Post by Sephiroth du Lac on Mar 25, 2010 18:02:18 GMT -6
“The face of the enemy frightens me only when I see how much it resembles me”
*The camera falls on the nocturnal streets of Tampa Bay as a lone figure walks down the street. The figure is clad in shadows, a silhouette in the neon lights of the street. The figure walks with his collar up as if to hide himself to the world but on his back sits one image, sewn into the very fabric of his black leather trench...
...as this figure walks we watch him inching slowly into an alleyway. As he walks slowly within we hear a very unfamiliar voice narrate to us. A voice that true fans of the Fallen One can recognize, though it is older and more worn.*
Voice (voice over): Journal entry, March 24th, 2010. Long plane ride to Tampa Bay. Not happy about being dragged out of hiding. Richard says I should have stayed in New York. Should have stayed watching the vermin that litter our streets walking upright with human faces. I admit I'd rather be there but I had to investigate this for myself. Du Lac depressed, it was a nice change of pace. For once he couldn't blame me for it. Probably figure out a way to do so anyway.
*The man walks past an old bum defecating into a trashcan, two more young children, possibly 12 buying drugs from an older woman in sweat pants and a shirt. As the man looks at her, her eyes take an almost serpentine quality before she begins to walk away.*
Voice (Voice over): This city stinks of blood and desperation. The streets are overrun with leeches. The grates and gutters are clogged with the blood of the forgotten and forsaken. Each clamoring over the others in order to survive the flood. I hear this cities' voice. It screams like an abattoir full of retarded children. It screams in pain and suffering. It's wounds cut deep by the unseen masters that rule from the shadows. I am the voice of their victims. I am the answer to the lost's prayers. I am not a hero... I am an avenger. The last violent act of desperate men.
*He walks on and continues back into the main street. In silence he makes his way down the block. A few young people stand outside some shops. Each one wearing false fangs and howling at the moon. He passes by several who begin to run their mouths, the one who is silent watches as he passes by and as he does his eyes shift like cat's eyes*
Voice (Voice over): An antihero in every sense of the word.
*The figure stops and then begins to look up at the ominous but beautiful structure known as "The Castle".*
Voice (Voice over): And now I'm going into the den of the very man who despises me. The very creature that would see all I love, all I care for destroyed. I have mixed feelings about this meeting. I fear it maybe my last with Du Lac. I leave these words in the hope that someone take up my cause. It is said men do not lie with their final words; if you believe that then listen to me, whoever you are. Whoever reads these words know this...
*The figure walks to the front door and knocks three times. The door opens revealing Jane standing in a simple pink sweater and blue Capri pants. She motions for the figure to walk in and as he does the last words of his voice over resound with us.*
Voice (Voice over): MONSTERS ARE REAL.
*The camera cuts to the interior as the figure moves into the main hall. He looks up to admire the 1000 hand cut Dahl DeVare glass tiles that make up the massive chandelier. The walls are holo-tile block and brick, augmented by the 25 gothic arch windows that surround the hall. It is a massive feat of modern architecture and as the camera cuts around to the man's face we find he is none other than the former TIWF champion. The Antihero himself, Ebon. Ebon looked at Jane. The two were old acquaintances. Ebon had saved Jane in their early days by helping her break her drug habit. She impressed him with her independence and intelligence but that was before. Before Du Lac got a hold of her. It was to get to Ebon that Seph turned Jane. Ebon thought it was a joke at first. Like so many he had thought du Lac was all magic tricks and camera angles but after the night Jane handed the Haven to Seph Ebon had come to realize the truth... Du Lac was a very real threat. Since then Ebon had devoted every hour of the rest of his life running, hiding, fighting all because Du Lac took an "Interest in him". After the death of his wife, Ebon and Seph struck a deal. Seph would avoid him and he would avoid Seph. Ebon knew Seph was a man of his word but he was also a schemer. By even showing up Ebon knew his life was forfeit. But he wasn't worried for if Seph truly needed him he felt almost compelled to help him out. Despite their undying hatred there was a thrill in it both in flirting with danger and with pissing Du Lac off. Jane turned to him and pointed to the corner.*
Jane: Thanks for coming, Alex, He's over there.
*Ebon could sense the seriousness in Jane's voice. This was no joking matter. Something had brought Seph low. As Ebon approached he saw the man himself, if it could be called a man. Seph sat back a vial of blood in his hand dropping a single drip into a large glass of wine. Ebon shook his head and paused until he began to step toward the table.*
Ebon: Hello, Vlad...
*Seph's jaw visibly tightened, his muscles stiffened, his eyes shot to the figure approaching and one could see the seriousness in Du Lac's face. Ebon pulled out a stool and sat down at the table even as Seph sighed and sat up, Ebon couldn't help but smile as Seph could feel the indignity of Ebon's greeting.*
Seph: What the f*** are you doing here?
Ebon: Janey called me. I'm amazed she kept the number after all these years, Vamp. How long has it been?
Seph: Two years.
Ebon: Long time.
Seph: Not long enough.
Ebon: You look good, for a guy with no pulse.
Seph: Funny, you look like s***.
Ebon: Yeah but I'm alive, LANCE!
*Seph's jaw tightened as Ebon spat out the name. Ebon leaned back taking in his opponent. It was a thrill to see Seph on the defensive for a change. Then again Seph was always on the defensive when Ebon was around and the man would not have it any other way.*
Ebon: Here you have had a bad luck streak. Funny, I thought you were unstoppable. What the Juggernaut wear down?
*Seph could feel his anger rising. But still he feigned indifference.*
Seph: At least people still speak of me. When was the last time anyone gave a forethought about you?
Ebon: True enough but we all know who's responsible for that.
*Seph smiled at reminding Ebon of the past. Of what drove him underground. Though he never bested the man in single combat he was always haunting his steps. Seph took pride in bringing Ebon down and it showed in his face. Ebon on the other hand had a face of stone as he leaned back and matter of factly spoke.*
Ebon: At least I'm not sitting in a closed nightclub feeling sorry for myself.
*Seph's smile dropped from his face.*
Seph: Don't press me, Mr. Grand. Lest you find yourself in a familiar position.
Ebon: I saw your last two matches, Du Lac. Even with me getting on in years I could beat you. After all I always have.
*Ebon smiled and Seph's anger began to rise. He knocked his hand across the table sending his drink to the floor. His face stern and eyes like burning embers.*
Seph: Listen here, you insignificant little worm! Your last win was a fluke. I could beat you with one hand tied behind your back!
*Seph began to rise when Ebon stood himself and got up in Du Lac's face. Ebon smelled blood in the water and he wasn't about to back down from the man that had taken so much away from him.*
Ebon: Yeah? Is that before or after I reversed you and made you tap out? Or maybe that one was a fluke, but what about the time before that? And the time before that? Or the Camelot pit fight that nearly not only ended your career but put you underground?! Were they flukes?! I'm the best there is at what I do. I've faced the greatest they could throw at me and stood victorious. I was undefeated when we last fought and you still, to this day, cannot finish the job! Now your facing scrubs like Ricky Johnson and losing? Staying on undercard shows with guy's like Ace? Maybe RAYNE was right!
*Seph's eyes shifted and a growl began rising, he could feel his blood boil at the mere mention of her name. Ebon had him right where he wanted. A fact that made Ebon's smile grow wider*
Ebon: Maybe you weren't worth her time!
*Seph lunged for Ebon grabbing him by the throat. Ebon's old bones couldn't react in time and the two men went crashing to the ground. Seph pulled back ready to deliver a blow to his old foe but to his surprise Ebon simply began to laugh. Seph sat over him fist still drawn. His eyes filled with fury.*
Seph: What's so funny?
Ebon: Two years and I still know all the buttons to push. Go ahead hit me but it won't do you any good. Your opponent is Ace this week. Remember?
*Seph stopped himself. He was right. Ebon wasn't a wrestler anymore. Striking him would be like striking anyone else outside of the ring. Seph looked disgusted both with Ebon's answer and with himself. After all those years the old wounds still hurt. Nothing as trivial as physical pain but the emotional scars remained. Ebon as if sensing Du Lac's emotions continued.*
Ebon: Your still good, Du Lac. Quick, strong, your only weakness is your anger. Your bitterness and resentment. Quit trying to prove anything. You don't have anything to prove to anyone. Where was the vamp that chased me down? The ruthless son of a b**** that tried to end my career? Is he still in there? Or are you going to sit back like some 16 year old emo kid and wallow in self pity?
*Seph paused for a bit and looked at Ebon in surprise. Seph couldn't help but smile at the words he heard. The two looked at each other both smiling at the other until Seph offered Ebon a hand up. With Seph's help Ebon rose to his feet and the two men looked at each other both with respect and a veiled hatred.*
Seph: The next time you speak to me like that, I'll kill you no matter who's watching.
Ebon: I'd like to see you try, Dracula.
*The two men stood in silence for a bit. The look on their faces saying everything about what they had just endured. Like brothers they shared a strange comradery, a begrudging respect for the other. Seph and him couldn't help but laugh and soon the two of them shared a quick handshake.*
Seph: What would I do without you, Alex?
Ebon: Rule the world?
*Seph just smiled at the joke*
Seph: Perhaps, my life would be less eventful.
Ebon: Glad I can still get under your skin like that. So what will you do?
Seph: Me? I have a match to prepare for. Think they can toss me on some two bit preshow? By the time I'm done with this Ace they'll learn what happens when I get under appreciated. Remember the time I lost to Wise?
Ebon: How could I forget? You crucified him on the arena sign with ropes. Hard to forget stuff like that.
*Ebon and him chuckled and for a brief moment hatred was forgotten. Jane approached silently and smiled at Seph. Ebon couldn't help but be struck by seeing Jane again. He had forgotten for a moment the loss he felt for his friends that fell that faithful night. It was hard to realize you just laughed with the man who cost you everything. Seph too felt reality creeping up on him. He knew they were enemies and for a moment they had connected. Still the moment passed but Seph's anger was not raised. He would hunt Ebon personally another day. Jane broke the awkward moment with words spoken softly in caution.*
Jane: Feeling better, Master?
Seph: Yes, Jane. You have done well. A bit unorthodox but effective as far as treatment goes. Will you be staying long, Alex?
Ebon: No, I have to get back. I have things I have to do.
Seph: Like sabotaging my plans?
Ebon: Among other things. Still anytime you feel froggy, Du Lac.
*Seph just smiled and nodded his head.*
Seph: Another time. I have a match to get ready for. I plan on showing everyone just how dangerous I can be.
Ebon: Save it for the ring, Vlad. I got tired of hearing your speeches years ago. Like a two bit villain in a Scooby Doo cartoon.
*Seph's teeth gritted and Jane cracked a smile. Seph thought hard about killing them both right then but he decided to let it pass. There would be time enough to punish both his enemy and his progeny later.*
Seph: Get out of here, Mr. Grand. Janey take him out by the back exit. I don't want any of our kindred getting the wrong impression.
Jane: As you wish, Master.
Seph: Farewell, Ebon.
*Seph offered a hearty hand outward to Ebon who at length shook it back. The two had had their differences but above all they were both warriors, they both respected the other.*
Ebon: Good-bye, Drac.
*With that Ebon turned and followed Jane. Down winding corridors and back rooms they walked neither speaking nor acknowledging the other. The whole time Ebon playing the scenario in his mind. Why did he help him? He couldn't help but ponder it as they at length reached the door. Jane began to dig through her keys looking for the exit door. Ebon didn't owe Seph anything. Didn't even like him, yet he had helped him. Why? Ebon began to question. Began to wonder why his old enemy would call on him to help. He pondered each variable even as Jane opened the door. Ebon began to step forward lost in thought. He almost didn't hear the door shut and click behind him. Why did he help, Du Lac? Easy Ebon would always help anyone that called him for it, Jane knew that. Du Lac knew that too... Wait... Du Lac knew that. Ebon looked up into the alley and saw the figures in the shadows, the faces of those he passed on the way there, each one locked into a horrible fanged grin, even the kids, now with slit serpent like eyes.*
Ebon: Aww... s***!
*Ebon reached into his coat to pull out his rosary... only to find it was gone. Knocked to the floor unseen by Seph in their scuffle. Du Lac had played him for a fool. Ebon dropped into a stance... as the first one charged...
... a little while later Seph stood in the main hall of "the Castle" staring at footage of Ace from his previous matches on each of the four screens in the main hall. Jane walked up to him from behind and with a small curtsey dropped to her knees before him. Seph did not even turn around, instead he spoke but one question. The question that plagued his mind since Ebon had walked away*
Seph: How did he die?
*Jane did not even pause her eyes glued to him as she answered.*
Jane: Fighting, Master.
*Seph just smirked to himself, pulling a small rosary from his pocket and holding it in front of his eyes.*
Seph: Good.
*And with a smirk he dropped the rosary in his pocket and stared intently at the screens preparing himself mentally for the challenge ahead as the scene fades to black.*