MIA-05: Aubrey

[Evan De Parker]

Tryin’ to stay in my zone...
WATCHIN’ ENEMIES CLOSE

”I’ve failed.

“I’ve failed to protect the League of Extraordinary Wrestlers. We had all the momentum in the world... We were the hottest thing going, and I couldn’t protect it. Delikado got hurt-- his concussion grew more severe and one thing led to another... And he had to bail. I didn’t get it then, but it makes a lot more sense now. Maybe he knew that we couldn’t protect him. Maybe he didn’t want to have to be protected.

“I’ve failed to protect Lady Overdrive. Now she’s... She’s being forced to spend every waking moment with Tommy Knox. She’s in the hands of a man that didn’t earn her, and never deserved her. And-- I mean, c’mon, what kind of wrestler can’t even defend his own championship belt?

“I failed.

“And perhaps worst of all, I’ve failed to protect my best friend. Jenny comes to my aid more often than not, and... That’s not the way things are supposed to be, y’know? Some little, bright-eyed, blonde-haired little girl shouldn’t be running down to the ring and fighting my battles because I’m nowhere to be found, or because I got myself jumped. Yet, as the weeks go by, that’s what ends up happening every time... Hell, the fans probably like Jenny and Lady Overdrive more than they like me. They never left them. They never owed them anything. And-- and this week is like therapy, y’know? This is what I need. I need to be able to put my hands around the neck of Tommy Knox. I n... Hah...”

We finally blink into color. We see that Evan is sitting on a beige couch, dressed in a black tank top and a pair of swim trunks. His chin rests in his palm and his eyes are cast downward, but we can see the shadow of another person shown across the couch.

”I need to hurt him. That’s all there is to it. He took everything from me... And he tried to hurt my friend.”

He looks up toward the mysterious person that we cannot see... And Evan snickers for a moment, leaning back on the couch.

”Niobe’s gonna be out there too. And Madison.”

The traces of a smile left over from his inexplicable fit of laughter fade away. It’s replaced with a look of something akin to anger.

”They’re the worst people in the world.”

Evan is silent for a moment, raising his eyes to meet his unseen acquaintance.

”Niobe blindly follows a guy that is quite literally the scum of the earth because he wants to be. Hah... And I’ll give him credit; Knox sticks out like a sore thumb around here. But it’s good. People look at him as a leader. People flock to this guy, and he-- he has this way with words, and he has this way of getting what he wants. He could convince Niobe Martin to do anything, even if that means putting a defenseless woman through a table. He could convince all of them to go out there and rip every Megastar in the back to shreds, one-by-one, and this is APW-- not Sesame Street. These people aren’t gonna come together. Ever. It’s a warzone around here, and you stick with your two or three buddies, and you hope to God that somebody like the Black Hand doesn’t target you. That’s basically how it goes, right?

“At least... At least that’s how things are on my side of the tracks. And I’m gonna get myself out of this. I mean, this is a really different situation, y’know? Usually, I’m the guy that starts trouble. I go out there, and I pick fights with the biggest, and the baddest, and the loudest. For as great as people like to tell me I am-- I’ve never been a target before.”

There is a deafening silence in the room, and Evan looks away from the person sitting across from him again, turning to angle his head toward the open window. He squints as he looks into the golden rays that peek and poke, penetrating the room.

”Rufio, Hollywood, and Savage... They saved Jenny and me from, what most likely would’ve been a career-threatening scenario last week. And now the latter two are my partners in... In an Elimination Tables’ Match, against Knox, Madison, and Niobe-- and I asked for this. I went to Duvall, and I demanded that he give me the Black Hand in a Tables’ match.

“So he did what he thought was best for Overdrive. He gave me three-fourths of the Black Hand, and he put NewGen Rising in my corner. And now... Now the odds are even, but I’m still a target. And they still-- they still have my baby. Knox still has Lady Overdrive. And before, I said she was a belt... A championship. But that’s not how I feel, y’know? I was humoring the masses.

“And now I’d do anything to get her back. I’ll fight everybody in his crew. I’ll hurt them all like they hurt me... And like they hurt Jenny. I want this.”

Our camera finally reveals the person sitting on the other side of the small, hardwood-designed coffee table. Sitting in a blue-and-yellow sun dress, with black hair pulled back into a ponytail, and a cold, unreadable expression on her face, is Aubrey J. Parker.

”You know-- I really thought you’d be more help.”

She scoffs.

”And how am I supposed to do that? I’m not gonna get you out of this. I couldn’t if I wanted to.”

”Well-- you know what it’s like to be a target.”

”Yeah.”

”I figured you could just...”

He trails off, and Aubrey’s eyes pierce through him like daggers. Her lips curl into a small smirk and she leans forward, folding her hands together in delight.

”I could just what, Evan? Give you some advice?”

She laughs.

”Run. And get used to running. That’s my advice. And I know you don’t like that answer-- and that’s the kind of answer you knew I’d give you, so please, stop bullshitting me, and let me know why you’re really here.”

Evan looks back toward her.

”...I’m lookin’ for Tyler.”

”HA! You think TYLER can help you out of this?”

”I didn’t say anything about that.”

”Evan, you already have Jenny fighting the bulk of your battles for you. Do me a favor, and don’t bring your brother into it. Who are you gonna ask next? Talon? Evan-- get it through your fucking head. You TOOK the Overdrive Title, and you should have never even attempted to do it. How did you EXPECT them to react? You ran head-first into a losing battle, and I, for one, am happy-- SOOO HAPPY that it’s you, you fucking prick.”

”Alright. I think the ‘prick’ part might’ve been unnecessary.”

”You leaving APW is unnecessary. You think that Sabra over in SCW is gonna give you the things that Jeff wouldn’t? Not that I give a fuck, but if you’re gonna ask ME, you’re just running away. Whether you fight or Knox or not, you’re a bitch if you stay gone after Shockwave, and trust me, baby boy, I know that you’re planning on it. And... And these people are gonna hate you for it. Can you deal with that?”

”They know that I’m just doing what’s best.”

”You’re running away from the Black Hand.”

”Jess, that’s not what I’m doing.”

”Well, you’re probably one of the only people here that can stop them. You know that. THEY know that-- why the fuck do you think they’re trying to end your career? Either you stay, and you start to rip them apart, or they fucking kill you. And I thiiink I’d rather see them fffffucking kill you.”

”You’re... You’re a really mean person.”

”So are you.”

Evan looks away from her again. He shakes his head.

”I’m trying to fix things.”

”For yourself.”

”Well-- dude, what do you WANT me to do? How am I supposed to help anybody when I’m not even good enough to hold onto a... A-- a belt?!

”Ha, it’s a belt...”

Evan grunts in frustration.

”Where’s Tyler?”

”I’m not his mom.”

”WHERE is Tyler?”

”Jeez, Ev. I dunno! You’re renting this house out to him, right? Maybe you should keep closer tabs on your tenant.”

Evan narrows his eyes at the obvious show of obnoxious sarcasm from Aubrey J. Parker. For a moment, he studies her... And sitting there, maintaining her air of superiority, he is able to catch a glimpse of the Aubrey J. Parker of the past. Her eyes drift toward his for a moment, meeting them, but she quickly averts her gaze toward the couch-- away from Evan, for the life of her.

”You own the property. If you wanna kick me out, then--”

”I want you to tell me not to worry.”

This comes as a shock to Aubrey. She does her best to not reflect it in her facial expression, but even Evan Envi is able to capture her surprise. For a few moments, the two are caught in a silent gaze before Aubrey slowly shakes her head, moving a hand through her hair with a sigh.

”What are you talking about?”

”Just do what you used to do. Tell me it’s fine. Even if I go out there, and they put me through six tables, and I get my ass kicked, and I don’t even make it to Shockwave... I want you to tell me it’s gonna be alright.”

Aubrey fixes a very confused leer on Evan, but within a few moments, it fades. Instead of looking at him with traces of anger or confusion, we’re introduced to a look of sympathy. It only lasts for a moment, but rest assured, it exists. Aubrey rubs her eyes and shakes her head at Evan.

”It’s not though. It’s not just Knox. Niobe and Madison are out there. I’ve never wrestled Madison, but I’ve seen him. I’ve seen his work-- and he’s probably not an Evan Envi fan.”

”I don’t think my own teammates are even Evan Envi fans.”

”Why should they be? You’re taking their spotlight.”

Evan shrugs.

”I never meant to. I never asked for their help.”

”But I bet you’re happy for it. They saved Jenny’s ass, right?”

”Well--”

”That’s more than you could do.”

”That isn’t fair.”

”But it’s true. Jenny was vulnerable. Right? She was... She was about to go through a table, for you, once again, and where were you?”

”I was trying to help--”

”You were getting your ass handed to you by the Black Hand. Again.”

”Things weren’t supposed to happen like that.”

”No shit. Yet-- they did. And now you have to pay for it. I mean... You go up against Knox, Niobe, and Madison now, and even if you do win the match alongside NewGen, and you do walk away with a victory under your belt, what do you prove? Knox already took your belt. You could go and get it back this week... But who’s stopping him from taking it again? Hm? Or putting you through another table? ORRRR completely bypassing you and putting Jenny through a table?”

Evan sits quietly in the focus of the Undisputed Championship’s number one contender. For a few moments, Evan is unable to do anything aside from bite his nails, his gaze cast downward-- anywhere except for Parker’s eyes.

”You know what scares me about this match?”

Aubrey doesn’t offer a response, but it’s obvious from Envi’s body language that he never expected one. He casually adjusts himself, pulling his legs up onto the couch. His eyes don’t meet Aubrey’s again, but as evidenced by the newfound look of determination on his face, every word is directed toward her. Every thought is directed toward her.

”I don’t know what the Black Hand’s capable of. My partners do, but they haven’t... Exactly done well against the Black Hand as of late. Savage teamed up with Niobe last week, and they earned a fall that way, but what did it do for NewGen, y’know? What have they shown ME that allows me to feel confident going into this match with them in my corner?”

Aubrey, once more, fails to respond. Evan sighs and leans backward, rubbing his eyes in frustration.

”I know Jace and Brian are good. I’ve watched them. I’ve studied them. I’ve re-watched them. When it comes to action inside that ring, they can go. I have no regrets about having them in my corner-- but the Black Hand has had their number. It’s... Like... The more I look at the tables’ match, the more I feel like I’m fighitng uphill in a one-sided battle.

“I don’t think that the NewGen is incapable of beating the Black Hand, with or without me, but I think they need somebody there to light a fire under their ass-- or shit just doesn’t get done. Savage, Rufio, and Hollywood could be one of the greatest factions in the history of this business, but so far all they’ve done is talk.

“Talk.

“And as much as I can appreciate a good talker... It doesn’t help us in a match like this. I need people that can deliver. I need people that can put Madison and Martin through tables, and then get the hell out of my way so I can get my hands on Tommy Knox.”

”Oooooh, you’re the rebellious one. Sexy.”

”Don’t patronize me.”

A loud, mechanical groan emanates from the entrance of the house. Curiously, Evan turns toward the entrance, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

If you were to ask Evan Envi, the next few moments passed by in slow motion. If asking for a recollection of events, Evan would explain to you how overjoyed he was when Tyler Harrison strolled around that corner, his dark hair covered by an olive-colored beanie that Evan would assume was property of Aubrey J. Parker’s. Flanking Tyler, however, is Evan Envi’s exclusive manager, his best friend Jenny Knite. Evan’s face lights up and he pushes himself forward, to the edge of the couch.

”You found him!”

The words come out in a joking manner, but Aubrey J. Parker isn’t hesitant to roll her eyes. Jenny Knite is the next to speak up, however, happily skipping toward Evan before throwing her arms around him in a hug, which Envi quickly returns, though his gaze never leaves the inquisitive, oddly focused eyes of his brother’s.

”I know, right! You didn’t tell me your brother did such a great Delikado impression.”

Jenny winks as she pulls away from Evan. She turns and glances toward Aubrey, who merely watches her from her designated spot in the chair. Aubrey seems tempted to make a remark in spite of Jenny’s comment, but Tyler quickly interjects himself, plopping down next to Aubrey on the couch, giving his longtime friend a small nudge.

”Aubrey hates my impressions. She says Talon does ‘em better...”

”It’s not a lie.”

Jenny laughs politely, though the lack of humor in her voice is all but evident. Tyler is able to rid the room of an awkward silence before it even has the opportunity to occur.

”I was actually walking back up here from the liquor store. Jenny drove by and picked me up... Told me that you guys were catchin’ up, talkin’ APW, all that fun stuff...”

”Oh. Yeah. It was a blast.”

There is almost no emotion to accompany those last four words which normally would’ve been partnered with enthusiasm-- at least from the average person.

”Yo. Ty. Wanna show me the balcony?”

Tyler frowns and turns to Evan with a perplexed look.

”Show you the balcony? You lived here for four years. You know damn well what the balcony looks li--”

”Show me the balcony.”

”Oh. OH! Alright. I’ll... Hah... ‘Show you the balcony.’ Let’s go.”

Aubrey’s eyes never leave Tyler as he pushes himself up to his feet, using the arm of the couch for a base. Evan ignores the narrowed eyes from Jenny Knite and rises to his feet as well. He quietly clears his throat and follows Tyler into the awaiting sunset on our temperate outside world.

I got some later joints...
AND SOME NOW JOINTS

Tyler Harrison exhales, grinning deeply as the cloud-silver smoke erupts from his lips, drifting into the night air before almost entirely dissipating. He passes the faux-cigarette between his index and middle fingers toward Evan, who graciously accepts it with a half-smile on his face.

”This wasn’t a mistake, was it?”

”I don’t think Headband has ever been a mistake.”

Evan groans and hands the “cigarette” back to Tyler, giving him a disapproving glance all the same.

”I mean-- this is something I can get myself out of, isn’t it?”

”You mean the Black Hand situation.”

”Yeah.”

Tyler takes another drag from the faux-cigarette and then turns to Evan, raising an eyebrow at him. Behind tired and glassy eyes, Tyler hands it over to Envi, all with a shrug.

”I can’t say that I’m necessarily the best guy to run to for advice. I’ve never been through anything like this.”

”They tried to hurt Jenny again on Thursday.”

Tyler slowly nods. He pulls a knee up to his chest, and as our cameras pan out, we see that the two are seated in front of the sliding window of their hotel, allowing the smoke to freely drift onto, and over the balcony.

”I saw.”

For the first time in what could probably pass as ages, Evan and Tyler lock eyes. Tyler immediately freezes, and with a smirk, Evan leans forward, resting both forearms across the table.

”Let’s say you prove the world wrong, and you end up winning this match on Thursday, eh? Do you understand that whatever Knox and the Black Hand have planned for you is going to be nearly fifty times worse? They’re used to this shit, y’know. Knox loves to hurt people... And Madison loves to beat ‘em.”

Evan leans against the edge of the balcony, looking down into the brightly lit streets of Las Vegas, Navada, the home of Sin City Wrestling’s Wildcard.

”I dunno when this happened, y'know? Like-- when did my entire life become about wrestling? When did EVERYTHING become about this shit?"

Another drag, and Tyler snickers, turning to his younger brother.

"Welcome to the jungle, baby bro. Now you know what it's like to fight for something."

He shrugs and turns back from Evan, looking down into the bright lights again. He places the faux-cigarette between his lips, but in mid-drag, turns to Evan again, whisps of smoke escaping his lips and mouth.

"You always fought. Except... Before, it was for attention. Now it makes a little more sense. Now you're fighting for something."

"Her."

"Lady Overdrive?"

"Lady Overdrive..."

Tyler, with a smirk, flicks the roach over the balcony, watching as it harmlessly flutters to the ground.

"Then we'll get her back, Ev."

"I'm hoping."

"I'm betting on it."

Dark.

They be doin' the most...
SO I GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS