Post by Chaos Stryke on Jun 10, 2013 0:41:05 GMT -4
It’s an interesting mix for Meltdown this week. Six person tag action featuring: a superhero, a supervillain, the former tag team champions, and two guys looking for love in all the wrong places. It’s what you get when you have some people spoiling for a fight and easily bruised egos mixing together. Quite frankly, I have more important matters to attend to given Test for the Best and the obvious ploy being used to thin out the New Sindicate’s numbers in it. But some challenges are not to be ignored when they come your way. When your bestest frienemy calls you out and demands a match with you, you don’t say no to that. You put everything else on hold and take care of business. It’s old business sure enough, but you deal with it all the same.
I’ve got my trusted other half in the ring for this one, which is something that seems to vex the entirety of APW. They don’t know how it works or believe it can continue to do so, but Aubrey and I will be glad to continue demonstrating why we’ve been one of the most dominant tag teams in APW. You can correctly point out that Dying Breed’s beaten us recently, but look no further than Anthony Bailey’s most recent defeats to Jason Kash to realize that beating us a few times hardly signifies long term dominance. For now, we bide our time, keep sharp, and await the next opportunity.
We do so alongside our partner for this week, the Red Scorpion. Some people wonder why we decided to team with him. Well, let me mention that it was my call. I’ll take the credit or the blame whichever way it goes, but I thought he’d be a good choice as he’d be motivated to face the Emerald Assassin, and vice versa. Should those two step up to prove their worth, great. If not, well, I guess we know who’ll be eating a loss this week, won’t we?
Of course, the story in this match is about Overdrive versus Asylum… the L.E.W. versus the New Sindicate… Envikado versus M&M. That’s what this boils down to. We might go even further and say this focuses on Evan Envi versus Aubrey J. Parker or Evan Envi versus Logan Alexander. We saw this simmering beneath the surface in our first few months in APW. We’d cross paths with Evan, when he’d wander back to Meltdown like a lost puppy, and there it’d be. We missed a chance to face off in December when Envikado came up short against Roy Speede and Donald Deruty, quite possibly the biggest upset of the tag tournament.
You were both coming off big title losses at One Night in Hell, so maybe you were both a little shaky, but after that loss you two disappeared from the tag team scene. Since then, Evan’s done quite a job becoming almost top tier talent. He’s damn close, but we’ve got to see how he handles facing the top. Delikado’s tried making a similar push but isn’t there yet either. Look across at M&M and you see much of the same. We’re both multiple former champions, and angling to resume ascending the Asylum ranks. All four of us are looking to step higher… and three of us might be clashing at the end of the month, depending on how things go later this week.
It’s a clash of rising stars. The crowd in Vegas better hope they don’t get flash blinded.
It’s early Friday morning in Toronto, and we find Logan sitting in one corner of a wrestling ring at his training school. The camera observes him from his right. He doesn’t seem to notice the camera at all, just looking across the empty ring. Justin Maxwell enters the scene on the adjacent side of the ring, stopping beside Logan. He regards him quietly.
How goes your Meltdown preparations?
Logan doesn’t look at him.
As well as expected, all things considered. My history with six person tag matches leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, I’ll have a reliable partner in the ring. That might make all the difference, but I’m not facing any slouches across the ring either. The Overdrive champion, Evan Envi, former Overdrive champion, Delikado, and relative newcomer, Emerald Assassin. I know Envi about as well as he knows me, but there’s been lots of time since we last faced off. I don’t know much about Delikado, and even if I did, I’m not sure how much would make sense. Emerald Assassin seems pretty straightforward though.
Justin continues to observe him.
What do you see from Assassin?
A self-appointed superhero.
That’s it?
Pretty much. That’s what he considers himself as. It’s another way of saying you’re a vigilante. You work outside of the system and do what you can to help it. You have no actual authority, but get involved anyway. That’s what a superhero is at the core.
Logan cracks a little smile.
Wrestling-wise, he’s an amateur at the moment. He’s starting out and learning as he goes. So, I’ll give Assassin a little advice. Pay attention to everything happening in the ring this week, because you’re stepping in with a bunch of experienced competitors and can learn a whole lot through firsthand experience. But don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re with the good guys this time around. The League is made of members that are neither just nor virtuous, with one exception. You’re surrounded by people with their own best interests in mind, and no one’s looking out for you.
You stand across the ring from a glimpse of a possible future, Assassin. M&M are fallen heroes. It’s a fate for those that seek to do the right thing outside the system they protect. You’re eventually labelled an enemy of it because you don’t submit to its authority. Perhaps you’ll be lucky and suffer no resentment or backlash… but let me ask you something, if what you do is acceptable, why hide your face? Is it to protect yourself from the bad guys you pursue or the people you seek to protect who wouldn’t agree with your methods?
His smile fades, but he still doesn’t glance towards Justin or the camera on either side of him.
You either die a hero or eventually become the bad guy. Which fate awaits you? There’s not much of a line separating the Justice League from the Justice Lords.
Justin raises an eyebrow.
Think you might be getting a little deep on that one?
I think it’s a valid question to ask oneself. I’ve faced similar issues here. I was a good guy until people turned on Aubrey. Then popular opinion continued to tilt until I was labelled a bad guy too. People love heroes… but only for a while. Eventually, they resent them.
That sounds cynical.
Logan smirks again.
Welcome to the real world.
What about Envikado?
Logan pauses to consider that, tilting his head slightly.
I don’t know what to think of Delikado. He’s so unorthodox and unpredictable. Whatever world he happens to live on seems pretty cool. I mean… there was a hamster-squid last week.
Puzzlement is clear on Justin’s face.
Hamster-squid?
Logan nods.
Yeah. Like I said, you have no idea what’s coming from Delikado. But when it comes, there’ll be a lot of flash and pizzazz with it. The reason for that is because that’s how you cover up a lack of substance. That’s really Deli’s only real problem. He’s got a flair for this, trying to be more outrageous every time out… Eventually, you can’t push the envelope any farther. What also happens is that you lose the simple, effective things in the wild conglomeration that you put together.
He was a pretty dominant Overdrive champion last year, but since then he’s put together some success, but nothing comparable. He hasn’t gotten back up into stardom. Now here he is, attaching himself to the League, which is a collection of competitors that have all fallen short in their opportunities as of late, except Evan. It’s a quest for relevancy, and Deli’s still not quite there. He’s entertaining as anything I’ve ever seen before and he’s got quite an impressive ability in the ring. He comes out of nowhere at times and boom! People are laid out on the mat. That’s what makes him dangerous, but he’s not unbeatable.
Logan’s eyes narrow slightly.
He’s not the real danger on their team this week.
That would be Envi.
Logan nods again
Exactly.
He looks over at Justin, and the camera moves so it can get both of their faces in view again.
We go back a long way, almost to his debut in 2007. He’s loaded with potential and has only gotten better. He’s one of the greatest competitors to never hold a World title. The general line of thought is it’s only a matter of time before he succeeds, but we’ll have to see if he’s up for the challenge when he gets his opportunity. It’s weird though… After all this time has passed and all he’s accomplished, Evan’s still as insecure as ever.
How so?
He wants to be seen as a hero, a ‘good guy’. He wants the adoration and respect of fans and wrestlers, and he’s upset when he doesn’t get it. He seeks out the perfect life in the ring, because for as long as I’ve known him, his life outside of the ring’s been one step shy of a disaster area. Family battles and crumbling relationships… and more often than not, those problems come back on his professional life, usually when he’s trying to push forward to something bigger and better.
Look at how shaky he came out from his battle with Rebel on Thursday. What could have been another defining win that pushed him forward towards the inevitable instead left him looking vulnerable. Why? Because Michelle Weaver’s another one he can’t get back. Miss Knite’s running about conducting damage control… and one can only hope she avoids becoming a casualty like every other lady that’s gotten in close proximity to him for an extended period. Then she’ll leave… and that’ll happen with Lady Overdrive as well.
Justin raises an eyebrow.
You’re not going to refer to the championship that way are you?
Logan smirks.
It fits the theme… It’s another relationship that Evan’s going to destroy. No matter how badly he wants to hang onto it, it’s going to slip away. It might begin on Monday. Once again, a former girl of his will get in his way. Aubrey wants to bring him down and I’m not even going to try and stop her. Evan’s problem with her is that she hasn’t disappeared like everyone else he’s lost. He’s mad at me because I gave her back everything he tried to take away, and now she’s heading for the same goal that he is. And it must eat him up because he tries so hard to tear her down, but I won’t let him do that again.
I’ve always been his counterbalance. We always used to be evenly matched. Now he’s probably my better in terms of sheer physical ability, but I still carry so many of the intangibles that he lacks. In terms of accomplishments, we’re almost equals… I’m a few months behind him, but I could make up the difference.
He shakes his head and looks away across the ring again.
He could be so much more right now, but he’s going to have to learn to fix his own problems.
With that, the scene fades out on the two there.
We open in Las Vegas on Sunday, Logan and Aubrey are there in a hotel room together, having just finished up a game of chess by the looks of it. Neither one’s expression gives away the slightest hint as to who came out the victor in this test between the two. Logan finishes packing away the pieces and looks towards his partner, who’s already stood and left the table.
So how are you feeling? I know you’re just a few days removed from that accident.
Aubrey glances down at her bandaged hands and her lips curve into what is nearly a smile.
Yeah, that was pretty stupid, wasn't it? But I'm fine... at least I will be by tomorrow.
She turns back to the table and looks at Logan.
What about you? Is everything... good? You... scared me after the TLC match.
I scared myself and everyone I knew after that TLC match... Some days... I think I'm trying to do too much. I'd like to just sit at home and mend properly and then come back at my best... I just feel that I need to stick this out. Endure the pain, and push forward until the end.
He looks away.
But knowing that everyone's got a knife and willing to use it... It makes me pause to reconsider. But I know I need to be here at your side.
You don't need to do anything for me...
She shrugs and looks down, perhaps uncomfortable, showing this particular emotion.
I wanna fucking win, but I want us to both be alright coming out of Vegas- above all else.
We both share that sentiment. This is bordering on very personal with Evan.
He looks over at Aubrey again.
You did 'borrow' his car after all.
She smiles broadly. Proudly.
Shouldn't have been running his mouth.
You know that'll motivate him more. The only way to leave a mark is to make him walk out with a loss. Losing to you will hurt him more than anything else could. He's already fraying around the edges.
He turns and walks over towards Aubrey.
But I don't want you to get lost on a voyage of retribution against him here.
We're better than them, and Emerald Assassin... in like, every way, ever.
She smirks and looks up at him, dangling a single set of keys in front of him.
Why can't we have fun with it?
Personally, I'd rather not... I have no idea what he might have done in there. I also wouldn't be surprised if Miss Knite has contacted the police about it. Last thing I want is my partner in jail for grand theft auto.
If he has any pride, he won't let her do that. He'll come get it back like a big boy. Like the 'superheroes' he and his partners want to be.
Let's be prepared for that then. If you can get through tomorrow and still have those keys, you can do what you want with his car. Just don't get ahead of yourself.
She looks down at the keys... then up at her partner, but doesn't speak. She gazes at Logan, folding her hands in front of her, smiling through tired eyes. He smiles back.
Let's show them what it takes to be champions... to be the best.
With that, we fade to black.
I’ve got my trusted other half in the ring for this one, which is something that seems to vex the entirety of APW. They don’t know how it works or believe it can continue to do so, but Aubrey and I will be glad to continue demonstrating why we’ve been one of the most dominant tag teams in APW. You can correctly point out that Dying Breed’s beaten us recently, but look no further than Anthony Bailey’s most recent defeats to Jason Kash to realize that beating us a few times hardly signifies long term dominance. For now, we bide our time, keep sharp, and await the next opportunity.
We do so alongside our partner for this week, the Red Scorpion. Some people wonder why we decided to team with him. Well, let me mention that it was my call. I’ll take the credit or the blame whichever way it goes, but I thought he’d be a good choice as he’d be motivated to face the Emerald Assassin, and vice versa. Should those two step up to prove their worth, great. If not, well, I guess we know who’ll be eating a loss this week, won’t we?
Of course, the story in this match is about Overdrive versus Asylum… the L.E.W. versus the New Sindicate… Envikado versus M&M. That’s what this boils down to. We might go even further and say this focuses on Evan Envi versus Aubrey J. Parker or Evan Envi versus Logan Alexander. We saw this simmering beneath the surface in our first few months in APW. We’d cross paths with Evan, when he’d wander back to Meltdown like a lost puppy, and there it’d be. We missed a chance to face off in December when Envikado came up short against Roy Speede and Donald Deruty, quite possibly the biggest upset of the tag tournament.
You were both coming off big title losses at One Night in Hell, so maybe you were both a little shaky, but after that loss you two disappeared from the tag team scene. Since then, Evan’s done quite a job becoming almost top tier talent. He’s damn close, but we’ve got to see how he handles facing the top. Delikado’s tried making a similar push but isn’t there yet either. Look across at M&M and you see much of the same. We’re both multiple former champions, and angling to resume ascending the Asylum ranks. All four of us are looking to step higher… and three of us might be clashing at the end of the month, depending on how things go later this week.
It’s a clash of rising stars. The crowd in Vegas better hope they don’t get flash blinded.
It’s early Friday morning in Toronto, and we find Logan sitting in one corner of a wrestling ring at his training school. The camera observes him from his right. He doesn’t seem to notice the camera at all, just looking across the empty ring. Justin Maxwell enters the scene on the adjacent side of the ring, stopping beside Logan. He regards him quietly.
How goes your Meltdown preparations?
Logan doesn’t look at him.
As well as expected, all things considered. My history with six person tag matches leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, I’ll have a reliable partner in the ring. That might make all the difference, but I’m not facing any slouches across the ring either. The Overdrive champion, Evan Envi, former Overdrive champion, Delikado, and relative newcomer, Emerald Assassin. I know Envi about as well as he knows me, but there’s been lots of time since we last faced off. I don’t know much about Delikado, and even if I did, I’m not sure how much would make sense. Emerald Assassin seems pretty straightforward though.
Justin continues to observe him.
What do you see from Assassin?
A self-appointed superhero.
That’s it?
Pretty much. That’s what he considers himself as. It’s another way of saying you’re a vigilante. You work outside of the system and do what you can to help it. You have no actual authority, but get involved anyway. That’s what a superhero is at the core.
Logan cracks a little smile.
Wrestling-wise, he’s an amateur at the moment. He’s starting out and learning as he goes. So, I’ll give Assassin a little advice. Pay attention to everything happening in the ring this week, because you’re stepping in with a bunch of experienced competitors and can learn a whole lot through firsthand experience. But don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re with the good guys this time around. The League is made of members that are neither just nor virtuous, with one exception. You’re surrounded by people with their own best interests in mind, and no one’s looking out for you.
You stand across the ring from a glimpse of a possible future, Assassin. M&M are fallen heroes. It’s a fate for those that seek to do the right thing outside the system they protect. You’re eventually labelled an enemy of it because you don’t submit to its authority. Perhaps you’ll be lucky and suffer no resentment or backlash… but let me ask you something, if what you do is acceptable, why hide your face? Is it to protect yourself from the bad guys you pursue or the people you seek to protect who wouldn’t agree with your methods?
His smile fades, but he still doesn’t glance towards Justin or the camera on either side of him.
You either die a hero or eventually become the bad guy. Which fate awaits you? There’s not much of a line separating the Justice League from the Justice Lords.
Justin raises an eyebrow.
Think you might be getting a little deep on that one?
I think it’s a valid question to ask oneself. I’ve faced similar issues here. I was a good guy until people turned on Aubrey. Then popular opinion continued to tilt until I was labelled a bad guy too. People love heroes… but only for a while. Eventually, they resent them.
That sounds cynical.
Logan smirks again.
Welcome to the real world.
What about Envikado?
Logan pauses to consider that, tilting his head slightly.
I don’t know what to think of Delikado. He’s so unorthodox and unpredictable. Whatever world he happens to live on seems pretty cool. I mean… there was a hamster-squid last week.
Puzzlement is clear on Justin’s face.
Hamster-squid?
Logan nods.
Yeah. Like I said, you have no idea what’s coming from Delikado. But when it comes, there’ll be a lot of flash and pizzazz with it. The reason for that is because that’s how you cover up a lack of substance. That’s really Deli’s only real problem. He’s got a flair for this, trying to be more outrageous every time out… Eventually, you can’t push the envelope any farther. What also happens is that you lose the simple, effective things in the wild conglomeration that you put together.
He was a pretty dominant Overdrive champion last year, but since then he’s put together some success, but nothing comparable. He hasn’t gotten back up into stardom. Now here he is, attaching himself to the League, which is a collection of competitors that have all fallen short in their opportunities as of late, except Evan. It’s a quest for relevancy, and Deli’s still not quite there. He’s entertaining as anything I’ve ever seen before and he’s got quite an impressive ability in the ring. He comes out of nowhere at times and boom! People are laid out on the mat. That’s what makes him dangerous, but he’s not unbeatable.
Logan’s eyes narrow slightly.
He’s not the real danger on their team this week.
That would be Envi.
Logan nods again
Exactly.
He looks over at Justin, and the camera moves so it can get both of their faces in view again.
We go back a long way, almost to his debut in 2007. He’s loaded with potential and has only gotten better. He’s one of the greatest competitors to never hold a World title. The general line of thought is it’s only a matter of time before he succeeds, but we’ll have to see if he’s up for the challenge when he gets his opportunity. It’s weird though… After all this time has passed and all he’s accomplished, Evan’s still as insecure as ever.
How so?
He wants to be seen as a hero, a ‘good guy’. He wants the adoration and respect of fans and wrestlers, and he’s upset when he doesn’t get it. He seeks out the perfect life in the ring, because for as long as I’ve known him, his life outside of the ring’s been one step shy of a disaster area. Family battles and crumbling relationships… and more often than not, those problems come back on his professional life, usually when he’s trying to push forward to something bigger and better.
Look at how shaky he came out from his battle with Rebel on Thursday. What could have been another defining win that pushed him forward towards the inevitable instead left him looking vulnerable. Why? Because Michelle Weaver’s another one he can’t get back. Miss Knite’s running about conducting damage control… and one can only hope she avoids becoming a casualty like every other lady that’s gotten in close proximity to him for an extended period. Then she’ll leave… and that’ll happen with Lady Overdrive as well.
Justin raises an eyebrow.
You’re not going to refer to the championship that way are you?
Logan smirks.
It fits the theme… It’s another relationship that Evan’s going to destroy. No matter how badly he wants to hang onto it, it’s going to slip away. It might begin on Monday. Once again, a former girl of his will get in his way. Aubrey wants to bring him down and I’m not even going to try and stop her. Evan’s problem with her is that she hasn’t disappeared like everyone else he’s lost. He’s mad at me because I gave her back everything he tried to take away, and now she’s heading for the same goal that he is. And it must eat him up because he tries so hard to tear her down, but I won’t let him do that again.
I’ve always been his counterbalance. We always used to be evenly matched. Now he’s probably my better in terms of sheer physical ability, but I still carry so many of the intangibles that he lacks. In terms of accomplishments, we’re almost equals… I’m a few months behind him, but I could make up the difference.
He shakes his head and looks away across the ring again.
He could be so much more right now, but he’s going to have to learn to fix his own problems.
With that, the scene fades out on the two there.
We open in Las Vegas on Sunday, Logan and Aubrey are there in a hotel room together, having just finished up a game of chess by the looks of it. Neither one’s expression gives away the slightest hint as to who came out the victor in this test between the two. Logan finishes packing away the pieces and looks towards his partner, who’s already stood and left the table.
So how are you feeling? I know you’re just a few days removed from that accident.
Aubrey glances down at her bandaged hands and her lips curve into what is nearly a smile.
Yeah, that was pretty stupid, wasn't it? But I'm fine... at least I will be by tomorrow.
She turns back to the table and looks at Logan.
What about you? Is everything... good? You... scared me after the TLC match.
I scared myself and everyone I knew after that TLC match... Some days... I think I'm trying to do too much. I'd like to just sit at home and mend properly and then come back at my best... I just feel that I need to stick this out. Endure the pain, and push forward until the end.
He looks away.
But knowing that everyone's got a knife and willing to use it... It makes me pause to reconsider. But I know I need to be here at your side.
You don't need to do anything for me...
She shrugs and looks down, perhaps uncomfortable, showing this particular emotion.
I wanna fucking win, but I want us to both be alright coming out of Vegas- above all else.
We both share that sentiment. This is bordering on very personal with Evan.
He looks over at Aubrey again.
You did 'borrow' his car after all.
She smiles broadly. Proudly.
Shouldn't have been running his mouth.
You know that'll motivate him more. The only way to leave a mark is to make him walk out with a loss. Losing to you will hurt him more than anything else could. He's already fraying around the edges.
He turns and walks over towards Aubrey.
But I don't want you to get lost on a voyage of retribution against him here.
We're better than them, and Emerald Assassin... in like, every way, ever.
She smirks and looks up at him, dangling a single set of keys in front of him.
Why can't we have fun with it?
Personally, I'd rather not... I have no idea what he might have done in there. I also wouldn't be surprised if Miss Knite has contacted the police about it. Last thing I want is my partner in jail for grand theft auto.
If he has any pride, he won't let her do that. He'll come get it back like a big boy. Like the 'superheroes' he and his partners want to be.
Let's be prepared for that then. If you can get through tomorrow and still have those keys, you can do what you want with his car. Just don't get ahead of yourself.
She looks down at the keys... then up at her partner, but doesn't speak. She gazes at Logan, folding her hands in front of her, smiling through tired eyes. He smiles back.
Let's show them what it takes to be champions... to be the best.
With that, we fade to black.
