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I bury hatchets, but I keep maps to where I put 'em.
601 POSTS & 58 LIKES
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Post by Eden on Dec 20, 2020 23:47:48 GMT -5
LOCATION &a ARENATOKYO DOMETOKYO, JAPANROLEPLAY & SEGMENT DEADLINES Friday, January 1st, 2021 at 9 PM PST, Midnight EST, 11 PM CT (US) Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 at 5 AM (UK) Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 at 4 PM (AUS)
SEGMENTS Reward: 1 bonus point added to your total rp score. Must be RSVPed by the RP deadline and submitted by Sunday Midnight CT (US) Open to Anyone! Match One:Shogun Sanatorium Semi-Finals: Levi Tsingine versus Elijah CopelandAfter an exhaustive tournament, the Sanatorium block has come down to these two. Both undefeated in the tournament, Rich Boy versus Navajo Witch, could the gulf between these two get any wider?Match Two:Shogun Dsytopia Semi-Finals: Renee Jonae versus Josh KaineDystopia's Block got complicated and on the last episode it came down to a sudden death on who would proceed in the second spot. The first spot? Thoroughly uncomplicated. Josh Kaine's only loss in the tournament was to Renee Jonae. Can he gain a win back on her, or is he doomed to repeat his previous near-downfall?Main Event #2:Shogun Finals: TBD
Unusual match situation, and the old board's shut to public view, so I'm making some wiggle room here myself for the situation. Since you'll basically be promoing for your semi-final matches and your theoretical final match with an option of two opponents at the same time? I'm combining the threads. Special Roleplay Limits
(One) RP up to 4000 words OR (Two) RPs up to 2000 words each Direct response, as usual, is not encouraged-- the second RP option isn't for a back and forth-- it's for those who may feel more comfortable breaking their rp into two parts for the two matches. Respect and good luck!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2020 11:43:19 GMT -5
»»»»»»» The nebula rising up ««««««« »»»»»»» From the deceiving lies «««««««
»»»»»»» Tried to hold me under ««««««« »»»»»»» I held my breath «««««««
"When I started in this company, nobody thought I could do all the things that I could do, and it was there that I proved my dominance. When I first heard about the Shogun tournament, I wasn't sure what to think about it. People said that it's impossible to go undefeated, and I proved them all wrong. Now I'm heading to Tokyo, Japan, to face Levi Tsingine. This match is going to be something that I think could come down to the wire. Both Levi and I are both undefeated in the Sanatorium block."
"But you want to want to know what is so funny about this entire thing? Levi isn't even in the Sanatorium. He's on Dystopia, which then makes me the last stand for this brand. So, you can say, it's me and against three Dystopia people. That's fine by me because I love to know that there's a challenge when it comes down to it. I'm going to come to this show and win it all because I know I have what it takes to win it all. You all could think that I'm doing this for the honor of Sanatorium, but I'm not."
"You see, I'm doing this for only one person, and that's me. I don't care about anyone else but me. I'm Elijah Copeland, I'm already better than all of you, and I'll prove it. So, you all can call me cocky, arrogant, or disrespectful, and I'll take that. I'll take it all because I know how much it pisses you all off. I love knowing that I'm nothing more than a rookie that had more success than anyone in this company."
"You want to know what I think? I think everyone is jealous and doesn't understand that I'm the one man who can win this entire thing. When you see me, you see perfection, and I'm going to show you all why I'm the most talked about superstar in WWH."
"I'm something that you Levi, Renée, and Josh could ever be. They can bring the fight all they want, but when it comes time to step up against me, they will fall. At Shogun, my time will shine, and I will build the kingdom that Sanatorium needs."
"But to do that, I need to win it all, and you better believe that I'm not going to let anyone take this chance away from me."
"Shogun has always shown that men and women are fighting their hardest to make it to the top. I know that feeling because people thought I couldn't do it, yet here I am now. I'm heading to Tokyo, Japan, and fighting in the Tokyo Dome. I have to say that there's a lot of history in that Dome. It showcases some of the best talents in the world. It was almost like a time honor tradition to step in the Dome and fight for honor and respect."
"But I'm not here to show that respect to anyone. I'm here to win it all and prove that I'm the best of the best. Everything that has happened to me leads me to this moment. This moment is where Elijah Copeland finally makes his name known by being the first-ever rookie to win it. I am the light that's burning at the end of the tunnel for all Sanatorium inmates. I will win it all, and I shall break the glass ceiling for them all."
"HAHAHA! Yeah right. Like I would do this for anyone else but me. I can't deny the skills that Levi, Renée, and Josh process because all have the skills to walk away from this tournament with the win. But knowing my luck, they'll show up, and I guess I would have to shut them down as I did to everyone in this tournament thus far."
"There is nothing that hasn't prepared me more than the last two opponents in the Shogun. I have busted my ass to get here, and I refused to lose at all. I am ELIJAH FUCKING COPELAND! I'm the one man who everyone wants to be. They don't want to be Levi, Renée, or Josh. They want to be Elijah. But who doesn't want to be me, right? I'm someone you shouldn't look past because I will break you."
"Shogun will be the beginning of The Elijah Copeland era, and I will get past Levi, and I will move on to either face Renée Jonae or Josh Kaine. Why? Because I said so. I am the one man that proves that I belong here. All those matches that I've been in during the Shogun Tournament proved that I'm the most dominant force in this entire company. But that ends when the Shogun Pay-per-view comes around, and I will do it with a smile."
"It doesn't matter what you guys say about me because I will shut you down as I did to all those that stood before me. Everything that I've said is nothing but the truth. I'm going to take what is mine, and that's at the top of the food chain."
"I am one of the most successful rookies to step foot in the WWH ring. Nobody can touch me since my arrival. Honestly, I was more successful before stepping in the ring, and that's because I'm rich. I pay people to do my dirty work."
"But since I won't have anyone doing my work for the Semi-finals, I guess I have to do it on my own, don't I? Shogun, I finally put Navajo Nation, Germany, and France down for good. China will win it all because I said so. Nothing is going to change what I'm about to bring to the Tokyo Dome."
"The future always looks bright for Elijah Copeland, and winning the Shogun tournament will be the beginning. I'm richer, prettier, and a lot more talented than anyone in that ring."
"Sunday, the question on your mind is, can Copeland win the Shogun Tournament?"
Elijah and Dany are walking down the sidewalk of Sunshine City Ikebukuro. It's full of people shopping, eating, playing games, and enjoying the weather. Elijah is wearing a black dress shirt, jeans, and black sneakers on his feet. Dany is wearing a white top, a skirt, and heels. She has a matching white purse that Elijah bought her a few days ago when they arrived in Japan. The purse that she has in her hand is a Hermes Birkin Blue Bag by Ginza Tanaka that's worth over a million dollars. Elijah has always been the type of guy to make sure that Dany has everything that she wants and more. He looks around until they sit down on a bench. Both Elijah and Dany leans back, and Dany crosses her legs as she smiles up at him.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬Elijah, you have made me the happiest women in the entire world. You buy me all these things when I don't deserve them. But what I'm saying is, thank you.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Dany, I shouldn't do these things, but I do. Before I met you, I was this bad boy type that could get any women that he desires. When I met you, I knew that I didn't want any other women in my life.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬What about Hel? I've seen the way she looks at you and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬You don't have to listen to anything that she says. I say, let her say the things that she wants because we all know that I'm with you.
She put her finger on his jawline and leans up to kiss the side of his cheek. Elijah couldn't help but smile at what she has done.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬I don't want to lose you, Elijah. I love you and couldn't imagine a life with you.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬And you never have to Dany. I'm here with you and I wouldn't change that for the world.
She giggles as she stands up and grabs Elijah's hand. He stands up, and they walk down the sidewalk again. Elijah looks at some of the clothes that they have.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬So, have you talked to Ace yet? I was kind of thinking that he would be here when you get ready for the Tokyo Dome.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬His flight will land here later tonight. When he does get here, I'll need to talk with him about a few things.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬Like what? Can I be involved in something like this?
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Sorry babe, but this is something that I need to do alone. Besides, I know you'll be busy.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬What do you mean, Elijah? I don't have anything better to do then be with you.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Really? Cause I got you a ticket to the art museum that you been dying to go to.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬Are you serious? As she starts to get all excited. How did you get it? The ticket has been sold out for weeks?
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬When you're rich, I can get my hands on anything.
D A N Y S E N A ⌐ cutthroat conqueror ¬OH MY GOSH! I can't believe it.
She jumps into his arms and kisses his face all over. He starts to laugh a bit as he held her in his arms.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬You're welcome. Now, let's go and get you something to wear for the show.
She smiles as they head into the Gucci store. Elijah stops as he grabs his phone and sees a call from Ace Andrew.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Hey, what's up man? No, I'm not busy now. I'm just at the Gucci store here in Sunshine City Ikebukuro. Your flight got in early, you say? Yeah, I can meet up with you tonight. Yes, the plan is in motion for WWH. Yeah, they have no idea what is coming. Sunday, everything will be as it should. Levi, Renée, and Josh have no idea what's coming. Alright, I'll see you tonight. Yes, I'll tell her.
He pushes the end call button and smiles. The moment is coming closer, and it' all ends at World Wrestling Headquarters Shogun Pay-Per-view.
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Legend
40 POSTS & 2 LIKES
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Post by Josh Kaine | Maggie McIntyre on Dec 30, 2020 19:42:33 GMT -5
It’s been a stressful fuckin' year, folks. Lots of good and bad shit happenin’ all over the place.
I feel kinda dumb reintroducin’ myself but I don’t want no one to think I forgot what this tournament is all about so…
Allo! Ich bin Josh Kaine und vertritt Deutschland beim Shogun-Turnier!
Gotta say, beatin’ an experienced veteran like Sah’ta Thor and the talented as fuck Zolton was something I wouldn’t have thought possible last year. It’s been two years and change since my first promotion folded and I had the time to really work on myself in and out of the ring. At the end of my run with EWA, I became a serious piece of shit, but I was doing what I thought I needed to do to succeed in this business. I was tryin’ to be like my mom, doin’ whatever it took to win big, no matter the cost.
Don’t have to tell you that what I was doin’ nearly cost me everything and I couldn’t live with that. First, losin’ my boyfriend Mojave...and then my girlfriend, Nikki Caldwell. It wasn’t a price I was willin’ to pay again. I came to the WWH with some lofty fuckin’ goals of gettin’ payback on the Amazon and makin’ a name for myself, but it only took a stark moment of clarity to realize that wasn’t what I wanted.
I don’t have to be a monster or throw the folks under the bus to succeed in this business.
I just gotta be myself.
It wasn’t my biological dad, Kris Kaine, who made the Beast tap out.
It wasn’t my mom, Jada Kaine, who went toe to toe with two of the best this company has to offer and came out on top. I’m tryin’ something different and y’all don’t know how happy I am that what I’m doin’ is working. Even after gettin’ tripped up by Renee Jonae, I still beat the odds and made it to the semi-finals of the Shogun tournament.
And y’all, if I can do that? What’s to stop me from winnin’ it?
I got mountains to climb to get there, but that ain’t nothin’ new to me. I’m just a boy from the heart of Appalachia representin’ a country that’s got some of the greatest mountains in the Alps. Mountain climbin’ is in my blood and just so happens to be a favorite past time of the good folks in Germany.
December 23rd, 2020
“I’m real proud of you, kiddo. Watchin’ my son main-eventing and winning--hell, doin’ so well in general makes me feel so proud of you. You ain’t nothin’ like Kris Kaine or Jada Kaine, Josh...you’re becomin’ better’n both of ‘em. Call us soon, your mama really misses you. Talk to you soon.”
Josh pressed the pause button on his voicemail screen and sniffled, wiping at a few burgeoning tears. His adoptive father...his father tried to call earlier in the day and left that voicemail. The Shogun semi-finalist sat down out on one of the deck chairs with the enormous red mastiff at his feet. His free hand went down, stroking at her ears when she looked up at him, curious about the scent of tears. A big exhale before he put the phone away and sat back on the lounger, patting his stomach to encourage Roo to join him. She did with zero hesitation, bringing a few oofs and groans from Josh as her heavy frame adjusted before she finally found a comfortable position. Her head right on his chest, Roo licked her chops and yawned before her eyes closed.
She was a welcome relief to the near overwhelming reality that was settling in around him.
He was a semi-finalist in the Shogun tournament, set to face off with Renee Jonae again. She was the only one who’d handed him a loss so far in his short run with WWH, but it wasn’t the fear of facing her that made this so overwhelming. It was simply the realization that he was now getting everything he’d ever wanted again and would have to fight even harder to keep it.
He’d done all this work on his own. Matches were won. The audience knew his name, they cheered when his entrance music came on and he walked down that rampway. The decision to stop the childish games had worked and he was by Nikki’s side again.
There was one more obstacle in his path to winning the semi-finals--she was damn good, but not invincible. He absent-mindedly stroked at Roo the Wardog’s ears and smiled to himself. The phone was brought up to his line of sight and he dialed his father, a pang of homesickness in his chest when he heard the old man’s deep drawl.
“Hey kiddo, what’re you up to? You get my message?”
“Yeah, Pop, I got it. Thanks for leavin’ it. I’m just out on the deck with Roo, y’all up to much?”
“Just gettin’ ready for Christmas. Your sister’s comin’ home for a change.”
Josh sat up in the seat, expression something like disbelief as Roo grumped at him for moving so quickly. “Heidi’s comin’ home? Is she bringin’ Jackie?”
His dad laughed softly at his response. “Of course she’s bringin’ Jackie. So it looks like you’d better bring Nikki.”
“I was just about to ask--if it was okay with y’all? I know Mom ain’t big on Ma no more, but--”
“Just because your mother slapped Jada once doesn’t mean she doesn’t like her.”
“Uh, I’m pretty sure Jada sees it that way considering she’s the one who got slapped.”
“Oh, did Jada and her wife want to come here for Christmas too then?” His dad sounded amused and confused all at once. It wasn’t the first time his wife had slapped someone who had deserved it and it certainly wouldn’t be the last time. Caroline Weller was a spitfire and Daniel loved her more than life.
“I could call and ask, but uh, last I knew, Ma and Miss Lilah were goin’ to Germany for Christmas. Her and her old friend finally got to talkin’ again.” Josh let out a laugh and ran a hand over his overgrown mohawk. “Shit. We gotta bring anything?”
“Nah, just get your asses here. Christmas is in two days. I’ll see you soon. Love ya, kiddo.”
“Love you too, Pop.” Josh ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket.
The fight to get to the semi-finals has been an uphill battle for all of us...including you, Renee. You’re a naturally gifted athlete and one hell of a tactician. Where I made the Beast tapout, you outright demolished her. You stopped me in my tracks and I gotta thank you for it, because it was you that made me realize what I was doin’ wrong. You brought my focus back to where it needed to be and because of that loss, I was able to defeat both Sah’ta Thor and Zolton.
Serious top contenders that have given the best of the best a run for their money.
And I fuckin’ beat ‘em.
You got some serious black girl magic, Renee, and I can’t fuckin’ wait to face you again.
I wanna see how far you can push me. I want you to test the furthest extent of my limits.
You ain’t gonna underestimate me, you’re too smart for that.
I don’t have your magic, but I do have some good ol’ fashioned redneck in me. You’re a damn smart lady, I’m sure you’ve heard about the origin of the word. I ain’t gonna accept defeat, not from you or anyone else. I’m gonna beat you this time, whatever it takes. No matter how many times you knock me down, I’m gonna get right back up and keep fightin’. I realized a while back that I got what it takes to not just survive in this business, but I’m gonna thrive and I’m gonna shine...more’n my champion parents ever did.
Not because I’ll do whatever it takes, not because I’m hungrier for it.
But because a famous singer once said, “A country boy can survive.”
He had to carefully maneuver out from under Roo before all but scrambling to get back inside the houseboat to start packing. Their Christmas tree (which ended up being a big fir branch that Roo had taken a liking to) was mounted over the dinette and Josh stopped mid-action after he pulled his duffel from the shelf and saw his girlfriend looking at him with an eyebrow raised in confusion.
“What’s wrong?” He asked before Nikki pointed to the dock through the sliding glass doors.
The Hunter bodily turned to see a woman he’d almost run over standing outside...flanked by an even larger man in a heavy wolf pelt jacket who knelt down beside Roo and scratched her ears playfully.
“Oh shit.” Josh sighed, looking back to the former Asylum Champion. “I uh...I guess Maggie saw what she wanted to see in me and...god dammit, I didn’t tell them where we were, but now ain’t the best time.”
Maggie grinned, waving to the people inside.
“Josh, what’s going on?” Nikki watched him toss the duffel bag onto the dinette table.
“So uh...I wasn’t even gonna bring it up until I knew for sure he was even willin’ to talk to me--'' Josh held up a finger to Maggie, silently asking her to give him a moment and turned around after the blackbird nodded. “Levi Tsingine’s undefeated in Shogun and I ain’t…”
“Renee Jonae and Elijah Copeland are undefeated too.” Nikki reminded him, crossing her arm over her chest and looking out to the odd pair on the dock.
“Yeah, and I already know one of ‘em ain’t never gonna like me.” He closed the distance between them and wrapped tattooed arms around her, “Oh and we gotta go spend Christmas with my parents--my sister and her wife are comin’ down from Alaska.”
“What...wait--you have a sister?” Nikki looked flabbergasted, all this time they’d known each other and not once did he mention having a sister.
“It’s a really long story and...I promise you I’m gonna tell it all to ya.” He paused, looking back out to the wolf and blackbird with their beloved Roo...the French Mastiff sniffing fervently at whatever hung around Maggie’s wrist. “Just--can you give me a few minutes to go yak with him? We got a long drive to go see my parents anyway and I will tell ya everything.”
The Hunter knew that this was a shitty thing to spring on Nikki so late, but he honestly hadn’t expected to ever hear from Maggie in the first place...or at least until well after Shogun was done, all things considered. She wasn’t exactly the easiest one to predict, and Levi was even harder to read. Josh leaned in, kissing his girlfriend before speaking again. “I mean, they can’t be all bad...Roo’s out there havin’ the time of her life sniffin’ at whatever Maggie’s got on her.”
Nikki just gave him a nod and waved him off. “Go, I’m gonna start packing.”
Josh squeezed one of her hands before heading out to the end of the dock, whistling for Roo and pointing towards the boat. As much as he trusted the dog’s judgement, he wanted her back in with Nikki. Just in case someone did something stupid. He stopped a few feet short of the odd pair, holding out a hand for Maggie to shake. She looked at him strangely, but shook hands with him after a few seconds.
“You’re hard to find.” Maggie was the first to speak up.
Josh let out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, there was a reason for that. Tryin’ to keep folks outta our business while we figured some stuff out. So uh, can I ask why y’all came all the way out here instead of just hittin’ me up at the show or somethin’?”
The blackbird grinned, “Oh, well, I saw what I needed to see during your match with Thor and Zolton. No place is too far out of the way when your house has wheels on it, so we just decided to find you. Took a couple of days, but someone tweeted a picture of you playing with Roo at a tree farm. She’s memorable.”
“That ain’t all she is.” He glanced back at the blackbird’s partner. Levi Tsingine was a big son of a bitch. Josh just held out the hand again, “I know we didn’t meet before under the best of circumstances, but I appreciate y’all comin’ out to talk to me.”
"You white folk and your hand-shaking." The big native man's face was impassive, but there was a gleam of a laugh to his eyes, and after a pause he took Josh's offered hand. The grip was solid as a rock, but didn't wrench down on Kaine's hand as it easily could've. It told enough about the man he was talking with, if he paid attention.
Josh took his hand back, nice and solid grip but there was no intent to dominate. After all, what did Levi Tsingine have to prove? He exhaled loudly, glancing back to the houseboat. “Sorry, I ain’t too keen on it either, but my mom would raise hell if she knew I wasn’t bein’ polite.”
He took a step back, looking them up and down again.
“You said you wanted to talk to him, are you gonna talk to him?” Maggie nudged.
“Yeah, I mean...I was tellin’ Nik earlier...all three of y’all are undefeated in the Shogun tournament. Renee Jonae made up her mind early on without evenin’ knowin’ me and it’s right hard to get through to Copeland. He’s just...well, if all that blusterin’ ain’t a front than he ain’t really the type of person I’m lookin’ for.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I’m lookin’ for someone who ain’t gonna put a knife in my back after Shogun is over. If you’re amenable, I’m lookin’ to make like...a deal. An alliance or somethin’ like that.”
The blackbird raised an eyebrow, suspicion in her gaze. “That’s it?”
“Look, Miss Maggie...I came to this company on my own. Didn’t have no one behind me except competition. Real big change from my first promotion, but I’m lookin’ to build something with good folks who will stick around after Shogun.” Josh swallowed hard, eyes going to the houseboat again. “I got one person right now and she fightin’ an uphill battle. I’ll do anything for her--but one hunter to another, Mr. Levi, you know well as I do that you got a better chance of bringin’ down the big game with a pack than going solo.”
"A deal." Levi was still stoically amused. "An alliance." Because alliances had gone so well for his people. But still, the younger hunter did have points he agreed with, and in general? Levi liked him. "Let's be clear. A deal has an offer and a price. An alliance says that offer and price would be playing each other fair, right? Because obviously we won't be refusing to fight one another."
“Naw, Mr. Levi. I know we’re gonna be fightin’ at some point, you earned your way into the Shogun semi-finals and so did I.” Josh took a deep breath, quiet for a moment to try and find the right words. “I mean...something like an alliance, yeah. Like somethin’ mutually agreed on to work together when necessary, but not screw each other over in the long run. Maybe even somethin’ like friends on down the road? I ain’t in this business to end up a dead bastard like my biological dad or a recovering alcoholic like my Ma.”
Maggie gave her wolf a half smile. “I wouldn’t mind it, Mai’coh. I’ve been keeping an eye on him since he asked to talk to you, he’s a hunter but he’s a good one. He’s not the type to burn down the forest just because he can’t catch dinner.”
"He might not... I'm less convinced of his girl." Levi shifted in place, a trace of uncomfortableness in it. "Or she's allied herself with someone who might. I can give you a truce of sorts and maybe friendship with me. I can say I don't plan on going after Havoc any time soon, and if he crosses my path I'll try to spare Nikki. If she jumps me or Maggie, though, I'll do what needs doing without malice." It was a lot, but would it be enough for Josh?
Josh was more than happy the wolf was even here to listen to the proposition, however unexpected the visit was. “I’m not gonna talk for Nik, that ain’t my place. I’m tryin’ my best to be good to her and help her figure stuff out, but I can tell ya--Nik ain’t the type to do nothin’ vicious without good cause.”
“She’s been through a lot.” Maggie spoke softly, “but I’m with Lev. I’ll give you a truce, but if you try to run me over again, I’m gonna break your legs.”
Josh raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, uh...I did apologize about that.”
“I know you did, but I like to give fair warning.” Maggie shot back with a grin. She moved closer to her companion, sensing that discomfort and laced their fingers together. “You got yourself a...well, you got a thing with us, I guess. You need something, make sure you text me. I’m usually on my phone more than Lev.”
Josh let out a visible sigh of relief and chuckled. “I--uh, thank you for comin’ by, wasn’t exactly expectin’ it, but I appreciate it.”
That Josh had taken it well eased Levi. "For some reason I thought you were out to ask something more. Don't know what, like you wanted me to take out somebody for you I guess. Kind of a pleasant surprise that it was as simple as it was."
“Uh, I mean, maybe on down the road—but I don’t wanna ask somethin’ big of folks who don’t know me from Adam, yanno?” Josh wasn’t the type to take advantage like that, at least outside the confines of the ring. He glanced back to the houseboat and the woman he loved dearly inside. This was going to be a thing he would have to explain on the long ride back to his parents’ house, but it would be worth it. He needed allies...Nikki needed allies, there was still the matter of her stablemate finding out about them and whatever possible carnage would ensue from that. “I should get back in, we were gonna go see my parents back in Lenoir for Christmas and we gotta leave real soon if we’re gonna get there on time.”
Maggie nodded, looping her arm with the wolf’s and nudged him back toward the parking lot. “We’ll be in touch, Josh Kaine.”
Josh watched as they left, somewhat envious of the obvious comfort between the two. There didn’t seem to be any doubt between them, or in them at all. No obvious insecurities besides not knowing what the younger of the Hunters wanted. He exhaled loudly before turning on his heels and went right for the bedroom, pulling his girlfriend in for a hungry, yet brief kiss.
“I love you. We gotta get goin’. I got good news.”
Yeah I know y’all think I’m cheesy as fuck droppin’ some Bocephus on ya, but it ain’t a lie. I’m a survivor...and honestly much as I love Queen Bey, I can’t sing for beans and I don’t wanna butcher Destiny’s Child. Bein’ a survivor is one thing I can thank my biological parents for, especially my Ma. Jada Kaine’s notorious for survivin’ some crazy shit--hell, even the twenty years of drinkin’ wasn’t able to kill her. We ever get a real apocalypse, the only survivors are gonna be a pack of twinkies, some cockroaches, and Jada Kaine purely out of spite. I got that stubborn in me, but I ain’t all fucked up and selfish like her.
If I end up gettin’ past Renee Jonae, I’m gonna need every single fuckin’ ounce of stubborn I got because after her...it’s either the arrogant rich boy Elijah Copeland or the impressive as fuck Navajo witch Levi Tsingine. Ain’t no one expected Tsingine to pop up like he did and plow through whoever was in his way. He’s reppin’ a country of real fuckin’ survivors. I ain’t no expert, but the indigenous folks on this continent have been gettin’ the short end of the stick since white folks landed here and despite all the odds, they’re still here and giving colonizers the big ol’ middle finger.
Tsingine’s been doing that to all of his opponents. No matter the dumb shit that comes outta their mouths, he’s there to knock ‘em down with a big boot and shove a middle finger in their face. He’s one I’ve been actively preparin’ for ever since I almost hit his partner with my truck. Thankfully, she don’t hold any bad blood between us.
Now we can’t forget about Elijah Copeland.
The Gold Standard, y’all. I know we all wanna write him off as some petulant little rich boy...which rightfully, he is...but he’s also from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Amish country, really, but it ain’t far too far from Philly, and that tells ya all you need to know about why Copeland is the way he is. Just like we saw in the recent election, folks, there was some dumbass who was all ‘Let’s surround Philly and stop the count!’ and not like an hour later folks from Philly were piping up all over social media and the news wishin’ a motherfucker would. Hell, Philly’s unofficial slogan is fuck around and find out. People from Philly looooove that you hate them. Copeland ain’t no different. He just looooves that you hate him. He’s under the delusion that everyone wants to be him ‘cause he’s a pretty boy with a lot of money. Betcha that’s why he’s all happy and locked up in the Sanatorium. ‘Cause yanno, everyone wants to ask an orderly for permission to piss and only see the outside world when you win a match.
Renee, I’m comin’ for ya. We're gonna fight like hell and I got something special in store for ya this time. You’re a damn fine competitor and I’m lookin’ forward to facin’ you again after Shogun, no matter who wins. We’re all goin’ to Tokyo with one goal in mind...to take home the ultimate prize, bring home the glory for ourselves and the country we’re representin’.
And unlike last time, I ain’t goin’ to this show alone.
Ich werde dich zwischen den Seilen in Japan sehen. (I'll see you between the ropes in Japan.)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2020 15:36:46 GMT -5
»»»»»»» The nebula rising up ««««««« »»»»»»» From the deceiving lies «««««««
»»»»»»» Tried to hold me under ««««««« »»»»»»» I held my breath «««««««
Elijah is sitting down on a couch in the VIP lounge and waiting for Ace Andrews. Elijah has always been the guy that got what he wanted no matter the cost. Earlier today, he's gotten a call from Ace Andrews, and they decided to meet up at the club. Ace and Elijah has always been the type of guys to spend money all willy-nilly. Elijah sits down in a VIP booth wearing a custom-made Armani suit. In his hand, he has a glass of Punch à la Romaine. The VIP lounge is top-tier with Japanese art, a black U shape couch with an ottoman in the middle, waitresses wearing Kimonos, bartenders behind the bar serving drinks, and wearing a custom-made class suit. He leaned back on the black custom couch. He looks at his phone and grunts.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Dammit Ace, where the hell are you? You told me to meet you and here and yet you're not even here. FUCK! I should have just went with Dany to the art museum.
Ace Andrews arrived at the lounge and got a cocky smirk on his face. He's wearing a nice custom-made black Armani suit and got handed a Punch à la Romaine. He then took a small drink of it and sat down next to him.
A C E A N D R E W S ⌐ billionaire playboy ¬Well, I have to say that it's been awhile since I been in Tokyo. I think last time I was here, I won the Shogun tournament.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬And soon, you'll be seeing me win this one and getting my kingdom built inside the Sanatorium.
A C E A N D R E W S ⌐ billionaire playboy ¬You know, that's something that running through my mind, Elijah. Why are you there? You're the most normal person inside that nuthouse.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Because I want to be there. Besides, we all know that Levi, Josh, and Renée is no match for someone of my talents. I went through that entire Shogun and went undefeated. I can honestly say that I'm on top of the world.
A C E A N D R E W S ⌐ billionaire playboy ¬Mmmhmm! Just cause you're undefeated, doesn't mean you can't wipe out in the Semi-finals, Elijah. Remember, you have three hungry competitors looking to get that spotlight.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Scuffs Yeah, whatever. Besides, I'm the last line of defense for Sanatorium taking it to the finals, Ace. Levi, technically isn't even part of the Sanatorium. He's part of the Dystopia roster.
A C E A N D R E W S ⌐ billionaire playboy ¬I can see why people see you as a cocky rich boy. You seem to care about only yourself, and that's a good thing. You remind me of me, honestly. But Elijah, you have to remember that it's possible for you to slip and fall. I know that because I've been there before.
Elijah listens to every word that he's saying. He knows that feeling as Copeland has slipped a few times since he started to wrestle, but Elijah has always gotten up and proved that he's as good as he says he is.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Completely understandable, Ace. I know that feeling also. But what you need to understand is that I got back up and continued to fight. I'm how you say, ONE OF A KIND! I'm better, smarter, richer, prettier, and way more talented than anyone in this Shogun. Nobody can touch me.
Ace takes another drink of his drink from the glass and put his feet on the ottoman.
A C E A N D R E W S ⌐ billionaire playboy ¬Really? Then I want to see you prove that on Sunday. I want you to take everything that you said now and win it all. I want you to show the world why you're the golden standard.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Trust me, that won't be too hard to do. He chuckles after saying that. People will understand it all when they see that Elijah is, now, and forever the most talked about rookie to ever step foot in the WWH. I came into this company with a purpose and you best believe that winning Shogun will be the beginning of my kingdom.
A C E A N D R E W S ⌐ billionaire playboy ¬When you talk about building a kingdom, you remind me of Jacob Cass. That moron was always talking out his ass. But you? I believe that you're on the path of doing that.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Is there any doubt about that? I don't think so. Shogun, I'm going to beat Levi Tsingine in the Semi-finals and then I'm going to beat either Renee Jonae or Josh Kaine in the finals. Because I'm Elijah fucking Copeland, and when I speak, you best know my word is golden.
It has finally come down to everything. Elijah Copeland has shown the world that he's more than a rookie wrestler. Copeland has shown the world that he can handle anything that's thrown his way and why he's going to win it all. For a long time, people have written him off because of the money and fame that got put on him. But Copeland is more than a rich boy, and he's shown that in the tournament. He has gone through the Shogun tournament undefeated, and that'll continue when he wins it all.
The scene comes up in Ninomaru Garden of the Imperial Palace. The sky is clear blue with a hint of the wind picking up. You can see a series of beautiful trees inside the garden. The camera pans around the Ninomaru garden and moves forward. We see a man walking in the Ninomaru Garden and wearing a black dress shirt, loose-fitting jeans, and black sneakers. The camera follows the man who enters the palace.
The camera follows, and we see the man sitting on a captain's chair in the dining room, and that man is none other than Elijah Copeland. He looked at the camera and gave off a smile. The dining room has nothing in there but that single chair. The walls have paintings of Japanese art, and there are four sculptures in the corners of the dining room.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬You know, I think about what this tournament has done to me, and I have to say, I love it. I love knowing that I came out of this whole thing without being beaten. I love knowing that people out there continue to count me out because I'm rich. But what people need to realize is that I'm more than that. Do you want to know what I think? I think people are jealous because of how good I am in that ring.
People need to realize that I'm going to walk out of this entire thing as the winner because that's what I am, a winner. I'm someone who loves to get told no because they know that I would do the opposite of what they say. But let's move on, shall we? Shogun is the place where everything finally comes to an end. I'm going to show you all why I am the Golden Standard in WWH.
He leans back against the Captain chair and rests his elbow on the arm of the chair. His lips form into a half-hearted grin, and he continued with what he's saying.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Levi, you've done an amazing job thus far in the tournament and at Shogun, it all ends for you. I can't wait to see you fall before me and understand that you never were in my league. I mean, do you think you have what it takes to win? Chuckles I think you do? I don't think you have what it takes to bask in my glory. Levi, you and everyone else think the same thing about me, and all I do is laughing about it.
I laugh because you know deep down that your time in this Shogun is coming to an end. You, Renée, and Josh are all the same. You guys think I can't handle the pressure of making it to the finals. Well, guess what? I have what it takes, and I plan on taking it all the way. Renée and Josh don't understand, and they never will. They don't know because they refuse to know. But what I know is that I'm more talented than them. I'm everything that they wish they could be and more.
He moves his elbow from the arm of the captain's chair and leans forward a bit. His eyes don't even move away from the camera.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬You guys want to hold me under because I'm the Sanatorium brand? Fine, go ahead. At Shogun, I'm going to beat everyone that dares stand in my way of glory. Levi, you are first, and then it's going to be either Renée Jonae or Josh Kaine. Shogun will be my time to shine above all else. Shogun will be the beginning of my glory, and I will overcome all that stands in my way of that glory.
He stands up from the chair and walks forward a bit. He walks to the side of the scene, and the camera follows him. He grabs three flags and looks at the camera. The flags are France, Germany, and the Navajo Nation. He walks out of the palace, and the sky is black. It was nighttime, and he sets the flags down on the ground and spread them out next to each other.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬I'm going to show you guys how serious I am about this. I'm driven by my lust for power. I want that power that shall build my kingdom.
He grabs some lighter fluid and pours them over the flags.
E L I J A H C O P E L A N D ⌐ golden standard ¬Levi, Renée, and Josh, this will be my message to you guys. Your dream on winning this Shogun goes up in flames, and believe me, that's not a rule, that's the GOLDEN RULE!
He gives off a smirk before frowning and has matches in his hand. He breathes in gently before dropping it and lighting the flags on fire. He smiles as the scene fades away.
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Former Champion
24 POSTS & 5 LIKES
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Post by Renée Jonae on Jan 1, 2021 18:59:13 GMT -5
Renee on a previous trip to Japan
🗽Temple bells are heard signifying the biggest time of the year for Japan, The Japan New Year. They celebrate for multiple days before and after the big date, but this happens to be filmed during that very changing of the year. As promised on Dystopia, this is the "Who is Renee Jonae in Japan" style video to end her series of getting to know her for the Shogun Tournament. Renee Jonae is staying over at a large family residence connected to her fiance, as usual for her Japan visits. Jonae is dressed in a long black dress with floral cherry blossom print and is with a Japanese woman in a bright pink kimono, as some welcome them and others watch from afar. The scenery is traditional in a long hall of tatami flooring as they walk towards a slid open shoji door that leads outside. Naturally, the family has consented to film inside their property for the occasion.🗽Renee Jonae: I'd like to start by saying I appreciate all the fans that have that at any point taken the time out of their day to watch any part of my journey in this Shogun Tournament, be it all the way here from the start or starting right now. Fighting my way in Shogun has been the toughest mission I have ever had in professional wrestling, don't let what they call a perfect record fool you, I have faced stiff competition from some of the best wrestlers in the world. No matter what anyone says, no one goes through a gruelling round-robin tournament like this without feeling pressure and anxiety. If you see Josh, Levi, Elijah, or I ever act like winning this whole thing was a breeze, know the success made one of us think we can get away with being a liar. In a tournament like this, you start to wonder what would happen if you ever slip up when no one else does, and you start watching the scores of other people in a crazed effort to try predicting who you're likely going to have to deal with to win. In this situation, you begin to hyper analyze threats, not just from your brand, but also from the other side of the bracket you might face in the finals if you make it! It's taxing on the mind thinking about it all, just as much as it is actually going out there and wrestling....show after show against others who also feel as if they have a gun at their head in these contests that take a toll on our bodies. I think the biggest reason I've been able to survive all of this and have done so well is because of what being candid with all of you through these videos has done for me! Revisiting some of the factors that make you who you are can rekindle the fire in you and keep you focused on what you would like to achieve! Because often the day to day struggles don't allow you to reevaluate yourself as people often lose themselves in the day to day toils of life, and that's a sad fact. Before I had my big sponsors, I was just a French girl who kept moving from country to country growing up. All because my poor parents had to live a nomadic lifestyle to make a better life for their children when they didn't have papers, the currency and the legalizing kind. My little brother was even less fortunate than me, growing up ill he looked up to wrestlers as idols and that got me into wanting to join the profession so that I could be that type of hero for others. Haiti, France, and America, all of these countries that define my roots are known for their storied revolutions. They are part of why I proudly joined the Revolutionaries and why a tournament focusing on representing the many great countries of the world, as this Shogun tournament does, has an appeal to me! Who I am in Japan and what this place means to me is just as important as all of those things, so I'm happy it culminates here. It's not part of my early roots, but I have branches that reach all the way here to grow my family tree. My three biggest moves are, The Caribbean Freebird, Black Girl Magic, and The Rakurai, did anyone really think all of them meant something to me but somehow not the last one? They're all about who I am and what I love. Rakurai, meaning lightning bolt, became a theme for our family when my fiance won the Heaven's Arena Cup and thus was presented with a power once exclusive to the gods. Rakurai is a tribute to my extended family! I'm grateful that my future in-laws have often given me a place to stay here, in times when I'd not be able to find elsewhere to stay and even now when I would. The Tsutsumis have been very kind to me. Narumi Tsutsumi: Oh, it's really no bother, Née. Anything for my sweet cousin's girl. I only wish you had needed a manager in wrestling, like how you need a wedding planner with that perpetual engagement you've been in! Renee Jonae: Haha. Come on, don't do this to me, you know how hard it is to get everyone together during these times! Let's not get the people here riled up on that. This is why you can't manage me; you play too much. 🗽The talk of weddings did get the attention of some walking about in the large house. Some smiling in approval, others shaking their heads at them making light of the time or even seemingly disapproval at the marriage at all. Jonae moves to the outside as Narumi hugs at her arm and joins her.🗽Renee Jonae: To me, Japan has always been a place I've been in an uphill battle to get respect in. In fact, it used to be quite intimidating, the customs here were so different from what I was used to, both in what it takes to be a wrestler and how they perceive someone's prospects of being a good addition to a family. Narumi Tsutsumi: But she never backed down, that's the type of woman she is. Look at her, that face, that smile, and that heart, all beautiful, she lightens up a room, and it's people's mood! Renee Jonae: Oh, stop it! Narumi Tsutsumi: No, really! My family atmosphere was once quite too dry and sullen for my tastes, we're an old dynasty and own a packaging business, yet we rarely gave each other gifts. These days, in this season, we began giving each other gifts all the time because of her holiday spirit! In fact, watching her and my sister convinced me I should try wrestling too, instead of managing on the sidelines, and Née bought me my first ring gear! She's that kind of person! I know what kind of monster is on top in WWH, that has a negative impact on the whole feeling of a company, a person like Née can change that around!Renee Jonae: There’s your manager hype woman traits going off, you'll have to get accustomed to doing that for yourself now, but thank you! I'm glad things have changed, to the point I'm not just giving gifts but get some too. Although some are pushy, one of the older ladies really gave me a pregnancy 101 handbook while others supported her, it looks like some residents want me to hurry it up. Narumi Tsutsumi: WHAT?! I told them to be nice… 🗽Narumi is about to leave to yell at people, but Jonae stops her by jovially keeping their arms linked.🗽Renee Jonae: Oh, relax. At least that makes them part of the household that's accepted me into the fold. There's still people who don't want me around, the thought of my blood mixing with theirs isn't something they'd ever endorse. A decade ago, neither my love nor I were allowed here when they heard we were together…...because of who and what I am. Narumi Tsutsumi: It was always ridiculous, cousin Jaydayne was already mixed himself! The fact our family, and even the Pendragons in England, were upset was ignorant to what we already accepted. Renee Jonae: But his father was rich and white. I was poor and black. I'll always be the later, and proudly so.Narumi Tsutsumi: You, Jaydayne, and I were just teenagers when he was exiled, we're adults now. I won't allow those old crones to commit shameful acts under my roof, they know I'm next in line to take over, just give me the word and the right person. Renee Jonae: ... That's not how I do things, and it really has gotten better over the years. It's not only because some older folk passed on over the years either. I like Japan because the people here truly value honour and working hard with dignity, the more I've kept my poise while marching forward, the more some have come to accept me. Of course, there will always be some who never do, but I can't worry about the unchangeable. When I came to Japan last time, I was showered with praise here, because they saw my efforts in the form of the Women's World Championship around my waist when I arrived! Without it, some have become more skeptical and forget how serious I am. They think I'm wasting my time touring the world as a fun hobby when I should be doing something productive like raising kids to continue the family line. If I were to do something prestigious in Japan, I know they would change their tune forever. Becoming Shogun would immortalize me in this country.Narumi Tsutsumi: True. I don't shy away from doling out punishment for submission, but you can have it your way. This country's roots in martial arts and wrestling is even more ancient than my family, they have no choice but to respect it if you succeed in that rite of passage. Renee Jonae: Everyone knows wrestling is special in Japan, there's no doubt that has to play a part in why WWH picked the name Shogun and made it so its biggest tournament ends in the hallowed halls of the Tokyo Dome! It is a mecca of professional wrestling! I also want to etch my name into the stone in these sacred grounds, just based on being a professional wrestler! Narumi Tsutsumi: I believe you can do it! Renee Jonae: And I know you're being nice and not getting on me about it, but it also should help me speed up getting my hands on Havoc, if the stars align with him not losing his World Championship. You referenced the monster on top of WWH, so I know you haven't forgotten him. Narumi Tsutsumi: Of course, I haven't! He's one of the most disrespectful gaijins! 🗽Jonae gives Narumi a knowing look, and calms her down with a pat on the shoulder before continuing.🗽Renee Jonae: He stirs something in me too. Just as my branches reach all the way here so too does his vile tentacles. Ashes of the Wake might as well be an international gang. When Havoc shows a massive cult in some of his videos, it's not a joke. Their numbers are legion, and they have more chapters than a motorcycle gang, all led by Havoc. In Japan, not long after I beat him in WWH by the way, he led one of his chapters to assault my fiance, on the same day he was being inducted into a Hall of Fame! Like we said, Jaydayne was exiled from his family because of his connection with me and worked years to gain his status in Japan. Then he gets attacked on the night honouring all of that? Who does that kind of thing?Narumi Tsutsumi: Havoc does! Renee Jonae: Right, and everyone knows what kind of scumbag he is, he's even labelled the Nightmare King! Looking at WWH alone, he's no lesser a menace to the roster. That's why I'm all claws out when it comes to Ashes of the Wake, and yes that spiralled out to include Josh Kaine when I figured he was a bit too non-committal in disavowing Nikki Caldwell and making sure he was never seen with her. Over the last few months, numerous times I have gotten the impression he feels I treat things as too black and white in a world of grey. Narumi Tsutsumi: There's no grey area about it! Don't let him, what do Americans say…..gaslight you. Renee Jonae: ... You've always loved your American media. Regardless, I am willing to give Josh a break on that topic.Narumi Tsutsumi: What??? Renee Jonae: We're on the cusps of a new Shogun, one of us is going to go on to face Levi or Elijah in the finals to make our dreams come true! In the face of everything we're fighting for....who Josh has dated in the past and his love life bleeding into WWH is petty in comparison. I leave doing damage to Ashes of the Wake to Vincent for now, I'm as sure that he's got it well in hand as he's sure I can win this tournament and finish Havoc in the end! It means a lot to me that he says that. I've said a lot about what Japan means to me today, but there's no way of completing "Who is Renee Jonae" without WWH and my place in it! 🗽Jonae focuses on the camera in a way that Narumi as a professional wrestling manager quickly picks up, as she unlocks her arm from Jonae and smiles, knowing Jonae has a lot to say.🗽
Renee Jonae: It wasn't that long ago, only 2019, when I debuted in WWH as a hot firebrand talent just like Josh, Elijah, and Levi have in their hot startup runs now. I know that all the next generation phrases and predictions that applied to me back then are perfectly suited for each of them today. But right now, do these men carry that locker room respect and investment with the fans it takes to become the face of this company? Can they bridge the gap between the new WWH and that of old? Can they even say they've done the bare minimum so that people from both brands can appreciate them as their Shogun? I don't know if anyone left in this tournament truly takes into account the importance of the hallowed halls of Japan or the legacy of WWH!Does Josh Kaine mean anything to the average competitor in the Sanatorium? Has he competed there? When I was Women's World Champion, after clearing the field on Dystopia, I said I was willing to face anyone anywhere because I respected the Sanatorium competitors! Kiki earned her spot as my number one contender, and I went there and beat her. Paige didn't do this before and Matsuda hasn't done it after me. I gave the women on that roster an olive branch when most of Dystopia completely ignores them.Is anyone on Dystopia going to suddenly respect the Sanatorium because of some brash loudmouth who puts his foot in his own mouth as much as he awes people with his spectacular talents? Elijah's the most hit or miss out of all of us, sometimes he's an elite performer, other times he's the guy that disrespectfully calls someone extraordinary like Kiki a fragile little girl and then on the same exact show gets beat by her in a cage. If Kiki's fragile, what does that make him?As for Levi? He's competed in the Sanatorium more than I have. Still, as a result of that, despite perhaps technically having a Dystopia contract, the Dystopia locker room does not claim him as our own quite yet. THINK ABOUT WHAT THIS TOURNAMENT MEANS! Hall of Heroes like Zolton have tried to win it multiple times, but couldn't, and he's now given up on it forever. Thor won't even be around to see another Shogun! I don't think these guys take a moment to care about that and feel the weight they'll have to carry to give what it means winning this the proper respect. From Zolton, to Mercedes Vargas, to Vincent, and to Paige Matthews, the established people here have seen what I can do and most of them root for me to win this. I know more about Havoc and Cloud Matsuda than anyone on this roster, and those two know the J-Dynasty talent agency brand I represent. The new people in the changing WWH of today still see me fighting as hard they do, because I haven't actually reached the mountain top just yet, but I'm almost there and yet therefore far enough to feel like someone part of that change we see before our eyes. I'm the perfect person to take WWH into the new age in 2021, that's who I am! If you three don't know and acknowledge that, I'll teach it to you. Josh Kaine, you're the young but remarkable hunter. Your moniker is no joke, you want something, and you go get it! Considering their circumstances, you'd think Zolton and Thor would have wanted the semi-final spot more than you, but no, you have that innate quality to you, leading you to fight harder and smarter to capture what you desire! Almost nothing escapes your reach, except for me, the one thing that will always elude you. It's not a fault of your own Josh, you're clearly great for getting all the way here, but I'm not like other prey. I'm the Fay Noire, and everyone knows from the jump in childhood that faeries are the one thing no one can truly contain as hunters because artists love to teach that story, so no one grows up trying to do what you are attempting. Be it Captain Hook, Balthazar in an old pet making website, or Mr Crocker on Nickelodeon, hunting and capturing the fay always ends terribly for the pursuers. My kind isn't like other beasts. We're not lions, dragons, or anything like that; our unobtainable magical nature is our appeal and greatest weapon. That's why you can tame mighty beasts like Zolton and Becca, even put an end to a cornered feral creature like Thor, but just can't keep me in your clutches long enough to get the win. You can continue your big scary hunt of me all you want, but like an amusing flick to the nose and escape, I'll always manage to find a way to pull out a trick to leave you empty-handed as I smile on my way to my next venture.Elijah Copeland, you're the most bizarre person out of the four of us, which might sound crazy considering there is a Fay, a Navajo Witch, and just look at Josh, but you are. You're rich, but either immature enough or completely reckless enough to bribe in a way that actually gets a rich person in trouble, to the point you get locked up in the Sanatorium and can't buy your way out of it! Do you know how hard it is for rich people not to have loopholes for their corruption? You must not have even been trying to hide it. Yet, when you're really in the zone, I've seen you be crafty enough to make all the silly stuff you've said and done seem to be from a completely different person. You're truly unstable, maybe you do fit that brand in that way of looking at it. But I won't look past you, I'm one of the people with the most experience with Sanatorium talent, I know how dangerous you can be. Why wouldn't you be? Losing and winning matters on a whole different level for you guys, you get punished for failures in ways that I consider inhumane. It also makes your kind slightly desperate, I've seen it with Kiki in our title match and the large number of your kind that trusted Sweet Roxy of all people in an invasion I helped fight against. You won't surprise me, nor will your wealth mean anything, I didn't kowtow to rich people when I was poor, and I'm sure as hell not going to start when I have money of my own.Levi Tsingine, I have heard your story and respect what you fight for. Our people have a storied history which hasn't always had both sides on the best terms, but these days as fighters of oppression our people have connected in what people like to call the BIPOC alliance. Neither Black nor Indigenous people have to tell each other what it means to fight to belong and be free of oppression, or that some revolutions can mean quite the opposite for those not considered as part of it. In fact, I'm a woman, so despite the fact you broach these subjects way more in-depth than I do when it comes to even referencing systemic racism and capitalism, I'm the one who gets called a social justice warrior while you come off like a grizzly badass. Not a knock on you, I understand that's because people see you as a threat instead of seeing your heart, but I see deep down you have more heart than most as you fight to provide money for your tribe. But your cause won't stop me. We all have our crosses to bear. I'm sure you don't expect me nor would like for me to feel bad for you in a way that would get in the way of me going through you to win this tournament. We all fight for something at the cost of others. You've been in the Sanatorium long enough to know what fighting successfully for your cause does to the people there that get deprived of their human rights! There aren't any saints in the world of WWH, the best we can have are the people trying to be as decent as they can while making do! I beat fellow blood of the Haitian diaspora to get here, that weighs on me. I've even seen Paige and Zolton put figurative guns to their own heads if they failed to fulfill their goals, and I still crushed their dreams for my own since being signed to this company! But I've never forgotten the cost, nor will I ever forget I had to go through you if you're the one I see in the finals. The weight of defeating you would only remind me never to give up, as it would be shameful for me to waste your defeat in my fights in the future, just like all the other dreams sacrificed for me to get here in the past force me never to abandon my path. Reevaluating, just who am I? A black girl with a bit of magic that wants to prove to her many people that her fight is worth it, and she won't let them down. That's just Who Renee Jonae is, you three. And Renee Jonae will be Shogun.🗽Jonae nods getting psyched up as Narumi pats her on the shoulder. The camera goes to black with "Who is Renee Jonae" to "Who will Renee Jonae be?" to end.🗽
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Post by Levi Tsingine on Jan 1, 2021 23:29:57 GMT -5
The camera opens up on their campsite.
The sky behind them is a blanket of stars, but the moon is especially bright tonight. The night is cold, evidence of which is seen steamy swirls of air with every breath the Navajo witch takes. He fears nothing tonight, wrapped in the wolfskin jacket with one hand wrapped around the neck of a distinctive bottle. Good Tennessee whisky. In the other is a bone-handled knife, toying with the steel with a long practiced comfort.
His companion has long since succumbed to the arms of Morpheus inside the RV, we follow his glance to the vehicle and the hint of a smile at the thought of her.
All too soon we’re drawn back in, his piercing gaze catches yours as he begins to speak.
"Greetings, WWH. For many of you, this is our first full, proper introduction. My name is Levi Tsingine, of the Navajo Nation. Many descriptors apply to me. Halfbreed. Savage. Witch. Some would consider those offensive, but they're accurate. But there's something they leave amiss."
Levi pauses, stroking his goatee as he ponders what was said. The whisky bottle is dropped, the landing a dull thud next to him. He pushes himself up to his feet, the jacket pushed back long enough to return the knife to its sheath at his hip. As he stands, we follow him up and he stretches long arms out into the dark and continues.
"Honor. My people are known for pride and honor to a point of it being in our racist caricature. Yet those words would give you the impression I don't have a sense of honor. I would like to think that I do. And honor is the word of the event, really. We're in Japan, where honor has a long and illustrious history... with some dark corners they'd like you to not see-- I see everything, though. But yes, we've been fighting for the honor of countries this whole time. And money, and a title shot, but I'll get there in a bit. Honor is the lens I find myself looking at my potential opponents through."
When he’s feeling particularly limber, he moves to the RV door and opens it as quietly as possible. His companion is inside and there is no need to wake her. We follow as he walks to the back, past the captain’s chair...past the couch and dinette, tiptoeing to the bundle of blankets that rise and fall with her every breath. Lips pull back into a toothy grin, what a game this will be. Retrieving his treasure without waking the slumbering blackbird is just a fun test of his patience and reflexes, after all.
"Elijah Copeland. I address you first. I'm never one to overlook the match in front of me for the sake of daydreaming my own rise to glory past it. Can't say the same for you, can we? There's something to be said of confidence, but that's not what you've got. You've got a case of narcissism so big it's incurable. Do you know why?"
Levi Tsingine reaches down, grasping the end of the bed and lifts it slowly, oh so slowly. So far she hasn’t noticed. A little further still…
"Because there's veeeeery little else underneath it. Your whole sense of identity is simply your own greatness, your perfection. If you dialed down the narcissism, neither you nor we would have a clue as to who the fuck Elijah Copeland is."
Maggie shifts her weight, making him pause to wait until she settles in again. Only a few moments later, her breathing deepens again and she is out. Levi lifts a little more, squatting down to pluck his sought after treasure from the under-bed storage. We don’t see what he has until he’s gently set the bed platform down level and stepped back toward the couch.
A bleached human skull stares back at us, the pits of hell imagined in those dark eye sockets.
“And when your identity is perfection, that means your whole identity shifts depending on whose standard you're trying to hit. Do you see the folly yet? How can one have honor without a stable identity? I look at you through the lens of honor and I see a man trying to catch smoke with a butterfly net."
Levi pauses long enough to make his way back outside just as silently as he entered. The door is closed behind him and the witch turns to look at us, the skull carefully held between his palms.
"This is the skull of my enemy. A man with no honor. This is your fate.
"Your quest to attain some ever-changing illusion is your own. I can't talk you out of it. It'll be a bumpy road, and this? This will be the first big bump, it seems. You aren't going on to the finals. You aren't a match for me. You may have physical skills, but when I stare you down, you'll know I'm staring right through you."
He resumes his seat, letting the skull rest on the top of his knee as he reaches for the bottle of whisky again. The wolf’s eyes stare right through us, seeing into the darkest place of your mind and back again with a hungry grin. Levi lifts the bottle to his lips, draining the contents and paying no mind to the empty stillness in the air as he drinks. We will just have to wait for him to finish, after all.
The spirit is soon gone, and he’s breathing a little faster in excitement. The whisky has warmed him to the core and he continues to speak on those he may face when he is done with Elijah Copeland. The bottle is dropped one more time and forgotten for now.
“And after that's done, I have one of two to face.
"Josh Kaine. A hunter you think yourself. A hunter of a sort you do seem to be. We've spoken personally, you saw fit to approach me. I respect that. And thus far, I respect you. You have honor. You've also ventured into the dark before, I think, with these people you called HATE. I would have a giant challenge in front of me with you on the other side of the ring. We have a lot in common, strangely. If we face, you have my word it will be fair. I do not give my word often, at all.
"The other?
"Renee Jonae. I save you for last. Out of the three of us that are undefeated in Shogun, you seem somehow the hardest to topple. Some would look at you and I across the ring from each other and scoff, thinking that I could mow you down on size alone, but I know better than that. I trained someone of your stature in how to take someone of mine down. But out of all those stepping into Shogun with a chance at the main event, you may Know the most alongside me of honor and of darkness.
"I know of more magicks than just my own. I'm a curious mind, and I like to compare notes with those unlike me. I know of the Fae. of their reputation, their strange honor. And the woman who bears the name of The Fay Noire has proven herself to be quite formidable.
"But I have an edge up on most of the others. A fae follows me wherever I go. You know who she is...maybe some of you have heard her keening outside your window in your dreams, fortelling your doom."
The door to the RV opens and the Banshee appears, wrapped in a blanket to insulate her from the night’s chill.
“It’s not so impossible as one might think, finding a way to give yourself an advantage when you enter into an agreement with the Sidhe.”
She jumps down, the leaves crunching under her feet as she closes the distance between them. Her tangled sable mane framing her face, her eyes are fathomless depths. She stops just to the side of him, holding out a burlap sack with one pale arm.
“Legends talk of the fae only having a few weaknesses. Iron burns them. They run from the sound of bells. I was able to snag something special for you should we end up across from each other in the finals of the tournament in Tokyo.”
He reaches for the offered sack from his companion with his free hand, letting it fall into his lap before pulling out the contents.
An iron ringside bell, aged and somewhat pitted, mounted on a wooden board next to a small mallet.
“We’ll be able to truly see if you have the magic of the Sidhe behind you, or if you’re just really that good.”
He awoke amid the wispy smoke from the dying embers of his campfire, groggily rubbing at his eyes before the world finally came back into focus and Levi Tsingine was utterly alone in a way he had not been in some time.
But it wasn’t a strange thing, was it?
He had always been alone on this road, always the one who went his own way. He pushed himself up, rubbing at his eyes again before looking around. The woven blanket would hold onto the scent of the woodsmoke long after he left this place. A deep inhalation, bringing the fresh and crisp mountain air into his lungs. This was contentment to most, but no matter where he traveled...he hadn’t found that place or person or thing that sated the gnawing need in his gut. So the wolf inside kept him moving, kept him seeking out what he was supposed to find. A calloused hand ran over his head, taming a sleep-tangled mane.
He glanced up, the sky at that odd time of day where one could never really tell whether it was dawn or dusk--not with the thick overcast clouds blocking out whatever sunlight might have shone through.
The errant rush of wings was heard only a moment before he felt the brush of feather against his cheek. Something dark near crashed into the side of his camping chair, getting tangled in the cover in a panic to get free. A black bird with sable pits for eyes, squawking and calling for help. After a few moments, the panicked bird stopped its mad scramble for freedom, tiny chest visibly heaving for each breath. It lay there half on its back and one wing, staring up at him as he moved a little closer.
He settled in a crouch, looking at the tangle it had made of itself. There was an apprehension at the idea of touching the bird directly-- something here was not ordinary. Even beyond that, the wrong tug of cloth could break a bone with how twisted up it was. He took one edge in his left hand to steady, found another and started pulling it counter to the direction it seemed to be wound.
What exploded out of the cover was no bird-- it was a dog, slavering jowls and sharp teeth, crazed--
He jolted awake again, this time tangled in the sheets of the RV's bed. "Maggie," he gasped as soon as he could manage syllables, hair askew and eyes wide.
He didn’t find her next to him immediately. The passenger door opened and she pulled herself inside, looking like she’d spent the night being chased through the woods again. Leaves and twigs, all sorts of forest litter stuck in her long hair. She was silent until she closed the distance between them and sat down on the end of the bed.
“You saw the bird and the dog.”
Her words were soft, one hand reached out to rest on his thigh, fingers blackened with soot and mud. She let out a staggered sigh, turning her tired bloodshot eyes to him. “I did too, but the bird got away...I got away.”
"Yeah, I saw..." He trailed off, realizing he didn't need to finish because she'd seen. His hand found hers, fingers laced together.. "... I knew we were gonna end up bonded, but that tight?"
He shook his head, still getting his bearings. "Something's coming."
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