mysticlullabies

(Early morning, dew covers the mighty Bermuda grass. I sit in the kitchen with a cup of coffee, and the morning newspaper. I hit record on the camera. I don't have time to waste.)

Matthew Engel: "There's been a lot of people talking about the MoA, and how dead we are. There's talk that we're irrelevant, and we need to realize that the past is the past. What people don't understand is that we're trying to create the MoA in a new light, a new image, because we are the elite. The future. I will reiterate that every time I'm on camera, because it's gospel.

But, people want to push us. They want to challenge us, and they want to mock us. What do I have to do to get you all to understand that we are a force to be reckoned with? Because, you know what... I have no problem bringing the old testament back into picture. I have no problem resorting to the old ways of the Masters, and beating the shit out of each and every one of you."

(My eyes burn through the camera, but they are cold and dangerous.)

Matthew Engel: "If that's what you all want, maybe that's what you'll receive. Riona, I appreciate your concern for me, but who are you to question my decision to protect my family? Who are you to condemn my siding with the so-called enemy? You lost all credibility the moment you engaged in sexual congress with my sister's ex-fiancee. That puts you up shit creek with no paddle, woman.

I didn't make a deal with the devil and I'm certainly not going to burn for my actions. I put my family first. I'm not going to be naive about this, like most people think I have been. If my family and I going to make it through this summer, and if I'm going to come out World Champion at some point, I will need back-up. I'm going to need support. And quite frankly, the people I used to be able to count on are indisposed at the moment."

(I turn my eyes for a moment, and close them. This will be the first time I address this issue.)

Matthew Engel: "Just... what the hell were you thinking, Dustin? That's not the answer. Please, call me."

(My eyes turn from sympathetic and warm, to indifferent and cold. Just like that, I change my emotion, and I'm perfectly calm and cold. It's a skill.)

Matthew Engel: "So what I suggest you do, Riona, is go your own way and do what you need to do. Don't worry about me, and don't concern yourself with the Masters. You're not a priority, you're not a target; please don't make yourself one. I don't want to make you a bloody mess to send a message."

(Your only warning.)

Matthew Engel: "Speaking of messages... Duff, I'm not bent on being opposed to you. You made up your mind about leaving the Masters, and throwing away the only blanket of security that you have. I didn't push you to it, and I certainly didn't want that to happen. I could have cared less at the time, Duff, because you weren't important to me. Protecting my family, getting vengeance on both Corey Lazarus and Vicious were important to me.

But now, you seem upset that I have sided with Darren. He always had faith in you, and he didn't like it when you left. Maybe there will be a spot for you if you wish to return, but I suggest you take care of Kyle Stevenson first. We may seem desperate for active members, but rest assured, we will hand pick who we want to represent the organization. You already have, and you did a fair job. Should I deem it appropriate, I may let you return if you wish. If not, stay out of the way. That's your only warning.

Back to Kyle for a moment, you've misinterpreted my reasons for joining the Masters. I declared that the why was simply due to security and glory. I won't make it any more simple than that. I've sided with an organization that has a good history of protecting its family members who have proven to be worthy of the name. Clearly, Darren believes me to be very worthy as he's asked me to lead the MoA in Trevor's place. I've sided with an organization that has no where to go but up, and has every intention and powerful determination of dominating Pioneer Wrestling.

I'm their shining star, and soon I will be at the very top -- alone."

(A look of mad desire consumes me.)

Matthew Engel: "There was a man who was at the very top and stood alone, but that time has come and gone from him. Lex, I can only do so much to protect my family, and this is strecthing it for me. You know me and you know I'm not a man who likes to ask for help, perhaps that is a weakness of ours. Yes, ours, because you and I are more similar than I used to think.

I know how you think, and believe it or not, the setup that I have going for my family is very good at the moment. I'd almost dare you to try anything, because there would be nothing more than watching you get caught, roughed up by some of my security, and thrown in the slammer for.. a third time? Who knows how many times you've been to prison, but rest assured, you get caught and you won't be getting out.

Take that for what it's worth."

(A smirk.)

Matthew Engel: "True savior? You've completely lost it. I have no one to help me and my family, Alex. My younger brother is hospitalized, my older brother is drowning in his own work stress as Commissioner, and my friends have come and gone. I've been left to try to finish a legacy, and I've been left alone. I sought help, and I got it. It wasn't gift-wrapped, and it certainly wasn't what I expected, but at this time... it's working. I have not felt more confident and safe than I have in a long time, and this will help to keep my mind focused on my career.

Like the World Title, which you lost last Friday. Tough.

It'll eventually end up in my hands, rightfully so, and I'll defend it greatly. There's nothing... and I do mean nothing... that you can do about it. Try and disrupt my life and my family again, Lex, it will only end in pain and imprisonment for you."

(I pause for a moment, trying to keep calm.)

Matthew Engel: "Bronx, I wish I could try to get through your pathetic diatribes and petty insults without laughing and feeling nauseated. You keep saying that me and Chamelion aren't meant for greatness. Haven't we already proven that we are greatness? We're proven veterans of this sport, legends in our own right, and you have the audacity to say we aren't meant for greatness.

B, we've already attained it. You're the one who needs to prove himself. You're the one who needs to stand up and show us you're not Deacon's little sidekick.

And Deacon needs to prove why he thinks he has a chance in hell against me. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, his track record against me doesn't speak very well for him. Who knows, maybe with you, B, he'll have a fighting chance. Just maybe. But, I do have Mark Sommers on my side... and that's got to stand for something. When people think of the PWA, they think of a few names. Sirus Moran. The Spider. Raizzor. Rob Robinson. Chamelion. Thunderwolf. There are plenty I've left out, and frankly I don't care, but people don't think of Deacon Frost, Bronx Williams, or the Deadpool. They just don't.

And I'll admit, they don't think of me, at least in terms of PWA Hall of Fame. I've only been affiliated with the PWA for three months, but I'm already a household name. I'm on the tip of everyone's tongue, and I'm aligned with the most hated organization in wrestling history.

Doesn't that just send a chill down your spine?

Gentlemen, the only reason people are eager to see this match is because Mark and I are on a team for the first time ever, not because some lucky has-beens are the number one contenders for the PWA Tag Team titles.

Make it worth our time."

(I let out a cough.)

Matthew Engel: "I think it's hilarious that you honestly believe you're the best, B. You and Deacon are two and oh as a tag team, that's fantastic. Here's a cookie. However, Deacon is pretty much on the low end of the totem pole when it comes to actual talent, and you? I could care less. Maybe combined you might stand a chance against us, but that's quite a stretch of the imagination.

And I wouldn't call two in a row a 'streak', I'd call it luck. Skill? Maybe, if you had any.

Mark and I not only are veterans in singles competition, but we're both highly accomplished tag team competitors. Sure, he's had more profilic partners than I have. I mean, the only true partner I've ever had is Enika -- she was the best. Mark has teamed with many, many big names for periods of time, and well... he's got that going for him.

However, the Masters don't really like you, Mark. I can't blame them, because when they first came into the PWA, you were quick to control them. They don't like being controlled, and as ironic as it is, you're the one that has lost control. However, if Darren can realize that I would be better as a leader than an enemy, maybe I can learn that you would be better as an ally rather than an enemy.

I will be as cooperative and as good as I can be, Mark, to ensure a victory this Friday. I really don't feel like losing to two men who have amounted to nothing but a fluke of a chance at tag team gold. That shot doesn't belong to you, Deadpool. It should be going to Chamelion and Project X. But, we won't talk about that. You won that little tournament.. something I'm glad I was able to get out of.. and now your'e facing the Razordolls at Retribution.

I'll do just fine taking the Intercontinental title off of Nightmare, and then eventually relinquishing Corey of his title, should he defend it successfully. It's going to be a great summer for the Masters, and I'm going to bring glory to us, and fear to all of you.

Not a fear of your life... but a fear of the dark. A void that you can't escape. You will be helpless to stop us, and the MoA will rise to power."

(I rub my right temple a little bit.)

Matthew Engel: "The hard way, B. Did you honestly think it would be any other way?

I do not forgive.

I do not forget.

There's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come."

(fade.)