CONCLUSIONS, or: Nick Fowler's Date With Callia Carter!!
_it's lengthy, but hey the story's gotta be told. anyway, slightly different format than usual for this one. steven is axis, and he's feuding with nick fowler, they have a match at the event called brawl-4-all, which is in like a week. anyway, nick's tryin' to fuck with steven's head by taking advantage of their marital problems and taking callia out on a date. the stuff with the teal narrative are live segments on HIW's tv show, whereas the grey aren't seen by anyone but the persons involved. anyway, enough o' this shit. enjoy (or not, as the case may be).
Twilight blankets the sky, stars hidden by smog. Callia Carter waits patiently in a black fur coat outside Hilton Charlotte Center City. She pondered the ethics of what she was going to do tonight. She wondered how far she would go. She had been wondering ever since she got the phonecall from him. If the truth were told, she's contemplated going all the way. She had never been with any man except Steven, but Steven had taken her for granted, so she thought. Her mind had been mulling over that for a week now. It's time he was taught a lesson, and what better person to teach him with than Nick Fowler? Nick may have shown a side she didn't like before, at the cafe, but being with him would eat at Steven, burn him to his core and show him that she needs to be valued.
A low rumble. Callia turned to the left and saw Nick pulls up. The silver of his car glints against the lobby lights of the hotel as The Legacy exited his vehicle and immediately moved to let Callia in. No words passed until they were both seated.
NICK: Glad you could make it tonight...
CALLIA: It is no trouble at all, Nick. I was glad to get the invite! Too many times I have spent my Saturdays at home, alone. I get bored. So tonight, I left Michel and Rebecca in New York with Chloe and came with Etienne to Charlotte with the mindset of 'to hell with it. I am going to have fun!'
Nick looked at her, and couldn't help but thank his lucky stars. But the smog remained as they accelerated into the night.
Sat in the middle of the restaurant, Callia and Nick are deep in conversation. Callia was enjoying the attention and apparent affection. Nick was constantly looking at his cell phone waiting for an SMS from Kai Tanaka, letting him know when Axis showed up on stage. Callia noticed this, and she didn't like it. Tonight was supposed to be about her.
CALLIA: Are you checking to see if Nora is asking where you are?
Her tone is seductive and loaded with suggestion. Nick feels a rush of blood to the head.
NICK: No. Nah it's just a, a thing.
CALLIA: What thing?
She leaned in and playfully batted at his nose.
NICK: Oh well it's just that uh-well I kinda wanted to interrupt the inevitable speech Ax--Steven, is gonna give and broadcast part of our date live on Warzone.
A pause, stunned silence. Nick spots a fire and dives to put it out.
NICK: 'Coz y'see, the way I look at it, this night is about you, but not just you. It's also you putting Steven in his place, and there's no better way to do that than to publicly announce the date, right in the middle of his speech! You know how much he values those idiot HIW fans, he'll go nuts if I--I mean you, embarrass him like this in front of them!!
CALLIA: Oui, you have a point Nick. He will be very humiliated.
NICK: Yeah humiliated, even better! So whatcha say?
CALLIA: Yes! Okay. I am fine with it, let us do it!
NICK: Awesome.
Nick smirks, and then his cell phone beeps. Looking down, he sees it's from Kai. Without even opening it, he knows what's coming. Immediately he calls over the busboy.
NICK: Yeah, okay, get the equipment I stored here now. NOW.
He then turns to face Callia.
NICK: This is gonna be so much fun! Now, about how you act when the camera's on, how about we just turn up the heat a bit, so as to really rile him? Just follow my lead...
The crowd lets out an unexpected roar as "THEM BONES" hammers its way through the air and The Icon spirals out onto the entranceway. Dressed in navy bellbottoms and a black "PALLER~!" t-shirt, and of course his custom Mirrored Shades. Axis makes his way down to ringside, slapping hands with fans along the way.
SAM: Now why in the hell is he out here?!
JIMMY: Oh shut up, Sam! He can come out here if he wants. He's the World Champion!
Richard Darwin stands up to announce him, but as he's about to Axis reaches ringside, leaps up, and skins the cat to enter the ring! The Icon then motions for Darwin not to bother and to throw him his mic, and the announcer shrugs and does as asked. Catching the mic, Axis moves towards the top-rope. He pulls himself up and stands atop the buckle in the Icon-Pose! He taps the Belt and smirks as he's bathed in a photo-flash-lightstorm. Then, as "THEM BONES" fades out, he hops down into the ring.
AXIS: How you doin' Charlotte?!
The crowd cheer.
AXIS: What in the name o' piss-water y'call that?! I said, how you doin' Charlotte?!?!
THE CROWD CHEER!
AXIS: Now that's more like it! God damn, Charlotte. I've had some serious fun inside Charlotte. I mean serious adult-orientated fun in the beautiful warm parts of Charlotte. Damn, gotta love a town named after a woman. But in all seriousness, I love this town. I got good history with it. I'm sure you all remember what happened last time I was here!
JIMMY: I don't.
SAM: Cruel Intentions 2003. He retained the World Title. Great, great match.
AXIS: N' hopefully this 'lil six-man we got comin' up tonight can be as excitin' as that match was. But that's not why I'm out here, I'm out here to set the record straight about a few things. 'Coz I know this past week the rumour mills and gossip columns have been workin' overtime collecting information on this supposed "love triangle". Now, yes, me and Nora Drake have had sex--
--Axis is cut off by wild cheering from the crowd!
AXIS: And yes, we did film it--
--More cheering! The Icon doesn't look too impressed.
AXIS: But Nora is with Nick, she wants to be with Nick, and I wish them all the best. NOW, that said, I am fully intent on beating seven-and-a-half shades of shit outta Nick Fowler at the Brawl-4-All!!
And yet more cheers! Though this time, Axis smirks.
AXIS: See, the problem with Nick is, he blames everything on me. He thinks I'm tryin' to ruin his ass, when all I ever wanted to do was help him out. Well that shit's fine, it's perfectly fine. The threat Nick Fowler poses to me is less than nothing. He can't do anything to my life or my career. Y'know, someone asked me if he posed a threat to my Title in our match at Brawl-4-All. Now, in spring of 2004 I woulda said yet. But now? Now Nick Fowler's got a severely limp case of Instituence. That is to say, metaphorically, he's a soggy French Fry at times when he should be a freaking Washington Monument. This co--
Axis is cut-off by a screeching feedback noise pulsing over the speakers as the Tron flickers to life! The black fades to an image, it's Nick Fowler sat at a restaurant table! The crowd boo his image, but he obviously can't hear them. The Legacy is dressed in a very stylish Armani suit, his hair is slicked back, and a cocky smirk adorns his face. Axis stares at the screen, looking confused.
NICK: Hey, Axis! Or, Steven. Everyone who fucks you gets to call you that right? Well I think over the last few weeks I’ve fuck’d you up pretty good! Anyway, I can assume you're pretty mad judging by the look on your face! I don't have any audio here, cheap production bastards, but y'look kinda pissed I interrupted you. Get used to it, I'm gonna be interrupting a lot of things that are linked to you. It's my time now, Steven! I'm the way of the future and the future is now!
Even though he knows Nick can't hear him, Axis raises the mic to his lips and speaks.
AXIS: The future is never now you pigfuck shitheel, that's why it's the future.
The crowd laugh and cheer.
NICK: Why yes thank you I have lost a bit of weight. So kind of you to notice.
Nick chuckles, the crowd boo.
NICK: Okay, Steven, here's the story. I was thinking, after our little meeting on Wednesday, how on earth could I possibly get back at you. How could I possibly make you feel like I felt when I, along with the rest of the world, had to watch you fuck my wife!!
The crowd ROAR at this remark, and even Axis can't help a smirk. A massive "AX-IS!" chant breaks out, matched equally by a "NOR-A!" one!!
NICK: I don't know what you're smiling about, Steven, because you're about to get a taste of your own medicine. You say you only fucked Nora because I wasn't treating her right? Well guess who else hasn't been treating their wife right? Guess what wife is feeling pretty much like Nora was, well, I'd guess so. Go on, Steven, guess.
The Icon's smirk has utterly vanished as the camera slowly zooms out and pans slightly across, revealing none other than Callia Carter! The crowd are shocked into a hushed silence as Axis' wife smiles for the camera. Wearing a low-cut and thoroughly flattering cream dress, she waves, almost sarcastically. Axis stares at the screen, utterly silenced.
NICK: That's right, Steven, it's your wife! The woman you love, apparently! I mean you clearly have more interest in boning my wife than your own, so you can't love her that much. Don't you agree, Callia?
CALLIA: Oh, yes. I agree. He is very confused I think.
NICK: Confused, eh? Y'think he could be GAY? I mean, would it be that much of a stretch? Is Axis just a great big FAG?!
CALLIA: He could be, Nick, I had never thought about it like that!
The crowd are booing relentlessly. Axis stands, head bowed, slowly stroking his chin in thought.
NICK: That's it Steve! Stroke that chin. n' lemme tell ya, it won't be the only thing you're strokin' tonight! No Nora, no Callia, oh lordy what ever will you do? Go to France n' find Destinee? Maybe if you ask real nice she'll let you fuck her, if she says no you could always just beat her up! hahaha!
That comment causes a momentary lapse in Callia's facial expression of mirth, but she quickly adjusts. The crowd are booing relentlessly, but Axis hasn't moved from that same spot.
NICK: So yeah, this here, is me proving why I am so amazing. I, Nick Fowler, have done what many many men have dreamt of doing -- I got a date with Callia Carter! Lonely housewife of the high and mighty Axis! And I can tell you, Steven, I was talking about you stroking... well Callia here was just telling me how she loves doing that, wasn't that right, Callia?
CALLIA: Oui, it was. I love stroking, and sucking, and... well, you know.
NICK: Oh I do, Callia. I do. So, stay tuned, ugly redneck bastards! I'll be sure to drop you guys another line sometime in the night before I show up and dominate Axis in the ring, just like I'm going to dominate his wife in bed!! Oh yeah, Axis, choke on that!
The camera feed cuts, but the crowd continue to boo. Axis, however, still hasn't moved.
JIMMY: Someone should get him outta there.
SAM: Yeah, this crosses a line I think. Then again, it could all just be poetic justice.
JIMMY: Poetic justice my ass! This is one of the most cowardly things I've ever seen on HIW Television. Goddammit, will someone please get out here and help Axis to the back? And can we freakin' cut to commercial please?!
Several minutes have passed since they last checked on HIW. At present they have finished the main course and are waiting for dessert to arrive. Callia slowly traces her fingers around the rims of her champagne glass. Nick watches her intently, he ponders his next move, then recalls an old classic in manipulation. Leaning in, he speaks almost playfully.
NICK: Whatcha thinkin'?
Callia turns to face Nick, she hadn't been asked that question in so long.
CALLIA: I am thinking, about Etienne. About how he disregards me, doesn't act like I matter.
Nick takes Callia's hand in his.
NICK: You matter, Callia. I can't believe he disregards you! As if anyone could disregard you! You're Callia! Do you know how many men fantasize about you? That's why they cheer Ax--Steven, y'know. They admire that he has such a beautiful woman. They cannot help but respect that!
Callia blushes.
CALLIA: Nick please!
NICK: I'm only telling the truth, Callia. You deserve to be treated like a Goddess, not some cheap sex-toy for Steven to use whenever he feels horny! You're so much more than that!
CALLIA: I know! I just wish he would understand that.
Nick lifts his napkin to wipe his mouth but behind it he smirks wickedly. Callia smiles, she cannot believe how attentive Nick is being, it made her wonder why Steven was never like this any more. Why he hasn't been like this since he re-joined HIW that Warzone in October.
NICK: So, how long have you been away? I mean, Steven told Nora who told me, that you left?
CALLIA: Oui. I left the day of that Warzone when he re-joined. I was away for about two months, then I came back, but only because of what happened to Etienne in that match.
NICK: Ahh, the Bloodbath. Yes. That was a, a shame.
CALLIA: But even since then we have not seen each other regularly. He does not make time for me!
NICK: That's awful!
CALLIA: So I go and spend time with Kaylie Mayfield. She understands me.
Nick nods his head compliantly, then checks his watch. He looks around the restaurant and mumbles something under his breath about the waiting staff. Callia looks up from her champagne with a curious eyebrow.
NICK: I'm paying an arm and a leg for dinner tonight, not to mention "extra" to film in this shit hole!
He looks over his shoulders at the other guests who seem disgusted by his loud outburst. But still he doesn't grab the attention of a waiter. He tosses his napkin down on the table in annoyance, Callia smiles politely but is clearly embarrassed.
NICK: I ordered desert ten minutes ago! Yo, Garcon!
One of the waiters looks over to Nick and raises his hand asking for one moment. Nick scowls. He voice raises again.
NICK: Yo, monkey servant get your pussy ass over here!
CALLIA: Nick..
He raises his hand dismissing Callia as the waiter walks over. Nick looks at his watch in an exaggerated fashion, checks to see if it is broken by placing it to his ear and then looks up at the waiter.
NICK: My watch isn't broken, so that means you are late with my fucking desert! The lady and I order what fifteen minutes ago? I mean a fifteen-minute wait for desert is goddamn outrageous!
I'm a V.I.P here tonight, or did you not get the memo on that, dipshit?
The wait looks apologetic but as he tries to speak Nick almost jumps out of his chair. Callia's hand reaches across the table trying to calm the scene and Nick adjusts his tie and leans back in his chair trying to calm his demeanour.
NICK: If you are going to do anything other than get our desert I'm going to take this table napkin and force feed it to you!
The waiter rushes off as Nick slams his fist on the table. He turns his gaze towards Callia.
NICK: I told them we were on a tight filming schedule. I told them I didn't want to end up filming while we are trying to eat! It ruins everything!
He shakes his head.
NICK: It ruins everything... It ruins everything..
CALLIA: It's okay.
NICK: No it's not. I know this whole little filming thing is for show, but baby I wanted the down time to be all about you. Like it should be.
He reaches across the table and squeezes her hand. She smiles softly as if it's the only response she can come up with.
The screen fills with black, then fades to show Nick Fowler and Callia Carter sat at the table again! The crowd boo immediately, but Fowler ignores any reactions (because he can't hear them) and turns to face the camera.
NICK: Hey there, HIW! Welcome back to my date with Callia Carter! Or as I’ve fondly come to call it “Fuckin’ with Axis as I’m Fuckin’ his wife.”
Nick is sat much closer to Callia this time, and currently has his arm around her shoulder, his hand rubbing the back of her soft neck.
NICK: So whatcha think, Steve? Reckon I could get lucky tonight huh? After I destroy you in the ring I'll take your wife back to a Hotel, real nice one, and give her the Nick Fowler Experience. That sound good Callia?
CALLIA: That sounds very good, Nick, I cannot wait!
Callia leans over towards Nick and gazes at him seductively, she licks her lower lip slowly. Nick shivers in anticipation and gazes back, then stares at the camera.
NICK: Oooooooooooooooooo man, Steve, your woman's HOT. She's already givin' me a full-blown case of the "all ready to be fully-blown"'s. No wonder yer always so freakin' happy! But tell, Steve, are you happy now? Are you still gonna visit sick kids in Pakistan now? Hm? I tell ya what, Steve...
He holds up a finger in pause then rubs his hand down over Callia’s neck to her breast bone and allows his fingers to dangle where the seam of her dress holds in her voluptuous chest.
NICK: If I’m the bad guy here Steven, then I guess this would be where I pipe in and give my evil plan away. A monologue so to speak. I like the sound of that, telling you what I’m doing is just as good as slapping that “my shit don’t stink” grin off your face, or kicking your family jewels up into your throat!
So here it is then… Sun Tzu’ Attack by stratagem.
“Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.”
And everyone knows I’m a lover, not a fighter.
Nick leaned in and kissed the nape of Callia’s neck. He turns back with a sly grin on his face.
NICK: Can you see it though, Steven? Your resistance breakin’ down? I’m sitting here telling you my plan and you can’t do a damn fucking thing to stop it! I’m brilliant. Tell me I’m brilliant Callia.
She smiles and purrs into his ear.
CALLIA: You are brilliant.
NICK: I’ve got everything that could give you strength. You don’t have my wife to use as a sperm receptacle, you don’t even have your own wife for that anymore! I’ve constantly gained the upper hand and humiliated you in that ring. I’ve made your second run as a champion look like it was just an extension of… Easton Halls!
There is only one thing that can give you support and that is that shinning gold belt around your waist. But Yungstar has given me the chance to take that away from you too! HA!
Damn everything is comin’ up Fowler!
The camera can’t see what is happen under the table but it easily catches Callia’ arm moving back and forth giving the clear impression she’s rubbing something under the table away from prying eyes. She smiles coyly.
CALLIA: That’s not the only thing that is coming up.
The crowd are booing Fowler, but The Legacy can't hear them.
NICK: And, well. That's really all there is to it. Axis, Steven, your Downfall begins tonight in that ring. I will humiliate you here, and then, when you have nothing left at Brawl-4-All, I will defeat you twice in one night. I will end you. But for now, I'll just bang your wife. Seeya tonight!
CALLIA: And I'll see you tomorrow, Etienne.
Callia winks as the feed cuts. The crowd are silenced by the awkwardness, and the camera then cuts to Axis! The Icon is backstage, walking into the Parking Lot. The camera races to keep up, when it does get in front, Axis' eyes are like tunnels. He reaches the door of the arena, but Road Agent Scott Rechsteiner and his gigantic lackey stand in The Icon's way!
AXIS: Move.
RECHSTEINER: Now, Axis, I can't do that. Yungstar's given clear orders that yo--
Axis grabs Rechsteiner and shoves him against the wall.
AXIS: I said MOVE.
RECHSTEINER: Yu-Yungstar! He said, he said if you leave the arena he'll fire you. N' sue you for everythin' you got for breach of contract! Axis, don't throw it all away for this, it's not worth it! Not when you'll get your chance if you just wait for a while. Fowler's gonna be here tonight, for the Main Event! You can get him then. Just don't leave, please? A lotta the guys like havin' you around, yer a good guy to work with, always have been. So please, relax?
Axis releases Rechsteiner and backs away, he looks at the ground and runs his hands through his hair. He balls his fists up and contorts his face and lets out a primeval scream, turning and BURYING his hand through the side of a hollow wooden box. He leans against it as Rechsteiner motions for the feed to be cut. It is, and the show goes to commercial.
Nick is staring at the monitor as the show goes to commercial, bursting with laughter despite the lack of sound.
NICK: Oh man! Oh man that was priceless! You see the look on his face?
CALLIA: Yes! It was like he was a monkey! "GRR ME ANGRY!" So good!
NICK: And may I add, the trouser-stroking jerkoff fakeout was excellently played.
CALLIA: Well maybe later it will not be a fakeout.
NICK: That's what I like to hear.
Nick smiles wickedly. Callia raises her glass and drinks, hiding her expression behind the circular rim. As the night wore on she began to question exactly what it is she was doing. What was she thinking? Could Nick be trusted?
NICK: Say... Callia, I just had a crazy idea.
CALLIA: What is that?
NICK: Why don't we go to Warzone?
CALLIA: What?!
NICK: No just hear me out for a second! Okay, we saw how Steven was so humiliated there. Why don't we change our plans slightly so that, instead of you going back to the hotel when I head off to Warzone, you can come with me! I'll be able to bump some cripple kid's handler from the front row or somethin' no sweat.
CALLIA: I do not know.
NICK: Aww c'mon, you'll get to see me, Kael and Essex pound the crap outta Steven! We can make him regret ever treating you that way, with FORCE.
Callia seems hesitant.
NICK: Trust me. You'll get to see me cast the first real stone of my Legacy!
CALLIA: Your Legacy?
NICK: Yeah! What'll be left behind when I'm gone! We're all gonna die, me you everyone. All this crap is just as transitory as us, but a Legacy, a Legacy can last forever. Great warriors are remembered throughout the ages! Julius Caesar, Alexander The Great, Genghis Khan. Great warriors whose name long outlives their bodies. And that's what I want! I wanna etch my name into history so that one day long after I'm dead people will REMEMBER who Nick Fowler was! And my kids, my kids will be able to feed off that Legacy. Y'know who Sean Lennon is? The guy is as talentless as they come! But his dad was John Freakin' Lennon, so this little whiny ass gets to live this life of luxury and be recognised on television just for existing... imagine if he had some talent! Now, my kids, they'll have mad talent, because they'll be my kids. And so combine that with the power they'll inherit from my Legacy, and what you've got there is a continuation of power. And in a world like ours, power is everything.
Nick's grinning, and Callia is taken aback. Suddenly, things with Steven become clearer. Suddenly, he doesn't seem so bad.
NICK: So now let's go to Warzone and rub this date in his face. I mean, you haven't forgotten how he treats you like shit have ya?
But then, Nick Fowler reminds her why she was angry. Her blood boils. Then cools. Going to Warzone, humiliating him in front of the fans, that would show him.
CALLIA: I have not. Let's go.
Now, what happens next is Callia comes out and sits in the front-row whilst a 6-man tag match goes on. I don't expect you to read the match, but if you want to stay up to pace with what happens, go here and use your browser's search to look for
"So lets watch and see what Fowler is doing with Mrs. Carter." and read from there to "Nick drops off the apron and goes over to talk to Callia."
THEN, search for "You are so freakin' uneducated" and read up to when Axis gets his shoulder up (says it in big white text, haha)
THEN, search for "The EMT's try to load Stanton onto a stretcher" and read up to "IT'S RANDY WYLDE!!!"
I mean, you could just read/skim-read the whole thing up to that point. I mean, I didn't write it all but you may enjoy it. if not (I'm betting not, and that's cool) then the above sections are the only ones that directly concerns the final part of this story. and you really do haveta read them.
Calm. Warzone is over. Most of the arena has been deserted, the superstars are long gone, hobbling out of the stadium nursing their bruises after a security force broke up the gigantic roster brawl that disrupted the end of Warzone. Yet, Steven Carter remains. He sits in his locker room, forearms on thighs, back arched, head facing down onto the floor. Partly a pose to mull over what his wife did to him, partly because his ribs were on fire.
Across the room sits Callia Carter. Steven's winter-coat wrapped around her. She left her mink in Nick's limo, and she wasn't going back in there. Her games had backfired, she bit her bottom lip in synchronicity with Steven - both from pain, though it was different kinds of pain.
CALLIA: Etienne...
He slowly cranes his head up, looking at her.
CALLIA: I--I'm sorry.
Steven bows his head again. The gesture tears at Callia, she almost breaks down right there.
STEVEN: I know.
CALLIA: Please, please forgive me.
Steven pushes himself off the bench and slowly walks over to Callia.
STEVEN: Already did.
CALLIA: Etienne I swear I did not me--
He raises a finger.
STEVEN: --Don't--don't lie to me. You knew what you were doin'.
CALLIA: But Etienne I am so sorry!
STEVEN: I know you are. And I've forgiven you for that. Hell, maybe I had it comin'.
CALLIA: Well...
Steven shoots her a glare, she looks up and is immediately silenced.
STEVEN: No. No tell me. I need to hear this.
CALLIA: You're never there for me anymore!
Steven tries to restrain a laugh.
STEVEN: Are you kidding. I am never there for you? Callia, which one of us left for Fra--
CALLIA: --I did that because of Sturm! I was afraid he would hurt us and he did! Look at what he did to you!!
STEVEN: In the ring. Callia. In the ring he did that. Outside of it, he barely came near me. Just like I said. He knew the boundaries. BUT, that said, I don't blame you for leaving for Paris.
CALLIA: Thank you.
STEVEN: Though I would have liked if you'd at least waited for me to get back from Warzone so I knew where you were and why you were going. You shoulda told me.
CALLIA: And you should have told me about returning to HIW.
Steven pauses, a bow of the head, a brief inhalation. She had him there.
STEVEN: Yeah, yeah you're right. And I'm sorry for what I did, in that regard. I'm truly sorry. I just never thought it'd be an issue.
CALLIA: It's not an issue, it never has been and you know that. What is the issue is when you don't tell me these things!
STEVEN: I figure I don't need to! I mean, you know me, you understand me.
CALLIA: Yes but I do not understand this business! I do not understand why you are always tr-- No. No that is not true.
STEVEN: What?
CALLIA: I forgot, what Nick said. He spoke about Legacy. And why he is in this business, why he swims in this violence. I do not think you have the same selfish motives, but, it made me understand it more. This violence. And then I watched tonight, I watched you fight. I have not done this since you fought Arlen, which was a very special match, and just for respect you said. But this, to see you fighting men like these men and in such a fierce way as you fought Stanton, and the way the crowd reacted to you. The way they followed your every move, and when you took pain it was as if they did the same. I could not believe you could lead them like that, not for a normal match like this. And the way they believed in you, put themselves in you. And then, Michel and Rebecca, they will benefit so much from your success, it will make their lives easier. And, heh, and all your fans around the world, like those children in Pakistan.
She sighs.
CALLIA: I overlooked all of that. I did not see it as your motivation, I only saw you being self-involved and not caring about me.
Steven kneels in front of her.
STEVEN: Are you nuts? I care about you more than anyone else in the world. Why would you think I didn't ca--
CALLIA: --because you did not tell me about this! You did not tell me about why you did this! This Legacy! And you did not tell me when you decided to come back!
STEVEN: Oh yeah, well, fu-- that. Fuck. I wish I'da told you now. But I just di--
CALLIA: --no. I know it all now. Why you did it, why you jumped at the chance to do it again. I did not like it, but I understand it now and I understand why you do what you do. Why you love doing this. And I accept that.
STEVEN: Seriously, you know me. I mean, I'll try and talk to you if anythin' like this ever comes up again, I'll try and stay rational n' shit - but don't expect any miracles. I'm only human after all.
CALLIA: I know. And I am so sorry for what I did with Nick. I feel so, dirty. I did not know he was using me, I should have seen it but he kept saying things I wanted to hear. That you weren't treating me right--
STEVEN: --well he's partially right there. But I mean, we're both at fault. I mean, we both fucked up in our own ways and were too stubborn to sort it out. Shit, all it'd take woulda been one quick conversation.
CALLIA: No, no I think I really had to witness this, to understand your desire to fight. You could not have just told me, I would not have believed you. It is not something you can explain, this, this violence.
Steven stands up, then clutches his ribs in agony and bends over, spitting up some blood. Callia rises, concerned.
CALLIA: Etienne?
He manages a half-smirk, burying his pain.
STEVEN: Heh, nah I'm fine. Just gotta get these ribs taped for the Fowler match n' try to blitz that fucker. Get it over with asap, save my strength for the Brawl. If I draw number 3 I am absolutely fucked.
CALLIA: Let's hope you don't draw 3! But do you think you can blitz Nick?
STEVEN: I have no idea.
He clutches his ribs in pain.
STEVEN: I fuckin' hope so.
.
Nick Fowler was used with permission.
Thanks to Mel for her input with parts of Nick's dialogue.
© 2006 Machine Gun Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.
Twilight blankets the sky, stars hidden by smog. Callia Carter waits patiently in a black fur coat outside Hilton Charlotte Center City. She pondered the ethics of what she was going to do tonight. She wondered how far she would go. She had been wondering ever since she got the phonecall from him. If the truth were told, she's contemplated going all the way. She had never been with any man except Steven, but Steven had taken her for granted, so she thought. Her mind had been mulling over that for a week now. It's time he was taught a lesson, and what better person to teach him with than Nick Fowler? Nick may have shown a side she didn't like before, at the cafe, but being with him would eat at Steven, burn him to his core and show him that she needs to be valued.
A low rumble. Callia turned to the left and saw Nick pulls up. The silver of his car glints against the lobby lights of the hotel as The Legacy exited his vehicle and immediately moved to let Callia in. No words passed until they were both seated.
NICK: Glad you could make it tonight...
CALLIA: It is no trouble at all, Nick. I was glad to get the invite! Too many times I have spent my Saturdays at home, alone. I get bored. So tonight, I left Michel and Rebecca in New York with Chloe and came with Etienne to Charlotte with the mindset of 'to hell with it. I am going to have fun!'
Nick looked at her, and couldn't help but thank his lucky stars. But the smog remained as they accelerated into the night.
Sat in the middle of the restaurant, Callia and Nick are deep in conversation. Callia was enjoying the attention and apparent affection. Nick was constantly looking at his cell phone waiting for an SMS from Kai Tanaka, letting him know when Axis showed up on stage. Callia noticed this, and she didn't like it. Tonight was supposed to be about her.
CALLIA: Are you checking to see if Nora is asking where you are?
Her tone is seductive and loaded with suggestion. Nick feels a rush of blood to the head.
NICK: No. Nah it's just a, a thing.
CALLIA: What thing?
She leaned in and playfully batted at his nose.
NICK: Oh well it's just that uh-well I kinda wanted to interrupt the inevitable speech Ax--Steven, is gonna give and broadcast part of our date live on Warzone.
A pause, stunned silence. Nick spots a fire and dives to put it out.
NICK: 'Coz y'see, the way I look at it, this night is about you, but not just you. It's also you putting Steven in his place, and there's no better way to do that than to publicly announce the date, right in the middle of his speech! You know how much he values those idiot HIW fans, he'll go nuts if I--I mean you, embarrass him like this in front of them!!
CALLIA: Oui, you have a point Nick. He will be very humiliated.
NICK: Yeah humiliated, even better! So whatcha say?
CALLIA: Yes! Okay. I am fine with it, let us do it!
NICK: Awesome.
Nick smirks, and then his cell phone beeps. Looking down, he sees it's from Kai. Without even opening it, he knows what's coming. Immediately he calls over the busboy.
NICK: Yeah, okay, get the equipment I stored here now. NOW.
He then turns to face Callia.
NICK: This is gonna be so much fun! Now, about how you act when the camera's on, how about we just turn up the heat a bit, so as to really rile him? Just follow my lead...
The crowd lets out an unexpected roar as "THEM BONES" hammers its way through the air and The Icon spirals out onto the entranceway. Dressed in navy bellbottoms and a black "PALLER~!" t-shirt, and of course his custom Mirrored Shades. Axis makes his way down to ringside, slapping hands with fans along the way.
SAM: Now why in the hell is he out here?!
JIMMY: Oh shut up, Sam! He can come out here if he wants. He's the World Champion!
Richard Darwin stands up to announce him, but as he's about to Axis reaches ringside, leaps up, and skins the cat to enter the ring! The Icon then motions for Darwin not to bother and to throw him his mic, and the announcer shrugs and does as asked. Catching the mic, Axis moves towards the top-rope. He pulls himself up and stands atop the buckle in the Icon-Pose! He taps the Belt and smirks as he's bathed in a photo-flash-lightstorm. Then, as "THEM BONES" fades out, he hops down into the ring.
AXIS: How you doin' Charlotte?!
The crowd cheer.
AXIS: What in the name o' piss-water y'call that?! I said, how you doin' Charlotte?!?!
THE CROWD CHEER!
AXIS: Now that's more like it! God damn, Charlotte. I've had some serious fun inside Charlotte. I mean serious adult-orientated fun in the beautiful warm parts of Charlotte. Damn, gotta love a town named after a woman. But in all seriousness, I love this town. I got good history with it. I'm sure you all remember what happened last time I was here!
JIMMY: I don't.
SAM: Cruel Intentions 2003. He retained the World Title. Great, great match.
AXIS: N' hopefully this 'lil six-man we got comin' up tonight can be as excitin' as that match was. But that's not why I'm out here, I'm out here to set the record straight about a few things. 'Coz I know this past week the rumour mills and gossip columns have been workin' overtime collecting information on this supposed "love triangle". Now, yes, me and Nora Drake have had sex--
--Axis is cut off by wild cheering from the crowd!
AXIS: And yes, we did film it--
--More cheering! The Icon doesn't look too impressed.
AXIS: But Nora is with Nick, she wants to be with Nick, and I wish them all the best. NOW, that said, I am fully intent on beating seven-and-a-half shades of shit outta Nick Fowler at the Brawl-4-All!!
And yet more cheers! Though this time, Axis smirks.
AXIS: See, the problem with Nick is, he blames everything on me. He thinks I'm tryin' to ruin his ass, when all I ever wanted to do was help him out. Well that shit's fine, it's perfectly fine. The threat Nick Fowler poses to me is less than nothing. He can't do anything to my life or my career. Y'know, someone asked me if he posed a threat to my Title in our match at Brawl-4-All. Now, in spring of 2004 I woulda said yet. But now? Now Nick Fowler's got a severely limp case of Instituence. That is to say, metaphorically, he's a soggy French Fry at times when he should be a freaking Washington Monument. This co--
Axis is cut-off by a screeching feedback noise pulsing over the speakers as the Tron flickers to life! The black fades to an image, it's Nick Fowler sat at a restaurant table! The crowd boo his image, but he obviously can't hear them. The Legacy is dressed in a very stylish Armani suit, his hair is slicked back, and a cocky smirk adorns his face. Axis stares at the screen, looking confused.
NICK: Hey, Axis! Or, Steven. Everyone who fucks you gets to call you that right? Well I think over the last few weeks I’ve fuck’d you up pretty good! Anyway, I can assume you're pretty mad judging by the look on your face! I don't have any audio here, cheap production bastards, but y'look kinda pissed I interrupted you. Get used to it, I'm gonna be interrupting a lot of things that are linked to you. It's my time now, Steven! I'm the way of the future and the future is now!
Even though he knows Nick can't hear him, Axis raises the mic to his lips and speaks.
AXIS: The future is never now you pigfuck shitheel, that's why it's the future.
The crowd laugh and cheer.
NICK: Why yes thank you I have lost a bit of weight. So kind of you to notice.
Nick chuckles, the crowd boo.
NICK: Okay, Steven, here's the story. I was thinking, after our little meeting on Wednesday, how on earth could I possibly get back at you. How could I possibly make you feel like I felt when I, along with the rest of the world, had to watch you fuck my wife!!
The crowd ROAR at this remark, and even Axis can't help a smirk. A massive "AX-IS!" chant breaks out, matched equally by a "NOR-A!" one!!
NICK: I don't know what you're smiling about, Steven, because you're about to get a taste of your own medicine. You say you only fucked Nora because I wasn't treating her right? Well guess who else hasn't been treating their wife right? Guess what wife is feeling pretty much like Nora was, well, I'd guess so. Go on, Steven, guess.
The Icon's smirk has utterly vanished as the camera slowly zooms out and pans slightly across, revealing none other than Callia Carter! The crowd are shocked into a hushed silence as Axis' wife smiles for the camera. Wearing a low-cut and thoroughly flattering cream dress, she waves, almost sarcastically. Axis stares at the screen, utterly silenced.
NICK: That's right, Steven, it's your wife! The woman you love, apparently! I mean you clearly have more interest in boning my wife than your own, so you can't love her that much. Don't you agree, Callia?
CALLIA: Oh, yes. I agree. He is very confused I think.
NICK: Confused, eh? Y'think he could be GAY? I mean, would it be that much of a stretch? Is Axis just a great big FAG?!
CALLIA: He could be, Nick, I had never thought about it like that!
The crowd are booing relentlessly. Axis stands, head bowed, slowly stroking his chin in thought.
NICK: That's it Steve! Stroke that chin. n' lemme tell ya, it won't be the only thing you're strokin' tonight! No Nora, no Callia, oh lordy what ever will you do? Go to France n' find Destinee? Maybe if you ask real nice she'll let you fuck her, if she says no you could always just beat her up! hahaha!
That comment causes a momentary lapse in Callia's facial expression of mirth, but she quickly adjusts. The crowd are booing relentlessly, but Axis hasn't moved from that same spot.
NICK: So yeah, this here, is me proving why I am so amazing. I, Nick Fowler, have done what many many men have dreamt of doing -- I got a date with Callia Carter! Lonely housewife of the high and mighty Axis! And I can tell you, Steven, I was talking about you stroking... well Callia here was just telling me how she loves doing that, wasn't that right, Callia?
CALLIA: Oui, it was. I love stroking, and sucking, and... well, you know.
NICK: Oh I do, Callia. I do. So, stay tuned, ugly redneck bastards! I'll be sure to drop you guys another line sometime in the night before I show up and dominate Axis in the ring, just like I'm going to dominate his wife in bed!! Oh yeah, Axis, choke on that!
The camera feed cuts, but the crowd continue to boo. Axis, however, still hasn't moved.
JIMMY: Someone should get him outta there.
SAM: Yeah, this crosses a line I think. Then again, it could all just be poetic justice.
JIMMY: Poetic justice my ass! This is one of the most cowardly things I've ever seen on HIW Television. Goddammit, will someone please get out here and help Axis to the back? And can we freakin' cut to commercial please?!
Several minutes have passed since they last checked on HIW. At present they have finished the main course and are waiting for dessert to arrive. Callia slowly traces her fingers around the rims of her champagne glass. Nick watches her intently, he ponders his next move, then recalls an old classic in manipulation. Leaning in, he speaks almost playfully.
NICK: Whatcha thinkin'?
Callia turns to face Nick, she hadn't been asked that question in so long.
CALLIA: I am thinking, about Etienne. About how he disregards me, doesn't act like I matter.
Nick takes Callia's hand in his.
NICK: You matter, Callia. I can't believe he disregards you! As if anyone could disregard you! You're Callia! Do you know how many men fantasize about you? That's why they cheer Ax--Steven, y'know. They admire that he has such a beautiful woman. They cannot help but respect that!
Callia blushes.
CALLIA: Nick please!
NICK: I'm only telling the truth, Callia. You deserve to be treated like a Goddess, not some cheap sex-toy for Steven to use whenever he feels horny! You're so much more than that!
CALLIA: I know! I just wish he would understand that.
Nick lifts his napkin to wipe his mouth but behind it he smirks wickedly. Callia smiles, she cannot believe how attentive Nick is being, it made her wonder why Steven was never like this any more. Why he hasn't been like this since he re-joined HIW that Warzone in October.
NICK: So, how long have you been away? I mean, Steven told Nora who told me, that you left?
CALLIA: Oui. I left the day of that Warzone when he re-joined. I was away for about two months, then I came back, but only because of what happened to Etienne in that match.
NICK: Ahh, the Bloodbath. Yes. That was a, a shame.
CALLIA: But even since then we have not seen each other regularly. He does not make time for me!
NICK: That's awful!
CALLIA: So I go and spend time with Kaylie Mayfield. She understands me.
Nick nods his head compliantly, then checks his watch. He looks around the restaurant and mumbles something under his breath about the waiting staff. Callia looks up from her champagne with a curious eyebrow.
NICK: I'm paying an arm and a leg for dinner tonight, not to mention "extra" to film in this shit hole!
He looks over his shoulders at the other guests who seem disgusted by his loud outburst. But still he doesn't grab the attention of a waiter. He tosses his napkin down on the table in annoyance, Callia smiles politely but is clearly embarrassed.
NICK: I ordered desert ten minutes ago! Yo, Garcon!
One of the waiters looks over to Nick and raises his hand asking for one moment. Nick scowls. He voice raises again.
NICK: Yo, monkey servant get your pussy ass over here!
CALLIA: Nick..
He raises his hand dismissing Callia as the waiter walks over. Nick looks at his watch in an exaggerated fashion, checks to see if it is broken by placing it to his ear and then looks up at the waiter.
NICK: My watch isn't broken, so that means you are late with my fucking desert! The lady and I order what fifteen minutes ago? I mean a fifteen-minute wait for desert is goddamn outrageous!
I'm a V.I.P here tonight, or did you not get the memo on that, dipshit?
The wait looks apologetic but as he tries to speak Nick almost jumps out of his chair. Callia's hand reaches across the table trying to calm the scene and Nick adjusts his tie and leans back in his chair trying to calm his demeanour.
NICK: If you are going to do anything other than get our desert I'm going to take this table napkin and force feed it to you!
The waiter rushes off as Nick slams his fist on the table. He turns his gaze towards Callia.
NICK: I told them we were on a tight filming schedule. I told them I didn't want to end up filming while we are trying to eat! It ruins everything!
He shakes his head.
NICK: It ruins everything... It ruins everything..
CALLIA: It's okay.
NICK: No it's not. I know this whole little filming thing is for show, but baby I wanted the down time to be all about you. Like it should be.
He reaches across the table and squeezes her hand. She smiles softly as if it's the only response she can come up with.
The screen fills with black, then fades to show Nick Fowler and Callia Carter sat at the table again! The crowd boo immediately, but Fowler ignores any reactions (because he can't hear them) and turns to face the camera.
NICK: Hey there, HIW! Welcome back to my date with Callia Carter! Or as I’ve fondly come to call it “Fuckin’ with Axis as I’m Fuckin’ his wife.”
Nick is sat much closer to Callia this time, and currently has his arm around her shoulder, his hand rubbing the back of her soft neck.
NICK: So whatcha think, Steve? Reckon I could get lucky tonight huh? After I destroy you in the ring I'll take your wife back to a Hotel, real nice one, and give her the Nick Fowler Experience. That sound good Callia?
CALLIA: That sounds very good, Nick, I cannot wait!
Callia leans over towards Nick and gazes at him seductively, she licks her lower lip slowly. Nick shivers in anticipation and gazes back, then stares at the camera.
NICK: Oooooooooooooooooo man, Steve, your woman's HOT. She's already givin' me a full-blown case of the "all ready to be fully-blown"'s. No wonder yer always so freakin' happy! But tell, Steve, are you happy now? Are you still gonna visit sick kids in Pakistan now? Hm? I tell ya what, Steve...
He holds up a finger in pause then rubs his hand down over Callia’s neck to her breast bone and allows his fingers to dangle where the seam of her dress holds in her voluptuous chest.
NICK: If I’m the bad guy here Steven, then I guess this would be where I pipe in and give my evil plan away. A monologue so to speak. I like the sound of that, telling you what I’m doing is just as good as slapping that “my shit don’t stink” grin off your face, or kicking your family jewels up into your throat!
So here it is then… Sun Tzu’ Attack by stratagem.
“Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.”
And everyone knows I’m a lover, not a fighter.
Nick leaned in and kissed the nape of Callia’s neck. He turns back with a sly grin on his face.
NICK: Can you see it though, Steven? Your resistance breakin’ down? I’m sitting here telling you my plan and you can’t do a damn fucking thing to stop it! I’m brilliant. Tell me I’m brilliant Callia.
She smiles and purrs into his ear.
CALLIA: You are brilliant.
NICK: I’ve got everything that could give you strength. You don’t have my wife to use as a sperm receptacle, you don’t even have your own wife for that anymore! I’ve constantly gained the upper hand and humiliated you in that ring. I’ve made your second run as a champion look like it was just an extension of… Easton Halls!
There is only one thing that can give you support and that is that shinning gold belt around your waist. But Yungstar has given me the chance to take that away from you too! HA!
Damn everything is comin’ up Fowler!
The camera can’t see what is happen under the table but it easily catches Callia’ arm moving back and forth giving the clear impression she’s rubbing something under the table away from prying eyes. She smiles coyly.
CALLIA: That’s not the only thing that is coming up.
The crowd are booing Fowler, but The Legacy can't hear them.
NICK: And, well. That's really all there is to it. Axis, Steven, your Downfall begins tonight in that ring. I will humiliate you here, and then, when you have nothing left at Brawl-4-All, I will defeat you twice in one night. I will end you. But for now, I'll just bang your wife. Seeya tonight!
CALLIA: And I'll see you tomorrow, Etienne.
Callia winks as the feed cuts. The crowd are silenced by the awkwardness, and the camera then cuts to Axis! The Icon is backstage, walking into the Parking Lot. The camera races to keep up, when it does get in front, Axis' eyes are like tunnels. He reaches the door of the arena, but Road Agent Scott Rechsteiner and his gigantic lackey stand in The Icon's way!
AXIS: Move.
RECHSTEINER: Now, Axis, I can't do that. Yungstar's given clear orders that yo--
Axis grabs Rechsteiner and shoves him against the wall.
AXIS: I said MOVE.
RECHSTEINER: Yu-Yungstar! He said, he said if you leave the arena he'll fire you. N' sue you for everythin' you got for breach of contract! Axis, don't throw it all away for this, it's not worth it! Not when you'll get your chance if you just wait for a while. Fowler's gonna be here tonight, for the Main Event! You can get him then. Just don't leave, please? A lotta the guys like havin' you around, yer a good guy to work with, always have been. So please, relax?
Axis releases Rechsteiner and backs away, he looks at the ground and runs his hands through his hair. He balls his fists up and contorts his face and lets out a primeval scream, turning and BURYING his hand through the side of a hollow wooden box. He leans against it as Rechsteiner motions for the feed to be cut. It is, and the show goes to commercial.
Nick is staring at the monitor as the show goes to commercial, bursting with laughter despite the lack of sound.
NICK: Oh man! Oh man that was priceless! You see the look on his face?
CALLIA: Yes! It was like he was a monkey! "GRR ME ANGRY!" So good!
NICK: And may I add, the trouser-stroking jerkoff fakeout was excellently played.
CALLIA: Well maybe later it will not be a fakeout.
NICK: That's what I like to hear.
Nick smiles wickedly. Callia raises her glass and drinks, hiding her expression behind the circular rim. As the night wore on she began to question exactly what it is she was doing. What was she thinking? Could Nick be trusted?
NICK: Say... Callia, I just had a crazy idea.
CALLIA: What is that?
NICK: Why don't we go to Warzone?
CALLIA: What?!
NICK: No just hear me out for a second! Okay, we saw how Steven was so humiliated there. Why don't we change our plans slightly so that, instead of you going back to the hotel when I head off to Warzone, you can come with me! I'll be able to bump some cripple kid's handler from the front row or somethin' no sweat.
CALLIA: I do not know.
NICK: Aww c'mon, you'll get to see me, Kael and Essex pound the crap outta Steven! We can make him regret ever treating you that way, with FORCE.
Callia seems hesitant.
NICK: Trust me. You'll get to see me cast the first real stone of my Legacy!
CALLIA: Your Legacy?
NICK: Yeah! What'll be left behind when I'm gone! We're all gonna die, me you everyone. All this crap is just as transitory as us, but a Legacy, a Legacy can last forever. Great warriors are remembered throughout the ages! Julius Caesar, Alexander The Great, Genghis Khan. Great warriors whose name long outlives their bodies. And that's what I want! I wanna etch my name into history so that one day long after I'm dead people will REMEMBER who Nick Fowler was! And my kids, my kids will be able to feed off that Legacy. Y'know who Sean Lennon is? The guy is as talentless as they come! But his dad was John Freakin' Lennon, so this little whiny ass gets to live this life of luxury and be recognised on television just for existing... imagine if he had some talent! Now, my kids, they'll have mad talent, because they'll be my kids. And so combine that with the power they'll inherit from my Legacy, and what you've got there is a continuation of power. And in a world like ours, power is everything.
Nick's grinning, and Callia is taken aback. Suddenly, things with Steven become clearer. Suddenly, he doesn't seem so bad.
NICK: So now let's go to Warzone and rub this date in his face. I mean, you haven't forgotten how he treats you like shit have ya?
But then, Nick Fowler reminds her why she was angry. Her blood boils. Then cools. Going to Warzone, humiliating him in front of the fans, that would show him.
CALLIA: I have not. Let's go.
Now, what happens next is Callia comes out and sits in the front-row whilst a 6-man tag match goes on. I don't expect you to read the match, but if you want to stay up to pace with what happens, go here and use your browser's search to look for
"So lets watch and see what Fowler is doing with Mrs. Carter." and read from there to "Nick drops off the apron and goes over to talk to Callia."
THEN, search for "You are so freakin' uneducated" and read up to when Axis gets his shoulder up (says it in big white text, haha)
THEN, search for "The EMT's try to load Stanton onto a stretcher" and read up to "IT'S RANDY WYLDE!!!"
I mean, you could just read/skim-read the whole thing up to that point. I mean, I didn't write it all but you may enjoy it. if not (I'm betting not, and that's cool) then the above sections are the only ones that directly concerns the final part of this story. and you really do haveta read them.
Calm. Warzone is over. Most of the arena has been deserted, the superstars are long gone, hobbling out of the stadium nursing their bruises after a security force broke up the gigantic roster brawl that disrupted the end of Warzone. Yet, Steven Carter remains. He sits in his locker room, forearms on thighs, back arched, head facing down onto the floor. Partly a pose to mull over what his wife did to him, partly because his ribs were on fire.
Across the room sits Callia Carter. Steven's winter-coat wrapped around her. She left her mink in Nick's limo, and she wasn't going back in there. Her games had backfired, she bit her bottom lip in synchronicity with Steven - both from pain, though it was different kinds of pain.
CALLIA: Etienne...
He slowly cranes his head up, looking at her.
CALLIA: I--I'm sorry.
Steven bows his head again. The gesture tears at Callia, she almost breaks down right there.
STEVEN: I know.
CALLIA: Please, please forgive me.
Steven pushes himself off the bench and slowly walks over to Callia.
STEVEN: Already did.
CALLIA: Etienne I swear I did not me--
He raises a finger.
STEVEN: --Don't--don't lie to me. You knew what you were doin'.
CALLIA: But Etienne I am so sorry!
STEVEN: I know you are. And I've forgiven you for that. Hell, maybe I had it comin'.
CALLIA: Well...
Steven shoots her a glare, she looks up and is immediately silenced.
STEVEN: No. No tell me. I need to hear this.
CALLIA: You're never there for me anymore!
Steven tries to restrain a laugh.
STEVEN: Are you kidding. I am never there for you? Callia, which one of us left for Fra--
CALLIA: --I did that because of Sturm! I was afraid he would hurt us and he did! Look at what he did to you!!
STEVEN: In the ring. Callia. In the ring he did that. Outside of it, he barely came near me. Just like I said. He knew the boundaries. BUT, that said, I don't blame you for leaving for Paris.
CALLIA: Thank you.
STEVEN: Though I would have liked if you'd at least waited for me to get back from Warzone so I knew where you were and why you were going. You shoulda told me.
CALLIA: And you should have told me about returning to HIW.
Steven pauses, a bow of the head, a brief inhalation. She had him there.
STEVEN: Yeah, yeah you're right. And I'm sorry for what I did, in that regard. I'm truly sorry. I just never thought it'd be an issue.
CALLIA: It's not an issue, it never has been and you know that. What is the issue is when you don't tell me these things!
STEVEN: I figure I don't need to! I mean, you know me, you understand me.
CALLIA: Yes but I do not understand this business! I do not understand why you are always tr-- No. No that is not true.
STEVEN: What?
CALLIA: I forgot, what Nick said. He spoke about Legacy. And why he is in this business, why he swims in this violence. I do not think you have the same selfish motives, but, it made me understand it more. This violence. And then I watched tonight, I watched you fight. I have not done this since you fought Arlen, which was a very special match, and just for respect you said. But this, to see you fighting men like these men and in such a fierce way as you fought Stanton, and the way the crowd reacted to you. The way they followed your every move, and when you took pain it was as if they did the same. I could not believe you could lead them like that, not for a normal match like this. And the way they believed in you, put themselves in you. And then, Michel and Rebecca, they will benefit so much from your success, it will make their lives easier. And, heh, and all your fans around the world, like those children in Pakistan.
She sighs.
CALLIA: I overlooked all of that. I did not see it as your motivation, I only saw you being self-involved and not caring about me.
Steven kneels in front of her.
STEVEN: Are you nuts? I care about you more than anyone else in the world. Why would you think I didn't ca--
CALLIA: --because you did not tell me about this! You did not tell me about why you did this! This Legacy! And you did not tell me when you decided to come back!
STEVEN: Oh yeah, well, fu-- that. Fuck. I wish I'da told you now. But I just di--
CALLIA: --no. I know it all now. Why you did it, why you jumped at the chance to do it again. I did not like it, but I understand it now and I understand why you do what you do. Why you love doing this. And I accept that.
STEVEN: Seriously, you know me. I mean, I'll try and talk to you if anythin' like this ever comes up again, I'll try and stay rational n' shit - but don't expect any miracles. I'm only human after all.
CALLIA: I know. And I am so sorry for what I did with Nick. I feel so, dirty. I did not know he was using me, I should have seen it but he kept saying things I wanted to hear. That you weren't treating me right--
STEVEN: --well he's partially right there. But I mean, we're both at fault. I mean, we both fucked up in our own ways and were too stubborn to sort it out. Shit, all it'd take woulda been one quick conversation.
CALLIA: No, no I think I really had to witness this, to understand your desire to fight. You could not have just told me, I would not have believed you. It is not something you can explain, this, this violence.
Steven stands up, then clutches his ribs in agony and bends over, spitting up some blood. Callia rises, concerned.
CALLIA: Etienne?
He manages a half-smirk, burying his pain.
STEVEN: Heh, nah I'm fine. Just gotta get these ribs taped for the Fowler match n' try to blitz that fucker. Get it over with asap, save my strength for the Brawl. If I draw number 3 I am absolutely fucked.
CALLIA: Let's hope you don't draw 3! But do you think you can blitz Nick?
STEVEN: I have no idea.
He clutches his ribs in pain.
STEVEN: I fuckin' hope so.
.
Nick Fowler was used with permission.
Thanks to Mel for her input with parts of Nick's dialogue.
© 2006 Machine Gun Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.