Outside Michelle Collins’s office, Vivienne Robichaud waits with Simon Raines. Vivienne is wearing the new Brooks Is Gonna Kill You shirt in support of her mentor and friend, while Simon is dressed in a sharp suit and tie.
Simon Raines: Dr. Collins, my client and I would like a word.
Michelle Collins: I apologize, Mr. Raines, Ms. Robichaud, but I’m a bit busy at the moment.
Vivienne Robichaud: So busy that you’ve forgotten that I still work here?
Michelle stops and turns to face the young woman, raising a brow at her.
Michelle Collins: Excuse me?
Vivienne Robichaud: You heard me.
Simon Raines: Yes, when we worked out Vivienne’s contract - and my own, incidentally - we were under the impression that we would begin working immediately.
Michelle Collins: I do apologize, but I have a limited amount of space on our cards, and given the stipulation that neither of you are allowed to work a Revo show, I am somewhat limited in what I can do. And quite frankly, there are other matches on tonight’s card and the others that took precedence.
Vivienne Robichaud: So you’re saying that my debut isn’t important?
Michelle Collins: I’m saying that you will need to be patient. I do have plans, but they -
Vivienne raises a hand and Simon grabs her shoulder, reminding her not to do anything rash.
Vivienne Robichaud: Fine. Wait to book me. In my extensive leisure time, I will find other places to work and I will make sure everyone knows how EXODUS treats its talent. You have my mentor, Justin Brooks, in a match for the International Title tonight. You have Aries Reed matched against a legend. And then you have me, waiting for my opportunity. Don’t be surprised that when you do finally deem my debut important enough to be booked on a card, I take this entire fucking company and turn it inside out.
Vivienne takes a deep breath, her eyes blazing.
Vivienne Robichaud: Did you know that Darrin Stearns forgot to book me when I first arrived? I see now that it may perhaps have had something to do with your brother’s dislike of my former associate, Daisuke Iwakuma. But when that happened, I took my opportunity for the Call Your Shot invitational and I made this company pay attention to me. I’m far more experienced now than I was then, so don’t be surprised when you find me in the running for one of those big shiny title belts. The Lion’s Den will hold gold, make no mistake. And this little monster is coming to take what’s rightfully hers. Come on, Simon.
Grabbing her lover and manager by the hand, Vivienne tugs him backstage, walking off with her head held high. Simon follows behind her, nodding to Michelle as they leave.
Dick Morosi: And next up here for us, out of the matches we've had announced for the Welcome Oblivion card, this one was a late addition.
Seth Ericson: Basically, here's what you should know about all of this...Ruby Tyler hates her life. And now she gets to take one of the members of Violence KR. Or something along those lines.
Dick Morosi: You do realize it's Violence AX, right?
Seth Ericson: Why are we talking about this, Dick? In fact, why does it seem like we're talking WAY more often than what we used to in between these matches?
Dick Morosi: ...Let's just go ringside before Meta booms you into the fifth dimension, Seth.
REGULAR TAG TEAM MATCH
RUBY TYLER & KEVIN HARDAWAY vs. VIOLENCE AZHead Bangya by BABYMETAL kicks out over the PA, as Hiro and Hideki come out from behind the curtain, light tubes in hand. They smash the tubes over each others heads, before charging straight down to the ring. They slide straight in under the bottom rope, and each start headbutting opposite top turnbuckles, waiting for the match to start.
David Zinkus: From Japan, at a combined weight of 373 pounds, they are Hideki Kojima and Hiro Murayama, VIOLENCE XL! I’m not sure which one of them is actually going to be in the match, but who cares?
The spotlights focus on the rampway and Ruby Tyler comes jogging out, stopping at the top of the ramp when the verse ends.
Doctor or lawyer I’ll never be
Life of a drifter, the only life for me
You can have your riches, all the gold you saved
Ain’t room for one thing in everybody’s grave
Ruby stops at the top of the ramp as the verse ends, striking a pose with her back to the audience. As the chorus begins, she spins on her heel and runs toward the ring, slapping the hands of her fans as she makes her way to the squared circle.
Bang, bang, bang, bang
Vamonos, vamonos
Bang, bang, bang
Vamonos, vamonos…
As she reaches the ring, Ruby slides in under the bottom rope and jumps to her feet, raising the San Diego Bay Championship belt high above her head, pumping her fist in the air, and bouncing around until the song ends.
David Zinkus: And here she is, from Barstow, California, your EXODUS Pro San Diego Bay Champion… RUBY! TYLERRRR!
Ruby hands the belt off and goes to her corner, waiting for VIOLENCE to choose which one will be getting in the ring with her. After some argument between the two, Hideki Kojima gets into the ring, but Murayama remains on the apron, ready and waiting with his hand already outstretched. The referee goes over to them and attempts to inform them that this is a singles match, but the two seem to be vehemently denying this. With a shrug, the referee turns to face Ruby, trying to explain that he has no idea what’s going on.
Suddenly, “Of the Night” by Bastille begins playing as Michelle Collins walks down the ramp, accompanied by Darrin Stearns and Audrey Lloris.
Michelle Collins: What seems to be the trouble?
Referee: Kojima and Murayama are telling me - I think - that this is supposed to be a tag match.
Michelle Collins: I see. I thought I made it perfectly clear when I announced this match - Ruby Tyler is to be facing only ONE of them during tonight’s show.
The two Japanese men gesture for the mic, which is handed over to Kojima.
Hideki Kojima: We go Darrin Stearns! We say tag match! He say yes!
Hiro Murayama: Yes! Yes tag match! Yes light tubes!
Michelle turns to Darrin, who shrugs helplessly.
Darrin Stearns: I never said this was a tag match. I don’t know how this happened…
Audrey Lloris: Um, Mr. Stearns? If I may?
Darrin Stearns: ...Yes, Audrey?
Audrey Lloris: During a conversation that you had with Mr. Kojima and Mr. Murayama, they asked you something in Japanese and you responded with something along the lines of “yes, yes, just stop bothering me and get out of my office.” So I think that’s where the confusion may be coming in.
Michelle Collins: Darrin?
Darrin Stearns: Listen, if you had to deal with them, you would understand.
Michelle Collins: ...You’ve seen what I work with up here, right?
Darrin Stearns: Okay, point taken.
Michelle Collins: So since we’ve booked both Mr. Murayama and Mr. Kojima, we have two options. Carry on as a handicap match, or if we have a volunteer to be Miss Tyler’s partner, then we’ll have a tag match. Either way, this will be contested as a no disqualification match due to the challenge issued at the Revo show.
Ruby Tyler: Oh, you have got to be kidding me…
Michelle, Darrin, and Audrey move aside, clearing the entrance for anyone who may come out to help. But as the silence stretched on, realization set in: no one was coming to help her.
Ruby Tyler: Fine. Looks like you’ve got a handicap mat-
The lights go out and a flashing image comes up on the EXOScreen...
When the lights come back up, Kevin Hardaway is standing at the top of the ramp, microphone in hand.
Kevin Hardaway: I’ll do it.
Ruby Tyler: The hell you will.
Kevin Hardaway: You see any other volunteers lining up to help you, sweetheart? I’m all you got right now.
Ruby Tyler: Which begs the question, why you?
Kevin Hardaway: Got a better idea, sug? Besides, you know what this is. Can’t take the risk these idiots will end you before I do.
He winks at her and jumps up onto the apron behind her, ready to start the match. Ruby rolls her eyes and looks up at the ceiling, shaking her head as the bell rings for the match to begin.
It seems that Murayama has won whatever dispute the two were having earlier and so he is the one to lock up with Ruby in the ring. She immediately unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, which Murayama eagerly returns, driving Ruby into the corner. She grabs him and headbutts him squarely in the face, giving herself some breathing room as he stumbles back in pain. But as Ruby gets up, Kojima tags himself in and gleefully hits her in the face with a steel chair! In a burst of anger, Ruby grabs the chair and uses it to force Kojima back before he can hit her with it again, wrenching it away from him and delivering a vicious superkick to Kojima’s chest!
With the chair now in her possession, Ruby swings it and hits Kojima upside the head, ignoring her partner in their corner. She goes to get another hit in, but Kojima drives his shoulder up, knocking her off balance. Ruby hits the mat hard and rolls onto her stomach, trying to get back to her corner to tag in Hardaway, but Kojima is having none of it. Murayama tosses a kendo stick into the ring, which Kojima uses to start choking Ruby as he drags her backward, away from Hardaway and into their corner.
With her trapped, the two deathmatch kids take turns tagging each other in, beating Ruby with the kendo stick and chair. Unable to wait any longer, Hardaway leaps into the ring and charges toward Murayama and Kojima, a chair of his own in hand. He makes quick work of the two, knocking Murayama off the apron before Kojima can make the tag. Ruby and Hardaway exchange a look and a nod, then deliver a simultaneous superkick to Kojima. Kojima falls back against the turnbuckle, but as Hardaway charges him, he lifts his feet and kicks Hardaway square in the chest, knocking him backward into Ruby and causing both of them to fall to the mat!
Ruby is first to get up, only to be met with a horrific sight - Kojima and Murayama charging at her with their signature light tubes in hand. She grabs a chair, intending to use it as a shield, but before she can raise it Hardaway gets up, throwing his body between Ruby and VIOLENCE. The light tubes smash over his head and chest, littering the mat with blood and shattered glass. The two seem surprised that they hit Hardaway rather than Ruby, but their moment of hesitation is all Ruby needs. Bringing the chair down hard on Murayama’s head, she swings it horizontally at Kojima, catching him in the ribs and knocking the breath out of him. Ruby dives forward, driving her knees into his chest as she hooks the leg and goes for the pin.
ONE...
TWO...
THREE...!
David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners - Ruby Tyler and Kevin Hardaway!
WINNER: Ruby Tyler & Kevin HardawayAs he announces the win, however, Ruby is standing over Kevin Hardaway with her hands on her hips and her bottom lip caught between her teeth. After a few moments, she reaches down and offers a hand to him, which he takes and uses to help haul himself to his feet. The two stand in front of one another for a long moment before Ruby drops his hand and gestures for a microphone.
Ruby Tyler: This doesn’t change anything. You are still a threat to this company and I will take you out.
Kevin Hardaway: A threat to the company? Nah, I don’t think so. To you, though? It’s like I always say… till death do we part, sug.
Having come to an understanding, Ruby walks off, leaving Hardaway to be checked out by the medical staff.
Dick Morosi: Ruby Tyler and Kevin Hardaway coming victorious in this make shift, outright deathmatch we just had here...
Seth Ericson: And she's doing the smart thing...by leaving Hardaway to his own devices. And not getting the crazy dick in the process. I'm confident to say our San Diego Bay champion knows what she's doing.
Dick Morosi: Nevertheless, folks, next up...oh, this has been something over a year in the making. On March 24th of last year, Kira T. Zeppeli won the Brightest Day Cibernetico and it was shortly after his greatest in-ring achievement in EXODUS that Kira was turned on by the then-leader of Gods & Monsters, Christum Furor. With the return of Furor and the formation of the Imperium shortly afterward, Kira has made it his mission to ensure Christum Furor is completely eliminated from this company...and tonight, he has a chance to pull it off.
Seth Ericson: This also has Autumn Effect implications...because if Kira wins? That Brightest Day Cibernetico shot he wagered is mostly certainly going to get used against the winner of Chris Strike and Beowulf later on tonight.
REGULAR MATCH
KIRA T. ZEPPELI vs. CHRISTUM FURORDavid Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first…
The lights dim at the sound of what seems to be machinery or something similar chugging away with more electronic distortions coming through, seemingly destroying the reception on the EXOTron before the it seems to give way to music and a hijacked reception of just a cold, emotionless face. The haunting same notes on a piano seem to repeat until drums and the remainder of the music kicks in for Akira Yamaoka's "Rain of Brass Petals (Three Voices Edit)" starts. The lights flash in unison with the piano as they pulse, when it just suddenly seems that in between pulses someone finally has the light reflect against them.
David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle, representing the Imperium...Kira T. Zeppeli!
A brief pause after vocals with more static and the haunting repetition of the piano chord before the drums pick back up and he begins to move again.
"I am the sickened
Alone in a faceless crowd
A human caught in monochrome dreams
I scream to wake up..."
Reaching the ringside area, he examines the side of the ring facing the entrance before slowly lifting himself up and sitting on it. For a moment, he looks deep in thought before he closes his eyes and slowly rolls himself into the ring as the lights keep pulsing.
"My voice drowns deep underground
Only the dead can hear me
See me..."
Removing the hooded sweatshirt he entered the arena with, he slowly sits and waits for his opponent and the match to start.
David Zinkus: And introducing his opponent…
The house lights suddenly dim in the arena; the venue is shrouded in a dark and ominous ambiance. The teaming masses of humanity in their seats stand in anticipation, while those already on their feet cheer and holler, and soon the spectrum fills with electricity: Now the arena lightning fixtures cast only vague silhouettes- while flashing cameras and EXIT signs located around the building provide the lone source of illumination. Realizing what lies on the horizon, those situated in the first few rows feverishly storm the guardrail along the aisle, as all eyes in the arena turns toward the entryway. The EXO-tron comes to life now, accompanied by the gradual guitar build-up and drums of Corrosion of Conformity's hit, Albatross. As the montage fades in, the infamous figure is exhibited in a pose lacking of color - he is captured in black and white values, with a glimpse of color every now and then as the video package displays his career highlights and signature moves. As the song picks up, a spotlight shines across the curtain that veils the entrance - it slowly begins to sway, and is finally parted like the Red Sea by the self-proclaimed deity who comes into the full view of those in attendance, his arms at his side, his hair darker, looking somewhat gelled. An uproar from the crowd is heard - while those characterized as Internet fans cheer, others who cannot overlook his past misdeeds boo vehemently - nevertheless, the audience reacts to the two time World Champion's arrival as he outstretches his broad arms out by his side and tilts his head back slightly, taking in a deep breath as he closes his eyes.
Well, I'm feelin' left behind
Lord, what a waste of time!
They're gonna get you, run on
How can I respect your crime,
When all you criminals whine?
They bought and sold you, run on, run on, yeah
The EXODUS Original dawns a denim combat vest, underneath it is a tee with the sleeves torn off by hand with "RISE" spray painted in black. Completing his attire is a pair of black and grey tights with three white lines running horizontally across both thighs, black knee pads, a pair of long black ring boots, and white hockey style tape covering the wrists starting at the knuckles and stretching up to his forearms. The cold and calculating figure looks out toward the ring and begins to saunter, a plodding, methodical walk - leading with his alarms as they dangle loosely, somewhat swaying with a swagger that highlights the level of self-confidence he possesses.
David Zinkus: Coming to the ring, he weighs in tonight at two hundred and forty eight pounds and fights out of Detroit, Michigan. He is the one they call... CHRISTUM! FUROR!
Well, you can call me crazy
You can call me wrong, 'cause
See I was born a liar, albatross
Fly on, fly on
At the beckoning of his name, Furor quickly flanks to one side of the aisle and climbs onto the railing, perching himself as he sneers down at the onlookers basking in his presence. Once more, the man of infinite wisdom poses as more patrons rush the barricade while those too far away to get any closer continue to cheer or boo the polarizing superstar.
My home is kind, man it pays to be blind. Well, I promise to forget you, run on, yeah. No swallowed pride, no conspiracy lie. Oh, broken promise of virtue, run on, Lord, run on
Christum climbs down from the barricade to continue his march to the ring, glancing calmly at the onlookers on either side of him through his peripheral vision.
Well you can call me lazy. But I know where I belong, cause. Cause i was born a liar. Albatross, fly on, fly on
With your trust in love. From your god above. Oh i believe. The albatross is me.
He knees up onto the apron, replacing said knee with a foot as he comes to a stand along the ropes. He continues along the aisle-side, and as he approaches the turnbuckle closest to the camera, he plants a foot onto the second turnbuckle and comes to stand tall over the sea of people. Taking in a deep breath, for the third and final time he comes to pose with his martyr-esque symbolism.
Well, you can call me crazy.
You can call me wrong,
'cause. See I was born a liar,
albatross Fly on, fly on
He drops down and slips between the middle and top ropes, the house lights now making a slow return to their normal fixture while Christum Furor backs into the opposite corner from which he was perched and drops to a seated position, his head resting against the second turnbuckle pad while his mid-back is leant up against the first. He bends one leg so that his knee sticks upward, whilst the other is simply left to lie flat in a quarter-turn. As "Albatross" fades out, the electricity of the crowd comes to a fever pitch as they cheer and get ready for the contest.
As referee Katie Hanneman checks they’re both prepared, the bell rings! The pair stop, staring at each other for a moment… before Furor charges, taking Kira slightly by surprise, levelling him with a Clothesline! Before Zeppeli can react, Furor drags him up by the head, before driving him face first into the top turnbuckle, As Kira bounces back, Christum turns him, before driving an Elbow into his face, followed by a furious sequence of punches, gradually driving him down to the mat, before following up with stomps, forcing him into a seated position.
Seth Ericson: Furor flying into this match hard, looking to end this feud with Kira decisively.
Dick Morosi: You know both of these men want this win, Seth, and want it bad.
With that, Christum lifts Kira up to his feet, and turning him to face away from him, grabs him by the wrist… and spins him out to go for the Lightning Blade… BUT KIRA SPINS INTO A BACKFIST! Furor is knocked offguard, and Zepelli bursts forward, hitting an Appetiser before Christum is even able to get his bearings.
Dick Morosi: And Kira fighting back now, I’ve got to wonder if he wasn’t playing possum there.
As Furor hits the deck, by the ropes, Kira dives on him, taking his head over the bottom rope, so his neck is resting on the hemp, before putting his weight onto his back, pushing down hard as Katie starts to count.
ONE
TWO
THREE
FO-
Kira backs off, holding his hands up, as Katie puts herself between the two men to admonish Kira. As Christum, visibly coughing, starts to climb the ropes, Kira bursts past Katie, hitting a Running Stomp to the back of Christum’s head, pushing his whole body into the ropes, before stepping aside as he springs back into the ring. As soon as Christum hits the deck, Kira is on him, laying stomp after stomp as Christum struggles to crawl away. Running to the ropes, Kira comes back, going for a Running Leg Drop BUT FUROR ROLLS CLEAR!
Seth Ericson: Nothing but canvas!
Whilst Kira rubs his coccyx, Christum rolls onto his hands and knees like a feral animal, before charging forward, and driving his Knee into Zeppeli’s face hard. As Kira starts to fall, Christum spins around, quickly hooking Zeppeli up, and locking in the Sweet Oblivion!
Dick Morosi: SWEET OBLIVION! THAT ARM HOOK SLEEPER, OUT OF NOWHERE!
Furor wrenches at Kira’s arm, as he keeps the Sleeper locked on… but Kira manages to get his foot on the rope! Katie sees it, and starts the count!
ONE
TWO
Frustrated, Furor releases the arm, keeping the Sleeper applied, before standing, forcing Kira up with him. Once he has him up to a vertical base, he releases the sleeper, spins… and hits a modified version of the Brain Aneurysm! Kira stumbles forward, grabbing at the top rope to stop him from going down, obviously in pain from the hard elbow to the back of his head. Before Katie has a chance to check on him, Christum hooks him up around the waist, and goes for a huge German Suplex… BUT KIRA BLOCKS IT BY GRABBING THE ROPES! Shaking his head, Furor steps up closer to Kira, looking to pull him off the ropes… and GETS A BACK HEADBUTT FOR HIS TROUBLE! Stunned, Christum doesn’t release the hold immediately, eliciting a second Back Headbutt, then a third! As he finally releases his grip, staggering back, Kira pushes into the ropes, and turns, coming back and going for another Appetiser, but Christum side steps, pushing him to the opposite ropes! As Kira comes back, Christum bends down, going for the Back Body Drop, Kira sees it coming, and rolls over Christums back in a somersault, grabbing hold of his neck as he does, hitting a massive Running Somersault Neckbreaker!
Seth Ericson: Where the hell did Kira pull that from?
Dick Morosi: I don’t know, Seth, but I think he’s got more!
Christum is quick to fight his way back up, struggling to his feet, but Kira is there, waiting, stalking him… before pouncing as Christum gets to two feet, grabbing the arm, spinning and bringing his crashing back to the mat with A Little Taste! He holds on to the arm, wrenching it savagely as Christum roars in pain!
Seth Ericson: He’s taking A Little Taste, Dick! I wonder how Furor tastes?
Christum reaches for the ropes, but Kira has timed his moment perfectly, planting Furor in the middle of the ring, with nowhere to go! Struggling against the hold, he starts trying to drag himself, and subsequently Kira, nearer to the ropes… but Kira is having none of it, wrenching the arm harder, driving any thought of escape out of his head! With no other option, Christum looks like he is about to tap, Katie checking him… before he rolls over, landing with a huge slap to the side of Kira’s head! It’s enough to knock Kira out of the zone, as Christum rolls over further, onto his knees, arched over Kira. But still Zeppeli keeps the hold locked on. With a huge roar, Christum gets to his feet, deadlifting Kira off of the mat… before gripping him with his free arm, and falling… HITTING A HUGE MODIFIED BUTTERFLY EFFECT!
Dick Morosi: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
Seth Ericson: I think, maybe, that was a new version of the Butterfly Effect? That huge Scoop Brainbuster just drilled Kira into the mat. But I think Christum may be too beat to take advantage.
Both men are laid out on the mat, but Christum is stirring. After only a few moments, he rolls over, and lays an arm across Kira, going for the pin!
ONE
TWO
THR-
Kickout!
Dick Morosi: Did Kira just kick out of the Butterfly Effect? WHAT THE HELL?
Christum is in a state of disbelief. Shaking his head, he slowly manages to get to his feet, clearly the worse for wear from the high impact match.
Seth Ericson: I don’t like the look on his face, Dick.
Still shaking his head, he takes Kira by the head, and pulls him upright. He draws his thumb across his throat, before hooking him up in a Gutwrench, and hoisting him up, and over his shoulder… locking in a Gory Special.
Dick Morosi: This is it. Good night Kira.
Christum flips Kira forward for the Hammer Of Dawn… BUT KIRA LANDS ON HIS FEET! Christum is in a state of disbelief as he drops to the mat. A sick smile plasters itself across Kira’s face, as he sees Furor’s predicament, before lunging forward, connecting with another Appetiser! He quickly follows up, hooking up an Inverted Facelock, before hoisting him up, and holding him up…
Seth Ericson: HOW DID WE GET FROM THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT TO THIS?
And Kira hits the Feeding Time!
Seth Ericson: FEEDING TIME!
Kira doesn’t waste a moment, hooking the leg for this pin!
ONE
TWO
THRE-
Shoulder up! At the last possible microsecond, Katie’s hand just inches from the mat! Kira can’t believe it! He’s incensed! Shaking his head, shaking with rage, he pulls Christum upright! As he gets him up, he locks in a Sleeper hold, shouting that he won’t be denied as he does…
Dick Morosi: This is it. If he hits the Despair Syndrome, this is done.
Kira braces himself, and starts to transition to the takeover… but Christum seizes the moment, and as Kira adjusts his grip he charges back, driving him hard into the ringpost, sandwiching him there hard! Christum turns around, and drives a hard boot into Kira’s mid section! He sets him up like for a powerbomb… but flips him over his head into a Gory Special…
Seth Ericson: He’s going for it again!
Christum steps forward, to the middle of the ring, before pulling Kira forward…
AND HITTING THE HAMMER OF DAWN!
Dick Morosi: HAMMER OF DAWN! HAMMER OF DAWN! THAT GORY SPECIAL PILEDRIVER JUST KILLED KIRA T. ZEPPELI!
He hooks the leg! Katie hits the mat!
ONE
TWO
THREE!
David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen, your victor, by way of pinfall… CHRISTUM FUROR!!!
Dick Morosi: And that’s a bad result for the Imperium, Seth. Christum lives to fight another day, and Kira’s taken a hell of a beating.
Seth Ericson: Be fair, Dick, they both have. Christum might be the winner, but he doesn’t look it.
Even as Albatross plays over the PA system, Christum is laid out on the mat, the effort of his victory clearly having drained him. Although he can’t move, he smiles, and starts laughing, maniacally, as he realises what he’s achieved.
Dick Morosi: …
Seth Ericson: …
Dick Morosi: This may take a while. Luckily, I've just heard there's some kind of commotion occurring outside the arena. Let's join that whilst we get the ring cleared.
WINNER: Christum FurorOutside the RIMAC the night carries on undisturbed. Cars line the parking lot, the arena itself continues to display the details of the night’s main attractions. But behind the arena, away from the crowds and the inviting entrance, two figures approach the rear entrance. Almost hidden from sight, their attire blends with their surroundings, and the hoods prevent their faces from being seen. Suspicious enough to a random passer-by on the street; even more so now as they walk seemingly with purpose towards the staff and security entrance.
: It’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be. This place, I mean. I still have this notion that people come out to gymnasiums for this kinda crap.
Of the two hooded figures it’s the taller one that speaks up, with a low, yet still audible voice. At the side, the shorter one responds in a much more curt tone of voice.
Short Figure: Don’t call it crap.
Tall Figure: Figure of speech. Point is, it’s not exactly the Garden but still…not bad. For a University place, anyway.
Short Figure: I’m sure that high level of praise is exactly what they’re looking for. Quiet now, let me do the talking.
The two figures stop, or rather are stopped, by a man working the door. Typical security guy, arms folded menacingly, ear piece visible, and most likely a short temper.
Security: Whoa there, general entrance is on the other side, this is for authorized personnel only.
Short Figure: We bought tickets for tonight’s event.
For proof, the shorter figure produces a ticket, though the guard doesn’t so much as acknowledge it.
Security: Like I said, general entrance is on the other side. This is for authorized personnel only.
Short Figure: The general entrance is for people who buy at the door. Isn’t there some kind of deal for people sitting right up close?
Security: What, like a VIP treatment? Some backstage access? This isn’t a radio station sponsored concert. Only people allowed back here are staff and stars. You’re neither.
Tall Figure: I’ll have you know I was-
The taller is cut off by a quick jab into the stomach by the shorter.
Tall Figure: I mean…can we speak to your supervisor? Or rather, the head honcho? He’s here, right?
Security: Even if he is, he wouldn’t waste time dealing with you. We get people like you all the time, guys and girls trying to get backstage, wanting to meet someone they’re so enamored with. At least they have the courtesy to try and slip me a twenty.
Short Figure: You want a bribe?
Security: I’m not allowed to take bribes. Donations on the other hand…
Tall Figure: Class act, you are. I bet you worked as a bouncer downtown.
Another jab to silence the tall figure, though this time with a bit more oomph behind it; just enough to remind them who was supposed to be doing the talking.
Short Figure: I’m not going to bribe you. I just want to see the boss. Two minutes. Tops. I figure since I bought these tickets that I could…bypass some channels.
Security: Right. And why do you want to see the boss?
Short Figure: For his ears only. Look, we’re already late and I was kind of hoping I could see him before…before I go watch some old…never mind. What’s it going to take to get me inside?
Security: A convincing reason, a decent sob story, or a sixty dollar cover charge.
Tall Figure: I thought it was twenty.
Security: Eighty for you.
Short Figure: Forget it. Look, if you can’t get us in, can you at least give the boss a message? I’m asking you. Please? You’ll promise me?
Security: If it gets you out of here, sure.
Short Figure: Great. It’s a simple message. Just…tell him two things. One: Sorry. And two: When do I start?
At this both figures turned away, to go through the proper channels of general admittance.
Security: Hold on. Who’s the message from?
At this, the shorter figure turns to face the guard. Rather than answer him directly, the figure instead pulls back the hood. Cropped hair, monolid eyes, and a soft smirk stare back at the guard.
Abby Park: A little lost puppy that finally found her way back home.
Abby nods once to the guard before turning back on her heels. The night still continues as she makes her way towards the front entrance. After all, there’s still a show to watch, and familiar people to see.
: It’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be. This place, I mean. I still have this notion that people come out to gymnasiums for this kinda crap.