Post by Ace Bennett on Dec 5, 2013 0:14:50 GMT -5
Walking backstage after his match with Samael Ahriman, Ace Bennett found himself characteristically lost in his own thoughts. He ignored the few dirty looks he had gotten from some of the distorted faces he passed by and simply dived into the excesses of his own mind. Normally, Ace would feel bad for doing something like he did to Samael Ahriman, but he believed he did the right thing and honestly he was past it at this moment in time. Other things were simply on his mind.
As his eyes scanned the corridor, he finally found the destination that he had desired, the locker room of Dave Demento. It was strange to Ace, because normally the two friends would request a locker room together and watch the show together and talk about their time together on the independent circuit. Demento had a match upcoming against Mak Cross, a match that could put him in the running for the International Championship; an opportunity that Ace was jealous of to be quite honest.
At first glance, the room appeared to be empty. All benches and stray chairs in the room were empty and the space at eye level was unoccupied. But Ace did a double take as he turned around to the exit as he spotted Demento sitting cross legged in the corner of the room, blankly staring off into the distance. His face was pale and it appeared as if he hadn't had sleep for at least 48 hours.
Ace Bennett: Where have you been man? I've been trying to get a hold of you all week.
Demento simply sat there in silence. It was almost as if Ace's words simply bounced off of Demento and right back at Ace. Demento's eyes slowly slid in Ace's direction, as he finally acknowledges Ace's presence in the room. However, he still sits there in silence, eyes glossed over.
Ace Bennett: Something the matter? You don't look so hot...
Dave Demento: I'm great. Minds free.
His voice was quiet and succinct. The answer was short, direct, and to the point. This caused Ace to raise his eyebrows, as Demento has never been one to shy away from shooting in the breeze with Ace, especially when the two were watching Revolution together.
Ace Bennett: Are you high?
That would explain the glossy red eyes.
Dave Demento: No, I've simply been shown the way. He has shown me the way.
Ace Bennett: Yeah, you're definitely high. Listen, I want to know what's going on between you and Alicia because I'm not going to stand around and let you screw with her like you've screwed with so many other girls.
Dave Demento: He has removed the need for outside relationships. I no longer harbor feelings towards her.
Ace was taken aback by the droning, monotone voice that Demento was using. It had begun to gnaw at him as Demento cast aside his sister, the one person that Ace held in higher regard than any other. And here this mother f***er was, just casting her aside like she was nothing. Ace stood there, anger brewing deep inside of him.
Ace Bennett: You know what Dave? A scumbag like you doesn't deserve a saint like my sister anyways. If I catch you even 100 yards from where she is, I swear to God, I will rip your f***ing head off.
Dave Demento: I'd like to be left alone now. I must bask in His teachings to me. Good bye.
His jaw drops. This dude legitimately just told him to leave him alone after a solid month and a half of solid friendship. And he said it as if he were nothing.
Ace Bennett: Yeah......no problem man...
He walks out of the room, using everything within himself to prevent him from attacking Demento. As he brews in what Demento just said to him, he realizes that something must be wrong with the man. Knowing this calms him down a little bit. He vows to get to the bottom of things when they become more clear, but for now, there are more important things to tend to.
–
“Sometimes things just don't work out like you want them to.”
“I mean, I'm sure we all heard it when we were children. 'You can't always get what you want Jeffrey!' And even as I've grown older, that truth has stung me in the face time and time again. You want to take the WFWF by storm and leave everyone at your wake as you rampage to the top? Nah, how about you lose the majority of your first fifteen matches before even getting any sort of footing within the company? You want to win Survival of the Fittest? Oh, here's David Brennan to spoil the fun for you. Hey, there's another piece of pumpkin pie leftover from Thanksgiving? Well there isn't now, your sister ate it. My life has been a series of disappointments, yet here I am trucking along as always.”
“I honestly have no idea what I expected when I set forth on this road to redemption. I didn't expect any resistance like I got from Samael, I wasn't planning on taking no for an answer. I mean, even Thunder was willing to work things out with me and he has always been a more stubborn fella in my experiences with him.”
“But to come face to face with that bitter man, that man who was all but willing to forgive and forget, that was truly a reality check for me. This little journey I've taken myself on, I realize that it's not for much. I know what kind of man I am. I know that I'm not the man that I was when I was throwing Thunder off a ladder or getting Dave Demento fired. And I'm definitely not the man who abandons his one true friend out of the blue, leaving a washed up hack in my stead.”
“I did what had to be done with Samael Ahriman. I embarrassed him in front of thousands of people and made him have to think twice before coming back to the ring. I mean, I'm sure we'll see the guy limp his way back out to the ring come Scars and Stripes, but he now truly knows that deep down, he just doesn't cut it. He knows that he should stick to commentating. And I will take joy in eliminating him from the Battle Royal if we are to come face to face.”
“As for my list? I've done what I can do. I've regained a friendship with Dave Demento, a friendship that may very well be over considering the way the dude has been acting recently and I've gotten some respect back from Thunder. I mean, hey, the two of us make a pretty good team. Who knows, maybe something lies in the future for the two of us”
“As for the other names on the list, I've moved on. Samael is bound to spiral to rock bottom after last Revolution. Mak Cross continues to waste his talents week in and week out as he wallows in the midcard, taking part in forgettable match after forgettable match. A shame, really. And Cam Nitta? Well, we won't go there.”
“And that leaves one man, Raider. My tag partner and greatest friend in the business. I've tried to get a hold of him through the means I used to, but it appears that he has cut all ties from the WFWF once again, probably for good this time. To be completely honest with you, it hurts to know that my final impression on him is one of betrayal, because that's not who I am at all.”
“But as we all know, no perfect world exists where one always gets their way, and I am no exception to that rule. Raider and I are as likely to reconcile as Andrew Carter is to win this Battle Royal. I have no choice to be okay with that. I just have to hope that the guy is out there somewhere watching and seeing what I'm doing now that I'm back.”
“The time for reconciliation is over. I've paid my dues, and the roster is fully aware of my standing in the company. It's time to do something for myself. It's time to step my game up and show what Ace Bennett can really do. It's time to move on. It's time to win the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal and finally fulfill all of the potentially that so many have seen in me.”
“And yet I find myself questioning: is it really worth it?”
–
As time has progressed, Ace Bennett has grown closer and closer to the young college student Christine Martinez. Rather than just exchanging text messages, the two would call one another on an almost daily basis and plan out get togethers in dates. Activities ranged from going to a movie to just hanging out at Ace's apartment and just talking. It was your stereotypical budding romance.
Truth be told, Ace was shocked that the relationship had grown into what it was. Christine was an absolute beauty and he was.....well himself. Every single time he picked up the phone with a missed call from her, he found himself shaking his head, in absolute shock that he was able to reel one in like Christine. And yet, here he was.
Today was one of the aforementioned lazy days in the apartment. Alicia was at work so the two had the apartment to themselves. Giggity. Not that anything was going to happen. It was finals week at Christine's college so she was hard at work, studying away on her fancy Mac computer. Ace wanted to do something a bit more exciting on this particular night, but he knew that getting good marks were never really important to her. He watched her study as he played back some footage of the Dave Demento match from last week.
As the sounds of the match reverberated through the room, Ace found his eyes drawn to Christine, who just so happened to be looking at him at the very moment. Seriously, how did this happen? Ace let a smile cross his lips, but it wasn't one of your typical cocky Ace Bennett smiles. This was different. A smile of pure genuine care. Christine returns the gesture, flashing her smile back at Ace and sending a chill through his body.
Ace Bennett: Hard at work?
Christine Martinez: You could say that...
Ace stood up and approached Christine. Instead of any sort of coursework being projected on her screen, Christine appeared to be browsing her Facebook profile, attempting to procrastinate her studies just that much longer. She looks up at him with an innocent face as the two share a laugh.
Ace Bennett: Oh yeah, someone is being really productive right now.
Christine Martinez: The struggle is real....
Heh, the girl's cute, that much is for sure. Naive, but cute. She has no idea about true struggle yet here she is complaining about a paper she has due in a week.
Ace Bennett: Better you than me. I was never great in school.
Christine Martinez: Well that's because you never applied yourself.
Ace Bennett: And how can you be so sure of that?
Christine Martinez: You? Applying yourself to anything other than wrestling? Really now?
He supposed she was right. He wasn't really ever good at anything but wrestling. Then again, he never tried.
Ace Bennett: Fair enough. I'll let you get back to your “work.”
Leaving Christine to her studies, Ace plops down on the couch situated in front of the TV and props his feet on the wooden table in front of him. The cool feel of the couch's leather upholstery gave him goose bumps. Sinking into the couch, Ace realizes that his recording of Revolution had advanced to Reverend Shadow vs. Scarlett Quinn. In other words, nothing important.
Much annoyed by the developments on the screen, he pops out of the couch and ejects the tape from his old fashioned VHS. Yeah, Ace Bennett still watches film on actual film. Big whoop wanna fight about it? Rummaging through the messy collection of VHS tapes that were piled near the television, Ace notices that Christine has taken notice of him and what he's doing.
Ace Bennett: Oh, so you're interested now? How about I give you a bit of a history lesson on this magical career of mine.
Trying to look impressive to the girl, Ace pulls out the tape that he has watched the most times; his first victory in the WFWF. It was a forgettable six man tag team match that was most likely opening that particular edition of Loaded, but Ace will never forget the match. He teamed with The High Horror and David Roberts against David Williams, Sam Kineval and Reckless.
Popping the video in, the VHS loudly begins to play the match. In hindsight, this probably wasn't the best choice for Ace. For one, aside from himself and Horror, who we all know as Shawn Malakai now, none of these guys are in the WFWF anymore; and for good reason. Two, even knowing that, Ace was still getting the crap kicked out of him through the duration of the match.
Christine looks on in awed horror as she watches Ace take shot after shot and get up each time, only to receive more punishment. It wasn't his brightest shining moment in his career, but it was most certainly his first. Cringing at the sight of Ace getting beaten, she breathes a sigh of relief when he finally gets the hot tag on Horror, who finishes off Kineval with The Hangman's Horror to get the win. Pressing the stop button, Ace looks at the now wide eyed Christine.
Ace Bennett: Something the matter?
Christine Martinez: You're going to kill yourself out there....
Ace Bennett: Oh don't worry, I've improved a ton since then. The chances of me dying now are slim to none
She cuts him off as he tries to laugh at his own joke.
Christine Martinez: Ace, I'm serious!
Ace Bennett: Well it's not like I can just do anything else. I'm a wrestler.
Christine Martinez: You can't be a wrestler your whole life Ace. Seriously, have you even thought about what you are going to do when you can't wrestle anymore?
Ace Bennett: I'm going to wrestle until I can safely support myself for the rest of my life. I have a retirement fund and-
Christine Martinez: And what if you break your neck and can't finish your so-called retirement plan? What then?
Ace Bennett: Well....I guess I didn't think about it....
Not responding to Ace, Christine stands up and goes over to where she had put her things. Picking up a gray backpack, she unzips and begins searching it's components. Clearly the most organized person on the face of the planet, Christine quickly pulls out a pamphlet and hands it to Ace.
Ace Bennett: Community College of Southern Nevada? I barely got my GED Christine, you think I can handle college?
Christine Martinez: I think you could if you actually tried at something other than wrestling for once in your life.
Ace Bennett: You honestly think-
Christine Martinez: I know you could. I believe that you are one of the most intelligent people that I've ever come into contact with. I think getting some college education would do wonders for you and make it so you don't have to wrestler your whole life.
Ace Bennett: What if I want to wrestle for the rest of my life?
Christine Martinez: If that's the case, you are really selfish. You have people that care about you Ace, people that wouldn't want to see you hurt like you were in that video you just showed me. This isn't just about you, this is about those people to. It's about your sister. It's about me.
It hit him like a train. For the first time in his life, Ace truly did have people that cared about him and had his best interest at heart. And these people had long term stake on Ace's best interest, they weren't just using him for future goals. Alicia, his sister who had finally gotten her brother back and refused to let go and Christine, this girl who he met by complete random chance and he had slowly but surely fallen in love with.
In silence, Ace looks down at Christine, who has some of the most genuine eyes he had ever seen. He half smiles at her, now seeing her point more clearly than ever. She smiles at him as she pulls out her now vibrating cell phone.
Christine Martinez: Hello?......Yeah.........Yeah........Alright.........Yeah I'll be there........Alright see you......Bye!
She hangs up the phone and puts it in her pocket.
Christine Martinez: I gotta head back to campus now. I'm glad we got a chance to see each other these past few hours. But please Ace, please take into consideration what we talked about. CCSN is a great community college and it will give you a backup plan in case you decide not to walk away from wrestling and something happens to you.
Ace Bennett: I will.
Christine Martinez: Thank you Ace.
Ace Bennett: No, thank you.
Christine Martinez: For what?
Ace Bennett: Well, you don't know it, but not many people have been kind to me in my lifetime. There's my sister and that's pretty much been an on and off thing because of my stupid past actions. For the first time in my life, someone who was a complete stranger to me is genuinely kind to me and makes me feel like I need to live for more than just myself......oh I'm sorry am I coming on too strong?
Christine Martinez: Not at all.
Grabbing Ace by the collar of his shirt, Christine pulls Ace's face within inches of hers. Nuzzling his nose with hers, she moves her head back and forth with a wide smile across her face. Closing in, their lips meet. Ace feels the sides of his lips invert as he smiles in the midst of the kiss. He hadn't had a kiss since probably high school, so the feeling of her lips was heavenly against his. After Christine releases her grip on Ace, she looks up at him and smiles.
Christine Martinez: I will see you later.
Ace can't speak and simply nods as Christine gathers her belongings. Once again plopping down on the couch he looks at the video tape of his first victory, and then back to Christine. As she heads towards the door, she cutely waves her hand at Ace and blows yet another of her lovely kisses in his direction. Smiling, he waves back as she opens the door and leaves the apartment, off to do college kid stuff.
Ace Bennett: Maybe it's time to finally clean up these tapes like Alicia has been asking me to.
–
It wasn't a scene Ace Bennett was accustomed to. Walking into the space, Ace is met with the pungent stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Dimly lit, the fog caused by the smoke amplified the fog caused by the substance the customers consumed. Apparently no smoking laws were null and void in this place or something.
Scanning through the room, Ace sees individuals seated at tables by themselves. Not a soul was accompanied by another, all were alone. Alone to brew in the somber lighting. Alone to drown their worries with chemicals and wallow in their self pity. His attention is drawn to the bar, where there are no less than two stools separating the patrons being attended to by the bartender.
One patron particularly draws his attention, a large hulking man finishing off the last of a pint of what he assumes is Irish beer. A man who is a corpse of his former self. A man who has been deteriorating in front of Ace's eyes ever since he made his return to the WFWF. A man who has made no secrets that he is suffering from cancer and has mere months to live. A man called Shawn Malakai. Ace approaches his former friend as he is ordering another drink. With his back turned, Malakai acknowledges Ace's presence.
Shawn Malakai: Look what the cat dragged in.
Ace Bennett: I figured I'd find you here.
Shawn Malakai: What can I say? I'm not exactly the hardest guy to find.
His voice was gruff and slurred. Sitting in front of him were four empty pints, the night's exploits thus far. He had allowed his beard to grow out. What used to be a long intimidating man of hair was nothing, most likely the result of his failed treatments. Walking towards him, Ace takes a seat in the bar stool adjacent to Malakai. The two sit in silence as Malakai polishes off yet another pint. When asked by the bartender, Ace simply orders a soda.
Shawn Malakai: Don't drink, aye?
Ace Bennett: No.
Shawn Malakai: Suit yourself. World's a lot less real when you're plastered.
Ace Bennett: I prefer real.
Shawn Malakai: You won't when you're dying.
More silence, Ace didn't want to be the one to initiate the conversation. In reality, he didn't even really know why he went to Shawn with this. As much as he respected the man, he wasn't particularly fond of him. And he was sure that Shawn was still bitter over Ace not siding with him over the whole Xavier Pierce versus Trace Demon debacle too.
But all those things considered, and the fact he could've gone to literally anyone else, he went to Shawn. He went to the man who was wrestling at the end of his rope, most likely filled with all sorts of chemicals and drugs. He went to the man who might not make it his next match. He went to the man who could die in the center of the ring. He went to the man that he didn't want to become.
Ace Bennett: So, O'Deeves, huh?
Shawn Malakai: Dumbass.
The two share a brief laugh as Malakai raises his empty pint count to five. Ace honestly had no idea where he was putting it all, until he saw Malakai raise from the stool and stagger to the bathroom with a crooked gait. Poor fool. He almost pitied him, although he wasn't sure how he would react put in the same situation. With death facing him, and the WFWF World Heavyweight Champion slipping through his fingers, Malakai shut down, letting the world's perils overwhelm him to the point of apathy. Bladder empty and relieved, Malakai returns and orders two more pints to continue his binge.
Shawn Malakai: So there must be some reason that you're here other to sit there and drink your grape soda with your bendy straw. You want me to apologize for something?
Ace Bennett: No apologies are necessary between us. Bygones are bygones. Consider it water under the bridge.
Shawn Malakai: Well get on with it then. What do you want?
He takes another swallow of yet another pint as he stares at his former protege. Four years ago, the two of them fought side by side in Revelation along with Aaron Ashton and Jon O'Deeves, one of the biggest failed experiments of Ace Bennett's career. After being unceremoniously booted from the group and the WFWF by Aaron Ashton, Ace had held a grudge against all former members of the group, now aware of the nonsense of it all. And now he sat here with Malakai, not sure how to start the conversation that he wanted to have him him. He knew there was no way to ease into it, so he just let it out.
Ace Bennett: Ever regret it?
Shawn Malakai: Not a bit.
Ace Bennett: None of it? Not the long travel hours? Not the time away from family? Or the fact that you very well could've wasted your entire life away fighting people over petty disagreements?
Shawn Malakai: None of it. I have one regret in my life, and it has nothing to do with wrestling or the WFWF. After you lose a child, nothing else really seems to matter anymore.
Ace Bennett: Why didn't you quit before it was too late?
Shawn Malakai: I love this business. As much as it has kicked my ass over the years, it has made me the man that I am. And besides, what else would a guy like me do?
Ace Bennett: I don't know....get your s*** together? Go to college and get a steady job and make something out of your life other than getting the hell beaten out of you for pieces of leather with gold attached to them?
Shawn Malakai: You can't be serious. Do you honestly see me working an office job as some pencil pusher? Better question, do you see you doing something like that?
Ace Bennett: I've done worse things in the past..
Shawn Malakai: You're thinking of moving on, aye?
And with that the truth comes out. Ace looks at Malakai, the man who has been in the WFWF nearly twice as long as he has, the man who has fought in countless wars against some of the best the company has had to offer. He looks that man in the eyes, eyes that are glossed over in a haze of drunkenness yet are somehow more clear than they ever would be if he were sober. He looks at him and knows his words are genuine, as he polishes off the drink in front of him, this one finished at a much slower pace than the previous few. The veteran shakes his head at him.
Shawn Malakai: Let me tell you something, Ace. I have thought about leaving the WFWF ever since I was diagnosed. Maybe being holed up in my bedroom watching TV with my sole company being my dog is the better life for me. But you know what I realized? No matter how much I think about it, it would drag me back it. If I ever left, I'd be right back in the ring within a matter of weeks. How many times have you left the WFWF? Two? Three? And yet here you are, back for more. Even if you do leave, you'll be back, mark my words. I know you Ace, you have a fighting spirit. You are the type of kid whose going to fight until you get what's deservedly yours. You are the future of the WFWF, a large part of my personal legacy in my mind. And once the old coots like myself move aside when they can't physically get themselves from the ramp to the ring, you'll get it. No matter how much you want to leave, you're always going to be a part of this. Trust me, I would know.
Ace sat there, absorbing every word that Malakai was throwing at him. The more he thought about it, the more conflicted he became. Was he really cut out for college? Could he get the good grades, and then get the job that would anchor him in one place for the rest of his life? Or was he doomed to fighting for a living, until the day that he is forced to slowly die in front of millions like his comrade Shawn Malakai has. This conversation did nothing but cloud his future further.
Shawn Malakai: But who knows, if you're not willing to die in the center of the ring, maybe you aren't cut out for it. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around.
With eight empty pints in front of him, Malaka pulls out his wallet and places a hundred dollar bill on the counter.
Shawn Malakai: You know, you should meet my daughter sometime. Stop by my place in a few days. You know where I am.
Ace Bennett: Wait, you have a daughter?
Shawn Malakai: I'll see you in a few days.
Nodding at Ace, he pats his companion on the back as he gingerly stumbles through the exit, probably headed to another bar where he can be left to stew in his thoughts once again, like the rest of the patrons of the bar Ace found himself alone in once again. He thinks he'll take Malakai up on that offer and see him when he's in a clearer state of mind.
–
Ace Bennett hadn't seen his sister since returning from his travels to and from the last edition of Revolution, but as he came home from a WFWF promotional event to promote Scars and Stripes he knew that Alicia would be awaiting him. Pulling into the apartment after a long day, Ace was ready to hit the hay.
With heavy legs, Ace clunked his way up the stairs, probably waking up all of his neighbors in the process. About halfway up the final staircase to the apartment, Alicia eagerly opens the door and heads down the stairs. After refusing her help with the luggage, Ace finally gets to the apartment as his sister holds the door opens for him.
Alicia Bennett: So did you get a chance to talk to Dave?
Ace Bennett: I'm great, thanks. How are you?
Alicia Bennett: I'm sorry Ace. It's just that-
Ace Bennett: I know, it's fine. Somethings up with him, and I really don't know what. I feel like he's getting in with the wrong crowd again somehow. Guy was acting like he was on drugs and said he didn't want anything to do with you or me anymore. It was strange. Honestly sis, I'd just keep my distance from him for the time being. I plan on looking into it as soon as things clear up a little more.
Alicia Bennett: He said he didn't want to see me anymore?
Typical female. Say an entire paragraph and she gets the one sentence that offends her out of the whole thing and makes herself upset.
Ace Bennett: Alicia, he wasn't himself. I'll sort it out, don't worry.
Alicia slinks down, clearly upset at what her brother has told her. Quietly retreating to the kitchen, she reaches into the freezer and pulls out a pint of ice cream. It may be time for some MCR alone time again, but Ace approaches his sister and embraces her.
Ace Bennett: It's going to be okay Alicia, I promise. Dave's a good guy deep down, he wouldn't do this if something weren't wrong.
Alicia Bennett: I know, but this sucks. Why does stuff like this always happen to me?
Ace Bennett: Well having a professional wrestler as a brother probably doesn't help.
Alicia Bennett: Yeah, probably not.
Ace laughs until he realizes that Alicia took his joke seriously. He never realized how much his career affected those around him. If it weren't for him being a wrestler, Alicia would have never met Demento and this whole fiasco could have been avoided. Ace sits in silence, upset at the thought that he causes his sister's turmoil, when that thought that Christine planted in his mind begins to sprout further.
Ace Bennett: What if I wasn't though?
Alicia Bennett: You not a wrestler? You might as well try to train an elephant to tie its shoes.
Ace Bennett: No but seriously. What if I wasn't? What if I went to college and got a steady job.
Alicia Bennett: You alright Ace? You're not sounding like yourself.
Ace Bennett: No this is completely me talking. I have enough money to do it, I've been saving a bit from each of my paychecks from the WFWF. I'm paid quite well now actually.
Alicia Bennett: Ace, you've never been so....mature.
Ace Bennett: Yeah, well a lot is different now.
Alicia Bennett: It's this Christine girl isn't it? Don't think I don't hear you two talking on the phone every night.
Ace Bennett: Yeah, well, she's the one who showed me the pamphlet to the local community college. Apparently their application process basically consists of a pulse check, so they know you're alive when they've accepted you.
Alicia Bennett: Wow, you've really looked into this huh?
Ace Bennett: Yeah I have, I figure I might stop after the Scars and Stripes match.
Alicia Bennett: Really? So soon?
Ace Bennett: I have nothing else to gain from being there anymore, unless I somehow win.
Alicia Bennett: Well, whatever you choose to do Ace, I support you. Whether you are a professional wrestler or a professional pancake flipper, I will always love you little brother.
Ace Bennett: As of right now, I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do.
Alicia Bennett: Do what's best for you, Ace.
Ace Bennett: I'm figuring it out as I go.
Alicia Bennett: Aren't we all?
There was a long silence as the two shared the ice cream that Alicia had got from the freezer a few minutes earlier. Ace is clearly conflicted about this as he now has a huge load on his mind not only about Scars and Stripes, but for the future.
Ace Bennett: I think I'm going to hit the hay. Good night, Alicia.
Alicia Bennett: Good night Ace, thank you for talking to Dave for me.
Ace Bennett: Don't mention it, I want it figured out just as much as you do.
Ace smiles at his sister as he walks to his bedroom, where he has moved his collection of wrestling video tapes. Kicking a few out of way to make a path to his bed, he collapses as he takes a load off of his legs. If only he could take the same load off of his mind. Trying to sleep, Ace can think of nothing but this decision that he will have to make in the near future.
–
Feeling adventurous on a particular morning, Ace Bennett decides to take Shawn Malakai up on his offer to meet Malakai's daughter that he had never heard of in his entire life. With Scars and Stripes just a few days away, it was time that the two had a conversation that had been needed to be have for an incredibly long time. Letting himself in with the spare key that Malakai had lent him a long time ago,
Ace finds the house empty. Assuming that Malakai his still sleeping, he finds a seat in his incredibly messy study, and awaits the big man's rise. Only have to wait approximately twenty minutes, Ace hears Malakai open the door to the room that he is in. Not seeing Ace as he enters, Malakai scurries to the sofa right in front of him and plops down. Little does he know, he has a bit of a visitor.
Ace Bennett: Afternoon, drunk.
Shawn Malakai: HOLY MOTHER F*CKING JESUS H SH*T.
Malakai does some sort of strange flip off of the couch, and then rolls under the couch shaking. I guess that's how he defends himself against a break in. The High Horror isn't so high now is he? I'm sorry, I'm sure that joke has been made a million times. Ace couldn't help but chuckle at the whole ordeal.
Shawn Malakai: WHO THE F*CK ARE YOU?
Ace Bennett: You forgot I knew where you hid the spare key from our Revelation days, did you not?
The revelation (see what I did there) of who his guest actually was seemed to calm Malakai a bit, at least enough to slam his head down on the floor.
Shawn Malakai: F*CK.
Ace Bennett: Rough night?
Shawn Malakai: WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?
Ace Bennett: You forget we had plans? When you never showed up, I figured you were still dead…bad choice of words there, but you get my jist.
Giving Malakai a chance to get himself together, Ace hops on Malakai's PC that is situated in his study, well if you want to call it that. It was a dinosaur, but Malakai never really came off as the computer type of guy. After finally successfully getting a page to load, Malakai walks in, ready for whatever he has conceived for the two of them.
Ace Bennett: So what's the plan?
Shawn Malakai: Back out and pretend I never invited you?
Ace Bennett: I don't really think that's an option now my friend. I'm here and I want to meet this daughter of yours. How come you never told me you had a kid?
Shawn Malakai: Not exactly something that comes up in daily conversation.
Ace Bennett: Right, because your family is never something that comes up in daily conversation.
Shawn Malakai: Have I ever talked about my family?
Ace Bennett: I suppose not, but I didn't think actually had a family. I didn't know you were hiding some daughter in your basement.
Shawn Malakai: ...in sight of hundreds a year, not the basement. Just saying.
Ace Bennett: Well you catch my drift. When do we meet her?
Shawn Malakai: A moment. Gotta grab a drink, and we can be on our way.
Ace Bennett: I certainly hope you mean water.
Shawn Malakai: What I put in my flask that I keep in my coat is none of your concern.
Ace Bennett: I guess that means I'm driving then.
Shawn Malakai: Nope.
Ace Bennett: Then what?
Shawn Malakai: Walking distance. And before you complain about walking in the cold, man up. I am a man dying of cancer. If I can make the trek, so can you.
Ace Bennett: Shawn Malakai: ever the man of mystery.
Shawn Malakai: You ever see me and Kick-Ass in the same room together? Not saying I am, but have you?
Ace Bennett: It all makes sense now.
The two get their things together and leave Malakai's house. He was kidding when he spoke of the cold, as the air bit Ace right in the face upon walking through the door. The walk through the bitter cold was a refreshing change for Ace, who had grown used to the dessert temperatures of Las Vegas. Malakai led the way as the two walked down a sidewalk.
Ace began to think once again about the chance that the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal will be his last match in the WFWF. In his thoughts he doesn't realize that Malakai has led Ace to a cemetery, lined with hundreds of grave stones. When he finally does realize where they are, they have stopped walking and Malakai is looking down at one specific grave stone. That is when it hits him.
Shawn Malakai: Ace, meet Xana.
He said it with such a straight face. Unable to quite comprehend what Malakai had just said to him, Ace simply looks over at his former mentor, jaw agape. The thought of a child dying, especially the child of a man who was going through as much as Malakai was, it made him sick to his stomach. It made him respect Malakai even more than he did before, and much more open to speak with him.
Ace Bennett: Shawn....I had no idea.
Shawn Malakai: No one did. Well, Michael does, but even he has not been here. You are the first to meet her.
Ace Bennett: Wait Michael? Whose Mich-
Shawn Malakai: Oh yeah, I forgot he tries to keep that a secret. Michael Knight, also a resident of this community, would be better known to you as the man you call Thunder.
Ace Bennett: Ah right, I forgot you two were close. But why me? Why me instead of Thunder?
Shawn Malakai: Because I knew it would mean more to you than him. You both have lost someone close to you, but you have been contemplating leaving the WFWF, I know. Not that I am forcing you to stay, but whatever you do...you have to have a reason for it. You wonder why I keep wrestling, even near death? Why I did not leave when I was your age? I had my reason. The question now becomes, what is yours?
Ace Bennett: Well, when I was younger. I really had no one. Bouncing between foster homes and all of that, no one really cared about me. A few flash in the pan friendships, but nothing more. But now, I have some semblance of a family. I have my sister. I have Christine--well this girl who I've been talking to. My life is taking a different direction and I'm not sure if I'm willing to continue doing this knowing how it could affect me and those I care about.
Shawn Malakai: A support system is always something good to have. Something I have lacked for many years.
Ace Bennett: Honestly, if you had've called I would've been there. I realize that's not much considering our past, but hey it's an ear to listen.
Shawn Malakai: Not much of a talker, remember? And those who I do talk to about it tend to slit my throat in my time of need. Wayne betrayed me when it was to be our plan to save Scarlett. And I cannot tell you how many times I have just thought of exiling myself even more, considering as much damage that others have done to me, I have done to myself.
Ace Bennett: Well, we have that much in common.
Shawn Malakai: That is why I fought for you when Ashton turned his back on you. I had to save my own ass from the same fate you suffered at his hands. Believe me, me nor Jon had any intentions on doing that to you.
Ace Bennett: No need to explain yourself. It's water under the bridge. I realized that if I wanted those I wronged to forgive me that I would have to forgive those who wronged me.
Shawn Malakai: Weird. The only time I can ever comprehend sage words are when I say them when I am blackout drunk.
Ace Bennett: Put it this way; we're cool. I'm glad you brought me here so that we could have this conversation. I've been meaning to speak to a clear minded you for a while.
Shawn Malakai: Well...hungover kind of clear. Close enough.
Ace Bennett: In your state, I'd be some form of inebriated all of the time too.
Shawn Malakai: Let me let you in on a little secret.
Ace Bennett: Yeah?
Malakai shakes the flask that he had been filling earlier in the day.
Shawn Malakai: Ginger Ale. Ancient drunk secret.
Ace Bennett: Thought that was none of my concern?
Shawn Malakai: I introduced you to my daughter. You are family now, and my business is the families business.
Ace Bennett: Guess we both gained something today then.
Shawn Malakai: Nah. I always considered you a brother. I may be violent and get a sick kick out of getting hurt, but I would not end Ashtons career for just anyone. Remember that.
Ace Bennett: Well remember this. That support system you long for? Right here. I know I'm a bit of a rookie in these parts compared to you, but I have five years under my belt and probably can offer you at least something.
Shawn Malakai: A guy finally admitting he was supporting me just to further his own agenda, a dead child whose life, and death I am responsible for and a guy contemplating quitting the WFWF, albeit for a good reason. Quite the f*cked up little family I have here.
Ace Bennett: But don't go walking around claiming you have no one. That sounds like some melodramatic bullsh** you would try to pull. And hey, if not me at Scars and Stripes, then it better be you.
Shawn Malakai: Yeah, yeah. Let me be emo when I want to be. I have earned the right. But, you know, thanks.
Ace Bennett: Strange turns of events, huh? Haven't talked in a meaningful manner in months, years even, and here we are. Maybe I'm not done around here after all. You may be dying, but I'm not going to let you die alone.
Shawn Malakai: Funny, how we have lost so much. Lives, both the lives of others, and in some situations our own, and yet here we are, still fighting. And convenient, how this could be both of our last matches. Just remember, Ace. Whatever you do, live.
Malakai looks Ace in the eye, nods and then pats him on the shoulder. Nodding back, Ace watches as Malakai walks away, probably back to his apartment to begin his daily alcohol consumption. Or maybe not, who was he to judge anyways? Ace looked down at the headstone just one more time, viewing the grave of his friend's daughter before heading out his own way.
One of the most important conversations of his whole career, and it's on the eve of what could potentially be his last match as a professional wrestler.
–
"You know, after every match that I take part in as a member of the WFWF, I always find myself asking 'now what?' Whether it be a victory or a defeat, I always wonder what comes next for me. Generally I wonder who my next opponent is or who I need to have a conversation with. It could be about how I'm going to make sure some idiot pays for a misdeed that he committed against me. It could even be who should I form an alliance with to take on the latest and greatest evil tyrant trying to take control of the WFWF. But as time has gone on, I've found myself really scraping the bottom of the barrel to answer this question. And now that my goal of redemption is complete, I am once again without direction in the WFWF. Championships mean little to me now, and I'm truly just going through the motions as a member of this roster."
"My life has been a roller coaster, and that roller coaster is at an all time high. I have a family who cares about me, I've rebuilt friendships that have been lost for years, and I have a beautiful girl who will kiss me and not be completely creeped out. What more can a guy ask for? To top all of that off, I haven't lost in my return to the WFWF to date, and I'm viewed as one of the favorites going in to the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal. Things are going great for me and I could not possibly be any happier. And yet I feel like my decisions are effecting those I care about the most."
"Alicia, she would not have met Dave Demento and gone through this heartache that she is currently going through if it weren't for me being an idiot and introducing her to the guy. And if it weren't for my career as a professional wrestler, there would be no Dave Demento in my life at all. Christine must go through hardship every time I step into the ring, knowing full well that if I take one false step or make one false move, I may not step back out as the same man I stepped in as. I may not step out at all. And yet here I am, week in and week out ranting and raving about my current opponent and how I'm going to bash his skull in. About how I'm going to win the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal."
"Wrestling was there when I had nobody. It carried me through the tough times and gave me something to live for. When I didn't have a girlfriend or a present sister, wrestling was literally the only thing I had. I've formed bonds with people that have broken, been rebuilt, and broken again. I've made friends with some of the greatest guys you could ever meet and have earned the respect of some of the greatest competitors to step foot inside of a wrestling ring. And now that I'm aware of the situation of Shawn Malakai, I feel I'm needed in the WFWF more than ever. To be that beacon of light that Malakai once was, and to even carry on the legacy that he will leave behind upon his inevitable death."
"At the same time, I do not wish to become what Malakai has become in the twilight of his career. I see the fans, I hear the commentators. Malakai has become a recipient of pity at the hands of the WFWF world, and it's quite sad because quite frankly he's better than that. As we watch the man who was once The High Horror, and who was once Shawn Malakai deteriorate before our eyes, I can't help but be afraid of that happening to me. Or worse, maybe one day, a young up and comer comes along and shows that I am no longer fit to be a competitor in the WFWF. What if a new age Ace Bennett makes a Samael Ahriman of me? Proves that I was never cut out for the business in the first place after years of blood sweat and tears put forward? The fates of Shawn Malakai and Samael Ahriman are fates that I wish to avoid at all costs."
"As I reflect on my career in the WFWF, I realize that I am more than content with how things have went. I didn't necessarily ever win the big one or fully live up to my potential, but you know, that's alright. When it came down to it, every night I went out to that right I had a chance to come away with the victory. I was never completely out-matched, and nobody could take me for granted as an opponent. If it were to end today, I think I'd be okay with that. But it's not going to end today, and I have at least one more match that I need to worry about before I go out. The Scars and Stripes Battle Royal, a match that I've never personally participated in. A match where I can once again finally get a WFWF World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. Nothing new there, I've squandered plenty of those opportunities in my career. And you know, I'm not sure if it will be any different this time. But one thing is for sure, I will go out there, and I will make sure that all of my 29 fellow competitors know what Ace Bennett is all about. I will make sure that they know that I am a force to be reckoned with. I will make sure that they know that it's going to take a hell of a lot to take me out of that match."
"If this is my last match, I look at the 29 other competitors, and I like my chances. You have the deteriorating Shawn Malakai and his similarly deteriorating friend Thunder. Quite frankly, I view these two as my greatest adversaries in this match. They will do what it takes to win this, as they both know it will likely be their last chance before they are gone for good. And then you have these new up and comers who legitimately believe that they have a shot. Men like Chase Landon, Whisper, Dex, and Jayson Garrett. Quite frankly, I have trouble sorting you all out and can't wait to see how many of you I get to throw over the top rope. And then of course, there are the guys like me, the guys who have been around for a while but haven't quite made the impact that they could have. These are guys like Joseph Bishop, or Dave Demento, or even Mak Cross and Cam Nitta. Guys who have floated around the card their entire careers and have done nothing but spout of false promises of being the future. Well here's the thing, if I'm sticking around this place, I'm going to get my hands on the crown jewel of the company."
"I've never even gotten a shot at the WFWF World Heavyweight Champion. When you stand by as the likes of Cam Nitta receive a chance at winning the belt when you are clearly a superior competitor, you can only take so much. But now, my destiny is once again in my hands and you can bet your mother's life that I will do my damnedest to make sure that I am the one standing tall at the end of it all with my arm raised in victory. I've stood face to face across the ring against the likes of Michael Kyzer, Phillip Schneider, and Johnny Michaels. Do you honestly think that this miscast group of misfits is going to scare me in the least bit? I don't think so. It's my time to shine, and I plan on making my decision extra difficult come Scars and Stripes."
"If I leave, it's going to be with a bang."
OOC: So I like how this turned out and I think I really displayed some good inner turmoil here for Ace. Definitely my best work since returning and up there for my best work ever I tried taking some of the advice from my last RP that I received by spreading out my description into smaller paragraphs and making my font a little bigger so it's easier on the eyes to read. Hope that helps with people reading it. Enjoy, and sorry for being 15 minutes late.
As his eyes scanned the corridor, he finally found the destination that he had desired, the locker room of Dave Demento. It was strange to Ace, because normally the two friends would request a locker room together and watch the show together and talk about their time together on the independent circuit. Demento had a match upcoming against Mak Cross, a match that could put him in the running for the International Championship; an opportunity that Ace was jealous of to be quite honest.
At first glance, the room appeared to be empty. All benches and stray chairs in the room were empty and the space at eye level was unoccupied. But Ace did a double take as he turned around to the exit as he spotted Demento sitting cross legged in the corner of the room, blankly staring off into the distance. His face was pale and it appeared as if he hadn't had sleep for at least 48 hours.
Ace Bennett: Where have you been man? I've been trying to get a hold of you all week.
Demento simply sat there in silence. It was almost as if Ace's words simply bounced off of Demento and right back at Ace. Demento's eyes slowly slid in Ace's direction, as he finally acknowledges Ace's presence in the room. However, he still sits there in silence, eyes glossed over.
Ace Bennett: Something the matter? You don't look so hot...
Dave Demento: I'm great. Minds free.
His voice was quiet and succinct. The answer was short, direct, and to the point. This caused Ace to raise his eyebrows, as Demento has never been one to shy away from shooting in the breeze with Ace, especially when the two were watching Revolution together.
Ace Bennett: Are you high?
That would explain the glossy red eyes.
Dave Demento: No, I've simply been shown the way. He has shown me the way.
Ace Bennett: Yeah, you're definitely high. Listen, I want to know what's going on between you and Alicia because I'm not going to stand around and let you screw with her like you've screwed with so many other girls.
Dave Demento: He has removed the need for outside relationships. I no longer harbor feelings towards her.
Ace was taken aback by the droning, monotone voice that Demento was using. It had begun to gnaw at him as Demento cast aside his sister, the one person that Ace held in higher regard than any other. And here this mother f***er was, just casting her aside like she was nothing. Ace stood there, anger brewing deep inside of him.
Ace Bennett: You know what Dave? A scumbag like you doesn't deserve a saint like my sister anyways. If I catch you even 100 yards from where she is, I swear to God, I will rip your f***ing head off.
Dave Demento: I'd like to be left alone now. I must bask in His teachings to me. Good bye.
His jaw drops. This dude legitimately just told him to leave him alone after a solid month and a half of solid friendship. And he said it as if he were nothing.
Ace Bennett: Yeah......no problem man...
He walks out of the room, using everything within himself to prevent him from attacking Demento. As he brews in what Demento just said to him, he realizes that something must be wrong with the man. Knowing this calms him down a little bit. He vows to get to the bottom of things when they become more clear, but for now, there are more important things to tend to.
–
“Sometimes things just don't work out like you want them to.”
“I mean, I'm sure we all heard it when we were children. 'You can't always get what you want Jeffrey!' And even as I've grown older, that truth has stung me in the face time and time again. You want to take the WFWF by storm and leave everyone at your wake as you rampage to the top? Nah, how about you lose the majority of your first fifteen matches before even getting any sort of footing within the company? You want to win Survival of the Fittest? Oh, here's David Brennan to spoil the fun for you. Hey, there's another piece of pumpkin pie leftover from Thanksgiving? Well there isn't now, your sister ate it. My life has been a series of disappointments, yet here I am trucking along as always.”
“I honestly have no idea what I expected when I set forth on this road to redemption. I didn't expect any resistance like I got from Samael, I wasn't planning on taking no for an answer. I mean, even Thunder was willing to work things out with me and he has always been a more stubborn fella in my experiences with him.”
“But to come face to face with that bitter man, that man who was all but willing to forgive and forget, that was truly a reality check for me. This little journey I've taken myself on, I realize that it's not for much. I know what kind of man I am. I know that I'm not the man that I was when I was throwing Thunder off a ladder or getting Dave Demento fired. And I'm definitely not the man who abandons his one true friend out of the blue, leaving a washed up hack in my stead.”
“I did what had to be done with Samael Ahriman. I embarrassed him in front of thousands of people and made him have to think twice before coming back to the ring. I mean, I'm sure we'll see the guy limp his way back out to the ring come Scars and Stripes, but he now truly knows that deep down, he just doesn't cut it. He knows that he should stick to commentating. And I will take joy in eliminating him from the Battle Royal if we are to come face to face.”
“As for my list? I've done what I can do. I've regained a friendship with Dave Demento, a friendship that may very well be over considering the way the dude has been acting recently and I've gotten some respect back from Thunder. I mean, hey, the two of us make a pretty good team. Who knows, maybe something lies in the future for the two of us”
“As for the other names on the list, I've moved on. Samael is bound to spiral to rock bottom after last Revolution. Mak Cross continues to waste his talents week in and week out as he wallows in the midcard, taking part in forgettable match after forgettable match. A shame, really. And Cam Nitta? Well, we won't go there.”
“And that leaves one man, Raider. My tag partner and greatest friend in the business. I've tried to get a hold of him through the means I used to, but it appears that he has cut all ties from the WFWF once again, probably for good this time. To be completely honest with you, it hurts to know that my final impression on him is one of betrayal, because that's not who I am at all.”
“But as we all know, no perfect world exists where one always gets their way, and I am no exception to that rule. Raider and I are as likely to reconcile as Andrew Carter is to win this Battle Royal. I have no choice to be okay with that. I just have to hope that the guy is out there somewhere watching and seeing what I'm doing now that I'm back.”
“The time for reconciliation is over. I've paid my dues, and the roster is fully aware of my standing in the company. It's time to do something for myself. It's time to step my game up and show what Ace Bennett can really do. It's time to move on. It's time to win the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal and finally fulfill all of the potentially that so many have seen in me.”
“And yet I find myself questioning: is it really worth it?”
–
As time has progressed, Ace Bennett has grown closer and closer to the young college student Christine Martinez. Rather than just exchanging text messages, the two would call one another on an almost daily basis and plan out get togethers in dates. Activities ranged from going to a movie to just hanging out at Ace's apartment and just talking. It was your stereotypical budding romance.
Truth be told, Ace was shocked that the relationship had grown into what it was. Christine was an absolute beauty and he was.....well himself. Every single time he picked up the phone with a missed call from her, he found himself shaking his head, in absolute shock that he was able to reel one in like Christine. And yet, here he was.
Today was one of the aforementioned lazy days in the apartment. Alicia was at work so the two had the apartment to themselves. Giggity. Not that anything was going to happen. It was finals week at Christine's college so she was hard at work, studying away on her fancy Mac computer. Ace wanted to do something a bit more exciting on this particular night, but he knew that getting good marks were never really important to her. He watched her study as he played back some footage of the Dave Demento match from last week.
As the sounds of the match reverberated through the room, Ace found his eyes drawn to Christine, who just so happened to be looking at him at the very moment. Seriously, how did this happen? Ace let a smile cross his lips, but it wasn't one of your typical cocky Ace Bennett smiles. This was different. A smile of pure genuine care. Christine returns the gesture, flashing her smile back at Ace and sending a chill through his body.
Ace Bennett: Hard at work?
Christine Martinez: You could say that...
Ace stood up and approached Christine. Instead of any sort of coursework being projected on her screen, Christine appeared to be browsing her Facebook profile, attempting to procrastinate her studies just that much longer. She looks up at him with an innocent face as the two share a laugh.
Ace Bennett: Oh yeah, someone is being really productive right now.
Christine Martinez: The struggle is real....
Heh, the girl's cute, that much is for sure. Naive, but cute. She has no idea about true struggle yet here she is complaining about a paper she has due in a week.
Ace Bennett: Better you than me. I was never great in school.
Christine Martinez: Well that's because you never applied yourself.
Ace Bennett: And how can you be so sure of that?
Christine Martinez: You? Applying yourself to anything other than wrestling? Really now?
He supposed she was right. He wasn't really ever good at anything but wrestling. Then again, he never tried.
Ace Bennett: Fair enough. I'll let you get back to your “work.”
Leaving Christine to her studies, Ace plops down on the couch situated in front of the TV and props his feet on the wooden table in front of him. The cool feel of the couch's leather upholstery gave him goose bumps. Sinking into the couch, Ace realizes that his recording of Revolution had advanced to Reverend Shadow vs. Scarlett Quinn. In other words, nothing important.
Much annoyed by the developments on the screen, he pops out of the couch and ejects the tape from his old fashioned VHS. Yeah, Ace Bennett still watches film on actual film. Big whoop wanna fight about it? Rummaging through the messy collection of VHS tapes that were piled near the television, Ace notices that Christine has taken notice of him and what he's doing.
Ace Bennett: Oh, so you're interested now? How about I give you a bit of a history lesson on this magical career of mine.
Trying to look impressive to the girl, Ace pulls out the tape that he has watched the most times; his first victory in the WFWF. It was a forgettable six man tag team match that was most likely opening that particular edition of Loaded, but Ace will never forget the match. He teamed with The High Horror and David Roberts against David Williams, Sam Kineval and Reckless.
Popping the video in, the VHS loudly begins to play the match. In hindsight, this probably wasn't the best choice for Ace. For one, aside from himself and Horror, who we all know as Shawn Malakai now, none of these guys are in the WFWF anymore; and for good reason. Two, even knowing that, Ace was still getting the crap kicked out of him through the duration of the match.
Christine looks on in awed horror as she watches Ace take shot after shot and get up each time, only to receive more punishment. It wasn't his brightest shining moment in his career, but it was most certainly his first. Cringing at the sight of Ace getting beaten, she breathes a sigh of relief when he finally gets the hot tag on Horror, who finishes off Kineval with The Hangman's Horror to get the win. Pressing the stop button, Ace looks at the now wide eyed Christine.
Ace Bennett: Something the matter?
Christine Martinez: You're going to kill yourself out there....
Ace Bennett: Oh don't worry, I've improved a ton since then. The chances of me dying now are slim to none
She cuts him off as he tries to laugh at his own joke.
Christine Martinez: Ace, I'm serious!
Ace Bennett: Well it's not like I can just do anything else. I'm a wrestler.
Christine Martinez: You can't be a wrestler your whole life Ace. Seriously, have you even thought about what you are going to do when you can't wrestle anymore?
Ace Bennett: I'm going to wrestle until I can safely support myself for the rest of my life. I have a retirement fund and-
Christine Martinez: And what if you break your neck and can't finish your so-called retirement plan? What then?
Ace Bennett: Well....I guess I didn't think about it....
Not responding to Ace, Christine stands up and goes over to where she had put her things. Picking up a gray backpack, she unzips and begins searching it's components. Clearly the most organized person on the face of the planet, Christine quickly pulls out a pamphlet and hands it to Ace.
Ace Bennett: Community College of Southern Nevada? I barely got my GED Christine, you think I can handle college?
Christine Martinez: I think you could if you actually tried at something other than wrestling for once in your life.
Ace Bennett: You honestly think-
Christine Martinez: I know you could. I believe that you are one of the most intelligent people that I've ever come into contact with. I think getting some college education would do wonders for you and make it so you don't have to wrestler your whole life.
Ace Bennett: What if I want to wrestle for the rest of my life?
Christine Martinez: If that's the case, you are really selfish. You have people that care about you Ace, people that wouldn't want to see you hurt like you were in that video you just showed me. This isn't just about you, this is about those people to. It's about your sister. It's about me.
It hit him like a train. For the first time in his life, Ace truly did have people that cared about him and had his best interest at heart. And these people had long term stake on Ace's best interest, they weren't just using him for future goals. Alicia, his sister who had finally gotten her brother back and refused to let go and Christine, this girl who he met by complete random chance and he had slowly but surely fallen in love with.
In silence, Ace looks down at Christine, who has some of the most genuine eyes he had ever seen. He half smiles at her, now seeing her point more clearly than ever. She smiles at him as she pulls out her now vibrating cell phone.
Christine Martinez: Hello?......Yeah.........Yeah........Alright.........Yeah I'll be there........Alright see you......Bye!
She hangs up the phone and puts it in her pocket.
Christine Martinez: I gotta head back to campus now. I'm glad we got a chance to see each other these past few hours. But please Ace, please take into consideration what we talked about. CCSN is a great community college and it will give you a backup plan in case you decide not to walk away from wrestling and something happens to you.
Ace Bennett: I will.
Christine Martinez: Thank you Ace.
Ace Bennett: No, thank you.
Christine Martinez: For what?
Ace Bennett: Well, you don't know it, but not many people have been kind to me in my lifetime. There's my sister and that's pretty much been an on and off thing because of my stupid past actions. For the first time in my life, someone who was a complete stranger to me is genuinely kind to me and makes me feel like I need to live for more than just myself......oh I'm sorry am I coming on too strong?
Christine Martinez: Not at all.
Grabbing Ace by the collar of his shirt, Christine pulls Ace's face within inches of hers. Nuzzling his nose with hers, she moves her head back and forth with a wide smile across her face. Closing in, their lips meet. Ace feels the sides of his lips invert as he smiles in the midst of the kiss. He hadn't had a kiss since probably high school, so the feeling of her lips was heavenly against his. After Christine releases her grip on Ace, she looks up at him and smiles.
Christine Martinez: I will see you later.
Ace can't speak and simply nods as Christine gathers her belongings. Once again plopping down on the couch he looks at the video tape of his first victory, and then back to Christine. As she heads towards the door, she cutely waves her hand at Ace and blows yet another of her lovely kisses in his direction. Smiling, he waves back as she opens the door and leaves the apartment, off to do college kid stuff.
Ace Bennett: Maybe it's time to finally clean up these tapes like Alicia has been asking me to.
–
It wasn't a scene Ace Bennett was accustomed to. Walking into the space, Ace is met with the pungent stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Dimly lit, the fog caused by the smoke amplified the fog caused by the substance the customers consumed. Apparently no smoking laws were null and void in this place or something.
Scanning through the room, Ace sees individuals seated at tables by themselves. Not a soul was accompanied by another, all were alone. Alone to brew in the somber lighting. Alone to drown their worries with chemicals and wallow in their self pity. His attention is drawn to the bar, where there are no less than two stools separating the patrons being attended to by the bartender.
One patron particularly draws his attention, a large hulking man finishing off the last of a pint of what he assumes is Irish beer. A man who is a corpse of his former self. A man who has been deteriorating in front of Ace's eyes ever since he made his return to the WFWF. A man who has made no secrets that he is suffering from cancer and has mere months to live. A man called Shawn Malakai. Ace approaches his former friend as he is ordering another drink. With his back turned, Malakai acknowledges Ace's presence.
Shawn Malakai: Look what the cat dragged in.
Ace Bennett: I figured I'd find you here.
Shawn Malakai: What can I say? I'm not exactly the hardest guy to find.
His voice was gruff and slurred. Sitting in front of him were four empty pints, the night's exploits thus far. He had allowed his beard to grow out. What used to be a long intimidating man of hair was nothing, most likely the result of his failed treatments. Walking towards him, Ace takes a seat in the bar stool adjacent to Malakai. The two sit in silence as Malakai polishes off yet another pint. When asked by the bartender, Ace simply orders a soda.
Shawn Malakai: Don't drink, aye?
Ace Bennett: No.
Shawn Malakai: Suit yourself. World's a lot less real when you're plastered.
Ace Bennett: I prefer real.
Shawn Malakai: You won't when you're dying.
More silence, Ace didn't want to be the one to initiate the conversation. In reality, he didn't even really know why he went to Shawn with this. As much as he respected the man, he wasn't particularly fond of him. And he was sure that Shawn was still bitter over Ace not siding with him over the whole Xavier Pierce versus Trace Demon debacle too.
But all those things considered, and the fact he could've gone to literally anyone else, he went to Shawn. He went to the man who was wrestling at the end of his rope, most likely filled with all sorts of chemicals and drugs. He went to the man who might not make it his next match. He went to the man who could die in the center of the ring. He went to the man that he didn't want to become.
Ace Bennett: So, O'Deeves, huh?
Shawn Malakai: Dumbass.
The two share a brief laugh as Malakai raises his empty pint count to five. Ace honestly had no idea where he was putting it all, until he saw Malakai raise from the stool and stagger to the bathroom with a crooked gait. Poor fool. He almost pitied him, although he wasn't sure how he would react put in the same situation. With death facing him, and the WFWF World Heavyweight Champion slipping through his fingers, Malakai shut down, letting the world's perils overwhelm him to the point of apathy. Bladder empty and relieved, Malakai returns and orders two more pints to continue his binge.
Shawn Malakai: So there must be some reason that you're here other to sit there and drink your grape soda with your bendy straw. You want me to apologize for something?
Ace Bennett: No apologies are necessary between us. Bygones are bygones. Consider it water under the bridge.
Shawn Malakai: Well get on with it then. What do you want?
He takes another swallow of yet another pint as he stares at his former protege. Four years ago, the two of them fought side by side in Revelation along with Aaron Ashton and Jon O'Deeves, one of the biggest failed experiments of Ace Bennett's career. After being unceremoniously booted from the group and the WFWF by Aaron Ashton, Ace had held a grudge against all former members of the group, now aware of the nonsense of it all. And now he sat here with Malakai, not sure how to start the conversation that he wanted to have him him. He knew there was no way to ease into it, so he just let it out.
Ace Bennett: Ever regret it?
Shawn Malakai: Not a bit.
Ace Bennett: None of it? Not the long travel hours? Not the time away from family? Or the fact that you very well could've wasted your entire life away fighting people over petty disagreements?
Shawn Malakai: None of it. I have one regret in my life, and it has nothing to do with wrestling or the WFWF. After you lose a child, nothing else really seems to matter anymore.
Ace Bennett: Why didn't you quit before it was too late?
Shawn Malakai: I love this business. As much as it has kicked my ass over the years, it has made me the man that I am. And besides, what else would a guy like me do?
Ace Bennett: I don't know....get your s*** together? Go to college and get a steady job and make something out of your life other than getting the hell beaten out of you for pieces of leather with gold attached to them?
Shawn Malakai: You can't be serious. Do you honestly see me working an office job as some pencil pusher? Better question, do you see you doing something like that?
Ace Bennett: I've done worse things in the past..
Shawn Malakai: You're thinking of moving on, aye?
And with that the truth comes out. Ace looks at Malakai, the man who has been in the WFWF nearly twice as long as he has, the man who has fought in countless wars against some of the best the company has had to offer. He looks that man in the eyes, eyes that are glossed over in a haze of drunkenness yet are somehow more clear than they ever would be if he were sober. He looks at him and knows his words are genuine, as he polishes off the drink in front of him, this one finished at a much slower pace than the previous few. The veteran shakes his head at him.
Shawn Malakai: Let me tell you something, Ace. I have thought about leaving the WFWF ever since I was diagnosed. Maybe being holed up in my bedroom watching TV with my sole company being my dog is the better life for me. But you know what I realized? No matter how much I think about it, it would drag me back it. If I ever left, I'd be right back in the ring within a matter of weeks. How many times have you left the WFWF? Two? Three? And yet here you are, back for more. Even if you do leave, you'll be back, mark my words. I know you Ace, you have a fighting spirit. You are the type of kid whose going to fight until you get what's deservedly yours. You are the future of the WFWF, a large part of my personal legacy in my mind. And once the old coots like myself move aside when they can't physically get themselves from the ramp to the ring, you'll get it. No matter how much you want to leave, you're always going to be a part of this. Trust me, I would know.
Ace sat there, absorbing every word that Malakai was throwing at him. The more he thought about it, the more conflicted he became. Was he really cut out for college? Could he get the good grades, and then get the job that would anchor him in one place for the rest of his life? Or was he doomed to fighting for a living, until the day that he is forced to slowly die in front of millions like his comrade Shawn Malakai has. This conversation did nothing but cloud his future further.
Shawn Malakai: But who knows, if you're not willing to die in the center of the ring, maybe you aren't cut out for it. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around.
With eight empty pints in front of him, Malaka pulls out his wallet and places a hundred dollar bill on the counter.
Shawn Malakai: You know, you should meet my daughter sometime. Stop by my place in a few days. You know where I am.
Ace Bennett: Wait, you have a daughter?
Shawn Malakai: I'll see you in a few days.
Nodding at Ace, he pats his companion on the back as he gingerly stumbles through the exit, probably headed to another bar where he can be left to stew in his thoughts once again, like the rest of the patrons of the bar Ace found himself alone in once again. He thinks he'll take Malakai up on that offer and see him when he's in a clearer state of mind.
–
Ace Bennett hadn't seen his sister since returning from his travels to and from the last edition of Revolution, but as he came home from a WFWF promotional event to promote Scars and Stripes he knew that Alicia would be awaiting him. Pulling into the apartment after a long day, Ace was ready to hit the hay.
With heavy legs, Ace clunked his way up the stairs, probably waking up all of his neighbors in the process. About halfway up the final staircase to the apartment, Alicia eagerly opens the door and heads down the stairs. After refusing her help with the luggage, Ace finally gets to the apartment as his sister holds the door opens for him.
Alicia Bennett: So did you get a chance to talk to Dave?
Ace Bennett: I'm great, thanks. How are you?
Alicia Bennett: I'm sorry Ace. It's just that-
Ace Bennett: I know, it's fine. Somethings up with him, and I really don't know what. I feel like he's getting in with the wrong crowd again somehow. Guy was acting like he was on drugs and said he didn't want anything to do with you or me anymore. It was strange. Honestly sis, I'd just keep my distance from him for the time being. I plan on looking into it as soon as things clear up a little more.
Alicia Bennett: He said he didn't want to see me anymore?
Typical female. Say an entire paragraph and she gets the one sentence that offends her out of the whole thing and makes herself upset.
Ace Bennett: Alicia, he wasn't himself. I'll sort it out, don't worry.
Alicia slinks down, clearly upset at what her brother has told her. Quietly retreating to the kitchen, she reaches into the freezer and pulls out a pint of ice cream. It may be time for some MCR alone time again, but Ace approaches his sister and embraces her.
Ace Bennett: It's going to be okay Alicia, I promise. Dave's a good guy deep down, he wouldn't do this if something weren't wrong.
Alicia Bennett: I know, but this sucks. Why does stuff like this always happen to me?
Ace Bennett: Well having a professional wrestler as a brother probably doesn't help.
Alicia Bennett: Yeah, probably not.
Ace laughs until he realizes that Alicia took his joke seriously. He never realized how much his career affected those around him. If it weren't for him being a wrestler, Alicia would have never met Demento and this whole fiasco could have been avoided. Ace sits in silence, upset at the thought that he causes his sister's turmoil, when that thought that Christine planted in his mind begins to sprout further.
Ace Bennett: What if I wasn't though?
Alicia Bennett: You not a wrestler? You might as well try to train an elephant to tie its shoes.
Ace Bennett: No but seriously. What if I wasn't? What if I went to college and got a steady job.
Alicia Bennett: You alright Ace? You're not sounding like yourself.
Ace Bennett: No this is completely me talking. I have enough money to do it, I've been saving a bit from each of my paychecks from the WFWF. I'm paid quite well now actually.
Alicia Bennett: Ace, you've never been so....mature.
Ace Bennett: Yeah, well a lot is different now.
Alicia Bennett: It's this Christine girl isn't it? Don't think I don't hear you two talking on the phone every night.
Ace Bennett: Yeah, well, she's the one who showed me the pamphlet to the local community college. Apparently their application process basically consists of a pulse check, so they know you're alive when they've accepted you.
Alicia Bennett: Wow, you've really looked into this huh?
Ace Bennett: Yeah I have, I figure I might stop after the Scars and Stripes match.
Alicia Bennett: Really? So soon?
Ace Bennett: I have nothing else to gain from being there anymore, unless I somehow win.
Alicia Bennett: Well, whatever you choose to do Ace, I support you. Whether you are a professional wrestler or a professional pancake flipper, I will always love you little brother.
Ace Bennett: As of right now, I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do.
Alicia Bennett: Do what's best for you, Ace.
Ace Bennett: I'm figuring it out as I go.
Alicia Bennett: Aren't we all?
There was a long silence as the two shared the ice cream that Alicia had got from the freezer a few minutes earlier. Ace is clearly conflicted about this as he now has a huge load on his mind not only about Scars and Stripes, but for the future.
Ace Bennett: I think I'm going to hit the hay. Good night, Alicia.
Alicia Bennett: Good night Ace, thank you for talking to Dave for me.
Ace Bennett: Don't mention it, I want it figured out just as much as you do.
Ace smiles at his sister as he walks to his bedroom, where he has moved his collection of wrestling video tapes. Kicking a few out of way to make a path to his bed, he collapses as he takes a load off of his legs. If only he could take the same load off of his mind. Trying to sleep, Ace can think of nothing but this decision that he will have to make in the near future.
–
Feeling adventurous on a particular morning, Ace Bennett decides to take Shawn Malakai up on his offer to meet Malakai's daughter that he had never heard of in his entire life. With Scars and Stripes just a few days away, it was time that the two had a conversation that had been needed to be have for an incredibly long time. Letting himself in with the spare key that Malakai had lent him a long time ago,
Ace finds the house empty. Assuming that Malakai his still sleeping, he finds a seat in his incredibly messy study, and awaits the big man's rise. Only have to wait approximately twenty minutes, Ace hears Malakai open the door to the room that he is in. Not seeing Ace as he enters, Malakai scurries to the sofa right in front of him and plops down. Little does he know, he has a bit of a visitor.
Ace Bennett: Afternoon, drunk.
Shawn Malakai: HOLY MOTHER F*CKING JESUS H SH*T.
Malakai does some sort of strange flip off of the couch, and then rolls under the couch shaking. I guess that's how he defends himself against a break in. The High Horror isn't so high now is he? I'm sorry, I'm sure that joke has been made a million times. Ace couldn't help but chuckle at the whole ordeal.
Shawn Malakai: WHO THE F*CK ARE YOU?
Ace Bennett: You forgot I knew where you hid the spare key from our Revelation days, did you not?
The revelation (see what I did there) of who his guest actually was seemed to calm Malakai a bit, at least enough to slam his head down on the floor.
Shawn Malakai: F*CK.
Ace Bennett: Rough night?
Shawn Malakai: WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?
Ace Bennett: You forget we had plans? When you never showed up, I figured you were still dead…bad choice of words there, but you get my jist.
Giving Malakai a chance to get himself together, Ace hops on Malakai's PC that is situated in his study, well if you want to call it that. It was a dinosaur, but Malakai never really came off as the computer type of guy. After finally successfully getting a page to load, Malakai walks in, ready for whatever he has conceived for the two of them.
Ace Bennett: So what's the plan?
Shawn Malakai: Back out and pretend I never invited you?
Ace Bennett: I don't really think that's an option now my friend. I'm here and I want to meet this daughter of yours. How come you never told me you had a kid?
Shawn Malakai: Not exactly something that comes up in daily conversation.
Ace Bennett: Right, because your family is never something that comes up in daily conversation.
Shawn Malakai: Have I ever talked about my family?
Ace Bennett: I suppose not, but I didn't think actually had a family. I didn't know you were hiding some daughter in your basement.
Shawn Malakai: ...in sight of hundreds a year, not the basement. Just saying.
Ace Bennett: Well you catch my drift. When do we meet her?
Shawn Malakai: A moment. Gotta grab a drink, and we can be on our way.
Ace Bennett: I certainly hope you mean water.
Shawn Malakai: What I put in my flask that I keep in my coat is none of your concern.
Ace Bennett: I guess that means I'm driving then.
Shawn Malakai: Nope.
Ace Bennett: Then what?
Shawn Malakai: Walking distance. And before you complain about walking in the cold, man up. I am a man dying of cancer. If I can make the trek, so can you.
Ace Bennett: Shawn Malakai: ever the man of mystery.
Shawn Malakai: You ever see me and Kick-Ass in the same room together? Not saying I am, but have you?
Ace Bennett: It all makes sense now.
The two get their things together and leave Malakai's house. He was kidding when he spoke of the cold, as the air bit Ace right in the face upon walking through the door. The walk through the bitter cold was a refreshing change for Ace, who had grown used to the dessert temperatures of Las Vegas. Malakai led the way as the two walked down a sidewalk.
Ace began to think once again about the chance that the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal will be his last match in the WFWF. In his thoughts he doesn't realize that Malakai has led Ace to a cemetery, lined with hundreds of grave stones. When he finally does realize where they are, they have stopped walking and Malakai is looking down at one specific grave stone. That is when it hits him.
Shawn Malakai: Ace, meet Xana.
He said it with such a straight face. Unable to quite comprehend what Malakai had just said to him, Ace simply looks over at his former mentor, jaw agape. The thought of a child dying, especially the child of a man who was going through as much as Malakai was, it made him sick to his stomach. It made him respect Malakai even more than he did before, and much more open to speak with him.
Ace Bennett: Shawn....I had no idea.
Shawn Malakai: No one did. Well, Michael does, but even he has not been here. You are the first to meet her.
Ace Bennett: Wait Michael? Whose Mich-
Shawn Malakai: Oh yeah, I forgot he tries to keep that a secret. Michael Knight, also a resident of this community, would be better known to you as the man you call Thunder.
Ace Bennett: Ah right, I forgot you two were close. But why me? Why me instead of Thunder?
Shawn Malakai: Because I knew it would mean more to you than him. You both have lost someone close to you, but you have been contemplating leaving the WFWF, I know. Not that I am forcing you to stay, but whatever you do...you have to have a reason for it. You wonder why I keep wrestling, even near death? Why I did not leave when I was your age? I had my reason. The question now becomes, what is yours?
Ace Bennett: Well, when I was younger. I really had no one. Bouncing between foster homes and all of that, no one really cared about me. A few flash in the pan friendships, but nothing more. But now, I have some semblance of a family. I have my sister. I have Christine--well this girl who I've been talking to. My life is taking a different direction and I'm not sure if I'm willing to continue doing this knowing how it could affect me and those I care about.
Shawn Malakai: A support system is always something good to have. Something I have lacked for many years.
Ace Bennett: Honestly, if you had've called I would've been there. I realize that's not much considering our past, but hey it's an ear to listen.
Shawn Malakai: Not much of a talker, remember? And those who I do talk to about it tend to slit my throat in my time of need. Wayne betrayed me when it was to be our plan to save Scarlett. And I cannot tell you how many times I have just thought of exiling myself even more, considering as much damage that others have done to me, I have done to myself.
Ace Bennett: Well, we have that much in common.
Shawn Malakai: That is why I fought for you when Ashton turned his back on you. I had to save my own ass from the same fate you suffered at his hands. Believe me, me nor Jon had any intentions on doing that to you.
Ace Bennett: No need to explain yourself. It's water under the bridge. I realized that if I wanted those I wronged to forgive me that I would have to forgive those who wronged me.
Shawn Malakai: Weird. The only time I can ever comprehend sage words are when I say them when I am blackout drunk.
Ace Bennett: Put it this way; we're cool. I'm glad you brought me here so that we could have this conversation. I've been meaning to speak to a clear minded you for a while.
Shawn Malakai: Well...hungover kind of clear. Close enough.
Ace Bennett: In your state, I'd be some form of inebriated all of the time too.
Shawn Malakai: Let me let you in on a little secret.
Ace Bennett: Yeah?
Malakai shakes the flask that he had been filling earlier in the day.
Shawn Malakai: Ginger Ale. Ancient drunk secret.
Ace Bennett: Thought that was none of my concern?
Shawn Malakai: I introduced you to my daughter. You are family now, and my business is the families business.
Ace Bennett: Guess we both gained something today then.
Shawn Malakai: Nah. I always considered you a brother. I may be violent and get a sick kick out of getting hurt, but I would not end Ashtons career for just anyone. Remember that.
Ace Bennett: Well remember this. That support system you long for? Right here. I know I'm a bit of a rookie in these parts compared to you, but I have five years under my belt and probably can offer you at least something.
Shawn Malakai: A guy finally admitting he was supporting me just to further his own agenda, a dead child whose life, and death I am responsible for and a guy contemplating quitting the WFWF, albeit for a good reason. Quite the f*cked up little family I have here.
Ace Bennett: But don't go walking around claiming you have no one. That sounds like some melodramatic bullsh** you would try to pull. And hey, if not me at Scars and Stripes, then it better be you.
Shawn Malakai: Yeah, yeah. Let me be emo when I want to be. I have earned the right. But, you know, thanks.
Ace Bennett: Strange turns of events, huh? Haven't talked in a meaningful manner in months, years even, and here we are. Maybe I'm not done around here after all. You may be dying, but I'm not going to let you die alone.
Shawn Malakai: Funny, how we have lost so much. Lives, both the lives of others, and in some situations our own, and yet here we are, still fighting. And convenient, how this could be both of our last matches. Just remember, Ace. Whatever you do, live.
Malakai looks Ace in the eye, nods and then pats him on the shoulder. Nodding back, Ace watches as Malakai walks away, probably back to his apartment to begin his daily alcohol consumption. Or maybe not, who was he to judge anyways? Ace looked down at the headstone just one more time, viewing the grave of his friend's daughter before heading out his own way.
One of the most important conversations of his whole career, and it's on the eve of what could potentially be his last match as a professional wrestler.
–
"You know, after every match that I take part in as a member of the WFWF, I always find myself asking 'now what?' Whether it be a victory or a defeat, I always wonder what comes next for me. Generally I wonder who my next opponent is or who I need to have a conversation with. It could be about how I'm going to make sure some idiot pays for a misdeed that he committed against me. It could even be who should I form an alliance with to take on the latest and greatest evil tyrant trying to take control of the WFWF. But as time has gone on, I've found myself really scraping the bottom of the barrel to answer this question. And now that my goal of redemption is complete, I am once again without direction in the WFWF. Championships mean little to me now, and I'm truly just going through the motions as a member of this roster."
"My life has been a roller coaster, and that roller coaster is at an all time high. I have a family who cares about me, I've rebuilt friendships that have been lost for years, and I have a beautiful girl who will kiss me and not be completely creeped out. What more can a guy ask for? To top all of that off, I haven't lost in my return to the WFWF to date, and I'm viewed as one of the favorites going in to the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal. Things are going great for me and I could not possibly be any happier. And yet I feel like my decisions are effecting those I care about the most."
"Alicia, she would not have met Dave Demento and gone through this heartache that she is currently going through if it weren't for me being an idiot and introducing her to the guy. And if it weren't for my career as a professional wrestler, there would be no Dave Demento in my life at all. Christine must go through hardship every time I step into the ring, knowing full well that if I take one false step or make one false move, I may not step back out as the same man I stepped in as. I may not step out at all. And yet here I am, week in and week out ranting and raving about my current opponent and how I'm going to bash his skull in. About how I'm going to win the Scars and Stripes Battle Royal."
"Wrestling was there when I had nobody. It carried me through the tough times and gave me something to live for. When I didn't have a girlfriend or a present sister, wrestling was literally the only thing I had. I've formed bonds with people that have broken, been rebuilt, and broken again. I've made friends with some of the greatest guys you could ever meet and have earned the respect of some of the greatest competitors to step foot inside of a wrestling ring. And now that I'm aware of the situation of Shawn Malakai, I feel I'm needed in the WFWF more than ever. To be that beacon of light that Malakai once was, and to even carry on the legacy that he will leave behind upon his inevitable death."
"At the same time, I do not wish to become what Malakai has become in the twilight of his career. I see the fans, I hear the commentators. Malakai has become a recipient of pity at the hands of the WFWF world, and it's quite sad because quite frankly he's better than that. As we watch the man who was once The High Horror, and who was once Shawn Malakai deteriorate before our eyes, I can't help but be afraid of that happening to me. Or worse, maybe one day, a young up and comer comes along and shows that I am no longer fit to be a competitor in the WFWF. What if a new age Ace Bennett makes a Samael Ahriman of me? Proves that I was never cut out for the business in the first place after years of blood sweat and tears put forward? The fates of Shawn Malakai and Samael Ahriman are fates that I wish to avoid at all costs."
"As I reflect on my career in the WFWF, I realize that I am more than content with how things have went. I didn't necessarily ever win the big one or fully live up to my potential, but you know, that's alright. When it came down to it, every night I went out to that right I had a chance to come away with the victory. I was never completely out-matched, and nobody could take me for granted as an opponent. If it were to end today, I think I'd be okay with that. But it's not going to end today, and I have at least one more match that I need to worry about before I go out. The Scars and Stripes Battle Royal, a match that I've never personally participated in. A match where I can once again finally get a WFWF World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. Nothing new there, I've squandered plenty of those opportunities in my career. And you know, I'm not sure if it will be any different this time. But one thing is for sure, I will go out there, and I will make sure that all of my 29 fellow competitors know what Ace Bennett is all about. I will make sure that they know that I am a force to be reckoned with. I will make sure that they know that it's going to take a hell of a lot to take me out of that match."
"If this is my last match, I look at the 29 other competitors, and I like my chances. You have the deteriorating Shawn Malakai and his similarly deteriorating friend Thunder. Quite frankly, I view these two as my greatest adversaries in this match. They will do what it takes to win this, as they both know it will likely be their last chance before they are gone for good. And then you have these new up and comers who legitimately believe that they have a shot. Men like Chase Landon, Whisper, Dex, and Jayson Garrett. Quite frankly, I have trouble sorting you all out and can't wait to see how many of you I get to throw over the top rope. And then of course, there are the guys like me, the guys who have been around for a while but haven't quite made the impact that they could have. These are guys like Joseph Bishop, or Dave Demento, or even Mak Cross and Cam Nitta. Guys who have floated around the card their entire careers and have done nothing but spout of false promises of being the future. Well here's the thing, if I'm sticking around this place, I'm going to get my hands on the crown jewel of the company."
"I've never even gotten a shot at the WFWF World Heavyweight Champion. When you stand by as the likes of Cam Nitta receive a chance at winning the belt when you are clearly a superior competitor, you can only take so much. But now, my destiny is once again in my hands and you can bet your mother's life that I will do my damnedest to make sure that I am the one standing tall at the end of it all with my arm raised in victory. I've stood face to face across the ring against the likes of Michael Kyzer, Phillip Schneider, and Johnny Michaels. Do you honestly think that this miscast group of misfits is going to scare me in the least bit? I don't think so. It's my time to shine, and I plan on making my decision extra difficult come Scars and Stripes."
"If I leave, it's going to be with a bang."
-Ace
OOC: So I like how this turned out and I think I really displayed some good inner turmoil here for Ace. Definitely my best work since returning and up there for my best work ever I tried taking some of the advice from my last RP that I received by spreading out my description into smaller paragraphs and making my font a little bigger so it's easier on the eyes to read. Hope that helps with people reading it. Enjoy, and sorry for being 15 minutes late.
