Post by "The Genius" James Davis on Apr 19, 2010 20:57:19 GMT -6
A small gym is lit by a lamp-post.
There are a few cars parked outside. A long haired fellow sits on his car, smoking. As the camera draws near, the man gets wide-eyed and tucks the 'cigarette' behind him.
"Wha..." he coughs, "What are you guys doin' here? Huh?"
The man begins to cough loudly. The camera man's voice can't be heard over the hacking.
"Who?" the long haired man asks, "Davis? *cough* Yeah, uh, *cough* he's inside!"
The man continues to cough and the camera moves towards the gym door. It turns around, showing the long haired man.
He jumps off the car hood, patting down his flannel shirt and cursing.
"Aw, dangit!" he yells, "I dropped it!"
-------------------
Inside, James is in the ring with another, wrestling.
His opponent has medium length hair, greasy and stringy, with long pants. James bounces off the ropes and catches a stiff elbow. He falls to the mat.
The man turns and throws himself to the ropes, hopping to the second rope and leans back, executing a sault. He is met by James' knees.
James does a quick kip-up and waits for the man to stand.
As soon as he turns around, he hits 'Sheer Genius' and the man collapses.
-------------------
Later...
James paces in front of a brick wall. To the left, the locker room; to the right, the gym. The camera follows him, back and forth.
"Questions. A lot of questions."
He takes the towel from around his neck and wrings it.
"Why did you do it, James? What's your motivation? Why are you focusing on Payne? What's your deal with Joanne Canelli? Aren't you trying too hard? Who's next? "
James stops, putting his towel around his neck.
"Questions are good for answers. Any idiot can tell you that. To find out what you don't know.. you have to ask. Let me clear the air on these subjects people keep hasseling me about. I know I'm about the least likely to be on any NCW forums, but I have been personally approached.. so let me educate you."
James smiles, running his hands through his hair.
"Payne." he sighs, "Payne, Payne, Payne. We're gonna dance this dance again, friend. Oh yeah, you didn't pay attention, did you? Think back, way back. Do you remember the last time we faced each other? Oh sure, some other fed, some other state, some other decade.. But, think. You left me with a serious knee injury.. And although you called it 'Payne Killer' then, I was the one who had to keep taking them. I had to work hard just to stand on it, Christian."
"Now, you're back after a long hiatus, prancing, dancing.. Working your way through the ranks. You trying for another World Title? You think this is your last go-round? Break out your Ben-Gay."
James chuckles.
"We both know you have a stock pile of the stuff, god knows for what, but you might want to just get it and keep going. The talent here is more than what you're used to, buddy. These aren't geezers whose only moves are an armbar and a leg drop. You're going to have to really push yourself. It's more a young man's game than ever, something you have always had a time with. But, that brings me to my point, you don't have much time left, do you? You've laced your boots for the last time, Payne. You've heard your last cheer, your last boo, and it's about time to put you out to the pasture. You had a chance a decade ago to finish the job and I'm a walking testament to the fact you can't get the job done."
"Bringing your son into the mix was a mistake. He's going to have so many issues with you by the time I'm through, not even Freud would be able to understand. He walks in your image, Payne. Is that why he was brought in? Do you think that maybe if you can't cut it, he can?"
James paces again, turning briefly to look into the camera.
"I've got two matches down now and only one win. I can say I haven't been beaten. Nathan Doe pinned your son, not me. Of course that's why I clocked him one. Do you think I'm going to let him go on about how he beat three opponents? His math is off. He beat one man in a match with three! Were I a little more vigilant, I would have been there to break that pin. But, I had Tommy Victor. I had him!"
James stops, looking tense.
"He was so close. I could feel his ligaments stretch, almost tearing. I had him and your son, Payne, your son screwed up. Nathan pulled it right out from underneath us all. And now, he's on to greener pastures. So, when I saw that he and you had yourselves a little match, I just had to stick my nose in. Alex Jones didn't need my help. But I wanted some payback. I wanted some satisfaction for his gloating. I wanted to dish out some punishment. The fact that it stole the number one contendership from you two was a bonus. Nathan stole a win, I stole his shot."
"Enough about Payne, though. I've learned from my mistakes here in NCW. I can't be doomed to repeat our history, Payne. I can't afford another injury that robs me of my livelihood. I'm playing this one close to the hip, not going to do it the same and see how it turns out. Christian Payne, you've got my number. Let's see how well you use it."
James turns, scratching his chin.
"Now, about Ms. Canelli, what can I say? The lady is all about business. You've seen her matches, she knows how to win. Straight and to the point! Okay, yeah, the brass knuckles are a nice touch. But, hey, what the ref doesn't know doesn't hurt you. Unless it hurts you. Heh heh. I'm sure if the referee didn't see your opponent slide in with a chair and hit you with it.. it hurts. But, you live by the sword and die by the.. chair shot?"
"Ms. Canelli seems to understand me. Of course I'm still making my own way, trying to find my niche, here in NCW. She's got her own thing going, so it's not really that big of a deal. Her gift has me a bit puzzled. Not saying I haven't put it to good use, though. How's that jaw, Nathan?"
James removes something from his back pocket and tucks his right hand in it. He shows the camera, brass knuckles, with the letters 'TGJD' on them.
"The Genius James Davis. I guess it would be a bit much to have the whole thing on there. But, if my perception is correct, once you see it, it's too late to figure out what it means. Well, aside from 'Olp, I just got knocked out!'"
James laughs.
"The awesome thing about it, is that I seem to be making some friends around here. I can't help but make some enemies, it's just bound to happen. I started with Payne, hell, we could have been friends again, but he just had to ignore me. His stupid move. Nathan Doe tried to ignore me, to his own peril. You made that mistake, Nathan! Now, you're feeling it. I've got the opportunity to make the best of it, but he'll go back to ignoring me again. He'll have his hands full with all those voices running through his head. I hope that my efforts will prove that I am worth friendship, there is strength in numbers, after all. There is a grudging respect between most, but once held at arm's length, it isn't worth much. I'm talking due respect. And I think even though everyone has stated that they'll fight to get it.. I'm going to say it myself."
"I'll face anyone. It won't matter that I get smashed. It won't matter that I get beat. I can't get respect until I earn it. And I'll be like every other rookie, clawing my way until I have it. One more time with Tommy Victor. One more chance to prove I was just seconds to making you tap out! I'm going to bring everything I have until I'm out, Victor. I'm pulling out all the stops and going full steam to get glory! I'll try not to teach you anything you don't already know about pain. I've got a special lesson planned. Study hard."
James takes the towel off and wipes his brow.
"That's it. You can go now. I don't know how you found me here, but I've heard that NCW's camera men have skills akin to ninjas. I can accept that, but seriously? You should go now. I've got nothing left to say."
The camera fades out.
-------------------
Even later...
James walks out the door of the gym with a few others. They all head to their respective cars as James walks up to the long haired man on the car hood.
"Hey, Dave, you about ready?"
The long haired fellow, laying back, looks over.
"Uh.. yeah." he replies, "Hey! Have you ever.. have you ever, like, looked at the stars, man? Did you know there are like, thousands of stars?"
James laughs.
"Dave, you gotta lay off the green."
A limousine pulls to a stop about ten yards from the car. Two large men step out, one white, one black. They stand at the rear door, menacing in black shades.
"Uh, Dave..." James says, "Did you pay your dealer?"
"Whaaaat? Dude, I am just.." he sighs, "How could you even suggest--"
"Did you?"
"No." Dave replies quietly.
"Get in the car, Davis."
"Dude." Dave says sitting up. "He knows your name."
"What did you tell your dealer, Dave?" James says, grabbing Dave by his flannel shirt.
"I said I'd pay him Tuesday for a hamburger today? What's it matter man! I don't know those--"
"Davis! Get in the car, the boss wants a word with you."
James stops shaking Dave and lets go of his shirt. He turns around slowly and starts walking towards the limo.
James opens the door and looks back to Dave. Dave sits on the car hood, in shock. As he gets in, James looks up at the two men in suits, not able to see their eyes behind the glasses.
"Great. Just dump my body anywhere besides New Jersey."
There are a few cars parked outside. A long haired fellow sits on his car, smoking. As the camera draws near, the man gets wide-eyed and tucks the 'cigarette' behind him.
"Wha..." he coughs, "What are you guys doin' here? Huh?"
The man begins to cough loudly. The camera man's voice can't be heard over the hacking.
"Who?" the long haired man asks, "Davis? *cough* Yeah, uh, *cough* he's inside!"
The man continues to cough and the camera moves towards the gym door. It turns around, showing the long haired man.
He jumps off the car hood, patting down his flannel shirt and cursing.
"Aw, dangit!" he yells, "I dropped it!"
-------------------
Inside, James is in the ring with another, wrestling.
His opponent has medium length hair, greasy and stringy, with long pants. James bounces off the ropes and catches a stiff elbow. He falls to the mat.
The man turns and throws himself to the ropes, hopping to the second rope and leans back, executing a sault. He is met by James' knees.
James does a quick kip-up and waits for the man to stand.
As soon as he turns around, he hits 'Sheer Genius' and the man collapses.
-------------------
Later...
James paces in front of a brick wall. To the left, the locker room; to the right, the gym. The camera follows him, back and forth.
"Questions. A lot of questions."
He takes the towel from around his neck and wrings it.
"Why did you do it, James? What's your motivation? Why are you focusing on Payne? What's your deal with Joanne Canelli? Aren't you trying too hard? Who's next? "
James stops, putting his towel around his neck.
"Questions are good for answers. Any idiot can tell you that. To find out what you don't know.. you have to ask. Let me clear the air on these subjects people keep hasseling me about. I know I'm about the least likely to be on any NCW forums, but I have been personally approached.. so let me educate you."
James smiles, running his hands through his hair.
"Payne." he sighs, "Payne, Payne, Payne. We're gonna dance this dance again, friend. Oh yeah, you didn't pay attention, did you? Think back, way back. Do you remember the last time we faced each other? Oh sure, some other fed, some other state, some other decade.. But, think. You left me with a serious knee injury.. And although you called it 'Payne Killer' then, I was the one who had to keep taking them. I had to work hard just to stand on it, Christian."
"Now, you're back after a long hiatus, prancing, dancing.. Working your way through the ranks. You trying for another World Title? You think this is your last go-round? Break out your Ben-Gay."
James chuckles.
"We both know you have a stock pile of the stuff, god knows for what, but you might want to just get it and keep going. The talent here is more than what you're used to, buddy. These aren't geezers whose only moves are an armbar and a leg drop. You're going to have to really push yourself. It's more a young man's game than ever, something you have always had a time with. But, that brings me to my point, you don't have much time left, do you? You've laced your boots for the last time, Payne. You've heard your last cheer, your last boo, and it's about time to put you out to the pasture. You had a chance a decade ago to finish the job and I'm a walking testament to the fact you can't get the job done."
"Bringing your son into the mix was a mistake. He's going to have so many issues with you by the time I'm through, not even Freud would be able to understand. He walks in your image, Payne. Is that why he was brought in? Do you think that maybe if you can't cut it, he can?"
James paces again, turning briefly to look into the camera.
"I've got two matches down now and only one win. I can say I haven't been beaten. Nathan Doe pinned your son, not me. Of course that's why I clocked him one. Do you think I'm going to let him go on about how he beat three opponents? His math is off. He beat one man in a match with three! Were I a little more vigilant, I would have been there to break that pin. But, I had Tommy Victor. I had him!"
James stops, looking tense.
"He was so close. I could feel his ligaments stretch, almost tearing. I had him and your son, Payne, your son screwed up. Nathan pulled it right out from underneath us all. And now, he's on to greener pastures. So, when I saw that he and you had yourselves a little match, I just had to stick my nose in. Alex Jones didn't need my help. But I wanted some payback. I wanted some satisfaction for his gloating. I wanted to dish out some punishment. The fact that it stole the number one contendership from you two was a bonus. Nathan stole a win, I stole his shot."
"Enough about Payne, though. I've learned from my mistakes here in NCW. I can't be doomed to repeat our history, Payne. I can't afford another injury that robs me of my livelihood. I'm playing this one close to the hip, not going to do it the same and see how it turns out. Christian Payne, you've got my number. Let's see how well you use it."
James turns, scratching his chin.
"Now, about Ms. Canelli, what can I say? The lady is all about business. You've seen her matches, she knows how to win. Straight and to the point! Okay, yeah, the brass knuckles are a nice touch. But, hey, what the ref doesn't know doesn't hurt you. Unless it hurts you. Heh heh. I'm sure if the referee didn't see your opponent slide in with a chair and hit you with it.. it hurts. But, you live by the sword and die by the.. chair shot?"
"Ms. Canelli seems to understand me. Of course I'm still making my own way, trying to find my niche, here in NCW. She's got her own thing going, so it's not really that big of a deal. Her gift has me a bit puzzled. Not saying I haven't put it to good use, though. How's that jaw, Nathan?"
James removes something from his back pocket and tucks his right hand in it. He shows the camera, brass knuckles, with the letters 'TGJD' on them.
"The Genius James Davis. I guess it would be a bit much to have the whole thing on there. But, if my perception is correct, once you see it, it's too late to figure out what it means. Well, aside from 'Olp, I just got knocked out!'"
James laughs.
"The awesome thing about it, is that I seem to be making some friends around here. I can't help but make some enemies, it's just bound to happen. I started with Payne, hell, we could have been friends again, but he just had to ignore me. His stupid move. Nathan Doe tried to ignore me, to his own peril. You made that mistake, Nathan! Now, you're feeling it. I've got the opportunity to make the best of it, but he'll go back to ignoring me again. He'll have his hands full with all those voices running through his head. I hope that my efforts will prove that I am worth friendship, there is strength in numbers, after all. There is a grudging respect between most, but once held at arm's length, it isn't worth much. I'm talking due respect. And I think even though everyone has stated that they'll fight to get it.. I'm going to say it myself."
"I'll face anyone. It won't matter that I get smashed. It won't matter that I get beat. I can't get respect until I earn it. And I'll be like every other rookie, clawing my way until I have it. One more time with Tommy Victor. One more chance to prove I was just seconds to making you tap out! I'm going to bring everything I have until I'm out, Victor. I'm pulling out all the stops and going full steam to get glory! I'll try not to teach you anything you don't already know about pain. I've got a special lesson planned. Study hard."
James takes the towel off and wipes his brow.
"That's it. You can go now. I don't know how you found me here, but I've heard that NCW's camera men have skills akin to ninjas. I can accept that, but seriously? You should go now. I've got nothing left to say."
The camera fades out.
-------------------
Even later...
James walks out the door of the gym with a few others. They all head to their respective cars as James walks up to the long haired man on the car hood.
"Hey, Dave, you about ready?"
The long haired fellow, laying back, looks over.
"Uh.. yeah." he replies, "Hey! Have you ever.. have you ever, like, looked at the stars, man? Did you know there are like, thousands of stars?"
James laughs.
"Dave, you gotta lay off the green."
A limousine pulls to a stop about ten yards from the car. Two large men step out, one white, one black. They stand at the rear door, menacing in black shades.
"Uh, Dave..." James says, "Did you pay your dealer?"
"Whaaaat? Dude, I am just.." he sighs, "How could you even suggest--"
"Did you?"
"No." Dave replies quietly.
"Get in the car, Davis."
"Dude." Dave says sitting up. "He knows your name."
"What did you tell your dealer, Dave?" James says, grabbing Dave by his flannel shirt.
"I said I'd pay him Tuesday for a hamburger today? What's it matter man! I don't know those--"
"Davis! Get in the car, the boss wants a word with you."
James stops shaking Dave and lets go of his shirt. He turns around slowly and starts walking towards the limo.
James opens the door and looks back to Dave. Dave sits on the car hood, in shock. As he gets in, James looks up at the two men in suits, not able to see their eyes behind the glasses.
"Great. Just dump my body anywhere besides New Jersey."