The Break In 2
Jan 17, 2012 18:02:36 GMT -5
Post by The Rogue on Jan 17, 2012 18:02:36 GMT -5
Sometimes, a good thing can go sour quicker than you realize. Take apples, for example; You take several bites out of that delicious piece of fruit, only to find your next bite reveals half of a maggot. I’m pretty sure you know what happened to the other half. Analogies aside, it’s fair to say that this summed up my day pretty well. I found the proverbial half of a maggot. Allow me to explain. I’ll start from the beginning.
Jessica was there, beside me when I awoke. She was asleep, looking so perfect in her slumber. I raised my right arm, now pain free, to stroke her soft brown hair back from the side of her face. Her scent filled the air around her. I looked at her, taking everything in and knew I had it all. Jess was not just a girlfriend. I knew she was the one. We’d been friends since we were just 15 years old, having met through a mutual friend at a house party. When I eventually plucked up the courage to ask her out, things went very fast, as young love often does. And now, three years later, I could not imagine being anywhere but beside her. Through thick and thin, I am definitely with her for the long haul. That is, of course, if I have anything to say about it. I can’t think for her or make decisions for her. But if it were up to me, then she’d be the one. I found it hard to tear away from her side as I moved in to the kitchen where Tim stood, ready to go for the day. On the table was a bowl of porridge and an egg white omelet on the side.
Mike: Good morning, mate.
Tim nodded, pouring us both a mug of coffee as I sat down to eat my breakfast. I ate in silence, quickly so that we could head off to the gym as early as we could get away. When my plate was clear and I had finished the last of my coffee, Tim hastily cleared the table as I grabbed my gym bag.
Tim: Ready to go?
Mike: As ever.
Tim: Feeling better now?
Mike: Would you care if I was? Wouldn’t change anything, would it?
Tim: Are you?
Mike: Much better.
Tim: Good. We’re doing a double session today. Upper body and then endurance swimming. We’re pushing all the weights and you’re going for two miles in the pool.
Mike: Urrrgghhh. Alright.
Tim: You’re impressing me all the time, so we’ve got to keep pushing to see how far we can go. Conditioning…
Mike: It’s alright, Tim. I get it.
Tim: Do you?
Mike: Yeah. If I don’t perform outside of the ring, I won’t perform inside of it.
Tim: You got it.
Mike: Will we have time for a sparring session?
Tim: Yeah, we should. I have arranged for my cousin to come around though. I have something to take care of after the swim.
Mike: Oh yeah? Eddie is coming?
Tim: That’s the one.
Mike: What are you…
Tim: It’s no concern of yours, kid. Business is business. And it’s my business. Not yours.
Mike: Ha! Alright. We off then?
Tim: Let’s move out.
---------------------------------
The weight session went by quickly, as I did everything I could do to keep up with the routine on the higher weights. It was a struggle, but I managed it. I knew I would feel a bit raw tomorrow, but as tomorrow was a cardio day, it didn’t bother me too much. The two miles in the pool was time consuming. Even though I kept a good pace and refused to rest after any amounts of laps, it still took a while. But I felt good. The endorphins were flowing around my blood stream, giving me a nice natural buzz. Tim disappeared after he showered, while I waited alone in the training area. Eddie did not leave me waiting long, as he walked into the room with a big smile. Eddie was younger than Tim, but still a lot older than I was. Though he did enjoy a good year in the ASW, holding the Television Title for a month there, his career petered out after that. He was not as charismatic or as technically gifted as his brother, but he did enjoy a long period in the Indy’s before taking a job as a professional fitness instructor. Tim had a lot of time for his cousin. It was no surprise that Tim was the black sheep of a very well to do family. His father was extremely well off and had planned for Tim’s education in medicine when Tim was only a baby. Tim had other ideas, always aspiring to be the best. Their relationship was not a good one, and Eddie was the only reason they still had any contact after all these years. Even though Tim’s dad was around 65, he had held the grudge for that long. Eddie gave me a strong hand shake, before he spoke to me.
Eddie: It’s been a while kid. I hear you’re already impressing the FGA suits.
Mike: Apparently so. How are you doing, Ed?
Eddie: Can’t complain. The kids are driving me mad. The wife’s no help either, but it’s all good. Christmas is at least behind me so I’m more or less safe until their birthdays.
Mike: Ha ha. Sounds like you have it made.
Eddie: Yeah, don’t start.
He was laughing, so obviously I couldn’t take his complaining too seriously. Eddie was such a laid back guy, it was no wonder he hadn’t made a proper career out of wrestling. He did not have the drive and ambition that his cousin had. But he was a lot more likable. I like Tim. But not many people did these days. Eddie still was always surrounded by people. His time was very hard to book, due to this, so it was always good to see him.
Eddie: Are we just going over counters and stuff today?
Mike: I’m not actually sure. I figured you’d know.
Eddie: That’s unlike Timmy. Usually he has everything figured out.
Mike: Yeah, he’s seemed a little preoccupied for the last couple of days. Not with the gym regiments or anything, but back at home. Lot’s of business.
Eddie: I won’t ask. Best not to. If Tim wants you to know something, he’ll tell you. Otherwise you’re always much safer not asking. He’ll always find a way to make you pay.
Mike: Oh, that much I know.
Eddie: Ha. Right, we’ll just go over the same old stuff. See how good you are at reversing and maintaining your holds.
Mike: Ok.
Eddie: Let’s get cracking.
Eddie and I worked each other over for a good hour. Though we took it seriously, we kept having a laugh while doing it which made the whole thing very enjoyable. After everything was said and done, he complimented me on my form. I shook his hand one more time and thanked him for his help. Today’s shower was well earned. I took my time, enjoying the feeling of warmth after a lot of effort put in to my various workouts. When I had dried off and thrown on my change of clothes, I picked up my phone to give Jessica a ring. That’s when I noticed I had several missed calls from her, which I found strange as she knew where I was. I quickly gathered up all of my things and threw my bag over my shoulder so that I could leave. When I emerged from the building, I dialed her number to see if there was a problem, and also to make sure she put another omelet in. When she answered, I immediately sensed trouble before she had even said anything.
Jess: Mikey.
Mike: Jess, what’s wrong?
Jess: I got home from the shops, and someone’s broken in to the apartment. Everything in all the rooms have been turned upside down. I don’t know what’s missing or why or who or…
Mike: Jess, are you alright?
Jess: Yeah, I’m just in shock.
Mike: Calm down. Make yourself a coffee or a tea and I’ll be home in ten minutes.
Jess: You’re coming straight home, yeah?
Mike: Yes. Don’t worry. I’ll wait until I am home before I give the locksmith a ring. It’s not a problem. Whatever is missing, we will be able to replace it.
Jess: Ok. Hurry back.
Mike: Will do. Love you, baby.
Jess: I love you too.
------------------------------
When I approached our solid front door, it was a strange sight. The lock was half hanging off of the door. Someone had done a number on it. I carefully pushed it open, before calling out to Jess so that she didn’t panic.
Mike: It’s me, Jess.
Before I even had a chance to put my bag down, she had run around from the kitchen to give me a hug. I held her tightly, trying to be as comforting as I could. She was shaking. I didn’t blame her. I looked around, and even in the hall I could see bits of papers and boxes thrown all over the floor. Jess’ face was buried into my chest. It was hard to take in. This was our home. Our castle. Now it had been breached. The feeling of safety one has in the sanctity of one’s home had gone. Perhaps forever. After a few minutes of just standing there, trying to contain Jessica’s sobs, I pulled her away to get a look at her face. She was visibly disturbed. Her eyes were red and puffy, her make up running slightly down her cheeks with the tears. I wiped her face dry with my hand, and gave her a smile.
Mike: This is alright, Jess. You’re fine. Everything is going to be ok. We’ll get the locks replaced. Tim will have some CCTV installed, no doubt. And like I said, whatever is missing can…
Jess: It was your tapes.
Mike: Excuse me?
I knew what she meant. She didn’t have to explain. However this sort of took me by surprise. She was referring to everything that I owned that covered my Indy career in England. All of my past achievements and errors were contained on 6 VCRs. We were planning on putting them onto DVDs so that we didn’t have to hold on to our old video player, but had not yet found the time. Now my career thus far had been taken from me. Lost forever.
Jess: The tapes from England. Everything was on there, Mikey. Everything.
Mike: Are you sure they haven’t just been moved?
Jess: At first, I had a feeling. Like, nothing seemed to be missing. Nothing of value. It dawned on me to check them. I looked everywhere, Mikey. They were gone. And then…
Mike: It doesn’t matter, baby. I’m still wrestling. There will be more video footage of me in the ring.
Jess: Mikey, you don’t understand. I figured I could put two and two together and so I checked the Frontier website…
Mike: You don’t mean?
Jess: Every single match you have had is on there. That’s what they were after. But Mikey, I don’t understand. Who would have done this? Why?
Mike: Every mistake I have ever made in the ring is on there. My weaknesses, no matter how insignificant, could now be scouted by the right person. This is sabotage. Someone wanted me to lose any element of surprise that I had. Even out the playing field.
Jess: But I don’t understand? Who?
Mike: I doubt it was Flener. He’s arrogant enough to think that he doesn’t need to know anything about me. Though I am sure he will revel in the new information. The tapes don’t matter though, Jess. Alright? What matters is someone was low enough to commit a felony just to get at me. Breaking and Entering. Theft. This is serious. We’ll get to the bottom of this, don’t worry.
Needless to say, I was right. Tim was livid when he found out. He sorted out three new locks for the door, plus a deadbolt for inside. He also had CCTV camera surveillance installed covering every inch of the apartment. It was almost as if a fire had been lit behind his eyes. Like a man possessed. I really hoped that he wouldn’t do anything stupid now. And I also hoped he would not try and take this out on Jack Flener. That was my job. He is my next opponent and I wanted to beat him clean. My way or no way. Would Tim even think to listen now?
-------------------------------------------
The familiar FGA backdrop comes into view as we see Michael “the Rogue” Tomkins standing tall, in his wrestling attire, looking ready for business. His usually light and cocky expression has been replaced by an unfamiliar darkened expression, with his eyes penetrating the camera.
Mike: I haven’t had the best end to my day, Jack. When everything seemed to be going so well, I had a nightmarish revelation. I am sure you already know half of it. I’m sure you have seen all of the videos that have been uploaded today onto the FGA website. What you might not know is that neither I nor Tim uploaded them. Someone broke into our home, stole all of the footage, turned everything upside down and tried to expose me. The kid on those tapes is the guy that I was. Don’t mistake him for the man you will be fighting on Wednesday. And, Jack. If you have anything to do with this, I will make sure I find out. I will make sure you pay. And regardless, I can’t say I am in the best of moods right now. I won’t be likely to charm the camera with my trademark cocky smile. I’m not likely to drop in any of the catchphrases that the fans of FGA are used to from their Raise-the-Bar-Superstar. You won’t see me doing any sort of imposter parody promos. You won’t see me fail an attempt at an insulting rap. All you will see is the gritty truth. I am hungry, Jack. I want success, and now someone has dangled an array of carrots in front of my eyes. The first proverbial carrot is this whole mess. It’s angered me. I am annoyed. You should hope for your sake that I have calmed down a bit before Wednesday Weekly Combat or you WILL feel the brunt of my wrath. But we’ll see when the time comes if that is something you will have to worry about or not. The second carrot; my shot at gold. To go down in history, not only as the Frontier Grappling Arts Heavyweight Champion… But as the first FGA Heavyweight Champion.
He pauses for a moment, shaking out his arms. It is clear from the veins across his body that he is pumped up. Adrenaline visibly courses through his body.
Mike: That means something to me. Some might say the outcome of Wednesday doesn’t matter. Win or lose, I am three matches away from the Title. But, we both know it does. I am hungry for another victory, Jack. I’m prepared to put down the three time World Champion to gain it. I want to show every one of my would be opponents that the clumsy kid in those matches is not the same one they will face in the Chase the Crown tournament at the Pay Per View. They will take me seriously, even if I still remain the underdog. No one should ever write me off, Devin. Because I will make them regret it. Any move in my arsenal will be enough. All I need is one opening, and boom! I get my three seconds. And you become another one of the highly regarded people that have tasted greatness.
Once more he pauses, to wipe his forehead clean of any perspiration.
Mike: But you might mistake my confidence for arrogance. Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps I am counting my chickens before they hatch. You might suggest that I don’t know who I am dealing with. A living legend. Like I care. I know you, Jack. I have followed your career, seen what you can do. I have seen you win, but I have seen you lose. Everyone loses, Jack. Even if it happens once in a blue moon, that loss will always come. No one is perfect, not even Michael Tomkins. You will have seen that, if you watched any of those matches. All of the mistakes I made then have helped shape me into the Rogue. And as I said, I’m not perfect. But I am great. You will see that for yourself. Michael Tomkins will stand opposite you, and you will witness through firsthand experience that he is going to be big. And then you’ll be able to say, “I was there when it all began for him.” You’ll be able to tell them about the epic matches you had with him, starting with this one. But you won’t be able to say you won. But again, don’t let me be misunderstood here, Jack. I am very much aware that you are very impressive in that ring. I know you are going to be hard to defeat. I know you will be gunning to make another example out of me just as you have with countless other men. So I offer the challenge. Be my guest. Try to make me out to be an embarrassment. Try to bury my career before it has even started. Make me the laughing stock of the Chase the Crown tournament. I dare you. Try. Because when you do, you won’t see a green little kid looking to make his voice heard. No. You’ll see the future FGA Heavyweight Champion, ready to go the distance with you. I am prepared for this. I’m ready to stand opposite Jack Flener. I will hold my own. I know I will. We’ll have one hell of a match, that everyone in Frontier will be talking about for years. But there can only be one way that the match will end.
The dark expression seems to lift, and the cocky smile reappears.
Mike: Ah, what the hell. Give ‘em what they want, right Jack? Here goes. Jack, when you are dazed and confused, out on your back, staring up at the lights. Make no mistake in knowing that the man with his arm raised. The name the ring announcer is declaring victorious is mine. Because like I say, it only takes three seconds.
The FGA logo appears on the screen as everything fades to black.
Jessica was there, beside me when I awoke. She was asleep, looking so perfect in her slumber. I raised my right arm, now pain free, to stroke her soft brown hair back from the side of her face. Her scent filled the air around her. I looked at her, taking everything in and knew I had it all. Jess was not just a girlfriend. I knew she was the one. We’d been friends since we were just 15 years old, having met through a mutual friend at a house party. When I eventually plucked up the courage to ask her out, things went very fast, as young love often does. And now, three years later, I could not imagine being anywhere but beside her. Through thick and thin, I am definitely with her for the long haul. That is, of course, if I have anything to say about it. I can’t think for her or make decisions for her. But if it were up to me, then she’d be the one. I found it hard to tear away from her side as I moved in to the kitchen where Tim stood, ready to go for the day. On the table was a bowl of porridge and an egg white omelet on the side.
Mike: Good morning, mate.
Tim nodded, pouring us both a mug of coffee as I sat down to eat my breakfast. I ate in silence, quickly so that we could head off to the gym as early as we could get away. When my plate was clear and I had finished the last of my coffee, Tim hastily cleared the table as I grabbed my gym bag.
Tim: Ready to go?
Mike: As ever.
Tim: Feeling better now?
Mike: Would you care if I was? Wouldn’t change anything, would it?
Tim: Are you?
Mike: Much better.
Tim: Good. We’re doing a double session today. Upper body and then endurance swimming. We’re pushing all the weights and you’re going for two miles in the pool.
Mike: Urrrgghhh. Alright.
Tim: You’re impressing me all the time, so we’ve got to keep pushing to see how far we can go. Conditioning…
Mike: It’s alright, Tim. I get it.
Tim: Do you?
Mike: Yeah. If I don’t perform outside of the ring, I won’t perform inside of it.
Tim: You got it.
Mike: Will we have time for a sparring session?
Tim: Yeah, we should. I have arranged for my cousin to come around though. I have something to take care of after the swim.
Mike: Oh yeah? Eddie is coming?
Tim: That’s the one.
Mike: What are you…
Tim: It’s no concern of yours, kid. Business is business. And it’s my business. Not yours.
Mike: Ha! Alright. We off then?
Tim: Let’s move out.
---------------------------------
The weight session went by quickly, as I did everything I could do to keep up with the routine on the higher weights. It was a struggle, but I managed it. I knew I would feel a bit raw tomorrow, but as tomorrow was a cardio day, it didn’t bother me too much. The two miles in the pool was time consuming. Even though I kept a good pace and refused to rest after any amounts of laps, it still took a while. But I felt good. The endorphins were flowing around my blood stream, giving me a nice natural buzz. Tim disappeared after he showered, while I waited alone in the training area. Eddie did not leave me waiting long, as he walked into the room with a big smile. Eddie was younger than Tim, but still a lot older than I was. Though he did enjoy a good year in the ASW, holding the Television Title for a month there, his career petered out after that. He was not as charismatic or as technically gifted as his brother, but he did enjoy a long period in the Indy’s before taking a job as a professional fitness instructor. Tim had a lot of time for his cousin. It was no surprise that Tim was the black sheep of a very well to do family. His father was extremely well off and had planned for Tim’s education in medicine when Tim was only a baby. Tim had other ideas, always aspiring to be the best. Their relationship was not a good one, and Eddie was the only reason they still had any contact after all these years. Even though Tim’s dad was around 65, he had held the grudge for that long. Eddie gave me a strong hand shake, before he spoke to me.
Eddie: It’s been a while kid. I hear you’re already impressing the FGA suits.
Mike: Apparently so. How are you doing, Ed?
Eddie: Can’t complain. The kids are driving me mad. The wife’s no help either, but it’s all good. Christmas is at least behind me so I’m more or less safe until their birthdays.
Mike: Ha ha. Sounds like you have it made.
Eddie: Yeah, don’t start.
He was laughing, so obviously I couldn’t take his complaining too seriously. Eddie was such a laid back guy, it was no wonder he hadn’t made a proper career out of wrestling. He did not have the drive and ambition that his cousin had. But he was a lot more likable. I like Tim. But not many people did these days. Eddie still was always surrounded by people. His time was very hard to book, due to this, so it was always good to see him.
Eddie: Are we just going over counters and stuff today?
Mike: I’m not actually sure. I figured you’d know.
Eddie: That’s unlike Timmy. Usually he has everything figured out.
Mike: Yeah, he’s seemed a little preoccupied for the last couple of days. Not with the gym regiments or anything, but back at home. Lot’s of business.
Eddie: I won’t ask. Best not to. If Tim wants you to know something, he’ll tell you. Otherwise you’re always much safer not asking. He’ll always find a way to make you pay.
Mike: Oh, that much I know.
Eddie: Ha. Right, we’ll just go over the same old stuff. See how good you are at reversing and maintaining your holds.
Mike: Ok.
Eddie: Let’s get cracking.
Eddie and I worked each other over for a good hour. Though we took it seriously, we kept having a laugh while doing it which made the whole thing very enjoyable. After everything was said and done, he complimented me on my form. I shook his hand one more time and thanked him for his help. Today’s shower was well earned. I took my time, enjoying the feeling of warmth after a lot of effort put in to my various workouts. When I had dried off and thrown on my change of clothes, I picked up my phone to give Jessica a ring. That’s when I noticed I had several missed calls from her, which I found strange as she knew where I was. I quickly gathered up all of my things and threw my bag over my shoulder so that I could leave. When I emerged from the building, I dialed her number to see if there was a problem, and also to make sure she put another omelet in. When she answered, I immediately sensed trouble before she had even said anything.
Jess: Mikey.
Mike: Jess, what’s wrong?
Jess: I got home from the shops, and someone’s broken in to the apartment. Everything in all the rooms have been turned upside down. I don’t know what’s missing or why or who or…
Mike: Jess, are you alright?
Jess: Yeah, I’m just in shock.
Mike: Calm down. Make yourself a coffee or a tea and I’ll be home in ten minutes.
Jess: You’re coming straight home, yeah?
Mike: Yes. Don’t worry. I’ll wait until I am home before I give the locksmith a ring. It’s not a problem. Whatever is missing, we will be able to replace it.
Jess: Ok. Hurry back.
Mike: Will do. Love you, baby.
Jess: I love you too.
------------------------------
When I approached our solid front door, it was a strange sight. The lock was half hanging off of the door. Someone had done a number on it. I carefully pushed it open, before calling out to Jess so that she didn’t panic.
Mike: It’s me, Jess.
Before I even had a chance to put my bag down, she had run around from the kitchen to give me a hug. I held her tightly, trying to be as comforting as I could. She was shaking. I didn’t blame her. I looked around, and even in the hall I could see bits of papers and boxes thrown all over the floor. Jess’ face was buried into my chest. It was hard to take in. This was our home. Our castle. Now it had been breached. The feeling of safety one has in the sanctity of one’s home had gone. Perhaps forever. After a few minutes of just standing there, trying to contain Jessica’s sobs, I pulled her away to get a look at her face. She was visibly disturbed. Her eyes were red and puffy, her make up running slightly down her cheeks with the tears. I wiped her face dry with my hand, and gave her a smile.
Mike: This is alright, Jess. You’re fine. Everything is going to be ok. We’ll get the locks replaced. Tim will have some CCTV installed, no doubt. And like I said, whatever is missing can…
Jess: It was your tapes.
Mike: Excuse me?
I knew what she meant. She didn’t have to explain. However this sort of took me by surprise. She was referring to everything that I owned that covered my Indy career in England. All of my past achievements and errors were contained on 6 VCRs. We were planning on putting them onto DVDs so that we didn’t have to hold on to our old video player, but had not yet found the time. Now my career thus far had been taken from me. Lost forever.
Jess: The tapes from England. Everything was on there, Mikey. Everything.
Mike: Are you sure they haven’t just been moved?
Jess: At first, I had a feeling. Like, nothing seemed to be missing. Nothing of value. It dawned on me to check them. I looked everywhere, Mikey. They were gone. And then…
Mike: It doesn’t matter, baby. I’m still wrestling. There will be more video footage of me in the ring.
Jess: Mikey, you don’t understand. I figured I could put two and two together and so I checked the Frontier website…
Mike: You don’t mean?
Jess: Every single match you have had is on there. That’s what they were after. But Mikey, I don’t understand. Who would have done this? Why?
Mike: Every mistake I have ever made in the ring is on there. My weaknesses, no matter how insignificant, could now be scouted by the right person. This is sabotage. Someone wanted me to lose any element of surprise that I had. Even out the playing field.
Jess: But I don’t understand? Who?
Mike: I doubt it was Flener. He’s arrogant enough to think that he doesn’t need to know anything about me. Though I am sure he will revel in the new information. The tapes don’t matter though, Jess. Alright? What matters is someone was low enough to commit a felony just to get at me. Breaking and Entering. Theft. This is serious. We’ll get to the bottom of this, don’t worry.
Needless to say, I was right. Tim was livid when he found out. He sorted out three new locks for the door, plus a deadbolt for inside. He also had CCTV camera surveillance installed covering every inch of the apartment. It was almost as if a fire had been lit behind his eyes. Like a man possessed. I really hoped that he wouldn’t do anything stupid now. And I also hoped he would not try and take this out on Jack Flener. That was my job. He is my next opponent and I wanted to beat him clean. My way or no way. Would Tim even think to listen now?
-------------------------------------------
The familiar FGA backdrop comes into view as we see Michael “the Rogue” Tomkins standing tall, in his wrestling attire, looking ready for business. His usually light and cocky expression has been replaced by an unfamiliar darkened expression, with his eyes penetrating the camera.
Mike: I haven’t had the best end to my day, Jack. When everything seemed to be going so well, I had a nightmarish revelation. I am sure you already know half of it. I’m sure you have seen all of the videos that have been uploaded today onto the FGA website. What you might not know is that neither I nor Tim uploaded them. Someone broke into our home, stole all of the footage, turned everything upside down and tried to expose me. The kid on those tapes is the guy that I was. Don’t mistake him for the man you will be fighting on Wednesday. And, Jack. If you have anything to do with this, I will make sure I find out. I will make sure you pay. And regardless, I can’t say I am in the best of moods right now. I won’t be likely to charm the camera with my trademark cocky smile. I’m not likely to drop in any of the catchphrases that the fans of FGA are used to from their Raise-the-Bar-Superstar. You won’t see me doing any sort of imposter parody promos. You won’t see me fail an attempt at an insulting rap. All you will see is the gritty truth. I am hungry, Jack. I want success, and now someone has dangled an array of carrots in front of my eyes. The first proverbial carrot is this whole mess. It’s angered me. I am annoyed. You should hope for your sake that I have calmed down a bit before Wednesday Weekly Combat or you WILL feel the brunt of my wrath. But we’ll see when the time comes if that is something you will have to worry about or not. The second carrot; my shot at gold. To go down in history, not only as the Frontier Grappling Arts Heavyweight Champion… But as the first FGA Heavyweight Champion.
He pauses for a moment, shaking out his arms. It is clear from the veins across his body that he is pumped up. Adrenaline visibly courses through his body.
Mike: That means something to me. Some might say the outcome of Wednesday doesn’t matter. Win or lose, I am three matches away from the Title. But, we both know it does. I am hungry for another victory, Jack. I’m prepared to put down the three time World Champion to gain it. I want to show every one of my would be opponents that the clumsy kid in those matches is not the same one they will face in the Chase the Crown tournament at the Pay Per View. They will take me seriously, even if I still remain the underdog. No one should ever write me off, Devin. Because I will make them regret it. Any move in my arsenal will be enough. All I need is one opening, and boom! I get my three seconds. And you become another one of the highly regarded people that have tasted greatness.
Once more he pauses, to wipe his forehead clean of any perspiration.
Mike: But you might mistake my confidence for arrogance. Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps I am counting my chickens before they hatch. You might suggest that I don’t know who I am dealing with. A living legend. Like I care. I know you, Jack. I have followed your career, seen what you can do. I have seen you win, but I have seen you lose. Everyone loses, Jack. Even if it happens once in a blue moon, that loss will always come. No one is perfect, not even Michael Tomkins. You will have seen that, if you watched any of those matches. All of the mistakes I made then have helped shape me into the Rogue. And as I said, I’m not perfect. But I am great. You will see that for yourself. Michael Tomkins will stand opposite you, and you will witness through firsthand experience that he is going to be big. And then you’ll be able to say, “I was there when it all began for him.” You’ll be able to tell them about the epic matches you had with him, starting with this one. But you won’t be able to say you won. But again, don’t let me be misunderstood here, Jack. I am very much aware that you are very impressive in that ring. I know you are going to be hard to defeat. I know you will be gunning to make another example out of me just as you have with countless other men. So I offer the challenge. Be my guest. Try to make me out to be an embarrassment. Try to bury my career before it has even started. Make me the laughing stock of the Chase the Crown tournament. I dare you. Try. Because when you do, you won’t see a green little kid looking to make his voice heard. No. You’ll see the future FGA Heavyweight Champion, ready to go the distance with you. I am prepared for this. I’m ready to stand opposite Jack Flener. I will hold my own. I know I will. We’ll have one hell of a match, that everyone in Frontier will be talking about for years. But there can only be one way that the match will end.
The dark expression seems to lift, and the cocky smile reappears.
Mike: Ah, what the hell. Give ‘em what they want, right Jack? Here goes. Jack, when you are dazed and confused, out on your back, staring up at the lights. Make no mistake in knowing that the man with his arm raised. The name the ring announcer is declaring victorious is mine. Because like I say, it only takes three seconds.
The FGA logo appears on the screen as everything fades to black.
