Post by Sephiroth du Lac on Feb 21, 2014 17:15:43 GMT
"Most gods throw dice, but Fate plays chess,
and you don't find out til too late
that he's been playing with two queens all along."
-Terry Pratchett-
Finally,
after a month of strategy.
After a month of planning.
After a full month of watching
that fool with MY Title.
It comes to this.
My End Game.
My modus operandi
and the worst thing is,
my dear Michael,
you fell for it.
Hook.
Line.
And Sinker.
You see,
What you fail to realize, Michael, is I have already beaten you. Regardless of the outcome of the match. What I have done, what I will do shall be felt throughout this federation for weeks to come. Like a stone cast into a pond I am, the ripples I have made shall carry out and resound for months and it's all thanks to you. Now, I can picture you now listening to this wondering what this 'old man' is rambling on about. Well, that is the other part that brings me such delight, Michael. it's the fact that the pieces are there but no one has put them together yet. Oh, you have seen much don't get me wrong. indeed you have been my focus for the past few weeks, though I doubt you noticed. As I recall you were too busy starting a somewhat failed experiment in the tag team division. No matter, for I shall not hold you in suspense much longer. I shall reveal to you the entire truth.
*The camera opens on the fabled Midnight Club's seemingly innocuous exterior as the camera pans over it's brick facade. Only the steel and neon red sign indicates it's true existence till the camera pans into it's inner recesses. From the entranceway one is transported to a world of dreams and nightmares. Along the main hall packed with people are exhibit like windows revealing realistic mannequins made automaton. They're pale flesh illuminated by blueish light as the nude model of women stitched together like frankensteins run in place and dance half naked in some sick twisted version of clockwork life. As one approaches the main corridor the club splits in two stairwells with two signs that point both up and down one calling to heaven the other to hell. As we move upward to the heavenly throng one sees a well maintained barroom packed with diners in various garbs. The floor itself though cast with clouds is actually a thick plexiglass facade enabling one to look down on the dancing throngs beneath in hell especially in the clear vortex portrait at the center of the floor. One can see the figures dancing, cavorting like pagans of old. The music thumping beneath the floor as onlookers enjoy quieter conversation in the heavenly bar. But high above hidden behind mirrored glass and mural sits the private chambers of Sephiroth du lac as he overlooks the happy masses lessening they're weary burden. His eyes gleam watching keenly as a leopard in the brush. The perfect predator watching from the perfect blind. He stands enraptured by the huddled crowd. the dancers, the laughers, the general joyful kine so blissfully unaware of the wolves among the sheep. of course it was different behind closed doors but they needn't worry about that. that life wasn't for them. No, that was for they're betters. All that mattered was the moment to them and that was how Seph liked it. Seph barely heard the door open as Valek stepped inside. His attention never flitting from the figures dancing and talking. Like a young boy watching an ant farm.*
Valek: See anything you like?
*Seph sighed his concentration broken by his friend and confidant. Seph did not turn though. He feigned disinterest as he just continued to look out. A master over all he surveyed though Valek knew he was more aware than he let on.*
Valek: I suppose this isn't a social call that drug me up here. What do you need?
Seph: Is that how you address your betters?
*Seph feigned irritation. he knew how much Valek detested standing on societal norms. A sly if cheeky smile graced his face hidden from Valek's face. Valek just frowned frustratedly as he removed his coat in annoyance.*
Valek: *Sighing* Fine. What do you need, Elder one?
Seph: Better though slightly impudent.
*Seph turned on his heels a smile on his face as he began his walk to his ally and friend. He held out his arms and greeted the younger man with a hug and a joyful if decadent grin.*
Seph: All has become as I foresaw it. Have you spoken with our investors?
Valek: Yes, though I am curious why so many stocks have been purchased as of late and why those specific companies. I mean oil is understandable but there are many more foreign companies that could earn us so much more... and I mean that tech firm....
*Seph raised his hand belaying his allies fear and trepidation. Valek looked at him curiously as the smile graced his face. the sort of smile and gleam that one such as them gets when toying with prey. Valek knew that grin all too well.*
Valek: I see. Personal?
Seph: Business.
Valek: I see. Well, I won't pry. It's your money. So, I'm here what now?
Seph: Now we have some fun.
Valek: What?
Seph: I have a three hour delay while Abel gathers some 'materials' for my upcoming match. I feel like a game. Tell me do you play chess, Valek?
*Seph leaned on the table a sort of boyish eagerness and coy smile. Valek looked taken back for a moment still he let out a chuckle. Valek merely nodded at the sudden youthful exuberance of his mentor.*
Valek: In my breathing days.
Seph: Hope you still remember.
*Seph stood back up going to his personal desk and pulling out a chessboard with simple stone figures carved with patient hands. Valek sat down at the table nearby as Seph sat the pieces up ready to play.*
I believe the old saying goes that
'wrestling is like a game of human chess'. It's true to a certain extent. But, men such as I am not satisfied with comparisons. We research, we dedicate our lives to the game. The thing about chess is, Michael, one does not simply rush in. No, it's meticulous. It might start with something as simple as a phone call and a meeting...
*The two man began each man moving as if in a sort of mental hand-to-hand as one moved and the other moved rarely missing a beat. Each one tapping the clock timer Seph had set. Each one watching the others movement taken a back by the others strategy.*
Valek: Not bad, old man.
Seph: Not bad yourself, whelp.
Valek: So, what's got you in such a good mood?
Seph: Well, it's because I'm once more about to obtain a championship.
Valek: Oh?
Seph: Yes, no longer a mere former champion. No longer a mere footnote in the records. This weekend my victory is assured.
Valek: I see.
Seph: And the beautiful part is the cunning with which I have taken apart my opponent already. Check.
*Valek blinked and cursed his naivety in his mind. he hadn't seen the gambit. he looked up as Seph smiled desperately trying to undo his last mistake.*
Valek: Yes, well... do tell.
Seph: Well the first part was simple enough I took advantage of his current situation. Do you remember the extra files I had you pick up?
Valek: Yeah...
Seph: Well, it was as simple as passing them along to the right individual. Michael's stalker was more than happy to have those files along with a little extra.
Valek: What extra?
*Valek looked up curiously as Seph just leaned back and smiled his hands folded in delightful evil intent. Like a Shakespearean villain lording over his kingdom.*
Seph: Why, simple, dear Valek. I gave them his travel schedule and hotel bookings.
*Valek sat dumbfounded. The information he had acquired in the hands of mortals was one thing. But Seph had gone one step further and gotten what Valek could not. Seph just leaned in and moved his knight in silence.*
Seph: Check.
Then it is a simple process
of watching for an opening. Waiting until distraction overtakes an opponent. A bit of violence here. A feint there. The smart strategist knows how to manipulate his opponent without seeming like he is manipulating him. Thus, when he plays his knight you simply strike at his Queen from the shadows. In this way, one lures and baits and goads an opponent into making a mistake. He begins attacking by instinct, not logic...
Valek: How did you...?
*Seph just chuckled to himself as Valek frantically moved king.*
Seph: All in do time, Valek. All in do time. The next step was simply shock and awe. I taunted him. I made him and his girlfriend believe nowhere was safe from me. I stalked them with his stalker. Just imagine me standing over him, his stalker video taping the entire thing. It was perfect. Flawless if I may say so myself. And the attack on his woman in the back. There was nowhere they could run. Nowhere they could hide and she began to see that last week. The look of fear in her eyes. The look of frustration in his. It was magnificent. Like playing God with someone's life.
*Valek sat entranced as Seph moved artfully to one side. Valek prepared for the worst but failed to see the opening to his queen.*
Seph: Gotcha! Check.
Sacrifices must be made
to achieve a total victory. A lost Queen here might mean that you turn a pawn into a Queen in a much better position down the road. When you are strong you must appear weak, when you are weak you must appear strong. That is the way of our little game, Michael. A game you are simply not prepared for...
*Valek was in trouble and he knew it. He started to amass a defensive strategy. Trying to relax, trying to draw it out as long as possible.*
Valek: But how did you get the schedule and booking positions?
Seph: Simple, I let my 'friend' in management handle that. All it required was a little time and...
*Seph just chuckled to himself and conspiratorially leaned in.*
Seph: ... 'effort'.
*Valek's eyes widened. Did Seph mean what he thought he meant? Suddenly Valek understood and a smile graced both their faces as Seph nodded and licked his lips.*
You must be patient.
Waiting on the opportune moment. The moment when the king is isolated. When he is no longer guarded to strike and even then one must bait the trap. Throwing off attention here and there. One does not simply give chase. The good player allows the enemy to come to him. Until before the opponent realizes it all that is left is his king. All that is left is the one piece needed to achieve victory. Then it's as simple as 1... 2... 3...
Michael,
I know this game all too well. I have played it against the very best and while I have not always come out on top I have always been the top player. See what you and these utter fools in the back and in upper management fail to realize is I am always playing. Always planning. Always thinking. I position myself in the perfect spots. I move in like a thief in the night, and you... never knowing when I will come. Never knowing what I will do when I get there. I infest. I infect like a virus into your very life, Michael. Look what I have done. Your beautiful girl sitting terrified like last week. Your desperation to rid yourself of my influence. Your title now on the line in a gambit to save yourself and her? Did you ever think for even a second, Michael, that, that was what I wanted? A rematch fr hire stakes? For glory? No, you failed to realize it and now look at you. Powerless to stop the inevitable. You are not a stepping stone, Michael. No, you are an example. I've played you like a virtuoso plays violin. In fact I've played you all. Your just the first to realize it. Did you not question why I never attacked you directly? Did you not consider that I was manipulating things from behind the scenes? You exist because I allowed it, you will end because I demand it. And when you lie there broken and beaten, your title raised above my head for all to see. When she cradles your head, Michael, and looks up to me with those eyes that question 'Why? Why did you do this?'. I will look down and who knows?
*Seph stared at the set as he put each piece away until he came to the king of his rivals piece setting it upon the desk and upon a picture of his adversary Michael Lazslo. Seph just stared. What was next... what was next indeed. Seph just smiled knowingly as he tilted the king over letting it roll upon the image of Michael as he steps out of view and the scene fades to black.*
Maybe I'll make a new Maria.
and you don't find out til too late
that he's been playing with two queens all along."
-Terry Pratchett-
Finally,
after a month of strategy.
After a month of planning.
After a full month of watching
that fool with MY Title.
It comes to this.
My End Game.
My modus operandi
and the worst thing is,
my dear Michael,
you fell for it.
Hook.
Line.
And Sinker.
You see,
What you fail to realize, Michael, is I have already beaten you. Regardless of the outcome of the match. What I have done, what I will do shall be felt throughout this federation for weeks to come. Like a stone cast into a pond I am, the ripples I have made shall carry out and resound for months and it's all thanks to you. Now, I can picture you now listening to this wondering what this 'old man' is rambling on about. Well, that is the other part that brings me such delight, Michael. it's the fact that the pieces are there but no one has put them together yet. Oh, you have seen much don't get me wrong. indeed you have been my focus for the past few weeks, though I doubt you noticed. As I recall you were too busy starting a somewhat failed experiment in the tag team division. No matter, for I shall not hold you in suspense much longer. I shall reveal to you the entire truth.
*The camera opens on the fabled Midnight Club's seemingly innocuous exterior as the camera pans over it's brick facade. Only the steel and neon red sign indicates it's true existence till the camera pans into it's inner recesses. From the entranceway one is transported to a world of dreams and nightmares. Along the main hall packed with people are exhibit like windows revealing realistic mannequins made automaton. They're pale flesh illuminated by blueish light as the nude model of women stitched together like frankensteins run in place and dance half naked in some sick twisted version of clockwork life. As one approaches the main corridor the club splits in two stairwells with two signs that point both up and down one calling to heaven the other to hell. As we move upward to the heavenly throng one sees a well maintained barroom packed with diners in various garbs. The floor itself though cast with clouds is actually a thick plexiglass facade enabling one to look down on the dancing throngs beneath in hell especially in the clear vortex portrait at the center of the floor. One can see the figures dancing, cavorting like pagans of old. The music thumping beneath the floor as onlookers enjoy quieter conversation in the heavenly bar. But high above hidden behind mirrored glass and mural sits the private chambers of Sephiroth du lac as he overlooks the happy masses lessening they're weary burden. His eyes gleam watching keenly as a leopard in the brush. The perfect predator watching from the perfect blind. He stands enraptured by the huddled crowd. the dancers, the laughers, the general joyful kine so blissfully unaware of the wolves among the sheep. of course it was different behind closed doors but they needn't worry about that. that life wasn't for them. No, that was for they're betters. All that mattered was the moment to them and that was how Seph liked it. Seph barely heard the door open as Valek stepped inside. His attention never flitting from the figures dancing and talking. Like a young boy watching an ant farm.*
Valek: See anything you like?
*Seph sighed his concentration broken by his friend and confidant. Seph did not turn though. He feigned disinterest as he just continued to look out. A master over all he surveyed though Valek knew he was more aware than he let on.*
Valek: I suppose this isn't a social call that drug me up here. What do you need?
Seph: Is that how you address your betters?
*Seph feigned irritation. he knew how much Valek detested standing on societal norms. A sly if cheeky smile graced his face hidden from Valek's face. Valek just frowned frustratedly as he removed his coat in annoyance.*
Valek: *Sighing* Fine. What do you need, Elder one?
Seph: Better though slightly impudent.
*Seph turned on his heels a smile on his face as he began his walk to his ally and friend. He held out his arms and greeted the younger man with a hug and a joyful if decadent grin.*
Seph: All has become as I foresaw it. Have you spoken with our investors?
Valek: Yes, though I am curious why so many stocks have been purchased as of late and why those specific companies. I mean oil is understandable but there are many more foreign companies that could earn us so much more... and I mean that tech firm....
*Seph raised his hand belaying his allies fear and trepidation. Valek looked at him curiously as the smile graced his face. the sort of smile and gleam that one such as them gets when toying with prey. Valek knew that grin all too well.*
Valek: I see. Personal?
Seph: Business.
Valek: I see. Well, I won't pry. It's your money. So, I'm here what now?
Seph: Now we have some fun.
Valek: What?
Seph: I have a three hour delay while Abel gathers some 'materials' for my upcoming match. I feel like a game. Tell me do you play chess, Valek?
*Seph leaned on the table a sort of boyish eagerness and coy smile. Valek looked taken back for a moment still he let out a chuckle. Valek merely nodded at the sudden youthful exuberance of his mentor.*
Valek: In my breathing days.
Seph: Hope you still remember.
*Seph stood back up going to his personal desk and pulling out a chessboard with simple stone figures carved with patient hands. Valek sat down at the table nearby as Seph sat the pieces up ready to play.*
I believe the old saying goes that
'wrestling is like a game of human chess'. It's true to a certain extent. But, men such as I am not satisfied with comparisons. We research, we dedicate our lives to the game. The thing about chess is, Michael, one does not simply rush in. No, it's meticulous. It might start with something as simple as a phone call and a meeting...
*The two man began each man moving as if in a sort of mental hand-to-hand as one moved and the other moved rarely missing a beat. Each one tapping the clock timer Seph had set. Each one watching the others movement taken a back by the others strategy.*
Valek: Not bad, old man.
Seph: Not bad yourself, whelp.
Valek: So, what's got you in such a good mood?
Seph: Well, it's because I'm once more about to obtain a championship.
Valek: Oh?
Seph: Yes, no longer a mere former champion. No longer a mere footnote in the records. This weekend my victory is assured.
Valek: I see.
Seph: And the beautiful part is the cunning with which I have taken apart my opponent already. Check.
*Valek blinked and cursed his naivety in his mind. he hadn't seen the gambit. he looked up as Seph smiled desperately trying to undo his last mistake.*
Valek: Yes, well... do tell.
Seph: Well the first part was simple enough I took advantage of his current situation. Do you remember the extra files I had you pick up?
Valek: Yeah...
Seph: Well, it was as simple as passing them along to the right individual. Michael's stalker was more than happy to have those files along with a little extra.
Valek: What extra?
*Valek looked up curiously as Seph just leaned back and smiled his hands folded in delightful evil intent. Like a Shakespearean villain lording over his kingdom.*
Seph: Why, simple, dear Valek. I gave them his travel schedule and hotel bookings.
*Valek sat dumbfounded. The information he had acquired in the hands of mortals was one thing. But Seph had gone one step further and gotten what Valek could not. Seph just leaned in and moved his knight in silence.*
Seph: Check.
Then it is a simple process
of watching for an opening. Waiting until distraction overtakes an opponent. A bit of violence here. A feint there. The smart strategist knows how to manipulate his opponent without seeming like he is manipulating him. Thus, when he plays his knight you simply strike at his Queen from the shadows. In this way, one lures and baits and goads an opponent into making a mistake. He begins attacking by instinct, not logic...
Valek: How did you...?
*Seph just chuckled to himself as Valek frantically moved king.*
Seph: All in do time, Valek. All in do time. The next step was simply shock and awe. I taunted him. I made him and his girlfriend believe nowhere was safe from me. I stalked them with his stalker. Just imagine me standing over him, his stalker video taping the entire thing. It was perfect. Flawless if I may say so myself. And the attack on his woman in the back. There was nowhere they could run. Nowhere they could hide and she began to see that last week. The look of fear in her eyes. The look of frustration in his. It was magnificent. Like playing God with someone's life.
*Valek sat entranced as Seph moved artfully to one side. Valek prepared for the worst but failed to see the opening to his queen.*
Seph: Gotcha! Check.
Sacrifices must be made
to achieve a total victory. A lost Queen here might mean that you turn a pawn into a Queen in a much better position down the road. When you are strong you must appear weak, when you are weak you must appear strong. That is the way of our little game, Michael. A game you are simply not prepared for...
*Valek was in trouble and he knew it. He started to amass a defensive strategy. Trying to relax, trying to draw it out as long as possible.*
Valek: But how did you get the schedule and booking positions?
Seph: Simple, I let my 'friend' in management handle that. All it required was a little time and...
*Seph just chuckled to himself and conspiratorially leaned in.*
Seph: ... 'effort'.
*Valek's eyes widened. Did Seph mean what he thought he meant? Suddenly Valek understood and a smile graced both their faces as Seph nodded and licked his lips.*
You must be patient.
Waiting on the opportune moment. The moment when the king is isolated. When he is no longer guarded to strike and even then one must bait the trap. Throwing off attention here and there. One does not simply give chase. The good player allows the enemy to come to him. Until before the opponent realizes it all that is left is his king. All that is left is the one piece needed to achieve victory. Then it's as simple as 1... 2... 3...
Valek: Sounds like you got everything taken care of. So, what happens when you win?
*Seph's smile faded for a moment as a thoughtful look crossed his face.*
Seph: What do you mean?
Valek: Well, you'll have the title then what?
*Seph looked distracted as Valek suddenly saw the opening moving in.*
Valek: Check.
Seph: Well, I mean, of course I'll defend said title of course.
Valek: Yeah, then what?
*Seph had no answer as he went on the defensive this time merely staring at the board. Valek continued the attack both verbally and on the board.*
Valek: I mean you'll have the title but what happens then? Or what if you lose? I mean you push a man so far and he's bound to snap. Check. You've seen it happen once before. Sounds to me your strategy could back fire. Check. And even if you do win, at what cost? What will you have to show for it beside that shiny belt? Check. Seems to me more trouble than it's worth...
*Then there it was... the final move and Seph just stared blankly as Valek stood up and smiled.*
Valek: Checkmate. Good game, old timer. We'll have to play again... sometime soon.
*Seph sat there staring at the board his eyes never moving his face fierce and stern staring at the result of his labor and as Valek walked out he took his arm and wiped the board clean as pieces scattered to the floor.*
*Seph's smile faded for a moment as a thoughtful look crossed his face.*
Seph: What do you mean?
Valek: Well, you'll have the title then what?
*Seph looked distracted as Valek suddenly saw the opening moving in.*
Valek: Check.
Seph: Well, I mean, of course I'll defend said title of course.
Valek: Yeah, then what?
*Seph had no answer as he went on the defensive this time merely staring at the board. Valek continued the attack both verbally and on the board.*
Valek: I mean you'll have the title but what happens then? Or what if you lose? I mean you push a man so far and he's bound to snap. Check. You've seen it happen once before. Sounds to me your strategy could back fire. Check. And even if you do win, at what cost? What will you have to show for it beside that shiny belt? Check. Seems to me more trouble than it's worth...
*Then there it was... the final move and Seph just stared blankly as Valek stood up and smiled.*
Valek: Checkmate. Good game, old timer. We'll have to play again... sometime soon.
*Seph sat there staring at the board his eyes never moving his face fierce and stern staring at the result of his labor and as Valek walked out he took his arm and wiped the board clean as pieces scattered to the floor.*
Michael,
I know this game all too well. I have played it against the very best and while I have not always come out on top I have always been the top player. See what you and these utter fools in the back and in upper management fail to realize is I am always playing. Always planning. Always thinking. I position myself in the perfect spots. I move in like a thief in the night, and you... never knowing when I will come. Never knowing what I will do when I get there. I infest. I infect like a virus into your very life, Michael. Look what I have done. Your beautiful girl sitting terrified like last week. Your desperation to rid yourself of my influence. Your title now on the line in a gambit to save yourself and her? Did you ever think for even a second, Michael, that, that was what I wanted? A rematch fr hire stakes? For glory? No, you failed to realize it and now look at you. Powerless to stop the inevitable. You are not a stepping stone, Michael. No, you are an example. I've played you like a virtuoso plays violin. In fact I've played you all. Your just the first to realize it. Did you not question why I never attacked you directly? Did you not consider that I was manipulating things from behind the scenes? You exist because I allowed it, you will end because I demand it. And when you lie there broken and beaten, your title raised above my head for all to see. When she cradles your head, Michael, and looks up to me with those eyes that question 'Why? Why did you do this?'. I will look down and who knows?
*Seph stared at the set as he put each piece away until he came to the king of his rivals piece setting it upon the desk and upon a picture of his adversary Michael Lazslo. Seph just stared. What was next... what was next indeed. Seph just smiled knowingly as he tilted the king over letting it roll upon the image of Michael as he steps out of view and the scene fades to black.*
Maybe I'll make a new Maria.
Well howdy there pardner.