statement?”
“Of course.” Said Leticia. “On the evening of 27th July, 2020 - my uncle… Apologies, I know I shouldn’t make this personal.”
“Take your time.” The mediator said, as Leticia stopped to dab tears from her eyes with a handkerchief that had ‘S.N.’ embossed upon it. She stopped for a moment and pressed it against her heart.
“My uncle, Samuel Nummers, known herein as Dr. Numbers, was the subject of a vicious and unprovoked attack from one Sebastian Everett-Bryce…”
“The Third..” Said Seb, immediately regretting the decision, holding up his hands in apology.
“... The Third.” She said before stopping to dab at her eyes again. “My uncle was an innocent bystander with no axe to grind. His only concern was the welfare of his patient, Hide Yamazaki, and a man he had grown to call a friend - Mr. Everett-Bryce. In the wake of their defeat, my uncle entered the ring in order to try to help Mr. Everett-Bryce and Mr. Yamazaki to heal any potential rift that defeat may have caused - and what was his prize for his selfless act? He was kicked in the face! A defenceless pacifist like my uncle was forced to undergo various tests during a harrowing hospital stay. Whilst his physical injuries have been diagnosed and treated magnificently by some of the amazing doctors here in Chicago, the mental trauma and damage caused by being so brutally attacked is yet to be fully understood. My uncle has not returned to work since the incident and has suffered loss of earnings. He requires extensive therapy to help him trust in people again, and what’s more, he has already seen the effects of post traumatic stress disorder, everytime he hears Tinie Tempah…”
“Does he Pass Out?” Asked Seb with a smirk before yet again recoiling under the disapproving stare of the mediator.
“My uncle couldn’t be here today as he is too afraid of what Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third would do.” She continued.
“Touch dramatic.” Seb said under his breath.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce, I suggest you hold your tongue and allow Ms. Nummers to finish.” The mediator said with not just a hint of annoyance.
“Thank you, sir.” She said, hiding her smirk as the mediator looked back towards her. “Whilst we are unable to pursue a criminal case against Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third, we seek punitive damages to help cover the costs of my uncle’s medical expenses, loss of earnings, and untold trauma that comes with an attack of this kind.”
“Thank you, Leticia. And, please, extend my warmest sympathies to your uncle for his pain.” Said the mediator - Seb had a suspicion that this wasn’t the first time the two had met. “When he’s feeling better, he and I need to go out onto the lake and have another fishing trip.”
“Of course you do.” Seb said under his breath.
“I will, sir. It’s very kind of you.” She said. As the Mediator looked towards Seb, she smirked again. Seb screwed up his face just in time for the mediator to catch him.
“Mr. Wainwright.” Said the mediator, looking anything but impressed with Seb’s conduct.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Seb asked, gripping Percy by the wrist.
“Relax - I know exactly what I’m doing.” Percy said, before clearing his throat. “As singer-songwriter Shaggy once penned - “It wasn’t me.” .. in this case, it was my client...”
“Oh for fuck sake...” Said Seb as he slowly slid down into his seat, his hand covering his eyes.
Sebastian had spent most of his Saturday morning rewatching the cooperative matches that he and Hide had partaken in throughout the year. There had been five, and they had lost four of them. It was shocking that they had even been considered a team.
The first time was in January of this year - a result of Gabriel Baal’s return and his attempt to create chaos. He had, almost by mistake, created The Uncommonwealth. They fought bravely against the team of Alan Wallace and Travis Roberts, but had fallen short. It was to be expected considering Seb and Johnny had spent the previous six months being horrendous to one another. But there was a spark there - Hide and Seb together had worked well… Just not quite well enough.
And then came the infamous Prison Break match in which The Uncommonwealth, in only their second outing, bested teams much more experienced than they were and came within an inch of defeating two of the biggest legends in the history of UGWC.
Third time's the charm… They finally captured the UGWC Cooperative Championships.
And then things started to go wrong - they lost to Angie and A-Kis on Synergy… They clashed at Wrestlestock before finally losing the Cooperative titles to Eden and Donovan on the first Synergy back.
As Seb watched himself burst into life and first attack Johnny, then Numbers, and finally Hide himself, he let out a satisfied sigh and took a sip of his champagne.
“The Uncommonwealth… is no more.” He said, leaning back in his seat. “Now let me make one thing.... PERFECTLY CLEAR… If I had to do it all again, I would. In a heartbeat.”
He finished off his glass before lifting the bottle from an ice bucket and pouring out another.
“I’ve been asked and asked and asked over the past three weeks, why is it that I felt the need to break up our union? And furthermore, why choose to do it in such a way that it meant that we would forever go our separate ways? Let me address the elephant in the room - why did I attack Johnny Bonecrusher?” Seb said as he took another sip. “Hide Yamazaki doesn’t need Johnny. All the #1 Hitmaker has ever done is take away from his client.”
Seb tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair as he restarted the videos of their first match.
“I’m sure Johnny would love for us all to forget what he did to Hide in December - but that should be forever etched within Yamazaki’s broken mind; Johnny stole from Hide. He stole the opportunity that Hide had earned and squandered it, forcing us to live through another four… whole… months of Sarah Lacklan proclaiming to be the single greatest wrestling entity in the history of the world.” Seb said, rolling his eyes. “We thought we were finally done with him, that finally Johnny Bonecrusher would make the right choice and stay away. And yet, we returned in the New Year and here he was, the cancerous tuber attached to Hide Yamazaki’s career.”
Seb watched carefully as Travis Roberts pinned him for the one, two three. He took another drink.
“Let me tell you what I noticed about Yamazaki’s year - he grew more successful the less Johnny was around. I mean, that’s fact - Hide and I were both at our level best when Johnny was hiding away in Texas. We won cooperative gold without him - we grew as a team and Hide grew as a man. Little by little, Yamazaki came back to us, less a walking dumpster and more human as every day went by. That wasn’t Johnny’s influence - it was mine.” Seb said as he watched the two of them defeat Travis and Alan to win the Cooperative Championships. “And then, he was back - and when the cancer returned, Hide and I were unable to maintain the strength we had gotten back whilst in Remission. Angie… Kisaragi… They defeated us. Just as Johnny had made his return…”
Seb shook his head, turning his glass between his fingers.
“You’re not nice, Johnny - you’re not a changed man. You’ve always played the victim, hiding behind your loud, vile exterior. You’ve always claimed to be made out to be a villain that you’re not, but in truth you’re just a parasite - latching on to anything that lives and breathes and eating away at everything that’s good within them. It is no surprise that Hide won the World Championship at Wrestlestock - he was still fuelled by his time stood by my side. He didn’t win the World Heavyweight Championship because of you, Johnny - he won it despite of you. It’s only a matter of time before your canker infects him. This Monday perhaps - I only hope for his sake, Hide manages to cut it away before you’re the death of his career.” Seb said draining his glass one more time. “I wasn’t going to let you be the death of mine.”
The first hour had been brutal. Percy was offering the kind of defence that would match any Maria Salvatore Synergy appearance. And yet, Seb couldn’t help but feel positive. It was time for his first character witness.
His grandfather.
Seb felt safe and sure that the man who had stuck up for him all of his life would be his savior. And as Bastian sat down and introduced himself, he was asked to provide his statement. Seb sat back, waiting for the moment this brilliant, wonderful, eloquent man would bring forth the reasoning that Sebastian was in the right and should not be held respon…
“My grandson… is a nitwit.” Said Bastian.
“What the fuck?” Seb sat up, clearly shocked at this turn of events.
“Hold on to your underwear, my boy, I’ve not finished yet.” Bastian said.
“Oh. Right. Well… Continue.” Seb said, leaning back in his chair, just a fraction less certain this time.
“My grandson is a nitwit. And he was absolutely in the wrong for kicking your uncle in the face.” Said Bastian.
“What in the actual fuck?!” Seb came forward again.
“Language!” Shouted Bastian.
“Gramps!” Seb shouted back.
“Have some respect for your grandfather - this is precisely the kind of behaviour I would expect from someone who routinely makes a habit of kicking the elderly in the face..” Said Leticia.
“Routinely?! Are you having a laugh?!” Seb asked.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third...” The mediator began, only to be interrupted.
“No, wait a second! How the fuck has this become about me routinely kicking old people in the face?!” Seb asked. “I’ve never kicked an elderly person in the face in my life!”
“You kicked my uncle in the face.” Said Leticia.
“He’s not that old!” Seb said. “He’s in his fifties, at the latest.”
“You also wrestled that sixty-five year old man in your third match…” Said Bastian.
“He beat me! And you’re supposed to be on my side!” Said Seb.
“But you did kick him in the face, though, is that correct?” Percy questioned.
“Don’t you start! That’s the first question you’ve asked all day that’s relevant to this case, and it’s making things WORSE for us!” Seb said.
“Mr... Everett… Bryce!” Said the mediator. “You need to calm… Down, otherwise we’ll have to ask you to leave.”
Seb whispered something under his breath that sounded like “Shucking full-bit”.
“Now… Mr. Everett-Bryce the First - you were saying?” The mediator said.
“Thank you.” Bastian said, before casting Seb a warning look. “Now, I won’t repeat what I’ve already said. Despite his many faults, I can’t believe for one second that my grandson would purposefully choose to hurt someone like your uncle. He is passionate, he is emotional, and I suspect he’s even a touch vindictive. But to suggest that your uncle was anything but the victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time would be slanderous. I do not believe that my grandson would ever plan to attack a man like Dr. Numbers. He is, at his core, kind, loyal, loving and would do almost anything for the people he cared about - and I believe your uncle was one of those people. Even to the last.”
Seb looked at his grandfather and smiled, giving him a small nod.
“Any questions, Leticia?” The mediator asked.
“Just one.” She said. “Is that okay, Mr. Everett-Bryce the First?”
“Ask away, my dear. Ask away.” Bastian said.
“Are you aware of any other occasions in which your grandson has attacked someone in a fit of passion?” She asked.
“Of course - he’s a professional wrestler. It’s part of what they do. He has, in the heat of the moment, attacked a number of people.” He said. “But I could never believe any of it was ever premeditated.”
Seb’s mouth curled into a victorious smile.
“Would it surprise you if I was to present evidence that your grandson has, in fact, planned to attack seven people in the past and managed to cover it up successfully as a “fit of rage”?” She asked.
“It would, my dear.” Bastian said. “I would find it hard to believe.”
“Sir, I have here a list of opponents of Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third. These opponents were all from when he was a member of the London Extreme Wrestling organisation. We have a witness who is willing to testify that she was part of the plans to attack these gentlemen. Plans that were, later, passed off as a “fit of passionate rage”.” Leticia said.
“Wait. Did you say… She?” Seb asked, his suspicions growing.
“Yes - this is witness testimony from one Natasha Wilmslow of London, England. She was your girlfriend at the time of these attacks, was she not?” Leticia asked.
“More of a long-term. repeated mistake.” Seb said as he glanced over the list he’d been handed. “She has a vendetta against me. There’s no way you can prove this.”
“We have a video recording where you plan the attack upon the first name on the list…” Leticia said, before starting the video on the screen at the far end of the room.
“Oh come on. You can’t even hear anything… That could be any…” Seb began.
“I, Sebastian Everett-Bryce, the Third will once again be victorious!” On screen Seb said.
“... One... “ Seb said. “Okay, fine - but that could be someone pretending to be me, you can’t even see his…”
On screen Seb turned and grabbed the camera phone from Tasha and began walking around the locker room singing his own theme song.
“... Face.” Seb said. “Right, yes - but I haven’t heard anything that even sounds like a plot to attack someone!”
”I should really attack Jimmy Flash after our match tonight - send a message that I’m not to be messed with. And when I do, I’ll act like it was some fit of passionate rage.” On screen Seb said.
“... Of course... “ Said Seb.
“Well… For all we know, this video could have been doctored!” Said Percy.
“Give up Perc, she’s got me bang to rights.” Seb said, leaning back in his chair.
“Sebastian - I would never have believed it.” Said Bastian.
“Yes, Gramps, I’m a prick - who knew?” Seb said, rubbing his hand over his face wearily before fixing a grin on his face. “Alright, what’s next?”
Another glass in hand, Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third was already in the mood for celebrating.
“Excuse me.” Said Seb with a chuckle. “Two little words that changed everything between you and I, Hide - two little words that cemented our future as one that would be at odds rather than equals.”
Seb let himself sigh, an almost wistful sigh.
“Truth be told, I had always foreseen a time where the two of us would shake the parasitic nature of Bonecrusher and Numbers. I had foreseen a future in which the two of us would dominate this company for years to come. I’d even started to learn Japanese… Can you believe that? I believed in our partnership, and I believed that it was, for the want of a better term, uncommon in its brilliance. And Johnny may consider himself to be the smartest man in the room, but he didn’t see it coming, did he? He didn’t foresee the moment I gave him two concussions - one for each brain.” Seb said with a smirk that eventually faded. “Yes, I had played that moment out over and over in my head… Time and time again… But when I’d imagined it originally, I had left you whole and with a choice: an Uncommonwealth or an Empire.”
He topped up once again and ran his finger around the rim of the glass creating a low hum.
“I took away your choice, didn’t I, Hide? I wrapped a chain around my foot and made the decision for you. For that, you will have to… Excuse me.” Seb said with an almost sad smile. “You see, I hadn’t learned enough Japanese to understand what you said to me at Wrestlestock. I assumed that it had been a declaration of regret or an apology of some kind. I was frustrated that I had failed to be victorious, but there was a part of me that could be happy for you, because you, in the heat of battle, had taken the time to show remorse, to expand on that connection we had.”
Seb pressed ‘play’ again, this time watching as Hide whispered in his ear before performing The Devil into the ring steps.
“There was no remorse, though, was there Hide? Instead, you looked at the man who had had your back for six long months, the man who had been there for you when your manager had skipped town and when your doctor left you behind… You looked at that man who had begun to consider you a friend, not just a partner, and said ‘Excuse me’. Is that really all you had to say? To me? Excuse me… Like I was in your way. Not a friend. Not a partner. Just an obstacle. That is how you treated the ONLY person who has been at your side through choice. Not for fortune. Not for fame. Not for success. Just because he saw something better in you. And that’s all you had for me? Excuse me?” Seb repeated the two words again, his face contorted in distress.
“Yes, Hide - you sealed your fate in that moment. As soon as I heard those two words, the picture in my head changed - Johnny Bonecrusher and Hide Yamazaki felled by my hand.” Seb said, his mouth curling into a smile. “The Uncommonwealth, falling all around you, destroyed by the only person who has ever come close - me. Don’t get me wrong, the announcement that it would be I who faced you at Kobayashi Maru may have sped up my plans somewhat, but it didn’t change them, not after those two unfortunate words - you would suffer for the wrong you did me. And I was able to pay you back. Whatever happens after that? Well… That’s just gravy.”
Seb climbed from his seat and walked towards the window to look out over the parkland outside.
“And yet, even after Kobayashi Maru, you and I will be linked. Once I have defeated you, then another opportunity will be gifted. However, that opportunity will be mine, because I will get to beat you again at Outlast. Oh, I’m sorry Hide, does… Does that make you feel like I’m looking past our match at Kobayashi Maru? Like I’m not treating you with the respect you deserve? That I am assuming my own victory with absolute assurity? That I’m drinking champagne to celebrate my inevitable triumph when we face for the World Heavyweight Title? Does that make you feel something less like an opponent? More like… An obstacle perhaps?” Seb asked raising a glass and curling his mouth into a grin. “My humble apologies, Hide. Please… Excuse me.”
And with that, Seb drained his glass once more as the camera faded out.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury…” Percy began.
“There’s no jury, Perc. Have you been drinking?” Seb asked, now slumped so low in his seat that his head was barely visible above the table.
“Oh. Right. Of course.” Percy said, leaning down to scribble out ‘Ladies and gentlemen of the jury’ from his list of sentence starters.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third has something of a chequered past…” Percy continued.
“Oh, this should be helpful.” Seb said, rolling his eyes.
“... However, he has come to make friends during his time in the United States.” Percy said.
“Yes! And my Uncle believed he was one of them.” Leticia said, slapping her hand upon the desk.
“Objection!” Percy shouted.
“Mr. Wainwright, this is not that kind of case.” The mediator said.
“Yes… Sorry… Touch overzealous.” Percy replied before letting out a high-pitched giggle.
“My point is that during his time here, my client has managed to engage in friendships with all manner of people. And some of them are JUST as nice as Doctor Numbers, and he most certainly hasn’t done ANYTHING like what he did to them.”
“Where are you going with this, Percy?” Seb asked, not even looking at his lawyer now.
“I have, here, a statement from Ms. Sloane Anais Taylor.” Said Percy.
Seb looked up at Percy through a gap in his fingers. This wasn’t terrible. Unless she was still mad with him…
“Ahem.” Percy said, clearing his throat pointedly. “Sebastian can be one of the most thoughtless, selfish and arrogant people I have ever met. I am frequently frustrated by him and his ability to annoy me in the extreme...”
“Another home run, Perce.” Seb said, closing his eyes again.
“... HOWEVER.” Percy said pointedly. “I also know that Seb can be warm-hearted and caring. In the past six months, I have seen him go over and above in his attempts to change. He did that because he wanted to make things easier for me, because being his friend when he was kicking Kenzi Grey in the face and saying mean things on Twitter was difficult for me. I couldn’t separate the Seb who stayed up to watch reruns of terrible nineties sitcoms with me and the man who once kicked Angelica in the head when she had a concussion so he could win a title.”
“Yeah, just keep talking about all the times I’ve kicked people in the head. That should help.” Seb said.
“Now, I’ve decided that Seb’s actions are his own and that as a grown man, what he does isn’t a reflection on me. So now that I’m able to compartmentalize, I’m happy, willing, and able to be his friend when he does bad things, like getting terrible bloggers to ring the bell and declare him the winner when as the referee, that was up to me. Wait, no… Not to screw Duncan over, just to declare the winner. They’ll know what I mean. Yeah, that’s it. Oh and could you ask him to pick up some chicken for me on the way home? I’m making Fajitas. Thanks!” Percy finished.
“Pretty sure you could have paraphrased some of that.” Seb said, before letting it sink in. “Wait… That’s it? She didn’t say anything to defend me.”
“Oh. Right.” Percy said. “Well I do have a statement from Beckett Taylor?”
“Is it going to help?” Seb asked.
“It might.” Percy replied.
“I doubt it, but crack on.” Seb answered.
“Ahem.” Percy began again. “Doctor Numbers is SO lucky - I would love to have gotten in that ring, even if I got kicked in the face for it.”
Percy placed the paper down.
“You have got to be kidding me?” Seb said. “This literally cannot get any worse.”
“Alright, Ms. Nummers - next witness?” The mediator said.
“By video call - we have Mr. Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Second - the defendant’s father.” She said with a smirk, pressing a button on the conference phone before her as his father appeared on the screen.
“How could I forget the rancid pickle to top off this huge shit sandwich?” Seb said. “Hello father.”
“Sit up straight in your chair - you look like a commoner.” Seb’s father said.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Second,” Leticia began.
“You can leave off the titles… Neither “the first” nor “the third” are worthy to use the name.” Seb’s dad said. Seb smirked and gave him an ironic thumbs up.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce.” Leticia continued. She looked away from the screen and directly at Seb with a victorious smirk. “Do you think your own son planned to viciously attack a poor, defenceless man like my Uncle?”
“No.” Said Seb’s father. Leticia whipped around to face him, looking at him with a touch of concern.
“Sir, when we spoke, you told me that your son was…” She began, but he cut her off.
“Lazy. Entitled. Spoilt. Angry at the world. Spiteful. Vindictive and a terrible human being.” His father said. This was almost a hug in comparison to some of what his father had said over the years. “But do I think he is capable of planning such an attack? Lord, no. He’s also a coward. Yes, he has done this kind of thing before, but only because he had a woman behind him willing and able to push him to do what needs to be done. If left to his own devices, he’d be sat at home right now making TikTok videos lip-syncing scenes from ‘Love Actually’.”
“You remembered my favourite film… I’m touched…” Seb said, rolling his eyes.
“This, here - he’s disrespectful and lacks drive. You think this child planned to attack your uncle and put him in a hospital bed? No, Ms. Nummers, he is not capable. That would take a kind of spine and resolve that my so-called son has never managed to locate.”
Seb didn’t answer. He looked down at his hands, balled into fists.
“No… No further questions.” Leticia said.
“Alright.” Said the mediator. “I have listened to character witnesses, and despite what you have said here today Ms. Nummers, I have seen nothing that concretely suggests that Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third lured your uncle into the ring to attack him. Your uncle entered a wrestling ring under his own steam, even though he is not a wrestler. He had an opportunity to steer clear of a volatile situation and did not - what’s more, he did so knowing the risks. I’m not saying Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third was right in his actions, but I see nothing that necessitates him to settle with your Uncle. You may pursue this in court if you wish, but when his own father is willing to testify that…”
“Wait.” Said Seb, clearing his throat. “I have something to say.”
“Mr. Everett-Bryce the Third, I am just about to rule in your favour, and we have had quite enough of your outbursts for one day.” The mediator said.
“You shouldn’t. Rule in my favour, I mean.” Seb said, getting to his feet. “I did it.”
“What?!” Exclaimed the mediator. “You’re admitting that you lured Dr. Numbers into the ring?”
“Oh god no.” Seb said smiling. “No, but I did kick him in the face - not out of passion, and not as a spur of the moment thing. Consider that I was finally… Letting go. For six long months that useless, stuttering moron clung desperately to the coat-tails of myself and Yamazaki. Actually, he clung desperately to Yamazaki’s coat-tails while Yamazaki clung desperately to mine. Everytime he was on screen, he made things worse - no-one wants to listen to Dr. Fucking Numbers. All they wanted was more and more Sebastian Everett-Bryce the Third.”
Seb began to walk around the table, slapping his hand on the shoulder of the mediator before stopping behind Leticia.
“Think about it, Tish… Can I call you Tish? I’m going to call you Tish.” Seb said, rubbing her shoulders. “The more time your Uncle was around, the less successful Hide and myself were. I can prove it - more Numbers equals more failure. Now, that could have been because of the games he was playing with Hide’s mind, or perhaps he managed to drill his dull, sleepy overtures into both of our brains, but either way - Hide and I were at our very best when it was just he and I. And yet, first Johnny and then your uncle managed to worm their way between us every… single... time.”
He continued to walk along the line, slapping Helder and Rebecca on the shoulders before standing in front of the screen from which his father was staring.
“The truth is, I attacked your uncle because he was in my way and had been so for months - in my ear, complaining and stuttering like the useless fuck knuckle that he is. I kicked your uncle in the face because I couldn’t stand another minute of being in his company; I kicked your uncle in the face because he had no business being in the ring with real competitors. He’s proven that by all this nonsense.” Seb said, waving his hands in the air. “So, you tell him to tune in on Monday, you tell him to tune in and watch, because what happens to Hide Yamazaki is his fault. When Hide loses and finally understands that I was the reason he was successful in the first place? That will be on him - I’ll even blow him a kiss when it happens.” Seb said before turning around to face his father.
“How’s that for spine… Dad.” Seb asked before slowly turning back towards his seat.
“We’ll settle.” Said his father. Seb slowly turned to face the screen and saw a smirk upon his father’s face. “Percy - get in contact with my legal team, we’ll iron out the details.”
“Well…” Said the mediator clearing his throat. “Well that’s that. We’ll connect the legal teams to discuss terms and… All of you… Have a nice day.”
The room began to empty, leaving just Leticia and Seb.
“I hope you’re happy with yourself.” She said, stuffing the handkerchief into her purse.
“Quite. Thank you.” Seb said with a smirk. As she turned and left, he faced the screen where his father still watched on. “Why?”
“Because for the first time in your life, you reminded me of myself. For once, I wasn’t ashamed to call you my son.” His father answered. Seb chewed back a usual snippy response. “Good luck on Monday.”
And without another word, the feed ended. Seb couldn’t help but feel mildly conflicted by the interaction, but he knew one thing for sure…
He didn’t need luck.
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