I guess we are out in the woods?
That is good Scythe, He is going to be ok everyone! Had us all scared there for a minute.The smooth round chin peeking out from the bottom of the crimson masks smiles brightly at me. Taking a deep drag off what looks like a rolled cigarette and handing it to me I shake my head, the strong stinky smell appalling my nose. BY steps forward and snatches it away from Riot placing it in his lips and inhaling. He taps his foot, and takes it away with his left hand holding his breath. BY shakes his head, he exhales before replacing the joint inhaling again he shuts his eyes and hands it off to his homies. Panic sets in, I don’t want to be around any of that.
BMoney: “Get it away Yo! Yo, yo yo yo yo, Yo! Scythe, Yo I am amazed by what I heard here tonight man. You wouldn’t believe the journey I have been on yo. I don’t tell that story anymore I let my homie Deshaun do that talking for me. You have learned from the best of the best, and those are the old ways Yo, my ways are better. I am telling you Yo I done learned my lesson.”He pauses biting his bottom lip blinking slowly and looking back at Zachary Zmiz holding up his index finger.
BMoney: “Wait really? Wow, Yo yea I will take me a big mack YO! Serving up…. Face… FIERCENESS… emotion through those eyes, all head, but no… BODY.
“MIranda I don’t need a Manager honey.”FLASHBACKS...Her tone was soft, I shake my head again as the temptation made it’s way around the circle back to me. What was she talking about to me again? There have been a lot of current events that I have missed out on while out here centering on myself. She is tread so carefully.
“Jes… Scythe, please just to make sure you are being watched, is all I am asking. Who will be there if I am busy? Someone has to keep on the electric, the water, the mortgage needs to be paid. I want you to be happy, the number one priority here is you.”This woman is driving me insane right now, if I was concerned about that I would walk away and leave it alone. When I am part of a team I stick it out and people can generally suck my dick if they dislike that. I want to take this road, I want to travel it with all the difficulties for the lessons that it has to teach me. She is not afraid to take the glass on her bare feet to carry me all the time, and who am I to be carried off the suffrage of others?
“I see… before you plead, Luna is my bodyguard, do I need to hire more? Persephone is a great driver perhaps some health issues, but who will watch her children if we are leaving town? she can’t work full time or out of town gigs. She’ll still need a full time wage though, and my personal shadow Miss Jessica, she is not that much of a fighter, but she has a great memory. Isn’t she good enough to keep track of me? Miranda what are you worried about, you think those women are going to let me rage all over?” Her look says enough, she holds my arm. I am more flabby than I used to be muscular, males and females still seem drawn to speak to me easily. Miranda gets jealous of that, but I love her nonetheless and spite the people that dislike her for that feature. I might have lost a step or two in the ring compared to my Hardcore Championship wrestling days, my debut here in Mile High proved that to myself. What have I really needed to get fit over though? I keep a special Index of people that try and come between us, my Family. The guest were at our back the moon was in front of us this night.
“Look at all the people Brandon has helping him, that Bmoney personality might be way bigger than he can control. You have never had to control this alone, you need to be able to ask for help because not everyone loves you the way I do and sure even the three mentioned. I am just worried about you.”“Oh well no worries because BMoney has learned from the past, I think it really hurt him. That sticks with a guy once he is hurt those are scars that stick. I can’t speak for a girl, do they?” I ask her genuinely curious.
“Uh, the only thing I would care about losing is if I lost you.” I sigh not feeling like it is a serious answer, because we will lose one another eventually, but she really means it. I cough and tap her on the shoulder lightly as she hugs me. I trust Brandon he believes in himself and is very up and coming, this is how I started and things come full circle. These groupies she gets jealous over, why? I tell people no when they flatter me with compliments, and I find no offense like they pretend to when I decline. Meh, a manager? Keeping me out of trouble? More like find trouble...
BMoney: “Scythe man you gonna be alright, you sure can take a big fall huh? Tell me what you remember?
I sit up looking around… I guess we are out in the woods? … wait… what?
AJ Riot: “He is going to be ok everyone!”
These woods I often ignore them My mother gave them to me but I don’t have the same desire to walk through them or explore them like she did. I am NOT some nature guru, but I do respect the value it holds. I just keep them for the value they hold and the money they can make me and the future of my family. Night Time I walk off the trail following the music, the days have been longer than normal. Miranda always on edge she hasn’t felt like this since my epic chase I made for Tyke Index’s heavyweight title did anyone follow that as closely as they should have? How personal that really got? I am not that competitive anymore am I? I remember the good old days before the chase was all that mattered, what did matter? Protecting what was mine...
I am drained not for creativity just motivation. I want to see that spark in Brandon, this kid needs to get kicked around a few more times maybe? I am not going to give up on him are people morons? Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! He could be a crying pile of snot and I would still help wipe him up and get his ass back out to the ring, when I said we were doing this I meant it. In the distance the melody becomes more familiar though out of tune Lisa Loeb’s “Stay.” The embers of a fire softly light Riot’s mask as he sits in a long sleeved shirt sitting on a stump while playing the guitar. Zach Zmiz is laying on the ground humming along singing the words softly. They are undisturbed by my approach while the Giant Doc sits and strokes the flames of their fire.
Zmiz- “Oh, Scythe… good We would like an extension, how much would a lease cost?”He hands me a drink, it is disgusting, I chuck it down my mouth being so dry. This sounds like it will cost me more than benefit me, I start to shake my head. I have to put my foot down about this, I have worked too hard for this match this opportunity. If Zach thinks he is going to slide in right now he is dead wrong... these guys need to pack up. Ugh I feel like I will be sick... Riot pauses his playing getting a sharp look from Zach.
Riot- “You know Scythe we have been watching these career moves you been making lately. You sure these are the right steps? Seems like a man on his way out, are you done man? Is Bmoney like your replacement?”Now this is sounding like paranoia! Why is she, I mean HE accusing me of being on my way out?! I feel sick, almost drunk, the forest is spinning and I need to sit down. Mouth is so dry! I could puke, or my insides could come out! Riot pops up to help me sit down. Several footsteps approach, the panic sets in. My breath gets heavier, I should have had a drink before I left, a last bump, brought my inhaler, or my anxiety meds, something to take away from this surge of sensations. Did they drug me? Euphoria? Naturally…? A friendly pat taps me on the shoulder and BMoney’s voice beats off my eardrum.
BMoney- "YO YO YO YO YO YO YO YO YO! Scythe my main man!" -B money slaps Scythe on the back.
B Money: " You ready to get this win Booooooooi?" This is Brandon? I rub my chin pulling the soft facial hair into a tip. Slouched over I still feel like I am about to fall. B Money has a blonde curly Mohawk matching my straight bleached one. His homies start jumping around me, this really isn't helping my sick feeling at all. He let's it continue for a few seconds before interrupting them, praise He.
B Money: "Yo homie. Who we facing yo? I am ready to slap some people around, and spit right in their faces."Scythe- “Double Team Ihari, I am not telling you about them.”To be honest I couldn’t if I wanted to, I might need a manager after all? I turn and whisper to MIss Jesica behind me. :Remind me to look up the history of who BY and I are facing, I want to be three times as ready as I think he might be.
MIss Jessica: “Right Away Mister J.”B Money: "What? Yo who you talking to yo?Scythe- “You should be able to work that out on your own Brandon. This is not a party life, this is crunch time dude. I been in this spot before. Have you? The Mile High federation is going to be measuring both teams for the chopping block the way the temp felt last time i checked.” Saying that out loud feels nerve racking, how will BY handle that? It is not some delusion the tag team is plenty competitive without us in it so why would they want just another team in it? Does he realize that?
As they are talking about this Zach has lit another fattie and handed it to AJ Riot who takes a big drag off it and watches the infant tag team still struggling in their communication phase. Pitiful, though Scythe is ill at the moment. Scythe likes Brandon to be tagging with him, he bored? Suddenly the bum talent agent sees something, strumming his guitar now he starts to think while the guys talk. I am becoming irritated watching Riot fool around, everyone should just get off my property right now we'll deal with it in Denver.
-B Money walks over to a tree, and leans against it.
B Money: "Look, bro. I never scout out my opponent. My main homie Willie does that for me. He's the brain behind my brawn. Now its cool if you don't want to tell me about our opponents. I am ready for this match, and I'll be ready when the bell rings." -One of B Money homies speaks up.
Leo: "This time right?" B Money: "What's that supposed to mean YO!" -B money walks over, and gets in Leo face. The two start to push each other. Willie walks over to Scythe.
Willie: "Don't mind them Scythe. We don't like to lose, and B money feels like an idiot. We are here to prove ourselves to you, and this company."Zach stands up the rolled smoke spiraling out of his lips, this scene feels so dirty, why am I here?! Riot’s music becomes louder, more disturbing to my ears.
Riot- BY was riding shot gun with Scythe Bloodline, they were a losing tag team oh yea!
They got a top guy feel, but they lose whats the deal it’s like they just aint got no heaaaart.
Look around these guys could be such a big deal, somebody tell what is wroooong?
Oh it’s really nothing, although I’m just here just thinking how you boys need a song.As AJ begins to jam acoustically out of tune (BMoney’s reaction w/ Homies) Scythe raises an eyebrow more shellshocked with a touch of amusement sinking in. Zach Zmiz pulls Scythe closer to him his arm snakishly wrapping around his neck and tightening him into him as he exhales that cannabinoid aroma. It is hard for Scythe to resist this, even shutting his eyes lightly doesn’t help him fight it away.
Zmiz- A song and dance are only part of the issues, you must work together and become a team, a name the people give you. Earn that name Scythe, earn it and you and BMoney will be official. What you think BMoney, you already out there looking like money even when you lose man. He's your package. You both take off trust me this Double Team Ihari, DTI are undefeated. They have a name what do you two have?At first I felt sick, I thought I would pass out there for a moment, BY looked at me. Was I going to vomit? I tried to swallow, but it felt like dirt, I ate a chunk when I wrecked my dirtbike.
Riot- Brandon I really think you fellas should take him home. AJ’s words started to fade, what was being said to Zach? Why?
It will be alright, I will work it out with them? She is a PRO!
My hair stands on end who? MIss Jessica? Are you writing this all down? MIss Jessica where are the girls? Things are getting dark all of a sudden?
I will tell you what I think you two have. You are talented guys that have been through hell that know how to get a job done. Working together there isn't anything you couldn't accomplish. This is YOUR time to take over, you feel that sickness inside, it is a growing pain Scythe. You know that you have to start doing what it takes to win, and now that you have BMoney to mentor you know what must be done, just as Raven tried to teach you before. You guys have instinct. You are fighters and most importantly the two of you are survivors.
3:15 AM | Denver, Colorado
Layover at the airport.
While Willie is looking at his iPhone I can see he is watching DTI, we are waiting for flights to come together so we can meet up. Miss Jessica shows me the notes she took of the fights our opponents have had, to me their shoots don't really matter.
They can talk all day long the only footage I care about was the footage of them fighting The Stigma, who the hell are The Stigma?
Oh! They are ...
Grendel and Samael two losers that didn't match up against Double Team Ihari. Thank you I know who they are Miss Jessica. Ladies and... Ladies... I am wasting my time? Did Ripley really want to beat me? Index, he wanted to beat me, The Foundation oh... oh they wanted to beat Brandon and I so badly, but now how are they doing?
They fought The Exes who really was not here for any long term service were they?
Brandon and I have a poor record, but a golden one. You know my history but have learned nothing about his, I went out and learned what I needed. I didn't ask some talent less hack hey bro I am bored let's tag team. I seen an opportunity to grow. I am not applying pressure here, that isn't my style. How will someone recover if you strain the injury? If Brandon says he will be ready this bout than I believe he will, and I can only do my part to be ready. I admire how Double Team is so confident. I hope that someday Brandon and I can enter those ropes together with such a confidence. Still that won't prevent us from winning, it is just a steeper hill to climb, and I love that! I thrive off challenges!
Becoming a One and One team to an undefeated team, that could catch eyes? I know my mind is centered and focused for this competition BMoney, I know that the smooth locomotion of our opponents can work against us, but I also know that you are a secret weapon. You and I know how good you are as a wrestler Brandon, now it is time we step into that ring tonight and you show the Mile High Wrestling fans just how well kept a secret you are.
Did you guys catch any of that? Post it to Instagram or YouTube, sometime!
The place seems to become background noise as we wait on BY to show up. I just want to get to this fight, I want to hear the bell. I am tired of feeling so helpless, so lost all the time. This finally feels like the right direction, that peacefulness settles around me as the scene fades to black.