Posted by Hayato/Drake/Rain on Apr 29, 2020 0:12:21 GMT -5
Nerves
The all too familiar scene of co-owner Analicia Morales-Connors’ office comes into frame as the nice owner is seated on her desk, watching as her son, and EPIC Elite Champion Maverick paces back and forth. The young champion looks unusually nervous, running his right hand through his hair, the left holding onto his title belt which is over his shoulder. The company co-owner tries her best to alleviate the stress by breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Mav you need to relax, everything is going to be just fine. You’re overthinking things again, remember those stupid techniques you learned in therapy.
His mother’s suggestion stops his pacing but only to have him look at her annoyed.
Maverick: You just said it yourself that they’re stupid. You know that shit doesn’t help, nothing does. I just...I don’t know how I’m going to pull this off. I feel like everyone else has done their part and now that it’s down to me I’m going to fuck it up somehow. Do I just go out there? Do I just...oh fuck, I’m getting overheated.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Did you take your pills?
Maverick: No.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Ryan you know you’re supposed to have your medicine before and after every...
Analicia stopped herself, noticing that this wasn’t helping matters. Maverick looked to begin pacing again, his anxiety growing more and more evident but Analicia got off her desk and stepped up to him. She gently placed her hands on his shoulders.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Ugh, Ryan...honey… Mav.. Ry? Hello!
Snapping out of his trance, Mav looked down at his mother, seeing a sign of that old concerned look which brought forth a bit of guilt and a sigh.
Maverick: Sorry I just…
Analicia Morales-Connors: Look sweetheart, you don’t have to worry about any type of cue or anything. Quinn spoke with him earlier asking who he wanted to face since he still thinks..you know, and he picked you. So all you have to do is ask for a microphone once you’re done and don’t get knocked out, okay?
Maverick stepped back, causing his mother to let go. He shook his head a few times and then looked back at Analicia, disbelief still present on his face.
Maverick: He wanted to wrestle...me?
With a soft nod, Analicia gave her answer which brought a smile to the face of the Elite Champion.
Maverick: I think I’m ready.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Just don’t forget to take your medicine.
Maverick: Seriously? Whatever, fine.
Rolling his eyes, Maverick tapped his championship belt and made his way out of Analicia’s office, leaving her with a pleased smirk.
Meanwhile…
Hayato Sagara: I don’t know if I am ready for this, my friend. This could be the very last time I step into a ring. I thought I was prepared for that, but..
Drake interrupts the clearly nervous Hayato.
Drake Connors: Come on, man, you’ve done bigger matches, and this is for a really good charity.
Hayato sighs.
Hayato Sagara: Yes… But it is also against Mav-kun, the man I…
Drake smirks a bit, a bit of a gleam in his eye.
Drake Connors: Hey, you asked to take him on. Besides, you and he both know it’s just professional. You’ll still be good afterward.
Hayato sits and lowers his face into his hands. He speaks in a quiet, little voice that is so unlike him that even Drake, emotionless as he claims to be, gets a little misty eyed.
Hayato Sagara: yes… it’ll be the last time I see him… I will carry that memory as I go back to a life of crime just to survive in the streets of Kyoto..
Drake can say nothing. He merely places his hand on Hayato’s shoulder as it begins to bob with his sobbing.
THE Match
“Radioactive” by Our Last Night blasts out of the PA system as Hayato steps out from behind the curtain, head held high though his eyes are red and puffy, and just strolls down to the ring, his entire focus pinned on his corner of the ring. He slides in under the bottom rope with none of his usual enthusiasm as he heads to his corner, drops to one knee and rests his head against the padding there. After a moment, he runs his hand through his stylish anime hair and stands, turning his eyes to the entrance ramp, waiting.
The lights in the arena slowly dim to darkness as the sounds of "Popular Monster" by Falling In Reverse begin to be heard. With the instrumental intro leading into the first verse, a hooded Maverick makes his way onto the stage, the EPIC Elite Championship on his shoulder, fans greeting him with jeers, as he slowly makes his way down the ramp. On cue with the chorus, Ryan pulls down his hood, his usual arrogant smirk replaced with uncertainty, tears welling but not escaping, as he stares directly at Hayato. As the second half of the chorus kicks in, he hops up to the nearest turnbuckle, placing his left leg on the second and right on the top rope, eyes closed as he takes in the moment. Maverick then opens his eyes and turns back, finally flashing his signature smirk before performing a backflip, landing on one knee in the center of the ring, raising the Elite Championship up on landing. He rises to his feet once again, still holding his title high. The fans boo, but he couldn’t care less. His gaze returns to the man on the other side. Lowering the championship, he hands it to the official, not taking his eyes off of Hayato as he does. He takes off his entrance hood and yells out, having the ring attendant come and grab it, but still his eyes are fixated. His entrance theme fades to silence, and that’s when Maverick finally takes a few steps forward, stopping at the center, motioning Hayato to join him.
Hayato hesitantly makes his way to the center of the ring, staring into the enigmatic young champion’s eyes. They both seem to want to speak, but are interrupted by the sound of the bell. With a sigh, Hayato extends his chin and invites Mav to hit him. Mav does so, but it’s more a love tap than anything, and Hayato laughs, but then angrily shouts at Mav “Don’t hold back, goddamnit!” So Mav pops Hayato on the chin, staggering him a bit. Hayato laughs and shouts “BETTER!!” and begins trading stiff shots back and forth with the young man. The initial right hands transition into forearms, neither man letting up before they switch up the striking again, this time to knife edge chops. Both competitors’ chests start to blister and bleed before finally it’s the champion that staggers.
Some sort of wild emotion is flowing through Hayato, a bit of the old Madman, as he capitalizes by locking in the BAWK BA CAWK!, and he’s not being gentle about it, either. Mav shouts in pain as Sagara wrenches on the chickenwing hold. Hayato flinches at the pain in Mav’s voice and quickly transitions the hold into a fast and vicious single arm snapmare, blasting Mav to the mat. Again he wrenches on the arm and Mav screams. The ref checks if Mav wants to continue, and he loudly yells “YES!” Hayato drops a few knees into Mav’s arms and shoulders, but the tough young champion refuses to quit. Sagara drags Mav up, and nails him with a single arm DDT, dazing Mav, and goes for the pin, getting only a two count. Hayato backs off, and Mav lays on the mat, breathing hard, streams of spittle flying from his mouth as he tries to will himself up… Only for Hayato to roll him over and nail the GOT MY MOON BOOTS ON! Hayato with another pin attempt for a two count. Sagara backs off again, amazed at the punishment Mav is taking and still ticking. He drags Mav up and goes for a snap arm wringer, driving Mav to the mat, snaps arm wringer again, then drops Mav’s arm, and goes for a knee to the kid’s shoulder, but hesitates just long enough for Maverick to counter with a vicious knee of his own, catching Hayato off guard with it connecting right to his face. Clutching his arm in pain, Mav starts stomping away at Sagara, tears streaming down his face as he yells out “Don’t hold back either damnit!!”
Using his good arm, Maverick drags Hayato up by his hair, ramming his head into the turnbuckle several times before he grabs the staggered challenger and delivers a Tiger Suplex, however he’s in too much pain to hold it for the pin which frustrates him. He hits his own arm a few times to will it back to life and as Sagara starts to use the ropes to get back to his feet, Mav races with a flash and hits the Wrecking Ball Dropkick, getting a two count when he goes for the cover. The younger man strikes a few wild clubbing blows to the back and back of the head, not letting up, pent up emotions flowing through his fists. He finally backs up a moment, shaking his head in defiance before running back and nailing Hayato with a Front Flip Backstabber. Another nearfall follows which leads Maverick to sit in disbelief, more tears streaming as he looks at the downed Sagara, wondering what he’d have to regrettably do to keep him down. Signaling that he’s going to end things Mav again roughly drags Hayato back to his feet by his hair, hooking him for His Blade. Sagara spins under at the very last second though, countering with a Roundhouse Kick which connects to the injured arm, Mav screaming in pain as he crumbles, clutching at his arm in immense pain.
Instead of capitalizing, Hayato kneels on one knee, his head lowered. Mav stares in disbelief until Hayato looks at him, pleading with his eyes for the young man to do it, to take him down; telling him his last match should be used to put Mav over. Tears that could be mistaken as being from physical pain course down Maverick’s face as he nails Hayato with Her Song (Kudome Valentine). Mav goes for the pin and gets a 1!2!3! for the victory, rolling off of Hayato, staring at him, not understanding why he would sacrifice himself like that… Until he sees Hayato staring at him from a prone position, drinking him in, as if to memorize every single detail of him for sustenance later on when he is forced back to Kyoto. Mav watches as Hayato’s tears roll down his cheek, staining the mat, a heartbreaking smile on his face. Not being able to stand it any longer, Mav helps Hayato up to his feet and hugs him tightly, resting his head on Hayato’s shoulder. Hayato returns the hug for a moment, then gently disengages, asking for a microphone.
DEUS EX MATRIMONY
Hayato Sagara: I want to thank each and every one of you for coming to this St. Jude’s benefit show, and for staying to see what is probably going to be my last match ever, and…
But Mav has a microphone of his own, and interrupts Hayato’s emotional farewell.
Maverick: Hang on...I don’t think you should do that just yet Hayato-kun…
The young man’s words were spoken with a shake in his voice that were attributed to a combination of exhaustion and nerves. Hayato goes to speak his concern but is cut off before he can.
Maverick: I had this whole thing...in my head..of course instead of that I’m cutting what can probably be played back as the worst promo ever but that’s what you do to me... I’m not the angry person I am when I’m with you...I’m the guy who was a kid who was in love and is now the man who’s still in love and I turn into such a fucking sappy dork it kills me...but I love it and die happily over and over again. I suck...at this...look hang on…
Stopping himself before he goes on and, as he sees it, messes things up even more, he calls out for the ring attendant to give him his hoodie. He puts it on and lets out a deep breath before trying to speak up again.
Maverick: You’re not going anywhere…
Mav pauses, staring directly into Hayato’s eyes before dropping down to one knee.
Maverick: ...because I want to make you mine forever and you need to be here for that to happen.
Maverick pulls out a velvet box before the stunned Hayato’s eyes and opens it, a ring in the shape of a silver dragon with an emerald for an eye. He looks up at Hayato, and Hayato’s english departs him for a moment.
Hayato Sagara: HAI!! I mean, yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!
Mav raises up from his kneeling position and slides the ring onto Hayato’s left ring finger, and the two kiss passionately center ring as the fans burst into wild cheering. They cheer even louder as Analicia and Drake Connors step out from behind the curtain, Drake with mic in hand.
Drake Connors: Hayato… Welcome to the family… Son.
The all too familiar scene of co-owner Analicia Morales-Connors’ office comes into frame as the nice owner is seated on her desk, watching as her son, and EPIC Elite Champion Maverick paces back and forth. The young champion looks unusually nervous, running his right hand through his hair, the left holding onto his title belt which is over his shoulder. The company co-owner tries her best to alleviate the stress by breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Mav you need to relax, everything is going to be just fine. You’re overthinking things again, remember those stupid techniques you learned in therapy.
His mother’s suggestion stops his pacing but only to have him look at her annoyed.
Maverick: You just said it yourself that they’re stupid. You know that shit doesn’t help, nothing does. I just...I don’t know how I’m going to pull this off. I feel like everyone else has done their part and now that it’s down to me I’m going to fuck it up somehow. Do I just go out there? Do I just...oh fuck, I’m getting overheated.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Did you take your pills?
Maverick: No.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Ryan you know you’re supposed to have your medicine before and after every...
Analicia stopped herself, noticing that this wasn’t helping matters. Maverick looked to begin pacing again, his anxiety growing more and more evident but Analicia got off her desk and stepped up to him. She gently placed her hands on his shoulders.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Ugh, Ryan...honey… Mav.. Ry? Hello!
Snapping out of his trance, Mav looked down at his mother, seeing a sign of that old concerned look which brought forth a bit of guilt and a sigh.
Maverick: Sorry I just…
Analicia Morales-Connors: Look sweetheart, you don’t have to worry about any type of cue or anything. Quinn spoke with him earlier asking who he wanted to face since he still thinks..you know, and he picked you. So all you have to do is ask for a microphone once you’re done and don’t get knocked out, okay?
Maverick stepped back, causing his mother to let go. He shook his head a few times and then looked back at Analicia, disbelief still present on his face.
Maverick: He wanted to wrestle...me?
With a soft nod, Analicia gave her answer which brought a smile to the face of the Elite Champion.
Maverick: I think I’m ready.
Analicia Morales-Connors: Just don’t forget to take your medicine.
Maverick: Seriously? Whatever, fine.
Rolling his eyes, Maverick tapped his championship belt and made his way out of Analicia’s office, leaving her with a pleased smirk.
Meanwhile…
Hayato Sagara: I don’t know if I am ready for this, my friend. This could be the very last time I step into a ring. I thought I was prepared for that, but..
Drake interrupts the clearly nervous Hayato.
Drake Connors: Come on, man, you’ve done bigger matches, and this is for a really good charity.
Hayato sighs.
Hayato Sagara: Yes… But it is also against Mav-kun, the man I…
Drake smirks a bit, a bit of a gleam in his eye.
Drake Connors: Hey, you asked to take him on. Besides, you and he both know it’s just professional. You’ll still be good afterward.
Hayato sits and lowers his face into his hands. He speaks in a quiet, little voice that is so unlike him that even Drake, emotionless as he claims to be, gets a little misty eyed.
Hayato Sagara: yes… it’ll be the last time I see him… I will carry that memory as I go back to a life of crime just to survive in the streets of Kyoto..
Drake can say nothing. He merely places his hand on Hayato’s shoulder as it begins to bob with his sobbing.
THE Match
“Radioactive” by Our Last Night blasts out of the PA system as Hayato steps out from behind the curtain, head held high though his eyes are red and puffy, and just strolls down to the ring, his entire focus pinned on his corner of the ring. He slides in under the bottom rope with none of his usual enthusiasm as he heads to his corner, drops to one knee and rests his head against the padding there. After a moment, he runs his hand through his stylish anime hair and stands, turning his eyes to the entrance ramp, waiting.
The lights in the arena slowly dim to darkness as the sounds of "Popular Monster" by Falling In Reverse begin to be heard. With the instrumental intro leading into the first verse, a hooded Maverick makes his way onto the stage, the EPIC Elite Championship on his shoulder, fans greeting him with jeers, as he slowly makes his way down the ramp. On cue with the chorus, Ryan pulls down his hood, his usual arrogant smirk replaced with uncertainty, tears welling but not escaping, as he stares directly at Hayato. As the second half of the chorus kicks in, he hops up to the nearest turnbuckle, placing his left leg on the second and right on the top rope, eyes closed as he takes in the moment. Maverick then opens his eyes and turns back, finally flashing his signature smirk before performing a backflip, landing on one knee in the center of the ring, raising the Elite Championship up on landing. He rises to his feet once again, still holding his title high. The fans boo, but he couldn’t care less. His gaze returns to the man on the other side. Lowering the championship, he hands it to the official, not taking his eyes off of Hayato as he does. He takes off his entrance hood and yells out, having the ring attendant come and grab it, but still his eyes are fixated. His entrance theme fades to silence, and that’s when Maverick finally takes a few steps forward, stopping at the center, motioning Hayato to join him.
Hayato hesitantly makes his way to the center of the ring, staring into the enigmatic young champion’s eyes. They both seem to want to speak, but are interrupted by the sound of the bell. With a sigh, Hayato extends his chin and invites Mav to hit him. Mav does so, but it’s more a love tap than anything, and Hayato laughs, but then angrily shouts at Mav “Don’t hold back, goddamnit!” So Mav pops Hayato on the chin, staggering him a bit. Hayato laughs and shouts “BETTER!!” and begins trading stiff shots back and forth with the young man. The initial right hands transition into forearms, neither man letting up before they switch up the striking again, this time to knife edge chops. Both competitors’ chests start to blister and bleed before finally it’s the champion that staggers.
Some sort of wild emotion is flowing through Hayato, a bit of the old Madman, as he capitalizes by locking in the BAWK BA CAWK!, and he’s not being gentle about it, either. Mav shouts in pain as Sagara wrenches on the chickenwing hold. Hayato flinches at the pain in Mav’s voice and quickly transitions the hold into a fast and vicious single arm snapmare, blasting Mav to the mat. Again he wrenches on the arm and Mav screams. The ref checks if Mav wants to continue, and he loudly yells “YES!” Hayato drops a few knees into Mav’s arms and shoulders, but the tough young champion refuses to quit. Sagara drags Mav up, and nails him with a single arm DDT, dazing Mav, and goes for the pin, getting only a two count. Hayato backs off, and Mav lays on the mat, breathing hard, streams of spittle flying from his mouth as he tries to will himself up… Only for Hayato to roll him over and nail the GOT MY MOON BOOTS ON! Hayato with another pin attempt for a two count. Sagara backs off again, amazed at the punishment Mav is taking and still ticking. He drags Mav up and goes for a snap arm wringer, driving Mav to the mat, snaps arm wringer again, then drops Mav’s arm, and goes for a knee to the kid’s shoulder, but hesitates just long enough for Maverick to counter with a vicious knee of his own, catching Hayato off guard with it connecting right to his face. Clutching his arm in pain, Mav starts stomping away at Sagara, tears streaming down his face as he yells out “Don’t hold back either damnit!!”
Using his good arm, Maverick drags Hayato up by his hair, ramming his head into the turnbuckle several times before he grabs the staggered challenger and delivers a Tiger Suplex, however he’s in too much pain to hold it for the pin which frustrates him. He hits his own arm a few times to will it back to life and as Sagara starts to use the ropes to get back to his feet, Mav races with a flash and hits the Wrecking Ball Dropkick, getting a two count when he goes for the cover. The younger man strikes a few wild clubbing blows to the back and back of the head, not letting up, pent up emotions flowing through his fists. He finally backs up a moment, shaking his head in defiance before running back and nailing Hayato with a Front Flip Backstabber. Another nearfall follows which leads Maverick to sit in disbelief, more tears streaming as he looks at the downed Sagara, wondering what he’d have to regrettably do to keep him down. Signaling that he’s going to end things Mav again roughly drags Hayato back to his feet by his hair, hooking him for His Blade. Sagara spins under at the very last second though, countering with a Roundhouse Kick which connects to the injured arm, Mav screaming in pain as he crumbles, clutching at his arm in immense pain.
Instead of capitalizing, Hayato kneels on one knee, his head lowered. Mav stares in disbelief until Hayato looks at him, pleading with his eyes for the young man to do it, to take him down; telling him his last match should be used to put Mav over. Tears that could be mistaken as being from physical pain course down Maverick’s face as he nails Hayato with Her Song (Kudome Valentine). Mav goes for the pin and gets a 1!2!3! for the victory, rolling off of Hayato, staring at him, not understanding why he would sacrifice himself like that… Until he sees Hayato staring at him from a prone position, drinking him in, as if to memorize every single detail of him for sustenance later on when he is forced back to Kyoto. Mav watches as Hayato’s tears roll down his cheek, staining the mat, a heartbreaking smile on his face. Not being able to stand it any longer, Mav helps Hayato up to his feet and hugs him tightly, resting his head on Hayato’s shoulder. Hayato returns the hug for a moment, then gently disengages, asking for a microphone.
DEUS EX MATRIMONY
Hayato Sagara: I want to thank each and every one of you for coming to this St. Jude’s benefit show, and for staying to see what is probably going to be my last match ever, and…
But Mav has a microphone of his own, and interrupts Hayato’s emotional farewell.
Maverick: Hang on...I don’t think you should do that just yet Hayato-kun…
The young man’s words were spoken with a shake in his voice that were attributed to a combination of exhaustion and nerves. Hayato goes to speak his concern but is cut off before he can.
Maverick: I had this whole thing...in my head..of course instead of that I’m cutting what can probably be played back as the worst promo ever but that’s what you do to me... I’m not the angry person I am when I’m with you...I’m the guy who was a kid who was in love and is now the man who’s still in love and I turn into such a fucking sappy dork it kills me...but I love it and die happily over and over again. I suck...at this...look hang on…
Stopping himself before he goes on and, as he sees it, messes things up even more, he calls out for the ring attendant to give him his hoodie. He puts it on and lets out a deep breath before trying to speak up again.
Maverick: You’re not going anywhere…
Mav pauses, staring directly into Hayato’s eyes before dropping down to one knee.
Maverick: ...because I want to make you mine forever and you need to be here for that to happen.
Maverick pulls out a velvet box before the stunned Hayato’s eyes and opens it, a ring in the shape of a silver dragon with an emerald for an eye. He looks up at Hayato, and Hayato’s english departs him for a moment.
Hayato Sagara: HAI!! I mean, yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!
Mav raises up from his kneeling position and slides the ring onto Hayato’s left ring finger, and the two kiss passionately center ring as the fans burst into wild cheering. They cheer even louder as Analicia and Drake Connors step out from behind the curtain, Drake with mic in hand.
Drake Connors: Hayato… Welcome to the family… Son.