Post by Sentinel on Sept 7, 2013 12:53:05 GMT -4
The camera cuts on in a mostly-darkened room, showing Talon sitting at the head of a long table. The hand-carved ornate chair is throne-like in its majesty, looking very fitting for the Lady of Sin as she traces black-painted fingertips over a familiar layout of tarot cards. A few rings glitter on her fingers as her acid-green eyes peruse the velvet-cushioned layout before her. Candles offer the only illumination at present though there's a small bit of daylight left on the other side of the window behind her chair...just not enough to brighten the situation at hand. A tall, shadowed shape paces back and forth behind her chair, only visible when it moves past the window. There's little mystery as to the identity of that one:
Sentinel. The Silence Behind the Violence.
His steps carry weight, the stiff, trudging steps of a man with plenty on his mind but no proper way to express it. Subtly, Talon's eyes start moving to follow her charge's pacing, shifting right to left as necessary to keep him in sight before he stops in front of the window. Heavy hands press to the glass as heavy drops start to patter against it, the familiar rumble of thunder in the distance coming moments after the flash of lightning that briefly sets a glaring glow on his features. Talon turns her head at this, gazing at him directly.
Talon: "Stop it."
Her two-word directive has him turning to look over his shoulder at her.
Talon: "Wearing a trench into the floor isn't going to help anything. We had this discussion days ago with the whole group, did we not? And since when did you worry about pithy things like win-loss records anyway?"
She puts a trace bit of smile in to those words but Sentinel's response is to turn back to the window. He runs his fingertips down the glass, mimicking the rivulets of descending rain drops idly. Talon sighs and rises from her chair, walking around it to go to him. She sets her hands to his waist and leans her head against his back between the shoudlers.
Talon: "I do not like this metamorphosis that's occurring with our little conclave, my love. Zachariah grows ever more violent, less prone to reason and patience. My sister does little to rein him in while ignoring the glaring fact that what control she has is slipping. And despite our protests, we still find ourselves embroiled in the business of fools we should never have shacked up with, much less retained this long. This happens every time, no matter the company we make our home in, but we invariably refuse to learn our lessons.
ICW, ACW, wAw and now APW...one would think we were creatures of habit unable to break the cycle. Is that really what it has come to for us? And that says nothing for the pair who are set to join our ranks soon. Zachariah claims to know them well, stating that they will be a boon to our cause. Yet lately our benefactor and the order behind him remains silent, almost incommunicado. There is a storm coming and I fear we shall be swept away. On top of that, we have a vengeance-seeking monster coming for your hide in a few days."
She goes from hands on his waist to arms around it. Sentinel doesn't move at first but soon puts his hands upon hers and turns to look over his shoulder at her. Talon feels the motion and her brows lift as Sentinel's lips part briefly. There's a long pause before he just shakes his head and clams up, turning back to the window. Talon actually shows relief at this as she turns her attention to the task, and opponent at hand. Leaned back against her Destroyer, she addresses Shadow.
Talon: "The Seeker of Revenge shall have his chance at Asylum. Don't think for a moment that we don't know how badly you want to hurt us, Shadow. Not just The Unforgiven but Aubrey Parker, Stefan Raab...everyone you think is in your way. But you are not the only one that wants retribution. what happened at Shockwave and what may or may not happen at Asylum involving our group and the New Sindicate is still fresh on the minds of the entire wrestling world. As far as we're concerned, it's for the wrong reasons, though. Sentinel and I are sick of being manipulated, sick of giving our associates free reign to guide our destiny. Which brings us to the three-on-one match a short time back."
The sound of a steel chair wielded by the Silent Destroyer crashing again and again at high velocity into the prone form of Shadow is audible even before we cut to the video feed. Slow motion makes it look, and sound, even worse. On the Silent Destroyer's features between swings, just visible beneath the veneer of rage, is a shred of reluctance. A shred...not enough to stop the assault. He takes his disqualification loss and leaves the monstrous Shadow as a pile on the mat, as easy pickings for Parker.
When we cut back to the storm-assaulted window in the candlelit room, Talon is leaning back against Sentinel's chest. His large hands rest at her waist and both are staring at the camera. There's silence save for the fading sound of chair shots echoing in the background. And then...
Talon: "Any warrior with a sense of pride would want to avenge that, Shadow. You are that warrior. And you will get that chance. For the sake of keeping this level, let's dispense with the pretty talk and posturing. Sentinel is an undefeated monster in singles competition and out of every opponent put before him up to this point you have the greatest chance of stopping that streak. You tower over him in size and strength and, unlike my Destroyer, your motivation is unrivaled. For once, someone wants to hurt Sentinel more than he wants to hurt them. Maybe that's because he already has hurt you. Badly.
Now he wants to beat you. Just as badly.
And believe me when I tell you that he is capable of that. Yes, in a straight-up match withotu chairs or multiple opponents, my Destroyer is capable of defeating you, Shadow. APW has yet to see what this silent giant behind me is truly capable of, but I know. Even his partners and so-called friends or associates haven't witnessed first-hand the breadth of his unleashed wrath, but I have. Would it shock you to know that I've faced off with Sentinel in the ring as an opponent? I'll bet that would blow the minds of many if they knew it. But it's the truth. It's something even our partners aren't aware of. How did it go down, you might be wondering? That's a story for another time, if ever. Personally I'm just happy that that situation is no more."
And relieved she does look, titling her head back and reaching up to cup a stubble-laden cheek, fingertips making a soft scratchign sound as they rub against it. Sentinel smiles thinly and nods, turning to brush his lips against her palm before his cold, stone-gray eyes turn back to the camera. Talon shifts her attention as well after a moment.
Talon: "You're going to make this personal and we don't blame you. In your spot, so would we. A few weeks aren't enough to wash away hatred or anger. In most cases they just give the person time to dwell, to temper and reforge such feelings into vicious retorts promising pain and suffering. Again I say this, now more directly: you may be the first to best my Destroyer in a singles match, Shadow. And if that's the case, I consider it penance. It will be something we brought on ourselves. If such is to be my Destroyer's fate, he will take it like a warrior: face forward, not a hair turned. And you will have his respect if that is indeed the outcome. He will shake your hand and acknowledge that, for that night at least, you were the better man. Whether you accept or not is up to you. I don't expect that you will, though. Anger does that to a person.
Just do the world a favor and spare us berating Raab and Parker as you gear yourself for a battle of strength and destruction with my Destroyer. They have no bearing on this and will be as far removed from your battle as is possible. I intend on seeing to that personally if I have to. You see, this is not only a chance at retribution for you but, as well, a chance for advancement for Sentinel. A straight-up win against would further reinforce just how much of a threat he is. A nice little message to the Dying Breed and the Black Hand that we, The Unforgiven, will not be denied. Though such is within reach even through loss, because my Destroyer will not go down easily. Just ask the tag champions. Subterfuge was their only out against us, one of the few ways to counter Sentinel's power and drive."
Her hands come down to rest against the arms around her waist, looking quite satisfied.
Talon: "It's safe to say, then, that we're both looking forward to this, then? I thought as much. This is one of those rare times where making it personal is unavoidable and, again, that's fine. You seem to be cognizant enough to know the pitfalls of doing so and whether or not you can overcome that mental obstacle in such a way as to earn a win. After all, Shadow, you do seem to be all about grudges. Just look at your berating of the former leader of Asylum. We're not alien to the concept. The mere mention of names such as Brian Aguirre lead my Destroyer to a rage that borders on murderous. A properly-tailored and nurtured grudge can be motivation in spades. One that consumes utterly, however, is an albtatross around your neck.
The last thing you need, Shadow, is any kind of handicap against my Destroyer. He knows what may be coming within this match and despite the fact that it has nothing to do with championships or the advancement of our cause, he is no less pumped to bring it all and leave it between the ropes. Yes, that's terribly cliche but the point stands. Beneath all the mute jokes and assumptions of our extracurricular activities, I know, Shadow, that you have the same kind of drive deep within you. Something that is often reserved for high-stakes contents and career-altering situations. The guts-from-under-guts type of drive that only a precious few in this business possess. That's what my Destroyer has right now. That's what he wants from you. If you're destined to beat him, he wants to know he was beaten beyond a shadow of a doubt, for lack of a better term. Does that make sense?"
The name dropped my Talon does indeed cause a contortion of Sentinel's features but she calms him with a squeeze of his hands. At least for the time being. His response to her other words, though, is quite serious and despite his silence heartfelt.
Talon: "So let's see what comes of it all this time: wrath versus wrath, destruction versus destruction. Two of a kind colliding in the middle of the ring. And this time it will happen without outside interests muddying the waters. We're looking forward to hearing you speaking and seeing you storm that ring for a good, old-fashioned fight, Shadow. Good luck to you."
Sentinel nods to the camera, to his opponent, in a gesture to echo the sentinemts before we slowly fade to black.
Sentinel. The Silence Behind the Violence.
His steps carry weight, the stiff, trudging steps of a man with plenty on his mind but no proper way to express it. Subtly, Talon's eyes start moving to follow her charge's pacing, shifting right to left as necessary to keep him in sight before he stops in front of the window. Heavy hands press to the glass as heavy drops start to patter against it, the familiar rumble of thunder in the distance coming moments after the flash of lightning that briefly sets a glaring glow on his features. Talon turns her head at this, gazing at him directly.
Talon: "Stop it."
Her two-word directive has him turning to look over his shoulder at her.
Talon: "Wearing a trench into the floor isn't going to help anything. We had this discussion days ago with the whole group, did we not? And since when did you worry about pithy things like win-loss records anyway?"
She puts a trace bit of smile in to those words but Sentinel's response is to turn back to the window. He runs his fingertips down the glass, mimicking the rivulets of descending rain drops idly. Talon sighs and rises from her chair, walking around it to go to him. She sets her hands to his waist and leans her head against his back between the shoudlers.
Talon: "I do not like this metamorphosis that's occurring with our little conclave, my love. Zachariah grows ever more violent, less prone to reason and patience. My sister does little to rein him in while ignoring the glaring fact that what control she has is slipping. And despite our protests, we still find ourselves embroiled in the business of fools we should never have shacked up with, much less retained this long. This happens every time, no matter the company we make our home in, but we invariably refuse to learn our lessons.
ICW, ACW, wAw and now APW...one would think we were creatures of habit unable to break the cycle. Is that really what it has come to for us? And that says nothing for the pair who are set to join our ranks soon. Zachariah claims to know them well, stating that they will be a boon to our cause. Yet lately our benefactor and the order behind him remains silent, almost incommunicado. There is a storm coming and I fear we shall be swept away. On top of that, we have a vengeance-seeking monster coming for your hide in a few days."
She goes from hands on his waist to arms around it. Sentinel doesn't move at first but soon puts his hands upon hers and turns to look over his shoulder at her. Talon feels the motion and her brows lift as Sentinel's lips part briefly. There's a long pause before he just shakes his head and clams up, turning back to the window. Talon actually shows relief at this as she turns her attention to the task, and opponent at hand. Leaned back against her Destroyer, she addresses Shadow.
Talon: "The Seeker of Revenge shall have his chance at Asylum. Don't think for a moment that we don't know how badly you want to hurt us, Shadow. Not just The Unforgiven but Aubrey Parker, Stefan Raab...everyone you think is in your way. But you are not the only one that wants retribution. what happened at Shockwave and what may or may not happen at Asylum involving our group and the New Sindicate is still fresh on the minds of the entire wrestling world. As far as we're concerned, it's for the wrong reasons, though. Sentinel and I are sick of being manipulated, sick of giving our associates free reign to guide our destiny. Which brings us to the three-on-one match a short time back."
*WHACK!*
*WHACK!*
*WHACK!*
*WHACK!*
*WHACK!*
*WHACK!*
*WHACK!*
The sound of a steel chair wielded by the Silent Destroyer crashing again and again at high velocity into the prone form of Shadow is audible even before we cut to the video feed. Slow motion makes it look, and sound, even worse. On the Silent Destroyer's features between swings, just visible beneath the veneer of rage, is a shred of reluctance. A shred...not enough to stop the assault. He takes his disqualification loss and leaves the monstrous Shadow as a pile on the mat, as easy pickings for Parker.
When we cut back to the storm-assaulted window in the candlelit room, Talon is leaning back against Sentinel's chest. His large hands rest at her waist and both are staring at the camera. There's silence save for the fading sound of chair shots echoing in the background. And then...
Talon: "Any warrior with a sense of pride would want to avenge that, Shadow. You are that warrior. And you will get that chance. For the sake of keeping this level, let's dispense with the pretty talk and posturing. Sentinel is an undefeated monster in singles competition and out of every opponent put before him up to this point you have the greatest chance of stopping that streak. You tower over him in size and strength and, unlike my Destroyer, your motivation is unrivaled. For once, someone wants to hurt Sentinel more than he wants to hurt them. Maybe that's because he already has hurt you. Badly.
Now he wants to beat you. Just as badly.
And believe me when I tell you that he is capable of that. Yes, in a straight-up match withotu chairs or multiple opponents, my Destroyer is capable of defeating you, Shadow. APW has yet to see what this silent giant behind me is truly capable of, but I know. Even his partners and so-called friends or associates haven't witnessed first-hand the breadth of his unleashed wrath, but I have. Would it shock you to know that I've faced off with Sentinel in the ring as an opponent? I'll bet that would blow the minds of many if they knew it. But it's the truth. It's something even our partners aren't aware of. How did it go down, you might be wondering? That's a story for another time, if ever. Personally I'm just happy that that situation is no more."
And relieved she does look, titling her head back and reaching up to cup a stubble-laden cheek, fingertips making a soft scratchign sound as they rub against it. Sentinel smiles thinly and nods, turning to brush his lips against her palm before his cold, stone-gray eyes turn back to the camera. Talon shifts her attention as well after a moment.
Talon: "You're going to make this personal and we don't blame you. In your spot, so would we. A few weeks aren't enough to wash away hatred or anger. In most cases they just give the person time to dwell, to temper and reforge such feelings into vicious retorts promising pain and suffering. Again I say this, now more directly: you may be the first to best my Destroyer in a singles match, Shadow. And if that's the case, I consider it penance. It will be something we brought on ourselves. If such is to be my Destroyer's fate, he will take it like a warrior: face forward, not a hair turned. And you will have his respect if that is indeed the outcome. He will shake your hand and acknowledge that, for that night at least, you were the better man. Whether you accept or not is up to you. I don't expect that you will, though. Anger does that to a person.
Just do the world a favor and spare us berating Raab and Parker as you gear yourself for a battle of strength and destruction with my Destroyer. They have no bearing on this and will be as far removed from your battle as is possible. I intend on seeing to that personally if I have to. You see, this is not only a chance at retribution for you but, as well, a chance for advancement for Sentinel. A straight-up win against would further reinforce just how much of a threat he is. A nice little message to the Dying Breed and the Black Hand that we, The Unforgiven, will not be denied. Though such is within reach even through loss, because my Destroyer will not go down easily. Just ask the tag champions. Subterfuge was their only out against us, one of the few ways to counter Sentinel's power and drive."
Her hands come down to rest against the arms around her waist, looking quite satisfied.
Talon: "It's safe to say, then, that we're both looking forward to this, then? I thought as much. This is one of those rare times where making it personal is unavoidable and, again, that's fine. You seem to be cognizant enough to know the pitfalls of doing so and whether or not you can overcome that mental obstacle in such a way as to earn a win. After all, Shadow, you do seem to be all about grudges. Just look at your berating of the former leader of Asylum. We're not alien to the concept. The mere mention of names such as Brian Aguirre lead my Destroyer to a rage that borders on murderous. A properly-tailored and nurtured grudge can be motivation in spades. One that consumes utterly, however, is an albtatross around your neck.
The last thing you need, Shadow, is any kind of handicap against my Destroyer. He knows what may be coming within this match and despite the fact that it has nothing to do with championships or the advancement of our cause, he is no less pumped to bring it all and leave it between the ropes. Yes, that's terribly cliche but the point stands. Beneath all the mute jokes and assumptions of our extracurricular activities, I know, Shadow, that you have the same kind of drive deep within you. Something that is often reserved for high-stakes contents and career-altering situations. The guts-from-under-guts type of drive that only a precious few in this business possess. That's what my Destroyer has right now. That's what he wants from you. If you're destined to beat him, he wants to know he was beaten beyond a shadow of a doubt, for lack of a better term. Does that make sense?"
The name dropped my Talon does indeed cause a contortion of Sentinel's features but she calms him with a squeeze of his hands. At least for the time being. His response to her other words, though, is quite serious and despite his silence heartfelt.
Talon: "So let's see what comes of it all this time: wrath versus wrath, destruction versus destruction. Two of a kind colliding in the middle of the ring. And this time it will happen without outside interests muddying the waters. We're looking forward to hearing you speaking and seeing you storm that ring for a good, old-fashioned fight, Shadow. Good luck to you."
Sentinel nods to the camera, to his opponent, in a gesture to echo the sentinemts before we slowly fade to black.
