Post by Lord Hastings on Aug 28, 2021 18:09:24 GMT -5
A turning point is upon UGWC.
Sitting in his study, Donovan reflected on the people that he had beaten with the World Title on the line in the past, people like Moss Edwards, Declan Prescott, and Remi Monroe. Wars waged against the likes of Dirge and Jet Somers. They all have something significant in common. They’re gone, faded away as a generation past. Donovan knows that to fulfill the legacy that he wishes to leave, he needs to complete his resume with signature victories over the present as well.
While the process has already begun, now comes the time of greatest pressure and expectations. He has finally recaptured the World Championship, but Donovan knows better than most that winning it is far easier than keeping it. His next trial comes in the form of Hide Yamazaki, a man who spent half of the past year as the World Champion himself. If Donovan is to claim dominion over the current era, this is a match he cannot afford to lose.
And then, of course, there is the added element of the involvement of Alex Kiseragi, the “dragon” himself. A bitter past nemesis, and the reason why Donovan already has experience in a Dragon’s Cave Match. The prospect of such a stipulation gives most people pause, and in that regard Donovan is no different. He knows what to expect, having fought in the match against its innovator himself. But that same experience is why Donovan knows that Kiseragi himself is of little concern. Kiseragi knows better than anyone that the confines of the match leave little alternative than to adhere to what little rules the match has, and despite their antagonistic history, the honorable Kiseragi would not take action against a participant unless they broke a rule, something that would be hard to achieve under these circumstances even if a person wanted to.
Still, it’s all a lot to ponder. Donovan decided to put his concerns aside for a moment and spend some quality time with his daughters, making his way from his study to their den.
Hastings: Hey, girls.
Scarlett: Hi daddy.
Hastings: What are you girls up to? Playing your games?
Scarlett: Katie is playing, I’m just watching.
Hastings: Okay, well, take turns.
He walks past them, but double-takes when he notices the TV.
Hastings: What are you playing?
Kathryn: I dunno.
Hastings: You don’t...wait. How did you even get on this? We don’t own this game.
Both girls shrug.
Scarlett: What’s wrong?
Hastings: It’s just...I thought you’d be playing, like Mario.
He stares at the screen.
Hastings: I didn’t expect Dragon Age Inquisition.
The wall of the room suddenly explodes. Donovan shields both girls as a bright light fills the room, darkening as a large dragon appears in the open wall.
Dragon: Nobody expects the Dragon Inquisition!
The dragon roars.
Dragon: My chief weapon is surprise, surprise and alarm. My two chief weapons are surprise, alarm, and thick hide armor. My three weapons are surprise, alarm, thick hide armor, and my flaming breath. You know what, I’ll come in again.
The dragon disappears. Donovan and the girls exchange glances, with Kathryn shrugging her shoulders.
Hastings: Perfectly normal day, and then the dragon came. Just make my house your cave, why don’t you. Okay, um...I didn’t expect Dragon Age Inquisition.
The dragon reappears in the gaping hole.
Dragon: Nobody expects the Dragon Inquisition! Amongst my weaponry are such things as surprise, alarm, thick hide armor, and my flaming breath! I have come today, Donovan Hastings, to charge you with a sacred quest!
Hastings: A sacred quest?
Dragon: Yes! You must vanquish the evil from this land known as Hee-day!
Hastings: You mean Hide?
Dragon: It’s pronounced “HEE-day!”
Hastings: Well it’s spelled H-I-D-E.
Dragon: You must seek out Hee-day and his herald, The Johnny! Confront The Johnny on the spot!
Scarlett: Daddy always punishes the Johnny on the Spot.
The girls giggle, but Donovan quickly shushes them.
Hastings: I fully intend to do so.
Dragon: It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this!
Hastings: What, are you giving me a sword?
A regal cloak fades into view in front of Donovan.
Hastings: I’ve got plenty of these.
Dragon: This one is magical!
Hastings: What does it do?
Dragon: It looks impressive!
Hastings: That’s it? Can I get a weapon?
Dragon: No.
Hastings: How about some armor?
Dragon: No. You just get your wits!
Hastings: And the cloak.
Dragon: The cloak looks very impressive!
Hastings: Whatever.
Donovan takes the cloak and puts it on. It really does look impressive, to be fair.
Dragon: Now go forth with your companions, and vanquish the HEE-day!
Hastings: My companions?
Kathryn: We’re ready, daddy!
Donovan turns to look at her, and discovers that Katie now is wearing a medieval looking helmet and holding an appropriately sized sword.
Scarlett: Let’s go!
She’s wearing a cloak of her own and holding a staff.
Hastings: Really?
Dragon: GO FORTH!
The dragon disappears in smoke, leaving the gaping hole in the wall, which Donovan just stares at for a moment.
Hastings: Well, okay then. I guess we’re going on a quest.
Twins: YAY!!
Donovan and the Twins exit their home and walk down a dirt path, coming upon Owen Peterson calmly walking back and forth. Donovan stops a few feet from Owen, but Owen ignores him an continues to walk back and forth. Donovan waves to him to no response.
Hastings: Owen?
Owen turns to face Donovan, and suddenly gets a deeply concerned looking expression on his face.
Peterson: Donovan! Thank goodness you’ve come! The entire town is in danger!
Hastings: Listen, we just had a dragon talking to us, he wants us to go fight Hide.
Kathryn: You’re supposed to call him Hee-day.
Hastings: I’m not saying that.
Peterson: I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.
Hastings: Nevermind that. Did you hear what I said about the dragon?
Peterson: I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.
Hastings: Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.
Peterson: This is hardly the time for jokes! The entire town is in danger!
Scarlett: What’s wrong with Uncle Owen?
Hastings: He’s an NPC.
Kathryn: What’s that?
Peterson: I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.
Hastings: Remind me to explain later. Owen, why is the town in danger?
Peterson: The Johnny is berating the townspeople, and he’s threatening to unleash the fearsome Hee-day!
Kathyrn: See? You have to call him Hee-day.
Peterson: The Hee-day has long been prophesied to be a creature that would come and wish death upon the world. It is said that only the hero of legend can vanquish him and save us all!
Hastings: I’m still not calling him “Hee-day.”
Peterson: The Hee-day has long been prophesied to be a creature that would come and wish death upon the world. It is said that only the hero of legend can vanquish him and save us all!
Donovan rolled his eyes during the repeated statement.
Hastings: Well, do you have anything that could help us?
Peterson: Would you like to see my wares?
A table appears out of nowhere, with a potion, feather, and sword on it. Donovan points to the sword.
Hastings: What’s this?
Peterson: The Blessed Sword, said to have once been used by the ancient warrior Roberts, said to be able to defeat any foe.
Hastings: Well, I need that then.
Peterson: That will be a million gil.
Hastings: I don’t have any gil.
The table and items vanish.
Peterson: What else can I help you with?
Donovan glares at him.
Hastings: I guess we’ll be going, then.
Peterson: Good luck on your quest! You are our last hope!
Owen resumes calmly walking back and forth. Donovan and the twins take several steps, before Donovan sighs and turns back.
Hastings: Owen…
Peterson: Donovan! Thank goodness you’ve come!
Hastings: Oh, for-
Peterson: The entire town is-
Hastings: I SHOULD GO!
Peterson: Good luck on your quest! You are our last hope!
Owen again resumes pacing while Donovan walks away shaking his head, the twins following closely behind him.
They follow a path that leads out of town and into the Dark Woods. They journey through the woods until they come upon a small clearing. As they reach midway through the clearing, a sudden voice booms.
Voice: HASTINGS!!!
Donovan spins to face the voice, stepping in front of the twins, although each girl steps up and stands alongside him. The Johnny stands before them, his arms spread wide.
Johnny: At last, you have fallen into my trap! I’ve waited a long time for this, and finally I will take from you your most precious possession! HA HA HA!
Hastings: We’re here to stop you.
Johnny: Such heroic nonsense. You’re already too late. All your base are belong to us! MWA HA HA HA!
Hastings: Okay, enough of this.
Donovan attempts to move towards Johnny, but he is frozen in place. He struggles, but to no avail.
Johnny: You fool! This is turn-based combat! And it’s NOT! YOUR! TURN!
Katie swings her sword in the air, somehow causing Johnny to be knocked off his feet.
Johnny: ARGH!!
Hastings: I guess it was her turn. Good job, sweetie.
Kathryn: Thanks Daddy!
Johnny gets back to his feet, an angry expression on his face.
Johnny: This isn’t over! I have a great many clients, Hastings, and any one of them could destroy you at the snap of my fingers! But no, I’ll not waste another second, I’ll risk no further delays! HEE-DAY!! I CHOOSE YOU!!!!
Donovan and the girls are frozen in place as a vortex opens and Hide appears on the battlefield, swinging his chain around and roaring as we must wait for the full FMV to play out.
Johnny: And now, Hastings...YOU...WILL DIE!!!
Hastings: That’s very melodramatic. I’m still going to call him Hide.
The battle commences, unfolding in turn-based combat. On her turns, a letter board appears in front of Scarlett and she has to spell a word to cast a spell. She comes up with words such as “the” and “cat.”
Hastings: Can you spell some longer words? They’d do more damage.
Scarlett: You say that four letter words are bad.
Hastings: Five would be fine, too.
Katie continues to attack by waving her sword, meanwhile the only actions apparently available for Donovan to use are witty comments and insults. They have no effect on Hide, but are super effective against Johnny, whose head gets redder and redder and eventually explodes. This leaves Hide vulnerable, and Donovan’s cloak billows open and glows as he and the twins come together to unleash a team attack that obliterates Hide.
Kathryn: We did it!
Hastings: Strike a victory pose!
Scarlett: Yay!
With a flash and a poof of smoke the dragon reappears before the trio.
Dragon: Congratulations, Hastings-Clan! You have felled the mighty beast and won the day! But rest not for long, for more challenges lay before you! The Magician, the Dark Man, the Creepers, the Bonecrusher, the Adversary, the Vau-
Hastings: There’s a lot, we get it.
Dragon: Do not make light of the challenge before you! You are a target now, and the forces of darkness will come for you!
Kathryn: My Daddy can beat them!
Hastings: We can beat them.
He puts his arm around her, and opens his other arm as Scarlett steps into his embrace.
Scarlett: Together!
Donovan sits up sharply in bed.
Kathryn: AH!!
Donovan looks to his side to see Katie standing next to his bed.
Kathryn: You scared me!
Hastings: What are you doing, sweetie? It’s the middle of the night.
Kathryn: I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you?
Donovan sighs.
Hastings: Of course.
He adjusts his position to make room for her.
Scarlett: OW!
Donovan looks back to see Scarlett, already in the bed, whom he just accidentally rolled on top of.
Hastings: Where did you come from?
Scarlett: I had a bad dream too.
Hastings: Well, we’ll have no more of that.
He adjusts again, giving his daughters the space to both cuddle with him on either side.
Hastings: Let’s face those dreams together.
Sitting in his study, Donovan reflected on the people that he had beaten with the World Title on the line in the past, people like Moss Edwards, Declan Prescott, and Remi Monroe. Wars waged against the likes of Dirge and Jet Somers. They all have something significant in common. They’re gone, faded away as a generation past. Donovan knows that to fulfill the legacy that he wishes to leave, he needs to complete his resume with signature victories over the present as well.
While the process has already begun, now comes the time of greatest pressure and expectations. He has finally recaptured the World Championship, but Donovan knows better than most that winning it is far easier than keeping it. His next trial comes in the form of Hide Yamazaki, a man who spent half of the past year as the World Champion himself. If Donovan is to claim dominion over the current era, this is a match he cannot afford to lose.
And then, of course, there is the added element of the involvement of Alex Kiseragi, the “dragon” himself. A bitter past nemesis, and the reason why Donovan already has experience in a Dragon’s Cave Match. The prospect of such a stipulation gives most people pause, and in that regard Donovan is no different. He knows what to expect, having fought in the match against its innovator himself. But that same experience is why Donovan knows that Kiseragi himself is of little concern. Kiseragi knows better than anyone that the confines of the match leave little alternative than to adhere to what little rules the match has, and despite their antagonistic history, the honorable Kiseragi would not take action against a participant unless they broke a rule, something that would be hard to achieve under these circumstances even if a person wanted to.
Still, it’s all a lot to ponder. Donovan decided to put his concerns aside for a moment and spend some quality time with his daughters, making his way from his study to their den.
Hastings: Hey, girls.
Scarlett: Hi daddy.
Hastings: What are you girls up to? Playing your games?
Scarlett: Katie is playing, I’m just watching.
Hastings: Okay, well, take turns.
He walks past them, but double-takes when he notices the TV.
Hastings: What are you playing?
Kathryn: I dunno.
Hastings: You don’t...wait. How did you even get on this? We don’t own this game.
Both girls shrug.
Scarlett: What’s wrong?
Hastings: It’s just...I thought you’d be playing, like Mario.
He stares at the screen.
Hastings: I didn’t expect Dragon Age Inquisition.
The wall of the room suddenly explodes. Donovan shields both girls as a bright light fills the room, darkening as a large dragon appears in the open wall.
Dragon: Nobody expects the Dragon Inquisition!
The dragon roars.
Dragon: My chief weapon is surprise, surprise and alarm. My two chief weapons are surprise, alarm, and thick hide armor. My three weapons are surprise, alarm, thick hide armor, and my flaming breath. You know what, I’ll come in again.
The dragon disappears. Donovan and the girls exchange glances, with Kathryn shrugging her shoulders.
Hastings: Perfectly normal day, and then the dragon came. Just make my house your cave, why don’t you. Okay, um...I didn’t expect Dragon Age Inquisition.
The dragon reappears in the gaping hole.
Dragon: Nobody expects the Dragon Inquisition! Amongst my weaponry are such things as surprise, alarm, thick hide armor, and my flaming breath! I have come today, Donovan Hastings, to charge you with a sacred quest!
Hastings: A sacred quest?
Dragon: Yes! You must vanquish the evil from this land known as Hee-day!
Hastings: You mean Hide?
Dragon: It’s pronounced “HEE-day!”
Hastings: Well it’s spelled H-I-D-E.
Dragon: You must seek out Hee-day and his herald, The Johnny! Confront The Johnny on the spot!
Scarlett: Daddy always punishes the Johnny on the Spot.
The girls giggle, but Donovan quickly shushes them.
Hastings: I fully intend to do so.
Dragon: It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this!
Hastings: What, are you giving me a sword?
A regal cloak fades into view in front of Donovan.
Hastings: I’ve got plenty of these.
Dragon: This one is magical!
Hastings: What does it do?
Dragon: It looks impressive!
Hastings: That’s it? Can I get a weapon?
Dragon: No.
Hastings: How about some armor?
Dragon: No. You just get your wits!
Hastings: And the cloak.
Dragon: The cloak looks very impressive!
Hastings: Whatever.
Donovan takes the cloak and puts it on. It really does look impressive, to be fair.
Dragon: Now go forth with your companions, and vanquish the HEE-day!
Hastings: My companions?
Kathryn: We’re ready, daddy!
Donovan turns to look at her, and discovers that Katie now is wearing a medieval looking helmet and holding an appropriately sized sword.
Scarlett: Let’s go!
She’s wearing a cloak of her own and holding a staff.
Hastings: Really?
Dragon: GO FORTH!
The dragon disappears in smoke, leaving the gaping hole in the wall, which Donovan just stares at for a moment.
Hastings: Well, okay then. I guess we’re going on a quest.
Twins: YAY!!
Donovan and the Twins exit their home and walk down a dirt path, coming upon Owen Peterson calmly walking back and forth. Donovan stops a few feet from Owen, but Owen ignores him an continues to walk back and forth. Donovan waves to him to no response.
Hastings: Owen?
Owen turns to face Donovan, and suddenly gets a deeply concerned looking expression on his face.
Peterson: Donovan! Thank goodness you’ve come! The entire town is in danger!
Hastings: Listen, we just had a dragon talking to us, he wants us to go fight Hide.
Kathryn: You’re supposed to call him Hee-day.
Hastings: I’m not saying that.
Peterson: I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.
Hastings: Nevermind that. Did you hear what I said about the dragon?
Peterson: I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.
Hastings: Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.
Peterson: This is hardly the time for jokes! The entire town is in danger!
Scarlett: What’s wrong with Uncle Owen?
Hastings: He’s an NPC.
Kathryn: What’s that?
Peterson: I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.
Hastings: Remind me to explain later. Owen, why is the town in danger?
Peterson: The Johnny is berating the townspeople, and he’s threatening to unleash the fearsome Hee-day!
Kathyrn: See? You have to call him Hee-day.
Peterson: The Hee-day has long been prophesied to be a creature that would come and wish death upon the world. It is said that only the hero of legend can vanquish him and save us all!
Hastings: I’m still not calling him “Hee-day.”
Peterson: The Hee-day has long been prophesied to be a creature that would come and wish death upon the world. It is said that only the hero of legend can vanquish him and save us all!
Donovan rolled his eyes during the repeated statement.
Hastings: Well, do you have anything that could help us?
Peterson: Would you like to see my wares?
A table appears out of nowhere, with a potion, feather, and sword on it. Donovan points to the sword.
Hastings: What’s this?
Peterson: The Blessed Sword, said to have once been used by the ancient warrior Roberts, said to be able to defeat any foe.
Hastings: Well, I need that then.
Peterson: That will be a million gil.
Hastings: I don’t have any gil.
The table and items vanish.
Peterson: What else can I help you with?
Donovan glares at him.
Hastings: I guess we’ll be going, then.
Peterson: Good luck on your quest! You are our last hope!
Owen resumes calmly walking back and forth. Donovan and the twins take several steps, before Donovan sighs and turns back.
Hastings: Owen…
Peterson: Donovan! Thank goodness you’ve come!
Hastings: Oh, for-
Peterson: The entire town is-
Hastings: I SHOULD GO!
Peterson: Good luck on your quest! You are our last hope!
Owen again resumes pacing while Donovan walks away shaking his head, the twins following closely behind him.
They follow a path that leads out of town and into the Dark Woods. They journey through the woods until they come upon a small clearing. As they reach midway through the clearing, a sudden voice booms.
Voice: HASTINGS!!!
Donovan spins to face the voice, stepping in front of the twins, although each girl steps up and stands alongside him. The Johnny stands before them, his arms spread wide.
Johnny: At last, you have fallen into my trap! I’ve waited a long time for this, and finally I will take from you your most precious possession! HA HA HA!
Hastings: We’re here to stop you.
Johnny: Such heroic nonsense. You’re already too late. All your base are belong to us! MWA HA HA HA!
Hastings: Okay, enough of this.
Donovan attempts to move towards Johnny, but he is frozen in place. He struggles, but to no avail.
Johnny: You fool! This is turn-based combat! And it’s NOT! YOUR! TURN!
Katie swings her sword in the air, somehow causing Johnny to be knocked off his feet.
Johnny: ARGH!!
Hastings: I guess it was her turn. Good job, sweetie.
Kathryn: Thanks Daddy!
Johnny gets back to his feet, an angry expression on his face.
Johnny: This isn’t over! I have a great many clients, Hastings, and any one of them could destroy you at the snap of my fingers! But no, I’ll not waste another second, I’ll risk no further delays! HEE-DAY!! I CHOOSE YOU!!!!
Donovan and the girls are frozen in place as a vortex opens and Hide appears on the battlefield, swinging his chain around and roaring as we must wait for the full FMV to play out.
Johnny: And now, Hastings...YOU...WILL DIE!!!
Hastings: That’s very melodramatic. I’m still going to call him Hide.
The battle commences, unfolding in turn-based combat. On her turns, a letter board appears in front of Scarlett and she has to spell a word to cast a spell. She comes up with words such as “the” and “cat.”
Hastings: Can you spell some longer words? They’d do more damage.
Scarlett: You say that four letter words are bad.
Hastings: Five would be fine, too.
Katie continues to attack by waving her sword, meanwhile the only actions apparently available for Donovan to use are witty comments and insults. They have no effect on Hide, but are super effective against Johnny, whose head gets redder and redder and eventually explodes. This leaves Hide vulnerable, and Donovan’s cloak billows open and glows as he and the twins come together to unleash a team attack that obliterates Hide.
Kathryn: We did it!
Hastings: Strike a victory pose!
Scarlett: Yay!
With a flash and a poof of smoke the dragon reappears before the trio.
Dragon: Congratulations, Hastings-Clan! You have felled the mighty beast and won the day! But rest not for long, for more challenges lay before you! The Magician, the Dark Man, the Creepers, the Bonecrusher, the Adversary, the Vau-
Hastings: There’s a lot, we get it.
Dragon: Do not make light of the challenge before you! You are a target now, and the forces of darkness will come for you!
Kathryn: My Daddy can beat them!
Hastings: We can beat them.
He puts his arm around her, and opens his other arm as Scarlett steps into his embrace.
Scarlett: Together!
Donovan sits up sharply in bed.
Kathryn: AH!!
Donovan looks to his side to see Katie standing next to his bed.
Kathryn: You scared me!
Hastings: What are you doing, sweetie? It’s the middle of the night.
Kathryn: I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you?
Donovan sighs.
Hastings: Of course.
He adjusts his position to make room for her.
Scarlett: OW!
Donovan looks back to see Scarlett, already in the bed, whom he just accidentally rolled on top of.
Hastings: Where did you come from?
Scarlett: I had a bad dream too.
Hastings: Well, we’ll have no more of that.
He adjusts again, giving his daughters the space to both cuddle with him on either side.
Hastings: Let’s face those dreams together.
