BFTP - Karma
‘I'm different, think you know hell? Well, I'll show you it
I was born in hell, the devil knows me well, I'll return with a list like Moses did” - Nova of The Hangover Gang.
{Unnamed beach, San Diego, CA - “Resetting Expectations”}
[Tuesday - On-Camera]
[7 A.M.]
I sat on the beach, watching the tide roll in. Everything came rushing at me, the swell of emotions. I could still hear her, “Don’t fucking touch me.”, towards the end of the fight. I wasn’t upset about that. The thing that bothered me most was the lies that she told so casually. I wasn’t sure that I could still trust her with anything right now. The crew from SCW came out here at my request and my expense. I looked up at the producer who signaled they were ready.
“Where do I even start. Well, that’s really the easy part.”
I pick up the world heavyweight title from my bag and lay it across my legs.
“It always starts and ends with this. Which means that it always starts and ends with me. I am the wearer of this belt, regardless of what anyone thinks, it doesn’t define me.
I remove the title from my lap and set it in the bag again.
“I define how much that fifteen pounds of gold means to everyone else. I’m the one that makes it relevant. To the point that men are coming here for a shot at me. Raven, JC, Jaycee and the list goes on. They all want one thing. Whether you are a rookie, looking for the rub that only I can provide. The middle aged hero that thinks he’s gonna save everyone. The old man that wants to hold championship gold again. Last but certainly not least the part time wrestler who only shows up for tournaments. He thinks that’s his thing that he does better than anyone else. ”
I lower the title back into the bag, never allowing my smile to waiver.
“He’s right as well, Mark Cross is great in these types of scenarios. Last year he was who I faced in the finals. I lost that match, I always try to give respect where it’s due. The Dragon Mark Cross is a hell of an athlete, as is his partner. I’ve known Kat Jones for many years, she’s like a little sister to me. A lot of people are calling this the real finals, which I find amusing but I do appreciate the sentiment behind what they say.”
I look back out at the horizon, a wistful expression.
“Matthew, it should have been you and Amy in this position against Mikah and I, but you had to go and fuck that up. Sure, you can blame it on your partner, that’s expected, but just like when you lost that tag match in another company. The failure is because you weren’t paying attention to your surroundings. That’s two losses in one week, are you sure your ego can survive?”
I allow the smile to return, having amused myself for the moment.
“Mark, Mikah, and I are the only thing standing between you and a third consecutive run to the finals. Let me reset your expectations for you. Not his time chief. How does it feel? Knowing you’ll be facing the guy that took the world title from you and the woman who hates your guts. As I told you on social media, your only saving grace is who your partner is. She’s the only thing that gives you any class at all.
I give the camera crew a self-satisfied smirk.
“Speak of which, I need to go to Colorado. Some agreements should never be broken. Especially when it comes to family.”
Fade.
{The Bane Home - Las Vegas, NV - “The Phone Call a.k.a. Another Fight”}
[Last Wednesday- 2 AM]
[off-camera]
There’s nothing quite like being woken up at 2 in the morning by your wife who is in Atlantic City and drunk out of her mind. When the phone started playing her entrance theme, I looked at the phone. “Two in the morning, Red,” I muttered. I sat up on the side of the bed. I slid the slider over and put her on speaker while I pulled my jeans on. “Mac?” I heard her ask through the speaker. “Yes love,” I answered, trying my best to put a smile in my voice. As she began talking, her speech was so slurred that I could almost smell the bad booze she’d been drinking. Buttoning my jeans and pulling a long sleeve shirt over my head. I heard her pause, “Are you still there, Mac?” I quickly picked up the phone, “I am sorry for the silence, I’m just listening…didn’t want to interrupt you.” I knew this separation was difficult for both of us. She hadn’t been gone a week and I was already in a bad place. She continued to talk and I heard her pause again, take a drink, and exhale loudly. Just like the day she left, I said nothing. At least not until I was sure she was done.
“Are you going to say anything at all,” she asked and I knew what was coming next. “Red, if you had told me about this from the beginning…” Then I heard her begin to cry, it wasn’t an ugly crying followed by sobs, I knew that it took a lot of effort to get her to that point. I could hear it in her voice though. why the fuck do people do this to themselves? I thought to myself. “Amber, I’m a fucking tank, there was never a reason to fear for my safety. We are supposed to be a team.” No response, so I picked up the phone and started towards the kitchen and began making coffee. As I was making it, I said to her, “How long has that title meant more to you than our marriage?” Again there was nothing but silence. Pretending like it was nothing, I continued by telling her about what I had done in regards to the Del Gado family. She only interrupted slightly with “Fuck!” said every once in a while. At least I was getting through to her now so I kept the conversation going, even while I was making my coffee, my mind was ahead of me. I told her about Del Gado’s wife playing stow away in the back of my Silverado and how she was working with the feds to try and nail him. Jeff couldn’t talk to me anymore about it as they were trying to keep me far from that investigation.
Another drink, another profanity-laced tirade from her. After she calmed down a bit, I finally asked her. “Are you planning on coming home any time soon?” There was a long pause and then she said, “Mac, I love you but I don’t know when I’ll be back or even if.” “I love you too, Red” I disconnected the call and sat down on the kitchen floor. I cried for the first time since I buried my wife, Melissa. Just like when she was dying from cancer, not knowing is the hardest part. With Melissa, it was not knowing how much life was left for her. With Amber, it was not knowing how much life was left for me. She couldn’t have hurt me anymore if she had just cut my heart out with a spoon. Even the cold tile floor provided no relief from the storm that was building in my heart. That’s when I started drinking….
Fade
{Hell’s Gate Dojo - Junction, Colorado - “Brutal Honesty.”}
[Thursday Morning - 7AM]
If you get the opportunity to go to Junction, Colorado in February…don’t. From the time I got off the plane until now, standing in front of the Hell’s Gate primary entrance door. I was cold to the bone and wet. Not a great combination. I was only here because this is what I agreed to do. Kat must have sensed something was wrong with me and she was right, ever since the fight with Amber, nothing felt right. I was starting to question my decisions, professionally and personally. In my position that was not a good place to be. The more I thought about the fight the more angry I became. I crushed out the cigarette in the ashtray near the door and stepped inside. Kat was already there, and so I made my way where she stood talking to Kim and Whisper. She spotted me but didn’t head my way right away. So, I made my way to her, I knew she had been injured the night before in a match in another company. All three women looked at me, the weighing and measuring of them was something I had grown accustomed to. They were deciding internally whether I had lost anything they had taught me. One thing that was a constant with me was my intensity. They all smiled and nodded and I gave them a hug one at a time, being careful with Kat, knowing that kind of pain all too well. I spotted a step stool nearby and grabbed and set it next to me.
“Just in case you decided I deserved a smack in the head.” I smiled at Kat watching her try not to laugh. Kim laughs out loud, “Cruel, Brother!” Kat climbed up on the step stool and smacked me in the back of the head. “That’s for trying to make me laugh!” She said as she stepped back down. Whisper motioned for everyone to go into the office as she headed that way. We all stepped into the small office and took a seat. Kat was last in and shut the door quietly and carefully. It was obvious she was still hurting quite a bit. She looked at me, “Okay brother-mine, spill. What happened?” I smiled at her, “I missed you too Katarina. I’m not sure what you are referring to?” She glared at me, and I immediately threw my hands up in mock surrender. It was Whisper who spoke next.
“You’re wounded Mac. Who made you start to doubt everything?” She asked it in the same manner someone would ask you to pass the salt. I sighed and leaned back in the chair. “Well, this is the reason that I came here and since we’re all here I might as well.” I looked over at Kat, “This stays here, you understand?” I asked her. She nodded her head in understanding. “Amber and I had a huge fight. I know that couples do fight, especially when they are so similar in personalities. This was different though.” They all waited for me to continue. “The fight was because I called her out for lying to me on many occasions.” Kat, almost in tears, “Is this about the garage?”. I nodded to her, “In part, she thought she was protecting me by deceiving me and a number of other people.” I paused for a moment and then continued. “Long before she and I met…” I continued on with what she had told me about her relationship with the Del Gado family when she was much younger.
“I think the worst part is two-fold here, I don’t know if I can ever trust her again, and she doesn’t know whether she even wants to come home. She tells me she loves me but I dunno…” Kat rested her hand on my shoulder, with tears running down her face. “I had no idea, Mac.” I patted her leg gently, “That’s because she and I have done our best to keep it off of social media and out of the news. It’s more about protecting our privacy and buffering any negative thing from Sin City or Hell’s Gate.” I shake my head in disgust. Just by talking about it, I could feel my fury combined with a righteous anger building. Whisper continued to watch as I sat there stewing in my own anger.
“Enough Mac..” Whisper’s tone of voice left no room for discussion. “Internal raging will lead to loss of focus and you can not afford that if you want to keep that title around your waist.” I was unsure of how she did that shit, but I looked up at her with clear eyes and the anger dissipated like it was never there. “Welcome back.” She smirked and her dark eyes glittered in amusement she never did tell anyone how she does that. “Mind clear and focused at the problem at hand now?”I sat there in almost stunned disbelief, I started to hang my head in shame but instead I looked her in the eyes, “Yes ma’am,” I said with a sheepish grin. “You are both in the same match and as much as Kat wants to advance in the tournament she does not want you to lose the title this way. She does not handle it well as she is afraid of losing you in the process.” Kat was a huddled up little ball on the chair next to me. I smiled, “I know but the rules of this tournament are clear and maybe she missed the fine print. If she should cover Mikah, my title goes nowhere. Mark would have to cover me for that to happen. That shit is not gonna happen.”
Kat looked at me with her big dark eyes. “So it is me vs Mikah and you vs Mark.. I am not going to talk shit about you. I refuse to.” I looked at her, “Don’t you dare ease up just because it’s me, that’s not fair to you or to your partner. I really don’t like him but he deserves you at your best.” Kat nods at me with a determined look in her eyes as well. “Well the best I can be by then. Sorta a mess right now.” Whisper nodded pleased with herself. “Mac I think you are missing something”
I looked back to Whisper, “What’s that?” Whisper smiled and handed over a file folder with a single sheet of paper in it. On it was a sketch hand drawn by Maria. “Your wings''Without hesitation or thought, I smiled at her as I studied the sketch. “Now that is epic art. I’m honored that you think I deserve this, I will definitely wear this with pride. I’m proud to represent you and this family.'' Whisper smiled and made her way around her desk and towards me she held my face in her hands gently before leaning down and pressing her forehead to mine and in my head I heard her loud and clear. “You were already part of the family and we are proud to have you amongst us.” I was a little surprised by the connection at first, testing the waters. I tried to respond to her in the same fashion, “Thank you Mother of Arch-Angels''. A soft smile came over her face, one that I had not seen that often before. “You are welcome, Macentyre.” she pressed a soft kiss on my forehead and stood up and smiled towards Kim and Kat which was a sign they were waiting for and Kat, recklessly forgetting about her injuries jumped on my lap and hugged me tight. I had not seen Kim leave the room but she did and returned moments later with Maria by her side. I smiled more than I had in weeks, surrounded by people that I know would have my back no matter what was important. I really wish Ken was there at that moment. Maybe I could bring him, Kyra and Adina here one day soon.
The ladies escorted me to the area where the tattoo work would be done. Rene showed up at that moment as well, “Welcome Brother,” he said as he gave me a huge hug and pat on the back. Whisper motioned for me to lay down on the massage table. As I did Maria came up to me. “Wings for our warrior. Been waiting for you” I winked at her, “Thank you for your patience.” Maria chuckles “Thank me when I am done if you do not hate me by then. This will take a while. Your sisters will be right here with you.” I nodded, “I’m no stranger to the pain, and if I think back about it, they always seemed to be there.” Kim spoke up for the first time looking right at me. “And we always will be.” “And I for all of you.”, I said quietly but without hesitation or reservation. Kim’s geek side showed for a moment “This is the way” she winked at me with a smirk on her face. I shot a wink back at her, “This is the way.” Whisper placed her hand on my shoulder as Kim and Kat made their way to the headrest and sat down with me each taking one hand in their own. “Focus on their voices and let Maria handle the rest.. I have spoken.” Whisper winked towards me with that reference and did as she asked and focused on the voices of my sisters. As they sang, Maria began her work on my back. I could feel the warmth that they sang with and I never felt very much from the needlework that Maria was doing. When Maria was done she put some healing cream on the needlework she had put on my back and the voices of my sisters faded as Whisper approached me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “It is done” I looked up and smiled. “Thank you, Maria, you have a gentle touch.” I then hugged each of my sisters in turn, planting a kiss on their foreheads as a way of thanking them.
I could feel a difference in my body and my mind. I felt better physically and emotionally. It was like I could feel my psyche being healed. In his mind, the words came loud and clear. “Focus and remain calm, you are never alone.” The smile returned to my face, “I know mother, and thank you.” Whisper smiled and nodded before turning away and helping Maria pack it up and bring it back to the house. The elderly lady had done more than her duty.
Fade
{Oblivion Garage - Las Vegas NV - “Cleaning Up”}
The cleanup of what was left of the garage was just about done. I came here often when I was in town. I think it reminded me of our marriage, gone up in smoke. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Amber. I wasn’t sure if she would ever come back. This place though, it provided me with a little solace. The paperwork was done for the insurance. Now it was just the waiting game. Waiting for the paperwork to be processed and the funding to be in place. Then they could begin rebuilding. If there was a “they” at the end of this. If not, I’d still rebuild it then probably sell it. Maybe I’d reopen the garage but it wouldn’t be the same without her here. I looked around the garage one last time. I heard the crunch of a shoe on gravel and my Smith and Wesson was out and pointed in that direction.
“Easy Senor Bane,” the smooth cadence of Dominic’s father, “You and I should talk before things get out of hand.” He paused for only a moment. “I am not armed Senor, please lower your weapon.” I snapped my head around and glared at the older gentleman. “You’ve taken your life in your own hands today, Francisco,” I almost growled it. He put his hands up in mock surrender and I holster my weapon. “If you have men with you, have them come out in the open where they can be seen.” I could tell he was considering something, it was something that was going to get someone killed. He saw the look on my face and my hand still lingering by the holster. “Fair enough senor, “ Like out of b move he clapped his hands twice and then there were five of them including him. “You watch way too many movies Del Gado, that was lame as hell.” His eyebrows furrowed, “never mind, I should have known you wouldn’t get it.”
“What exactly was your plan here, senor?” I asked in a straightforward manner as possible. “Did you think you and your men could just jump me here and kill me off, and poof problem solved?” He shook his head indicating that was not the plan. “No Bane, that was not my plan, they are simply here to ensure I come away from this unharmed. I only wanted to ask you if you knew the whereabouts of my wife.” I shrugged, “I didn’t even know you were married,” I said in my own smooth way that just didn’t sound as cool as he did. “What’s her name? More importantly, why do you think I know where she is?”
“She was in Texas recently,” he began but his phone chose that moment to ring. “Stupid boy,” he swore at the display. “My son, pardon me please.” He turned to leave me and his men to stare at one another. It didn’t last long though as he came back and stared at me. “That was my son, Dominic, he told me what he did here.” I nodded, “Gutless”. “Si,” was his response. “He asked me if I would apologize for him for the pain he has caused you and your wife.” I gave the old fella a smile, “Tell him that I’ll consider it if he comes here and does it himself.” Senor Del Gado smiled and nodded. “Consider it done, Senor Bane.”
Fade.
{Somewhere in Texas - Karma”}
Recently I had been able to find my center again, my anger was less prevalent since my trip to Colorado. The one thing that remained was my intensity, I was extremely proud of that. I was even more proud of the fact that I had successfully defended my title. The failure the first time around still haunted me a bit but I knew the more I defended it the more that my confidence would grow. I stood there looking at the countryside. A wistful expression on my face, my black skullcap ripples a little at the wind. I pull the collar up on my duster to ward off the wind. I get ready to speak but pause as the thunder chases the wind across the sky. Once it quietens down, then I begin to speak my mind. I smile at the lightning as it flashes to the northeast. Looking down at my old black boots.
Mikah and I have been working very hard for this match. She’s a phenomenal partner and does things the right way. I know she doesn’t want anyone but Kris to like her and that’s not only understandable but admirable. I like her work ethic and her willingness to do whatever it takes to win. I like her as a tag team partner, so far she’s been super reliable and a great teammate.
Still looking down…
I mention her first, because I know she realizes what is at stake.
Now I look back up, the intensity etched in my face. My determination is as bright as neon.
Kat, I know this is all new to you, being your first time in this tournament. I know you will bring everything to this match that you have. You’ve always been dedicated to your craft and your family. For you and I this is what it is baby sister. I hope what I told you eased your mind a bit. You are not facing me at all in this match as we discussed the other day. Mikah is your challenge in this event. Whatever people have said about my partner is probably true. She’s that good and then some. You are as well, you’ve always shone brightly. I expect you to come hard at this match and do what we’ve always done, leave it all in the ring, the violence is always unapologetic.
The smile is now gone as I begin to address Mark Cross. The smile has transformed into something more predatory.
Well, lookie there, a tournament was announced and wild slapnuts appeared.
The American Dragon Mark Cross.
This dance is not new to you and I. We’ve fought before. Last year in the tournament was an epic battle. I know that you are proud of that win and the ones that followed. Rightly so I might add. You were on a hell of a run. A run that didn’t end until we fought again. My internet title versus the world title.
I flip the folds of my jacket back revealing the Sin City Title, done with a flare that you might have seen in an old western.
Sin City has a very different landscape now. A lot has changed in a year, Mark. I’ll talk first about the things that haven’t.
You.
You seem to be continuing your track record of being a part time wrestler. I guess the grind of a real job is a bit much for a former player in the National Football League. You’ve always been great in tournaments, but that’s about where it ends. You’re great at beating people you’ve never faced before. Kudos to you bud, but the problem is, I’m familiar with you. I know your tendencies and your lazy habits in the ring.
I spit on the ground following that statement as if it were a taste I couldn’t get rid of. Just talking about this guy always made me feel unclean and as if I had something nasty in my mouth.
You see, this might be on the line…
I rest both hands on the title belt, hooking my thumbs behind the primary plate, feeling the leather strap beneath it.
You’ll never get your hands on it, little man. You won’t be covering me in this match. You’d have to kill me to get that cover.
My facial features harden as I continue to talk about him.
Even if you were to get it again, to what end? You lost your passion for the business when you held it before. You walked around here talking about being a such a great champion. A reluctant one as I recall. Being the good man that I am, I relieved you of that responsibility. As far as the things that have changed? It looks like you’ve got someone special in your life, so that’s cool. It won’t help you win a match but still…good for you. At least I think you do, haven’t seen much of you on social media lately with you professing your love to her.
I shoot the camera a wink and a smile.
Other things that have changed.
Me.
You won’t be facing the same Mac Bane you faced last year. I’ve changed a lot and grown a lot in the last year. I’ve embraced my evolution as a man and a fighter. While you’ve been….doing whatever it is that a part time athlete does. I’m sure you’ll have a lot to say about what I’ve been up to since the last time we spoke.
I laugh a bit at first then stop laughing.
People like to talk about my group of associates who I am running with now. Thing is, they didn’t help me win this title. They never interfered in the matches I was in, nor would I allow it. So, feel free to talk about that until you’re blue in the face. The last time we faced each other, I called myself your mountain to climb. You failed. You fell to your professional death that night. This time in this moment, I’m your karma. You couldn’t beat me that night and you won’t beat me with this title being on the line.
I pause as another round of thunder and lightning crashes against the Texas sky. That always seems to ease my soul and lessen my burdens.
I do love a good storm, don’t you?
I smile at the skyline as more and more hits.
It’s never a good idea to stand around when a storm is brewing unless…unless you are the one that created that storm. The one I’ve created in Sin City…
I point out at the sky as a tornado tries to form some 5 or 6 miles away.
Makes this look like light rain on a sunny day. The things I’ve put in motion…well they are not for the weak of heart. Sin City is not ready for what’s coming. After you lose and get bounced out of here, that’s what you’ll do, bounce. You don’t want to stick around for what’s to come anyway. You don’t have the spine for this kid, better for you to just go back to Florida. It’s much safer and less competitive there.
Fade
