Post by Mason St. Croix on Nov 24, 2013 7:37:24 GMT
Everyone is in shock because of the way that Sacrifice ended. A man was crucified live on television by The Empire. I’ll admit, and I know that I’m not alone in this line of thinking, it was almost enough to make me look for another place to work. I’m not a religious man but I’m a believer in my own way and what The Empire did to Xavier Cross disgusted me. I was willing to give up the huge opportunity that I have at Survival of the Fittest but then I realized that’s exactly what The Empire wants.
You can want in one hand and shit in the other, I ain’t going anywhere.
What you did to Cross was just to try and make people fear you but I got news for ya, there’s no man or group of men I’ve ever been afraid of. I realize that it could have just as easily have been me, but I didn’t put my hand on a bible and swear my allegiance to the United States of America the day after my 18th birthday cause I’m afraid to die. I knew what I was getting into then and I know now.
At Survival of the Fittest in the Extinction Event match I have the biggest opportunity of my career. It’s an opportunity I earned, but I’m not sure anyone but me thinks I deserve. I’m clearly the odd man out on my team because yes, I want to get my hands on The Empire for their attack on me a few weeks ago, but there’s no deep seeded hatred I have for Spike Kane. Unlike Rob Diamond and Davey Ortega I’m not blinded by a single minded quest to destroy Spike.
I want to be a champion.
I’m only six matches into my IWF career and I only had a handful of matches before that but I’ve yet to taste defeat. That’s not bragging, just facts. I know the day will come when someone beats me and with the competition I’m facing at the PPV it’s possible it could be this week but I’m going to fight with everything in me to walk out with one of the two titles I’m eligible for. You can call me selfish if you want but I’m not a part of “Team Ortega” or The Rebellion. I’m not fighting for Rob Diamond or Davey Ortega.
I’m fighting for me.
I’ve been some dark places but I couldn’t imagine what it was like to spend 15 years locked in a cell. I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I know a damn thing about Killian Creed other than what I see. What I see is a guy who has been absolutely dominant in almost every match he’s been in here. A guy who for some reason the idiots he’s stepped into the ring with continue to underestimate. I see a guy that is highly intelligent and methodical not only in the ring but in the words he uses. What I also see is a guy that is broken and damaged.
I see a guy that’s beatable.
I feel like you’re starting to buy into your own hype Killian, because let’s face it, other than the match you shouldn’t even have been in against Roberto Verona and a minor slip up against Cyrus Daniels you have been damn near unstoppable. Your confidence is growing with every victory and now you’re walking around with the Man of Steel Championship, as tainted as your victory may have been. I’ve also been dominant and successful, even more so than you have, and I’m sure you’re going to tell me that’s because I’ve never faced anyone like Killian Creed. You’d be right I haven’t, but…
Killian Creed has never faced anyone like Mason St. Croix.
I can beat you Creed, deep down I think you know it too. I’m really the only person you have to worry about in this match because Rob and Davey are both focused on cutting the head off the snake and you’re just the tail. Everyone questions your reasons for even being a part of The Empire but I don’t, I think there’s a very calculated reason behind all your actions. You’re using Spike Kane just as much as he’s using you, but until you have to do otherwise you’re going to play a good little soldier. I only have one question for you, Killian.
When it comes down to it what’s more important, keeping your title or protecting your King?
I plan on walking out of Survival of the Fittest with a belt and since I can’t hold the one Gjenrei has that leaves the one you have or the one Spike has. I’d prefer his of course but I’ll be a proud Man of Steel Champ if that’s how things play out. Either way, I’m sure our paths will cross again because that’s just what happens when we’ve beaten many of the same opponents. We’re so very different but in many ways we’re a lot alike Killian.
Unlike Spike Kane and the rest of The Empire you’ve got a heart under all that rage and gruff exterior. You didn’t have to give that kid last week your elbow pads, but you proved that you’ve got a conscience which is more than can be said for the rest of your cohorts.
“Anthony, we need to talk.”
Mason’s ex-wife Erica walked out of the kitchen and sat next to her husband Anthony on the couch in the living room of their home. The room was well decorated and immaculately clean. The walls were covered with family pictures and they looked happy. Erica seemed as if something was bothering her so Anthony placed his hand on her knee.
Anthony: What is it honey?
Erica: Mason is on his way over to see the kids.
Anthony’s brow wrinkled as he removed his hand from her knee and crossed his arms over his chest.
Anthony: Well we can’t allow that.
Erica: They’re his children Anthony.
Anthony: Legally they’re mine. I’m the only father they know anymore and they’re better off not knowing he’s even alive.
Erica just shakes her head no.
Erica: I can’t do that to him. He loves them and all he wants to do is to see them for the first time in two years. I’ve already torn his heart out and I can’t deny him this.
Anthony stands up visibly frustrated and walks over to the blinds and peeks out.
Anthony: How long will it be before he gets here?
Erica: I don’t know, he just said he was on his way. We should tell them before he gets here so they’re not so shocked.
No sooner had the words escaped Erica’s lips than a young boy popped his head from around the corner.
Boy: I knew he probably wasn’t really dead he just didn’t wanna see us.
Erica: Jackson! That’s not true.
Anthony turns around and kneels down next the boy.
Anthony: Why don’t you run and get your sister, but don’t tell her.
Jack leaves the room and Erica looks up at Anthony.
Erica: I don’t know why he’s like that. I tried to explain to both the kids that their Daddy was working. Emmie was too young to understand but I think Jack just took it as work was more important.
Anthony: Maybe it was, I know I couldn’t be away from you and these kids for a year at a time.
Erica: Why do you have to make this harder?
Anthony glares at Erica but doesn’t say a word.
Erica: Say it! I know you’re thinking something.
Anthony: Fine, I don’t like him coming back and disrupting our life! You’ve been different ever since we found out he was alive and now our kids have to be drug into this. We were happy, I wish he would have just stayed where ever the hell he was or had really been dead.
Erica picks up a candy dish from the coffee table and slings it at Anthony who dodges it and glass shatters all over the floor by the front door.
Erica: You horrible…
Before Erica can get another word out Jack walks back into the room with Emmie beside him, she has her hands on her ears and tears run down her cheeks.
Emmie: Stop yelling!
Erica: Come here baby.
Emmie walks over to her mother and buries her head in her shoulder. She whispers into Erica’s ear.
Emmie: Bubby told me that Daddy was alive, is it true Mommy?
Erica: Yes sweetie it is.
Anthony grabs his keys off the hook by the door.
Anthony: I’m just gonna go for a drive until this is over.
Erica: I think that would be for the best.
Anthony: Just call me when he leaves.
Erica: I might.
Glass crunches under Anthony’s feet as he walks out the door slamming it behind him and the scene fades.
As much as I feel Gjenrei is just an insignificant face behind a mask that kneels before King Spike, he must be addressed because even though I can’t win the title he holds he can eliminate me and that’s just not gonna happen. You seem to think you know something about me. I’ll clear it all up for you. My name? It’s Cajun. Believe it or not New Orleans isn’t the only American city with a Cajun influence, take a trip down River Street in my hometown of Savannah and you’ll see it. I understand cajun’s are of French descent but if you’re trying to call me a coward in some clever way you failed because there’s not an ounce of cowardice running through my veins unlike you.
You make a lot of assumptions Gjernei, like assuming that I’m looking for some kind of vengeance.
I’m not, I was angry after I got attacked but my anger gave way to rational thoughts, something I wish my partners had. They’re both so consumed with their hatred for Spike that they don’t see that, contrary to what you’d like us to believe Gjenrei, taking your titles will crumble The Empire. I can’t take yours but don’t think for a second I won’t drop you with The Ranger’s Way so that hopefully one of my teammates can send you home empty handed.
I also missed the part where I had a choice about saving Xavier Cross, because yeah had I not been trapped in the locker room just like everyone else while the crucifixion was taking place I would have stopped it or died trying. It sounded good the way you tried to spin it though, like I just sat back and watched.
I also find it funny that you compared me to a dog barking at the end of a leash. I’d much rather be on a leash than curled up on the lap of King Spike. Gjenrei, you’re a Chihuahua and I’m a Pit Bull and at Survival of the Fittest they’re letting me off my leash and I’ll show you that my bark is just as bad as my bite when I leave you whimpering with your tail between your legs.
Mason sat in the passenger’s seat of Hank’s old Jeep Scrambler. His palms were sweaty as he rubbed them together and looked down at the Disney Princess Doll collection and two copies of Batman: Akham City resting on top of it on his lap.
Hank: It’s gonna be ok, kid.
Mason: I know I’m just nervous. Two years is a long time for a child, I’m sure they’ve both grown so much.
Hank: I bet they have, and I bet they missed the hell out of their Dad too.
Mason looks towards the house and can see the blinds part slightly and it’s too low down to be an adult. Mason relaxes slightly and smiles.
Mason: I hope so.
George: Well why don’t go find out? I’ll wait here as long as you need.
Mason: Thanks, George.
Mason gets out of the Jeep and places the gifts under one arm and puts up the hood of the gray “ARMY” logo hoodie he was wearing along with jeans. He approaches the door and takes a deep breath but it opens before he can reach out to knock.
Erica: Come in, just watch your step, it’s freezing out there.
Mason steps in the living room stepping over the broken glass and hands the gifts to Erica. immediately Emmie runs to him and he kneels down and wraps his arms around her lifting her into the air. Tears stream down the face of the former Ranger as he holds his little girl close.
Emmie: Oh Daddy, how I’ve missed you.
Mason: I…. I’ve missed you too my little Emmie Bug, I love you so much.
Emmie: I love you too Daddy.
He puts her down and looks over to Jack who is just standing there with no real expression on his face. Mason dries his eyes with his sleeve and reaches out for his son.
Mason: There’s my big boy, my gosh you’ve grown so much Jack. Come here and give your old man a hug.
Mason bends down to hug the boy who just leans in with a half hearted one armed hug but it’s enough to make the flow of tears open back up for Mason.
Mason: I love you son, I’ve missed you.
After Jack gives no response Mason lets him go and stands back up, once again wiping his eyes with his sleeve.
Emmie: Aren’t you going to give Mommy a hug too Daddy?
Mason just stares at Erica awkwardly for a second but she grabs him and wraps her arms around him, nuzzling his neck and whispering to him.
Erica: I love you too.
Mason pulls away and glares at his ex-wife.
Erica: Let’s all sit down. It looks like your father has brought some gifts for you.
Emmie: Oh boy.
Mason and Erica sit down on the couch and Emmie hops in between them while Jack sits in a chair a few feet away.
Erica: There’s room on the couch for all of us Jack.
Jack: I’m ok.
Erica: No, you…
Mason cuts her off.
Mason: It’s ok Erica, I understand. So who want their gift first?
Emmie: ME ME ME ME ME!
Mason: Well I guess we’ll give Ms. Emmie her’s first is that’s ok with you, Jack?
Jack just nods his head and Erica goes over and picks up the box with the Disney Princess Doll Collection in it and hands it to Mason who gives it to Emmie.
Emmie: All six of them! Oh my goodness, thank you Daddy, I love them.
Mason smiles wide as he sees the genuine joy in his daughters eyes as she just stares at the box.
Mason: You’re welcome, princess. I think it’s Jack’s turn now, are you ready for your gift.
Jack just shrugs his shoulders and Erica shoots him a stern look as she picks up the games and hands them to Mason.
Mason: I didn’t know what system you had so I got a copy for PS3 and Xbox 360, I figured you could trade in the other one.
He hands Jack the games and he just looks at them and huffs.
Erica: What’s your problem? Thank your father.
Jack: Thanks.
Mason: If you don’t like them I understand son, I just didn’t know what to get you.
Jack stands up and throws the games in the floor.
Jack: You don’t know anything about me! This game is two years old, there’s already a new one out and Anthony stood in line for 6 hours waiting to get me an XBOXONE.
Jack runs out of the room and a few seconds later you can hear a door slam in the back of the house.
Erica: I’m so sorry Mason. I didn’t know he was going to act like that.
Mason: It’s ok, I’m not upset. I kinda expect it to be honest, I’ve been gone a long time. Hopefully he’ll come around but I think I should probably go and you go talk to him.
Emmie: Daddy don’t leave just because Jackie’s mean. Boy’s are always mean.
Mason stands up and Emmie grabs on to his leg causing him to bend back down.
Mason: I’ll be back, I promise this time. I love you and your brother.
She lets him go and looks over at Erica and then back at Mason.
Emmie: And Mommy?
Mason:….and Mommy.
Emmie: Ok, I love you Daddy.
Mason: I love you too, Emmie.
Erica stands up and walks Mason to the door. She leans towards him and whispers.
Erica: We really need to talk, without the kids around.
Mason: I’ll call you.
Emmie: Are you two gonna kiss?
Mason: No!
Emmie shrugs her shoulders and giggles.
Emmie: It was worth a shot.
Mason and Erica both laughs as she opens the door and he steps out and starts walking towards the Jeep with a smile as the scene fades.
I have a confession to make, something I've been holding in since before I even decided to become a wrestler.
I made it known when I debuted in IWF that I never had aspirations of being a wrestler. I was born to be a US Army Ranger and sometimes I think that’s the only reason my parents had me because they couldn’t get along much longer than it would have taken my old man to plant the seed. Even though I didn’t dream about being a wrestler, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t a fan. As a matter of fact wrestling is huge amongst soldiers deployed overseas, and during the 11 years I spent as a Ranger I became a big fan of one guy in particular.
His name was Spike Kane.
To me, whether he was playing the good guy or the bad guy there was no one who could compare to Spike Kane as far as I was concerned. I’d stream every match of his I could find on the internet and when our shitty service went down for months at a time I’d have family and friends mail me DVDs. I was the ultimate Spike Kane fan. When I got discharged and decided I’d try to break into the business Spike was my inspiration. So while I told anyone that would listen during my fit of rage after I was beaten down by The Empire that they could blame Spike for what was about to happen, this time…
Spike can blame Spike.
You are a master manipulator Mr. Kane. The mind games you play with people are a true thing of beauty. You’ve drove the two men I’m teaming with nearly insane. They’re so obsessed with destroying you that they’ve lost focus on what it’s going to take to actually do that. Now you’re trying to make them doubt whether or not you’ve gotten to me and if they can trust me. After what I just admitted to I can’t blame them if they don’t trust me.
I’ll let my actions do the talking.
I guess I need to repeat that I didn’t just decide I was done protecting my country, my country decided I was done because I broke their rules. I almost beat a fellow Ranger to death after I caught him raping a 13 year old Iraqi girl. If I had it to do over again I would and the only thing that stopped me from finishing the job was the faces of my children flashing before my eyes as I felt his skull crushing like a ripe watermelon with each blow.
Hopefully that’s the last time I have to repeat that story.
I don’t hate you Spike, I don’t agree with a lot of what you’re doing but I idolized you so you probably would have had to actually kill someone for me to hate you. You thrive on your opponent’s hatred for you and you bend their minds until they break. I’m unbreakable and the fact that I don’t hate you is why out of everyone in this match I’ve got the best chance of beating you.
I don’t think I’m better than you, but I can beat you. While you’re just trying to survive the onslaught from Rob and Davey that you’ve brought on yourself I’ll be prepared to strike. I know I can’t match you move for move because I’ve watched you evolve into the best wrestler in the world, but I don’t need to go move for move.
All it takes is one move.
The same move that I used to dump a 415lb man on his head last week. The same move that has built my record to a perfect 6-0. That’s all it takes Spike, is one Ranger’s Way and even the best there is ain’t getting up. I don’t have to be better than you I just have to be in the right place at the right time.
People have been calling you a monster. The best way to kill a monster is to cut out its heart and no matter what Gjenrei or anyone else says; removing that Imperial Championship from around your waist is the same as cutting out your heart. Without that title you’re nothing and your Empire will fall.
And it’ll fall at the hands of the guy voted least likely to make it happen.
You can want in one hand and shit in the other, I ain’t going anywhere.
What you did to Cross was just to try and make people fear you but I got news for ya, there’s no man or group of men I’ve ever been afraid of. I realize that it could have just as easily have been me, but I didn’t put my hand on a bible and swear my allegiance to the United States of America the day after my 18th birthday cause I’m afraid to die. I knew what I was getting into then and I know now.
At Survival of the Fittest in the Extinction Event match I have the biggest opportunity of my career. It’s an opportunity I earned, but I’m not sure anyone but me thinks I deserve. I’m clearly the odd man out on my team because yes, I want to get my hands on The Empire for their attack on me a few weeks ago, but there’s no deep seeded hatred I have for Spike Kane. Unlike Rob Diamond and Davey Ortega I’m not blinded by a single minded quest to destroy Spike.
I want to be a champion.
I’m only six matches into my IWF career and I only had a handful of matches before that but I’ve yet to taste defeat. That’s not bragging, just facts. I know the day will come when someone beats me and with the competition I’m facing at the PPV it’s possible it could be this week but I’m going to fight with everything in me to walk out with one of the two titles I’m eligible for. You can call me selfish if you want but I’m not a part of “Team Ortega” or The Rebellion. I’m not fighting for Rob Diamond or Davey Ortega.
I’m fighting for me.
I’ve been some dark places but I couldn’t imagine what it was like to spend 15 years locked in a cell. I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I know a damn thing about Killian Creed other than what I see. What I see is a guy who has been absolutely dominant in almost every match he’s been in here. A guy who for some reason the idiots he’s stepped into the ring with continue to underestimate. I see a guy that is highly intelligent and methodical not only in the ring but in the words he uses. What I also see is a guy that is broken and damaged.
I see a guy that’s beatable.
I feel like you’re starting to buy into your own hype Killian, because let’s face it, other than the match you shouldn’t even have been in against Roberto Verona and a minor slip up against Cyrus Daniels you have been damn near unstoppable. Your confidence is growing with every victory and now you’re walking around with the Man of Steel Championship, as tainted as your victory may have been. I’ve also been dominant and successful, even more so than you have, and I’m sure you’re going to tell me that’s because I’ve never faced anyone like Killian Creed. You’d be right I haven’t, but…
Killian Creed has never faced anyone like Mason St. Croix.
I can beat you Creed, deep down I think you know it too. I’m really the only person you have to worry about in this match because Rob and Davey are both focused on cutting the head off the snake and you’re just the tail. Everyone questions your reasons for even being a part of The Empire but I don’t, I think there’s a very calculated reason behind all your actions. You’re using Spike Kane just as much as he’s using you, but until you have to do otherwise you’re going to play a good little soldier. I only have one question for you, Killian.
When it comes down to it what’s more important, keeping your title or protecting your King?
I plan on walking out of Survival of the Fittest with a belt and since I can’t hold the one Gjenrei has that leaves the one you have or the one Spike has. I’d prefer his of course but I’ll be a proud Man of Steel Champ if that’s how things play out. Either way, I’m sure our paths will cross again because that’s just what happens when we’ve beaten many of the same opponents. We’re so very different but in many ways we’re a lot alike Killian.
Unlike Spike Kane and the rest of The Empire you’ve got a heart under all that rage and gruff exterior. You didn’t have to give that kid last week your elbow pads, but you proved that you’ve got a conscience which is more than can be said for the rest of your cohorts.
“Anthony, we need to talk.”
Mason’s ex-wife Erica walked out of the kitchen and sat next to her husband Anthony on the couch in the living room of their home. The room was well decorated and immaculately clean. The walls were covered with family pictures and they looked happy. Erica seemed as if something was bothering her so Anthony placed his hand on her knee.
Anthony: What is it honey?
Erica: Mason is on his way over to see the kids.
Anthony’s brow wrinkled as he removed his hand from her knee and crossed his arms over his chest.
Anthony: Well we can’t allow that.
Erica: They’re his children Anthony.
Anthony: Legally they’re mine. I’m the only father they know anymore and they’re better off not knowing he’s even alive.
Erica just shakes her head no.
Erica: I can’t do that to him. He loves them and all he wants to do is to see them for the first time in two years. I’ve already torn his heart out and I can’t deny him this.
Anthony stands up visibly frustrated and walks over to the blinds and peeks out.
Anthony: How long will it be before he gets here?
Erica: I don’t know, he just said he was on his way. We should tell them before he gets here so they’re not so shocked.
No sooner had the words escaped Erica’s lips than a young boy popped his head from around the corner.
Boy: I knew he probably wasn’t really dead he just didn’t wanna see us.
Erica: Jackson! That’s not true.
Anthony turns around and kneels down next the boy.
Anthony: Why don’t you run and get your sister, but don’t tell her.
Jack leaves the room and Erica looks up at Anthony.
Erica: I don’t know why he’s like that. I tried to explain to both the kids that their Daddy was working. Emmie was too young to understand but I think Jack just took it as work was more important.
Anthony: Maybe it was, I know I couldn’t be away from you and these kids for a year at a time.
Erica: Why do you have to make this harder?
Anthony glares at Erica but doesn’t say a word.
Erica: Say it! I know you’re thinking something.
Anthony: Fine, I don’t like him coming back and disrupting our life! You’ve been different ever since we found out he was alive and now our kids have to be drug into this. We were happy, I wish he would have just stayed where ever the hell he was or had really been dead.
Erica picks up a candy dish from the coffee table and slings it at Anthony who dodges it and glass shatters all over the floor by the front door.
Erica: You horrible…
Before Erica can get another word out Jack walks back into the room with Emmie beside him, she has her hands on her ears and tears run down her cheeks.
Emmie: Stop yelling!
Erica: Come here baby.
Emmie walks over to her mother and buries her head in her shoulder. She whispers into Erica’s ear.
Emmie: Bubby told me that Daddy was alive, is it true Mommy?
Erica: Yes sweetie it is.
Anthony grabs his keys off the hook by the door.
Anthony: I’m just gonna go for a drive until this is over.
Erica: I think that would be for the best.
Anthony: Just call me when he leaves.
Erica: I might.
Glass crunches under Anthony’s feet as he walks out the door slamming it behind him and the scene fades.
As much as I feel Gjenrei is just an insignificant face behind a mask that kneels before King Spike, he must be addressed because even though I can’t win the title he holds he can eliminate me and that’s just not gonna happen. You seem to think you know something about me. I’ll clear it all up for you. My name? It’s Cajun. Believe it or not New Orleans isn’t the only American city with a Cajun influence, take a trip down River Street in my hometown of Savannah and you’ll see it. I understand cajun’s are of French descent but if you’re trying to call me a coward in some clever way you failed because there’s not an ounce of cowardice running through my veins unlike you.
You make a lot of assumptions Gjernei, like assuming that I’m looking for some kind of vengeance.
I’m not, I was angry after I got attacked but my anger gave way to rational thoughts, something I wish my partners had. They’re both so consumed with their hatred for Spike that they don’t see that, contrary to what you’d like us to believe Gjenrei, taking your titles will crumble The Empire. I can’t take yours but don’t think for a second I won’t drop you with The Ranger’s Way so that hopefully one of my teammates can send you home empty handed.
I also missed the part where I had a choice about saving Xavier Cross, because yeah had I not been trapped in the locker room just like everyone else while the crucifixion was taking place I would have stopped it or died trying. It sounded good the way you tried to spin it though, like I just sat back and watched.
I also find it funny that you compared me to a dog barking at the end of a leash. I’d much rather be on a leash than curled up on the lap of King Spike. Gjenrei, you’re a Chihuahua and I’m a Pit Bull and at Survival of the Fittest they’re letting me off my leash and I’ll show you that my bark is just as bad as my bite when I leave you whimpering with your tail between your legs.
Mason sat in the passenger’s seat of Hank’s old Jeep Scrambler. His palms were sweaty as he rubbed them together and looked down at the Disney Princess Doll collection and two copies of Batman: Akham City resting on top of it on his lap.
Hank: It’s gonna be ok, kid.
Mason: I know I’m just nervous. Two years is a long time for a child, I’m sure they’ve both grown so much.
Hank: I bet they have, and I bet they missed the hell out of their Dad too.
Mason looks towards the house and can see the blinds part slightly and it’s too low down to be an adult. Mason relaxes slightly and smiles.
Mason: I hope so.
George: Well why don’t go find out? I’ll wait here as long as you need.
Mason: Thanks, George.
Mason gets out of the Jeep and places the gifts under one arm and puts up the hood of the gray “ARMY” logo hoodie he was wearing along with jeans. He approaches the door and takes a deep breath but it opens before he can reach out to knock.
Erica: Come in, just watch your step, it’s freezing out there.
Mason steps in the living room stepping over the broken glass and hands the gifts to Erica. immediately Emmie runs to him and he kneels down and wraps his arms around her lifting her into the air. Tears stream down the face of the former Ranger as he holds his little girl close.
Emmie: Oh Daddy, how I’ve missed you.
Mason: I…. I’ve missed you too my little Emmie Bug, I love you so much.
Emmie: I love you too Daddy.
He puts her down and looks over to Jack who is just standing there with no real expression on his face. Mason dries his eyes with his sleeve and reaches out for his son.
Mason: There’s my big boy, my gosh you’ve grown so much Jack. Come here and give your old man a hug.
Mason bends down to hug the boy who just leans in with a half hearted one armed hug but it’s enough to make the flow of tears open back up for Mason.
Mason: I love you son, I’ve missed you.
After Jack gives no response Mason lets him go and stands back up, once again wiping his eyes with his sleeve.
Emmie: Aren’t you going to give Mommy a hug too Daddy?
Mason just stares at Erica awkwardly for a second but she grabs him and wraps her arms around him, nuzzling his neck and whispering to him.
Erica: I love you too.
Mason pulls away and glares at his ex-wife.
Erica: Let’s all sit down. It looks like your father has brought some gifts for you.
Emmie: Oh boy.
Mason and Erica sit down on the couch and Emmie hops in between them while Jack sits in a chair a few feet away.
Erica: There’s room on the couch for all of us Jack.
Jack: I’m ok.
Erica: No, you…
Mason cuts her off.
Mason: It’s ok Erica, I understand. So who want their gift first?
Emmie: ME ME ME ME ME!
Mason: Well I guess we’ll give Ms. Emmie her’s first is that’s ok with you, Jack?
Jack just nods his head and Erica goes over and picks up the box with the Disney Princess Doll Collection in it and hands it to Mason who gives it to Emmie.
Emmie: All six of them! Oh my goodness, thank you Daddy, I love them.
Mason smiles wide as he sees the genuine joy in his daughters eyes as she just stares at the box.
Mason: You’re welcome, princess. I think it’s Jack’s turn now, are you ready for your gift.
Jack just shrugs his shoulders and Erica shoots him a stern look as she picks up the games and hands them to Mason.
Mason: I didn’t know what system you had so I got a copy for PS3 and Xbox 360, I figured you could trade in the other one.
He hands Jack the games and he just looks at them and huffs.
Erica: What’s your problem? Thank your father.
Jack: Thanks.
Mason: If you don’t like them I understand son, I just didn’t know what to get you.
Jack stands up and throws the games in the floor.
Jack: You don’t know anything about me! This game is two years old, there’s already a new one out and Anthony stood in line for 6 hours waiting to get me an XBOXONE.
Jack runs out of the room and a few seconds later you can hear a door slam in the back of the house.
Erica: I’m so sorry Mason. I didn’t know he was going to act like that.
Mason: It’s ok, I’m not upset. I kinda expect it to be honest, I’ve been gone a long time. Hopefully he’ll come around but I think I should probably go and you go talk to him.
Emmie: Daddy don’t leave just because Jackie’s mean. Boy’s are always mean.
Mason stands up and Emmie grabs on to his leg causing him to bend back down.
Mason: I’ll be back, I promise this time. I love you and your brother.
She lets him go and looks over at Erica and then back at Mason.
Emmie: And Mommy?
Mason:….and Mommy.
Emmie: Ok, I love you Daddy.
Mason: I love you too, Emmie.
Erica stands up and walks Mason to the door. She leans towards him and whispers.
Erica: We really need to talk, without the kids around.
Mason: I’ll call you.
Emmie: Are you two gonna kiss?
Mason: No!
Emmie shrugs her shoulders and giggles.
Emmie: It was worth a shot.
Mason and Erica both laughs as she opens the door and he steps out and starts walking towards the Jeep with a smile as the scene fades.
I have a confession to make, something I've been holding in since before I even decided to become a wrestler.
I made it known when I debuted in IWF that I never had aspirations of being a wrestler. I was born to be a US Army Ranger and sometimes I think that’s the only reason my parents had me because they couldn’t get along much longer than it would have taken my old man to plant the seed. Even though I didn’t dream about being a wrestler, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t a fan. As a matter of fact wrestling is huge amongst soldiers deployed overseas, and during the 11 years I spent as a Ranger I became a big fan of one guy in particular.
His name was Spike Kane.
To me, whether he was playing the good guy or the bad guy there was no one who could compare to Spike Kane as far as I was concerned. I’d stream every match of his I could find on the internet and when our shitty service went down for months at a time I’d have family and friends mail me DVDs. I was the ultimate Spike Kane fan. When I got discharged and decided I’d try to break into the business Spike was my inspiration. So while I told anyone that would listen during my fit of rage after I was beaten down by The Empire that they could blame Spike for what was about to happen, this time…
Spike can blame Spike.
You are a master manipulator Mr. Kane. The mind games you play with people are a true thing of beauty. You’ve drove the two men I’m teaming with nearly insane. They’re so obsessed with destroying you that they’ve lost focus on what it’s going to take to actually do that. Now you’re trying to make them doubt whether or not you’ve gotten to me and if they can trust me. After what I just admitted to I can’t blame them if they don’t trust me.
I’ll let my actions do the talking.
I guess I need to repeat that I didn’t just decide I was done protecting my country, my country decided I was done because I broke their rules. I almost beat a fellow Ranger to death after I caught him raping a 13 year old Iraqi girl. If I had it to do over again I would and the only thing that stopped me from finishing the job was the faces of my children flashing before my eyes as I felt his skull crushing like a ripe watermelon with each blow.
Hopefully that’s the last time I have to repeat that story.
I don’t hate you Spike, I don’t agree with a lot of what you’re doing but I idolized you so you probably would have had to actually kill someone for me to hate you. You thrive on your opponent’s hatred for you and you bend their minds until they break. I’m unbreakable and the fact that I don’t hate you is why out of everyone in this match I’ve got the best chance of beating you.
I don’t think I’m better than you, but I can beat you. While you’re just trying to survive the onslaught from Rob and Davey that you’ve brought on yourself I’ll be prepared to strike. I know I can’t match you move for move because I’ve watched you evolve into the best wrestler in the world, but I don’t need to go move for move.
All it takes is one move.
The same move that I used to dump a 415lb man on his head last week. The same move that has built my record to a perfect 6-0. That’s all it takes Spike, is one Ranger’s Way and even the best there is ain’t getting up. I don’t have to be better than you I just have to be in the right place at the right time.
People have been calling you a monster. The best way to kill a monster is to cut out its heart and no matter what Gjenrei or anyone else says; removing that Imperial Championship from around your waist is the same as cutting out your heart. Without that title you’re nothing and your Empire will fall.
And it’ll fall at the hands of the guy voted least likely to make it happen.
Well howdy there pardner.