NWL Combat: Maelstrom vs. Karl "The Dragon" Brown
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JLebron
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Adapting
(FADE IN:..... to an NWL set where we see two chairs facing each other..... one sits in the shadows, it's occupant totally obscured from our view...... in the other sits a rather large man, the rare smile on his face makes his familiarity suspect as we stare into his face..... the face of the man known simply as......)
MAELSTROM: It's been quite some time indeed? What's it been? Three? Four years?
(the voice from the man in the other chair is eerily familiar, but not enough so to link an identity to it)
VOICE: About four years. I just needed to get away from all of it for a while. But even so, I never stopped following your progress. As I expected, you've continued to do very well for yourself. Being named by FWI Mag as the #1 wrestler of the year. Being also nominated in multiple categories by that same mag for its Year End Awards. Virtually sweeping the GLCW's own Year End Awards as well as usurping Manson's world title. On the other side of the coin however, there was that little EPW fiasco. What exactly happened over there?
MAELSTROM: Well, lets just say that due to managerial double-talk, I decided to void my own contract and leave it at that.
VOICE: Despite what happened in EPW, you've still continued to steamroll past your opponents, as I pretty much expected you to.
MAELSTROM: Yeah, I've been on a roll as of late. But like all streaks..... at some point, they come to an end.
VOICE: Ah yes, you mean your loss against The Watcher. That was a tough match, but you knew that going into the match. Just as I'm sure you know the same against your upcoming opponent here in the NWL, Karl Brown. I've been watching Brown and he definitely has potential. You both have two opponents in common. Lars Magellan and Dakota Smith. Pretty much as you did, he took your nephew on a wild ride, one that he's not accustomed to and he also did away Lars. All in all, with regards to your common opponents, you practically mirror each other.
MAELSTROM: Yeah, Brown is no push over, I'll grant him that. I expect to get as much as I give against him.
VOICE: Maybe even more. He didn't seem to appreciate your last involvement when he fought Dakota despite the fact that it had no bearing on the outcome of his match.
MAELSTROM: Well, the way I see it, it wasn't about Brown back then. It never was. It's about that thorn-in-my-side, pain-in-the-a$$ nephew of mine, Dakota Smith. Now however, (smiles) it's ALL about Brown. Brown needs to get over that fragile ego of his and realize that I could give two F(BLEEP)KS whether or not he approves of my involvement. If he or ANYONE has a problem with anything I say or do, well, let's just say I'm not a hard man to find.
VOICE: Undoubtedly. Though I have to question whether your focus is fully intact right now.
MAELSTROM: Meaning?
VOICE: First off, you not only have an upcoming match against Karl Brown, but you also have an upcoming match against Anarky in the WFW. You and Anarky have been at each others throats for years now without ever resolving anything, let alone actually have a match sanctioned. Now, four years and four promotions later, you're finally going to settle things one way or the other with him.
MAELSTROM: (sighs heavily as he nods his head) Yeah, I see where you're getting at. Granted, my focus is in a sense, somewhat divided..... it's not the first nor will it be the last time. In the GLCW I had virtually EVERYONE gunning for me at once..... And I never wavered.
VOICE: Yes that's true. And believe me, I know you better than anyone, and I know what you're capable of, but you seem to be overlooking one small detail.
MAELSTROM: What? Dakota? (purses his lips and waves him off) Please! After years of constantly being hounded by the NEH..... I read him like a book! I'm used to that.
VOICE: Yes I know that, but you've always known WHO was behind every attack, just as you always knew from WHERE it all originated. Of course I'm referring to this, "Mr. Yours Truly" guy.
(Maelstrom's brow furrows a bit and his lips unconsciously curl into a snarl)
MAELSTROM: F(BLEEP)K HIM! He's just an after-thought right now, eventually he'll need to step from behind those cowardly notes of his and when he does......
VOICE: "WHEN" he does is not my concern right now. I know what's likely to happen "WHEN" he finally makes his presence known. My main concern right now is the distracting effect he's having on you RIGHT NOW in the middle of your matches against Anarky and Brown. Two guys I might add, that leave VERY little room for error.
MAELSTROM: NEITHER DO I! I'll take things as I'm apt to do....... AS THEY COME! It's all about adapting, something I'm VERY good at as you well know. Anarky..... Dakota..... Brown..... Mr. Yours Truly......
(pauses as he visibly fights to restrain his growing anger)
MAELSTROM: None of them have a clue as to what's heading their way!
VOICE: And what exactly is that?
(Maelstrom simply stares at the other person, then after a while his smile widens a bit and he begins to laugh maliciously. After a few seconds, just when he's about to respond, we begin to fade out and we're prompted with the message ......TO BE CONTINUED......)
(FADE IN:..... to an NWL set where we see two chairs facing each other..... one sits in the shadows, it's occupant totally obscured from our view...... in the other sits a rather large man, the rare smile on his face makes his familiarity suspect as we stare into his face..... the face of the man known simply as......)
MAELSTROM: It's been quite some time indeed? What's it been? Three? Four years?
(the voice from the man in the other chair is eerily familiar, but not enough so to link an identity to it)
VOICE: About four years. I just needed to get away from all of it for a while. But even so, I never stopped following your progress. As I expected, you've continued to do very well for yourself. Being named by FWI Mag as the #1 wrestler of the year. Being also nominated in multiple categories by that same mag for its Year End Awards. Virtually sweeping the GLCW's own Year End Awards as well as usurping Manson's world title. On the other side of the coin however, there was that little EPW fiasco. What exactly happened over there?
MAELSTROM: Well, lets just say that due to managerial double-talk, I decided to void my own contract and leave it at that.
VOICE: Despite what happened in EPW, you've still continued to steamroll past your opponents, as I pretty much expected you to.
MAELSTROM: Yeah, I've been on a roll as of late. But like all streaks..... at some point, they come to an end.
VOICE: Ah yes, you mean your loss against The Watcher. That was a tough match, but you knew that going into the match. Just as I'm sure you know the same against your upcoming opponent here in the NWL, Karl Brown. I've been watching Brown and he definitely has potential. You both have two opponents in common. Lars Magellan and Dakota Smith. Pretty much as you did, he took your nephew on a wild ride, one that he's not accustomed to and he also did away Lars. All in all, with regards to your common opponents, you practically mirror each other.
MAELSTROM: Yeah, Brown is no push over, I'll grant him that. I expect to get as much as I give against him.
VOICE: Maybe even more. He didn't seem to appreciate your last involvement when he fought Dakota despite the fact that it had no bearing on the outcome of his match.
MAELSTROM: Well, the way I see it, it wasn't about Brown back then. It never was. It's about that thorn-in-my-side, pain-in-the-a$$ nephew of mine, Dakota Smith. Now however, (smiles) it's ALL about Brown. Brown needs to get over that fragile ego of his and realize that I could give two F(BLEEP)KS whether or not he approves of my involvement. If he or ANYONE has a problem with anything I say or do, well, let's just say I'm not a hard man to find.
VOICE: Undoubtedly. Though I have to question whether your focus is fully intact right now.
MAELSTROM: Meaning?
VOICE: First off, you not only have an upcoming match against Karl Brown, but you also have an upcoming match against Anarky in the WFW. You and Anarky have been at each others throats for years now without ever resolving anything, let alone actually have a match sanctioned. Now, four years and four promotions later, you're finally going to settle things one way or the other with him.
MAELSTROM: (sighs heavily as he nods his head) Yeah, I see where you're getting at. Granted, my focus is in a sense, somewhat divided..... it's not the first nor will it be the last time. In the GLCW I had virtually EVERYONE gunning for me at once..... And I never wavered.
VOICE: Yes that's true. And believe me, I know you better than anyone, and I know what you're capable of, but you seem to be overlooking one small detail.
MAELSTROM: What? Dakota? (purses his lips and waves him off) Please! After years of constantly being hounded by the NEH..... I read him like a book! I'm used to that.
VOICE: Yes I know that, but you've always known WHO was behind every attack, just as you always knew from WHERE it all originated. Of course I'm referring to this, "Mr. Yours Truly" guy.
(Maelstrom's brow furrows a bit and his lips unconsciously curl into a snarl)
MAELSTROM: F(BLEEP)K HIM! He's just an after-thought right now, eventually he'll need to step from behind those cowardly notes of his and when he does......
VOICE: "WHEN" he does is not my concern right now. I know what's likely to happen "WHEN" he finally makes his presence known. My main concern right now is the distracting effect he's having on you RIGHT NOW in the middle of your matches against Anarky and Brown. Two guys I might add, that leave VERY little room for error.
MAELSTROM: NEITHER DO I! I'll take things as I'm apt to do....... AS THEY COME! It's all about adapting, something I'm VERY good at as you well know. Anarky..... Dakota..... Brown..... Mr. Yours Truly......
(pauses as he visibly fights to restrain his growing anger)
MAELSTROM: None of them have a clue as to what's heading their way!
VOICE: And what exactly is that?
(Maelstrom simply stares at the other person, then after a while his smile widens a bit and he begins to laugh maliciously. After a few seconds, just when he's about to respond, we begin to fade out and we're prompted with the message ......TO BE CONTINUED......)
EpyonMarx
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[FADE IN. Karl “The Dragon” Brown is sitting in a plunge pool, soaking after a workout. A training partner is in the next pool over, and the two are talking]
Man: Bad luck against Dakota there, Karl.
Karl: Yeah, I know Pete. He wanted it a little more than I did, obviously.
Pete: Yeah, but hey, you got the job done against Stolz over in EPW, right? Now THAT was a sight.
Karl: You mean the quebrada into the Dragon’s Bite? Just something I’d been working on to give me an extra edge. Although now, I’m going to have to come up with another sequence, before that one gets countered too easily. Who knows, Maelstrom might be the one to counter it.
Pete: Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. You’ve got Maelstrom in the WLS this week. Isn’t he the guy who
Karl: [cutting Pete off] Yes, he is. The guy who’s saved my ass for the past two weeks. I’m a little disappointed in him coming out last Combat, but he wouldn’t care either way, so there’s no point really in worrying about it.
Pete: Yeah, but he’s devalued you as a wrestler hasn’t he?
Karl: You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard that since. Yeah, if I win the series and the title people may say it’s all because Maelstrom saved me from injury two weeks on the trot, but if it happens, it happens. It just means I’ll have to prove myself that little bit more.
Pete: Yeah. I still can’t believe he was unprofessional enough to come out. Letting his problems with Dakota Smith boil like that and make you look like someone who needs help… man, I’d hate to be in his shoes when you get done with him.
Karl: Huh? Sorry, Pete, you must have me confused with someone else. I see this as just another match.
Pete: So, you think you’re gonna win?
Karl: No. Completely the opposite, I think I’m going to lose worse than I ever have before. [Pete gives a look of surprise] It’s like this, Pete. Maelstrom’s regarded as the best. And he’s regarded as the best for a reason. He’s more experienced than I am, he’s far stronger than I am, and he has at least as many ways of hurting me as I do him. If anything, his strength gives him a huge advantage, since he can use it to hurt me more than I can use what little strength I have. Just getting him into a position where I can keep him down is going to be hard enough. Actually keeping him down might be impossible for me to do. Same way I view every opponent.
Pete: Oh, you mean that whole challenge thing?
Karl: I think in Maelstrom’s case, though, the challenge might be more than I can handle. I’m still going to give it everything I’ve got. Wouldn’t want people to say I couldn’t give him the match of his career. And who knows? Maybe I’ll get that one bit of luck, one lucky break where I hold all the cards, and pin his shoulders to the mat. I’ve already seen one way to counter Mortal Sin, and there’ve got to be others out there. No move has any fewer than three ways to counter it; it’s all just a matter of finding them. No plan is foolproof, and no man is completely invincible. He’ll be the first to admit that.
Pete: Whoa, whoa, whoa. You’re saying you’re going to lose but there’s a chance to win? Which is it?
Karl: We’ll know that once the match is over. One of the first things I learnt is to never make a promise you can’t keep. The stronger likelihood is that I’m going to get my ass handed to me, but that’s only on paper. And thankfully, we wrestle on canvas, not on paper.
Pete: Don’t remind me. Must you always train like it’s a life or death situation?
Karl: In order to surpass my own skills, yes. Although maybe I did go a little overboard for a light training match. But hey, you’ll recover. Tomorrow it’s a harder session for me, so you’ll see more intensity.
Pete: And what about that other match you have on? Marx and Walker isn’t it?
Karl: I’ll think about that later. I can’t focus on three completely different styles across two matches at once without making myself too vulnerable. I won’t know what hit me when I face Maelstrom even if I’m only focused on him, so what I’d be like thinking about Marx and Walker is anybodies guess.
Pete: Yeah, you’re right. Well, I guess I’ll see you later. Gonna try and get home before the shops shut. See ya Karl
Karl: Take care, Pete. [Pete leaves his pool, as the camera zooms in on Brown, who now stares straight through the lens] Maelstrom, eh? Should be interesting. Thanks for your assistance, even if you couldn’t care less either way. But at Combat, don’t be surprised if you come up against something even you can’t quite overpower.
[FADE OUT]
Man: Bad luck against Dakota there, Karl.
Karl: Yeah, I know Pete. He wanted it a little more than I did, obviously.
Pete: Yeah, but hey, you got the job done against Stolz over in EPW, right? Now THAT was a sight.
Karl: You mean the quebrada into the Dragon’s Bite? Just something I’d been working on to give me an extra edge. Although now, I’m going to have to come up with another sequence, before that one gets countered too easily. Who knows, Maelstrom might be the one to counter it.
Pete: Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. You’ve got Maelstrom in the WLS this week. Isn’t he the guy who
Karl: [cutting Pete off] Yes, he is. The guy who’s saved my ass for the past two weeks. I’m a little disappointed in him coming out last Combat, but he wouldn’t care either way, so there’s no point really in worrying about it.
Pete: Yeah, but he’s devalued you as a wrestler hasn’t he?
Karl: You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard that since. Yeah, if I win the series and the title people may say it’s all because Maelstrom saved me from injury two weeks on the trot, but if it happens, it happens. It just means I’ll have to prove myself that little bit more.
Pete: Yeah. I still can’t believe he was unprofessional enough to come out. Letting his problems with Dakota Smith boil like that and make you look like someone who needs help… man, I’d hate to be in his shoes when you get done with him.
Karl: Huh? Sorry, Pete, you must have me confused with someone else. I see this as just another match.
Pete: So, you think you’re gonna win?
Karl: No. Completely the opposite, I think I’m going to lose worse than I ever have before. [Pete gives a look of surprise] It’s like this, Pete. Maelstrom’s regarded as the best. And he’s regarded as the best for a reason. He’s more experienced than I am, he’s far stronger than I am, and he has at least as many ways of hurting me as I do him. If anything, his strength gives him a huge advantage, since he can use it to hurt me more than I can use what little strength I have. Just getting him into a position where I can keep him down is going to be hard enough. Actually keeping him down might be impossible for me to do. Same way I view every opponent.
Pete: Oh, you mean that whole challenge thing?
Karl: I think in Maelstrom’s case, though, the challenge might be more than I can handle. I’m still going to give it everything I’ve got. Wouldn’t want people to say I couldn’t give him the match of his career. And who knows? Maybe I’ll get that one bit of luck, one lucky break where I hold all the cards, and pin his shoulders to the mat. I’ve already seen one way to counter Mortal Sin, and there’ve got to be others out there. No move has any fewer than three ways to counter it; it’s all just a matter of finding them. No plan is foolproof, and no man is completely invincible. He’ll be the first to admit that.
Pete: Whoa, whoa, whoa. You’re saying you’re going to lose but there’s a chance to win? Which is it?
Karl: We’ll know that once the match is over. One of the first things I learnt is to never make a promise you can’t keep. The stronger likelihood is that I’m going to get my ass handed to me, but that’s only on paper. And thankfully, we wrestle on canvas, not on paper.
Pete: Don’t remind me. Must you always train like it’s a life or death situation?
Karl: In order to surpass my own skills, yes. Although maybe I did go a little overboard for a light training match. But hey, you’ll recover. Tomorrow it’s a harder session for me, so you’ll see more intensity.
Pete: And what about that other match you have on? Marx and Walker isn’t it?
Karl: I’ll think about that later. I can’t focus on three completely different styles across two matches at once without making myself too vulnerable. I won’t know what hit me when I face Maelstrom even if I’m only focused on him, so what I’d be like thinking about Marx and Walker is anybodies guess.
Pete: Yeah, you’re right. Well, I guess I’ll see you later. Gonna try and get home before the shops shut. See ya Karl
Karl: Take care, Pete. [Pete leaves his pool, as the camera zooms in on Brown, who now stares straight through the lens] Maelstrom, eh? Should be interesting. Thanks for your assistance, even if you couldn’t care less either way. But at Combat, don’t be surprised if you come up against something even you can’t quite overpower.
[FADE OUT]
J
JLebron
Guest
Adapting - PT 2
(FADE BACK IN:.... to the same NWL set, picking up exactly where we left off where we find Maelstrom and the mysterious "other person" still conversing.....)
MAELSTROM: ......Reality! Dakota and this Yours Truly guy are playing games with the wrong person. Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if they were both one and the same. Anarky is living in his own little fantasy world where nothing but his own worth is significant.... and Brown, well, while he may not be loitering on the edge of a facade like the others..... he's still a victim of circumstance, being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
VOICE: Victim is a pretty subjective thought Mael. You and Brown happen to be sharing similar situations, having matches booked in multiple promotions during the same time frame, only he seems to be a bit more humble.... realistic even, on his entire outlook.
MAELSTROM: Humble has never been my way and never will be. I know what I'm capable of, I spread the word..... but more importantly.... I BACK IT UP! As for being realistic, when have you known me NOT to be realistic?
(raises an eyebrow in a questioning manner)
VOICE: Tou-che'. Nonetheless, I see something in this Brown guy..... can't quite place my finger on it yet..... but it'll come to me.
MAELSTROM: Don't bother, I'll put my finger on it for you. Brown IS aware of his limits just as he's aware of his own talents.... and his ego isn't in need of stroking. He's a no-nonsense guy. With him, what you see is what you get. And that I can respect. Though respect means nothing once we step into the ring.
VOICE: That's close, but not quite it. What I see is that he kinda reminds me of..... YOU! At least in a slightly less aggressive, more composed manner.
(Maelstrom furrows his brow and nods his head)
MAELSTROM: Actually, I can see that.... to a certain limited extent. I guess we can be sorta like opposite faces of the same coin. Both similar yet different at the same time.
VOICE: As a result, It may just come down to the Mortal Sin vs his Dragon's Bite.
MAELSTROM: It may well come to that. We'll find out soon enough won't we? So you came all this way, surfacing after all these years just to tell me that?
VOICE: Actually, I never really left. I've been present in every single arena you've had a match in since I dropped out of the spotlight. I've sat and watched with the fans in the stands and I've even been there, in the not so distant background of your lockerroom interviews and press conferences.
(A look of confusion comes over Maelstrom's face, which quickly turns into one of annoyance)
MAELSTROM: WHY? Why did you feel the need to stay in the shadows all this time? And more importantly, why've you chosen to surface NOW?
(a moment of silence ensues as Maelstrom glares at the mysterious figure in the other chair, seconds later, the mysterious figure crosses his legs and lets out a heavy sigh right before he responds)
VOICE: Why I chose to stay in the shadows.... and still choose to do so now is a matter for another time. Why I chose to make my presence known to you NOW wasn't MY decision.
MAELSTROM: (seeming to grow a bit restless as his anger begins to rise) What are you talking about?
VOICE: I came to give you something......
(the mysterious man suddenly leans forward, offering us a very brief glimpse of his features..... unfortunately, not enough to make out his identity. All we managed to notice was a profile view of his short cropped hair and unshaven face before he leans back into the shadows and hands Maelstrom an envelope labeled Pentagon Federal Bank. Maelstrom examines it briefly before looking back up with a raised eyebrow and smile, waiting for an explanation that doesn't come)
MAELSTROM: What's this? The money you owe me for all those wagers you lost?
VOICE: Actually, you're not too far off. I got that from my safety-deposit box over at Pentagon Federal. HOW it got there is a total mystery to the bank officials. At least that's the story they were sticking with along with their pathetic apologies while I closed out ALL my accounts from there. It's doesn't say who it's for, but I'm willing to bet all the money I DO owe you, that it's for YOU!
(gives a half smile, in anticipation of an upcoming punchline to an obscure joke)
MAELSTROM: Hey, you're on.... DOUBLE or nothing!
VOICE: Okay, only BEFORE you open it, just turn it over and read what's written on the back.
(Maelstrom turns it over and squints as he tries to read it)
MAELSTROM: The lighting's kinda dim here, it's hard to make out, the color of the pen seems to blend in with the color of the envelope.... it looks like "our rule"
VOICE: Some of the letters are lighter than the others, try holding it up to the light.
(Maelstrom complies and begins to sound it out)
MAELSTROM: .... hmmmm... yeah... now I see it, it says....
(Maelstrom stops in mid sentence and glares hard at the mysterious man before finally responding....)
MAELSTROM: ...Yours Truly?!
(a hush suddenly takes over as Maelstrom looks at the stranger in a questioning manner...... it's only when the mysterious man speaks that Maelstrom's expression changes from one of curiosity to one of realization and anger....)
VOICE: You DID say double or nothing right? Guess that makes us even.
(Maelstrom suddenly jumps out of his chair and with clenched fists stands over the mysterious man, who from our limited vantage point, we can see is unwavered as he remains sitting with his legs crossed.... never once flinching as we begin to fade to yet another prompted message ..... TO BE CONTINUED.....)
(FADE BACK IN:.... to the same NWL set, picking up exactly where we left off where we find Maelstrom and the mysterious "other person" still conversing.....)
MAELSTROM: ......Reality! Dakota and this Yours Truly guy are playing games with the wrong person. Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if they were both one and the same. Anarky is living in his own little fantasy world where nothing but his own worth is significant.... and Brown, well, while he may not be loitering on the edge of a facade like the others..... he's still a victim of circumstance, being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
VOICE: Victim is a pretty subjective thought Mael. You and Brown happen to be sharing similar situations, having matches booked in multiple promotions during the same time frame, only he seems to be a bit more humble.... realistic even, on his entire outlook.
MAELSTROM: Humble has never been my way and never will be. I know what I'm capable of, I spread the word..... but more importantly.... I BACK IT UP! As for being realistic, when have you known me NOT to be realistic?
(raises an eyebrow in a questioning manner)
VOICE: Tou-che'. Nonetheless, I see something in this Brown guy..... can't quite place my finger on it yet..... but it'll come to me.
MAELSTROM: Don't bother, I'll put my finger on it for you. Brown IS aware of his limits just as he's aware of his own talents.... and his ego isn't in need of stroking. He's a no-nonsense guy. With him, what you see is what you get. And that I can respect. Though respect means nothing once we step into the ring.
VOICE: That's close, but not quite it. What I see is that he kinda reminds me of..... YOU! At least in a slightly less aggressive, more composed manner.
(Maelstrom furrows his brow and nods his head)
MAELSTROM: Actually, I can see that.... to a certain limited extent. I guess we can be sorta like opposite faces of the same coin. Both similar yet different at the same time.
VOICE: As a result, It may just come down to the Mortal Sin vs his Dragon's Bite.
MAELSTROM: It may well come to that. We'll find out soon enough won't we? So you came all this way, surfacing after all these years just to tell me that?
VOICE: Actually, I never really left. I've been present in every single arena you've had a match in since I dropped out of the spotlight. I've sat and watched with the fans in the stands and I've even been there, in the not so distant background of your lockerroom interviews and press conferences.
(A look of confusion comes over Maelstrom's face, which quickly turns into one of annoyance)
MAELSTROM: WHY? Why did you feel the need to stay in the shadows all this time? And more importantly, why've you chosen to surface NOW?
(a moment of silence ensues as Maelstrom glares at the mysterious figure in the other chair, seconds later, the mysterious figure crosses his legs and lets out a heavy sigh right before he responds)
VOICE: Why I chose to stay in the shadows.... and still choose to do so now is a matter for another time. Why I chose to make my presence known to you NOW wasn't MY decision.
MAELSTROM: (seeming to grow a bit restless as his anger begins to rise) What are you talking about?
VOICE: I came to give you something......
(the mysterious man suddenly leans forward, offering us a very brief glimpse of his features..... unfortunately, not enough to make out his identity. All we managed to notice was a profile view of his short cropped hair and unshaven face before he leans back into the shadows and hands Maelstrom an envelope labeled Pentagon Federal Bank. Maelstrom examines it briefly before looking back up with a raised eyebrow and smile, waiting for an explanation that doesn't come)
MAELSTROM: What's this? The money you owe me for all those wagers you lost?
VOICE: Actually, you're not too far off. I got that from my safety-deposit box over at Pentagon Federal. HOW it got there is a total mystery to the bank officials. At least that's the story they were sticking with along with their pathetic apologies while I closed out ALL my accounts from there. It's doesn't say who it's for, but I'm willing to bet all the money I DO owe you, that it's for YOU!
(gives a half smile, in anticipation of an upcoming punchline to an obscure joke)
MAELSTROM: Hey, you're on.... DOUBLE or nothing!
VOICE: Okay, only BEFORE you open it, just turn it over and read what's written on the back.
(Maelstrom turns it over and squints as he tries to read it)
MAELSTROM: The lighting's kinda dim here, it's hard to make out, the color of the pen seems to blend in with the color of the envelope.... it looks like "our rule"
VOICE: Some of the letters are lighter than the others, try holding it up to the light.
(Maelstrom complies and begins to sound it out)
MAELSTROM: .... hmmmm... yeah... now I see it, it says....
(Maelstrom stops in mid sentence and glares hard at the mysterious man before finally responding....)
MAELSTROM: ...Yours Truly?!
(a hush suddenly takes over as Maelstrom looks at the stranger in a questioning manner...... it's only when the mysterious man speaks that Maelstrom's expression changes from one of curiosity to one of realization and anger....)
VOICE: You DID say double or nothing right? Guess that makes us even.
(Maelstrom suddenly jumps out of his chair and with clenched fists stands over the mysterious man, who from our limited vantage point, we can see is unwavered as he remains sitting with his legs crossed.... never once flinching as we begin to fade to yet another prompted message ..... TO BE CONTINUED.....)
EpyonMarx
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- www.karl-brown.co.uk
Powerbomb in Hard Rock
[FADE IN. Hard Rock Café in Nottingham, England. Karl “The Dragon” Brown is sitting at a table, facing the wall. He looks up at the memorabilia; a picture disc for Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” and a signed acoustic guitar used by Donovan Leitch are the ones which stand out. Sitting opposite Karl, under a video screen, is a reporter, dressed casually, a small Dictaphone on the table between them]
Reporter: OK, thanks again for this interview Karl. I know you’re busy getting ready for your matches, but this is really big for the magazine.
Karl: Sure, no problem. What magazine was it for again?
Reporter: Powerbomb. I’ll send you a copy. We’re a small underground magazine, so you won’t find us in the shops, but hopefully this’ll get us enough interest to make the major chains stand up and take notice. Shall we begin?
Karl: Sure.
Reporter: Right. [The reporter presses a button on the Dictaphone, setting it down on the table before speaking. A little red light tells us it’s recording] OK, this is Robert Albright, reporting for Powerbomb magazine with an interview with Karl “The Dragon” Brown. Karl, you’re already being called a star. How does that make you feel?
Karl: It’s good to be noticed, but I’d have to question the star comment. I’ve only been wrestling professionally for a few months, after all. Yes, I rose to fame quickly in MCW, and hold a good spot in Empire Pro and the NWL, but to call me a star is premature. I do what I do best, which is wrestle and bring the fans in. I enjoy what I do, and whilst I may be popular right now, that doesn’t make me a star. If you look at the real stars of this business, you’ve got your Dan Ryan’s, your Maelstrom’s, the guys who’ve been doing this a while. Time will tell if I deserve to be called a star. Until then, I’m happy to just keep doing something I enjoy.
Robert: So, you see yourself still at a lower level than the fans do? Why is that?
Karl: What have I really done to be called a star? Yes, I’ve made it far in a few tournaments and had some great matches, but still, anyone can have a run of a few months where they get some great matches. Mayhem Mountain, for example, could have had any two guys in it, and it still would have been talked about a helluva lot. Benjamin and I did put on a show and a half, and I paid for some of the hits, but still, that one match is hardly the basis of an entire career. Yes, I’ve beaten the likes of Christian Sands and Lars Magellan, and had great matches with Dakota Smith and Adam Benjamin, but still, I’ve got a long way to go before I can be called a star. So, yeah, I suppose I do see myself on a lower level than others do, but that’s one thing about me. I don’t believe my own hype. I got hyped as the perfect fairy tale when I made it to the final of the MCW heavyweight championship tournament, and even believed it was possible for me to go all the way and win the title, but it never happened. If you start to believe your own hype, you leave yourself open, and it’ll hurt like hell when the hype gets torn away. I think I said something similar to some wrestling trainees the other day, as a matter of fact.
Robert: Yeah, one of your promos. How do you come up with the idea for those?
Karl: I don’t, really. People have said my promos are all for show, but they’re nothing of the sort. Most are done in forests or somewhere out in nature, and that’s because I enjoy being outdoors. I use Sherwood Forest quite a lot because I feel more peaceful there. And when I do the promos where I’ve been training, am training or am giving a talk or interview, those are to save time. I mean, I have to train a lot for some of these matches, and I don’t have as much time as I’d like to travel round to be outdoors for every promo. So, I sometimes double up time slots to get them done and still have some time where I can gather my thoughts before the big matches.
Robert: Speaking of big matches, you’re going up against Maelstrom at NWL Combat. He says you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, that you’re a victim of circumstance. How do you respond to that?
Karl: I know Maelstrom outside the ring is distracted, but I’ve also seen enough of him to know that he won’t let that interfere with things inside the ring. Does that make me a victim of circumstances? Not in my mind. What I see when I look at Maelstrom is another test of my skills. He doesn’t win often, but he’s just as beatable on any given night as any man he faces. I know a lot of people, myself included, think I don’t have much of a chance. But there’s always the possibility that I’ll catch a lucky break and pick up the win. Then, I’ll be a victim of good fortune. As far as being in the wrong place at the wrong time goes, I’m looking forward to facing him. I’ve been looking forward to facing him for a while, ever since I saw his name on the roster. I was quietly pleased when I saw him in Empire Pro too, but obviously that didn’t work out. But since he’s in the NWL, then I knew our paths would cross sooner or later. Far from being in the wrong place, I’m exactly where I want to be. He’s going to be one of the biggest tests I’ve ever faced in wrestling. Even if I lose, I know that as long as I do my best, as long as I give it everything I have, I can hold my head up high and know then how much more I have to advance.
Robert: Yeah, about that. Could you explain your philosophy a little? It’s not really common, and a lot of people, myself included, have trouble working out what you mean.
Karl: Sure. I know that in this business, losing is a reality. There’s always going to be a winner and loser. And I know that I’m just as likely to lose as anyone else. Losing doesn’t phase me as much as it does others because I know there are going to be times when I fail. And when you’re going up against someone with the skills of someone like Maelstrom, as well as the experience, then you’ve got to expect to lose. I use the matches not as a means to win popularity, but as a means to test my own skills. I know, for example, if I can give Maelstrom a match which no-one knows which way it’s going to go, and then I can go out the next night and do it again and again, I know at what level I can class myself at, and how much further I have to go to the next level. If you remember my match at Empire Pro’s Black Dawn PPV, you’ll remember I went into that saying that the IC title was a symbol of how far I’d progressed. For others, those titles are symbols of what they are, but for me, each title is a symbol of how far I’ve progressed, and how far I have to go before I reach the next level. In the NWL, the titles are set at different levels. The TV was the first decided, then the IC, and soon, the Worlds will be decided, and it’s done in that order because that’s seen as the order of importance. So, for example, people can see Jarod Poe at the top of the TV championship level, working towards the IC strap. People look at the WLS participants and see the five of us as the top guys in the NWL based on what we’ve done so far. Right now, I see myself working towards a high level, towards the Worlds Title. If I fail to win it this time, I can take a step back, and start working towards the level I need to win that title. Then, I can start working towards holding onto that strap. I use the titles as a physical measure of my own level. The matches I have are also indicators of what level I am and how far I have to go before I can reach the next level. I want to surpass myself, and to do that, I’ve set myself goals. As I accomplish each goal, I set another one, slightly higher. I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew, to use an old cliché, but at the same time I don’t want to be able to swallow it in one gulp every time. By making goals to work towards, I can keep progressing at a steady rate. But like I said, I know that I’ll lose along the way, and my path will become blocked. It’s working your way around those blocks and obstacles that makes us better people, that makes us stronger, so why should I really be too worried about one loss?
Robert: Fair point. Maelstrom also said it could come down to the Dragon’s Bite against Mortal Sin. How do you see it?
Karl: If it comes down to finishers, then it’s too close to call. Mortal Sin is a powerful submission move, but it can be countered, as The Watcher showed us. The Dragon’s Bite can be countered in several ways too, which is why I adapt how I set it up, to try and take away some of those. In a battle of the finishers, though, I’d have to go with Mortal Sin, much like any sane person would.
Robert: So you’re saying you expect to lose this week?
Karl: I’m not planning on losing, but I expect it as a reality, yes.
Robert: OK. One last question. Where do you see yourself going from here on out?
Karl: [a slight pause, as Karl thinks for a minute, sighing slightly] I can see myself staying around in this business, but I can’t really say where I’ll be. Will I hold a title? Who knows? A lot of people see a world’s title in my future, but until it happens, I can’t really comment. I don’t make promises I can’t keep, and I can’t keep a promise that I’ll hold a title or go on to bigger and better things in my career. All I can say is that I’m going to give it my all, that I’m going to keep trying, keep doing what I do best, and see where things go from here.
Robert: [stopping the tape] OK. Thanks for the interview, Karl. I take it the camera here is what you meant by doubling up time slots?
Karl: Yeah. I’m taking the rest of the day off to train, so I thought I’d do both in one go. Besides, you guys could use the advertising, right?
Robert: [laughing] True, true. Thanks again, Karl.
Karl: Any time. [Robert picks up the Dictaphone, shaking Karl’s hand before leaving. Karl turns to face the camera] Maelstrom. I’m going to enjoy this match, win or lose. Don’t worry, you’ll get my best. See you at Combat.
[FADE OUT]
[FADE IN. Hard Rock Café in Nottingham, England. Karl “The Dragon” Brown is sitting at a table, facing the wall. He looks up at the memorabilia; a picture disc for Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” and a signed acoustic guitar used by Donovan Leitch are the ones which stand out. Sitting opposite Karl, under a video screen, is a reporter, dressed casually, a small Dictaphone on the table between them]
Reporter: OK, thanks again for this interview Karl. I know you’re busy getting ready for your matches, but this is really big for the magazine.
Karl: Sure, no problem. What magazine was it for again?
Reporter: Powerbomb. I’ll send you a copy. We’re a small underground magazine, so you won’t find us in the shops, but hopefully this’ll get us enough interest to make the major chains stand up and take notice. Shall we begin?
Karl: Sure.
Reporter: Right. [The reporter presses a button on the Dictaphone, setting it down on the table before speaking. A little red light tells us it’s recording] OK, this is Robert Albright, reporting for Powerbomb magazine with an interview with Karl “The Dragon” Brown. Karl, you’re already being called a star. How does that make you feel?
Karl: It’s good to be noticed, but I’d have to question the star comment. I’ve only been wrestling professionally for a few months, after all. Yes, I rose to fame quickly in MCW, and hold a good spot in Empire Pro and the NWL, but to call me a star is premature. I do what I do best, which is wrestle and bring the fans in. I enjoy what I do, and whilst I may be popular right now, that doesn’t make me a star. If you look at the real stars of this business, you’ve got your Dan Ryan’s, your Maelstrom’s, the guys who’ve been doing this a while. Time will tell if I deserve to be called a star. Until then, I’m happy to just keep doing something I enjoy.
Robert: So, you see yourself still at a lower level than the fans do? Why is that?
Karl: What have I really done to be called a star? Yes, I’ve made it far in a few tournaments and had some great matches, but still, anyone can have a run of a few months where they get some great matches. Mayhem Mountain, for example, could have had any two guys in it, and it still would have been talked about a helluva lot. Benjamin and I did put on a show and a half, and I paid for some of the hits, but still, that one match is hardly the basis of an entire career. Yes, I’ve beaten the likes of Christian Sands and Lars Magellan, and had great matches with Dakota Smith and Adam Benjamin, but still, I’ve got a long way to go before I can be called a star. So, yeah, I suppose I do see myself on a lower level than others do, but that’s one thing about me. I don’t believe my own hype. I got hyped as the perfect fairy tale when I made it to the final of the MCW heavyweight championship tournament, and even believed it was possible for me to go all the way and win the title, but it never happened. If you start to believe your own hype, you leave yourself open, and it’ll hurt like hell when the hype gets torn away. I think I said something similar to some wrestling trainees the other day, as a matter of fact.
Robert: Yeah, one of your promos. How do you come up with the idea for those?
Karl: I don’t, really. People have said my promos are all for show, but they’re nothing of the sort. Most are done in forests or somewhere out in nature, and that’s because I enjoy being outdoors. I use Sherwood Forest quite a lot because I feel more peaceful there. And when I do the promos where I’ve been training, am training or am giving a talk or interview, those are to save time. I mean, I have to train a lot for some of these matches, and I don’t have as much time as I’d like to travel round to be outdoors for every promo. So, I sometimes double up time slots to get them done and still have some time where I can gather my thoughts before the big matches.
Robert: Speaking of big matches, you’re going up against Maelstrom at NWL Combat. He says you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, that you’re a victim of circumstance. How do you respond to that?
Karl: I know Maelstrom outside the ring is distracted, but I’ve also seen enough of him to know that he won’t let that interfere with things inside the ring. Does that make me a victim of circumstances? Not in my mind. What I see when I look at Maelstrom is another test of my skills. He doesn’t win often, but he’s just as beatable on any given night as any man he faces. I know a lot of people, myself included, think I don’t have much of a chance. But there’s always the possibility that I’ll catch a lucky break and pick up the win. Then, I’ll be a victim of good fortune. As far as being in the wrong place at the wrong time goes, I’m looking forward to facing him. I’ve been looking forward to facing him for a while, ever since I saw his name on the roster. I was quietly pleased when I saw him in Empire Pro too, but obviously that didn’t work out. But since he’s in the NWL, then I knew our paths would cross sooner or later. Far from being in the wrong place, I’m exactly where I want to be. He’s going to be one of the biggest tests I’ve ever faced in wrestling. Even if I lose, I know that as long as I do my best, as long as I give it everything I have, I can hold my head up high and know then how much more I have to advance.
Robert: Yeah, about that. Could you explain your philosophy a little? It’s not really common, and a lot of people, myself included, have trouble working out what you mean.
Karl: Sure. I know that in this business, losing is a reality. There’s always going to be a winner and loser. And I know that I’m just as likely to lose as anyone else. Losing doesn’t phase me as much as it does others because I know there are going to be times when I fail. And when you’re going up against someone with the skills of someone like Maelstrom, as well as the experience, then you’ve got to expect to lose. I use the matches not as a means to win popularity, but as a means to test my own skills. I know, for example, if I can give Maelstrom a match which no-one knows which way it’s going to go, and then I can go out the next night and do it again and again, I know at what level I can class myself at, and how much further I have to go to the next level. If you remember my match at Empire Pro’s Black Dawn PPV, you’ll remember I went into that saying that the IC title was a symbol of how far I’d progressed. For others, those titles are symbols of what they are, but for me, each title is a symbol of how far I’ve progressed, and how far I have to go before I reach the next level. In the NWL, the titles are set at different levels. The TV was the first decided, then the IC, and soon, the Worlds will be decided, and it’s done in that order because that’s seen as the order of importance. So, for example, people can see Jarod Poe at the top of the TV championship level, working towards the IC strap. People look at the WLS participants and see the five of us as the top guys in the NWL based on what we’ve done so far. Right now, I see myself working towards a high level, towards the Worlds Title. If I fail to win it this time, I can take a step back, and start working towards the level I need to win that title. Then, I can start working towards holding onto that strap. I use the titles as a physical measure of my own level. The matches I have are also indicators of what level I am and how far I have to go before I can reach the next level. I want to surpass myself, and to do that, I’ve set myself goals. As I accomplish each goal, I set another one, slightly higher. I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew, to use an old cliché, but at the same time I don’t want to be able to swallow it in one gulp every time. By making goals to work towards, I can keep progressing at a steady rate. But like I said, I know that I’ll lose along the way, and my path will become blocked. It’s working your way around those blocks and obstacles that makes us better people, that makes us stronger, so why should I really be too worried about one loss?
Robert: Fair point. Maelstrom also said it could come down to the Dragon’s Bite against Mortal Sin. How do you see it?
Karl: If it comes down to finishers, then it’s too close to call. Mortal Sin is a powerful submission move, but it can be countered, as The Watcher showed us. The Dragon’s Bite can be countered in several ways too, which is why I adapt how I set it up, to try and take away some of those. In a battle of the finishers, though, I’d have to go with Mortal Sin, much like any sane person would.
Robert: So you’re saying you expect to lose this week?
Karl: I’m not planning on losing, but I expect it as a reality, yes.
Robert: OK. One last question. Where do you see yourself going from here on out?
Karl: [a slight pause, as Karl thinks for a minute, sighing slightly] I can see myself staying around in this business, but I can’t really say where I’ll be. Will I hold a title? Who knows? A lot of people see a world’s title in my future, but until it happens, I can’t really comment. I don’t make promises I can’t keep, and I can’t keep a promise that I’ll hold a title or go on to bigger and better things in my career. All I can say is that I’m going to give it my all, that I’m going to keep trying, keep doing what I do best, and see where things go from here.
Robert: [stopping the tape] OK. Thanks for the interview, Karl. I take it the camera here is what you meant by doubling up time slots?
Karl: Yeah. I’m taking the rest of the day off to train, so I thought I’d do both in one go. Besides, you guys could use the advertising, right?
Robert: [laughing] True, true. Thanks again, Karl.
Karl: Any time. [Robert picks up the Dictaphone, shaking Karl’s hand before leaving. Karl turns to face the camera] Maelstrom. I’m going to enjoy this match, win or lose. Don’t worry, you’ll get my best. See you at Combat.
[FADE OUT]
J
JLebron
Guest
Adapting - PT 3
(FADE BACK, YET AGAIN:.... to the NWL set where we see Maelstrom still hovering over the mysterious figure in the chair. His fists are clenched as he continues to glare intensely at the obscure figure in the chair......)
MAELSTROM: Is that ALL you have to say? What about this!
(tosses the crumpled up letter at the mysterious man's feet)
MAELSTROM: What the hell is that all about?
(the figure in the chair pauses a bit before answering)
VOICE: I don't know what to tell you Mael. I was as surprised as you were when I opened my safe-deposit box and saw it sitting there. Like I said, I've been following your action here as well as in other promotions and immediately knew what the deal was when I saw the signature. WHO he is, your guess is as good as mine. I'm still trying to figure out just how he managed to get that note into my box.
MAELSTROM: Is it really that hard to figure out? C'mon.... think! WHO else would have the resources to pull off such a stunt?
VOICE: I know you suspect Dakota to be behind all this, but with all due respect to Dakota, he doesn't have the brains to pull off something like this, not to mention the resources or creativity.
(Maelstrom nods his head in agreement as he calms down enough to take a seat and resumes speaking....)
MAELSTROM: I agree. He doesn't.... but it doesn't mean he's not involved!
VOICE: You don't mean?
MAELSTROM: That's precisely who I mean! That little cross-dressing transvestite JC! This has the stench of him all over it! Who else would know enough about me to know to get in contact with you? Better yet, who else would even know HOW and WHERE to find YOU!? He didn't learn his lesson the last time.... but when I finally catch up to him..... he'll learn the true meaning of regret!
VOICE: But JC's not even in the NWL? Why would he even become involved like that?
MAELSTROM: Who else do you know hates me enough to want to do that? Who else would play interference on behalf of Dakota, not to mention, the timing would be perfect, during a title series nonetheless?
VOICE: Hmmmmm.... gotta admit, that theory does make perfect sense. And it IS right up JC's alley. But you need to see the bigger picture here Mael.
MAELSTROM: And that is?
VOICE: If he IS behind all this, then he's already obtaining the results he's after. He's managed to distract your focus not only from your match against Brown, but away from your match against Anarky. You need to refocus Mael, you need to take all that hatred, take all those thoughts of retribution, and redirect towards other more viable targets such as Brown and Anarky.
(sighs heavily as he closes his eyes to try and compose himself.... after a few minutes, all the anger dissipates from his face and he seems once again, like himself)
MAELSTROM: I suppose you're right. I may have been blinded by my growing rage and couldn't see that I was walking right into it.
VOICE: It's time to get back on track and the first order of business is Karl Brown.
(CUTTO: Selected excerpts from Karl Brown's latest interview in the Hard Rock Cafe in Nottingham, England with the underground magazine Powerbomb.....
(CUT BACK TO: Maelstrom and the stranger picking up where they left off.....)
VOICE: Despite Brown's impressive rookie start, he still poses a quality rarely seen in this sport anymore.... he still acknowledges respect for others skills and talents. In particular, he seems to have a great deal of respect for you and Dan Ryan and goes on to mention some of his stellar matches against guys like Dakota....
MAELSTROM: Already humbled his ass and am about to do it again!
VOICE: Lars Magellan....
MAELSTROM: Handed him his ass as well!
VOICE: Christian Sands....
MAELSTROM: Was about to give him a reality check when that EPW fiasco ensued....
VOICE: Adam Benjamin....
MAELSTROM: WHO?! Adam ... WHO?!
VOICE: Adam Benjamin. He's one of EPW's inaugural champions.
(raises a hand to his chin then nods slowly with faint recognition)
MAELSTROM: Oh yeah.... that's right, I do recall hearing the name when I was in EPW.
VOICE: Well, he seems to think a LOT of him.
MAELSTROM: He's lucky I left EPW before he could taste the Mortal Sin.
VOICE: Careful Mael, your baring your arrogance again.
MAELSTROM: So what, it's not like I can't and haven't backed it up. I'm fully aware that things won't always go my way, but until that happens.... I'll be doing what I do best.... making sure they WILL! Hell, Brown himself admits that he's the underdog.....
VOICE: Yeah, but he still doesn't seem to lack for confidence. He DOES give you your props, but his determination seems unwavered.... almost as intense as your own.
MAELSTROM: Unwavered you say? I think that's arguable.... or didn't you catch that little "Freudian" slip he made?
VOICE: What "Freudian" slip?
(CUTTO: another excerpt from Brown's mic spot:
"What I see when I look at Maelstrom is another test of my skills. He DOESN'T win often, but he's just as beatable on any given night......"
CUT BACK TO: Maelstrom and the mysterious man)
MAELSTROM: I DON'T win very often? Now he's either smoking the same SH!T Anarky is or his nervousness and stress are getting to him.
VOICE: I think you're reading too much into that. I mean the man has done nothing but praise you and your accomplishments. He's even gone on record as saying that you ARE regarded as the best for SOME reason.
MAELSTROM: That may be, but you can't go into this at half speed. Yeah, sure he respects me and all that, but he can't seem to make up his own mind about how far he'll go in this match. I may be at an impasse, but he's definitely at the crossroads....
VOICE: The difference being?
MAELSTROM: Impasse is nothing more than a blockade you need to get past.... crossroads however.... well that's where indecision and doubt resides.... and he's floundering there right now.
VOICE: That's an interesting observation, if not merely just another interpretation. Me personally, I think the kid is simply being cautious. He's obviously taking the time to study you in every way he can. In doing so, he's even conceded that if it DOES come down to a battle of finishers, that your Mortal Sin WOULD in all likelihood... prevail. He's not planning on losing but realizes that the possibility DOES exist. I wouldn't take that as a sign of weakness but more as a sign of someone who knows himself, knows his abilities and limitations VERY well.... someone Mael.... VERY MUCH LIKE YOURSELF!
(Maelstrom only stares at the mystery man before a huge, malicious grin emerges upon his face)
MAELSTROM: Yeah.... that's exactly what I'm counting on......
(Silence is the only sound heard as Maelstrom stares at the mystery man and nods knowingly right before we begin to ..... FADE OUT.... or so we thought as we suddenly here a yell and the image suddenly disperses and changes, leading us to a hotel room where we see Maelstrom laying on a couch. His hair is matted over his profusely sweating forehead. He suddenly jerks up.... apparently, awaking from a tormented sleep.....)
MAELSTROM: What the -----
(Maelstrom looks around frantically, almost as if expecting to find someone in the room with him.... but he finds nothing save for a dressing mirror positioned directly across the sofa, facing him. He glares at it momentarily and mumbles to himself.......
MAELSTROM: Nah..... it couldn't be.....
(He shakes his head and dismisses the thought as he leans back on the sofa, sighs heavily and attempts to rub away the drowsiness from his face. Seconds later, he begins to speak....)
MAELSTROM: Seemed so real..... after so many years...... he was right there....
(looks toward the mirror again then as if snapping out of a trance, he shakes his head disparagingly and waves it off, much like someone refusing to accept an improbable possibility would........)
MAELSTROM: It was nothing but a dream..... AGAIN!
(sighs as he gets up, once again speaking to no-one in particular)
MAELSTROM: ..... I'm overdue for a moment of respite again..... both 'Narky and Brown are the keys leading to it..... not much time left..... to start ..... ADAPTING......
(without saying another word, Maelstrom heads towards the front door and disappears through it.....moments later, a letter is slipped underneath the door...... the camera zooms in to focus on the writing, which reads ..... "Yours Truly".... .... FADE OUT....)
(FADE BACK, YET AGAIN:.... to the NWL set where we see Maelstrom still hovering over the mysterious figure in the chair. His fists are clenched as he continues to glare intensely at the obscure figure in the chair......)
MAELSTROM: Is that ALL you have to say? What about this!
(tosses the crumpled up letter at the mysterious man's feet)
MAELSTROM: What the hell is that all about?
(the figure in the chair pauses a bit before answering)
VOICE: I don't know what to tell you Mael. I was as surprised as you were when I opened my safe-deposit box and saw it sitting there. Like I said, I've been following your action here as well as in other promotions and immediately knew what the deal was when I saw the signature. WHO he is, your guess is as good as mine. I'm still trying to figure out just how he managed to get that note into my box.
MAELSTROM: Is it really that hard to figure out? C'mon.... think! WHO else would have the resources to pull off such a stunt?
VOICE: I know you suspect Dakota to be behind all this, but with all due respect to Dakota, he doesn't have the brains to pull off something like this, not to mention the resources or creativity.
(Maelstrom nods his head in agreement as he calms down enough to take a seat and resumes speaking....)
MAELSTROM: I agree. He doesn't.... but it doesn't mean he's not involved!
VOICE: You don't mean?
MAELSTROM: That's precisely who I mean! That little cross-dressing transvestite JC! This has the stench of him all over it! Who else would know enough about me to know to get in contact with you? Better yet, who else would even know HOW and WHERE to find YOU!? He didn't learn his lesson the last time.... but when I finally catch up to him..... he'll learn the true meaning of regret!
VOICE: But JC's not even in the NWL? Why would he even become involved like that?
MAELSTROM: Who else do you know hates me enough to want to do that? Who else would play interference on behalf of Dakota, not to mention, the timing would be perfect, during a title series nonetheless?
VOICE: Hmmmmm.... gotta admit, that theory does make perfect sense. And it IS right up JC's alley. But you need to see the bigger picture here Mael.
MAELSTROM: And that is?
VOICE: If he IS behind all this, then he's already obtaining the results he's after. He's managed to distract your focus not only from your match against Brown, but away from your match against Anarky. You need to refocus Mael, you need to take all that hatred, take all those thoughts of retribution, and redirect towards other more viable targets such as Brown and Anarky.
(sighs heavily as he closes his eyes to try and compose himself.... after a few minutes, all the anger dissipates from his face and he seems once again, like himself)
MAELSTROM: I suppose you're right. I may have been blinded by my growing rage and couldn't see that I was walking right into it.
VOICE: It's time to get back on track and the first order of business is Karl Brown.
(CUTTO: Selected excerpts from Karl Brown's latest interview in the Hard Rock Cafe in Nottingham, England with the underground magazine Powerbomb.....
(CUT BACK TO: Maelstrom and the stranger picking up where they left off.....)
VOICE: Despite Brown's impressive rookie start, he still poses a quality rarely seen in this sport anymore.... he still acknowledges respect for others skills and talents. In particular, he seems to have a great deal of respect for you and Dan Ryan and goes on to mention some of his stellar matches against guys like Dakota....
MAELSTROM: Already humbled his ass and am about to do it again!
VOICE: Lars Magellan....
MAELSTROM: Handed him his ass as well!
VOICE: Christian Sands....
MAELSTROM: Was about to give him a reality check when that EPW fiasco ensued....
VOICE: Adam Benjamin....
MAELSTROM: WHO?! Adam ... WHO?!
VOICE: Adam Benjamin. He's one of EPW's inaugural champions.
(raises a hand to his chin then nods slowly with faint recognition)
MAELSTROM: Oh yeah.... that's right, I do recall hearing the name when I was in EPW.
VOICE: Well, he seems to think a LOT of him.
MAELSTROM: He's lucky I left EPW before he could taste the Mortal Sin.
VOICE: Careful Mael, your baring your arrogance again.
MAELSTROM: So what, it's not like I can't and haven't backed it up. I'm fully aware that things won't always go my way, but until that happens.... I'll be doing what I do best.... making sure they WILL! Hell, Brown himself admits that he's the underdog.....
VOICE: Yeah, but he still doesn't seem to lack for confidence. He DOES give you your props, but his determination seems unwavered.... almost as intense as your own.
MAELSTROM: Unwavered you say? I think that's arguable.... or didn't you catch that little "Freudian" slip he made?
VOICE: What "Freudian" slip?
(CUTTO: another excerpt from Brown's mic spot:
"What I see when I look at Maelstrom is another test of my skills. He DOESN'T win often, but he's just as beatable on any given night......"
CUT BACK TO: Maelstrom and the mysterious man)
MAELSTROM: I DON'T win very often? Now he's either smoking the same SH!T Anarky is or his nervousness and stress are getting to him.
VOICE: I think you're reading too much into that. I mean the man has done nothing but praise you and your accomplishments. He's even gone on record as saying that you ARE regarded as the best for SOME reason.
MAELSTROM: That may be, but you can't go into this at half speed. Yeah, sure he respects me and all that, but he can't seem to make up his own mind about how far he'll go in this match. I may be at an impasse, but he's definitely at the crossroads....
VOICE: The difference being?
MAELSTROM: Impasse is nothing more than a blockade you need to get past.... crossroads however.... well that's where indecision and doubt resides.... and he's floundering there right now.
VOICE: That's an interesting observation, if not merely just another interpretation. Me personally, I think the kid is simply being cautious. He's obviously taking the time to study you in every way he can. In doing so, he's even conceded that if it DOES come down to a battle of finishers, that your Mortal Sin WOULD in all likelihood... prevail. He's not planning on losing but realizes that the possibility DOES exist. I wouldn't take that as a sign of weakness but more as a sign of someone who knows himself, knows his abilities and limitations VERY well.... someone Mael.... VERY MUCH LIKE YOURSELF!
(Maelstrom only stares at the mystery man before a huge, malicious grin emerges upon his face)
MAELSTROM: Yeah.... that's exactly what I'm counting on......
(Silence is the only sound heard as Maelstrom stares at the mystery man and nods knowingly right before we begin to ..... FADE OUT.... or so we thought as we suddenly here a yell and the image suddenly disperses and changes, leading us to a hotel room where we see Maelstrom laying on a couch. His hair is matted over his profusely sweating forehead. He suddenly jerks up.... apparently, awaking from a tormented sleep.....)
MAELSTROM: What the -----
(Maelstrom looks around frantically, almost as if expecting to find someone in the room with him.... but he finds nothing save for a dressing mirror positioned directly across the sofa, facing him. He glares at it momentarily and mumbles to himself.......
MAELSTROM: Nah..... it couldn't be.....
(He shakes his head and dismisses the thought as he leans back on the sofa, sighs heavily and attempts to rub away the drowsiness from his face. Seconds later, he begins to speak....)
MAELSTROM: Seemed so real..... after so many years...... he was right there....
(looks toward the mirror again then as if snapping out of a trance, he shakes his head disparagingly and waves it off, much like someone refusing to accept an improbable possibility would........)
MAELSTROM: It was nothing but a dream..... AGAIN!
(sighs as he gets up, once again speaking to no-one in particular)
MAELSTROM: ..... I'm overdue for a moment of respite again..... both 'Narky and Brown are the keys leading to it..... not much time left..... to start ..... ADAPTING......
(without saying another word, Maelstrom heads towards the front door and disappears through it.....moments later, a letter is slipped underneath the door...... the camera zooms in to focus on the writing, which reads ..... "Yours Truly".... .... FADE OUT....)
EpyonMarx
New member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2003
- Messages
- 1,004
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Nottingham, England
- Website
- www.karl-brown.co.uk
[FADE IN. “The Dragon” is standing in a hotel bedroom, talking on the phone. Obviously, we only hear one side of the conversation, which we join part way through]
Karl: Yeah, I know I messed up. Slip of the tongue, nothing more. Of course I know Maelstrom rarely loses. It was a slip up; everyone makes them sometimes, you know? [A pause, Karl nodding as he listens to the voice on the other end of the line]
Karl: Yes, yes, I know. I’ve been working on that. Yes… that too… huh? What do I think about Maelstrom’s problems outside the ring? They’re none of my concern. What happens outside of this match has nothing to do with me, and I couldn’t care less if this JC and Dakota are teaming against Maelstrom. I know he’s going to be focused on the match come bell time, and knowing him he’ll use whatever’s gotten under his skin outside to fuel his fire. I know my limits, and yeah, he’s beyond anything I’ve known so far, but you never know, he might have an off night if I’m lucky. [Another pause, as Karl again listens to the voice on the other end]
Karl: Nah, I’m not going into this at half speed. If Maelstrom thinks I am, then he’s made his first mistake. I never give anything less than my best, but I do know how far my own skills and abilities go. On any given day I stand a chance of defeating him, but let's be realistic here. This is the guy regarded as the best, with one of the most devastating finishers, lots of experience, and he’s got some lunatic pissing him off. And I’m the guy who’s got to go up against THAT? I have roughly six months experience in a professional ring, coming off of a rough patch where in three matches I lost twice, and I have to somehow turn it up to a whole new level. Yeah, I’ll give him my all, but realistically, I’m not going to be disappointed when I lose. It’s more a case of when as opposed to if. [Karl, again, listens to the other member of this conversation]
Karl: Don’t worry about it, Kristin. This is my job, ok? I know what I’m doing. And, no, Maelstrom’s attempts to get inside my head haven’t worked. They make good promotion material, but they’re nothing special. They’ll hype this match a little more, but really, they don’t make a scrap of difference to me. I’ve given up expecting anything just from watching the promotional tapes. Yeah, that loss to Benjamin cleared a few things up in my mind. Made me realise there’s no point in letting these things get to me. That match, Benji’s promo’s clouded my head a little, but now there’s no point in letting them get to me. I mean, look at his thoughts on me being at a cross-roads. I’m at nothing of the sort. My path goes straight ahead. He might be enough of a blockage to knock me off it for a short while, but nothing I can’t bounce back from. Same as my loss to Sands, my loss to Benjamin, my loss to Rocko. I’m gonna bounce back from my loss to Dakota too, sooner or later. If it’s this match, then it’s great, and if not, then I don’t mind in the slightest. [Another silence, Karl nodding a little as he listens]
Karl: Kristin, don’t worry. I’ll be fine in there. Maelstrom may be more than I can overcome, but he’s nothing I can’t survive. If push comes to shove, I’ll get checked at the hospital. I doubt that’ll be necessary. I’ve got a few ideas laid out, and I think one of them stands a chance to get me a slight advantage. We’ll see soon enough, eh? I better head off though. You take care, k? Bye
[Karl hangs up the receiver, moving across the room to the bed, sitting on one side. He winks at the camera, mouthing “Good luck Maelstrom,” before staring through the lens, smiling. FADE OUT]
Karl: Yeah, I know I messed up. Slip of the tongue, nothing more. Of course I know Maelstrom rarely loses. It was a slip up; everyone makes them sometimes, you know? [A pause, Karl nodding as he listens to the voice on the other end of the line]
Karl: Yes, yes, I know. I’ve been working on that. Yes… that too… huh? What do I think about Maelstrom’s problems outside the ring? They’re none of my concern. What happens outside of this match has nothing to do with me, and I couldn’t care less if this JC and Dakota are teaming against Maelstrom. I know he’s going to be focused on the match come bell time, and knowing him he’ll use whatever’s gotten under his skin outside to fuel his fire. I know my limits, and yeah, he’s beyond anything I’ve known so far, but you never know, he might have an off night if I’m lucky. [Another pause, as Karl again listens to the voice on the other end]
Karl: Nah, I’m not going into this at half speed. If Maelstrom thinks I am, then he’s made his first mistake. I never give anything less than my best, but I do know how far my own skills and abilities go. On any given day I stand a chance of defeating him, but let's be realistic here. This is the guy regarded as the best, with one of the most devastating finishers, lots of experience, and he’s got some lunatic pissing him off. And I’m the guy who’s got to go up against THAT? I have roughly six months experience in a professional ring, coming off of a rough patch where in three matches I lost twice, and I have to somehow turn it up to a whole new level. Yeah, I’ll give him my all, but realistically, I’m not going to be disappointed when I lose. It’s more a case of when as opposed to if. [Karl, again, listens to the other member of this conversation]
Karl: Don’t worry about it, Kristin. This is my job, ok? I know what I’m doing. And, no, Maelstrom’s attempts to get inside my head haven’t worked. They make good promotion material, but they’re nothing special. They’ll hype this match a little more, but really, they don’t make a scrap of difference to me. I’ve given up expecting anything just from watching the promotional tapes. Yeah, that loss to Benjamin cleared a few things up in my mind. Made me realise there’s no point in letting these things get to me. That match, Benji’s promo’s clouded my head a little, but now there’s no point in letting them get to me. I mean, look at his thoughts on me being at a cross-roads. I’m at nothing of the sort. My path goes straight ahead. He might be enough of a blockage to knock me off it for a short while, but nothing I can’t bounce back from. Same as my loss to Sands, my loss to Benjamin, my loss to Rocko. I’m gonna bounce back from my loss to Dakota too, sooner or later. If it’s this match, then it’s great, and if not, then I don’t mind in the slightest. [Another silence, Karl nodding a little as he listens]
Karl: Kristin, don’t worry. I’ll be fine in there. Maelstrom may be more than I can overcome, but he’s nothing I can’t survive. If push comes to shove, I’ll get checked at the hospital. I doubt that’ll be necessary. I’ve got a few ideas laid out, and I think one of them stands a chance to get me a slight advantage. We’ll see soon enough, eh? I better head off though. You take care, k? Bye
[Karl hangs up the receiver, moving across the room to the bed, sitting on one side. He winks at the camera, mouthing “Good luck Maelstrom,” before staring through the lens, smiling. FADE OUT]
J
JLebron
Guest
The familiar unknown....
(FADE IN..... to a few hours before NWL showtime as Maelstrom is seen arriving at the Elks Lodge in Queens. He stops just outside of the entrance to stare at the promotional poster..... a faint smile emerges upon his lips as he glares at an image of Karl Brown facing his own image. He continues to stare at it impassively, then a snarl appears on his face as he reaches out to tear it down..... but suddenly stops in mid motion.... his hand still poised, hovering over the poster, ready, waiting to tear it down....... but he hesitates....... and sighs heavily as he changes his mind. He then turns and walks toward the door but stops in mid stride...... without turning around, his head slowly turns over his shoulder to glare once more at Brown's image. He mumbles something inaudible and gives a nod of respect, before finally entering the Elks Lodge to embrace and welcome an all too familiar, unknown fate ...... FADE OUT.....)
(FADE IN..... to a few hours before NWL showtime as Maelstrom is seen arriving at the Elks Lodge in Queens. He stops just outside of the entrance to stare at the promotional poster..... a faint smile emerges upon his lips as he glares at an image of Karl Brown facing his own image. He continues to stare at it impassively, then a snarl appears on his face as he reaches out to tear it down..... but suddenly stops in mid motion.... his hand still poised, hovering over the poster, ready, waiting to tear it down....... but he hesitates....... and sighs heavily as he changes his mind. He then turns and walks toward the door but stops in mid stride...... without turning around, his head slowly turns over his shoulder to glare once more at Brown's image. He mumbles something inaudible and gives a nod of respect, before finally entering the Elks Lodge to embrace and welcome an all too familiar, unknown fate ...... FADE OUT.....)
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