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Topics - Despayre

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41
Climax Control Archives / Aftermath Flashback
« on: August 22, 2014, 08:30:50 PM »
 Two weeks ago...

Synn stood in the hallway, watching the small form of his son's curled up body on the couch in the home of Despayre's mother and grandmother. Only a short while ago, all hell broke loose, literally, as Despayre went on a frightening rampage when he chose to do without his prescribed medications in order to prove to himself that he did not need them.

Unfortunately, he did. More so than he could perhaps process.

Despayre had laid waste to the dining room where he had destroyed the evening meal his grandmother had went to such lengths to prepare for his overnight visit, the first since he was a child in body. He had even physically destroyed the glass coffee table when he became frightened, unable to recognize where he was or the people who were around him, trying to help. Had Gabriel not thought quickly and used Angel to help soothe the proverbial 'savage beast', things could have gone on longer and gotten much, much worse.

That was why, after Despayre had willingly taken the pills from his father's hand and shoveled them into his mouth, Synn never took his eyes off of the young man while he slowly waited for him to succumb to the effects of the medications, two of which worked together to make him very drowsy and act the part of sedatives. Gabriel had taken a brief watch, but only long enough so that Synn could assist Margaret and Victoria in cleaning the mess in the dining room that Despayre had initially caused. Once that was accomplished, the father resumed his watch and was only satisfied when his son turned over on the cushions of the floral print sofa and fell into a fitful slumber.

It wouldn't be easy on him as he sought a way to recovery to where he had been only days ago. They had come so close to losing him for such a simple thing as a son's pride, that it could take many times over the amount of time it had taken for him to slip.

"Why did this happen?" Margaret whispered as she approached Synn's side. Gabriel was perched on one of the plush cushioned chairs in the living room, his eyes too glued on the little guy. Say what one might about his lack of morals and heel tactics. His loyalty to his little brother was unyielding.

Synn, in answer to Margaret's question, could but shake his head and he ran his hand lightly down his face until he cupped his fingers around his chin. He said, "From what Theresa told me, and by all evidence, he hasn't been taking his medicine for at least the past two days. I don't know how he snuck that little fact past me..."

"Simple." Gabriel mused through the side of his mouth. "He's your son."

It was said in jest but the words rang heavy in truth. By all accounts, Synn was a deceitful, manipulative and back stabbing son of a bitch. Hell, he'd be the first to tell you that! But the fact his own son had adopted a little deception on his part to try to prove an unsuccessful point did not settle well with him.

"But, why?" Margaret wondered as much to herself as to the other three adults near. "He knows they help him. Why would he...?"

"Because a boy's mother is a sacred being." Synn said simply. "Well, most boy's mothers. Mine was a self righteous zealot. Joshua's..." He shared a brief smile with Margaret. Too brief. "She not so much. Maybe a part of him, however small, thought the fact he had to be on medicine made him weak? And what son wants to look weak in front of his mother ... or his grandmother?"

Synn shrugged.

"That's just a guess." He followed up.

"Will he be alright?" Victoria asked as she stepped closer, her head between Synn's massive shoulders and her daughter's own. "I mean, he will ... " She paused and swallowed as she thought back to the delightful little boy that she had helped her daughter to raise until that fateful night on a rain slick road, and the results of a devastating car wreck.

Synn nodded, "I believe so. Yes." He turned to look at the matriarch from back over his shoulder. His eyes were fierce with determination and belief. "It might take time to recover what he lost, but he will recover."

"If I didn't know any better Synn," Victoria found herself smiling despite the circumstances of the evening. "..I would dare say that sounded a little bit like faith."

"Let's not be ridiculous, Victoria." Synn said in faux exasperation as he turned his attentions back to where they had been before. "It won't be easy for him. Not for awhile. I don't even know if he'll remember what happened, but for my son?" He nodded and a frown creased his brow. "I'm willing to go on a little faith."</color>

"They hate me." Despayre said as he and Angel walked the small dirt path in the forest, winding their way through the trees that surrounded them on all sides.

"Hm? hate you? Why would you think they hate you?" Yes, I said Angel was walking as well. For you see, this time he was not being carried in Despayre's arms like usual. He was escorting his buddy, his friend, his charge, through the woods on a little private retreat. It is amazing the miracles of the land of dreams, isn't it?

"Because I think I messed up my sleep over with mom and grams." Despayre sighed woefully as they found a nice little shady spot beneath a large tree. "I think I ruined dinner too. It smelled good."

"They don't hate you. Don't be silly." Angel unfolded a checkered picnic blanket and gave it a flap, spreading it out so that Despayre could set the picnic basket he carried in his hands down. Angel crawled on paws and knees to the basket and watched and rubbed his belly while Despayre started to unload the picnic basket with various goodies and mouth watering treats. Angel continued, "Okay, maybe they're a little concerned. I was too. I still am."

"I know." Despayre sighed and he stopped setting out the paper plates and plastic utensils. They were now surrounded by a mountain of peanut butter and jelly sammiches, potato salad, pickles, chips, a large triple layer cake and.. wait, how did all of this come from out of such a tiny little picnic basket?

Dreams, silly! There are no limits!

Despayre's eyes closed tightly again and he inhaled a choked sob. "I d-do't want them to b-be mad at-t m-me!"

"Hey. Hey!" Angel picked up a tissue (boy teddy bears really do plan for everything with a picnic!) and he hurried across the table cloth, expertly avoiding the food so as not to mess up his fur. He climbed up on Despayre's lap and dabbed at his eyes with the tissue in his paw. "You stop that. They might be upset that you didn't take your medicine like you should, but you don't really think they'd hate you. Do you?"

Despayre practically hid his face away from his favorite plush buddy and shrugged his shoulders.

"Well they don't!" Angel huffed, using his paw under Despayre's chin to tilt his head back up so he could dry the tears that were still flowing.

"He-how do you know?" Despayre sobbed, and Angel took a step back and set his paws on his hips.

(Do teddy bears even have hips?)

"Because," Angel answered. "As you so often point out accurately, I'm never wrong."

Despayre swallowed back another sob that was almost washed away by an affectionate laugh, one that was much needed. He looked at his friend through misty, gray eyes and Angel gave him what he so sorely needed right now; a big, warm hug.</color>

The front door to the Young home opened up and Gabriel set foot out onto the porch, holding Angel in one arm and Despayre's overnight bag with the other. He paused at the side of the door and waited as slowly Synn made his own way out, with a sleeping Despayre cradled carefully in his arms.

Synn said nothing as he walked towards his car, carrying his son, and Gabriel turned to the women in Despayre's life and said in a low voice, "Synn will call you tomorrow. Let you know how Desp, Joshua, is doing? Maybe you three can try again?"

Victoria placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders in comfort for the lost evening and Margaret said to Gabriel, "Watch over my boy."

Gabriel nodded and said, "Always." Before he turned and headed for the waiting cars.</color>

"Don't you hate cliffhangers? You know, those annoying closing moments in stories, television and movies, where they leave off at a critical point and you are forced to wait with unbridled anticipation to find out what happened? I know I do, and that is why you were privy to a bit of private moments on what was."

"I also use that as to make a critical point for what is to come. The bosses of SCW truly are remarkable to come up with a championship defense under such circumstances. The Tag Team Championship being defended not against an established team, nor even a randomly drawn pairing via the Lethal Lottery concept. No, the Bosom Buddies will be facing a former World Champion in Sean Jackson, and a rising star in Jamie Dean. Two men who are, for all those paying attention, trying to kill one another for the past several weeks. Two men who are close friends and have worked hard together to get what they hold dear, against two men who have nothing in common save for they loathe one another."

"I admit sometimes I'm unaware of what goes on in the minds of the powers that be, and I have ben tempted a time or two to demand an explanation from Christian, but it is rude to talk with your mouth full, isn't it? But I digress."

"The reason does not matter. The how's and why's are irrelevant. All that matters over time is the end result, and this one was preordained from the moment that it was announced. Any dreams of championship glory will have to be forgotten, because gentlemen, it is time to wake up and face reality."

"Sean Jackson's time at the top is long over, and no amount of protection from Hot Stuff can protect him from the impending result of facing the Bosom Buddies. Jamie Dean? He is rising but his time at the top if far from the present. Now is not his time, and certainly not at the expense of the tag team champions."

"What will come will be no cliff hanger ending. The fall of Jackson and Dean at the hands of the champions will be a stand alone tale with a beginning, and for the challengers, a tragic end with nothing left to explain."</color>

42
Climax Control Archives / Inner demons
« on: August 08, 2014, 11:15:50 PM »
 "A boy's best friend is his mother."

Have you ever heard that saying? Do you recall it from a classic work of fiction by one of the premiere directors of suspense in motion picture history, Alfred Hitchcock? It is originally a quote from the 1960 feature film, "Psycho", based on the 1959 novel of the same name. If you're familiar with this story about a psychologically disturbed young man and his unrelenting fascination with both death as well as his beloved mother, then good for you! If you're not, well what ever is the matter with you? It's a classic people!

Now to all of you out there who know well the subject of this promotional story, go ahead and make all the jokes that you desire. It's only natural. Many have watched the exploits of Despayre from past promos and gotten a chuckle or two at the young man's expense. They look toward each new appearance and wonder to themselves, 'What new comedic antics will Despy and Angel get into this time?' That is all well and good. Truth be told, it's to be expected after the relatively short amount of years that Despayre and his plush pal have been in the public eye. From the time he first debuted in the Asylum Wrestling Alliance almost four years ago, to his transfer to his current 'stomping grounds' of Sin City Wrestling, Despayre has become one of the most popular young stars in the world on professional wrestling, thanks to both his innocent nature, and the comedic antics that nature has caused. The AWA was a major world-wide wrestling promotion that brought it's stars to television screens and pay-per-views the world over. Sin City Wrestling, as you well know, is an independent wrestling promotion that, although it's shows have been held in as faraway continents as Africa and along island coasts, kept the majority of its programming online, be it their weekly edition of 'Climax Control' or its many varied Supercard spectaculars.

Many close to him joke around that his bonding friendship with the world's most popular teddy bear, Angel, has been the focal point of those little (mis)adventures. Whatever Angel suggests for fun, Despayre follows without question! Whatever Angel believes best, it is wise not to argue because Despayre is fiercely loyal to his 'bestie'. After all, Angel works tirelessly to protect and defend his charge (you know, Despayre) from the various slobbering beasties (not besties) that lurk in the shadows of the closets and beneath the beds where Despayre stays during where his wrestling travels take him, or in the place that he calls home. Those shadow creepy crawlies know no bounds, and will target the young and innocent souls, no matter where they sleep, so their protectors, the teddy bears of the world, need always be on high alert for the protection of those they have come to love; their new families.

Herein lies the catch; there is a small factor that many tend to forget about Despayre, whether it's by choice or simply force of habit. He has more than certain 'mental deficiencies'. He has been classified by psychologists as 'psychologically insane'. Where you might see a young man with the mind of a child, it devolves into something else altogether when you pick away at the wall surrounding him and you get into the heart of the matter. Think on it: a grown man with all the physical qualities of someone his age and size, but with all the restraint of a toddler. How does a child react when he or she wants something so very badly? When they believe they are wronged? When they feel they are under threat? A child that fights or vents does so without the mental restraints built up from within that you or I might have had due to our natural growth and upbringing.

Despayre, does not.

When Despayre finds himself in those situations, when he grows more frightened, he fights with all the restraint of an animal backed into a corner. Just ask former SCW Grand Slam Champion, Goth, a man that takes great pride in being the 'Boogeyman' of Despayre's life. When Goth 'attacked' Angel in the AWA, and came ever so close to tearing the teddy bear's head clean off, Despayre not only physically threw the two men restraining him, two men who were each twice his size, clean off of him, but in an attack of retaliation weeks later, Despayre came close to critically injuring Goth and laid him up in a hospital bed for weeks in recovery. When he was young, he stabbed, literally stabbed a hospital nurse through the hand with a sharpened pencil, an act he had repeated on his own current tag team partner, Big B. He brutally attacked Nick Jones for the former Heavyweight Champion's insults towards Angel, choking him until Big B rescued his cousin, which resulted in the aforementioned pencil attack.

And even then, these instances do not even begin to scratch the surface of the many mysteries that are within his mind. The doctors who attempted to treat him were at a loss, and all they were able to do was simply medicate him to hopefully subdue his more violent tendencies and outbursts. Other doctors who attempted to treat him at a Canadian mental institution only  succeeded in making him worse through their diabolical methods that instilled hatred and fear within Despayre's already fragile mind. Synn himself claims to be at a loss to understanding everything that there was to know about his own flesh and blood.

Confused? I don't blame you. A lot of this is probably all too new to everyone who thought they knew or understood Despayre. They believed he was just fun... innocent. How were they to know this young, comedic character could actually be quite dangerous once provoked?

How was anyone to know?</color>



Las Vegas - 08/08/2014

"I don't understand why you're so worried." Theresa Aguilera said in a hushed tone of voice as her fingers gripped the plate and slid it's empty contents out from under the head of the household, Synn, as he sighed and reached across the glass table to grasp the newspaper from where it lay. She and Synn had been engaged in this quiet topic of conversation, ever since he had first arisen from bed this very morning.

"It's his momma and grandmama." she said, scraping off the last trace of egg from the plate before she set it in the sink to rinse before placing it, along with the rest, in thee dishwasher. (Who really understood that logic?) "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"And what do you base that on, exactly?" Synn asked as he idly held out his pine green, ceramic mug for the live-in housekeeper to fill with piping hot, black coffee. He took a brief sip so as not to scald the inside of his mouth before he went on, questioning, "From all the times he's spent the night elsewhere since he came to me?"

"Oh yes." Theresa said as she placed the pot back on the coffee warmer and turned back to face her employer as he made a rather sad attempt to feign indifference to the topic at hand. "It is not as if Joshua has made it a habit of staying for an evening or two with Gabriel or Rage, now and then."

Her words rang true, but that did not infer that they came to any comfort toward the man she directed them toward. Such was the nature of this relationship between employee and employer. Theresa was not just the 'woman of the house', the housekeeper that Synn had kept in his employ for the past number of years. She was family. She took care of the needs of not only he and his son, but the varied other members of the Sins that found their way inside of these walls. Ask any of them. You don't mess with their Theresa.

"That's different." Synn observed. "He's been closer to the both of them over the past few years than he has been with Margaret, or Victoria."

"True." Theresa conceded. "But that doesn't make it any less true that he'll be on his best behavior for his momma." She wagged a forefinger and turned back to begin loading the dishwasher with what dishes she had ready without Despayre having had his meal as of yet. "A boy wants to impress his mama."

Synn took another swallow of the piping hot coffee, black, before he set the mug down. He almost made the cardinal error of placing the mug on the glass counter of the table itself before he caught Theresa's eye and shifted the mug a couple of inches to place on the coaster. Joke all you want, but Synn stated himself numerous times that the kitchen was her domain, and no one else's.

Synn said, "Be that as it may, you know as well as I do that sometimes his behavior can be ... unpredictable. With or without his medicine. I just don't like not being around in case something were to happen."

"Now what do you think is going to happen?" Theresa asked, her tone bemused but her curiosity ignited. "Do you think his momma is going to just up and run off back too Canada with him?"

Theresa glanced back over her shoulder and stopped short when she found Synn's eyes simply frozen on her. Not angry. Not stunned. Simply ... frozen. She shook her head and a faint trace of a smile curled the corner of her lips. "That is what has you worried, isn't it? Dios mío!" She looked up and closed her eyes for a brief second, before she shook her head and sighed. "I thought you were well past that fear."

"I don't think I'll ever be well past that fear, unfortunately." Synn said with an idleness to his voice. "Not when I've lost so many years to begin with and have so many more to catch up."

Theresa exhaled a sharp breath, ready to begin anew her words to attempt to alleviate Synn's fears when their discussion was interrupted by the third member of the house.

"Morning."

The soft, gentle mumbling drew the attention of Synn up from the kitchen table and his focal point of the newspaper that he had been scrutinizing for the past several moments in a vain attempt to draw his attention away from where it had been going ever since he had first agreed to this little sleep over. Despayre entered the kitchen, still clad in his rumbled white t shirt and Marvin the Martian pajama pants, and Angel snuggled safely in his arms and held closely to his chest in that ever find embrace between man and teddy bear. Despayre's pet cat, Sebastian, a white and orange tabby, hurried into the room as well, weaving himself around and between the young man's feet, almost causing him to stumble and have himself a fall while it went right for it's food dish against the far wall, under the cabinet where the good china was kept.

"Good afternoon, Joshua." Synn answered in retort, even though it was in good nature. "You're up late, even for you."

"Hm?" Despayre murmured as he pulled one of the kitchen chairs around the table so he could sit closer to his dad, giving Angel his own place of honor at the head of the table, on the table. "It's still early."

"It's past eleven." Synn said.

Despayre stopped short, just before he plopped his heiney on the chair. He opened his eyes wide in concentration. Blinked. Shook his head, and then shrugged. "That still counts as morning." He stressed as he sat beside Synn and hefted a large bag onto the table with a thud. Only days before, Drake Green had promised Despayre in a Twitter message that he would buy for him the absolute largest bag of Skittles that was made available to the public, and darned if the SCW Heavyweight Champion wasn't a man of his word. Two days ago the package showed up at the Las Vegas business office of Sin City Wrestling, and Mark ward personally forwarded it overnight mail to their home residence. Quite the happy surprise for Despayre, and not so much the same for Synn who knew what his son was like when he was on a sugar rush. Despayre had spent the better part of the day, carefully separating the purple Skittles from all the other colors of the candied rainbow, just for Angel's benefit ... and the safety of the rest of the household.

"Boy's got a point." Theresa said with good humor as she set a tall glass of chocolate milk in front of Despayre, his absolute favorite way to kick start his day. "Hey hey! None of that!"

Synn shifted his gaze to see Theresa snatch the bag from Despayre's hand, which had been halfway inserting itself into the bag for a sweet treat to begin this day.

"Hey!" Despayre protested, one hand holding his glass of chocolate moo juice, and the tell-tale sign of a chocolate `stache on his upper lip. His free hand was holding naught but empty air. "Those are mine!"

"And you can have all you want but you need a good meal." Theresa said as she opened up the cabinet door where Despayre's more favorite treats were stored in the kitchen, and deposited them inside. Right beside five large boxes of new Twinkies filled with a chocolate center; a gift from Gabriel for his 'little brother' but one of a more prankish nature from the magician.

He too knew what Despayre was like when he was loaded full of sugar.

Despayre's eyes followed the housekeeper, the cool, gray orbs burrowing into her back as she opened the refrigerator door and leaned in to busy herself, getting fresh ingredients to make him his breakfast, or lunch depending on your view and the time of day that he had awoken. His brow furrowed into a frown, clearly unlike his nature as his father took note of this and the son found his dad's hand on his shoulder. Despayre blinked and looked up into his green eyes and Synn shook his head in the negative, hoping to soothe Despayre's annoyance at the housekeeper taking away his candy.

His candy! That meant a great deal -- right?

Despayre huffed and fidgeted, burying his fists into his lap in a strained semblance of calm rather than finish off his usual first of two or three glasses of chocolate milk.

"You okay?" Synn asked, and was answered with a shy nod to confirm his father's question. "Are you sure?"

Again, Despayre nodded, but this time he spoke up and said, "I was up a little late. Angel an' me."

"Oh?" Synn folded his newspaper closed once again and slid it away so that he might indulge the lad. "And what, pray tell, had you two up so late?"

"Getting things ready to stay at mom's." Despayre answered timidly. He knew that this topic was still something akin to a sensitive subject for his dad, and Angel told him he had to breach it with subtlety and care. Personally, he was quite surprised (and thrilled) when Synn had agreed to allow him to stay overnight with his mom and grams before they left for Los Angeles the following day. He continued, "And Angel was giving me lots of advice for me and Bernie's match this weekend."

"Bernie and my match."

"Huh?"

"It's Bernie and my match." Synn stressed.

"You're not teaming with Bernie!" Despayre contradicted his dad in an almost hot manner."I am!"

Synn glanced up and saw that Theresa had paused from getting out the milk and Fruity pebbles cereal for Despayre, both somewhat caught off guard by this outburst. Subdued as it was, it was still an outburst.

"I am aware of that Joshua." Synn said calmly. "I just meant... you know what/ It's alright. Did Angel give you some good tips? You know your opponents won't be easy for you and Bernard to win against."

"Well, Angel said Drake would be really hard to wrestle since he's so good and he's the champion." Despayre seemed to come around to his usual demeanor again. "But he said Equinox was a weak link so he wouldn't be that hard a challenge."

"You know," Synn smiled, proud of his son's confidence and amused at his outlook towards the Roulette Champion. Equinox is a champion, too."

"Yeah but he was mean to Rage." Despayre pointed out as the bowl of cereal was slid in front of him. he picked up his spoon and dug in, finishing by saying, "So he doesn't count."

Synn watched him for a brief moment and smiled, ever the feeling of a proud father growing by leaps and bounds. It was not a feeling he had ever believed he would indulge in, let alone savor. But he did, and he would. Slowly Synn got up and walked across the kitchen to a small cabinet in the crook of the counter top, one that (unlike the rest) had a small lock on it. Inserting the key and giving it a slight twist of the wrist, the lock clicked and Synn opened the polished wood door and one by one, he started to remove seven small, brown bottles. Each one contained a different form of medication -- Despayre's medication. It was one thing that Synn made certain Despayre stayed on a strict routine. Not taking his medicine was not only frowned upon, it was not tolerated.

The non-stimulant, Effexor.
Lexotanil for anxiety.
The anti depressant, Sinequan.
Topamax, a mood stablizer.
Seroquel, an anti-psychotic.
Rhotrimine, a sedative anti depressant.
And lastly, Trilafon, a very strong medication for psychosis.

It sickened Synn, knowing his son would probably have to remain on these drugs for the remainder of his life, and it made him regret all the more that he had not burned down that god damn hospital who did this to his boy, with the doctors yet sealed inside.

Turning around, Synn walked back over to the kitchen table and cleared his throat. Despayre glanced up with a mouthful of cereal and semi-automatically held out his hand, palm up, and Synn dropped the small pills into his palm. Despayre's fingers curled around them and he watched as his dad turned his back to lock the medicine cabinet back up and, unknown to him or Teresa, Despayre hurriedly tucked the pills inside of the pocket of his pajama pants rather than take them. Just before Synn turned back around, Despayre grabbed his chocolate milk and drank it, feigning the illusion of washing the pills down.

"All set?" Synn asked, and Despayre nodded, holding his free hand under the table and crossing his fingers, using the innocent belief that doing so would absolve him from fibbing. Synn nodded. "Good." He patted him on the back. "Soon as you're done, head upstairs and finish packing what you'll want to take to your mother's."

"`Kay." Despayre nodded, shoveling another heaping spoonful of cereal into his waiting mouth.</color>



"I still don't like it."</color>

"It's fine. I'm fine. It's only for tonight."</color>

"But, you didn't take your medicine last night either. How come?"</color>

"I just wanted to make sure that I'd be okay. I don't want to have to take them when I'm at mom's."</color>

"I still don't understand why. Your mom knows you have to take medicine. So does your gramma. It's nothing to be embarrassed over."</color>

"I'm not embarrassed!"</color>

"Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. But you can't fault me for being concerned. It's what I'm made for."</color>

"I know. And I'm sorry I snapped. It's just ... this is the first time in a long time I got to stay with mom. And grams. I want them to think I'm strong."</color>

"You are strong, Despy. You're one of the strongest people I know!"</color>

"Oh go on! .... No, I really mean it. Go on."</color>

"Well it's true. You and I share a lot. You've told me a lot of stuff that's happened to you, and look at you now."</color>

"Why? I got a boog?"</color>

"No. I mean look at how far you've come. And how much you've grown. You got a family and friends..."</color>

"Friends who are family."</color>

"Exactly! They all love and support you. So you shouldn't be worried about what your mom might think of you taking your medicine. They're like vitamins. They're good for you."</color>

"Brussels sprouts are good for you too but that doesn't mean I'm going to eat them."</color>

"You did when Theresa made the for supper last week."</color>

"Yeah, well...."</color>

"Just promise me you'll be alright?"</color>

"Of course I'll be alright. You don't have to worry about me!"</color>

"Yeah well... I don't see that changing any time soon."</color>

"That's why I love you so much."</color>



Equinox
noun: a day when day and night are the same length

"Interesting terminology. A rather unique depiction for a most unassuming man. I'm sorry. You'll have to forgive me if I sound at all bitter towards you. Towards the man that has run around the entire SCW as if he were the world's saving grace towards the forces of darkness or whatever other kind of foolery that may have entered his mind at one time or another. Given his past and penchant for punishing demands, I wonder at times if this individual had landed on his head a time or two too many and addled what brains he had left."

"First, you arrive under a wholly different personae and wage war against Hot Stuff International as though you believed it were your solemn duty. Now don't get me wrong. I have little love for some of the men that walk those ranks, but you? Alone? You picked a fight and even I must admit you showed yourself admirably. You walked away from the impending matches with more wins than losses, but the fights outside of the ring? Those left a little more to be desired, didn't they? It is almost as if you did not understand that the numbers were against you. Look at yourself! You are a member of NXT and even they did not have your back when you saw fit to wage your one-man war!"

"Does that tell you anything, Equinox? Hm? It certainly doesn't state much as to your standing nor respect held within your own stable of friends. And then you seem to come from out of nowhere and walk away with the Roulette Championship. Well bra-VO to you! You have defended that coveted title time and again, yet that still was not enough, was it? Not when you started to look past HSI, and found a newer prize, a target of grander scale. That was when you opted to start a fight with a force that was beyond your imagining. That was when you decided to pick a fight with a member of my family, Equinox. That was when you decided you were going to tame the Sin of Wrath himself, Rage."

"Only -- things didn't quite work out for you in the same way that they did when you competed with the members of HSI, did it? No, because as I recall, Rage fought you tooth and nail, and you discovered that it was not so easy to quench such a sin as wrath itself. Wrath, perhaps one of thee single most dangerous of the Seven Deadly Sins. Ranked right up there with Pride. Perhaps you realized that you were beyond your abilities, because after that humbling experience, I have yet to see you attempt any other confrontation with a member of my little family, and a good thing too."

"Had you made that foolish attempt, my friend..."

*chuckles*

"You would have discovered the fact that you simply can not defeat sin in the heart of mortal man. Were Gabriel present, oh I would so dearly love to be the witness to the massacre that would occur in that little endeavor. Gabriel has a way about him when it comes to humbling those beneath him. So you should consider yourself lucky... or not. Because you don't face either Rage or Gabriel this coming weekend. No, you find yourself opposite of the ring with a force of nature unlike any you have ever experienced before."

"Despayre. He is just as I said; a force of nature. A storm that can not be contained. All you can do with such is simply step back and allow nature to take its course. Its not something you can oppose, Equinox. It's not something that the celestial sphere of your two faceted namesake can protect you from. People say they can prepare to face a storm. They can take all the precautions that they so desire, but when you get right down to it, all you can do is huddle together and wait for it too pass. Unfortunately, you don't have that option. Because you're going too find yourself trapped inside of the center of that storm when you're inside of the ring with Despayre, and nothing you can do or attempt to use against him will be able to subdue such a force. He is the storm cloud to your silver lining, and what so few people tend to forget is this:"

"That storm cloud causes so very much more damage than any silver lining might be capable of."
</color>



"Mom!" Despayre raced inside of the front door of Margaret Young's new home in Las Vegas, one she now shared with her mother, Victoria, Despayre's grandmother. His arms immediately enveloped her in the loving embrace that would only be understood between a mother and her child.

"Gramma!" Despayre released his mom to rush into the warm hug of the white haired, older matriarch of the Young household, the only grandparent he had known that looked upon him with love and care, and not the cruelty of indifference and ignoring like his grandfather had when he was yet alive and Despayre was just a small tot of a child. Of course, back then, all that was completely lost on Despayre. Back then, he had thought the world of his grandpa, no matter how he was treated.

"Don't I get a hug?" Synn said as he set foot inside of the house's foyer, setting the two overnight bags down on the tile floor.

"You don't deserve one." Margaret teased and then she looked down at the two stuffed bags and shook her head in amusement."Joshy, did you pack your entire bedroom?" She looked up at him and chuckled, "You're only here overnight before you lave tomorrow, after all."

But what she saw was not the returned amusement or innocent humor that she had expected in return. The stricken look in Despayre's eyes acted almost like a shocking douse of cold water in the face. Despayre averted her gaze and looked down, and he started to fidget uncomfortably.

"I-I'm sorry." He fussed, refusing to meet her eye. "I can take one back... or sort through it so it's not so much. I... I just wanted to bring extra for us to have f-fun with and I-I..."

"Joshua?" Synn frowned, taking a step closer but Margaret got to their son first and placed her hands on his slim shoulders first. Synn looked over toward Victoria and Despayre's grandmother had a shared expression of bewilderment on her face, equaling Synn's own puzzlement.

"Oh sweety, it's alright." Margaret said as she enveloped her son into her arms and held him tight. Despayre's own hands snaked their way up along her back until he returned the embrace, giving as good as he got. He buried his head into the crook between her shoulder and neck for a brief moment, and had Synn might have sworn he saw his son's body shudder involuntarily. But Despayre looked back up and drew in a deep breath before he stepped away from his mom's hug and gave her a sparkling smile.

"Are you okay?" She inquired, too which he nodded.

"Are you sure?" Synn asked, taking the last step toward the group.

Despayre looked up at his father and answered, "I'm. Fine." Perhaps a tad more forcefully than he had intended.

"Alright." Synn forced his own smile and wrapped an arm around Despayre's shoulder and gave him a light embrace. "Enjoy yourself. Okay?"

Despayre nodded, his face quickly averted again into a bright smile.

"Are you certain you can't stay for dinner?" Victoria asked, tilting her head to the side. She had never been given a real chance to accept Synn as the father of her grandchild, all because of her deceased husband's penchant for strict upbringing and behavior. But now that he was gone and she had the chance, oh it would be nice to be given more of a chance to get to know this enigmatic man.

"I would," Synn started to say. "I'm afraid I may burst into flame when you begin saying grace." He smiled that oh-so charming smile of his and Victoria just shook her head as Margaret rolled her eyes. He continued, "Seriously, I promised Theresa I'd bring home Red Lobster on the way home. It's her night off."

"I see Joshua isn't the only member of that house that you spoil." Margaret teased.

"Guilty as charged." Synn smirked. He then winked, "You enjoy yourself as well."

As Despayre chattered away with his mom, all about Angel's helpful hints about his upcoming match with Bernie this Sunday, his grandmother escorted Synn towards the door and opened it for him. Just before he stepped out, he turned and whispered in a hushed tone toward Victoria, "Call me if you need anything." He simply could not quite shake that something was amiss.



Across the city, in a neighborhood separate from Margaret and Victoria's own, Theresa went through the upstairs hallway of the house that she maintained. One day out of the week, a small cleaning team of three came to the house to assist her with an in depth cleaning, with her in charge. there was simply no way that a single person could maintain such a home all on her lonesome.

Yes, it was indeed her day off, but old habits died hard and without Synn at home to harp on her to rest and enjoy her evening off, she was free to make certain that all was right and in order as it should be. Just a quick pass through and by then, Synn would be home with that mouth watering steak and lobster from Red Lobster that he promised. He had tried to talk her into letting him take her out to a better class of seafood restaurant, but she held firm and wished to simply enjoy her meal at home.

Joshua's bedroom door was slightly ajar and she was about to close it, when curiosity caused her to nudge it open just a tad more and she peaked inside, and almost wished she hadn't. That boy knew better than to leave his room in such a state, but it looked as if he had torn it apart to retrieve everything he wanted to take to his mother's, and to prepare for his journey to California on the morrow. There were DVD and his books scattered everywhere, clothes, both clean and that ready for the hamper, lay rumpled all along the back of his chair, dresser, and quite the unmade bed.

With a sigh of bemused annoyance, she pushed the door open and set foot inside. true, this was not her room and she was under no obligation to clean it. Truth be told, Synn had once or twice before informed her that it was Joshua's room and if he wished to live 'comfortably', well... it was only the one room, after all. Unfortunately, that was not at all how she saw things. Without Despayre home or Synn to stop her, she immediately set foot into the bedroom and set about to straightening it up. At least a little bit. She hurriedly scooped all of the books up from off of the floor and set them in a nice stack on Despayre's desk, so he could arrange them how he liked when he got home, then did the same with the scattered DVDs. Not knowing what clothes were clean or soiled, she stacked them all on the chair to his desk so she could gather them tomorrow when she first got up and she'd wash them, saving herself the effort of having to 'smell' them. That left the bed, which looked as if the young man had slept fitfully for one reason or another. She walked around the bedside until she was at the headboard. Grabbing the comforter, she gave it a flip up and immediately something, several somethings, were sent scattering along the bed and floor.

She reached down and picked up what looked like a pill, then looked down at the floor and reached down, picking up one, two more. Three more found their way in the border of the bed stand, and was there more? The comforter had been tucked under the mass of pillows at the headboard, and by sheer instinct, Theresa picked the bottom pillow up and her heart sank when she saw a small number of remaining pills tucked underneath. It looked like ... ten or more.

Two days worth.

"Oh Joshua..." She whispered. "Qué ha pasado?" And she immediately turned and rushed out of the bedroom as quickly as her feet would carry her.



Back at Margaret and Victoria's home, the mother and grandmother sat down to a savory dinner with Despayre at the table in the house's lovely alcove, adorned with several flowers and potted plants, a passion Victoria had in her heart when she was younger. As matriarch of the house, Victoria at the head of the table, taking the place that her husband had once held for himself. Margaret sat across from her, and Despayre sat between them. Of course, across from him, seated on a small pile of books, was Angel. You had to include Angel -- especially since they were having his gramma's world famous pot roast! You know, with those little red potatoes that made you forget about the roast itself?

"Joshua?" Victoria said as she sat the slow cooker filled to the brim with the roast and assorted vegetables. "I hope you're hungry. I know how much you enjoy pot roast."

I do?" Despayre blinked, leaning over at the waist to closely inspect the contents of the pot. He inhaled deeply and leaned back in his chair with a smile."Okay!"

And Margaret stood up while her mother took her own seat, and she started to dish out portions of the meal to all four plates. Yes, all four. She was not going to leave the teddy bear out, knowing that she or her own mother would probably end up eating that small portion to spare her son's feelings. According to Despayre, Angel needed his strength since tonight he was defending an all new homestead.

As the meal went on with sporadic conversation, mostly between Margaret and Victoria, as Despayre seemed to be strangely quiet. His eyes were glued to the teddy bear seated on the other side of the table, and he started to fidget uncomfortably until Victoria noticed and she inquired,

"Joshua? Sweety, what's the matter?"

"Who is going to protect dad and Theresa tonight?"

"What do you mean?"

He answered, "Angel is here. He always protects me, dad and Theresa. But he can't protect them tonight. Who will?" He looked up, wide eyed and his eyes quivered with fear. Victoria and Margaret looked at each other and Margaret turned to try to soothe her son's anxiety.

"Sweety, I'm sure your father and Theresa will be..."

But her words were cut off with Despayre shaking his head emphatically in fierce denial and he cried, "No! They won't!" he inhaled a choked sob and said, "I left them all alone and they won't be alright and it'll be all my fault!"

"Joshua..." Victoria reached to pat his hand but he surprised both women by jerking it out from under her hand. "Honey, they'll be fine."

Margaret added, "Honey, Angel probably scared all those scary monsters away so you don't have to..."

"NO!" Despayre cried out in a sudden, swift, and shocking outburst, sweeping his right arm wide across the table and sending not just his glass of Cherry Coke, but the cooker filled with the pot roast clear off the table! The contents struck the near wall, splattering against the painted wall and curtains that hung over the windows!

Both Margaret and Victoria cried out in surprise and jumped to their feet, their eyes shaking in shock at the young man curled up in his chair, his eyes tightly shut but the flowing tars were all too evident as they streaked down his face. His body started to tremble, but for the longest of moments, neither woman knew what to say, or even how to say it. They had never seen him act in this type of manner before, and even with his apparent fear for Theresa and his father, it simply did not explain how he could react in such an outburst.

Joshua?" Margaret finally found her voice. She waited until he opened his eyes, and the tears flowed more freely once he did. He inhaled a choking sob and looked up at the two. "Would you go into the front room while we clean this up?"

Saying nothing, he lowered his eyes and remained where he was seated for several long seconds, until finally he pushed his chair back away from the table and stood up. Stoically, almost as if he were in a trance, he walked around the kitchen table and exited the dining area, leaving Angel where he sat at the table. Had either woman noticed, they would have realized that in itself was perhaps a very big warning sign.

Victoria looked at her daughter and whispered, "What was that all about?"

Margaret had no answers. Since she had first been allowed back in her son's life by Synn's good graces and the assistance of Gabriel, she had never once seen any form of misbehaving by her son. Yet, this went far beyond misbehaving or his fun loving antics that she had heard so many stories about from all his friends in this little group he and his father had surrounded themselves with. No, this was something different. Something more...

Margaret shook her head and started to say, "I don't know. Maybe I should call..."

But in that split instance, a loud crash was heard coming from the living room, startling both ladies! Margaret immediately ran out of the dining room with her mother hurrying after her. They rushed down the hall and ducked around the corner of the door frame to the living room, where they were stopped short by a frightening sight.

There, in the center of the living room, stood Despayre, and he stood in front of thee glass coffee table, or what used to be the glass coffee table. Now it was a shattered mess, the glass counter having imploded inside of the wooden frame, thanks to the heavy vase that was thrown down into the center of it. And Despayre, he stood there with his eyes frozen on his hands that were apparently cut up as they were stained with his own blood. Had he tried picking up the mess once he had caused it? Neither lady knew, but that did not mean Margaret was going to not try to help her boy.

"Joshy?" She whispered, her voice betraying the worry she was beginning to feel festering in her bosom. "Joshy."

"I don't know this place."

His words cut right through both ladies, and it told them that something was indeed very wrong.

"Joshua, honey..." Victoria started to speak when he looked up at both women and had a frightening, vacant look in his eyes.

"I don't know you."

"Don't know...?" Margaret stepped toward him but Despayre flinched and backed away from her, stopping her short. His leg struck the corner of the coffee table and he almost feel right through it and into the glass, but it was a miracle that he did not.

Victoria turned to her daughter and urgently whispered, "I'm calling his father." And she hurried away toward the kitchen where the closest land line was. This left Margaret alone for the moment with Despayre, and their eyes remained locked within the other's.

"Joshy, I'm your mother." Margaret said. It was all she could think to say. And it did not help at all as Despayre's eyes closed tightly and the tears started anew as he shook his head.

"No." He sobbed. "My mommy isn't here. She left me." he gasped a deep breath, almost choking on the sob that escaped. "She doesn't love me!"

"Joshy! I do too..."

"She doesn't love me!" Despayre cried as he grabbed another potted plant an was about to throw it, causing his mother to flinch and cover herself with her hands, when the front door flew open with a loud bang and Synn ran inside, followed by none other than Gabriel. One look at the chaos in the Young household told the story as easily as words might have, and both he and Gabriel turned to look at Despayre who suddenly appeared not simply ashamed, but terrified.

"Joshua..." Synn stepped into the front room, protectively taking a stance in front of Margaret so she might not come to any accidental harm. "Put it down."

Despayre sniffed back the tears and his eyes burned towards the man and he slowly shook his head in refusal.

"I don't know you people." He started to cry again. He looked at Gabriel, and his best friend saw no recognition in his eyes. It was nothing like he had ever seen in 'his Despy' before and he did not like it. Despayre started to hyperventilate, dropping the potted plant to the floor as Victoria, having heard the fresh wave of commotion, returned but Gabriel held an arm out to shield her behind his own body until this was dealt with.

"How did you ..." Despayre's grandmother started to ask, but Gabriel held up a hand to silence her and he whispered,

"I pulled up just as Synn got back and Theresa came running out. She found his pills. At least two days worth."

Despayre looked like a frightened child, and mentally that was exactly what he was and so much more. He clenched his hands into balled fists, forcing the wound she suffered to worsen as he pleaded, "I-I w-want to g-go home!"

"Joshua, calm down." Synn said and he finally took the initiative to approach the unstable boy but before he could get hold of him, Despayre cried out a sharp "NO!" and swung wildly, clipping his bloody fist against his own father's jaw.

The sharp blow surprised Synn more than hurt him, but with Despayre's fear and desperation welling up quickly, he packed some strength behind the punch. Synn regained his composure quickly and moved faster than Despayre could avoid him and grabbed him with both arms wrapped around him from behind as his son struggled and kicked, crying wildly.

"Let me go!" He pleaded with worsening tears. "Please! I want to go home! I WANT MY DAD!!!"

Despayre's struggles grew more frantic by the moment and Gabriel hurriedly pushed something into Victoria's hands before he turned and hurried off into the house in search of something!

"I'm here, Joshua!" Synn tried to plead but Despayre's mind was nowhere that it should have been, due to depriving himself of the medications that stabilized an otherwise unstable mind. Synn dropped to his knees, pulling Despayre down along with him due to his superior strength and body weight. Synn's grip became tighter as Despayre's struggles grew more frantic, until Gabriel returned with the one thing he could think of that might help. the only thing he could think of.

Gabriel cautiously approached where Despayre cried out and screamed, and kneeled down before him. And from behind his back, Gabriel held Angel. He held the teddy bear that was so precious to Despayre on more levels than anyone could explain. Nobody said anything as all they could do was watch, wait, and -- hope. Despayre's eyes fixed on the teddy bear and he simply looked into the warm, brown eyes of the plush form and inhaled a shaky sob.

"I'm sorry." Despayre whispered, shaking his head. "You were right..."

His hand slowly stretched foward and Gabriel carefully passed the teddy bear into his grip. Synn did not rlease his son, not yet. He held him as closely to his chest as Despayre held Angel against his. Victoria carefully stepped forward, and handed the pills back to Gabriel. The magician looked at Synn who nodded, and Gabriel slowly offered the pills to the weeping form in front of him....



"Not at all what you expected, is it Drake Green?"

"I don't blame you. Its something I had always hoped to avoid, and yet in thee end I know that I can not. Not always. Not forever. Still, I would imagine yourself grateful that this little episode was washed from out of his system before you found yourself inside of the ring with him because, let's face it: the end result simply would not have been pretty. Not that it will, mind you. Not compared to what could have happened, but I'd say you were quite lucky with what you will find yourself opposing, compared to what you could have."

"Now please forgive me if it seems like I am ignoring you in favor of your partner. It's not as if I prefer him to you. Christ, no! Quite the opposite, in fact. At least you have worked and fought hard for where you are, as opposed to this parasite you find yourself saddled with. One who is full of requests and demands for things he has not earned. Believing himself to be more than he is. Now I understand that for this coming weekend, he is indeed your partner and you have to put your faith in him to do for you what you plan to do for him, but then you have to wonder, will it be enough?"

"On your end, I'm certain you will do your fair share. The proof is around your waist. Not many men can say they have won the Heavyweight Championship of Sin City Wrestling one time, let alone two. You have indeed, an thus have proven yourself worthy to be remembered. Yet, here I have a little tidbit of a secret for you."

"Do you know how close you came to never having won that title for the second time? Reason being, before he and Big B won the tag team titles, there was quite the backstage campaign for Despayre to receive a shot at the very belt that now adorns your own waist. The staff, his friends, even I tried to convince Despayre to allow me to sign him to a title shot against the champion at the time, but he was unyielding. He simply does not want to wear the same title that you cherish so. And yet, he did make a promise to me, and to those that showed him such faith; were he and Big B to not win the tag titles when they did, then he would accept one -- and only one -- shot at whom ever was the heavyweight Champion at the time."

"Well, you know the rest. The Bosom Buddies did indeed win the tag titles, and any chance at the time of Despayre challenging for thee heavyweight title fell by the wayside-- for now."

"No, now Mister Green, you and your partner will be teaming together for the very first time in the Clash of the Champions, and despite the fact that you have that prestigious gold around your waist, this time you find yourself at the disadvantage. This time you find yourself in a match against the Tag Team Champions, two men who have thus far worked so well together that they not only have the titles to prove it, but the unblemished record to do the very same. Two men teaming for thee first time, against an already established combination. I believe we all know where the advantage lies at the Clash, and it is not with the two singles champions of the men's division."

"I would dare say that Despayre is perhaps the only member of the Sins right now that carries the favor of the fans, but never let that fool you, Drake. Despayre is smaller indeed. The smallest man in this match in fact. But never has his size been a detriment to him as he has al the ways to use his speed and leverage to its full advantage, even against such a technical expert as yourself. And should you do anything to anger him, hurt him, bring out thee animal...?"

"Well then, I truly pity you."

"Clash of the Champions, Drake. Your partner asked for this opportunity to team with you. This match is the end result. You will have only him to blame for what is to come."
</color>

43
Climax Control Archives / Golden oldies
« on: June 13, 2014, 05:28:41 PM »
 The sun was shining brightly down onto the suburb of Las Vegas, with little to no humidity to add any undue discomfort than what many on the streets as natives to the City of Sin, or tourists were already complaining about.

Go figure! A heat wave in a desert! The mind just boggles, doesn't it?

Of course, not everyone was complaining about the perpetual heat of the lingering summer months. Actually, at the very residence you would expect to be featured by now, a certain young man and his teddy bear used the heat as all the excuse needed to be jumping into the house's large pool, splashing and playing and just generally having a good time! Which was what the summer was all about, amIright?

Of course, it's not like Despayre (yes, I was referring to Despayre - hel-LO!?) needed a reason to jump into his home's pool at any time of year. If he had his way, he'd be allowed to jump into the water during the fall and winter months, whether it was raining or storming out -- and has, only to be dragged out again by his father, Gabriel, and at times, their housekeeper Theresa. So you'll understand why the summer months are the absolute best for Despayre, because it meant free reign in his pool -- well, at least until he started to burn, as he was prone to do with the fair Canadian skin he inherited from his mom. When that happened and his pale skin turned a healthy shade of pink, it didn't take long for his dad or one of the others to quickly get him out of the water where he would remain - at least until the pink subsided. Or they turned their backs -- whichever came first.

But just ask Despayre and he was having a grand ol' time! When he was first 'discovered' by his father, it took a little time to get him to set foot inside of a swimming pool to experience what many people take for granted. But once in the water, he quickly took to it and Synn figured had the boy had his way, he'd spend more time in the water than out of it. Swimming and all the enjoyment that came along with it just seemed to come natural to his son.

Synn himself lounged back on one of the many deck chairs, clad only in a  pair of tight, black swimming trunks so that he could work on tanning his tall, muscular form -- or at least use that as an excuse to keep a close eye on his boy. Not that Synn expected Despayre to have any troubles in the water, but better safe than sorry, you know? Of course, it also gave him ample excuse to simply sit there and enjoy watching his boy play. Knowing he had missed out on much during his earliest years, Synn wanted to make up for that time lost and continue to savor every waking moment that his son provided him. In fact, from behind his red tinted shades, Synn watched as Despayre dog paddled across the pool, pushing that familiar teddy bear on a floating chair. Angel, ever present wherever his son went, was 'lounging' back on the inflatable pool chair with just a pair of shades over his 'eyes'.

No swim trunks on the bear this time? Synn could only imagine what Despayre thought of his bestest friend 'skinny dipping' in broad daylight.

The patio door slid open and the aforementioned housekeeper, Theresa, stepped out onto the deck of the patio with a tray in her hands. The tray was covered in sandwiches and three tall glasses of raspberry tea. True, Despayre always preferred Cherry Coke with his meals but while he was busying himself with play in this heat, Theresa herself insisted he have something a little better for him so he didn't harm himself with dehydration.

"Joshua?" Synn called upon seeing Theresa. Despayre stopped pushing Angel and turned his head at the sound of his father's call. "Time for a break! Come get some lunch!"

"Oh boy!" Despayre yelped with glee as he pushed the floatie chair to the pool's edge and scrambled up onto the poolside, bringing Angel up along with him. The moment he left the water, what breeze there was on the horizon struck him and he felt the immediate chill that went along with it.

"Yikes!" He cried out and hurried over carefully to the table where Theresa sat up their lunch. Synn joined him and threw a towel to his son and it landed on his head. "Hey!" Despayre cried out with laughter to his tone, and that only grew as Theresa placed her hand on his covered head and gave it a playful rub down. "Ack!"

Despayre yanked the towel off of his head but kept it draped around his shoulders like a shawl, giving the housekeeper a laugh and a smile. She finished setting four places at the small table, yes four because you simply have to include Angel. (Teddy bears get a voracious appetite when they spend so much time swimming, you know! Despayre finished arranging his plush pal to maximum comfort when he hurried over and pulled out Theresa's chair and helped her have a seat. Such was the nature of her employment with the men of this house, she was fully expected to eat all her meals with them.

"Thank you, Joshua." She said gratefully and Despayre nodded with a smile while he hurried over to have a seat between his dad and Angel, allowing Theresa to pass out the sammiches (Despayre's favorite! Lettuce and peanut butter!) and the tea.

"Will you be getting into the pool with me an' Angel?" Despayre asked before taking a big bite of his sammich.

"Maybe later." Theresa said as she herself took a drink. "I have to finish getting your bags packed first."

"Bags? Why do we need our bags packed?" Despayre blinked and looked to his dad for confirmation. "We just got home yesterday."

"We've been home for over two weeks, Joshua." Synn corrected him, but was uncertain if Despayre was teasing or if his mind set convinced him they were home for less time than they truly were. "I want us on the road at the earliest come morning, before it gets any hotter."

"Why? Where are we going?" Despayre asked.

"Reno." Synn answered. "You and B have your first title defense this Sunday."

"Awww!" Despayre moaned dramatically and flopped his head into the palm of his hand in a classic pout. "Can't we just cut out the middle man and be declared the winners anyway so I can get home and swim more?"

Synn eyed his son and shook his head, "You've been hanging around Shane too much. Some of that ego of his is rubbing off on you."

"Do they make cream for that?" Despayre asked in wonder. "Sounds itchy!"

"You don't even know who it is that you and B are defending the championship against." Synn reasoned.

"Who is it?" Despayre asked as he picked up his glass of tea with both hands and drained it almost entirely in one attempt.

"Sean Jackson." Synn answered, an after a brief pause in thought. "And Wrath."

"Wrath?" Despayre frowned as Theresa poured more tea into his glass. "Rage is going to try and take my title away from me? How rude!"

"No, not Rage." Synn said. "Wrath."

Despayre picked up a fresh sammich and asked, "Isn't that the same thing?"

"For the most part." Synn agreed. "The man could have done well with a roster check to see if anyone else had a similar name, but that's neither here nor there. Those are who you'll be defending against. They're member's of Mark's stable."

Despayre cast a glance to Angel who was seated on a chair atop a small stack of books, and he asked of his small confidante, "Did you follow that?" After a brief pause, in which both Synn and Theresa would gladly admit to wishing to know what the teddy bear 'said' in reply, Despayre sighed and shook his head.

"I still think they should just declare us the winners." He stated. "It's not like we're going to lose, anyway."

"Oh I agree, Joshua." Synn said. "But that is the bane of being a champion. You have to defend the titles whenever they tell you too."

"Pth! Everybody has an angle." Synn shook his head and picked up a sammich and offered it to Angel.

Theresa said, "I'm sure you have nothing to fret about, chico. You'll still have your championship when you're old and gray."

Despayre nodded, then blinked and started to contemplate the future...</color>



Of course, what's a little interlude without that appropriate interlude music?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/P5szedSB4Mo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Classy, huh? Well, you'd think it was if you had any sense of taste, you Neanderthals! But take note! The mood! The atmosphere! The music is old fashioned, so all the more appropriate for a promo featuring a bunch of old people!

Wait, what? Old people? What's going on here, exactly? Oh not much? Despayre just let his mind wander again. Here's hoping Angel has his butterfly net so he can catch it in a timely manner!

Anyway, welcome to Body Slammers! The home for the recently bewildered of sports entertainment! Or if you prefer not to be PC, the home for elderly professional wrestlers! The name of this 'community' is very fitting, as it not only pays a timeless tribute to the men and women of the golden age of wrestling, but it also aptly describes the move some of the nurses have to use to get those rambunctious bed wetting oldsters back into bed -- for more bed wetting.

Now you might just think that we're right back in the household of Synn and Despayre, but no! You couldn't be more wrong! Oh sure it's the same exterior and the same interior, but now it's no longer a personal residence! It's been transformed into a home for those in the world of wrestling that have gotten somewhat on in years.

What? You didn't know there was such a place?

Case in point? One of the doors in this elderly abode opened with a soft click and out stepped Old Man Gabriel. What? Didn't recognize him? Well sure, he's about forty years more seasoned than he was back in his prime in SCW, but come now! He hasn't changed all THAT much, has he? Sure, there's a few more gray hairs and wrinkles, but he's still got that leather and gold chain look down pat! With a hot water bottle on his scalp, and a thick sweater around his shoulders, he shambled out into the hallway as old people do, and slowly removes the thermometer from his lips and squints at it.

Old Man Gabriel groaned, "98.6! God I'm dying!"

"Don't even joke like that in this place!" Old Man Rage grumbled as he came from around the corner, his back stooped with old age and yes, back to being bald again -- only this time it wasn't by choice. Yes, nature played a cruel, cruel joke on the ancient Sin of Wrath.

"Who's joking, ya bloody arse?"

"Who's got a bloody arse?" Old Man Rage tried to stand upright, but his height and weight were bent with age and it proved to be far easier  said than done. "Fuck's sake, it better not be me!" He stopped a passing nurse and asked, "It's not me, is it?"

The nurse shook her head in the negative and Old Man Rage nodded, brooded but nodded, and allowed the hospice worker to go about her business as he and Old Man Gabriel assisted one another past the reception desk and into the rec area where the old folks generally preferred to pass the time, looking out the Picture Window and eating pudding.

"Where's Despy?" Old Man Gabriel wondered aloud as he helped ease Old Man Rage into his favorite arm chair. "Wasn't Despy supposed to be around here somewhere?"

"I'm coming!"

The tell-tale voice called and the two buddies of years gone by turn their heads and watch as Old Man Despayre, his hair long past the shade of black and now streaked with white and gray, and wearing his old Mister Self Help glasses (needs a stronger prescription btw), shuffled into the rec room. He was pushing a wheel chair, and seated in it was Angel, with a shawl draped around his plush shoulders and a blanket draped over his lap.

Old Bear Angel? Hey why not?

Old Man Rage turned away in time for a coughing fit, the wet sound growing louder in the barely occupied rec room and Old Man Gabriel shook his head while Old Man Despayre cringed.

Old Man Despayre leaned in to examine Old Man Rage through those magnified bifocals and shook his head, "Goodness Rage! It sounds like you're making espresso, there!"

"Aw gimme a break!" Old Man Rage growled. "I'm a sick man!"

"Must be something going around." Old Man Gabriel mused as he slowly lowered himself into a chair, moaning and groaning as a sound much like a creaky old door in a haunted house might make. Old people joints, what're you gonna do? Gabriel pulled out a small hand mirror and tongue depressor for a deluded examination while Old Man Despayre wheeled Angel in front of the television and turned it on for his lifelong chum before joining the two men for a little old folk pow wow.

"Is Dad going to join us today?" Old Man Despayre said as he sat down and held up a horn to his ear so he could hear whatever answer was given to him.

"Not so long as that new nurse Jason is on shift." Rage coughed, wheezed and hacked.

"Is he still at it with that guy?" Old Man Gabriel asked. "Christ, I would have thought Synn'd be too old for that now."

"Meh." Old Man Rage shrugged. "So long as the beds move up and down and he doesn't have to do a thing, he's good to go."

"Ew." Old Man Gabriel shuddered, at the very thought of Synn still doing the nasty at his age.

"Well, so long as he's keeping busy." Old Man Despy picked up a pamphlet on the warning signs of aging and blinked at it through his magnified glasses, held it at arms length, then gave up with a sigh and dropped it. He aimed for the table but it flittered down to the floor. "I just hoped he'd be available to tell me what's going on with Bernie's and my next defense."

"Christ, you're still defending those damn tag titles?" Old Man Rage wheezed. "How long's it been now since you won the belts?"

"Oh I'd say a fair few years, give or take." Old Man Despayre contemplated.

"More like forty years." Gabriel countered, arching his back and easing a hot water bottle between the small of his back and the chair's cushion. "Longest reigning champions in wrestling history."

"And we'll keep on retaining, isn't that right Angel?" Old Man Despayre cast a brief glance back at his buddy, then waved his hand. "Bah. Try to lure him into conversation when Matlock reruns are on!"

"Who're you defending against, anyway?" Old Man Rage asked.

"That's what I wanted to ask dad." Old Man Despayre said. "But since he's busy with Nurse Jason, I asked your wife to find out for me."

"My wife?" Old Man Gabriel asked.

"Well I didn't mean 'his' wife." Old Man Despayre said, pointing at Old Man Rage with his cane. "Man can't keep hold of a wife with that temper of his! Married twelve times!"

"Can't let that keep a man down." Old Man Rage hacked into a tissue. "Aiming for number thirteen here soon enough!"

"Haven't you had enough yet?" Old Man Gabriel asked.

"Bitterness over divorce only eats away at your good looks." Old Man Rage said.

"Oh is THAT how it happened?" Old Man Despayre laughed and he and Gabriel shared a knuckle bump, then both winced and grabbed at their hands. Old Man Rage just snarled at the pair but that was interrupted by another old person coughing fit.

"I'm back!" The female voice called as the front door swung open and inch by inch, Old Lady Odette shuffled in with the aid of a walker. And when we say shuffled in, we mean ITERALLY inch by inch. What is it with old women and those orthopedic shoes that can't move barely a fraction?

Click. Shuffle. Click. Shuffle.

The three men watched the front entry of the rec room, and waited... and waited. Old Man Despayre turned to Old Man Gabriel and asked, "Do we have time to eat supper before she gets here with the news on Bernie and my opponents?"

Old Man Gabriel turned to look outside the door, then sighed and admitted, "We'll probably have time for breakfast before she makes it in here."

"Oh good. Give us time to get the cornflakes soaked for Rage's supper." Old Man Despayre said and the three elderly fellas struggled to help one another to their feet. Old Man Rage's eyes never leaving his friends.

"I heard that." he growled and Old Man Despayre looked absolutely amazed.

"Hey! That new hearing aid of his really works!" Old Man Despayre gushed and then leaned in, almost wobbling off balance, and whispered to Old Man Gabriel, "You know, when I turn my hearing aid up to ten, I can hear a canary break wind from down the road."

"You don't say!" Old Man Gabriel mused as the three men started to exit the rec room, Old Man Despayre shuffling over to the wheelchair to escort Old Bear Angel to the dining room.

The sun set, night came, and the sun rose, and just as predicted, Old Lady Odette was just turning the corner into the rec room as the three old men (and the old bear) settled back into their chairs. White hair tied up in a bun, lavender floral print dress and knee high support hose was the fashion of the day for this lady!

"I must say," Old Lady Odette said, "I have had the most frightful experience."

"Told you about looking in that mirror." Old Man Rage growled as he hunched a blanket around his shoulders.

Old Lady Odette scowled at the insulting monster of an old man and hissed, "At least my reflection appears in it!"

"And a mesmerizing reflection it is, my dear!" Old Man Gabriel leered at his wife, whipping her shawl off and she gasped and tried to 'cover up.'

"Did you find out anything about Bernie and my opponents?" Old Man Despayre asked as he set a cushion behind Old Bear Angel and settled back on his own seat.

"Opponents?" Old Lady Odette squinted her eyes through her glasses, smacking her dry lips. "Opponents..."

Old Man Gabriel said, "Yeah, you know... Despy here sent you to find out who his opponents were for his tag team defense with B?"

"Ohhhh I knew I forgot something!" Old Lady Odette half wavered from where she stood.

"Forgot!?" Old Man Rage barked, then coughed and hacked. "What were you doing all this damn time if you forget what you were supposed to be doing!?"

Old Lady Odette answered, "Well I had just got to the end of the walk when I forgot what it was I was supposed to be finding out, so I headed back here to find out!" She leaned aside from her husband on her walker and eyed Old Man Despayre. "Do you want me to try again?"

"Noooo!" Old Man Despayre shook his head. "We'll miss the match by the time you find out!"

Old Lady Odette nodded and started to sit beside her hubby, but then paused and smiled at Old Man Despayre and she playfully pinched his cheek with weathered hands.

She cooed, "Ohhh our Despy! When did you grow that little moustache?"

"Oh about ten years ago." Old Man Despayre answered. "When did you grow yours?"

Old Lady Odette's eyes opened wide and she grabbed her husband's cane and wielded it like a sword, but the effort wavered and she dropped it with a clatter to the floor.

"Oh why bother?" She muttered.</color>



"Why bother what?" Synn asked as he found his son staring off into space. he frowned and waved his hand in front of Despayre's eyes, prompting him to blink and focus his attention on his father.

"Hm? What?"

"You said 'why bother'." Synn said again. "Why bother what?"

"Oh..." Despayre paused, then shrugged his shoulders. "I guess why bother worrying about Bernie's and my challengers? It's not as if they're going to actually win or anything."

"Sean Jackson isn't going to be easy, Joshua." Synn reasoned, but knew in his heart that trying to force focus upon his son was next to impossible. The simplest strategy for Despayre was not solely to prepare him, but to unleash him instead. "He is a former champion. And Wrath..."

"Is a Rage wannabe." Despayre said, then looked at Angel and nodded. "Yeah!"

"What did your little friend say?" Theresa idly wondered with a light smile. "Did he impart any words of wisdom?"

"He said if Wrath was so great, he wouldn't be too ashamed to hide behind a mask." Despayre reached for another sammich. "But Angel did tell me to listen to dad, because we want to keep our titles and I want Bernie's first championship to be a LONG one!"

"And it will be, Joshua." Synn said.

"Promise?"

Have I ever lied to you?"

"Nope! Bernie and I are gonna win!" Despayre cheered. He then paused and leaned over and whispered to his dad, "Will you do me a favor though?"

"What's that?"

"If you meet a nurse named Jason when you're older, will you plase invest in one of those hospital beds?"

Synn could only frown in bewilderment.</color>

44
Archived Roleplays / THROWBACK THURSDAY - My First Despayre RP
« on: May 15, 2014, 09:50:23 PM »
 "No. No. No."

The softly murmured repetition of those same words spoken so often in the past hour had worn on ever since Synn and Despayre had first set foot inside of the terminal of the Vancouver International Airport. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, a tough estimate of just seven miles from the origin of this enigma himself that had trailed after the larger man. Synn watched him faithfully as his eyes gazed over everything that was available to look upon. He was young, yes, but even then had experienced very little in what we might refer to as 'life'. As he had spent so little time out of the asylum, this was quite obviously the first trek he had taken in an airport and he was already in an agitated frame of mind.

From the moment their cab pulled up outside of the terminal, Despayre had begun to make it clear to Synn that the idea of traveling by plane was not only foreign to him, but also unthinkable. A roadblock that 'the Dark Priest' would soon need to find a way to pass over or else these past few weeks of planning would all be for naught.

He watched Despayre, and to him seemed a child. The same fears, the same hopes. Despite his apathy towards flying, the planes themselves appeared to fascinate him all the same. He appeared somewhat confused through the security check, which if you'll pardon the saying, turned into a bit of chaos when they wanted to inspect Despayre's luggage. The chains and studs of his gothic decor continuously set off the alarm and by his reaction, he believed that he had done some wrong. Synn quickly assured him, however, that they just needed to have a look and then they would be done with the nonsense.

"No. No. No."

For the longest of time, Synn had waited for the proper opportunity to locate those worthy of becoming the living embodiments to the capital sins, known to religious zealots as the Seven Deadly Sins. He had always taken great pride in his work, and had more patience than most men. Gabriel had been discovered as a performer/con artist and was also a natural in the ring. The living embodiment of the sin of Greed. The man that Synn now watched over was a different story.



The footfalls against the tiled floor of the Broodmoore Mental Institution resounded with a perfect echo what with so very few people around at is particular level. With only a small team of nurses and doctors making their rounds, and the equal number of heavily muscled security guards to watch over them, it was for the most part, a deserted level.

Two floors below the ground level floor, Doctor Erik Lords walked alongside the statuesque figure of a man, who strode forward with a purpose. A full head plus shorter than the 'dark priest' Synn, the doctor could not help but steal a number of glances over his shoulder and up. He was a quiet, curious man. His very eyes had seemed to bore into the doctor's soul when they had their initial meeting about this patient.

The head of administration, a Doctor Oswald Silkworth, had contacted him the previous day, telling him to expect this visitation, as the patient would most likely be leaving the care of the facility. This startled Doctor Lords, as the patient in question was prone to violent outbursts at the least provocation, which had led him to remain in their care for as long as he could remember with only the smallest of 'breaks' in between stays. He was dangerous, and seemed to get more so the longer he remained. He argued this fact but Silkworth was adamant about his decision and there was little else he could do but allow the visit, and hopefully the guest would realize the folly.

Doctor Lords coughed lightly into his fist and turned to look at Synn, saying in a soft voice, but one that bore the signs of his aged wisdom, "You are aware of this patient's history?"

"Quite so, actually." Synn answered. He had been told in express detailing from the head of the hospital everything possible about the patient that could be spoken of. He knew his history, his tendencies, everything there was that could better prepare him for what would come. Some have even gone so far as to claim Synn himself was a tad 'touched' in the brain, something he does not deny. To him, this was something fragile and unique. A 'gift' he had sought for some time.

A man born unto 'sin'.

"I have to be certain, you understand." Doctor Lords stated. "When patients such as Joshua are to be released into the care of another..."

Synn held a hand up, warding off any further doctrines of this man. He had heard enough over the past number of days negotiating this deal. "You need not explain sir." He gave him a smile, and the tense lines in the doctor's face seemed to smooth themselves over. Synn was a man of such charm he could melt the polar ice caps with one of those pearly smiles. "Doctor Silkworth has taken very good care of me in regards to the warnings and lessons in care for...Joshua."

No, that name would not do. Not at all.

"Very good sir." Doctor Lords nodded but Synn was apt enough at reading people that the doctor was not comfortable with this arrangement. No small care really. So long as he did what he was told by his superiors there would be little need to delve further into the machinations that brought him here.

They came to a stop at the end of the dank corridor, and right before a single door. Synn ran his hand lovingly over the reinforced metal and it sent a brief shiver down his spine.

He asked, "Is this his room?"

Doctor Lords shook his head in the negative. "No." he answered. "A visitation room for the more...disturbed of patients. Like the others but he'll be restrained to the table that will separate you. A guard will be at the door should you need him."

Synn smiled, "Highly unnecessary but...very well." No sense in breaching too many protocols whilst he was there.

Satisfied (somewhat), Doctor Lords nodded and slid the key card down the reader and heard the soft 'beep' to alert him the door was now unlocked. He pressed down on the silver handle and pulled the door open and set foot inside first, and Synn came close behind.

The figure was seated across the large, red oak table. His patient uniform was a drab gray, but otherwise he seemed to be in good care. Appearances, however, could be grossly deceiving. He had his knees drawn up on the chair and against his chest, and he was slowly rocking his body back and forth.

"Joshua?" Doctor Lords spoke up, and immediately those gray eyes of the patient lit up. "You have a visitor."



"No. No."

Dressed comfortably in a loose t-shirt bearing the emblem of 'Calvin and Hobbes' and jeans that seemed a size too large for his frame, Despayre stood at the large frame at their respective terminal with his hands and face pressed against the glass. His eyes darted to and fro as he drank in the sight of the jet that would be taking us to Fort Wayne in the United States. He seemed almost as mesmerized by the men and women who were working right at the jet, making sure it would be prepared for take off.

Shaking his head slightly in the negative, Synn could tell that Despayre too felt the eyes that were upon him and his discomfort level increased slightly. He did not like crowds. He did not like strangers. They watched him and judged him, thinking him to be something strange to be gawked at. His flesh was pale, and his long, silken black hair reached down to his waist. Shaved back along the temple, that same hair was tied into a ponytail to better keep it from his eyes and allow him to see his surroundings.

His appearances sort of reminded one of Luna Vachon who only recently had passed away. Pardon the expression, but God rest her soul.

Despite his vaunted reputation, Synn could not help but feel a swell of pity towards this young man. Here was a life that started out quite like his own. Normal, if you can call being the son of religious nutcases normal in Synn's case. Then somehow, in an act of fate, it was all taken away. The only difference is Synn's was taken rather quickly by his own decisions. Despayre's was taken over by an act of fate, and it rotted what life he once had slowly.

It was as if the Fates themselves had directed him. A man emotionally destined to become the 'Horseman' of Sloth.

Taking a swallow of the Coke that was bought for him, and shoveling a handful of popcorn into his mouth,  Synn had come to understand that he had been left out of the simplest of pleasures. What man could say he had never tasted hot, buttered popcorn? Apparently, Despayre, as he was gorging himself on this while he watched the jet being made ready.

Despayre shook his head again, murmuring those repeated words, more so now to himself than for anyone else to hear. His eyelids were drooping as the sedative he was prescribed began to take an effect so as not to cause a scene when it came time to board. Another reason he had been booked in first class. Fewer people to antagonize him. There was also had the portable dvd player Synn had brought along to distract him, as he wanted him to watch a few videos that were obtained of the men he would be competing against with Gabriel at his side.

They were no small rookies, these two 'gentlemen', but Synn had no worries in mind. Both Gabriel and Despayre were trained well and reacted even better to matters of circumstance. And what training could not accomplish, setting loose a wild animal most certainly could. Synn had learned that quite by accident in Despayre's 'first' match on an independent show here in Canada. A test run if you will, but one that ended in chaos.

Hank Henry III was by far the largest man in the ring, so if he found himself against either Gabriel or Despayre, he would be isolated and worn down. Both had already been made aware of this previous back injury of his, and what was hurt once, could swiftly be brought about again.

The same could be said for Fang. No matter how well the surgery goes on a damaged knee, it will never heal properly at one hundred percent. He was more the same size as both Gabriel and Despayre so the wisest tactic would be to get him in the ring, and tear away at that knee until the man could no longer stand. A man that couldn't stand couldn't fight. He had a glorious past in the ring. He was even a Hall of Famer which spoke volumes, but past accomplishments be damned. This would be the night of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Finally, Synn approached the man at the glass from the side, careful not to approach him directly from the rear and possibly set him off. He stood alongside Despayre and looked out the window to watch as a jet sped its way down the lane and took off into the air. Despayre's eyes widened considerably as the jet rose higher and higher. He slowly turned his head and his eyes flashed in recognized fear.

"I am not getting on that." he said, his voice wavering slightly.

Synn said in a soothing manner. "You are aware that there are far more car accidents than plane?"

"Mm." Despayre considered this before he answered back with, "When was the last time a car plummeted thousands of miles from the air?"

Synn chuckled. He turned his head slowly to the side to peer at the man beside him and couldn't refrain from the laughter. For a man with such an arterial flow problem above the neck, he could be a sharp tack when he chose.

"Well," Synn began. "You don't hear him complaining, do you?"

With a slight gesture of his hand, Synn directed Despayre's attention to the mall chair beside him where rested a caramel colored teddy bear wearing a mini suit and tie, with shades over its eyes. Despayre glanced downward as if a small sense of shame washed over him and he shook his head in answer.

Synn tilted his head forward, looking at Despayre through the tips of his lush eyebrows. "So, make him proud of you."

A few moments passed as Despayre contemplated this. He finally exhaled deeply and shrugged his shoulders, plopping down onto the chair next to the bear. Synn smiled, and took the seat next to him.

One hurdle hopefully passed.

45
Climax Control Archives / Someone's got a zoo loose
« on: May 09, 2014, 08:05:16 PM »
 Vancouver, British Columbia

The modest, two-story house was just in the center of a prominent yet quaint neighborhood. It was not what one might call a 'rich' neighborhood, but the people who lived along it were certainly 'middle class' or perhaps a touch above. There was not a lot of homes on this street, as years ago when it was in development, it was made so, so that it provided those housed within the desired space and privacy as opposed to other neighborhoods where the houses were stationed so close together that you could practically see and hear what your neighbors were watching on the television. Most who lived here worked in white collar jobs, office and such. There was a doctor and his family on the corner, and in this particular home, crafted of brick and mortar and a spacious yard and garden that was meticulously cared for, was once owned by a prominent Canadian judge, but now fell to ownership of his wife and daughter at his passing years ago.

The street seemed almost deserted, save for the few random children who were walking on the pavement on each side of the street, presumably heading for school for this the last day of the school week, heading into that fun-filled weekend that every child in school looked forward to from Sunday night on.

Some cars pulled out of the drives of the random homes, adults either heading to work or preparing to drive their young ones on their way to school, but at this particular house the two cars remained in the drive and only a flickering of lights seen through the red, silken drapes allowed any passing by a hint that someone inside was in fact up. (That was a downside to living in a neighborhood such as this. Simple curiosity fooled people into thinking anything happening along the street, inside a house or out, was somehow their business.)

This home was seen only once before, as months ago it was paid a visit by none other than SCW notables, Gabriel and Odette Ryder Stevens. It is in fact, the home of Despayre's mother, Margaret, and Grandma Victoria. It was the home that Margaret herself had been raised in, and the same could be said of Joshua. Right up until the tragic auto wreck that resulted in his impending injuries and mental decline.

The interior of the house was tastefully decorated in Old English with a touch of Victorian. It was not over done and only the required amounts of furniture with the paintings and plants added over the past few years, ever since Victoria's husband passed away due to a massive stroke. It was just after seven, and a rare day off for Margaret its seemed, as she descended the staircase, making a careful effort not to wake her mother, a retired secretary of a law office, who was sleeping in.

Having finished brewing a pot of coffee, and ignoring the effort of making breakfast which she and her mother never indulged in (when they weren't at her son's home in Las Vegas), Margaret walked into the dining room where the laptop computer rested, in 'sleep mode'. It was a day off, true, but she figured she could still indulge in a little online browsing and read the news articles to kick start her day. She pulled out the chair and had a seat, and for the next twenty minutes, she perused her favorite news website for the latest articles. She had just finished reading a story about how the United States Supreme Court ruled that police did not need search warrants any longer to invade and search a home, and moved on to something a little more entertaining, when the Skype notification lit up on the screen, alerting her to a 'video call' being made on the other end. And seeing as how she only got this program to keep in contact with a certain young man that held her heart as a mother, she immediately knew who it had to be.

So imagine her surprise when she clicked the 'accept call' button and immediately found the fuzzy face of a certain familiar teddy bear that the average wrestling fan would be well acquainted with.

"Angel..." Margaret murmured, all too well aware of this particular plush buddy of her son and the young man's emotional attachment to it. Ever since their reunion and Synn and Gabriel helping to reinsert her into Despayre's life, she had heard many tales told of her son and Angel's antics and what the pair were capable of pulling off, much to the astonishment of those around them. Yet be that as it may, to find Angel's face on her computer screen rather than that of her son still caught her somewhat off guard.

"Angel." She repeated, playing along with what she could only 'assume' was a moment of play on the other end. At least she hoped so or else she would feel quite silly should anyone overhear her error in judgement; particularly Synn himself. She spoke aloud, "Is Joshua there?"

"Is that Mom?" Came a voice she immediately recognized from somewhere on the other end of this video call.

"Joshua?" She smiled. "I can hear you but not see you."

"Just a sec!" Came Despayre's voice. "Angel is hogging the camera and won't move!"

Something then pulled the teddy bear from its closeup shot via the webcam and there was a brief struggle (?) it would seem, resulting in a crash and the 'tinkle' noise of something fragile being broken. Only then did her son's face enter the screen and his smile was bright as he laid eyes on the single most important woman in the world.

"Hi Mom! I..." And suddenly he was 'shoved' out of the shot and landed with a 'thud'. Seconds later, Angel's face popped back up to where it had been before. Margaret had to cover her mouth with her cupped hand, smothering the smile that grew steadily on her face at her son's antics.

"That wasn't cool!" Despayre shouted and his face entered the screen again, at Angel's side, and they seemed to be in a heated one-sided debate. "I get to talk to her first! .... Because she's MY Mom, that's why! ... Okay she's yours by proxy too, I guess, but I happen to be her baby boy so I get first dibs! ... Yeah!"

Angel lowered from the screen and Despayre's eyes appeared to be following something on an unseen path and he jutted his chin out in a silent 'so there' and then he turned and smiled as he climbed up onto the bed in his hotel so his mom would see a better shot of him and his surroundings.

"He'll be alright!" Despayre declared. "He knew I was going to call you today but beat me to it! He'll be back for his turn later."

"Wonderful." Margaret mused. "Are you boys enjoying your tour so far?"

"No." Despayre grumped. "So far I haven't seen a single cannibal or witch doctor."

"Why would you even want to?" Margaret asked as she took a sip of her coffee. "Those are dangerous, right?"

Despayre huffed and answered with a pouted expression on his face, "Maybe so but it just doesn't seem like it'd be a tour of Africa if I didn't get to see some of those guys in funny hats in a big pot of water with cannibals dancing around the fire."

"Sweety," Margaret stated. "I think you've been watching one too many movies."

"Hey I had to prepare for the tour some way." Despayre reasoned, flopping over onto his chest with his body propped up on his elbows. Margaret could see his feet kicking idly in the air behind him as he went on, "I've never been to Africa before so I had to be ready!"

"I understand. I just want you to be safe." Margaret smiled. "Is that your father I see behind you?"

Despayre rolled over onto his side and looked behind him to see Synn walking across the hotel room, a sour expression plastered on his face. Despayre hurriedly looked back into the camera and smiled, "Yup!" And he then rolled back and waved his free arm that was not supporting him and called, "Daaaad! Mom says 'hi'!"

"Hi!" Synn grumbled as he walked past the background, a bottle of Coke in hand and toward a patio behind the shot.

"What's with your father?" Margaret asked. "He seems a bit grumpy."

Despayre sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed and nodded gravely. "He is." He declared. "He says he can't find a decent cup of coffee since we came to this tour."

Margaret snorted back a chuckle and shook her head. Synn seemed as bad with coffee as their mutual son was with Cherry Coke and his dependence on it.

"Oh!" Despayre smiled. "I also wanted to say Happy Mother's Day!"

"Oh sweet, thank you." Margaret cooed. "But you know that Mother's Day is Sunday?"

"I know!" Despayre flopped against the edge of the desk, all knees and elbows. "But I have a match on Sunday and I don't know if I'll be able to get to the computer to say it then. So I thought I'd say it now! I'll still try though!" He declared.

"Well I appreciate that, sweety." Margaret stated. "And you know I'll understand if you don't. but I do want you to get in touch after so you can tell me all about it."

"Won't you be watching?"

"I haven't missed a match of yours yet." Margaret answered. "But I'd still like for you too tell me all about it."

"Okay!" Despayre nodded eagerly. "And since it's still gonna be Sunday, I can wish you Happy Mother's Day then, too!"

"Deal." Margaret winked. "Now let me talk to your father."

"Are you sure?" Despayre asked, eyes wide. "He's been a real sour puss without his Starbucks!"

"I heard that!" Came the booming voice from the outside of the patio, and Margaret watched from her end as the man in question stepped back into the hotel room and approached. A large hand nudged Despayre's shoulder and he scooted out of the shot as Synn took his place.

Yet before Synn could say a word, Angel's face filled the screen and Despayre's voice called, "It's not your turn yet!" And the teddy bear was removed.

"You wanted to talk?" Synn asked.

"To your face, yes." Margaret answered in a bemused tone. "But I could do so while staring at your chest if you insist."

"I don't see why not." Synn stated, all the while correcting the position of the lap top so she could see his face instead. He continued, "After all, I stared at yours' often enough when we were younger." Margaret could only smile and shake her head at Synn's retort and he asked, "Did you get your gift from Joshua?"

"I did." She confirmed. "When he gets back on, I'll thank him. Oh and Mother told me when I spoke to you, thank you for the present you sent her."

Synn held up a hand, universally indicating that the gesture was no big deal, but Margaret was not fooled one iota. Synn was not prone to such sentimental gestures, and she knew deep down Victoria was the closest thing to a mother that Synn would ever have, what with the tragic falling out he had with his own mother when he was a mere teenager. He had never spoken to his parents since that night all those years ago and she could not imagine having the same situation with her own parents. Well, her father yes. Her mother, certainly not.

"I just wanted to check in that everything was going alright." Margaret whispered, hoping that Despayre wasn't near to overhear her choice of words. "I've been keeping tabs on the news over there and I..." She frowned and shook her head. "I just couldn't believe they actually scheduled a tour over there."

"The places that we've appeared has not been on the radar of what's been happening." Synn replied in an attempt to dissuade her. "With the possible exception of Egypt, but Christian, Erik and Mark took great care to ensure we'd be appearing in only the safer territories and the local governments have provided us with maximum security." He shrugged. "So we're fine."

"And Joshua?" She raised her eyebrows in concern. "How is he reacting about this next match of his? I got your email. They're actually making him wrestle his friend? That muscular young man?"

"Mm." Synn nodded. "But it's not just them. There are three other tag teams being split down the center and made to face each other in this one single match. I was concerned myself, because I remember how Joshua reacted the two times they tried to make him and Gabriel wrestle each other. The first time the lad almost had a panic attack and he purposely cost himself the match so he didn't have to. The second time he couldn't do so, because he had a partner that was relying on him. So Gabriel and I tried our best to reassure him that it'd be no different than when they spar against each other while training."

"So did that work this time?" Margaret asked.

"Oh I didn't have the chance to even start speaking to him about the topic when he told me he and 'Bernie' already had a plan." Synn replied. "The moment we saw the match announced, he and Bernard... and I suppose Angel, too, if you want to be technical, engaged in a little pow-wow session about how to handle things."

"Any ideas?"

Synn shook his head, "None of them are talking." He then paused and frowned. "Did I just infer Angel was not talking as well?"

"Afraid so." Margaret chuckled at the man's expense. Once she composed herself, she continued. "So Joshy told me that you all were going on a safari?"

"Indeed." Synn answered. "There wouldn't be much point being in Madagascar without going on one of their tourist safaris. And yes, before you ask, they are quite safe. It's not like other safaris in Africa where we'd have to remain in our cars. These, you can walk around in certain areas with a guide and go down a river on a boat."

"Oh that sounds like fun." Margaret closed her eyes, clearly envious. "Make sure you take a lot of pictures so Mother and I can live vicariously through you lot."

"I'll make certain one of Joshua's guests does so for us." Synn nodded. "I want to keep an eye on him and as for him taking the pictures..." He sighed. "We have far too many snapshots of his eyes than I care to think about."

"Well, so long as you're all safe and have fun." She smiled. "Now please put my boy back on?"

Synn nodded, and with a parting word of goodbye, Synn excused himself -- and Angel's head popped back up into the camera.

"Not yet!"</color>



"There are times when I truly can not fathom what is going through the minds of the three men responsible for booking the shows for Sin City Wrestling. When I had heard that there was to be an eight man tag team match scheduled for Madagascar, featuring the four teams vying for the tag team titles, I just naturally assumed that the two NXT teams would be paired together and Big B and Despayre would be teamed with the champions. Although that particular idea was less than endearing, given the current level of hostility between Despayre and Frost over the words exchanged about Angel. Still, my natural assumptions served as living proof about what happens when people assume things. I mean, why would the staff do the natural thing when they can dish out a serving of controversy and make each tag team e in position to oppose one of their own?"

"Big B, I have no doubt in my mind that whatever you and Joshua have planned, will be anything less than ... intriguing, I guess is the right word. Thus far you and Despayre have been quite successful as a combination and I'd just as soon prefer not seeing you and he reduced to the strains of facing each other simply because one of the bosses of SCW had a quirky whim when cooking up this event. I told you once before to not underestimate yourself. You have come further than you, and I dare believe that cousin of yours, dare believe."

"Ethan Brody, former SCW Tag Team Champion in his own right, and one-half of the Guns Fore Hire. I imagine that you and that partner of yours is feeling the same awkward position that everybody else in this little encounter is finding themselves in. To face your own partner, that appealing Landon Axel, has to have you at your wits end. Well, try not to let it bother you too much. You have much more to focus on in this match than simply the possibility of having to face your friend and partner, don't you? You also find yourself opposite another member of NXT, and being the newest members of that promising stale of men and women, that has to make you wonder if the slightest offense against one of their own might spell your own ejection from that squad. Hm? Suppose you end up injuring Connor? Or Landon himself? I suppose such issues are the furthest thing from your mind, because you believe them to be an impossibility. Fair enough. I imagine your greatest concern shouldn't be on them, or even Lucian Frost, who currently holds one half of the tag team belts. Your biggest concern should be the fact you find yourself against Despayre, a young man whose won-loss record is on par with being among the very best. You see, perhaps you've forgotten, but I have not. This would not be the first time you've encountered Despayre. You and Landon once opposed him and Gabriel when they reigned as the tag team champions. Perhaps you attempt to bury the memory of that loss -- yes, loss. For it wasn't the Guns Fore Hire that walked away from that match, victorious. It was Sinful Obsession. Granted, it was Landon, and not you, who had his shoulders pinned to the canvas. But it did allow you the rare chance to look in from the outside, and see what could have been. Remember that Ethan, because it could be you this time around."</color>



The sun beat down with a glaring intensity from the bright sky above, down onto the Madagascar terrain below, and the party of explorers who was taking this rare opportunity to indulge in the African wilderness, wildlife, and yes, the native peoples of this island.

Despayre hadn't even had to wheedle his father, Synn, to book this special tourist safari. The plan had already been set in motion long before they had even embarked onto the jet to arrive. Synn himself had expressed an interest in this experience, and had made certain that Gabriel and his wife Odette, Melody Grace and Ivy Bayley, and a most reluctant Rage himself would be taking part. Shane Boswell, excuse me, 'Sxxxy' Shane, and his favorite chew toy aka Fantasia, had made the trip and were also in attendance. Big B was there, of course! Despayre had invited Emma Rose to tag along, and that imaginary boyfriend of hers, as Despayre seemed to fully believe Ben Jordan didn't really exist!

All dressed casually for the hot and dry weather, but Despayre was forced to cover up a bit more than the others, due to his fair skin and propensity for burning easily. So while he was able to wear shorts and a light shirt like the rest, he also had to wear a hat and quite a bit of sun screen.

Unfortunately, despite the initial acceptance of the invite, Ben and Emma had other plans now to attend to. It was just as well. Ben had taken Despayre aside and asked for his aide in a little personal quest, and Despayre heartily accepted! Never let it be said that Despayre did not enjoy a challenge, and the opportunity to help someone out, even if he was a Fig Newton of some girl's imagination. The chance would come for him to fulfill his duty but for now, the tour group took pleasure in the sights on all sides of the river bank as their boat slowly made it's way upriver while they gazed at the animals both in the water as well as moving about in the grassland.

Crocodiles swam slowly along in the water, taking heed not to get too close to the boat or the people within it. This did Despayre small comfort as he scooted closer to his father's side who draped an arm around his shoulder. Despayre, in turn, kept Angel tightly held against his chest and would not allow the teddy bear to get close to the side to see the nasty water logged reptiles!

They witnessed the life of the local villagers on the river, as they went about in the river and on small inlets in the center of the water, taking great care to avoid the dangerous wildlife within the waters to fish and hunt for their own sustenance.

They arrived at a large portion of the river that the crocodiles did not inhabit. There was a family fishing together, the mother and father, and two small children, each holding a section of a fishing net in their hands. A woman planting rice on the river bank.  The group watched as the wildlife of the river went about it's own business, as a native bird, an Egret, moved its head and darted its beak into the water, intending to gain its meal. Another bird, a great blue heron, stepped up from out of the waters and onto a small island embankment of wet sand. Mere moments later, the bird lifted its wings and took flight across the waters and soared past a popular boat known in this region as the African Queen.

The wildlife spotters certainly did their work, then as well as after they left the boat part of the safari and stepped back onto dry land where the people of a local village came out with smiles, greeting the members of the party. These truly were a friendly people, thrilled and honored that the members of this tour group came so far to 'visit' and see their local spot. A few of the children, with their parents right there, even braved to approach and run their fingers along the soft, plush 'fur' of Angel's body.

Then, with a guide and two security personnel, the Sins and their friends ventured onto a land part of the safari, to experience the fauna and wildlife. One of the first things they were gifted to spot was in a tree, a gray mouse lemur. A nocturnal animal that was blind in the daylight.

"Boy I bet Emma and Ben wish they were here now, huh? Yes I think so too!" Despayre conferred with Angel. "Yeah, Ben was right. Its eyes really are like Mickey Carroll's!"

They walked through the Spires of Tsingy, experiencing the wonder of what was called 'musical' limestone. Some of them even braved crossing a chasm on a suspension bridge. Despayre did not, however. Angel was afraid to do so, and if Angel couldn't, then Despayre was not going to indulge in something his buddy couldn't. It just wouldn't be fair, you know?

This truly was an all day marvel to experience, as the final part of the tour was taken down a dirt road in two jeeps to accommodate the large party (not to mention the larger than life party members). They pulled to a stop only when a herd of native cattle was blocking the road and took the opportunity to get out of the jeeps and stretch their legs. While the tour guides busied themselves getting the herd from their path, the rest of the party conversed amongst themselves.

Despayre, however, had his eyes on something off the path that had immediately attracted his attention. he pointed it out to Angel, then glanced back at the others to see if the coast was clear...</color>



"Jon Dough is perhaps one of the fastest rising stars on the opposite side, not including Big B, of course. A two-time Tag Team Champion, and some might argue the title would still be yours had your partner at the time, Frost, not turned his back on you. It's a theory to be contemplated, but the fact remains the same. You've held gold twice now, but know this; there will not be a threepeat reign of the tag titles, not yet, and certainly not at the upcoming Supercard. That distinction will be reserved for the tandem of the Bosom Buddies, and I'd highly recommend you accept that statement as fact. This will be the first time that you have had the chance to set foot inside of the ring with Despayre, Jon. It's not an opportunity that most relish as they have often found themselves underestimating Despayre, thinking him easy prey -- only to find that quite the opposite is true. Use this as a learning experience Jon, as for what is to come in Cape Town when the titles are up for grabs. That is all I will say on the matter, as I have nothing truly against you."

"But shall we say that we have saved the proverbial best for last? The man who holds his share of the Tag team gold around his waist, one Joshua Acquin. A man who thinks himself above all others, and who has a conspiracy theory that the fact he is made to set foot in the ring, whether it be defending his gold or not, is some plan on the part of the staff of SCW to strip them of their cherished titles and break them as a combination. Now, I have to admit that this tandem of Acquin and Frost is perhaps one of the most impressive in recent history -- but they are not Despayre and Big B. I don't believe you nor that partner of yours, ironically Despayre's partner this coming weekend, has had the chance to compete against Despayre either, have you? Well, I look forward to witnessing the expression on your face, and that of your championship partner, when you bear witness to the repercussions of your past actions directed at Despayre and Big B, and yes, that of Angel. It will be but a taste of your being forced to swallow your own words, because no matter how much I will be satisfied at your humiliation on Sunday, it'll be but the appetizer to the main course of you two losing your precious belts and standing, to the Bosom Buddies. In due time, Acquin, in due time."</color>



The sun was setting across the ocean beach front of the Tsara Komba Lodge, and inside of the hall, Emma Rose and Ben Jordan were returning from their romantic, beach dinner shared between just the two of them under the descending sun. True, a part of them wished they had taken Despayre up on his offer to join them on their safari tour, but they had spent the day with each other, and for them, that was a day well spent.

"I almost feel a little bad." Ben stated as the two arrived at the door to their room.

"What for?" Emma asked, her hands encircled around the crook of Ben's arm.

"I suppose Despayre had high hopes in helping us out today." Ben smiled as he unlocked the door to the hotel. They stepped inside and Ben reached over to flick on the lights. "The poor kid is probably trying to figure out a way to tell us he couldn't..."

Anything else Ben thought to say escaped him and Emma herself gasped at what was laying on their bed with a big blue bow wrapped lovingly around its neck, and a note attached that read "SURPISE! - Despayre and Angel".</color>

>

46
Climax Control Archives / Playing with the Pharaohs
« on: April 18, 2014, 05:36:06 PM »
 Talisman Hotel de Charme

This stylish 'boutique' hotel, located in the heart of Cairo, was where one might find the controversial stable fashioned after the Seven Deadly Sins, known in some religious circles as the Seven Plagues of Mankind. The Seven Deadly Sins, or just the 'Sins' for short, had opted for this unique and central hotel to be their respective home away from home, as it were, allowing the group leader as it were, Synn, to handle their reservations and where they might be staying during their time in Egypt. Synn had confided in Gabriel that he had chosen the Talisman, located on the fourth floor of a more traditional building, because of it's location as opposed to it's luxury -- although it was quite comfortable and stylish in it's traditional sense of Egyptian charm.

It was located on a small street, so it allotted the members of the stable more privacy to themselves, and quiet for Despayre who was prone to fits at any given interval without warning. It would be best to keep such a risk at a minimal distance away from prying eyes should it occur. So, with large, comfortable rooms and acceptable emnaties, there really was little to not like about this 'oasis' as it were in such a bustling place like Cairo.

It was still early in the morning, but the heat was already rising as it was wont to do in a desert nation. Many of the members of the Sins would perhaps have preferred to remain inside of their rooms with either the fans or air conditioning running to stave off the heat, but with little sleep to comfort them and rejuvenate their bodies, the members instead chose to simply get up from their comfortable beds and descend to the lower levels of the hotel to enjoy the complimentary breakfast repast of warm breads or bagels and varied fruits, including kiwi, melons and berries.

All save for one, the only member who had managed to get a good night's sleep. It would seem like many of the others on the SCW roster, the Sins also were not immune to trouble adjusting to the time difference here in Africa.

As Gabriel, his new bride Odette, and Rage chowed down, with Rage grumbling heartily over the lack of bacon, they glanced up at the sound of the small elevator descending to their floor, just outside of the lobby where they were eating. It was an old fashioned type elevator, complete with 'car' and enclosed with a caged structure.

As expected, it was one of the other members of their little ragtag group, Despayre, standing inside as the elevator came to a complete stop. The little guy hurriedly pulled the cage door open and rushed out before he spun around and slammed the cage door closed again. He watched the elevator 'cage' with a critical eye before he backed away from it slowly and maneuvered his way closer toward the lobby table where his friends were seated at.

"Problems, Despy?" Odette mused with a smile, lifting a piece of kiwi toward her full, colored lips.

"I don't trust that thing!" Despayre said, eyeing the elevator warily as he placed Angel down on a chair to call 'his' own before plopping down in a fifth vacant seat. He gave it one final look before turning to Odette and shared with her a conspiratorial whisper, "It's not right." He added with a tapping of his forefinger to his temple.

"I see." Odette said and she sat back, not quite understanding Despayre's mind frame or way of thinking, but then again, who did?

"Is Bernie here yet?" Despayre asked of his Bosom Buddies partner. "He hasn't arrived yet?"

"`Fraid not Despy." Gabriel answered. "Last Synn heard, B was still on his way with Nick."

"Nick's coming with him?" Rage frowned. "What the fu... why?"

"Did you expect him to make the trip alone?" Gabriel asked. "The guy's probably end up in Bouvetøya."

"You look rested." Rage finally observed with a frown, directed at Despayre. "You get much sleep?"

"Uh huh!" Despayre nodded eagerly. "Slept the whole night, thanks!" And just as quickly, Despayre leapt to his feet and hurried over toward the table that was being replenished by staff with fresh cuts of fruits and bagels.

Rage looked to Gabriel and asked, "How the hell is he managing to be the only one out of us getting any sleep?"

"His meds." Gabriel answered without having to pause to give the answer any thought. "Some of them help make his drowsy as a side effect and Synn told me one of the others is specifically to help him sleep through the night, no matter what time zone we're in."

Rage scoffed, "Lucky! Maybe I should see if I can bum one off of..."

But before he could finish his thought, the group heard Despayre bellow out from the 'breakfast buffet', "HEY WHERE'S THE BACON!?"

Rage nudged Gabriel and pointed back in the kid's direction with a look that just screamed, "See?"

"Where's Dad?" Despayre asked as he soon returned with two plates, each piled high with pieces of cut fruit and bagel bites. One he placed in the chair in front of the teddy bear's plush lap, the other he kept for himself and sat down. "He left me a note that he had to go to Giza first thing and let me sleep in. How come he went before we do'd?" His face grew serious, "He's not going on a tour without us, is he?"

"No, Despy." Gabriel assured his 'little brother'. "Synn said he had a bit of a surprise for everybody and wanted to head out to see if he could arrange it."

"Okay!" Despayre chirped, his mood immediately elevated at the mention of a possible 'surprise' for not only him, but all his friends as well. Surprises are best when they're shared, after all. (Surprises, not presents! Then it's every bear for himself!) Despayre started to say something else when he glanced up and his face lit up as Synn entered the hotel lobby, looking tired but none the less, ready to give this day his undivided attention.

"He's back!" Despayre shouted as he started to jump up, but then caught hold of his plate before he tosses the contents everywhere. Under most circumstances he might have just done exactly that, but Synn had taken him aside and stressed that he was to be on his best behavior no matter what while on this tour. Egypt, after all, was a far more strict nation than was most of the other places that the stable of Sins had toured in previous times.

Despayre placed the plate on his chair carefully and raced over to Synn, grabbing his father in a loving embrace before he started patting him down.

"What's this about?" Synn asked as Despayre finished and stood upright, his eyes bright.

"The surprise!" Despayre answered. "Did you get it? Whatever it is?"

Synn turned his head and leaned back at the waistline to look at the three remaining people sitting there and shook his head, "Someone has a big mouth!"

"It was Angel." Rage mused in answer to this charge and Despayre looked indignant.

"It was not!" He bit back in retort. "Gabriel told me!"

"Thanks Despy!"

Despayre saluted his 'big brother' and turned back to Synn who sighed.

Synn said, "As for the surprise, it has to do with our tour today. A bit of good news as well as bad."

"Bad news first." Odette said as she leaned back on the arm rest of her chair, snuggling closer to her husband. Despayre nodded in agreement.

"The bad news is that they only sell three hundred tickets a day on the tours inside of the Great Pyramid." Synn said as he reached inside of his pants pocket and withdrew his wallet. "The good news is..." He opened his wallet and smiled as he held up five tickets.

Despayre let out an excited 'whoop' of delight, grasping the tickets from out of his dad's hands and counted them. He frowned, then recounted them and looked up at Synn.

He said, "There are only five tickets."

"Yes?"

"There are six of us." Despayre stressed, pointing out to each in turn -- including Angel. "Angel gets to go inside too, right?"

Synn sighed, rubbing his chin, "Yes, indeed he does ... but he does not need a ticket to do so?"

"Really?" Despayre then nodded. "Oh of course!" He looked over to Rage, Odette and Gabriel and said, "Teddy bears were worshipped in ancient Egypt, after all."

"Really?" Odette played along. "I never knew!"

Despayre nodded.

Rage piped up, "I thought that was cats."

"Poopular misconception!" Despayre waved that particular claim away as insignificant. "Let's go!"

He started for the doors to the hotel before Synn grasped him by the arm and reeled him back before he could manage a get away. "Hold on there sport!" Synn called. "We have time to get ready and get our stuff packed! This is going to be an all-day thing so I'd prefer we be ready. And you" He looked directly at his son. "Have to load up on sunscreen."

"Awww!"

"No arguing." Synn put his foot down. "The sun here is harsh and you burn easily with that skin you got from your mother."

"Okay." Despayre nodded sullenly, not about to put a trip to the Pyramids, and perhaps even the Sphinx, at risk. "But Gabriel does too if he's going to wear shorts! You've seen his legs!"

Gabriel immediately frowned and turned to Odette and asked, "What the hell is wrong with my legs!?"



<img align=right src= "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIBCjaFNcRk/URfyA3afxeI/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/4-Mm0IqFjsM/s1600/pyramid+of+cheops_4_giza_wallpaper_hd.jpg" height=416 width=312>
Located not too far from the city of Cairo was the Giza Necropolis, an archaeological site on the Giza Plateau. It is complex of ancient monuments includes the three pyramid complexes known as the Great Pyramids, the massive sculpture known as the Great Sphinx, and several cemeteries.

This last remaining remnant of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World was a world-wide phenomenon and attracted thousands each year to Egypt to bask in the wondrous nature of a world that was far advanced beyond its time, a place and time that once was, and would never be again. This one time, it was not the normal yielding of Synn and the others into doing something that Despayre specifically wished to do. No, this time each member in turn had an interest in touring Giza and witnessing these wonders for themselves. Well, perhaps not everyone. Rage had shown a great deal of reluctance at attending with the others, citing Despayre's penchant for causing some kind of unintended mischief when out in public.

Despite Synn's assurance that nothing would happen this once due to his extended chat with his son, Rage was no less wary but finally was prodded into going along. Deep down, he knew that if he had still refused and went back home in the States after the tour, he would perhaps regret it. So here the 'Sin of Wrath' stood stoically, arms folded over his barrel chest and eyes hidden, like the others, behind dark shades as the scene opened up before them.

Across the ways was a small bazaar of camels where men in colorful robes and sun dried skin were busying themselves renting camels to tourists to eke a bit of extra income from the visitors. Yes, in case you were wondering, this is indeed where things got a bit more to normalcy as Synn quickly succumbed to Despayre's hysterics that he and Angel wanted to ride a camel 'soooooooooo' much! Gabriel had always teased his friend and mentor without mercy that 'whatever Despy wanted, Despy got' and this was yet further evidence that proved that belief true. (There was really no denying it, even if one wanted to. Synn admitted it, and even Gabriel found himself spoiling his little brother left and right!)

Despayre watched as Synn spoke with the man in charge on renting this particular 'ship of the desert', and the little guy was absolutely beyond excited as his face was shining and his hands gleefully fidgeted as the man and his father finally returned toward him, the man leading his camel by a harness. They watched with smiles (Rage's very well hidden!) as the camel was stationed in front of Despayre and Synn and the man proceeded to assist him in helping him up onto the camel's backside, with specific instructions told in broken English from the man to Synn, and relayed from father to son.

It was difficult if not damn near impossible to deny Despayre's gleeful face as Synn held Angel up to his 'grabby hands' and Despayre secured his 'bestie' to his front atop the woven fabrics draped across the camel's backside that he sat upon. This way Despayre could use both arms to safely hold on as Synn gave the man his thanks and led the animal and its rider(s) back over to the group.

Gabriel stood upright and shook his head but he knew Despayre was having the absolute best time of his life and forging a memory that perhaps would never be forgotten. Gabriel, like the others, stepped carefully forward toward the camel and their hands found it's fine, yet coarse fur, and they rubbed it gently to 'make nice' for the benefit of the rider; in this case, Despy. As much a lover of animals as Despayre, Odette was much more enthusiastic about getting close to this adored animal of the desert and Gabriel had a funny feeling that he'd be renting one before the day was through for a certain Missus.

Gabriel then asked of Synn, "So, how much did that cost you?"

"Nothing." Came Synn's answer.

"Nothing?" Gabriel frowned. "How the hell'd you work that out?"

Synn cleared his throat, and after a moment's pause, said, "The man recognized Angel."

Gabriel, Odette and Rage blinked, then looked at the man who had his brown eyes glued to the teddy bear in an adoring fashion, then the three looked up at Despayre who was leaning forward at the waist, hugging the hump and nuzzling the camel's fine fur. His gray eyes peeked over the hump and twinkled with good natured mischief.

Gabriel looked to his wife and sighed, "He's not going to ever let us forget that, is he?"

Odette merely shook her head in the negative and silently mouthed "No.".



It was later in the day, and finally time for the tour they had each in turn been waiting for -- again, except for Rage. Despayre had whined quite considerably about having to leave 'his' camel but he was promised one more ride after this special tour had concluded. Despayre, like many who came before him, had wanted to climb up the pyramid on the outside, just for fun, but he had been stopped by his father before he made the attempt, and informed that doing so was quite illegal now -- for him as well as Angel. Despayre just frowned but accepted this, quite unused to being told the word 'no'.

The tour itself had started when the line of people, Despayre right at the forefront with Angel in is arms and his father directly behind him with his hands securely on his son's shoulders so as the better to keep track of him.

They moved beyond a wooden frame and up a set of steep, stone stairs that were almost vertical as they rose to the vast interior of the Great Pyramid. Despayre wisely used his hands and feet to better climb, with Angel secured piggy back, as those behind him steeped with bended knee carefully up the rise.

"My knees are never going to be the same." Synn said, then added, "One word out of you Gabriel about Shipman and I'll seal you inside of a sarcophagus myself!"

Once they finished their initial ascent, they arrived inside of what was known as the Grand Gallery that seemed to span on endlessly both in length as well as height, the walls in an almost triangular and saw-like pattern. The miracle workings of the ancients was perhaps no more evident than in this very chamber as the tour guide informed the group, quietly, that this chamber was built to reflect sound, and as a demonstration, he breathed closely toward the wall and the soft hum vibrated throughout and grew louder as it went on.

Despayre watched him closely, then looked at the wall, but whatever he had in mind was halted by his father with a silent hake of the head, and thus the tour went on.

Next came a chamber where lied a stone sarcophagus, empty, and a select few members of the tour group were allowed to climb inside and compare the fit of whom would have spent the afterlife in this stone crypt as compared to their own body. Only two of the invited were willing, and Despayre himself whimpered and moved behind his dad, refusing to watch. His own ordeal almost two years ago when he had been locked inside of a coffin during a haunted House encounter still haunted him to this day.

From there on, things almost took a turn for the worse as they entered the small, narrow passage that would take them to the Queen's Chamber. This stone tunnel, solid limestone, smoothed over and barely three feet high, had to be maneuvered through on the hands and knees, or when bent at the waist. Seeing this and halfway through, Despayre suddenly froze and started to gulp in the oxygen.

"Joshua?" Synn spoke up in concern, and the effects of the narrow tunnel had started to work on his son's fragile mental psyche.

"Is he okay?" Odette asked from further back, and Synn moved closer but the narrowness of the corridor made it difficult for him to do so. A light sheen of perspiration glistened on Despayre's fair skin and he closed his eyes tightly and shook his head.

"I don't like this." He whimpered. "I want out. I want to leave!"

"We are almost finished, Joshua." Synn whispered, his large hand massaging Despayre's shoulder in an effort to calm him.

"is something wrong?" The tour guide backed up to ask and Synn addressed him.

"He's having some trouble with the tunnel's narrow walls." Synn explained. "He wants to leave and it might be best if I get him out of here."

"Not to worry." The guide assured him. "The Queen's Tunnel chamber ends and connects with the main entrance. If he can last a few feet more, the tour will be almost at an end."

"Joshua? You hear that?" Gabriel whispered. "Can you do it?"

Despayre drew in a deep breath and shuddered, but without verbally answering, he clenched his eyes shut as tightly as he could and hurriedly crawled forward, wanting nothing more than to be out of that narrow tunnel.

And indeed it was as the guide promised, and after almost four hours inside the last of the Seven Wonders, the tour group arrived in the same passage where they had climbed up at the very beginning, and they started their way down, Despayre moving as quickly as he could in order to get outside.

Once outside and in the fresh air, they moved around to breathe in the air and note that the day had moved on and the sun was just beginning to set across the horizon.

"Despy?" Gabriel approached him as the little guy's eyes fell upon a mummy on display with armed guards nearby. "You going to be okay?"

Despayre, his eyes never leaving the mummy, fixated with a fascination, nibbled on his fingertip and nodded. He then took a few steps closer toward the mummy, but wisely kept a respectful distance away from it. The group watched him as he reached into his (Angel's) fanny pack and pulled out a small, paperback copy of the fabled Book of the Dead, a little souvenir Gabriel had bought him at the start of their stay in Cairo.

"Christ..." Rage muttered. "Is he really going to try to...?"

"Don't spoil his fun." Odette spoke up, reprimanding the big man. "Besides, Gabriel was the one who encouRaged him to give it a try."

Rage turned and looked at his comrade, the 'Sin of Greed', and shook his head. Gabriel just smiled and shrugged with an indifferent innocence.

"What?" He asked. "What harm ever came from reading a book?" And he turned back to watch as Despayre looked between Angel and the pages of the book, mouthing words silently and correcting himself.

"You never saw that Brendan Frasier movie, have you?" Was Rage's only reply.

"Did he write notes in the margins of the book?" Odette asked, standing on her tip toes to try and get a better look.

"Looks like." Gabriel said. "Wonder why."

"I'm assuming Angel made some corrections to the Egyptians' work." Synn stated with a coy smirk.

They then turned their attentions back as Despayre let out an audible huff and snapped the book closed and flopped back over to their side.

"What's the matter Despy?" Odette cooed. "It didn't work?"

"No!" Despayre moped. "I think Angel got his wires crossed or something!"

"Well, you tried." Gabriel moved up and draped an arm around Despayre's slim shoulders. "That's what counts."

"I guess." Despayre sighed, then he glanced up and his face lit up with a fresh smile as he saw 'his' camel waiting with the man who had rented it holding onto the harness.

"Go on." Synn said. "One more ride before we go."

Despayre let out a 'woop' of excitement and raced over toward the camel, and the others picked up the pace to catch up.

Back behind them, the guards beside the mummy, kept a close eye on their surroundings, watching both tourist and archeological worker alike. neither saw the ancient, withered hand slowly rise to touch their shoulder...



"I have to admit that I had reservations before this tour of Africa first started, but the more things happen, the more I believe we made the right decision in taking part. Last week was evident enough, when Joshua Acquin and Lucian Frost decided to open their mouths and make the mistake of being themselves. Acting as they did, they made a big enough mistake in insulting Big B and Despayre, but insulting Angel?"

"Tsk tsk, gentlemen, I would have thought even men with as limited an IQ as you have would have known better."

"But that is neither here nor there. Despayre and Big B are not scheduled to oppose the Tag team Champions, at least, not yet. That will come in time. No, for now the two young men known collectively as Bosom Buddies are set to take on the former champion, Jon Dough, and his brand new partner, Connor Murphy."

"I have to wonder, what is it about Jon Dough that seems to cause people to leave his side with such regularity. For Frost to leave his side and align himself instead with Joshua Acquin, rather than continue on with his current reign with Jon seems off, to say the very least. It makes one think of the old adage, 'Where there's smoke, there's fire.' So there must indeed be a reasoning behind someone turning their back on Jon. Still, I have to admit that he perhaps has found for himself the ideal partner in Connor, and wisely aligned himself with NXT, a team preordained to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, only in this instance, the phoenix is threatened to burn once again."

"Joining NXT was wise. I once saw that team as the only that could even come close to holding a candle to the Seven Sins, but it remains to be seen if a past such as that can be corrected and returned. This is not the NXT of old that boasted such fine established talents as Jordan Williams and Ben Jordan, but it has become something of a newer establishment, with newer talent hat has yet to be entirely revealed."

"So be it."

"If the Powers That Be wish to test the mettle of Despayre and Big B, one of the fastest rising tandems in the current tag team division, against NXT to see where they stand, then that is fine. If the Higher Ups wish to build the core of the tag team division up and base it around such tams as the Bosom Buddies, Guns Fore Hire, and whatever Jon and Connor will refer to themselves as, then we welcome it. The tag tam division can only benefit from the strain of such combinations opposing one another, each eager for the victory to prove themselves the better and move on to eventually claim the gold that is around the waists of two fools with an inflated sense of self importance."

"Jon Dough, you have been through a great deal in the past number of weeks, and I almost feel sorry for what is about to occur on Sunday in Cairo. Almost. I have no qualms at all in encouraging Despayre and Big B to fight hard and use you and your new partner as a stepping stone to bigger and better things, so that they might rise to the pinnacle where they belong."

"And you, Connor. Your aspirations toward the Roulette title not withstanding, this weekend you find yourself in unfamiliar territory as you step a situation where not only do you have to depend on a second man, but they find themselves having to depend on you as well. It;s not as settling a thought as you might perceive, Connor. Where the Bosom Buddies will have the edge in experience and friendship, the same can not be said for yourself and Jon. This weekend, you will take two steps forward, yet one step back in your lofty goals, and Despayre and Big B will edge that much closer toward their inevitable destiny."

"You two will simply find yourselves in the back seat, with an uncertain future being all that is laid out before you. Don't mistake the pleasant personalities of either Despayre or Big B once that opening bell rings. Not unless, of course, you want your aspirations to lie buried in the sands of Cairo, along with everything else that has been forgotten over the centuries."</color>[CODE]

47
Climax Control Archives / The Song of Angel
« on: February 28, 2014, 08:50:39 AM »
 The day was not unlike any other within the household shared by Despayre and his father Synn. The day had been spent in relative calm as Synn busied himself with work while taking the random moments of distraction from his son who had the endearing habit of simply bursting into his father's business office. Despayre had taken to playing outside on their huge patio, taking great care as warned by Synn himself, Theresa as well as Angel to not go near the now-empty pool. It did not sit well with Despayre that he was unable to go swimming until the weather warmed up but he had no desire to get sick. He had even less desire to see Angel go down that road, as his bestie was prone to jump in the sparkling water right along with him. What was it about swimming that teddy bears found so darned irresistible? Well anyway, the bottom line was that for such a skilled healer, Angel himself made a simply dreadful patient, and it just broke Despayre's heart to see his buddy laying there, moaning about hi runny nose or upset tummy. So whatever rules that Despayre had to follow in regard to the pool, he made sure that Angel had to follow them just as closely -- if not closer. (Teddy bears didn't take to instructions very well you know.)

The week had been a great one. Gabriel was back! Sort of. He wasn't ready to wrestle yet but when he was, Despayre couldn't wait until his 'big brother' set foot inside of the ring. Hey! Maybe he could even have a chance to finally regain his Heavyweight Championship! Angel had pointed out to him that Gabriel had never been granted the obligatory return match that all other champions received. That wasn't very fair though, now was it? Boy! Can you imagine? If Gabriel were to win the big one, and Bernie and himself were led to the tag titles? They'd be 'golden' all over again!

Oo! Oo! Hey! Maybe they could even team together in one of those six man tag team matches! (Although nobody had ever been able to explain to Despayre with any form of satisfaction why they were called six-man tag teams when they only had three men on each side.

Despite himself, Despayre was actually looking forward to his first 'official' match with 'Bernie' as his tag team partner. At least he was until who he was told the opponents were going to be. It was bad enough having to face him again, but having to go up against that spooky guy who hides in closets and under beds? No thank you! Despayre was adamant he did not want to set foot inside of the ring with the Bogeyman himself, and so far no words of reassurance from Synn nor the rest of the team could dissuade his fears. Of course, that's when his plush little buddy opted to take matters into his own hands, er, paws and intervene on Despayre's behalf with a little suggestion...



Inside of the household's kitchen, Theresa was taking a brief break from her duties as 'woman of the house', which basically consisted of taking care of the men who have risen to become like family to an otherwise simple live-in housekeeper. She sat at the island counter in the center of the kitchen, holding a cup of tea as Synn sat opposite her, with coffee in his own. He would have preferred Scotch but tonight could prove unpredictable - what night couldn't with a son like Despayre? He didn't see himself getting much sleep any way. Insomnia aside, Synn knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would be up all night, concerned with the mental well being of his only child, and checking on him, hopefully without the boy's knowledge.

"How is he doing?" Theresa asked simply as she took a nibble of a wheat cracker from the plate in front of her and washed it down with what would prove to be her first of many cups of tea before bed. "Is he still frightened over his match?"

"More so than he cares to admit." Synn sighed as he set his own mug down and rested his forearms on the edge of the marble counter. "Goth has always been something of a specter to him, ever since their altercations in the AWA, but I had hoped the days I saw them competing against each other were done. This little twist was not a welcome one."

Theresa shook her head and finished the contents of her cup before she said, "I watch when I can. That way I'll know well enough what your boy is chattering about when he comes to tell me how he did when you get home. The other one? Chico, he'd creep me out."

"Don't tell Joshua that." Synn smirked. "He believes you fear nothing."

The housekeeper rose from her stool in front of the counter and moves to the stove to replenish her tea. As she poured the steaming water into the mug, Theresa said absently, "Will this little idea of his help?"

Synn smiled as he reached over toward her plate and picked up a cracker for himself. After pausing to take a bite, he contemplated before he answered, "It might. If anything can, it could very well be this. We've laid the ground work for him. Bernard and he have done well for themselves so far but this is their first 'official' match together. Nick and Tony took them to the limit. Starr and Hardy? Well, the Surf Boys could best that pairing. But this one?"

Synn shook his head.

"I'm not sure what the bookers were thinking making them go against such a combination so early in their careers together. Goth and Grimm are one of the more formidable combinations SCW has going for it currently. Rage, Shane, Gabriel and I? We've all tried talking to him and have planted the seeds. I begin to think when his teddy bear proceeds to 'take over', then things might work themselves out."



"Oof!" Despayre said as he gave the sleeping bag a mighty tug and his grip loosened and he fell on his bottom. With a huff of indignation, he turned to spot the familiar form of Angel seated, watching the flickering lights of thee television screen and the latest edition of 'Top Model'. He said, "You know, you could help! This was your idea, after all."

Nothing. When Angel had his eyes on the pretty girls on 'Top Model', not even a dish of purple Skittles could tear his gaze away.

"Fine." Despayre huffed as he proceeded to unroll the sleeping bag so he could get it set up in the 'fort'. At least Angel deigned to assist him with that. Okay, so Angel did the vast majority of the work. Despayre had never made one before, and it seemed to be in a teddy bear's nature to build a good and sturdy one.

Synn had assisted in rearranging the living room furniture for this one evening. He had pulled the sofa away from the wall and turned the two largest chairs around to face it. Then with a little help from Despayre and Angel, they had draped a sheet and blanket over the structure in the form of a tent, or as the name implied, a 'fort'. Despayre had them pulled in his big body pillow into thee fort, and dumped as many pillows as he could beg, borrow, or steal from the household. Might as well be comfortable, right?

It was nice that Synn and Theresa allowed him to make it for tonight. Angel had suggested they have a camp out, just the two if them, so they could talk. But the weather was being unpredictable so dad wouldn't agree to him putting up a tent in the back yard, so this would have to do. It would serve it's purpose, and it looked fun! Plus there were no creepy crawlies threatening your toes inside of the house like there might be outside!

The sleeping bag was pulled inside and in the process of being unrolled, when he heard a voice emanate from outside of his 'fort', "Here you go, Joshua."

Despayre's head poked out from under the blanket dangling over the top of the joined sofa and chairs and glanced up to see Synn holding a large bowl of popcorn, enough to feed an entire family! Or at the very least, a very hungry teddy bear with some left over for himself.

"Thanks!" Despayre scrambled out and accepted the bowl with eager hands. With the other hand, Synn sat down a small cooler, presumably filled with cold cans of Cherry Coke. Despayre sat the bowl down with a ginger care and lifted the cooler's lid to inspect - yep! Just as expected! Woo hoo! Despayre pulled the cooler closer and the bowl of popcorn by the fort's edge. "Does it have lots of butter?"

"The Coke?"

"No, silly!" Despayre laughed. His dad had the funniest sense of humor. "The popcorn!"

Synn nodded and replied, "About as much as Theresa could put on it without turning it into soup." Synn started to turn away to leave his boy to his night alone with Angel, but paused and glanced back to him. "You'll be alright?"

"Uh huh!" Despayre nodded. "Angel just wants to talk to me, you know, man to bear."

"Alright, so long as you call me if you need anything." Synn then proceeded to leave his boy to his devices, and called after him, "Theresa also said your hamburgers would be ready soon as well."

"Yay!"



"You're still worried about your match, aren't you?"

"No, not really."

"Don't you fib to me. I can always tell when you're telling a fib. I taught you most of thee good ones, you know. It's alright if you are worried. Goth was never a very nice guy anyway. That other one though..."

"I don't want to wrestle the Bogeyman! He scares me!"

"I know. He scares a lot of people. Most of them don't admit it, but at least you're brave enough to."

"It's not brave to admit to being frightened."

"Oh yes it is. There is nothing wrong with being afraid Joshua. The key is to face what's making you afraid, and overcoming it."

"Easier said than done. This is the Bogeyman we're talking about!"

"I know. It won't be easy like all your other matches. It'll even be trickier than facing Goth alone. That guy was crafty and mean, but the Bogeyman is all that and a lot more. It's not like facing other little 'boogeymen' in the night. This is the Bogeyman!"

"Gee, this pep talk is doing me a world of good, Angel!"

"I'm sorry. I'm just trying to explain what you're in for, so I can help you overcome it."

"Easy for you to say. You're not afraid of anything."

"Really? Is that what you think?"

Despayre nodded, averting the gaze of his buddy.

"Well then, I have news for you buddy boy. I'm going to tell you a little story."

Because what's a camp out without a scary little tale to share between friends around a campfire? Or a flashlight as a simple substitute?

"Have I ever told you about the first evening we spent together?"

Despayre answered by simply shaking his head in the negative.

"Well then! Gather around the light as I have a tale to tell!"

Despayre eagerly scrambled closer to the flashlight and Angel, the plain hamburger patty still between his fingers...



"Now you'll have to understand that under most circumstances, I wouldn't be doing this. Discussing monster hunts and the like is usually strictly forbidden, except under the gravest of circumstances. This is mostly because the entire point of having a protector is to better allow you to sleep easy at night, without having a fear of anything that might be lying in the shadows. I don't know of any type of bestie or spook that can get past a teddy bear protector who is determined to protect his charge from monsters. But like I said; special circumstances, which I consider this."

"You know while I was in that Build-A-Bear, waiting, I got to know a number of other protectors. And yes, many of them were girl bears as well. Girl teddy bears make some of the most vicious defenders you know! So many spooky things take them lightly because they're girls and they don't live to regret it, if you know what I mean!"

"Well! We were swapping boot camp stories when in you walked, and I knew right away that you were going to be my charge. Teddy bears? We always know who we're meant for once we lay eyes on them. Plus, I knew you needed more than just a protector. You also needed a friend. I was eager to be both. When you picked me up and hugged me, that sealed the bond between us. It always does. I was ready for my new home."

"So many teddy bears just see themselves as protectors. They wait by their charge's bed all day, every day. Some of them don't travel or sit at the table for meals. I get to because what we have is more than the usual teddy bear/human bond. I can't quite explain it, aside from simply saying that we're buddies. You know, real pals. I'm not the only one who gets these special privileges. Other teddy bears do too, but not enough go that extra mile in my humble opinion. They simply go to do their duty and that's it. The fact that the first thing you did after bringing me out of the Mall of America was treat me to a Happy Meal at McDonalds told me all I needed to know; You were ... are a very special friend and I would protect  you until the end of time."

"Ironically, my first chance came that very night."

"Beasties don't waste any time, you see. I know most of the time before that you spent the nights with your dad, because you felt safer with him -- even though you didn't know he was your dad at the time. I did, however. Teddy bars always know. You stayed in his room because you felt safer and protected, but now that you had me, you were ready to have your own room during tours."

"I remember the night was a little arm and humid, and you were just a little bit stinky. No offense. It happens. Your dad left the window open, so you could have fresh air and a cool breeze. You were on the third floor so it was safe. I was sitting beside you while you slept, hugging you as you were hugging me. I couldn't help but look at you. The moon was full that night, which should have warned me that it would be an eventful night. The light shined in from the windows and onto your face. You were so relaxed, it didn't even wake you. Aww! You just seemed like a little angel, if you'll pardon the expression."

"But that's when I heard it. A sound that seemed a cross between a growl and a gurgling noise that a nasty ickle throat makes. Sort of like the sound your dad made when he had bronchitis."

"My senses were sharpened, honed by much training and teddy bear instinct. I turned to look at the one closet door and saw it creak open and a shadow slithered out. That was all I needed to see. I slipped from your grip without waking you -- another of my many talents, and dropped to the floor. There wasn't much in the vicinity that I could use as a weapon. That was your dad's doing I assume, the better that you don't hurt yourself, but I understood. Plus, I wasn't picky. Teddy bears can do enough damage with our teeth and claws, we don't really need weapons. I just have a fondness for them myself."

"I picked up the broom that the maid had accidentally forgotten and walked to the closet just as the door opened fully. I pulled the end off and twirled that pole around like a baton! The beastie in the closet lunged out, and I met that lunge with one of my own! Xena's friend Gabrielle herself would have been proud of how I twirled that staff like a pro!"

"The beastie jumped in the air and I stuck the end of the pole right in its belly and sent that sucker flying had over heels, er, claws! We didn't make any noise, you see. Battles between monsters and teddy bars are strangely silent, no matter the circumstances. It righted itself after a moment, and I got a running start and used that pole to vault up into the air and I creamed it! Sent that nasty flying backwards and into a wall!"

"It was a fighter though, I give it that! It was right back up and came for me because it knew that if it wanted you, it had to go through me. There was no other option. It ran for me but I swung that pole and whipped the beastie around and back across the room, right by that open closet door. That was the key, you see. We teddy bears don't have to kill the monsters. Oh we prefer to, but I wanted this one to live. Why, you might ask? because I wanted it to go back to the shadows it calls home with all the other monsters so it could deliver to them a message."

"No monster messes with my Joshua!"

"By then, the beastie's fight was about taken out of it. It knew it bit off more than it could chew with me! I gave it another good konk up side of the head and it went down. I then casually put the broom and back on and just swept it's carcass back into the closet and shut the door. Then the door to your hotel slipped open and boy did I give that pole a swing and heard the crack as it met the beastie's ankle! I knew it had to have been a good hit because I shouldn't have heard it! The beastie cried out and fell back into the hallway and I shut the door behind him."

(The odd thing was Gabriel was limping the following morning at breakfast and kept giving me the stink eye!)

"I checked under the bed for good measure, but no shadows were creeping out as a portal for a new monster to arrive. I put the broom back where I got it and crawled back up into the bed with you where I could keep the best watch on the room while you slept. No more beasties came that night. They didn't come for a fair few nights after."

"The message was sent.</color>




"Wow. I never knew you went though that much trouble for me so soon."

"It was no trouble. It was my job. besides, I liked you then. I love you now. You're my best friend Joshua, and you know I'm not going to let you get hurt by those two goobers Sunday."

"But you won't be in the ring with me. Bernie will be, and I don't want him to get hurt either."

"Is that what this is all about? You're worried they'll hurt Bernie, aren't you?"

"Uh huh. I heard dad say Bernie's not trained as much as I am, so he might not know how to fight monsters like you and I can. Goth and Grimm might try to use that against him and I don't want him hurt by monsters either."

"He won't be. Bernie is big and strong. He can take care of himself, and remember. I'll be right there."

"You won't be in the ring with us."

"No, but I will be in your corner. Just like always. You and Bernie are going to be just fine."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart!"

"Thank you Angel."



The night had passed by comfortably enough for all inside, and surprisingly so, for the two 'campers' in the front room. It was now early the following morning. The sun had not even fully risen in the sky. the sunrise still colored the sky and clouds in hues of blues, reds and oranges as the day moved to become its full maturity.

As was the norm, Theresa was the first to rise. Part habit, and part because she saw it as her job to get everything ready for the men of the house to start their day. She stepped out into the foyer of the house, freshly showered and dressed in hr uniform, and paused en route to the kitchen to glance into the front room and the 'camp site' as it were.

The front of the 'fort' was disheveled through the night, as the blanket covering it was set aside and she could see the tattered remains of the hamburger patties on the plate on the floor. Despayre had specifically asked for no buns, and no ketchup. He and Angel were 'roughing it' after all. She walked in and picked up the plate, and glanced into the fort just long enough to see the sleeping form of the boy inside, curling hi arm around the teddy bear and pulling it closer against his slim chest.

48
Archived Roleplays / Despy's Valentine's Day date
« on: February 14, 2014, 08:12:43 PM »
 In honor of the holiday, I decided to archive this CBing RP I posted two years ago today.



The sun had already started its descent into the horizon, blanketing the landscape in colorful hues of reds, yellows, oranges and blues.  The household of Synn and Despayre was quiet on this the Valentine's Day of 2012. There was little planned that did not befit the holiday, so almost everyone would be busy (or getting busy), save for one;

Despayre, himself.

Shane and Fantasia had already taken their leave to go out for a romantic, candlelight dinner for two and a show afterwards. Gabriel and Synn had already made a bet with one another over whether or not Shane and Fantasia would make it to the show before finding a quiet place where they wouldn't be disturbed to enjoy ... one another's company? Synn himself had made plans to spend some time with Sean on this day, taking him to one of the better restaurants in the 'City of Sin'. That left Rage and Gabriel. Gabriel, who had been injured during the course of Climax Control (pun intended), had been coerced by the young man who was like a little brother to him, into staying at the house during his recovery. Despy, as he was affectionately known, was taking very good care of Gabriel, of course with a lot of helpful advice from Angel. It was nothing that lots of Cherry Coke and episodes of Looney Tunes couldn't cure, after all.

Still, Gabriel was getting a bit antsy. The brace on his knee kept him from being too mobile but he didn't want to be cooped up inside all night, whether it was Valentine's Day or not. He couldn't go out drinking because of the pain killers and muscle relaxers the doctor had him on, so Rage was just a phone call away and...

"C'mon Despy." Gabriel said as he stood at the door frame of the kitchen, watching the young man place a decorative glass dish of ice cream in the freezer. "Why don't you want to go to a movie with Rage and me?"

"I can't." Despayre answered as he shut the freezer door and turned and started making another sundae. "I have plans."

Gabriel said, "You don't know what you're missing. Me hyped up on drugs and a scary movie is comedy gold, bud."

Despayre smiled and giggled lightly. he had already been privy to what Gabriel could be like on these medications when they watched the sci-fi classic "Aliens" two nights ago and Gabriel had kept shouting advice to the characters on screen -- the aliens. Despayre had practically laughed himself hoarse that evening.

Rage stepped up into the door frame and said, "Yeah, c'mon. bring the bear and let's go."

"What are you guys going to see?" Despayre asked inquiringly, sprinkling a generous amount of Skittles on this sundae.

"Woman In Black." Rage answered. "Has that punk who played Harry Potter in it."

Gabriel nodded, "Yeah, and my meds are kicking in so by the time it starts I'll be good to go. C'mon."

"I can't."

"Why not?" Rage asked.

Despayre looked up and smiled brightly as he picked the sundae up to put it away. "I have a Valentine's Day date."

"A date?" Gabriel repeated and he raised a brow, looking at Rage who had the same puzzled expression.

Despayre nodded, "Mm hm."

"With who?" Gabriel asked.

"I can't say." Despayre shrugged as he turned and opened up a grocery bag and started pulling out candles.

"Why not?" Was asked and answered with a shrug.

Rage asked, "Do we know her?"

Despayre shrugged again. Gabriel frowned and looked to Rage who just shrugged himself, not knowing what to make of the situation.

Gabriel turned back to him as he slipped on his jacket. He asked, "Why can't you tell us?"

Despayre said, "Because it's a secret." He looked up as he started to put the candles in glass holders. "She doesn't even know."

"Ohhhh. I see." Gabriel nodded. He turned to Rage and shrugged. "Well that makes sense. Sure you won't change your mind?"

Despayre shook his head and continued on with his preparations. "Have fun!" He said. "Bring Angel back some popcorn with LOTS of butter!"

"You got it!" Rage called as he and Gabriel retreated from the kitchen.

Rage cast Gabriel a sidelong glance as they stepped out into the chilled, Las Vegas air. "Should we be leaving him in the house alone?" Rage asked.

"He's not alone." Gabriel answered. "Teresa's home."

They started towards Rage's car when they stopped suddenly at the same time and turned and looked at each other.



Valentine's Day had been an extremely difficult day for her, ever since her beloved husband passed away almost ten years ago. They had been married almost twenty-five years and not a day since has passed by without her thoughts in remembrance of this special, special man. they had been so happy, that neither of them could have foreseen him being struck down with Leukemia, from out of nowhere. When you love somebody, really love them, you would gladly give yourself up to save the life of the one whom you hold most dear.

Teresa sat by her husband's beside for so many days and nights and watched the man she loved more than life itself slowly die. He put on a brave front but she could tell he was in pain, and suffered. She did everything she could to make him comfortable. he fought this disease, but in the end it was not enough. He passed away in his sleep and she mourned him every day since.

It was a year after the funeral that she packed up her bags and moved to the United States in an attempt to start a new life. It was not long after that that she came into the employ of Synn as his housekeeper of an estate he held in New York. When he told her he had sold the house, she feared for her job and future, but the normally enigmatic and surly man assured her that her fears were unwarranted. He wanted her to move with him to his new home in Las Vegas and take up her responsibilities there. It was quite an offer, and showed her a side buried deep beneath his dark exterior that few would come to understand.

And in this new home she would be taking care of, there would be a new addition, Synn explained. A young man with a troubled mind and difficult past would be living there. And the boy of a mere nineteen years indeed wasa handful, him and that ever present teddy bear of his. Synn gave her a careful explanation of the boy's past and the barriers she was not to cross.

She had shared with Synn as well. She had told him about her personal loss, and the painful memories this day caused for her to feel. Synn said nothing in regards to this, but subtly he had made certain that each Valentine's Day since he had hired her, she would have off. It was an unspoken 'bond' between the two where words were not needed to express one another's appreciation.

Sitting on her bed in her room, Teresa gazed lovingly at the picture on her dresser, the one where she sat in the forefront in a garden with her husband standing behind her with an arm draped around her shoulder. It would be another difficult night to get through on her own and...

"Teressssaaaaaa......!"

Joshua's frantic call came from downstairs. She looked up wide-eyed and knew that everyone else had went out for their own plans for the evening. She hadn't even known the boy was still at home. Why didn't Gabriel or Rage take him out to the movies with them?

She quickly got up from her bed and placed her robe on over her night gown. Lord, if something happened with Joshua while Synn was out....

She pulled her bedroom door open and looked out into the upstairs hallway.

"Joshua?"

"I'm downstairs!" His voice called. "Can you come downstairs? Pleeeeeease?"

She sighed. She knew that he probably wanted her to put a pizza in the oven for him or make him another Cherry Coke float. It was her night off but he was a sweet boy with simple needs. She wouldn't have been able to say no, even if she wished it.

"I'm coming." She called back and tying the belt around her robe to hold it closed, she started down the hall to the stairs.

...

Her foot met the soft carpeting at the base of the steps and she looked around. The sun had been down for an hour and the inside of the house was dark save for the few lights Synn always kept on for comfort and security purposes. But there was a strange glow coming from the direction of the kitchen which caught her attention. She started down the large foyer which led into the hallway.

"Joshua?" She said as she neared the frame of the door. "What are you...?"

She turned into the kitchen and was unable to finish her question.

In the kitchen stood Joshua in his plain clothes but with a hastily knotted tie of Synn's around his neck, and holding Angel who was clad in a darling little tuxedo outfit she herself had bought as a gift from Build-A-Bear. On the marble counter were a handful of lit candles in an array of reds, whites and pinks. And in front of the candles were two plates, each bearing a large cupcake with thick, white frosting on it and Valentine's sprinkles on the icing. Two forks draped across each plate and in two of Synn's best crystal goblets was ... yes, Cherry Coke.

"What is this?" She said, holding her voice as steady as she could.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" He ran up and gave her a fierce embrace, catching her completely off guard. "You're my Valentine's Day date!"

The boy had always seemed to be afraid of her and here he... she quickly wiped her eyes with her finger tips and looked up at his hopeful face with a smile.

He raised his brow and asked, "Do you like sundaes?"

"I love them." She asked and took his offered arm and Despayre and Angel escorted her to the counter.

...

They spoke quietly to each other as Angel sat on the counter, away from the candles. Spoons digging into the ice cream treats and the tattered remains of the cupcakes evident to the evening. Neither of them saw Rage and Gabriel peeking in the window and watching with smiles on their faces.

49
Climax Control Archives / Where a kid can be a kid...
« on: November 08, 2013, 07:56:46 PM »
 You should really read Rage's RP first!

>


No sooner did Rage pull into the space just at the forefront of the parking lot of the local Chuck E Cheese establishment, than the driver himself, the 'Sin of Wrath' aka Rage, turned in his seat and eyed his young passenger with an eye of annoyance.

Rage huffed, "So, are we happy now? We're here. Chuck E Cheese ... AGAIN!"

Not that the big man even needed to ask. Just the look on Despayre's eager face was answer enough. Despayre's bright, gray eyes lit up and his lips stretched into a childlike smile of wonder as he leaned closer toward the windshield to look out at the building before them, as if he were trying to see if they were truly there.

This was indeed his favorite place to eat, out of all the fancier establishments that he had been treated to over the course of the past several years with his father. Of course, those places didn't have live music or games to play with possible prizes to win. They just had snooty waiters, and even snobbier clientele. Not the kind of place one could run about with his best friend, Angel, and have fun. no, the last time he tried that his father had to lure him out of the kitchen so he couldn't assist the teddy bear in showing the chefs how to truly make a successful souffle.

But this -- this was where a kid could be a kid! A teddy bear could be a teddy bear -- and big grumpy guys like Rage could shut their pie hole and enjoy some of the best pizza ever!

Then something else was spotted from out of the corner of Despayre's eye and he almost whipped himself back against his seat, jerking forward against the restraints of his seat belt. He pointed ahead and called out, "Look! We got company! Look Angel!"

Rage followed where Despayre was pointing and saw exactly to what, or rather, to whom he was referring to.

Across the parking lot, walking toward the front of the restaurant, was Synn, accompanied by their two house guests, Big B and Despayre's best friend Gabriel, and their house keeper, Theresa.

"What the f...?" Rage started to say, then cast a sidelong glance at Despayre who sharply turned his head toward him with an accusing arched brow. "...fudge?" He finished. Rage had already committed to shelling out a large sum of money for a house this very day. He didn't feel like adding an even more taxing amount to Angel's swear jar.

Despayre smiled and nodded with satisfaction at Rage correcting himself before he pressed the button on his seat belt, and with a soft 'click' the belt slid back up and Despayre hurriedly pushed the passenger door open. He scrambled out, as Rage followed suit, and then shoved the front seat forward so he could retrieve the teddy bear from where it sat in the child's car seat, safe and secure.

Before Rage closed his door and locked it, he reached his beefy right arm inside and honked the car horn, causing the sound to carry across the parking lot. It had the desired effect, however, as the heads of the quartet at the forefront of the building turned and looked around before they spotted Rage beside his car, and Despy hopping up and down and waving. Only then did Rage finally close the door and with a click of a button, locked it behind him.

Despayre went to take off to greet the others, but Rage grasped him by the arm and reeled him back beside him as a car turned the corner and drove down the lane and disappeared into the maze of vehicles in he parking lot. Only then did Rage look carefully before releasing his grip and Despayre took off like a shot, racing for the four awaiting them. Despayre quickly grasped Gabriel in a hug, but knew well enough not to make it one of his special 'teddy bear hugs' that Gabriel was all well used to. So he settled for a light embrace, knowing as soon as his 'bestie' was better, he'd be free to go all out again. He waved 'hello' to Big B who smiled and returned the gesture. Despayre then turned to Theresa and 'came ever so close to trying for a hug, but try as he might, their live-in housekeeper still frightened him to the point he was not comfortable with such physical intimacy as a hug. So he settled for a courtly bow.

"M' lady!" Despayre said before standing upright and Theresa turned to look up at her employer through her sunglasses and shook her head.

Rage approached after him, arms held out and a inquisitive expression on his hardened face.

"What the he-heck?" Rage said, looking at each in turn. "What are you four doing here?"

"What does it look like, baldy?" Gabriel responded, all but ignoring Rage's own snarl at the use of the unwelcome nickname coined against him. Gabriel continued, "We're joining you two for lunch."

"Yeah, but, how did you even know we were going to be here?" Rage asked.

"Simple." Synn answered. "You went out with Joshua past lunchtime. Chances were you guys would get hungry and we all pretty much knew where you'd end up."

"Hey." Rage frowned and protested. "We might not have come here!"

"Sure, Rage." Gabriel smiled, patting the big man on the arm in good humor. "You just keep telling yourself that."

Opting to let the big man down easily, Synn said, "In all honesty, we came because Bern..." Synn stopped as Big B turned and frowned uncharacteristically at him, hating his birth name with a passion. Synn corrected himself and continued, "B here got Joshua's text."

"Me?" Despayre looked at them all and pointed toward himself, shaking his head. "I didn't send Bernie a text."

"No, he didn't." Big B said. "I just said I got a text. It wasn't from Despy, though."

Big B reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He flipped it open and pulled up the text. He turned it around and they all leaned in to examine it.

"From Angel." Synn nodded and stood back upright as if it were the most natural thing in the world for his son's teddy bear to accomplish this. Truth be told, it wasn't even the most unusual circumstance that the bear seemed to get itself into. Synn sighed, "Of course."

"And how exactly did Angel send a text?" Theresa said, then played along and wagged a finger at Despayre. "Have you been letting him play with your phone?"

Despayre emphatically shook his head 'no' and even crossed his heart. "Not me!" He chirped, and then proceeded to reach into the teddy bear's bib overalls, today's outfit, and pulled out another cell phone. He showed it to the others and smiled. "See?" He said. "He's got his own."

The rest of them blinked, and Gabriel slowly turned his head to look at Synn. He often teased his mentor about spoiling Despayre rotten (and Synn did!), but this? Gabriel said in an accusing tone, "You got Angel a cell phone?"

Synn tore his eyes away from the cell phone which Despayre tucked safely back into the teddy bear's overalls and looked to Gabriel. Synn said, "I know you think me something of a soft touch for the boy, but even I'm not quite that bad."

Synn turned to his son and said, "Joshua? Did you buy that?"

"No." Despayre said meekly, not understanding why they might be so objectionable at Angel having his very own cell phone. He instead jetted a thumb back at Rage and said, "He did."

All heads turned to Rage who frowned and said, "Hey! None of you would give me any hints what to get the kid for his birthday so deal with it!"

"We didn't say a thing." Gabriel answered simply. He reached over to open the door to Chuck E Cheese and allowed Theresa to step inside first, and almost immediately after, Despayre blew right on past.

No sooner did Despayre enter, than he dashed across the lobby and straight toward the games when a large and familiar face to this establishment turned around and brought Despayre to a skidding halt with a sharp cry. The mascot to Chuck E Cheese, the gray mouse itself (actually an employee in costume, duh!) tilted its head in wonder as Despayre did an about face and quickly hid behind Synn who had followed in right behind him.

"Josh.. Joshua?" Synn said as he tried to turn around to confront his son but Despayre simply turned around with him, continuing to hide behind his much larger father. "Joshua... stop this now."

Rage, watching this with a hint of a smile on his face, leaned over to Gabriel and whispered, "Remind me again? Why does he love coming here if that mouse and the animatronics scare him so much?"

"The games." Gabriel answered matter-of-factly. "And the food is a close second I suppose."

"Ah." Rage nodded and stood back as the mascot turned and headed off toward some of the other occupied tables with many children in attendance. Only then did Despayre peek from around his father's back and then, once he coast was clear, did Despayre emerge.

"Whew!" he wiped at his brow. "That was a close one."

"Why don't you like Chuck E Cheese?" Big B asked with a genuine sincerity behind his curious nature.

"Are you kidding?" Despayre asked his big buddy. He looked around and once he saw that no other tables might hear, he answered, "You have any idea how many diseases meece carry?"

"Meece?" Gabe smiled, knowing full well what his 'little brother' meant.

Despayre nodded knowingly, "It's 'plural' for mouses." He then looked at B and whispered, "Meeces caused the Black plague, you know."

"This is just the type of conversation I enjoy before a meal." Theresa mentioned.

Understanding her logic, Synn placed a reassuring hand on Despayre's shoulder and said, "Theresa is right. That was a along time ago. It's perfectly safe here."

"So you say!" Despayre said, shaking his head. "Angel tells me differently."

"So is it safe to eat here or what?" Big B wondered as a hostess approached them.

"Hi!" She said with the type of perkiness that made one wish they had an ice pick in hand to drive through her forehead. "Welcome to Chuck E Cheese! How many will this be?"

"Table for six." Synn said and Despayre blinked, then frowned.

"Six?" Despayre questioned. "Is one of us not eating?"

"Sorry." Synn told him, obviously having gotten the  numbers confused in their party. Angel. Always remember the bear. Synn then turned to the hostess. "Make that seven. And... " He glanced at Despayre and said, "A high chair?"

Despayre nodded with a smile and Synn turned to avoid the smirks and withheld laughter from the others in their group at his over indulging the boy. He told the hostess, "Seven, with the high chair."

"Right away!" She said as she turned to lead them to a table against the far wall. Of course she knew well enough to play along. This was Despayre, and as such, he was quite the regular here at their establishment of Chuck E Cheese. I mean, its the greatest pizza example of fine dining ever! So the employees were all familiar with him and his company -- and their usual antics.

The party had seats around the table, Big B taking a moment to hold Theresa's chair out for her and then scoot her in before taking his own spot at her right. Despayre made very sure that he got to sit between his dad and Angel, and Gabriel and Rage sat on the bear's other side, Gabriel in the place of honor at the plush form's side.

A young man, in his late teens, arrived alongside the hostess and she said, "This is Jason. He'll be your server."

"Hi Jason!" Despayre quipped. "I'm Joshua and that's Angel! We'll be your customers!"

Despayre slapped his though and chortled in silent laughter, then brought himself to a halt and narrowed his eyes at the teddy bear. "Boy that was a corny joke!"

"You told it." Rage pointed out.

"He said it'd be funnier out loud than in my head!" Despayre protested.

Gabriel spoke from the side of his mouth to Rage and whispered, "Do you want to take that one or should I?"

Rage answered only by holding his hands up and staying silent. he said, "Even I know when to pick my battles with that kid."

Gabriel smiled brightly and went back to watching Despayre argue vehemently with Angel whether or not the joke was a timeless classic or not. Usually, Gabriel knew, the teddy bear came out ahead on these little one sided debates. While this went on, the hostess excused herself and Synn proceeded to place their usual order with the server, Jason.

"Oo!" Despayre quickly turned to his dad. "Anchovies!"

"Anchovies!?" Almost everyone in their group blurted out.

Despayre nodded and looked at the server. "Anchovies on one of our pizzas, please."

"Why?" Rage asked without bothering to disguise the disgust he felt at the thought of that particular added ingredient.

"Angel said it'd taste good!"

"Not everyone likes anchovies, Joshua." Synn said. As a matter of fact, Despayre appeared to be the only one interested in trying it.

Despayre looked around at the others who each avoided his eye and he then said, "Okay, just on one pizza."

"Joshua..." Synn picked up the gauntlet, negotiating as best he could with the boy he had great difficulty saying the word 'no' to.

"Half?"

"Two slices."

"Deal!" Despayre spit into his palm and held his hand out to his dad and all eyes were kept close on Synn as he reluctantly extended his own hand and clasped hands with his boy for a firm shake.

"Now, if you'll excuse me." Synn said standing up while their waiter finished writing their order and swiftly headed off to have it filled.

Despayre leaned over and whispered none too subtly to Big B, "Dad hasta piddle."

"Actually, I need to wash my hand." Synn held it precariously outward, and moved off and muttered, "Or preferably boil it..."

"Boil it?" Despayre blinked and then turned to Gabriel. "And he thinks anchovies are a weird craving? Yeesh!"



"That's what anchovies are!?" Despayre barked, leaning over to look at the two slices on the platter filled with piping hot pizza. The look on his face said it all; he was not enthused any longer at attempting to sample that particular food.

"Yep." Rage nodded and with the spatula included, served both pieces at once onto Despayre's plate. The kid squirmed and fidgeted in his seat, trying not to even look at the tiny fish on his favorite food. "Eat up. You don't want this food wasted."

As the others served themselves, they kept an amused watch on Despayre as he frowned at the anchovy laden pieces on the plate in front of him. He extended his hand and poked one of the fish, then drew it back and sniffed his finger.

"Ick." He murmured, but he would not be deterred! He remembered many a lesson from his mom and grandma (and now Rage himself) about food not being wasted, and lessons learned. He carefully picked up a slice from the plate, and not minding the eyes watching him, he bit into it -- and almost immediately made a most grossed out facial expression that had Rage and Gabriel choking back on their laughter!

"Gah!" Despayre gagged and he flung the pizza back onto his plate, choking down the one bite. "It tastes like fish!" He whined pitifully.

"That's because it is fish." Rage stressed with a smug smile on his face. "What did you think anchovies were?"

Despayre just squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, silently admitting that he didn't know the answer. He was just, as always, curious. He managed to choke down that one piece and then practically drained his full glass of Cherry Coke before gasping. He looked at Angel and practically shouted, "What made you think FISH would make a good pizza topping!?"



"So no luck?" Synn asked as a fuming Rage stomped back toward the table, leaving the gaming area behind him.

"No." The Sin of Wrath grumbled. "I tried winning that toy for Desp but no such luck."

"Well don't feel too bad." Synn admitted as Rage took a seat. "None of us really had any luck with those games to get him some tickets."

Theresa added, "I won him six."

"Well bully for you." rage snarled but she paid him no mind. They all turned to look at the game area where Big B and Gabriel were each taking turns to try and win a few tickets so Despy could pick out a prize. Big B was attempting 'Whack A Mole' while Gabriel was rolling a ball up a slanted hill, trying to get it into the rings to score points.

After scoring a few tickets which he passed on to an eager Despayre, Gabriel returned to the table and shook his head with a big  grin.

Gabriel had a seat and said, "I tried. I don't know what he can win with those tickets but least he'll be happy."

Suddenly an 'alarm' started going off on one of the games and lights flashed, indicating a big score! Everyone, the Sins table included, turned to scope out the area to see just who won 'big' -- and they spotted Angel on the same game Gabriel had just played with a large pile of prize tickets printing out into his fuzzy paws.

They each, Synn and the rest, turned their heads away and opted to continue their meal rather than try to explain that.



"See you next time Joshua!" The hostess said happily as the group started for the door.

Despayre stopped and smiled to say, "Thanks! We had lots of fun!" He held up the 12 inch Loki action figure from the new Thor movie -- the resulting reward for all the tickets Angel 9and the others) had won for him!

"Looks like it's someone's birthday." Theresa observed, watching as a large group of children and a handful of adults gathered around a decorated seating area with gifts and a large cake in the center.

"Big deal." Despayre said. "It's not even a very good cake." He looked at Big B and whispered, "Coconut."

Big B made a face when Rage brought up the obvious point and asked, "How do you know what kind of cake it is?"

Suddenly a voice thundered across the restaurant, "HEY! WHO CUT THIS PIECE OUT OF MY KID'S CAKE BEFORE HE COULD EVEN BLOW OUT HIS CANDLES!?!?"

"Gotta go!" Despayre said and he swiftly ran out the door. Gabriel almost keeled over laughing as the rest followed them outside...



"Well, I guess this is something akin to what one might refer to as a Blast from the Past."

"Casey Williams, how long has it been? If I'm not mistaken, but then again I admit it hasn't really plagued my mind, but I believe the last time you crossed paths with Despayre was actually in the match where he and Gabriel won the SCW Tag Team Championship for the first time ever. Perhaps you had a rematch with another partner after that, I admit I am not too ware, but it is amusing how often your path crosses with that of the men that I manage, isn't it? One would almost think you had the proverbial death wish, because the end result is always the same."

"From days past in the Asylum Wrestling Alliance, straight here to Sin City Wrestling, you have seemed to have something of an insatiable appetite for humiliation at the hands of the Seven Deadly Sins. Singles or tag team encounters, it didn't really matter, did it? The end result was always the same; victory for the Sins in one form or another. But always it was ours to be had."

"I give you credit though. You have perseverance. I give you that. You keep trying, no matter what, and always you have the confidence and positive outlook that success against us will soon be yours. I like that. I admire such positive thinking, though I'm not sure I feel the same about the foolhardy belief that one can do the same thing over and over, yet always expect a different result. Some might even think of that as a form of ... madness. It's all the same to me. You're big Casey. Perhaps the largest man currently on the SCW roster. It affords you a great advantage when it comes to strength, but this time you're against another man whom is damn near your equal in size and strength, and he's sure as hell a lot meaner than you are."

"But enough about Despayre."

"Now this partner of yours, Simon Jones? In him you just may have found the best you've had at your side since the days you teamed with Jordan Williams. The question though is, how can two men who hate each other as much as you two do, hope to accomplish the enviable goal of dethroning the Sins?"

"Simon, you are without a doubt, one of the fastest rising stars in SCW today. You came from out of nowhere and won the Heavyweight Championship, surprising everybody -- myself included, and everyone that knows me knows that is no small feat. And then, even after you dropped that belt, you did not let such a thing discourage you. You kept on and continued to fight, and have fought hard to remain at the top, whether you had gold around your waist or not. Well mark my words Simon, one day you will wear gold again. I can see that, a man of your many talents. But it won't happen tonight, and it won't be at the expense of Despayre or Rage."

"This night will be, as usual, all about us."</color>

50
Climax Control Archives / Between pals
« on: September 13, 2013, 10:57:34 PM »
 "So you heard them too, huh?"

"You mean that friendly little chat that they had on the cruise a few weeks ago?"

"Uh huh."

"Yes, I sure did. But why are you bringing that up now?"

"I dunno. I've had a lot on my mind and I wasn't sure if I should bring it up or not?"

"How come?"

"Well, it is kind of a sensitive issue. Broken homes aren't the most nicest topics of conversation, you know."

"True, but remember? I did tell you that you could talk to me about anything. I told you that the first day that we met and I picked you."

"You mean that I picked you."

"Sure, if that makes you feel better."

"Hey I remember it like it was yesterday!"

Build-A-Bear


Sometimes when a person has been lucky enough to make that one true, most special of friends, they think back on that first meeting often. The first look between the two. Topics of conversation that helped break the ice between new friends and relieve any tensions. Shared secrets and giggling laughter that cemented what was to be a sure thing, a bond forged.

You think of those moments and find yourself wondering how you had ever managed without having them having been in your life. You couldn't imagine a time when they were not, and it would make you only cherish the time you spend with each other all the more.

It was those times when Despayre was alone, or pretending to sleep while watching Angel take his station at the base of his bedside to watch for the random monster or creepy crawly that might try to emerge from the closet or under thee bed. Angel took his profession very seriously, just as he took his friendship with his 'charge' seriously as well. Despayre thought to himself that Angel took one seriously, because of the other. And it all started when they had emerged from that store where 'Best Friends Are Made' just a scant few years ago.

It was the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it was not so long after that Despayre had even met his 'other' best friend and 'big brother' in Gabriel. Something about the store had called to Despayre, and he had went inside with a longing he could not describe, followed by Synn and Gabriel. And less than thirty minutes later, the trio emerged from the store, with Despayre holding up the familiar white and blue box with his new best friend cuddled up inside.

"Well," Synn said. "I am glad we managed to find you a little something that makes you happy."

This was, of course, back before Despayre knew that his father had been close to him the entire time after he had met the man. It had been before Despayre fully grew to even trust the man that had loved and guided him from the moment he had first set foot into his room in the 'bad hospital'. Despayre had remained quiet the majority of the time they were all together, silent and discomforting. He was completely drawn into himself, introverted, and remained within a part of his own personal world.

No, this was not the Despayre that we know now. As dangerous and unpredictable as he might be to this day, in those days, he was far worse.

Before they could walk completely across the Mall and toward the exit, Despayre stopped and froze. He brought the 'house' box up to eye level and peered closely inside.

"Joshua?"

Synn had stopped when they had reached the mall's exit and he realized the boy was still several feet behind them. Gabriel turned and sighed, his affection for his future tag team partner and 'little brother' having not truly manifested as of yet. No, this was back to a point when Gabriel had considered him to being too dangerous and more trouble than he could be worth.

Despayre had not noticed Synn's use of his given name. That, or he just chose to ignore it as his full attention was on the teddy bear inside of the box. Synn watched curiously and as Gabriel started to verbally protest, he was silenced quickly with a warning stare from his mentor. Synn turned back around to watch as his son looked closely into the box, and then turned an ear to it.

To this day, Synn would tell you that he would have given absolutely anything to know what went on in that one moment between Joshua and Angel. Even the then cynical Gabriel had knitted his brow in a curious frown, because at that very point, Despayre had pried open the box and pulled the teddy bear and his 'birth certificate' out. He then dropped the box and carried Angel in his arms from that point on.

Just as he does to this day.

"That guy narrating this thing sure does lay things on thick, huh?"

"He's probably been watching too many 'feel good' eighties movies like Sixteen Candles or Breakfast Club."

"Careful! He'll think you're dating him!"

"Puh-leeze! Even he can do better than him!"

"Oo! BURN! But you know, that really doesn't prove who was right and who was wrong."

]"I think I proved plenty! And aren't you the one who is always telling everyone that I'm never wrong?"

".... Boy it really frosts my winkie when someone uses my own words against me!"

"Well, it doesn't really matter right now. (`Cause I won!) There are more important things to talk about while we have a free moment."

"Yeah, like how come when Miley Cyrus's head moves, her hair doesn't? And why does she always have her tongue out? Is that taking over from duck lip poses?"

"Well, no. That wasn't the point I was trying to make, although granted it is a very good one."

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome! No. I was just trying to let you know that you don't hafta hold anything back with me. I told you that on our first night together as besties back at that hotel."

"I know. I love you for that Angel. I just don't want to send you off into overload. You already have so much on your plate already. I mean, you're a best friend to me and Melody, and now Bernie! You even listen to Gabriel now and then. Plus on top of that you mentor me in wrestling, and you're my bodyguard when I sleep!"

"Well the bodyguard job doesn't count."

"Whaddya mean!? It counts! You're the bestest bodyguard a fella could ask for! You field all those offers from the Hollywood elite and you turn down every one!"

"That's because I'm not their bodyguard, I'm your's. And I said it doesn't count because I do all the rest of that stuff because we're buddies! I do the guardian thing because it is my sworn duty, you know."

"Oh I know! I never slept so good as when you took the job."

"That's `cause I'm a pro! Plus, I take it even more seriously because we're such good pals."

"Do all teddy bears befriend their charges like you did with me?"

"Oh yes! You have to care about the person you're protecting. You even protected me a time or two, when Goth was being a big wiener. You remember?"

"I'd much rather forget all about that time, if that's alright?"

"That's fine. I'm sorry for bringing it up. I know that was a tough time for you. I just wanted you to know that as much as you appreciate what I do for you, I feel the same way about everything that you've done for me."

"If you keep that up, you're gonna make me blush and you know what that means!"

"Rage will start teasing you and I'll be forced to put laxative in his chocolate eclairs again?"

"....No. It'll mean dad will think I'm spending too much time in the water again and make me get out for the day!"

"Oh goodness no! We can't have tha..."

"Despy!"

"Ahhh!" Despy cried out in a shrieking alarm! He jumped to his feet and spun around in wild circles, swinging Angel in every direction! "Get `em Angel! Get `em!"

"Eep! Call him off!"

"It's us Despy!"

Despayre spun around and raised Angel for another strike when he caught sight of two of his friends, none other than Big B himself and SCW's resident 'fan girl' Miss Melody Grace. He came to a halt and stumbled back against a tree, holding a hand to his heart.

"Oh! ... Oh you guys startled me!" Despayre cried out. "What's the big idea, sneaking up on a man and his bear while they're out game hunting?"

Melody's eyes grew wide and bright as she took in the safari outfits that both Despayre and Angel were wearing. She asked, "Ooh! What kind of game were you after?"

"Flamingos!" Despayre answered enthusiastically. "One of the few mortal enemies of a teddy bear in the non-monster world!"

Big B blinked and looked down at Angel before he asked, "Angel doesn't like flamingos?"

Despayre crept forward to whisper in a conspirator manner, with Melody leaning in to listen too, "Nobody likes flamingos!"

Melody whispered, "But doesn't that Maggie girl like them? She has one of her own."

Big B nodded in agreement.

Despayre looked around as if he were seeing if the coast was clear before he spoke. Seeing the tourists far off on the beach, he turned back to his friends and said, "Personally I think that Maggie girl is a little..."

He twirled his finger around his ear and then rolled his eyes.

Despayre then perked up and asked, "So, what's up?"

"We thought we'd go swimming!" Melody said gleefully.

"Have fun!"

Melody scratched her head, then shook it and said, "No, I mean all of us."

Despayre smiled and nodded, "Better! Let me an' Angel go get changed and we'll be right back!"

Despayre started to take off when he paused and looked Big B over.

"Are those the swimming trunks my dad bought you?" He asked, taking in the sight of the blonde muscle man adorned in little more than the pair of tiny, baby blue speedos.

B looked down and nodded. "Mm hm. I need to thank him." He then frowned and adjusted the waistline while muttering, "They are a bit binding, though."

Despayre took off toward the beach hotel, calling back after him, "Angel said he can see your pulse, too!"

Big B blinked, then held up the underside of his wrist and glanced at it, and melody leaned over to do the same. They looked at one another and shrugged.



"So our boy is doing alright?"

"He's doing fine, Margaret." Synn said on the telephone in his room. "I just wish you were able to have made the trip so you could visit him and watch his match."

"I wish I could have." Margaret said in return. "But I've already taken enough time off of work to take these little trips with you guys. It'd be expecting too much to ask them to cover for me even more."

"You know, you wouldn't have to worry about things like that if you'd just do as I suggested."

"Synn..."

"Can you imagine how thrilled Joshua would be if his mom would move closer to him?"

"I know, and I would love to, but Synn? My job is here. My house is here and, my mother is here. This is my home."

Synn responded, "A home is where you make it, Margaret. Trust me, I know that as well as anybody."

Margaret sighed audibly and said, "Give Joshua my love, alright? We can discuss this later."

"So long as we discuss it." Synn said amicably. "Goodbye."

"Bye."

And with that, Synn hung up the phone in his part of the room. He stood up and left to make ready to join the others outside, so he was not privy to the sound of the extension in the other room being hung up as well.

Despayre, in his swim shorts and cradling Angel in his lap, smiled brightly while staring at the phone.



<img src=http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mafd9nSlOj1rpt0eoo1_500.jpg>


"I hope you'll forgive me for stepping in here where someone else usually handles these things, but I am afraid that Synn is rather tied up at the moment. Literally, if I'm not mistaken. So rather than wait for his date to remove that gag, I thought I'd step in and address the two key individuals whom my boys, Despayre and Gabriel, are going to be opposing here in just a few short days; Jeremy and Jason, collectively known as the Flying Jetts."

"Our opponents are liars?"

"No, not the Lying Jetts. Flying."

"Oh good. I'd much rather compete against respectable fellas."

"Indeed! Might I continue?"

"Sorry. Commercial."

"I understand. Anyway, what Jason and Jeremy might not realize is the fact that there is quite a bit more riding on this match than they might understand. True, there are no tag team titles up for grabs. True, even if somehow Despayre and Gabriel were to lose..."

"We won't."

"I know that. I was just talking hypothetically."

"Oh please go on. That's a beautiful language."

"Um... yeah. Anyway, like I said, even if somehow the Jetts walked away the winners..."

"They won't!"

"I know that! ... isn't it time for you to take your medicine?"

"Is it? Hunh. You know I thought my buzz was wearing off."

"Now, hopefully that'll buy us a few moments. See, if the Jetts were to win, the number one contender status of Despayre and Gabriel for the SCW Tag titles wouldn't be in jeopardy. So what is so important about this match? Well we all saw that piece of brilliant work on the part of Hot Stuff Mark Ward, winning ACW in a poker game and bringing their talent over to us. The Jetts were a fixture in the ACW tag team scene so now not only will they get to prove their mettle inside of an SCW ring for the first time, but this will also serve as a bit of preparation for Sinful Obsession as they get set to take back what's rightfully theirs; the SCW Tag Team Championship!"

"You see, they never lost those titles. Not technically, at least. When Blood Omen walked away from that triple threat tag match with the titles, it wasn't a member of Sinful Obsession that took the fall, was it? It was not! So from that moment on, Despayre and Gabriel have waited patiently and now their time has come. Giani Di Luca and James Huntington-Hawkes III are starting to understand that their title reign is on borrowed time. And Jetts?"

"You two gentlemen are going to start to understand just who it is that you're going to be going up against this coming Sunday. Look at Gabriel! He is a former SCW Heavyweight Champion and still is considered a top challenger for that title. Add to that his tag reigns in SCW and NWA *gags*, and viola! How many men can say they are a top contender to not just one, but two championship titles? Not many, that's who!"

"And then there's my buddy, Despayre! He had the same tag titles as Gabriel (duh, because they were partners!), and people are constantly trying to get him to make a go of the singles belts here in SCW! Heck, even Gabriel has tried to get him to target the champions every so often, but always he refuses. Good luck for the singles champions, but not so good for the tag. And not so good for the Flying Jetts."

"Despayre and Gabriel are going to take no chances this coming weekend when you are all inside of the ring together. They want no doubts left on anyone's minds as to just who the next SCW Tag Team Champions are going to be! It is going to be Sinful Obsession, and the Flying Jetts are going to get their wings clipped in the process."

...

"How'd I do?"

"Perfect!"

51
Climax Control Archives / Just a man
« on: July 19, 2013, 08:21:24 PM »
 "How is our boy doing?"

The voice of Despayre's mother, Margaret, spoke from her end of the phone at her home in Vancouver, British Columbia. Synn had called her earlier in the day to speak with her about what had been happening with their son, but was unable to reach her at the time. Her mother, Despayre's grandmother, had answered and told Synn that Margaret was at her job, which was as a manager of a small business office in town. Now that the work day had concluded, Margaret received the message of the call and had promptly returned it, knowing that it most likely had something to do with her's and Synn's son. It was one of the few reasons that Synn ever called. Still, after the history that she shared with the man, baby steps were the most they could expect at this early point between them.

At his house in Las Vegas, Synn leaned against the wall of the hallway with the phone held at his ear. He leaned over slightly at the waist so he could peer around the corner and into the living room. The object of his piercing gaze was none other than the topic of their shared conversation, Despayre, or going by his given name, Joshua.

Despayre was seated on the living room floor, at the foot of the large coffee table, with a checkers board lying on the glass of the table between himself, and the plush teddy bear Angel which was perched on the large recliner opposite him. As was to be expected, most of the checkers were stacked on Angel's side of the board. Despayre just appeared to be a bit glum, his head tilted to the side and his chin in the palm of his hand while his elbow perched on the edge of the coffee table. Between the two was a small dish of Oreos, none of which appeared to have been touched.

"He's having a hard time accepting it, Margaret." Synn answered as he watched his son he nonchalantly extended his hand and moved a red checker piece forward. "He's not used to hearing the word no, so finding out he can't have something the way that he wants it isn't an altogether pleasant experience."

"Well, what boy ever wants to be denied anything that they have their mind set to?" She asked.

"True." Synn agreed. "This was a little different. You know how he feels about Gabriel. Joshua practically worships the ground the man walks on and it wasn't easy breaking the news to him that he wasn't going to go with him when Gabriel took Odette to France."



"Joshua, what are you doing?"

Synn asked aloud as he stood in the door frame of Despayre's upstairs bedroom. Curiosity was evident in Synn's expression as he watched Despayre step out of his large closet with an arm load of clothes, t shirts and jeans alike and he dumped them onto the bed where a suitcase sat wide open.

Despayre paused from whatever he was doing to turn and look at his father as if he had just asked the most inane question that a respectable adult could possibly ask.

"Uh, hello?" Despayre rolled his eyes and huffed, all in good humor. "I'm getting packed! I don't have much time. You should be doing the same."

"Packed." Synn repeated, taking a step further into the room. "What exactly are you getting packed for? What should I be getting packed for?"

"Paris, of course!" Despayre chirped happily as he turned back around and he started digging through the pileup of entangled tops and bottoms to better decide what he would need for the upcoming trip ahead. He then paused and stood upright with a frown on his young face. He turned around and asked his dad, "What's the weather like in Paris this time of year?"

Synn simply shrugged and answered off the top of his head, "Not too much different than it is here, I suppose. Hot. Just more humid as they get more rain in Europe than we do here."

"Oh ok." Despayre nodded and he turned back to continue. "That makes it a lot easier. S I'll need lots of t shirts and shorts and mayyyybe a jacket for rainy days."

"Joshua..." Synn sighed as he stepped the rest of the way into the room and he walked over to the side of the bed, taking a spot at his son's right side while the boy dug frantically.

"Hm, it's not here." Despayre murmured, more to himself than to his father.

"What isn't?" Synn asked, forgetting for the briefest of moments why he had needed to talk with his son.

"My homemade Angel t shirt." Despayre frowned down at the pile of clothes and he then turned to look at the closet which door was wide open. He nibbled the tip of his forefinger and shook his head. "If I'm going to Paris again, I have to have that to wear. Angel loves his international publicity."

"Theresa is repairing the hole that developed under the arm I believe." Synn responded. "You wear that shirt so much you started to wear holes right through it."

"Oh alright! I'll go get it from her then!" Despayre turned and started to head for the door when he was caught by the elbow by Synn and reeled back.

"Hold on there, Joshua." Synn said as he directed Despayre back toward his bed and with a gentle nudge, made him to sit on the edge. "We need to talk."

"Oh but I need to get the shirt and make sure Theresa fixes it just right." Despayre said and he again started to rise, and again, Synn placed a strong hand on his son's shoulder and forced him to sit back down.

"Joshua, just stop for a moment. Okay?" Synn requested and he was met with an impatient huff. Synn paused, unsure of how to tell him what he needed to speak about. He disliked being the bearer of any form of bad news where his son was concerned, not just for fear of hurting his feelings, but for being unsure of himself in how Despayre might respond with his mental state being in such a perpetually delicate state. "You won't need that shirt, Joshua."

"How come?"

Synn took a deep breath, realizing that honesty was simply the only way to handle this properly, and he said, "Because you're not going to Paris."

Despayre stared at Synn for several moments, not reacting in any way really, when a smile slowly spread on his lips and he giggled.

"That's funny." Despayre said. "Of course I'm going! You don't think Angel would go to Paris and leave me here, do you?"

"Angel is not going either." Synn stated. He then shook his head and before Despayre could ask, Synn continued, "And neither am I. We are all staying here, in Las Vegas."

Again, Despayre watched his father, pausing and waiting -- perhaps for the inevitable punch line that he felt was coming. Yet as innocent and naive as Despayre was, he also knew that his dad was not prone to making jokes very often, if ever. He shifted uncomfortably, his hands clenched together between his bended knees and he shrugged a single shoulder and asked, "What do you mean?"

Despayre's brow furrowed in stark confusion and he looked away from his deep, green eyes and he whispered so softly that Synn was not altogether certain that he had even spoke.

"I mean, that Gabriel and Odette are going to Paris together." Synn said and he reached over to rest a comforting hand on Despayre's shoulder. "Just the two of them."

"But..." Despayre started to argue. ".. But they invited me and Angel to go along."

"Joshua." Synn said quietly, knowing this not to be true. "When did they invite you?"

Despayre looked down into his lap and he had no answer. They did not, in fact, invite him. He just shrugged and remained silent. He did not want to tell fibs to this man. Especially not in front of Angel who kept tabs on any 'untruths' that might have accidentally slipped from his mouth over the course of any given day.

"But... why?" Despayre asked. he then turned and gave his father a deep, inquisitive look and asked, "Is this because of Angel getting the toots the last time we all went somewhere? Because if it is..."

"No, Joshua." Synn smiled, amused even at frustrating times such as these with his son's comedic yet innocent personality. "It has nothing to do with Angel's... digestive troubles."

"They don't want us to go with them?" Despayre asked, his voice betraying the brave front he was attempting to put on for his father's benefit. His eyes shimmered with a misty quality, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He took a deep breath and asked, "Did I .. make them m-mad at me?"

"Of course not!" Synn frowned, lowering his hand to grip Despayre's slim arm and he drew him against his side in a fatherly embrace. "Don't go thinking any thoughts like that, Joshua. You know very well how much Gabriel cares about you. Odette, as well. And you know that they enjoy having you around. But you have to understand that the two of them are in a relationship with each other."

"I know." Despayre looked down. "They're boyfriend and girlfriend."

"That's right." Synn responded. "And when two people are in relationships like that, they need a little time to themselves. To do things just between the two of them. Besides, you can't leave Bernard here alone, right? What would he do to stay busy?"

"Avid Theresa flirting with him." Despayre answered matter-of-factly. "Like he has been."

"Touche'." Synn chuckled. He then leaned down so that his staggering height difference was not so much a factor and he could look intently at Despayre. Synn's gaze was a piercing one and Despayre felt little alternative but to glance upward and meet his focus with his own eyes.

"You understand, however." Synn gave his arm and upper body a light shake and said, "Don't you?"

"I guess so." Despayre said defeatedly. Synn smiled and embraced him a second time, proud that Despayre so easily understood. At least until Despayre looked back up and asked, "But why can't I go?"



"It's not funny, Margaret." Synn spoke hard into the phone as his ears rang with the song of the laughter emanating from Despayre's mother. "It took me a full on hour to explain to him why Gabriel and Odette needed the trip to themselves. I did everything but use sock puppets to get the point across."

"Oh now that I would have had to insist you wait until I had been able to come down to visit so I could see!" Margaret chuckled into her end of the phone line. After a moment and having regained her composure to lend an ear to the man she was speaking to, she continued by asking, "But at least he understands now, right?"

"I'm not entirely certain, truth be told." Synn answered. "He kept stating that a trip to Paris counted as a 'date' and he seems to still think the two should have a chaperone on any outing until Odette passes this 'girlfriend application' of his."

"Girlfriend test?" Margaret repeated, a note of disbelief in her tone of voice. "Where did he come up with an idea like that?"

"Entirely his own." Was Synn's answer. "After that little ploy that Odette and Gabriel played on everyone, Despayre decided that Odette had to reestablish her right to be Gabriel's girlfriend. So far she's done almost everything the kid's asked of her..."

"She hasn't brought her parents to meet us yet!"

Synn pulled his head back from the receiver, the sharp yell hurting his ears. He blinked for a moment and then turned his head.

"Joshua! Stop listening into my phone call with your mother!"

**click**

The sound was evident of a phone being hurriedly hung up and Synn turned his head to spot the sullen boy walking back into view in the front room. He plopped down heavily into his aforementioned spot at the coffee table and leaned over the side to whisper audibly to his teddy bear.

"I told you that they'd hear us!"

Synn shook his head and turned back to resume his conversation.

"I wish you could come down for the weekend." Synn admitted. "If anything would bring him out of this funk, it'd be his mother."

"Wow." Margaret responded. "Words I never thought I'd hear come from your mouth."

"Words I never thought would come from out of my mouth." Synn replied. "It would have saved me the headache I may have drawn myself into to try and cheer the lad up."

"Why?" Margaret asked. "What did you end up doing?"

**ding!** **dong!**

Synn closed his eyes and exhaled a thin stream of air through his pursed lips. He opened his eyes and said, "I think that's the solution at the door right now. I'll talk to you later and have Joshua call you after the show."

"Give him a kiss for me." Margaret said and with that, the call was ended and with a press of his thumb, Synn shut it off.

Theresa walked past, holding a hand up to forestall Synn heading in the direction of the foyer and thus, the front door. "I'll get it." The housekeeper stated en route to the door. As she passed the front living room, Despayre glanced up with little interest and then looked back down at the checker pieces.

Theresa reached the door and pulled it open to reveal the beaming face of the blonde fan girl, Melody Carter. Her smile stretched from ear to ear as in her hands was a large, overnight bag.

"Hello Melody." Theresa said. "Come in."

"Hi!" The ultimate Despy and Angel fan stated in her usual energetic and upbeat manner as she practically bounced in through the front door, entering the foyer. She came to a halt as Synn stepped into the area between the living room and the house's main hallway and he nodded.

"Ms. Carter." He nodded to her in greeting. "I'm glad you could make it."

"I'm glad you invited me!" She said with utmost sincerity. She came toward him and came ever so close to grabbing him into one of her usual hugs, but stopped short as Despayre's father still had that intimidation factor going for him. She continued. "I have been soooo bored ever since Odette left for Paris with Gabriel!"

"I gathered that might be the case." Synn said as he took her bag from her hands and set it down on the floor beside the door. He then placed one hand on her arm and the other on her opposing shoulder and gently steered her around and guided her toward the living room. He said, "I have someone else who has been feeling the blues since that pair left for their vacation, so I thought perhaps you might be able to cheer one another up."

He stepped into the frame of the living room door and Melody immediately brightened up, "Hi Despy!"

Despayre looked up and it took him a brief moment to process who he was looking at and then he responded, "Melody? ... Hi! How come you're here?"

Melody bounced into the living room and dropped to her knees right beside Despayre and said, "Your dad invited me to stay over while Gabriel and Odette are out of town... out of the country ..." She frowned. "You know. While they're away."

Despayre nodded, "That's cool!"

"Whatcha doing?" She asked and Despayre turned back to the game he was playing with Angel and said, "Just playing checkers with Angel."

Melody frowned and leaned in to ask in a conspirators whisper, "Is he cheating again?"

Despayre turned his head to answer her with one eye narrowed, "He always cheats!"

Melody looked at Angel and waved a reprimanding forefinger at the teddy bear before she turned back to watch Despayre play.



"Well, I have to admit that this was certainly an unexpected displeasure."

"When Mark Ward asked me into his office to discuss the dream match rewards, I never quite expected this. I had admittedly assumed he was wanting to know what requests that Gabriel and Despayre had for their own respective dream matches. Imagine my surprise when he took me aside and explained to me that a certain someone from Despayre's past had opted to use their Dream Match to challenge him to a singles match. I naturally assumed it to be a mistake, but when Mark explained to me just who it was that was issuing the challenge, oh things then became so much clearer."

"Goth. Really. I had thought that after what happened between Despayre and yourself in your first and only singles encounter, that you had realized a serious error in judgment and decided that discretion would be the better part of valor. After all, you walked into that match almost two years ago, having already declared yourself the winner, only to discover that you seriously misjudged Despayre's capabilities inside of the ring. You thought because he was young, that he could be intimidated. You thought that because he was smaller than you physically, that he could be overwhelmed to the point of defeat. It didn't quite work out the way that you assumed it would, did it? Oh I can't deny the fact that you gave him the fight of his life. I would be lying if I tried to tell anyone otherwise. Yet as much as you fought so brutally to put him below ground, he had oh so much more to prove. Nothing you could think of to inflict pain upon him was ever enough, was it? You were unable to get him to yield to you and tap out. You could barely hold his shoulders down for a count of two, let alone an untimely three. Yet you continued on and as much as he was able to take it, I am so proud to be able to stand here and tell the world that he was able to dish it right back."

"Underestimating him cost you dearly Goth, more than once. After you attacked Angel, we all knew what you wanted. You had hoped to destroy him mentally. You hurt him, there's no point in denying that, but you didn't stop and consider the consequences of what might happen when that boy sought to avenge a very dear friend. You didn't see it coming when he sought justice and put you in the hospital and out of commission for a very long time. Then you decided to get your hands on him with nobody else around to help, attacking Gabriel in the process. Once again, you forgot how he might react in the avenging of a friend. That led to your last little encounter at Blaze of Glory, I believe. What happened then, hm? Oh has the cat got your tongue, Goth, or are you just attempting to forget the fact that after everything you tried to do, Despayre still rallied to put your shoulders to the mat to defeat his own personal boogeyman?"

"So that brings me to ask you now, Goth; why again? Why put yourself through this humiliation yet again? What exactly makes you believe that this time will be any different?"

"It won't be. And please let me shed a little light as to the reasons why; you don't frighten him. Not any longer. He now knows that you are no threat to him, nor anyone else that he holds dear to his heart. When he pinned you, he proved the world over that you are no longer the monster that lurks under the bed."

"You, Goth, are just a man."</color>

52
Climax Control Archives / Friends do for friends
« on: May 31, 2013, 06:00:05 PM »
 
May 26, 2013
Glacier Gardens - San Diego, California
SCW Climax Control


It was the usual post-event celebrations that normally occurred following every edition of SCW Climax Control. It was following the epic main event that saw the outsider, Atlantic Championship Wrestling's own Simon Jones walk away from the Interfed Gauntlet Battle Royal as the Number One Contender for the Heavyweight Championship. Several of the SCW's finest, both Superstars and Bombshells alike, joined with the visitors from the National Wrestling Alliance to emerge from the back and join the fans at ringside for a massive autograph session and to allow the fans on hand the opportunity to meet their favorites and get pictures taken with them.

As was the norm, some of the more popular stars for the men and women, young and old alike, to get to meet was the members of the controversial stable members of the Seven Deadly Sins; Despayre (and Angel -- always include Angel!), Gabriel and Synn himself. Although they were not scheduled to compete on this particular evening, the Sins had been scheduled to appear beforehand at a publicity meet n' greet event for the fans in order to raise funds for the Make A Wish Foundation.

Afterwards, the Sins attended the actual event as was expected and it had been a good thing they chose to do so. Their intervention, as well as Hot Stuff Mark Ward's, had been needed in order to prevent Misty's male Disciples from participating in any further assistance against Amy Marshall and Roxi Johnson. To say that Damien, Dante, Zane and Sebastian stood little chance against these four male superstars would be a gross understatement and Ward and the Sins sent them scurrying for cover -- quickly.

But that had been earlier in the night. It was now nearing past ten o'clock, and the post 'festivities' had finally drawn to a close inside of the Glacier Gardens, but that did not mean that the fans were finished.

The rear exit door opened and some cameras started to flash in the night, illuminating the rear parking lot of the building further from the street lamps that kept everything well lit for both fans, employees and athlete alike. As usual, Synn stepped through the door first to ensure the safety of Gabriel as well as his son, Despayre, and he was not at all surprised to discover that several fans thought it would be a better idea to accost them outside of the building as they attempted to go home, as opposed to actually doing what was intended and take part in the autograph sessions along with everyone else.

The logic of some wrestling fans was indeed baffling, but understandable. Many of them simply thought they'd have a better chance to meet their favorites in a closer environment as opposed to trying to get their attention when there were hundreds of other wrestling fans gathered around in the same vicinity.

"Look! There they are!"

"Can we get your autographs?"

Various fans converged upon them as they started down the steps of the exit porch and they started to shove scraps of paper and autograph books toward them, eager for their names to be scrawled down for souvenirs to remember the evening by. As much as they'd prefer to simply go somewhere for a late bite to eat and then return to their hotels to get as much sleep as they could before the whole process would begin anew, the members of this 'circle' knew that these fans were important to their careers and they wanted to see each of them go home happy.

In more ways than one; besides the usual fans, there were the eager young ladies (as well as a couple of young men) whom were known by the derogatory term of 'ring rats' who simply wanted to share the remainder of the night with one of these men, getting their rocks off.

One comely young ring rat had set her sights clearly on Gabriel, as she moved in so fast past the other fans that she was clearly acting as though she were defending 'her' territory. She was beautiful, that was a given, with long, red hair that reached down past her shoulders and a figure that would drive a Greek sculptor to madness trying to recreate. Gabriel paid little heed toward her 'hints and flirtations' but she was unused to taking 'no' for an answer. She was getting particularly aggressive toward Gabriel when the magician finally decided that subtlety was not working with this woman so he turned and a frown was evident on his handsome face.

"Look!" Gabriel barked with a bit of heat behind the tone of his voice. "I tried being nice but what part of I'm spoken for are you NOT getting!?"

The ring rat rolled her eyes and scoffed. A smile that had hidden cruelty hidden well beneath it grew on her painted lips and her fingernails glided down Gabriel's toned arm. She shrugged as she responded.

"You mean that Odette Ryder? Please! You could do so much better."

"Really?" Gabriel smiled and he leaned in closer to the young woman's face. "If that were true then why are you here alone?"

It took a moment for her to process the venomous insult that Gabriel had just laid down at her feet, but it was as they say; the truth hurts. She frowned, stunned as if she had been slapped, and took a step back as another fan that was standing nearby and had clearly overheard the exchange, barked out in laughter.

"Burn!"

The girl turned to look briefly in the direction the caustic remark had been flung from before she turned and hurried away, her pride hurt at having been shot down.

Gabriel simply shook his head and went back to the fans that were actually not out for something other than a photograph and his signature. Nothing burned him more than someone who was so disrespectful toward the one you loved than to give the insulting response of "Well they don't have to know!" The logic was completely lost on him and for that tart to think he would risk his life and love with Odette Ryder for a cheap thrill -- it galled him. Gabriel then turned to cast a sidelong glance toward the big man himself, and he noted Synn was having no qualms at all at being focused upon by those lustful masses. As a matter of fact, he was pretty much enjoying the attention. Synn had a fair number of fans surrounding him, each clamoring for his attentions but the ones that seemed to be making the most progress was whom appeared to be a set of identical twins, a brother and sister, both very attractive. Gabriel chuckled to himself. It would figure that would be what attracted Synn's attention the most.

"Leave me alone!"

The desperate whine tore Gabriel from his thoughts and the fans near him. He saw it also gave Synn cause to forget the two siblings that were making very good progress for a night with their target. They, and others around them, turned to spot two fans, a man and woman, who were clearly trying to get Despayre's attention but he was wanting none of it. As a matter of fact, he was getting quite scared, hiding Angel behind his back, and that was never a favorable sign. Despayre whimpered and maneuvered himself behind Synn's wide back and used his father as a human shield, but that was not deterring the two fans, clearly a couple. Their intentions were unclear but that logic was lost on Synn himself. All he saw was two people harassing his boy. The man, egged on by his woman, smiled and didn't let this stop him as he moved in to try to continue his 'aspirations' but Synn reached out and put an arm in his path, blocking him from going any further.

"Did you not hear him?" Synn said in a warning tone that Gabriel recognized as one that would do well to be paid heed. "I believe he told you to leave him alone."

"Dude! What's the big deal?" The man said, frowning with his arms held out at his sides. "We were just looking for a bit of fun!"

"Fun?" Gabriel piped in, always at the ready to defend his 'little brother'. "Does that look like he's having fun to you?" Pointing out the diminutive form of Despayre hiding behind his dad while clutching desperately to the back of his jacket.

The man sneered as he looked at the scene and shook his head. He said, "God! He needs to just chill out, the little ret-"

"Do not finish that sentence!" Synn warned ominously, raising a hand in a clenched fist. He then extended his arm and pointed out toward the cars in the vast parking lot. "Now, if you would be so kind, we would like to take our leave so get the Hell out of our way!"

"Yeah?" The man said, emboldened by the fact his woman was standing right there and she deserved a show. "And if I decide not to?"

A large, beefy hand suddenly snatched the man roughly by the collar, prompting his woman to elicit a squeal of surprise! The 'fan' was roughly turned around and he found himself staring into the bruised and lacerated face of a very upset Big B!

Big B, normally a light hearted and easy going young man, snarled in the guy's face, "Then you deal with me!"

Many of the fans who saw the expression of B's face immediately took a hasty step back or to the side to get out of dodge and avoid anything that might happen, should this 'ballsy' fan prove to act the fool. But discretion being the better part of valor, the fan did nothing that would endanger himself. His face, paled at the confrontation of the 'pissed off' man in his face, shrugged himself free from B's grip and turned away, taking his girlfriend by the arm and beating a hasty retreat.

"Bernie!" Despayre chirped with great cheer and he hurried out from behind Synn's back and toward his friend, one of the very few of whom he actually could call as such. "That was so..." But his words were suddenly lost to him as B turned around and smiled shyly -- and Despayre got a clear look of his friend's marred face.

Despayre swallowed and looked at him with pained eyes before he asked in a hushed whisper, "What happened?"

B found that he could no longer look at his friend in the face, such was the shame he felt at having been betrayed by his own flesh and blood. He just cast his eyes away and his hands found themselves deep in the pockets of his blue jeans.

"B?" Gabriel said as he and Synn approached, Synn having hurriedly shoved a scrap of paper in the hand of the male of the twins before joining Gabriel at Despayre's side. Gabriel continued, "What the Hell happened to you?"

B kept his eyes down and shook his head from side to side, mumbling, "Don't want to talk about it."

Despayre took a step closer to Big B and leaned down and contorted his waist and neck so he could look 'up' into B's downcast eyes and he spoke with wonder, "Angel says Nick do'd it."

B blinked and glanced up just enough so that he might look at the teddy bear being held protectively in Despayre's arms, cuddled closely against his chest. The teddy bear seemed to have that uncanny knack for simply 'knowing' things. B tried to keep his composure held but the sudden slump of his shoulders and the exhaling of his breath through his nose was evidence enough that 'Angel' had hit the proverbial nail on the head.

"Grab your stuff." Synn stated simply. "We can talk over dinner."

With that, Synn placed a gentle hand on Despayre's slim back and guided him forward, both with their own luggage being pulled behind them. Gabriel hefted his own bag over his shoulder and clapped B on the back good naturedly and started walking toward the car. B turned to look at the fans who were now dispersing. He looked again toward the retreating forms of Despayre and his 'family' and he grabbed his bag and hurried to catch up...



Under most circumstances, after a successful wrestling show, the men and women behind the program, both staff and competitor alike, would converge on one of the local night clubs to 'celebrate', but sometimes circumstances would demand otherwise.

"Nick did that to you? Why?"

Synn asked the question aloud as the four men sat at a table in a local 24 hour Denny's restaurant. It was not the sort of 'fine dining' that Synn was accustomed to, but at such a late hour the pickings for a late dinner were indeed slim, and Despayre had a hankering to try the newest Denny's concoction; a bacon milkshake.

Synn asked the previous querie as he took a drink from his glass, filled with raspberry iced tea. Not the strong drink that he had a craving for at this point of the evening, but it would seem that was not in the cards so he had to instead settle for easing his sweet tooth.

B kept his eyes down on his own plate and shrugged. He had found himself seated beside Gabriel as Despayre had insisted this evening he get to sit next to his dad. B was playing with his meal, reducing his chicken fried steak to tatters with his fork as opposed to actually eating it.

"I was trying to get him to join Team SCW." B reasonably and quietly explained. "He got tired of it. Said I was bugging him and... this happened."

"Well that wasn't very nice." Despayre observed. He looked over to the booster seat where Angel was seated with a child's meal of chicken nuggets on a plate in front of him. (What? You expected the rest of them to eat and Angel not having anything? You obviously haven't been paying very close attention to Despayre promos!) Despayre nodded at Angel and said "Yeah!"

B looked at the teddy bear, then at Despayre and asked, "What did he say?"

"I'm not sure." Despayre frowned. He then leaned over to Gabriel and asked, "What's a douche nozzle?"

Gabriel, having been taking a drink from his own water glass, almost choked on the contents. He hurriedly grabbed a napkin and wiped at his mouth while trying not to laugh at the same time. Eyes watering, Gabriel looked at his buddy and shook his head.

"Ask your father."

Despayre shrugged, now getting accustomed to that response and he instead went to work on the milkshake that was just set down in front of him. He smiled brightly and giggled, shoving a straw into it and proceeding to drink deeply. No sooner did he do so, however, then his eyes opened wide and he pulled his mouth from the straw and made a face.

"Blargh!"

"Problems, Joshua?" Synn asked as he took a forkful of his steak from the plate toward his mouth.

Despayre squinted his eyes and smacked his lips, frowning. "It tastes like bacon!" He whined.

"That's probably because it's a bacon milkshake." Gabriel mused, resting his chin on his fist in stark amusement. "It has bacon blended in with the ice cream."

Despayre looked at the treat, then at Gabriel and asked innocently, "What's your point?"

Gabriel turned to Synn and asked, "Do you want to take this one dad?"

Synn answered simply by shaking his head and popping the steak into his mouth. Gabriel shook his head and opted for a change of topic instead, one of the reasons why he and Synn had insisted B come along with them. He turned to B again and said, "I'm just finding it hard to believe Nick did this. I mean, he always was a jackass of epic proportions..."

"Swear jar!"

"I didn't cuss, Despy." Gabriel countered. "Jackass is a perfectly legit word. Look it up."

Despayre cringed after another sip of his bacon shake and turned to a passing waitress and shouted, "I NEED A DICTIONARY PLEASE!" -- prompting the surprised woman to send her tray of dishes crashing to the floor. All eyes turned to their table and Despayre's face flushed a deep hue of red and he looked down, averting the attention.

"Sorry." He mumbled and with an indignant huff, the waitress and a bus boy that hurried over started to clean the mess, not hearing Despayre's addition of "Butterfingers."

Gabriel turned back to B and went on with his thoughts. "I just can't believe that he'd stoop so low as to attack his own cousin. I mean, you've bent over backwards for the man and that's how he repays you?"

"Angel said it best." Synn stated simply as he reached for his tea again. "The man's a douche nozzle."

"What does that mean!?" Despayre exclaimed but received no answer from the men seated at the table. He huffed and instead turned to B and asked, "What are you going to do, Bernie? You were his bodyguard or something, weren't you?"

Big B shrugged noncommittally and said, "Guess so."

"Does that mean you're not anymore?"

"Yeah, I think it's a safe guess." B answered and he looked absolutely miserable. Not so much for the fact he had just lost his 'job' that he had worked for loyally for so long, but more so for the fact he had basically been betrayed by his own flesh and blood.

"Don't you live with him?" Gabriel asked, picking up his burger in one hand. He turned to Despayre and asked, "Didn't you tell me that?"

Despayre silently nodded, his face one bearing great concern for a friend.

Gabriel turned back to B and asked, "So... you told Mark that you were Team SCW?"

"Seemed like the thing to do." Big B mumbled.

"How is that going to work?" Gabriel asked Synn who said nothing. He simply watched Big B closely. Gabriel turned back to B and asked him, "Sticking around is all well and good, but where are you going to stay in the meantime? If you lived with Nick...?"

Again, B could only shrug noncommittally. Truth be told, he hadn't thought that far head. He wasn't even sure where he'd be staying tonight. The others in Nick's Entourage generally took care of those things. Travel issues, where they'd be staying... those sort of things. He didn't think this far ahead because he never thought this kind of thing would ever even happen in the first place.

Synn frowned and turned his head to find his son looking up toward him with pleading eyes. Despayre knew in his heart that his dad would make everything better. He always did from the time they first met.



May 27, 2013
Las Vegas, Nevada


"This is the guest room."

Synn stated as he flipped the light switch on in he empty bedroom located in the grandiose estate that he called home here in Las Vegas, Nevada. He started to set foot inside of the room but Despayre burst past him and charged in first. Synn stepped aside at the door and paused as Big B stood in the door frame, looking apprehensive.

"Are you going to come in?" Synn asked.

"You didn't have to do this." Big B said quietly, not moving to enter the bedroom. "I don't want charity."

"Good." Synn countered. "Because that's not what this is. Now get in here."

"Yeah!" Piped Despayre. "C'mon in Bernie!"

Big B frowned temporarily at the use of this most unwanted nickname his friend had bestowed upon him and sighed short and audibly. B then set foot into the room, carrying his luggage rack in his massive arms -- the subconscious desire not to run the wheels on Synn's floor evident. As he passed into the room, Synn stole an eyeful of B's rather well endowed backside and shook his head in stark admiration.

Synn said, "Besides, I'm sure we can find a way for you to work it off."

"Nooo!" Despayre shook his head. True he might not have quite gotten the meaning of what his father meant, but in this case he didn't need to. He practically bounced to B's side and said, "Bernie's a guest!"

Synn could only fold his arms over his chest and he leaned back against the wall, allowing Despayre reach up for Big B's luggage. Before B could stop him, Despayre pulled it from his grasp to give his 'big buddy' a hand and the weight of the luggage was immediately evident as it crashed to the floor and took Despayre along with it. Synn took a step forward to give his son a hand but he stopped and watched as B himself used just one hand to cup the underside of Despayre's arm and he lifted him up off of his feet (literally) and set him back down.

"Joshua." Synn started to say. "I'd like a moment of B's time, alone."

"Okay." Despayre nodded. "Can I stay?"

Synn shook his head and then said, "Gabriel and Odette will be joining us tonight. Theresa is making those little meat loaves you enjoy so much, for dinner. Perhaps she could use a hand in the kitchen?"

"Alright!" Despayre shouted with a whoop of glee and he darted out of the bedroom, leaving Synn and Big B alone in his wake.

Synn turned around and sighed, before he said innocently, "I'm sure Theresa will forgive me for that -- eventually."

B frowned, not understanding what Synn was inferring but Synn waved it off. Synn instead stepped further into the room and had a seat on the plush chair that was stationed in the far corner, opposite a small plasma TV. Clasping his hands together, Synn leaned forward with his elbows propped on his knees while B watched him warily.

Synn said, "I want you to know that I am not accustomed to opening my home to just anyone. The usual guests are the other members of the Sins, and Joshua's mother." Synn's eyes flicked upward toward B and he continued, "I admit I know very little about you, save you are my son's friend. So I hope you understand what it means, my doing this."

B nodded, then asked, "What?"

Synn broke into a wide smile and pushed himself to his feet. He knew all too well by backstage reputation that 'Bernie' had a bit of an arterial flow problem above the neck, and right there was a hint of it, live and in color.

Synn could not help but state, "I am beginning to see why Joshua enjoys spending time with you."

Synn then turned away and headed for the door stating, "I'm sure you want to relax and get used to your new surroundings. Come downstairs when you're ready."

There was a sudden crash emanating from downstairs, followed by a shriek,

"Joshua!"

"Sorry!"

Synn, his eyes closed and now opened, said to B, "You might want to hurry." And he closed the bedroom door behind him.



The sun had finally descended in the evening sky and the moon and stars emerged up in the skies above, their brightness dancing off of the few clouds, causing an array of blue and purple hues to cast color where the eyes might roam should they look to the heavens.

Dinner had been a pleasant experience, and everyone who called this place home had went the extra mile to make Big B feel welcome given what the poor man had recently been put through. Theresa even made certain to slip him an extra dessert -- which just made Gabriel tease her over the assumption she had a crush on the muscular guy.

However the night was starting to draw to a close for the guests, Gabriel and Odette, and after being given some leftovers by Theresa to take home with them, they had slipped on their jackets and they walked through the halls to say good-bye to Despayre, and by proxy, Big B as well.

Gabriel and Odette found the pair seated again at the table in the dining room, both hunched together and whispering while Despayre scrawled 'notes' in a blank book with a red crayon. Angel sat right at the front of the book, watching over everything.

"Despy?" Gabriel said aloud, drawing his little brother's attention. "Odette and I have to get running."

"Awww!" Despayre almost cried in disappointment. He never liked seeing Gabriel leave his presence. He hopped up from his chair, scooping Angel up along the way. He ran around the table while B remained seated, watching, and Despayre flung himself into Gabriel's arms for the usual fierce embrace. Despayre then practically shoved Angel into Gabriel's hands so that his 'big brother' could give a hug to his bestest plush buddy in the whole, wide world.

"Do you really hafta go?" Despayre asked as Gabriel passed the teddy bear back to his waiting arms.

"`Fraid so buddy." Gabriel answered, then nodded toward the table, indicating the book and he asked, "What are you two up to?"

"Hm?" Despayre frowned and looked over to where Gabriel indicated and his face brightened. "Oh! We were just making plans to get even with Nick for being mean to Bernie. In fact, we already started!"

B nodded in affirmation.

"Oh? What'd you do?" Gabriel asked. "Send a dozen pizzas to his hotel room?"

Despayre shook his head.

"Uh uh."

Gabriel thought for a moment, enjoying this. He then snapped his fingers and pointed at Despayre. "Knock on his hotel room door then run?"

Despayre shook his head vigorously. "Nope."

Odette then decided to get in on the fun of trying to decipher Despayre's innocent game. She asked, "Put a flaming bag of dog poop on his doorstep and run away?"

Despayre blinked, thinking that sounded like a great idea! He then shook his head, clearing his thoughts, then answered. "No. Actually I paid a retired green beret to tamper with the brakes on his car."

"Oh." Gabriel nodded, then took Odette by the arm to head for the door, then stopped fast and he turned to Despayre.

"What?"



"I have to admit that I am yet still a relative novice when it comes to such things as the family dynamic, but I pride myself on being something of a fast learner. I also like to think of myself as one of those select few that simply knows things by base instinct, and what I know is that family is not meant to do the things that you, Nick Jones, did to one of your own."

"You can make all the excuses you want about loyalty and trust, but when all is said and done, you wouldn't know the meaning of either. You are a man that runs at the mouth and is driven by the need to simply protect himself, be damned any other who could possibly be seen as a hindrance. Now I have to admit that I expected something akin to this situation to one day occur, but personally I always assumed that it would have been the other way around, and that Big B would have taken you down and left you there -- and you would have deserved it. For all the good he had one you over the course of the past ten plus years, you appreciated nothing and simply assumed he would continue to put up with your abuse because, ready for it, you are Nick Jones. Nick, you could not have been more wrong. You may have drawn first blood, both literally and figuratively, but I dare say that you have awoken a sleeping giant. While it is true that Big B is not a part of this little gathering we will soon find ourselves in, do not think for a moment that his presence will go unnoticed. And do not think that your time in the ring with Despayre, should you eventually grow the balls you need to meet him inside of the ring, will go by in your favor. You've spent very little time around him, but I saw the way you avoided him at all costs the one and only time you two were in a match against each other. If you thought that was tense then, wait until he tries to get into the ring with you this time. He thought he liked you that first time, but this time he sees himself in there with a man that hurt a buddy of his. And I pride myself on having a son that stands by his friends, despite the costs."

"Alas poor Nick Jones, we knew ye well."

"Casey, not to sound too cliche' but yes, we meet again. How many times has it been now? How many encounters have the Sins experienced with the waking giant known as Casey Williams? Since your time together in the Asylum Wrestling Alliance, and right here to Sin City Wrestling. Singles matches, tag team matches, to us it was all the same; victories for Sinful Obsession, and another loss for the mighty giant. I should think that by now you would have been tired playing Goliath to Despayre's David. I would think you had been humbled enough by the talents of Gabriel and Despayre once you were standing on opposite sides of the ring, but clearly I was wrong. So be it. It's your funeral, Casey, but heed these words of advice... there are only so many times the giant can plummet from the top of the beanstalk, before he simply will ever be able to rise again."

"And last, but most certainly not least, the man who would stab his own mother in the back if it meant catapulting himself just a little closer towards success and championship gold; one Tom Dudely. Out of all of the men in this match, I dare say that you, Tom, have the most experience, and perhaps even the longer in the list of successful accomplishments inside of the ring. The fact that you turned on not only your protege', but also the men who were the sole reason you remained anything close to a household name in SCW tells me you have a pathological need to prove yourself, and keep all successes you achieve for your own moment of glory and nobody else. It raises an interesting question, not toward me or you, but your partners in this match. You already proved that you were unable to be trusted. You have stabbed multiple people in the back on your return toward the top. I just wonder if it's in the backs of their heads if they could be next. Watch yourself Tom. Inside of the ring with the Sins and Jordan Williams, you will have much to answer for. But you might want to keep an eye at all times on your own partners. You never know when someone might betray you in your time of need. You taught that lesson to everyone, yourself."

53
Climax Control Archives / Mother's Day - a day early
« on: May 11, 2013, 07:54:02 PM »
 Las Vegas, Nevada

The principal commercial airport of the city of Las Vegas, the McCarran International Airport of Las Vegas, Nevada, was one of the most heavily trafficked airports throughout not only the nation of the United States, but throughout the world. The lure of the very 'City of Sin' itself as a tourist locality would bring annually in the upwards of over 40,799, 830 passengers, all anxious to bear witness to this most famed of worldwide cities on vacation and holiday.

It was one of the prominent reasons we find ourselves in the midst of the swarm of peoples of all ages and nationalities, making their way to and from the terminals of the vast expanse of this airport, heading both toward their airlines and making their way from, to the city itself. Now you understand that in most of the promotional appearances here in Sin City Wrestling, you find yourself in either the current timeline, or taking a trip back a day or more into the past to see what had occurred before you are sitting here, watching your favorite superstars and bombshells in their current doings and whereabouts.

Not this time. No, on this special holiday promo, we are asking you to do the next to the impossible and venture a day or two, not into the past, but the future. Saturday to be the more precise. This coming Saturday, May 11th, not only the day before Sin City Wrestling hits the California city of Stockton for the forty ninth edition of Climax Control, but also for Mother's Day itself.

The holiday that honors the women who raised us is but one of the reasons why the airport right now is at such a busy point. People from all over were flocking to make their flight connections to travel across the nation to visit their mothers, visiting those very same women here in Las Vegas, or bringing their mothers from all over as a special treat to this city of cities.

That's the reason we actually find ourselves at this particular location.

"And Synn doesn't think this is going to be cutting things just a little too close?"

Odette Ryder had asked the particular question toward her boyfriend, one-half of the 'sinful' combination of Sinful Obsession, the SCW's resident magician, Gabriel. The two stood waiting by the baggage carousel near terminal six, where their 'guests' as it were had been scheduled to arrive from their flight from Canada.

Everywhere around them were men and women, children and adult, wafting through the crowds, heading this way and that. The lights of all the colorful and prominent displays of everything this city had to offer were on full view for those interested. However, these two in particular here were at the airport for one reason only; to pick someone up as a favor to both Synn, as well as Gabriel's tag team partner and 'little brother' Despayre.

Odette continued in her distinct Australian accent, "It's Saturday and we're scheduled for the flight tomorrow morning. Shouldn't this have been done yesterday?"

"Nah." Gabriel answered with a shake of the head. "We'll be fine. The flight won't even be two hours long so we'll get to California with plenty of time to spare. It's not like we've had much time at home with the recent tours and all so leaving last minute will be a bit of a blessing before we're on the road ... again."

"Do you ever get tired of the constant touring?" Odette asked, her arm snaking its' way through the crook of Gabriel's own.

"Only when I'm on the road." Gabriel smiled as he drew her closer to his side. "I want nothing more than to get home and relax. Of course, once I'm at home I start to miss seeing the sights and being in the ring." He cast a sidelong glance her way and sighed rather dramatically. "I can't win."

"Poor thing." She murmured in good humor. She glanced around as the flight their guests were arriving on was due any moment now to arrive. She noticed all of the gambling slot machines that seemed to be everywhere here in the airport for the use of anyone who had some time to kill. She nudged her man and nodded with her head to one in particular that had attracted her eye. "Think we have time for a little...?"

"No." Gabriel answered with a smile, but his voice was firm. "We better not. I've lived here long enough to know those things are nothing more than a huge waste of time and an even bigger waste of money. Nobody ever really wins on those things anyway."

"Didn't you tell me Joshua practically broke the bank on one of those things with just a quarter?"

"That was one time." Gabriel smiled, remembering the scene Despy had almost caused, thinking he had broken the slot machine in the process of his playtime. "And it took me almost a half hour to calm the little guy down and convince him he wouldn't have to pay to fix the machine. Synn and I managed to get him under control long enough to cash it out and get it to the bank. Kid won more money than he knew what to do with."

Odette chuckled, being able to just picture Despayre having a hysterical fit, running around the machine in circles. She smiled and then after a moment, her brow knitted in frowning wonder. She asked, "Wait, what about the time you said Angel won big?"

"Yeah I'm still trying to figure out how that happened." Gabriel replied, shaking his head. "I've come to expect the impossible where Despy's teddy bear is concerned."

Odette laughed softly, a sound that was a testament to music to Gabriel's ears, if we can be a bit dramatic for a moment. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled again just as gently through her nose before she asked, "He's really looking forward to tonight, isn't he?"

"Mm." Gabriel nodded solemnly. "He doesn't get to see his mom very often, and his nana even less. I guess it's one of the reasons why Synn wants to leave in the morning, so Despy can have as much time with them as possible. I know Synn is trying to get them to go to Stockton with us." he sighed and shook his head. "A lot's changed on that note."

Odette turned her head to look at Gabriel in the event he decided to elaborate on the topic, but it did not look like he had any intentions of doing so. Backing up a step to avoid some Japanese travelers hurrying along their way, Odette opted to take a seat on the edge of the baggage carousel and she gripped Gabriel's hand.

"There is so much about him that I don't know." She said with a gentleness that was in her nature.

"About Despy?" Gabriel asked and Odette could only nod silently. Gabriel nodded and said, "I know, and I wish I could tell you more..."

"But?"

Gabriel frowned as his hands found their way deep inside of his own pockets (not someone else's for a change), and he could only shrug helplessly.

"It's not my story to share." Gabriel answered simply but with regret. "So much has happened to him, traumatic things, that I just don't think it would be fair to him or to Synn if I told anyone about them."

"I understand." Odette said warmly, reaching to take Gabriel's hand in her own once again and she pulled him down to have a seat beside her on the edge of the carousel. Gabriel turned to look into her beautiful eyes and leaned in for a kiss when they heard a voice...

"Would you two like for us to come back later?"

Gabriel and Odette turned their heads to spot Despayre's mother, Margaret Young, and grandmother, Victoria, approached through the crowd, both women with smiles on their faces.

Not missing a beat, Gabriel replied with an arched brow, "Would you, please?"

That being said, Gabriel stood up and pulled Odette up along with him. Familiar with this man who was as a brother to her child, Margaret had no qualms at all at walking up to Gabriel and enveloping him in her arms for a hug, adding a gentle peck on the cheek for good measure. She then moved aside and gave Odette the same treatment as Gabriel extended his hand to Victoria and shook it gently in greeting.

"Where's Joshua?" His ''nan" asked, glancing around and fully expecting to see her grandson with them.

"At home, getting everything ready." Odette answered with a smile.

At Victoria's frown, Gabriel emphasized, "Oh he was up all night making the preparations for this visit and he's running Synn ragged helping him get everything together for your little night out together."

"Ah." Victoria nodded. "And will Synn be joining us tonight?"

"Nope." Gabriel said, reaching past Margaret to scoop up her suitcase as well as Victoria's before either woman could do so for themselves. "He said this was all about Despy and his mom and grandma. He's staying out of it."

Gabriel then hefted the luggage into his grasp and headed out with Odette at his side, escorting Margaret and Victoria's way.

Synn was staying out of it? Well, for the most part.



"Come on now, Joshua. We are not going to be doing this." Synn said with a forceful finality behind his words. He did not raise his voice in the slightest but there was little doubt left that he would brook no argument.

See, this would be where we fast forwarded to later that very evening. otherwise, we'd have to fill our time with either the complete goings on of the time at this household, or I'd bore you to tears reading epic works of poetry -- and nobody wants that!

Despayre openly whined and whimpered as he stood in front of the full length mirror in his father's own bedroom. Despayre actually appeared quite nice in a tanned dress suit while the right side of his head that was not shaved had his shoulder length hair drawn back behind his shoulder. He gripped the fingers of his left hand in the clutching palm of his right and closed his eyes while Synn stood directly behind him.

Despayre started to move aside but Synn took his slim shoulders in his large hands and stationed him right back where he had been positioned. He released his fingers and clenched his fists tightly at his sides while Synn reached around and busied himself to adjust the boy's tie, using the reflection in the mirror as a focal point.

"I don't like wearing these things!" Despayre practically cried while Synn again forced him still so he could finish adjusting the tie around his son's neck.

"I am well aware of that." Synn answered. "After all, the few times that Shane has attempted to wrestle you into one of these things you practically beat the poor man senseless."

Synn then took him by the shoulders and turned him around so that he would be facing him. The much taller Synn leaned down so he could have a better vantage point and he drew the tie to a snug point and adjusted it to where it was perfectly centered down along Despayre's chest.

Synn said, "But seeing as how Shane is in London, it falls on me to get you ready for your night out with your mother and grandmother." He then looked hard into Despayre's eyes until the young man had little choice but to return the piercing gaze.

"You do want to look nice for them, don't you?"

"I always look nice!" Despayre answered, almost with an affronted tone to his voice. "Mom says I'm adorable."

"And so you are." Synn answered, a smile creeping its way to the corners of his lips. "But the place you are taking these ladies is very nice and has a dress code."

"Well that's just dumb." Despayre proclaimed. Synn frowned and looked at him and Despayre just shrugged his indifference. "Well it is! Why should someone get all gussied up like this, just to eat?"

"You picked the restaurant." Synn said as he turned aside and walked across the room. Almost immediately Despayre started to pull at his tie until his father ordered, "Don't... do that."

Despayre halted his attempt to free himself of the accursed tie and pouted. he stated, "Angel picked the place we're going."

"Then you can blame him for what you have to wear." Synn said as he picked up two colorfully wrapped packages and walked back over to where Despayre stood, trying not to look at himself in the mirror. Synn continued, "But you don't hear your little friend complaining, do you?"

Despayre glanced across the room to where his teddy bear was perched on the edge of Synn's king sized bed. Angel was clad in a bite sized tuxedo and top hat with a monocle over one eye and a toy cane attached to his left paw.

Despayre rolled his eyes and huffed, "Yes, well, teddy bears are naturally very dapper. I'm not."

"I beg to differ." Synn said casually as he picked up a small brush and used it along Despayre's shoulders to make him look his absolute best. Synn's eyes flickered up to join his son's and he smirked, "After all, you are my son and I usually look pretty good, right?"

Despayre broke into a smile and he giggled. "You're funny." He said which drew a confused frown from Synn.

"Thanks." He said, shaking his head. Synn then took a step back and inspected Despayre one last time. He nodded and said, "You look good. Very good. I think we're ready to present you to the ladies."

"Ladies?" Despayre blinked. "I thought I was taking mom and gramma to dinner?"

Synn smiled and reached over to pick Angel up and he passed the bear over to Despayre's waiting arms. Synn said, "Not to worry. I'll make certain neither of them will hear of that particular statement."

Despayre frowned, not understanding what it was that he said that was so wrong. Synn then went to his dresser and picked up two ornately wrapped packages, one with bright violet paper, the other with white and both had yellow ribbon wrapped around with a matching bow. He handed them over to Despayre's free arm with a "Here."

"Thanks!" Despayre's face lit up at the sight of the packages and he was about to set Angel down so he could tear into them but Synn took hold of his wrist and shook his head.

"These are for your mother and grandmother, Joshua." Synn stated. "From you for Mother's Day."

"Oh." Despayre said, the evidence of disappointment on his face that the gifts were not for him. He then perked up and asked, "What did they get?"

"Theresa picked out some very nice things, I'm sure." Synn answered, heading for the bedroom door. "I know you were busy so I told her to pick some things she might like for herself." He pulled the door pen and turned back as Despayre followed him out into the hall. Synn asked, "Do you have the cards you and Angel made for them?"

Despayre nodded and said, "I asked Theresa to have them put in their presents."

Synn nodded and laid a gentle hand on his son's back and escorted him down he hall and towards the stairs.

Downstairs in the house's spacious living room, Margaret and Victoria were siting on the plush sofa that stretched the far wall and chatting idly with Theresa. Margaret was wearing a strapless, black evening dress with full length sleeves that shimmered under the room's soft light. Victoria had on a cream colored blouse and violet toned skirt with a sheer shawl draped over her shoulders.

Synn stepped through the door frame first and announced, "Your date is ready, ladies."

"That's Angel." Despayre said as he followed closely behind his father with Angel and the packages both in his arms. "But I'm coming too."

Both Margaret and Victoria stood up and approached where the men stood and Synn tapped Despayre's shoulder. He said, "Joshua, don't you have something for them?"

"Hm? Oh!" Despayre paused and passed Angel to Synn and then handed the appropriate box to each; the violet package to his mother and the white one to his grandmother. He proudly proclaimed, "These are for you!"

"Well thank you, sweety." Margaret accepted her's and leaned over to give her son a peck on the cheek.

"Should we open them now?" His grandmother asked.

"No." Despayre shook his head with a bright smile as he took Angel back. "Open them at the restaurant. That way everyone can see."

"Alright." Margaret smiled and then looked to Synn who would be driving them to the restaurant. "Are we ready?"

"In just a moment." Synn then took Despayre by the shoulder and beckoned him with a finger. "Joshua?"

Turning to follow his dad out of the living room, Despayre watched curiously as Synn guided him just around the corner and out of sight of the women. Synn reached into his pocked and pulled out and envelope, offering it over to Despayre.

"There you are." Synn said.

"What is it?" Despayre asked.

"To pay for the dinner."

"No." Despayre shook his head, taking a step back.

"No?" Synn frowned, glancing at the envelope in his hand. "What do you mean?"

Despayre glanced at the envelope for the briefest of moments and then looked up at his dad and he said, "I want to pay for this myself. They're my mom and gramma."

"Are you sure?" Synn asked. "The place you, er, Angel picked out is rather expensive."

"I know." Despayre answered. "But I have money. You pay for everything, after all. I got lots now too."

"I enjoy paying for you." Synn smiled. "I missed out on a lot of that, Joshua."

Despayre blushed, his pale cheeks taking on a bright pink shade. He smiled and shrugged. "I know." He said. "But tonight is special. I wanna pay."

Synn watched him for a few moments before he himself smiled and nodded. "Alright." He said. "If you're sure." And he guided Despayre back around and they headed for the living room so he and his mother and grandmother could begin their celebrations a day early.

Alize

>

Regally reigning atop the Palms Casino Resort, Alizé is located on Flamingo Boulevard, one mile north of the Las Vegas strip from Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio Hotel. It was renowned for having over 1800 different wines available and delectable dishes that dazzled with service that was second to none.

The restaurant was delightfully busy and the staff were moving about, attentive to each and every patron that they were responsible for serving. Despayre and his mother and grandmother stepped up to the host's podium, a man in his forties that was dressed impeccably. He looked up and blinked at the sight of the teddy bear in the young man's arms but he quickly shook it off.

"Yes, might I help you?" The host asked.

Despayre bit back on his lip, his shyness factor kicking in as well as his nervousness at being caught in unfamiliar territory. He would have bolted, perhaps, had it not been for the two women he felt he was responsible for entertaining for the evening. He glanced back at both Margaret and Victoria and hen turned back to the host and shyly answered in a barely audible whisper, "I-I have a reservation. F-for Joshua Young?"

"Joshua Young?" The host looked at his reservation list and scanned down the list and then tapped his forefinger to the page and he brightened with a smile. "Ah yes, here we are. Joshua Young, party of four." The host looked up and glanced around. "Will your fourth member be arriving soon?"

"What do you mean?" Despayre asked with a frown. "He's right here." And he held Angel up for the host to see. Margaret could not help but smile and shield her eyes as she fought to contain her delight at her son's innocent antics. Victoria held it back a bit better but simply looked to the host and winked.

"Ah, of course." The host nodded, containing himself quickly. "I do apologize. I didn't see your friend. Please, this way."

The host picked up four menus and escorted the group around the tables to one that seated four against the windows, a special added touch courtesy of a phone call Synn had made ahead of time.

As the host signaled to a waiter, he held the chairs out for both Victoria and Margaret while Despayre pulled out the fourth and set Angel down into it. He stepped back and frowned, then turned to the just now arriving waiter and he asked, "Can I get a cushion or something so he can see? How is he supposed to reach his plate?"

"His plate?" The waiter asked then leaned aside to glance past Despayre and he spotted the teddy bear on the chair. He blinked but like the rest of the staff who the group had encountered, he recovered and smiled and answered, "Right away."

He moved off as Despayre stood by the chair and Victoria asked, "Aren't you going to sit down, sweety?"

Despayre shook his head. "Not until Angel can get comfortable. That would be rude."

Only moments later, the waiter returned with two thick phone books and a burgundy cushion. He personally set them on the chair and arranged it just so before Despayre stepped back and set Angel down atop and the teddy bear was now seated as a child might be.

"Is that alright, sir?"

"Very good!" Despayre nodded. "There'll be a nice tip in it for you!"

The waiter was beginning to sense there was something unusual, but special, about this guest in particular who was now taking his own seat. The waiter chuckled, "Thank you sir. Can I get you anything to drink while you look our menu over?"

"Can I see a wine list?" Despayre asked excitedly.

"Joshy," His mother took a warning tone. "You can't drink."

"Well you and gramma can." He reasoned. "Nothing but the best for you!" he then looked at the waiter and beamed. "we're celebrating Mother's Day early."

"Well congratulations!" he answered in return. "I'll bring the wine list right over. Will there be anything else to drink?"

While his mother and grandmother asked for iced tea and water, Despayre was all too gleeful to discover that this ritzy establishment did in fact have Cherry Coke to drink.

After they had ordered their meals, Despayre was all too eager for the presents to be opened. Not wishing to make him wait any longer, both Margaret and Victoria carefully peeled off the wrapping paper so as not to make a mess in the restaurant. Both women's faces lit up with pleasant joy as they looked inside of the packages.

"What is it? What did I get you!?" Despayre asked, then caught himself. He cleared his throat and tried to look innocent and asked instead, "I mean, how do you like what I got you?"

"Oh my..." Victoria said as she picked up a beautiful violet shawl with white accents. Margaret's package was smaller but no less special as she found herself holding a personalized pearl flutter bracelet.

"Oh that is lovely." Victoria commented on her daughter's gift.

Despayre was all smiles as he watched the two women show each other their gifts and for one of the first times, he got that warm thrill over seeing how much someone else enjoyed a gift received. He then raised a finger to the air and said, "There are cards, too."

"So there is." Victoria smiled and she reached into the box and picked up a homemade card made from construction paper and crayons. Margaret had one just like it and they both delighted at the crude, childlike drawings and writing on each.

"These are lovely, Joshy." Margaret said, standing up. She moved around the side of the table and gave her boy a kiss on his scalp. "Thank you."

"Angel helped." Despayre said innocently but there was a bright glow to his cheeks now, one that any son would know when in the presence of a loving mother.

Humoring her son, Margaret reached over the table and 'tickled' the teddy bear behind the ears and she said, "Thank you Angel." at the same time as her own mother had stood up and drawn Despayre into her arms for a loving embrace that only a grandma could accomplish.



The evening had slowly wound down and after a lovely meal and some casual conversation (in which Despayre had actually managed to talk his mom and grandma into venturing to California for the show), Synn had been called to come and pick them up from Alize.

The scene was now set at Synn and Despayre's house where Theresa had retired for the evening and everyone else had gotten ready for bed but none were truly ready to bring such a wonderful evening to a close. Victoria was seated on a cushioned stood in the front room in her night gown, attempting to teach her grandson how to play chess. He was watching attentively at her instructions as Angel sat perched on his lap, watching too.

Margaret stood in the door frame of the living room in her own night clothes and her eyes appeared misty at the scene that was unfolding before her, one that for so many years she could not even begin to imagine being a possibility.

Synn approached her from behind and whispered, "Have you ever wondered what life would have brought had that accident not occurred?"

He stood to her right and watched the same as she. Margaret nodded with a saddened smile. "All the time." Was all that she could bring herself to say in answer. After a few moments pause in watching Despayre try a move on the chess board, Margaret then countered with her own question.

"Did you ever wonder what things could have been like if my father hadn't separated us?"

Synn did not answer. Not at first. For a few brief moments he simply enjoyed the sight in front of him until he found himself saying...

"Every day of my life."



"I have to admit that I always felt something of a pang of regret when a match booked for Sinful Obsession happens to fall upon a holiday of some sort. Not because we might miss out on the revelry and celebrations. There are always ways to make time for personal enjoyments to make one day or the other memorable, but I speak with the respective opposition in mind."

"Take this weekend's show for example. Mother's Day. The day where we celebrate those special women who brought us into the world. The women who raised us into adulthood and did their best to teach us how to be the absolute best that we could be. They nursed us back to health when we were ill and fretted over us the day we took our first venture towards school."

"Those are the women we will be celebrating on Sunday, the same day that Sinful Obsession will be teaming with one Odette Ryder to oppose Amanda Cortez and the former Tag Team Champions, Ace Baldwin and Kevin Carter. So, why does this holiday make me tend to feel hints of remorse for the opposing team? Well, what can I say? Even I don't like the idea of humiliating anyone in front of their own mothers."

"I just imagine that one of the opponents, or perhaps all three, might be ensuring their mothers will either be in attendance or at the very least, tuning in so they can see their special 'little ones' doing battle inside of the ring to make their loving mothers proud as can be. Only for moments later to choke and fall short in hopeless defeat. How crushing a blow would that be to their mothers' hearts to see their children fall short of their hopes and dreams."

"I won't say too much on the subject of Amanda Cortez, a woman who has risen to much prominence in the world of Sin City Wrestling. There is not much you can say about a woman that has won both the Tag Team titles as well as the Bombshell singles championships in such a relatively short amount of time. Restricting her from competing for championship gold will do little good to impeding this woman, but neither Despayre nor Gabriel will have to worry about her. Amanda is all Odette Ryder's to handle and put out of her misery and I am most pleased to say that Miss Ryder is more than capable of handling that particular job, by Amanda's own admission."

"No, the ones that the Sins have to make note of and focus their undivided attentions on would be none other than Ace Baldwin and Kevin Carter, a duo that many overlooked the first time they attempted to claim championship gold as a team, and lo and behold, they ended up winning the titles from none other than Kain and Frost, Blood Omen."

"I dare say that there would be something of a similarity between Carter and Baldwin, and Gabriel and Despayre. The first time that Sinful Obsession appeared together inside of the ring as a tag team, few thought they had what it would take to be the best the world of professional wrestling had to offer. To this day, so many combinations would look at their differences and immediately look past them, thinking them an easy road to their own personal success. How many of those very teams met their goals at the expense of Despayre and Gabriel?"

"None. Not a single one. And yet, still few teams would be willing to swallow their pride just long enough to give Sinful Obsession the credit that they are due as the definitive tag team in the sport today. Would Kevin Carter and Ace Baldwin be man enough to admit their own short comings and that there is a team staring them down across the ring that is better than they are? Doubtful, but that would be their own mistake to make."

"Some might say that this match would be yet another in the personal vendetta between the war for control of Sin City Wrestling, and I imagine to a degree that they would be correct. But then again, I might stress this is just as much a pure business standpoint and Despayre and Gabriel are simply here to cement their standing as the absolute best tag team that this sport has ever seen; past, present -- future."

"You three picked the losing side when you offered yourselves up to the proverbial Devil. Whoever booked this match must have little to no love for Amanda Cortez, nor Ace Baldwin or Kevin Carter. You are mere pawns to a higher power. The sacrificial lambs being led to the slaughter."

"And you have only yourselves and Erik Staggs to blame."</color>

54
Supercard Archives / CAC 2013
« on: April 25, 2013, 03:01:32 AM »
 Las Vegas, Nevada

The Cauliflower Alley Club is a non-profit organization that brings together athletes in both the world of pro boxing as well as the ranks of professional wrestling. Although pro boxers are heralded in this club, the mainstream media has the most to do with the sport of wrestling. The CAC is seen by many as a way to honor where the men and women who make their dreams come true in their chosen livelihood have come from, and where they could one day be headed. It is a way to bring the past and present together in one place for the fans, as well as each other.

The Gold Coast Casino

The Gold Coast Casino has been the location of the Reunion hosted by the Cauliflower Alley Club for the past several years. The Grand Ballroom would be the location once again for the wrestling extravaganza known as the 'Casino Royale' where not one, not two, but five independent wrestling promotions would be represented with their stars headlining a multitude of matches, including championship contests and open invitational events, featuring the best of the male and female ranks of promotions such as Chick Fights, Vendetta Pro, and others.

And it was not just the bright new faces that would be gracing the squared circle during the program and attending booths and meeting fans during the convention and reunion across the hall, but some top names would be there as well with names such as Rob Van Dam, Ivory and Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, amongst many others.

The fans, both card carrying members of the CAC and otherwise, knew that they would be in for a special time during the three days of this annual tradition, and they have come from as far as Japan to be in attendance for this spectacular extravaganza.

One would think that Sin City Wrestling itself, a mainstay in Las Vegas, would have been one of the featured indy promotions taking part in the actual wrestling card. Given their hectic tour schedule, Christian and Mark were unable to secure spots for their athletes to compete. They were, however, able to arrange for a booth to sell some of their newest SCW merchandise, and thanks to the timely cause of Synn and his stable of wrestlers being in their hometown at the time, it was most convenient that they attend and represent SCW for all the fans, wrestlers and legends alike.

"Call me crazy," Synn started to say from where he stood opposite the large table where Gabriel and Odette Ryder were currently seated. "But I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you're not having a very good time."

Gabriel paused from flipping through a book, the self published autobiography of ring legend Paul "the Butcher" Vachon, and quirked a brow before he responded, "Am I being that transparent?"

"Just a dollop." Synn replied. A small group of Japanese youngsters approached the table and started to browse through the SCW merchandise, including t shirts, posters and the new Sinful Obsession "Best Of" DVD. He watched them for a brief moment before he turned back to Gabriel and Odette.

He said, "You normally don't mind meet and greets and the like. Why the down attitude?"

Gabriel held up a forefinger to stall the question as the young fans in front of him had selected several t shirts and 8x10 glossy photos of different SCW superstars.

"Hold that thought." Gabriel stated and he turned to the fans and his face lit up like it always did when the fans of Sin City Wrestling approached him.

It was a trait that Synn respected most about the SCW magician. No matter his frame of mind or mood, Gabriel could turn his mindset around like an on/off switch and be the most obliging to those that came to see him in person. Like most professional wrestlers, it was a personal thrill when a fan, even if it were just one fan, would approach you for something as simple as having your name scribbled on a sheet of paper.

Gabriel and Odette had started chatting up the Japanese fans as if it were second nature, and given their open and free personalities, it probably was.

"Really!" Odette smiled brightly. "You came all the way from Japan just for this event?"

The fans nodded eagerly with smiles on their faces, but given their shyness over their broken English, said little themselves. As money exchanged hands between the fans and the hired staff member who was handling the cash flow for the SCW merchandise, both Gabriel and Odette started to take the offered up merchandise to adorn it with their signatures.

Gabriel asked, "Did you guys come see us when we were in Japan awhile back?"

"Yes!" A teenage girl nodded. "We got front row!"

"Wow." Gabriel whistled through pursed lips. "Front row then and all the way here for this! I think that deserves something extra."

Without saying anything, Gabriel reached over and grabbed one of the "Best Of" DVD sets that featured the career he shared with Despayre over the years and signed it. He then held it over for Synn to add his own name to. It was then passed to the Japanese girl.

Gabriel said, "On the house for being such kick ass fans."

"Thank you!" The girl smiled brightly and as was the custom, turning excitedly to her friends.

Another of the young ones, this one a teenage boy, moved in and asked, "Can we take pictures?"

"Of course!" Gabriel nodded and he stood up, as did Odette, and the pair moved around the table to where the fans congregated and with Synn joining in, each one got their picture taken with the trio of Gabriel, Odette and Synn himself.

"Make sure you watch us on 'Hostile Takeover." Synn said in a cheap plug. (It's a promo for that very Supercard, what did you expect?) He then leaned in and whispered to them, "And I bet if you looked around, you might find Despayre and Angel to autograph those for you."

An excited hush fell on the Japanese fans and they started chattering to each other, the one name the Sins recognized being that of 'Angel' before they scurried away in search of the elusive but popular teddy bear.

Gabriel shook his head as he retook his seat and he said, "Maybe one day someone will be able to explain to me how a teddy bear managed to eclipse the entire SCW roster in popularity."

"Good luck with that." Odette mused as she took her own seat while Synn remained standing.

Once Synn saw that for the time being, the fans were directed elsewhere, he turned around and addressed Gabriel, "So, you were saying earlier?"

"Look man, it's not that I don't... that we don't get a total charge out of all this." Gabriel said, motioning toward Odette who nodded in agreement. "But I had thought since we'd be home, we'd get to be, you know ... home. A little break from all the traveling?"

"I hardly think driving in your own hometown constitutes as a break away from your time off, Gabriel." Synn observed. "It's just a few hours a day during this reunion, plus the banquet the last night."

"You really want us to go to that?" Odette asked with a frown of confusion.

Synn answered, "I want Gabriel and Joshua to go, Miss Ryder." He smiled. "I can't speak for you as I am not your business manager, but I can assure you that you'll be kicking yourself should you not attend."

"Why?" Gabriel said as the suspicion drew him in as well. He knew this man all too well by now and a smile formed on Gabriel's face. "What exactly are you up to?"

"I'm not at liberty to say." Synn smiled. "But suffice to say it's important enough that the others will be there with us, and I have invited Margaret and her mother as well."

"Desp.." Odette closed her eyes and sighed. "Joshua's mom and nan are coming?" She looked at her boyfriend and shrugged. "Sounds important."

Gabriel turned from her to look to Synn and he sighed, "You know how much I hate surprises."

"Well..." Synn smiled. "That just makes it more fun for me." he winked. "So try to take a lesson from Joshua and make the most out of this."

Synn looked off to the side and the eyes of both Odette and Gabriel followed his gaze to across the crowded ballroom where they managed to spot the figure of Despayre, huddled with his back turned toward wrestling superstar Rob Van Dam in the corner of the spacious hall. With a crowd as far as the eye could see, it was most surprising to see Despayre not in an emotional discomfort or trying to use either Synn or Gabriel as human shields against the press of the people around them as he was wont to do.

RVD was smiling as he signed the "Beware the Stare" t shirt he was wearing, then before he could put the cap back on the sharpie, Despayre called a halt and held up Angel who was wearing an oversized RVD shirt. RVD nodded and pointed at the bear, and they did not have to be able to hear him to know that "the Whole F'n Show" considered this to be 'cool'! RVD and his friend and former manager, Bill Alfonso, signed the Angel t, then Despayre happily presented another of the Angel t's to RVD himself, signed already with Angel's paw print.

RVD then held his hands out and perhaps surprisingly, Despayre passed Angel over to his hands where 'Fonzie' draped the old ECW Television belt around the teddy bear and RVD himself put Angel's 'Universal' championship belt over his own shoulder. Despayre stepped back and aimed the camera to take the picture when...

**flash**

Despayre staggered back a step, blinking from the flash going off in his own eyes. Seeing this, Gabriel snorted back a bark of laughter as Odette shielded her own eyes but her shoulders trembling told of her own mirth at witnessing this sight.

Fantasia appeared from the crowd and took the camera from Despayre's hands and, while he recovered and got his vision back, the "Sin of Lust" took the picture that he had sorely wanted. The others around them, RVD himself, were still chuckling at what the 'kid' had done while Shane meandered over to see if he was alright. Despayre nodded slowly as both Angel and the Universal title belt was handed back over to him. Shane then gripped him by his slim shoulders from behind and leaned in and whispered something to the young man, pointing across the room. Despayre blinked back he last of the lights in his eyes and he stood on his tip toes to see what Shane was pointing out. Upon doing so, he let out a woop of glee and started forward, ducking in between various tables and people with Fantasia trailing after him. Shane would have followed as well but had become accosted by a handful of fans wanting autographs.

While this was happening, more fans lined up in front of Gabriel and Odette's table for autographs and to make souvenir purchases. While he signed some glossy photos of himself and Despayre posed together, Gabriel said aloud,

"What has our boy so excited over there?"

Synn looked back from watching his son, to Gabriel with a wide smile and he answered, "The GLOW girls are across the room, promoting their documentary and reality show. Margaret told me that Joshua watched them on reruns and video when he was little and he loved them. He had a bit of a crush on Roxy Astor and she happens to be over there right now."

"What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall over there right now." Gabriel smiled as he signed another autograph and for the next few moments, he and Odette, as well as Synn, took the time to stand alongside each fan that approached for a pose photograph and indulging the fans with a chat to let them know how much they were appreciated.

Too often some professional athletes would ignore the fans and treat them as an inconvenience, forgetting to understand that were it not for the fans, then the athletes themselves would not have a career.

"Hey." Shane walked up and got their attention. "Check it out."

They all looked over to where he was pointing and smiles broke out on all of their faces when they saw that Despayre was actually posing for a picture himself, alongside the aforementioned Roxy Astor. She had him in a playful side headlock with one arm while holding Angel on her shoulder with the other. By the expression on Despayre's face, he was loving every moment of it.

"I don't think I'll ever understand that kid." Shane turned back to them with a quirked brow and a smile. "He'll avoid most people like the plague but meeting Rob Van Dam and that chick has loosened him up."

"For the time being, at least." Synn admitted. "I'm sure he'll be back to normal the moment we head home. At least until the banquet tomorrow night."

"What's so special about us being there anyway?" Gabriel casually asked.

"Nice try." Synn stated without so much as turning his eyes away from Despayre who was now being approached by the same group of Japanese fans that the others had been earlier.

"Can't blame a guy for trying." Gabriel said. "Still, one thing should make it worth the trouble."

Odette asked, "Which would be?"

Synn answered before Gabriel was able and said, "It's a formal occasion. And someone has to get the boy ready."

All eyes turned toward Shane who felt their gaze on him. He exhaled and shook his head. "Aw fuc..."



"Joshy, stop fidgeting with that." Despayre's mother, Margaret said firmly as they sat inside of the Gold Coast banquet hall on the casino's second floor.

Despayre pried his fingers away from his tie and whimpered, clearly uncomfortable with his formal state of dress but not willing to go against his mother's wishes. So like any 'child', he whined and made his discomfort clear for everyone else around him obvious.

"Alright, fess up." Shane leaned back in his chair at the table right next to the one that Despayre shared with his parents, grandmother, Gabriel and Odette (and Angel!). "How did you manage to get him in that without so much as a scratch?"

Margaret had surprised Shane by reliving him of the dreaded duty by simply handing the suit to her son and she ushered him toward his room to dress himself. Once finished, he emerged where she herself finished the look by tying his tie for him, much to his displeasure.

"Simple." Margaret answered. "I'm his mother."

"Touche'." Shane nodded and turned back to his own table, taking a sip of wine from the goblet in his hand and he returned to the conversation he was having with Fantasia and Rage who was coerced into attending despite his suspension from the SCW.

During the evening's events, many awards had been handed out thus far while dinner was being enjoyed; among them the female of the year in former WWE diva, Molly Holly, and a tribute award to the late Paul Bearer.

"How many awards are there?" Odette asked curiously as she picked up her glass of cider.

"Just a few." Synn answered. "Besides, it's the next one that we're hear for, really."

"Oh yeah?" Gabriel mused. "And why is that?"

Synn held up a forefinger as the chatter around the banquet hall slowly subsided as male wrestler, Kyle Matthews, stepped up to the podium at the head of the banquet hall and smiled as he spoke into the microphone.

Kyle said, "The Future Legend of the Year award recognizes the achievements made by a professional wrestler in their first years of their career. It recognizes their career achievements and tell us that not only are these men and women on the fast track to success with championship gold and victories to be proud of, but that the members of the Cauliflower Alley Club believe their place in the annals of professional wrestling will be secured and they will be known as legends of the ring, one day. Last year, I was the recipient of the 2012 Future Legend of the Year. This year, in 2013, for the first time in CAC history, this award is not going to a ingle individual, but to a tag team."

This statement immediately caught the attention of the people in attendance, mostly in the vicinity of the tables occupied by the Seven Deadly Sins. Gabriel looked up from his plate in bewilderment and Odette gripped his bicep excitedly. Despayre, on the other hand, was fidgeting with something beneath the table.

Kyle Matthews stated, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the 2013 Future Legends of the Year ... Despayre and Gabriel, collectively known as Sinful Obsession!"

Kyle applauded and the entire room immediately followed suit. Gabriel sat there, stunned, and it took Synn as well as Odette to get him to stand up to head for the podium to accept the award. They then turned to Despayre who had seemingly not heard anything as his attention was diverted by whatever it was he was doing beneath the table.

"Joshua..." Synn stated.

"Hm?"

"Go on Joshy." Margaret prodded.

"What?" Despayre finally looked up, not at all aware of what had just been announced.

"Get up there sweety." His grandmother said, pointing toward the podium. "They want you up there."

"Ugh, fine!" Despayre said and he stood up and proceeded to empty his pockets of the place setting that had been on the table in front of him. The entire table watched in amusement as he tossed the knives and forks and even a glass to the table before he sat back down in a huff.

"I didn't want it anyway."

Synn looked up at Gabriel and said, "He's been hanging around you a bit too much."

Gabriel just smiled in something akin to pride as he started reluctantly for the podium while Synn and Despayre's mom tried in vain to get him to head to the stage.

"Come on Joshy!"

"They have something for you...!"

"No no no!" Despayre wailed. "I don't wanna!"

"Joshua...!"

Gabriel stepped up onto the stage and shook Kyle Matthew's hand and he then turned around to find that Despayre wasn't beside him as was expected. Gabriel then leaned over to the microphone and spoke into it,

"Despy, Angel said if you don't come up here and say 'thank you' to everyone, then you're a chicken."

"He WHAT!?"

Gabriel then darted back a step as Despayre practically ran up the steps to the podium and in a single, fluid move, swept the award from Kyle's hand and shouted, "Thank you! as he ran right off the other side of the stage, amidst much laughter from everyone in attendance.

Gabriel just shook his head and turned to the microphone and shrugged, "Well, he got me there!"



"And so we come to it again; another encounter in this seemingly never ending war for control of Sin City Wrestling. Sometimes I have to ask myself why I allowed the Sins to get drawn into a conflict that has seemingly no end in sight, and no immediate benefits for either Despayre nor Gabriel. If I were the Mark Ward or Christian Underwood, I would come to a single realization;"

"If you want to eliminate the weeds in a garden, you don't attack the heads. You attack the single root of the problem and that would be Erik Staggs himself. Get rid of him, and the problem is ended. If they had simply fired this waste of air, then this war for supremacy would be over and we could all get back to our lives and the paths we have chosen to aim our own careers on."

"Unfortunately, that is not the case and I am beginning to understand why. Should they have simply fired Staggs, they would have made a martyr out of him for all these foolish men and women he had deceived into following him. He would have been gone but his former presence would have become like a festering wound and it would have spread like a disease, reaching epidemic proportions. No, sadly the only way this will be able to come to a convincing end is to cauterize that single wound and end the virus known as Team Staggs in as slow and painful a strike as possible."

"That little game of Operation started a mere two weeks ago, when the Sins were teamed with the Roulette champion Thatcher Rex to oppose Giani Di Luca and his little shadow, James Huntington-Hawkes III and Casey Williams, a man that both Despayre and Gabriel are so very intimately familiar with from over the years. And what happened, might I ask? The Sins and one Thatcher Rex were the ones who emerged victorious. Not the opposing team."

"Such will be the case once the Sins set foot inside of the ring again in yet another six man tag team match. This time with a new partner, and new opposition. Derek Thorne has been nothing short of impressive since his debut here in Sin City Wrestling. Undefeated, if I am not mistaken. A record that will carry over once this match is finished, and the opposition bows down in defeat."

"Joshua Acquin? You could not have drawn a more unfortunate card in this little game of chance when you discovered you would be on the opposite side of the ring from a man with an unbeaten streak, and a tag team that holds the same credentials, the reigning NWA World Tag team Champions. You, a mere rookie in this industry, thrown to the proverbial sharks in a war that should not have been your own. You thought you were signing your livelihood when you put your name on the dotted line, but no. You signed away so much more than that. You signed away your very soul to the devil incarnate."

"But don't worry. Your partners are no better off than you, save for the fact they were nearly signed to a straight up tag team match against a team that stands to remain their superiors in every way imaginable. David Xavier Christensen and Johnny Sykes, affectionately known as the Forgotten. Oh gentlemen, never before has a team moniker been so ironic or appropriate as it stands for the two of you. This was bound to be a path you found yourselves on, but for your own sake, it should have been later rather than sooner. To have just arrived and to find yourselves in the ring against the best tag team in the entirety of Sin City Wrestling? How unfortunate for you that your record is already under such dire threats. You, like so many others before you, will fall in accordance to Sin."

"And Team Erik will rue the day that they found themselves within the dark graces of Sin itself. Zero for two, Team Erik. That will be your record against the Seven Deadly Sins and their new partner, Derek Thorne."

55
Climax Control Archives / A 'Wicked' good time
« on: April 05, 2013, 08:45:34 AM »
 Halifax, Nova Scotia - Halifax Forum
Atlantic Championship Wrestling

The crowd on hand at the Halifax Forum was alive with energy as the World Tag Team Championship of the National Wrestling Alliance was up for grabs between the champions, Sin City Wrestling's own Sinful Obsession, and the ACW hometown challengers, the Unholy Trinity! The action had been non-stop since the opening bell and tempers flared between both teams as Whitman Trent Frost and Angelus Dante Ambrosi had taken control of the match and it started to look as if new champions of the world might be crowned this night, when unfortunately for the Trinity, they allowed themselves to become distracted.

Scott King, a rival of the Unholy Trinity, had walked out onto the stage at the top of the path toward the ring, marking his return to Atlantic Championship Wrestling. King dispatched the teammate of both Trent and Dante in a swift and sudden spine buster onto the concrete floor. Trent and Dante were absolutely beside themselves with a fury at this action, so much so that they did not even notice the champions had returned to their feet inside of the ring.

Ambrosi turned around and is caught off guard with a boot to the stomach that doubles him over. Gabriel wasted little time in setting him up in the upside down position for the Running K Driver, which he had affectionately coined the 'Avada Kadavra'! At almost the exact same time, Despayre did not even allow Frost the chance to really discover what was happening as he too kicked Frost in the solar plexus and hooked arm and leg for a pump handle brain buster, known as the 'Beware the Stare' in honor of his teddy bear buddy, Angel.

Thanks to the timely distraction of Mister King, both members of the challengers team were out cold. Despayre uses both feet to push Ambrosi out of the ring, beneath the bottom rope and to the hard ringside floor. Gabriel, the legal man in the ring, dives atop of Frost and hooks the leg tightly for the referee to make the inevitable count of one ... two ... three!

The crowd stands and cheers as the gold and jewel encrusted championship belts are passed back into the waiting arms of the champions, and the official raises their arms to signify officially the winners of the match.

The curtains are thrown open and a tired Gabriel and Despayre emerge into the annals of the backstage area to general applause from the staff and the ACW superstars themselves, including that of Ben Jordan and Mickey Carroll.

"Never doubted you for a second there, mate!" Ben said with a smile that belied his own confidence level, shaking Gabriel's hand and giving Despayre a hearty slap on the shoulder.

Despayre frowned and rubbed where he had just been 'struck' and gives Ben a look, mouthing 'Ow' silently.

Gabriel smiled as he released Ben's hand and shook Mickey's, who held his own out and Gabriel said, "Well then that makes it unanimous. Granted though, they were tough."

"They'd better be." Mickey nodded, and he turned to clap Despayre on the arm as Ben did but Despayre took a step back and raised a hand 'threateningly' but Mickey just smiled at the boy's antics. Mickey continued, "I mean they got the shot at your gold for a reason. Be damn lucky they didn't go out there and make themselves look like complete twats. Would have made ACW look bad."

Mickey then frowned as he spotted Despayre's hand outstretched toward him, palm up.

"Something I can do for you?" Mickey asked.

"Swear jar." Despayre answered simply.

Mickey cast a sidelong glance at Gabriel who could do little more than offer a shrug with a smile on his face. true, Despayre kept him on his toes and guessing time after time, but this little particular antic he was all too accustomed to.

"You cussed." Gabriel chuckled. "So you have to pay up to the swear jar."

"Are you kidding?" Mickey asked with a disbelieving frown. "I ain't paying sh..."

He looked back at Despayre who still had his hand stretched out for the payment and now his one eyebrow was arched at Mickey's near slip of the tongue.

Mickey sighed, "I left my wallet in my other trunks."

"That's alright."

The voice from behind them caused the heads of all four men to turn and spot the approaching tandem of Synn and Odette Ryder. Synn had the usual bearing of confidence in his men on his face, but Odette was positively beaming as she walked up to Gabriel and put her arms around his neck, embracing him quickly and offering a congratulatory kiss on the lips.

Despayre made a gagging face as Synn passed Angel back to his waiting arms. Synn then looked at Mickey and added, "You can owe it to him."

"With interest." Despayre chimed in.

"Wonderful." Mickey muttered.

"Come on." Odette said as she tugged playfully on Gabriel's arm. "You two go get showered and dressed. We have to scoot."

"Scoot?" Gabriel asked as he shifted the gold belt over his shoulder. "What for?"

"I can't say." Odette gave him a smile that spoke she had the gears turning in that lovely head of her's. She said, "It's a bit of a surprise." She gave a slight jerk of the head toward Despayre, indicating it had everything to do with him.

Still, just because he was keeping a watchful eye on Mickey so the man could not take his leave without forking over the swear jar tribute, it didn't mean his ears were closed.

"A surprise?" Despayre looked up and turned his head with a sparkle in his gray eyes. "What is it? Who's it for?"

"If I told you that, it wouldn't be much of a surprise now would it?" Odette teased.

"A surprise is no longer a surprise when it is no longer a surprise." Synn added, and Despayre frowned and glanced upward, moving his lips as he tried to decipher his father's cryptic way of phrasing things.

"The point is," Odette said, playfully tugging on Gabriel's arm. "Is that you two have to go get ready so we can leave."

"Well we can't leave right now." Gabriel said, motioning toward Ben. "We have to stay and watch the man here win the whole shebang."

"Right!" Ben laughed. "I already got this far in the J-Cup. It'd break my heart if you all missed my shining moment of glory at Misty's expense."

"You know, you'd think being that she's from SCW, we should be rooting for her by proxy." Gabriel said.

"You'd think." Synn agreed, then shook his head. "But we won't be."

"Yeah!" Despayre said. He then looked at Angel and nodded once in agreement to whatever silent offerings the bear gave to him.

"Alright." Odette conceded, holding her hands up in mock surrender. "We have time I suppose." She then looked at Ben with a serious eye and added, "But do try and polish her off as fast as possible. I don't want to miss a moment of..."

She caught Despayre watching her closely with a curious interest and sh winked at him then looked at Ben again and finished, "A moment of the surprise."

Ben smiled and clucked his tongue. "You got it." He looked at Gabriel and asked, "Meet for beers afterwards? I know the perfect Canadian pub."

"I bet you do." Gabriel laughed, but shook his head. "Going to have to take a rain check though. We have to be up bright and early to catch the plane to Chile."

"Lucky you." Ben smiled and nodded. Mickey, however, frowned.

"I'm not too cracked up on Chile, myself." He said.

"Me either." Despayre spoke up, drawing their eyes to him. "It gives Angel the toots."

They all look at him, then into the eyes of each other and the smiles simply could not be contained.



And of course the remainder of the story is history. After a hard fought match that almost saw him fall in defeat several times, Ben Jordan did indeed emerge victorious over SCW's Misty to win the J-Cup, and Ben also closed out the evening's festivities by handing his guaranteed World Cruiserweight Championship match to another; his ACW peer in Simon Jones, a testament to Ben's character as a man.

But for now, the story lies elsewhere as Odette had literally been forced to pry Gabriel away from the celebrations of Ben and Mickey, and needed more than a little aid from Synn at dragging Despayre (as well as Angel!) away from the cotton candy vendors. They only succeeded when Odette handed over enough cash to the vendor to allow Despayre's eager hands to grasp upwards of three bags of the sugary treat so Synn and Gabriel could lift him under the arms and carry him toward the parking garage of the Forum where the taxi cab that Odette had reserved was currently parked with the engine running.

As the cab drove quickly along the streets of downtown Halifax, acting under Odette's orders to get to the location as quickly as possible, Synn sat stoically in the front seat, paying little heed to the driver's relative lack of roadside etiquette to get his fare to their intended destination, picking up speed and weaving in between the cars along the road. Meanwhile, Despayre sat with barely restrained interest as he turned and looked everywhere his eyes might fall, hoping for some form of clue as to their intended destination.

Gabriel watched his friend and tag team partner during the trip, and then found himself leaning over to whisper to his girlfriend, "Are you planning on giving me some kind of clue where we're going?"

Odette just turned and looked at him with a smile on her lovely face and she shook her head no, not saying a word.

"And why is that?" Gabriel asked with his eyebrows almost up into his hairline.

"Because it's a secret." Despayre said matter-of-factly from Gabriel's left.

"That's right D... Joshua." Odette said as she leaned over to look past Gabriel and toward Despayre who nodded once and then turned to look back out the cab at the night life of Nova Scotia. She then sat back and whispered to Gabriel, "Besides, had you found out you might have found a way to not go with us and that was not an option."

"You're not exactly filling me with confidence here" Gabriel observed. "Now where..."

But he's cut off by Odette smiling and pointing her finger ahead as the taxi cab turned a corner and into the parking lot entrance of the Victoria Theater. Gabriel leaned over to glance upward at the billboard of this famous Canadian theater and he groaned.

"Oh no..."

"Oh boy!" Despayre's face lit up with an ecstatic enthusiasm, quite the contradiction to Gabriel's own lack there of at the advertisement...

></script>


The scene ends with the two witches embracing one last time and this time it is Gabriel who gets Odette's attention and casually points toward Despayre. She looks and it tugs at her heart as she sees Despayre leaning heavily on the railing, watching the scene unfold with tears streaking down his young face. It is tenderly obvious that the scene unfolding was affecting Despayre on a profound level.

As the Wizard's regime begins barging into the castle, Elphaba hides her friend behind a curtain and from the shadows seen, the audience bears witness to the impression of Dorothy throwing the bucket of water on the Wicked Witch and her impending melting into nothingness. The scene slowly grew quiet and a concerned and confused Glinda came from behind the curtain to discover nothing left of her dear friend save for her black hat; a gift that Glinda herself gave her earlier in the performance.

Despayre watched on with the tears flowing heavily. he sniffed back and rubbed his eyes on his sleeve, watching as the revelation that Elphaba was indeed alive, having faked her death for the benefit of everyone. Her love, once a man and now the fabled Scarecrow, drew her from hiding and together, they left Oz to live a happy life together, Glinda none the wiser.

\'user


The curtains drew, just after both witches looked up, accepting that they had grown and lived a far better life having been friends.

Everyone in the audience applauded the show, and at the curtain call, the cast walked out onto stage to the appreciation of everyone watching. Finally, the two women who played the leading roles walked out together and everyone in their seats stood and applauded, and many cheered. Even Gabriel, the man who vocally opposed his being here this night due to his dislike of musicals, found himself on his feet as well, applauding. Odette and Synn followed the examples of everyone else, but nobody was more enthusiastic in his praise than Despayre himself who cradled Angel in his arm and clapped and cheered as hard as he possibly could, crying freely.



No sooner had the doors let out, than the flood of people from inside the auditorium started to make their exit to leave the building or take advantage of the vast souvenir stand filled with "Wicked" merchandise. A tearful Despayre, his cheeks still freshly moist and silently weeping for the fate of the so-called 'Wicked Witch', stepped out into the theater's lobby, flanked by Synn, Gabriel and Odette.

Despy weeped silently, rubbing his eyes with the back of his arm and he blinked, the salty tears stinging his gray eyes.

Synn placed a hand on his son's shoulder and looked at him with concern before he asked, "Are you okay?"

He sniffed back a fresh wave of tears and simply nodded but said nothing else.

Gabriel offered, "She lived bud. She didn't really die."

"I know." Despayre choked back a sob and looked at them. "But Glinda didn't know that. She thought she really died. They were best friends."

No sooner did he utter those words, than did Gabriel find Despayre's arms wrapped around him in a fierce hug, startling him. Gabriel blinked and looked up at both Synn and Odette who both simply stood there. Gabriel was all too used to receiving hugs from this little guy, but those were more of the nature of being happy to see him. This was far more in tune to a sadness he was unused to seeing Despayre go through -- a testament to his innocent and unstable nature.

"Reminded me of us." Despayre murmured.

Gabriel leaned back and asked, "What do you mean Despy?"

Despayre finally let go and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and looked up at Gabriel. He said, "Their friendship reminded me of us. Kind of unlikely I guess, but it worked. That song was about us."

Despayre swallowed and held Angel at his waist, his hands clasped in front of him. Gabriel could do nothing else but smile. he reached over and gave him a comforting grip on the arm.

"It does work, doesn't it?" Gabriel said, and Despayre just sniffed and nodded with a smile, his tender heart still saddened by the fate of the two witches' friendship.

"Hey Des... Joshua?" Odette stepped up to offer some help if she could, but still unable to yet call him by the affectionate nickname that Gabriel himself had coined. She went on, "Think something from there might make you feel better?"

She pointed over to the far side of the lobby where the expansive souvenir stand was set up and a crowd of people were eagerly waiting their turn to purchase whatever souvenirs their hearts were set upon to commemorate such a show. Despayre blinked and said nothing else. He just turned and headed for the stand, weaving his way through the many others milling about the lobby.

Synn turned and gave Odette a look before he shook a forefinger in her direction and he said, "I assure you, I won't forget that." He started to follow his son and then paused before turning back and added, "And neither will my wallet!"

Gabriel and Odette watched him follow Despayre toward the stand before they shared a smile and moved ahead to join them.

Despayre had found his way finally to the front and was looking around at everything offered; multiple t shirts ... a snow globe ... a carry bag ... jewelry... a hat ... books ... a program for the show ... a souvenir book about the production ... a stuffed winged money ... and of course, the soundtrack CD.

"And what would you like?" The woman asked him and he looked around, nibbling at his finger as he sought to make a very tough decision.

The choice was made for him, however, as Synn approached from the side and with a sigh of resignation, said, "I think we can save ourselves a world of trouble if I just ask for one of everything."

The woman blinked back her surprise, and then turned to start grabbing at one of each item the stand had for purchase. Despayre just looked up at Synn and smiled brightly.



Santiago, Chile ...

Casa Esparanza Orphanage

"Okay, would someone mind telling me why we're here?"

Rage asked aloud as he joined his manager and friend, Synn, at his side as they, along with Gabriel and Odette, walked up the sidewalk toward the front door of the orphanage.

Gabriel answered, "It apparently has something to do with one of the rules or tasks he's imposing on Odette and myself."

"Well you're the two who started this whole mess." Rage growled. "What the hell does any of this have to do with why I had to be here?"

Synn answered this time, "You're 'Uncle Rage' and Joshua wanted you here. isn't that enough reason?"

Rage turned his head to glare at Synn who wore a confident smile which only seemed to annoy the Sin of Wrath" even further. Rage said, "One of these days we're going to have a little chat about this whole 'Uncle Rage' bullshi..."

Despayre was in the lead ahead of them and his walk because almost a brisk run as he managed to reach the door ahead of the rest of them. He grasped the handle and gave it a tug but it was securely locked. He tugged again but it would not budge.

"Ring the door bell Joshua!" Odette called.

"Huh?" Despayre turned and glanced back at her.

"The door bell." Odette pointed toward it. "They keep the doors locked this early for the children' safety."

"Oh!" Despayre exclaimed as the others finally made it to the front porch and climbed the steps to join him. He turned and twirled his finger before pressing the door bell in rapid succession like people do to those buttons at street cross walks. Rage had to take him by the hand and pull his hand away while they waited.

Only a handful of moments later and the door opened and an older gentleman in casual but well kept attire stood there with a smile on his face.

"Buenos días."

"Oh God!" Despayre moaned and turned around to his family and friends. "Now what!"

In a very heavy Chile accent, the man spoke, "Can I help you?"

Despayre turned around quickly, a smile on his face that by the stroke of luck the man here spoke English. So much so he let his excitement get the better of him as he asked, "Yes! Is this the home for the recently discarded?"

The man blinked, not quite sure he had heard correctly. He asked, "I beg your pardon?"

"I accept your apology." Despayre smiled but Synn stepped up and drew him back a step so that he might try to assist the situation.

Synn asked, "This is the Casa Esparanza Orphanage, yes?"

The man smiled again and nodded, "That it is, sir."

Synn immediately offered over his hand to the man who accepted it and he gave it a form shake, saying, "We're visitors to your country, professional wrestlers doing a program here in a few days.

My name is Synn. This here is Joshua, Gabriel, Odette and this is..." Synn motioned toward the frowning Rage and he smiled. "Well we just tend to call him Rage." He turned back to the man and asked, "Are you the gentleman in charge?"

"I am sir. He answered. "Pablo Mistrel."

"Well Mister Mistrel." Synn said. "As I said we're visitors here in your country and while we're here in Chile, Joshua here..." He gripped both hands of his on Despayre's shoulders so the man would know whom he spoke of. "...He had an idea for something he thought the children might appreciate. That is, if it is allowed."

"You do not wish to adopt?" The man in charge of the children raised a hand for emphasis, wanting to make certain he understood the situation clearly.

"I'm afraid not." Synn shook his head.

"Yeah." Despayre nodded. "We already have a cat."

"Joshua..." Synn warned.

"Hm?"

"You're not helping." Synn shook his head. Despayre frowned and huffed as Synn turned back to Mister Mistrel, wishing to handle this as diplomatically as possible while trying to push Despayre's idea, all at the same time. He went on, "Being professional wrestlers that tour extensively, across the world, we'd be in no position to raise a child as they should be. But we'd still like to do a little something for them, to help raise their spirits. Bring a smile to their faces."

Mister Mistrel thought for a moment and then nodded, holding the door open a little wider, saying, "Come in."

Minutes later, having passed many a child who watched these larger than life people (and teddy bears), Synn, Despayre with Angel, Gabriel, Rage and Odette, all found themselves in Mister Mistrel's modest office. Despayre and Odette were afforded the only two visitor chairs while the other men stood. Mistrel took his own seat behind his desk.

He asked, "Now, what did you have in mind?"

"Joshua...?" Synn prodded, as this was all his idea.

Despayre turned to the man and asked,"Are the kids allowed to go to the mall?"

"Si." Mistrel nodded.

"See what?" Despayre blinked.

"Excuse me." Mister Mistrel chuckled. He then nodded and confirmed, "Yes, they are allowed to go to the mall under staff supervision. Usually on weekends. We actually had an excursion scheduled for tomorrow."

"What are the odds that you would be willing to take them a day early?" Gabriel asked inquisitively.

"Today?" Mistrel stated. "Well, we have no meetings scheduled, as it is a light day. So it 'could' be done. Why, may I ask?"

"I want to take them to Build A Bear." Despayre smiled. "So they can make their own guardians!"

"Guardians?"

Despayre nodded eagerly, "You know! To watch over and protect the kids! From the spooky things!"

"Sorry." Synn spoke up and stood at his son's side with a hand on his shoulder. "He tends to get excited. The idea is that he wanted to hold a party for the children at Build A Bear with Gabriel and Odette here as the hosts. There would be snacks for the kids. They'd each get to create their own teddy bear and dress it up. All expenses paid."

Mister Mistrel looked surprised at this and leaned back in his chair, shaking his head, "Really? Are you sure? I mean, this offer comes as a very pleasant surprise. The children here do not usually get such rare treats."

"We're sure!" Despayre smiled brightly.

"He's already contacted the Build A Bear store at your local mall." Odette spoke up. "They agreed to host it."

Gabriel added, "We have everything ready to go. All we need is the green light."

Mister Mistrel looked at Despayre and nodded with a smile on his face, "I will arrange for the children to be brought this afternoon. This is a very generous thing that you are doing."

"Oh don't mention it." Despayre smiled in return, and jetted a thumb back in Gabriel's general direction. "He's paying for it."

Gabriel coughed and blinked. "Excuse me?" He spoke. "I'm paying? When did that happen, Despy?"

Despayre slowly turned around in his chair and looked at his best friend, all childlike innocence lost for the moment in his eyes and he stared hard at him, then at Odette.

"You spend all that money on fancy jewelry. You bought two cars that total over a million dollars, one of which you gave to Rage there. You buy a big, fancy house and are planning to buy the lot next door to it so that you can open a zoo or something! And now you can't afford to spend a few measly dollars to bring children and their guardians together?"

Gabriel took a step back, his hands held up and palms out, relenting. Despayre turned back around, smiling once again at the orphanage's 'headmaster' who was watching all of this with a fascination, as he was clearly unfamiliar with these people and their usual antics with one another.

"Oh!" Despayre pointed over at where Rage was standing against the wall, his arms folded. "He'll be helping us too!"

"Excuse me?" Rage frowned. "I'm not going to this party!"

"Yes you are." Despayre said calmly.

"No I am not!"

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Great!" Despayre chirped and turned away from Rage. "It's all settled!"

Rage blinked and looked to Synn, mouthing "What the hell just happened?"



<marquee>This is where you should reeeeeally read Gabriel's RP already to see what happened, and if you haven't -- shame shame on you!</marquee>



"I have to admit that I generally try to avoid what would be known as 'office politics' in this business. I started wrestling years ago in a world-wide promotion known as the EFWO, and almost as soon as I set foot in the door, I had the boss in charge attempting to recruit me into his little stable to further ground his power base. As if his being the actual owner of the promotion was not power enough. It was amusing, really, and the man was not generally very understanding at my answer. He was unused to being told no, I imagine, and I was not accustomed at being coerced into doing something I had little desire to do. That was normally something that I would reserve for myself to do to others. I still do, actually. It's a gift. Hey, if you don't make use of your talents, then you run the risk of losing them as a skill, don't you?"

"But oh my, how times have changed."

"This situation we are all now facing has far surpassed office politics and has become something more akin to a coup. This has basically become a war for power, and whether anyone wishes to admit it or not, it affects us all, and the only thing we have left to ask ourselves is... what do we intend to do about it? There are a handful who think they can sit this one out, and nothing that would happen could affect them in this mad grab for power. oh how wrong they are. Sooner or later, this will fall at your door step, and a decision will have to be made by each and every one of us."

"Some have elected to join this little regiment of Erik Staggs. He can be quite the manipulator, I see, if he has actually fooled anyone into believing that he can simply walk in and take over the reigns of power from Mark Ward and Christian Underwood. I could almost respect such a quality in man or woman, except for the fact he's a bit of a two faced, coward of a weasel. The only thing is, his words fall on deaf ears when they would fall upon the Sins. You see, I've spoken to each member of our little family, and it was generally agreed that rather than wait, we would much rather back a winning team."

"I suppose that's one reason why Despayre and Gabriel find themselves in something of unfamiliar territory, teaming with the current SCW Roulette Champion, Thatcher Rex, in a six man tag team match. Now normally I would imagine their partner would have been Rage himself, but as I stated, times have changed, and for the moment, we are simply going to have to change along with them."

"For a partner, Sinful Obsession could not have done much better, being teamed with the second highest ranked man in Sin City Wrestling, the man who finally ended the title run of that little 'brat prince'. I commend you for that, Thatcher Rex, for stripping James Huntington-Hawkes III of his dignity and securing your standing in the singles ranks. I think it's obvious that everyone can expect great things from you, and how fortunate that fate has smiled on you enough to pair you with the single most dominant tag team in the sport, Sinful Obsession, the reigning World Tag team Champions of the NWA. This should be fun."

"Speaking of fun, how long has it been since we've set foot in the ring with you, James Huntington-Hawkes III? I don't think such a thing has happened since the day you lost that Universal Championship of yours to ... Angel. Yes, that's right. Having your shoulders pinned to the mat in your 'official' SCW debut by Despayre's little friend, and losing your cherished gold to the world's most famous teddy bear... my how that had to have stung your pride. Oh, wait! I tell a lie. No, the last time you were in the ring is when you made the attempt to take back your Universal Championship from Angel -- and failed. Outsmarted by Despayre and losing to Angel by disqualification. Oh if only everyone else would learn such a valuable lesson in not underestimating just how crafty Despayre can be, inside the ring as well as out. Like father, like son. The sad thing is the fact that deep down, I suspect Despayre actually did like you, or does. Pity that such a chance at friendship could easily have been thrown out the window. How will you fare then, Mister Hawkes, when you find yourself in the ring this time, not with Angel, but Despayre himself? Not too well, I imagine. After all, as I was the one who trained Despayre, Despayre likes to tell us that he was the one who trained Angel for the ring. You faced the student, now it's time to fall to the teacher."

"I was not quite sure what to say about you, Giani Di Luca, as Christian Underwood stated it quite simply that the facts spoke for themselves when you actually lost a match for the Roulette title to your little partner there. Oh don't get me wrong, flukes do tend to happen and I must admit that you are perhaps the one wise choice Erik Staggs made when he recruited you to his team. You would have all the tools needed to vault yourself to the very pinnacle of this sport; talent in the ring, good looks and an athletic body. It's just such a damn shame that you opted to saddle yourself with such baggage like James and Erik. Little James is most likely using your skill and standing to make another ride to the top of the ladder, even if he himself is not aware of it. And Erik Staggs? He's a parasite. he sees you for what you are, and what you one day will become, and he wants to use it to feed his own ego and thirst for power in Sin City Wrestling. You made a very poor choice, Giani, and this match will be just the beginning of the repercussions of that choice when you fall in defeat."

"As for this mystery partner of these two, I haven't much to say. I mean, not knowing who it might be would make anything said empty words when discussing the match itself. I will say this, however; the simple fact that you do not wish your identity to be revealed speaks volumes about the confidence you have in yourself, and the confidence level that Erik Staggs has in you to be proper back up to your partners. If you need to keep your identity a secret, then fine. if you need to have an element of surprise against the Sins and Thatcher Rex, then more so the pity for you, because while it may come as a surprise, the novelty will quickly fade away and then you'll be forced to rely on both your partners, as well as your own talent as a whole."

"Either way, you're screwed."

56
Archived Roleplays / Through the looking glass Act 2: Scene 4
« on: March 16, 2013, 09:58:25 PM »
 Broodmoore Hospital - Four years prior...

The sixteen year old Joshua Young sat on the bed in the small hospital room, shut behind the locked door of the high security wing of the Broodmoore Mental Health Facility. Dressed as was usual in his rather worn, gray pajamas and socks, Joshua sat on the bed cross legged and simply stared ahead at the barred windows. He did not move. He did not even so much as fidget. He was simply -- still. The only sign he gave that he was even alive was by the drawing in of his breath and exhaling time and again.

How often would he stand at that very same window with his hands wrapped tightly on the bars to watch as the other patients would wander about freely, albeit under heavy supervision. They would walk on the green grass, breathing deeply of the fresh air as the sunshine and bright, blue skies hovered over their heads, but not him. Never him. The hospital staff would not so much as dignify his repeated pleas to be allowed to go outside too, and 'play' with the other, younger patients. He had been classified as too dangerous. So often was he turned away from this luxury that he had finally given up and relegated himself to his virtual 'prisoner' status. The only times that he would see the outside of this room were few and far between; When security would escort him to the cafeteria for meals, when he was given the rare treat of being allowed in the hospital rec room to watch television or the weekly movie, and the 'treatments' from the doctors that he feared above all others.

He would have preferred anything above those treatments. Each time it was the same as before; Questions and physical torments that left him in panic stressed tears. Each time they would arrive at his door for the next session, he would fight out of the suppressed memories of that fear, which in turn would only make things worse. He would always end up restrained and drugged, and afterwards, simply left in his room for the effects to wear off.

Few knew what really happened to him behind closed doors, and even less would care. He never spoke of it. After all, who would believe him?

Only one.

Only one did he tell, and that same one believed him without question. He could not explain why, but he trusted his own young instincts that the man he confessed the staff's sins to believed him without question. The man who promised him things would get better, and nobody would ever hurt him again. The man that promised him that today...

The sound of a soft set of footsteps echoing in the hallway corridors garnered his attention, but he kept himself from looking toward the door that led outside of this 'cell'. Hope had almost immediately swelled within his heart and mind, but he tried not to let it be so. He believed when one trusted idle promises with false hope, it would only lead to pain and disappointment. It was only when he heard the soft chime of the door's security lock that he turned his head, and his eyes widened in stunned disbelief when the door opened and there stood Doctor Silkworth, the hospital's leading 'care giver', and the man that Joshua was so afraid of. But this time, his eyes were not for the doctor, his torturer, it was on the one who stood to Silkworth's left. Far taller and much more imposing than the doctor could ever hope to be.

Joshua swallowed hard, before he could find his voice. Even then, it quaked from fear of the disbelief as he said in a hushed tone, "You really came."

"I said I would." Synn stated as he stepped the entire way into the room with Silkworth remaining where he stood in the door frame. Synn continued, "It's as I explained to you before, Joshua; I may be a deceitful wretch at times, but if I make a promise, I stick to it."

Joshua could not help but smile at the self-indulging jest Synn had just made about himself and his word. He then saw that Synn was glancing about, taking in the fact that his few and meager belongings were still strewn about his room, neglected out of habit.

Synn then gave him his full attention then and said, "Would I be correct in assuming you didn't think I'd keep my word?"

Joshua tore his gaze away from Synn's own and he shrugged his shoulders sheepishly.

"I see." Synn stated with resignation as he stepped further into the room. "Understandable, so I'll tell you what. Why don't you get everything gathered up so we can leave this place as soon as possible?"

No sooner were the words out of Synn's mouth than Joshua leapt off of his bed and hurriedly begun to gather his belongings into his arm and toss them into a pile on his bed, easier to stuff into the travel bag he had been given just yesterday.

"And while you're at it..." Synn said, breaking the boy from his fervor to leave. "Why don't you slip this on?"

Joshua stopped what he was doing and glanced back over his shoulder at the long, flat box that he just noticed Synn to be holding, and offering over to him.

"What is it?" Joshua asked with a trace of suspicion in his voice.

"A gift." Synn stated matter-of-factly. "I know it's perhaps been awhile since you received one, but I saw them and believed they had your name written all over them."

Joshua looked at the package as if it could only be a mirage, or somehow an obvious mistake. After all, it was not Christmas. It wasn't even his birthday. Yet here this man was, not just taking him away from Broodmoore, but also offering him a, a present?

Synn gave the box a bit of a jostle and encouragingly said, "Take it."

Almost afraid to touch it, for fear that it was not real, Joshua slowly reached forward and took hold of the package quite gingerly in his fingers. He looked down at it, then up at Synn who gifted him with a wink.

"The good doctor and I will give you a moment to yourself so you can finish packing." Synn said. "I hope you'll do me the honor of wearing this when we leave."

Joshua simply watched as Synn turned around and headed back for the door. The doctor gave the big man a look of disapproval, but said nothing as he too stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind them, without locking it.



It was only moments later that there was a light knock on the door from inside of the cell. Doctor Silkworth reached over and took hold of the door handle and gave it a turn, pulling it open. There stood Joshua, wearing a brand new Daffy Duck "Duck Twacy" sweater and the first pair of blue jeans he had owned since he was a child.

Synn looked him over and gave a nod, then a smile as he looked at his eyes and spoke, "I approve."

Joshua smiled as he cradled the bag against his chest, stuffed with what he could now call his own. Carefully, he took that first step out into the hallway of the hospital and looked from Synn, to the doctor.

Doctor Silkworth said, "Now Joshua, I want you to be on your best behavior for this man. Be good. I don't want you to have to come back..."

Joshua whimpered from the back of his throat and a flash of fear reflected in his eyes when Synn spoke up.

"We spoke of this before, 'Doctor'." He said with the obvious sarcasm behind the title. "Joshua is leaving, and he will most assuredly not be returning. Not now. Not ever."

"I just want him to understand..." The doctor started to say but was quickly cut off.

Synn said, "He understands perfectly." He glanced to Joshua who stared at him. "Don't you?"

Joshua nodded, but words failed him. Synn looked to the doctor and smiled.

"You see?" He asked. "He understands. Now, if you would please lead the way?"

Doctor Silkworth could only glare at the man for so blatantly undermining his authority in front of the now 'former' patient of his, but he said nothing. The man was a threat to him, and the hospital, so tact was the better path to be taking. All he could do was give him a curt nod and say;

"This way, please."



Synn held the door open to the rented car and Joshua hurriedly climbed in, as if he felt if he waited too long, the door would be closed and the offer to escape be denied in punishment. Synn walked around the car and opened the driver's side and slid inside, fastening his seat belt. Synn went to insert the keys into the ignition when he glanced over at Joshua and frowned.

"Fasten your seat belt." Synn ordered, and his tone would brook no argument. Not that Joshua would give him one. the boy simply grasped at the seat belt with fumbling hands and fastened it, with only minimal help from the man beside him.

Once secure, Synn finally turned on the car's ignition and a smile befell the boy's face, realizing that he was finally leaving Broodmoore. Yet before the car pulled out of the parking lot, Synn paused to ask of him;

"Are you hungry?"

Joshua held up his left hand and made a pinching gesture, indicating 'a little bit'. He was still so very timid and quiet.

"Where would you like to have a bite of lunch?" Synn asked. Joshua looked over to him hopefully. Synn emphasized, "Whatever you like."



Joshua looked around at the interior of the establishment, and felt simply as if things had changed so long since the very last time he had been to one of these places, the single place he had loved to visit with him mom and nan over the years as a child. A place he hadn't seen the inside of for longer than he cared to contemplate.

He saw the playground area with a large slide and a 'ball pit', both packed with small children running around and having the time of their lives. He faintly remembered times like that, years ago. Part of him wanted to dash off and join those children, but he restrained himself, not wanting them to possibly reject his efforts.

He shied away from the others in the multiple lines, huddling against Synn's larger body and attempting the use of it as a shield against their prying eyes. A voice then came from behind him;

"Hi!"

Joshua jumped in a start and spun around to face this person, his breathing growing heavy.

"Welcome to McDonalds."

Synn attempted a showing of reassurance to him, but Joshua shrugged the hand from his shoulder and shied away, avoiding eye contact. Synn turned to the young woman at the counter who either noticed nothing out of the ordinary, or simply saw it as a part of dealing with the public and chose to ignore it.

She looked at Synn and smiled, "What can I get for you?"

"Joshua?" Synn spoke up, drawing the boy's attention to him reluctantly. "What would you like?"

Joshua paused, contemplating, then the faintest trace of a smile betrayed itself on his lips. He leaned up on his toes to whisper in Synn's ear...

And mere moments later, Joshua was prying open the 'Happy Meal' box in an eager manner to retrieve the toy inside, all but ignoring the actual food while Synn watched from the chair opposite him.



"You said we wouldn't go there again."

Despayre's pleas turned Synn's attention to him and away from the security line at the airport in which they stood. They stood within the Las Vegas airport, ready to fly out in preparations for the next defense of the NWA World Tag Team Championship. By 'there', Despayre was referring to Canada. Ever since he had been removed from the Broodmoore facility, Despayre made it known he never again wanted to go to Canada, for fear of the memories reawakening.

"You promised."

"No, Joshua. I did not." Synn answered as he laid both the laptop and Despayre's portable DVD player in the blue tote, along with a bevy of Looney Tunes DVDs to keep him occupied on the plane, should his sedatives wear off. Despayre was horribly afraid to fly and the prescribed medications enabled him to do so without a panic attack.

Synn turned to look at him and continued, "I promised you that you would never be taken back to that ... place, and I meant it. Yet Canada as a whole is another matter entirely. Especially as a wrestler."

"Why?" Despayre whispered as he hugged Angel closer to him, seeking the teddy bear's comfort in a warm, fuzzy hug.

"Because you're a champion again, Joshua." Synn replied. "You and Gabriel both. Champions in the largest wrestling company in the world today."

"So?"

"So... you have an obligation to defend those championships in every territory of the NWA. Each territory gets it's turn to challenge for the titles you now share with Gabriel. It just so happens that this month's territory is based in Canada."

"I don't want to go there." Despayre said, shaking his head in the negative.

"I know." Synn said, reaching over and drawing the young man in with an arm around his shoulder. "But I promise you, we are going nowhere near that bad place you hated so much. We won't even be in the same state."

"Promise?"

Synn said, "I promise. The bad place was in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Your match is in Halifax, Nova Scotia. That is where we are going. Halifax. And perhaps a stop along the way to Vancouver."

Despayre frowned, "Why Vancouver? What's there?"

Synn turned his head to look down at him and the taller man, Despayre's own father, shook his head with a smile. He answered the question, "It's your hometown, Joshua. It's where you're from."

"I know that." Despayre huffed, as if his father just stated the most blatantly silly thing that could be said. He continued, "But why else would we be going there?"

"Think for a moment, Joshua. Who else do we know that calls that place home?"

Despayre blinked and then looked away, frowning in concentration. He nibbled the tip of his forefinger, thinking. He then looked down at Angel and waved his hand.

"No, no. Don't tell me!" Despayre told the teddy bear. "I'll get this." Despayre paused for a moment longer, until his face brightened. "Mom!" He looked excitedly to his father. "Are we going to visit mom?"

"And your grandmother." Synn nodded as he stepped through the security scanner.

He turned to watch and wait as Despayre stepped through, holding Angel with him. Despayre rolled his eyes and shook his head as he joined Synn where he stood to wait for their carry-ons.

"Problem?" Synn asked.

"Angel is complaining he didn't get to go though the scanner this time." Despayre answered. "He thinks it's like an amusement park ride."

"It doesn't take much to amuse him, does it?" Synn asked with a coy tone to his voice, and Despayre answered by shaking his head.

As Synn picked up the tote to regain their possessions, Synn trailed after him, almost at his heels. His demeanor shifted yet again, as it often would, and his shoulders sagged when he asked, "Where's Gabriel?"

"He'll be along soon I'm sure." Synn answered. "He got a late start this morning."

"I know." Despayre nodded. "He was all grumpy when Angel and I got into his room this morning to wake him up."

"Yes, well..." Synn stated. "He did just have a long trip to London. He had only gotten back in late last night so an early morning call was probably not a very good idea."

"It was a great idea!" Despayre protested. "Theresa made waffles!"

"Indeed." Synn said. "But the desire for sleep after such a trip just might over shadow even those blueberry waffles you love so much."

"Impossible." Despayre frowned, shaking his head. He then paused, and a furrow creased his brow as he asked, "He'll feel better soon, won't he? He's not really leaving, right?"

Synn closed his eyes, away from his son's sight, and he exhaled gently through his nose. He knew that Despayre had discovered Gabriel's intense unhappiness as of late in Las Vegas, and SCW in particular. He knew that Despayre loved that man intensely like a little brother would an older sibling. Gabriel had stated on many occasions the desire to see Despayre step away from tag team wrestling and make the attempt toward Main Event status, a desire Synn himself agreed on. Yet it was not a desire that Despayre shared any enthusiasm for. The only thing he enjoyed in the sport of professional wrestling, was steaming with his bestest buddy Gabriel.

It also meant that if Gabriel left the business as he had made his intentions of doing, then Despayre would do the same thing.

Synn sat down on a chair and beckoned for Despayre to do the same. Once the boy did, Synn leaned in and said, "I don't know those answers, Joshua. I wish I could tell you different, but Gabriel is very unhappy right now." he raised a hand to prevent an interruption that was forthcoming. He said, "Not at you, or Angel. At Odette. He cared about her very much but she hurt him. When a man is hurt like that, he just wants to get as far away as possible."

Despayre just looked at Synn for several long moments, without saying a word. None need be said because Synn could see the pain in his eyes at the thought of Gabriel not being around. The glistening started to condense in his gray eyes and he shook his head, when Synn hurriedly placed a reassuring hand on his small shoulder.

He said, "Get away from the source of the problem, Joshua. Get away from wrestling. Not away from you."

Despayre looked back up and drew in a shuddering breath.

"I don't want him to leave." He sniffed, rubbing the back of his hand across his eyes. His eyes closed tightly and he leaned over against Synn who wrapped his arm tightly around him.

"I know." Synn said. "I know."



"It's difficult to say that our minds is spent entirely on this upcoming championship defense. Not when so much has been happening amongst those that you call your family and would do anything -- anything to keep from harm or heart ache."

"I know. People always say that one should leave one's troubles at home when it comes time for work and business. I'm here to tell you that it is not always as easy as it seems. Sometimes it is damn near impossible. Especially when it concerns your friends, or friends whom are family to you. Blood does not always determine who is your kin. So when those in your life hurt, you hurt, and it makes the task of focusing on the business at hand just that much more difficult."

"One might think this gives the advantage to the challengers, a combination known as the Unholy Trinity. A rather unique name for a more unique combination. Former champions many times over with a vast wealth of ring experience. That I can admire. That I can speak up and reap with praise. yet all that experience will do you little good when it comes time to attempt wresting the titles back into your own grasp."

"If you gentlemen are of the mind that the recent behind the scenes drama that has been playing will give you any form of edge over Despayre and Gabriel, then you are as sadly mistaken. As of this moment, I think you should be considering yourself very lucky indeed to have even been granted a shot at these belts, as opposed to teams such as the Canadian Connection, or more so, the ACW Tag team Champions themselves, Ben and Mickey. If truth be told, they were the pair I had expected to be signed to challenge the Sins for the top prize in tag team wrestling, but alas, no. A surprise was thrust into our waiting arms, but a surprise that can, and will, be adapted to."

"Sinful Obsession will arrive in Halifax, Nova Scoria with but one thing on their minds... leaving with the gold still around their waists. All the experience in the world can not detract from the simple fact you two are about to set foot inside of the squared circle against the best tag team that you've ever had the misfortune of being booked against."

"Sinful Obsession, the current reigning NWA World Tag Team Champions. It's not a sound that I will tire of hearing any time soon."</color>

57
Supercard Archives / Fun in the ... snow?
« on: February 23, 2013, 06:51:00 PM »
 09:10 AM

The past two days here in Las Vegas had been cold and threateningly wet. The sky had remained gray with a forecast of plummeting temperatures and a high chance of rain. Nothing Synn himself would have minded. Personally, he loved those dreary skies and thunderstorms much more than warm temperatures and bright, sunny skies. Despayre, however, loved running around in their spacious front and back yard on bright, clear days, playing with Angel as well as the demon with paws feline that Rage had bought for the household, a tabby named Sebastian. He had woken up bright and early at around six to the sound of rain beating against his bedroom window. He always woke up early to get as much business out of the way before the inevitable awakening of his son who would take up the remainder of his day, distracting him with antics and chatter if Gabriel or Rage were not present to distract the lad.

"Yes, Margaret. He's fine." Synn said as he walked around the island counter in the kitchen of his house, a large cup of coffee in one hand, the phone in the other.

He had been on the phone with Despayre's mother ever since she and his Grandmother had returned to Canada and witnessed the match that had pitted Despayre against Gabriel, something that nobody had ever believed would one day happen. It ended abruptly when Gabriel countered one of Despayre's favorite maneuvers with a reversal, and became not only the first man to pin his 'little brother's' shoulders to the mat in Sin City Wrestling -- he was the first to pin Despayre's shoulders, period. A lofty distinction that laid a serious guilt trip on Gabriel, but one that Synn had worked hard to elevate. Now he was busy working on the concerns of another.

"Margaret, for God's sake..." Synn begun to say, then shuddered on reflex. "That put a nasty taste in my mouth! ... Yes, I understand how he's feeling. He's trying to hide it. ... Of course he's disappointed. It's the first time that it ever happened."

"Are you still on the phone with his mother?" The housekeeper, Theresa, asked in a hushed whisper so as not to alert the woman he was talking to. Synn just nodded and the feisty Hispanic woman simply rolled her eyes and walked past 'her' kitchen and peeked through the blinds over the patio door and her eyes widened.

She turned around to Synn and said aloud, "You should see this."

"I've seen it rain before Theresa." Synn replied, then returned to his phone conversation. "We don't give him enough credit, Margaret." He said into the cordless. "Yes he is sensitive, but he has quite a knack for recovery. I..."

"It's not rain, chico." Theresa frowned and pulled aside the blinds so that a distracted Synn might look outside casually and his eyes took on a note of definite surprise.

"I'll be God damned." Synn muttered, and then winced and cast a sidelong glance toward the phone. "Sorry, Margaret. I'm going to have to go." Synn had set his coffee cup down and peered out the patio glass door, holding back the blinds. "Because I have to let Joshua know it's snowing. ... Because we live in a desert so he might find it fun, that's why. ... Okay, call back later and he should be up. ... Good bye."

"Damn." Synn said as he clicked the phone off with a light 'beep' and placed it back in its cradle on the wall. "Woman could talk the ear off a deaf person." He picked his coffee back up and stated 'matter of factly' "Must be where Joshua got it from." Before he took a drink.

"Yeah." Theresa muttered as she poured her own mug. "Must be." She turned around to find her employer simply staring at her and she shrugged.

"What?"

\'user\'user


You know what the absolute best thing is about being in bed on a cold morning? Snuggling up against your best teddy bear pal? That's definitely at the very top of the list! After all, after a hard night's work, shielding you from the horrors of the random monsters in the closet and bookie men beneath the bed, a teddy bear deserves a little R&R.  You know what else is great? The feeling of absolute peace and security, that nobody can take it away from you. There's also that neat and relaxing sensation when your arm slides under the soft, cool underside of the pillows that your head rests on. Who doesn't love that?

It's after nine in the morning and not even close to the time when Despayre is normally dragged forcibly from his bed by his father to begin his day. Right now he was buried beneath the blankets and comforters of his bed, nothing of him to be seen save for the fetal-shaped mound beneath the covers. Angel was held tightly against his chest as the dreams had taken him away to a place where teddy bears reigned supreme over the land and Skittles rained down from the sky above. (And let's not forget the fountains that Cherry Coke flowed from freely!)

The bedroom door opened and Synn stuck his head in and surveyed the room before his eyes fell on the mass dead center in the middle of the bed. Synn quirked his head at the soft noise emanating from under the covers and could not help but wonder silently when Despayre had started to snore. Little matter. Synn pushed the door the rest of the way open and crossed over the carpeting to the bedside where his boy was sound asleep.

"Joshua." Synn said calmly as he could and stretched his left arm over to give the blanket mound a soft nudge. He would normally allow Despayre to get up when he pleased, yet another testament to the signs of his spoiling the lad. Yet here he was, attempting to rouse him before he would normally venture downstairs, grumpy as a ... well, a bear. Joshua was most definitely not a morning person.

"Joshua." Synn called again, giving him a harder nudge. "Come now, wake up."

The buried young man stirred from beneath his blankets and Synn heard a murmured, "Mmm ... cookies."

"No, no cookies." Synn said and he had a seat on the bedside. "I need you to wake up."

A grumbled "Don't wanna go to school." Came next and Synn sighed. He did not like the thought of forcibly rousing Despayre from his slumber. With his unpredictable nature, how he might respond would be, well, unpredictable.

"No, you don't have to go to school." Synn said. He placed a hand gently on what he assumed to be Despayre's shoulder and gave him a harder shake. He said, "But you do need to wake up."

Suddenly the mass of blankets and comforters were thrown off and Despayre sat upright and pointed straight ahead. "We attack the palace at dawn, Commander Angel!"

Well. That was unexpected.

Despayre blinked through sleepy eyes and glanced up at Synn who was again standing and watching him with a bemused expression.

"Laying siege to another kingdom I gather?" Synn asked.

Despayre flopped back down and drew both Angel and the pillows up against him. "He's a tyrant when he's roused." He said in a tired voice, speaking obviously of the teddy bear companion.

"Well I believe his next siege can wait a moment or two." Synn said, grasping the boy by the arm and jostling him again. "You have to see something."

"Can't it wait?" Came the mumble as Despayre pulled the blankets back over his head.

"It could." Synn answered. "But the snow might have stopped by then."

A few seconds of silence passed before the blankets shifted down and Despayre's gray eyes peeked over the rim.

"Hm?"

Synn emphasized, "It's snowing Joshua."

Despayre continued to stare at his father for moments on end when the covers were thrown off and Despayre leapt toward the window...

*BANG!*

Synn cringed as Joshua's over enthusiasm caused a not-so-gentle greeting between his forehead and the window right over his bed. Despayre flopped back on his bed, rubbing his head and nose.

"Ow." He whined before he stood back up, pulling Angel up along with him by the bear's paw.

"You okay?" Synn asked as Despayre stood at the window and gazed in a marvelous fascination at the flurry of large snowflakes pelting down against the window and ground from the skies above. Despayre just nodded.

"Oh yeah..."

\'user\'user


"Gang way! Teddy bear coming through!"

Despayre shouted and his rapid footfalls caused the paintings on the wall to shake as the little guy tore downstairs as fast as he was able. With Angel in his arms, he tore through the large interior of the house and headed straight for the kitchen where the patio to the large back yard was. It was only Synn's quick reflexes that allowed him to be nabbed by the shirt collar.

"Grk!" Despayre gagged over-exaggeratedly. "What's the big idea!?"

Synn, with a tight grip on the collar of the boy's sweater, lead him around toward the coat rack and with his free hand, pulled the heavy jacket of Joshua's off of it's rung and handed it over to him.

Synn said, "Gloves to, and a hat to cover that bald scalp of yours."

"It's not bald! I'm not Rage!" Despayre retorted hotly. "It's shaved! And it's just half my head!"

"You could have a bear rug glued to your scalp," Synn answered right back. "You're still wearing the hat."

Despayre whined and grumbled as his father passed him the gloves and hat from the open closet door, while he muttered, "Angel doesn't hafta get over dressed."

But then he watched as Synn nonchalantly reached back into the closet and took out a heavy scarf and raped it around the teddy bear's neck. Despayre looked at the teddy bear and frowned.

"Oh sure! Take his side!"

Synn quickly got Despayre dressed and protected from the elements, Despayre anxiously fidgeting the entire time. After all, how often does it really snow in a desert oasis like Nevada? It could have stopped by the time this silly nonsense was finished! Horrors! No sooner did Synn finish this 'fatherly' task than Despayre took off in a sprint with a hearty "Bye!" left in his wake.

Theresa walked out of the kitchen, having just barely managed to avoid being trampled. She glanced back toward the kitchen and then to Synn before she said, "He's not having breakfast?"

Synn just shook his head and said in answer to this, "Let him have some fun. Gabriel will be home any time now. I'm certain that will lure Joshua back inside to eat."

\'user\'user


Synn and Theresa both snuck looks outside and wore smiles on their faces as they watched Despayre run around the back yard, his head tilted as far back as he could manage to catch the snowflakes pelting him with his tongue. They saw that he also held Angel's head back and up so the teddy bear could enjoy the same. This little ritual lasted until Despayre's ankle caught on the leg of one of the patio chairs and he took a tumble, head over heels.

"Ohh!" Theresa could not help but laugh in a sympathetic manner, her palm placed over her heart, as she watched Despayre right himself and deliver a swift kick to the chair, sending it flying. Despayre looked at Angel who he had scooped back up from where the teddy bear had fallen and nodded firmly.

"Yeah!"

...

Despayre ran along the yard, being extra careful to avoid the pool, and pulling Angel behind him on a bite-sized sled.

...

Gabriel's car pulled into the drive, the wipers working frantically so that he could see out his window in order to drive. This snow had erupted so suddenly it had caught him, and many other drivers, unaware, making driving hazardous. Climbing out of the driver's door, Gabriel hunched his jacket tightly around him to stave off the cold and headed quickly for the front door when he heard a loud...

Whooooooooo hoooooooo!

Coming from the back yard. Smiling, he immediately knew that Despayre had to be up and about, taking full advantage of this sudden and rare snow fall for some early morning play time. Deciding to brave it, Gabriel walked off of the front walk and around to where the gate was at the border of the house. He opted to sneak a peek and glanced over the top of the gate when...

*WHAP!*

... he ate a snowball right in the kisser!

"Despy!" Gabriel shouted as he spat the snow from his mouth. "watch it!"

"It wasn't me!" Despayre shouted back. "It was Angel! He said that was for almost hurting yourself with that magic trick!"

Gabriel blinked and glanced away in silent thought.

Nobody else was there? How the hell did he...?

Gabriel looked back over the gate and shouted, "How did Angel...?"

*WHAP!*

And he got another snowball right in the face!

"Angel!"

"No, that one was from me! I thought you deserved that too!"

Gabriel spat out more snow and looked over the gate and ducked, just in time to miss another projectile.

"Alright!" Gabriel called out. "I'm sorry! It won't happen again!"

"Promise?"

"Promise!"

"Okay! You can enter now!"

Gabriel pulled the gate open and stepped into the snow covered back yard, just in time to be greeted with a headlong rush and attack hug from his 'little brother'. Despayre squeezed him tightly a moment before stepping back with a smile as bright as the snow itself. Gabriel then noticed a mark on Despayre's cheek and pointed toward it.

"What happened there?" Gabriel asked.

"Huh?" Despayre blinked and reached up to touch the welt on his cheek bone. He then shrugged.

"Guess I got it from falling." He said innocently.

"Well alright." Gabriel nodded. "Just be careful. We don't want you..."

*WHAP!*

"Despy!" Gabriel practically shouted.

"What!?" Despayre yelped, holding his arms out in innocence. "I didn't do it!"

Gabriel frowned and glanced around the smaller man. "Then who...?" And the only other one in the back yard was Angel in his scarf, seated atop the patio table with a small mound of bite-sized snowballs around him. Gabriel closed his eyes and shook his head.

He wandered toward the patio door, saying, "I wonder if it's too early for a drink."

Despayre called after him, "Not if you have eggs to go with it!"

\'user\'user


"Yes, I do believe it's an appropriate time to finally yield to temptation and address two certain people, namely the sibling combination of Daniel and Tiami Tyler, a brother/sister pairing that will be having a most unpleasant experience in the coming days."

"I hope you will forgive me for not devoting as much time as I might normally for a match such as this, but if I have to be honest, I simply don't see the need to bother. This is, after all, what I like to refer to as a mere formality inside of the ring. You see, I have a bit of news for the Tyler siblings. They should either count their lucky stars that they have a match at all next week at Blaze of Glory II, or curse the names of the bookers who placed them in the ring against Despayre and his partner, Karina Koji."

"There was no doubt that Despayre and Karina would be booked for this historic event. True they did not get to the end of the Blast From the Past tournament, but they came ever so close. Both were offered the opportunity to have the show off, but Karina declined, and I did the same for Despayre. Rather than have either in a singles match, I thought to myself "Why not have them reunited for another mixed tag?" They didn't make the tournament finals, but this match will serve as another reminder of just how close they came."

"Both Daniel and Tiami have had their chances at glory in Sin City Wrestling, but this will not be another. Blood may be thicker than water, but severed blood is of no use to anyone."

"Remember that, Tylers. It might serve as a way to soothe your minds when you once again find yourselves staring up at the ring lights for the inevitable count of one ... two ... three."

58
Climax Control Archives / Don't make me...
« on: February 15, 2013, 05:54:38 PM »
 Synn sat at the small table that rested against the large picture window just off of the main foyer in the house he shared with Despayre in the famed "City of Sin," Las Vegas. He had been for the last several minutes now, without moving. All he did was stare just outside of the room while he basked in the rare warmth of the afternoon sun in what had otherwise been relatively chilly weather. The only sign of life that he was giving was when his hand would reach down to grab the mug of hot coffee and pick it up to drink it. His full attention was on one person, and one alone.

In the living room, Despayre sat on the floor on one side of the coffee table, and on the other was Angel, perched high on three of the sofa's pillows so the teddy bear's head would be able to peek over the edge. Between them on the glass table was a checkers board, with several of the pieces already moved, and a number on Angel's side, stacked. This had to bring a sense of mirth to Synn's concerned state, as Angel was winning -- again. The light hearted sense was lost almost immediately as he remembered exactly why he had been in such a worried state.

What in Hell were those fools thinking? He silently wondered. Even if the tournament brackets had evened out to this particular match up, they could yet have done something to avoid it. Switch it around or something, but no. Synn had little doubt behind the reasoning: the thought of watching Despayre being forced to compete against the one person who possessed his full trust, Gabriel, was too enticing a proposition to sell a few extra tickets. The initial talk between them did not go well.

"No!" Despayre cried pitifully as he lurched forward at the waist, his hands clasped together, fingers interweaved, as he stared up at his father with a desperate need for this to be some dreadful mistake. "Nooo!"

"Joshua..." Synn took a step forward but stopped as Despayre flinched and turned away. He threw the crumbled paper that had delivered to them the dreadful news by fax against the wall and it tumbled off of the house's mantle and fell behind the sofa into a hard to reach corner. Despayre's eyes were clenched shut tightly and his mouth was open in a silent scream of torment at what these mean men in charge of Sin City Wrestling were asking him to do. No, what they were demanding that he do. Asking made it sound as if it were an option. This was no option.

Only then did Synn step back up and rest a comforting hand on his son's small shoulder.

"Joshua," Synn started to say. "Calm down. It'll be alright."

Synn used his hand on the boy's shoulder to turn him around gently and Despayre's cheeks were wet with tears. He gazed up at Synn and absently wiped his nose with the back of his hand before he closed his eyes once again and shook his head.

"No it won't." Despayre stated in a sob filled choke. "I don't want to fight Gabriel."

"I know." Synn sighed. "I would rather prefer you not as well. Yet it was a calculated risk when the both of you entered this event."

Despayre opened his eyes slightly and turned his head away, shaking it again in the negative.

"I wish I hadn't entered." He cried. "I don't want to be in it any more!"

"Joshua..." Synn's hand slid down the boy's shoulder and cupped against his thin arm.

Synn was not entirely used to the position of 'comforter', as he had always been something more of an antagonist. Yet ever since he discovered he was a father, ever since he took this unstable young man into his care, he had found himself in more unfamiliar territories than he had imagined possible. He would attempt to keep Despayre's unstable nature soothed at most times, but there was no telling when something might set him off. It could be something as simple as not wanting to eat what Theresa put on the table before them for dinner, or something as complicated as this situation currently before him.

Despayre's head hung as if he were making a vain attempt to keep this man he loved as a father from seeing the tears streaking from his eyes and down his face. He glanced up through his thick eyelashes and whispered, "Can you make them stop it?"

"Stop it?"

"Can you make them change the match?" Despayre emphasized hopefully.

Synn exhaled lightly through his nose, taking this in. Up until now, Synn had been able to fix just about each and every problem that had come his way that plagued his son. What was happening now was not personal, as much as it was business. And sometimes business could be by far a trickier situation to find oneself in.

"I tried, Joshua." Synn answered. "Unfortunately the match had already been announced by the time we were sent the papers. When we signed the contracts for this tournament, it was a risk with the both of you entered. I admit I'm surprised it took this long."

Despayre finally looked up at Synn and he bit his bottom lip and started to shake his head. Synn shrugged.

"I am sorry, Joshua." Synn said. "I did try, but this time I can't undo it."

Despayre cried out "No!" and before Synn could stop him, he darted past him and up the stairs of their homestead. All he heard following this was the slamming of a bedroom door.

That had been two days ago. Despayre had spent the remainder of that day holed up in his room, sobbing, and Synn had spent an equal amount of time split between hovering outside of the door to make certain the boy was not harming himself, and the rest in his office, fighting in vain with Mark Ward and Christian Underwood both in misguided attempts to coerce them into somehow altering these semi-final brackets.

The phone call from Despayre's tag team partner, Karina Koji, had been an unexpected surprise. She had asked to speak to Despayre (and Angel as well!), but this had come at the time when Despayre was holed up in his room and he would speak to nobody. And Angel, well Synn had simply assumed that Despayre's teddy bear would much prefer to utilize his time trying to soothe Joshua rather than discuss business on the phone.

Yes, you read that correctly!

No matter. When the time would come, Karina would face and handle Gabriel's tag team partner, Roxi Johnson, herself. Despayre had been delighted at Gabriel's pairing with a superhero. Now, not so much.

Several times Synn heard Despayre talking through the closed door, and knew instinctively that the boy was 'talking' to Angel. That would actually bring hope, as it meant he was making an attempt  to soothe his own inner turmoil through the teddy bear's companionship. Other times he listened as Despayre would turn on his TV and the familiar sounds of the Looney Tunes animated shorts could be heard through the door. Several times Despayre had tried to refuse meals but Synn would not allow him to cause himself harm in any manner, including making himself go hungry. Twice Theresa brought his meal's upstairs so he'd be allowed the comforts of eating by himself in the quiet of his own room -- on the condition that he brought everything back down once he was finished. It brought a great sense of relief the morning when Despayre finally emerged from his room and came downstairs for breakfast with everyone else, Angel held close to his chest.

"How is he?"

Synn looked up at the form of Despayre's Grandmother, Victoria, who was holding a cup of tea in her hand and watching the front room with a concerned eye that only a grandmother would be able to pull off. It was just recently as Despayre's (and Angel's) birthday party that his mother Margaret had surprised Synn's and her son by reuniting him with the grandmother he had so dearly loved as a boy. Now both Margaret and her mother had traveled down from Vancouver to pay Despayre a visit, Synn graciously opening his and Despayre's home to them as guests. Behind her, entering the nook, was Margaret who paused to look into the front room before she finally joined her mother and took a seat at the table with her own tea.

Synn answered, "He's still having trouble accepting what's expected of him this weekend, but overall he'll be fine. We just need to get past this weekend and he'll understand that there would be no hard feelings no matter what happens."

Margaret sipped her tea and shook her head. She said, "I just can't believe that they're making Joshy wrestle Gabriel. Don't they understand what that's doing to him?"

Victoria looked from her daughter to Synn as Despayre's father answered, "It's doubtful. Much as he's in the public eye on a weekly basis, few truly understand the way Joshua's mind works. hell, even I don't pretend to understand everything that there is to know about him. I just know what Gabriel means to him and this match was tearing him up inside."

Victoria set her tea cup down and asked, "And there's no way to stop the match?"

Synn shook his head, not once taking his eyes from Despayre's game of checkers with Angel. He answered, "None. It was the risk of them both being entered into this tournament. There was always the chance they'd end up meeting on opposite sides of the ring at some point."

Synn noticed more checkers were now on Angel's side. Despayre was running fingers through his long, black hair and he blew out a gust of air through pursed lips as he 'studied' the board.

"I admit that I'm new to this whole 'Grandmother' thing." Victoria said as she stretched over to the left to get a better view of her grandson at play. "But what exactly is he doing?"

Margaret turned to her with a smile and replied, "Losing at checkers would be my guess."

"I am not losing!" Despayre shouted from the living room, causing each of the older adults to turn and look back to him in amusement. Despayre's eyes never left the board as he spoke aloud, "I'm lulling him into a false sense of security!"

Synn called back, "And you're doing a very good job at that!"

"Thank you!"

"So, are you feeling better?"

"About what?"

"You know what. The match coming up this weekend."

"Oh. That. I was trying to forget about that Angel, and you just brought it back up again. Thanks a lot."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I just want you to b alright."

"If you want me to be alright, help Synn find a way to cancel this match. I don't want to do it any more. I don't want to fight Gabriel."

"Wrestle Gabriel."

"What?"

"You said 'fight'. You're not going to be 'fighting' Gabriel. You're going to be 'wrestling' him."

"What's the difference?"

"Well there's a whole wide world of difference Joshua!

"Explain."

"Oh for goodness sake! A fight would be with someone that you don't like. You know, like when you had that match with Goth. That was a fight."

"Okay, that makes sense."

"Right, and this is a wrestling match. You know, like when you've been in the ring with the Surf Boys, or when you horsed around with Bernie in the ring after that show? Oh! And remember a few months ago when you and Gabriel helped out all those people in that benefit show?"

"Yeah...?"

"You wrestled Shane and his cousin, Jason. That was a great example of a wrestling match!"

"I suppose so. But Gabriel is different."

"I know, and he's just as uneasy at the idea of wrestling you,, as you are at wrestling him. But it's not like you two haven't wrestled around a ring with each other, before. You two have had those friendly little sparring sessions so you can keep your skills honed and sharp.."

"Yeah, that's true."

"So you see? It's entirely possible that you can go into this match and leave it still the bestest of friends. You gotta trust me on this one. I know you don't want to. I know you were thinking about making yourself lose just like you did in that gauntlet match a year ago, but you can't."

"Why not?"

"Because you have someone else depending on you to at least try. Karina wants to win this event, and you should too."

Despayre shrugged his shoulders helplessly as he stood up, all of his checkers now on Angel's side of the board. He reached down and scooped Angel up into his arms and took off into a sprint for the kitchen, his parents and Grandmother watching in his wake.

"That was ... sudden." Victoria observed.

Synn turned back around and took a drink from his own coffee mug and said, "He's probably getting ready for the postman." He glanced up and saw the confused expressions on the women's faces and emphasized, "For some reason, Joshua's taken a disliking to our postman."

Despayre then  came running back from the kitchen, Angel in one hand, and -- one of his 'special' balloons he had won in London (filled with water), in the other. Not waiting to say anything to the adults, Despayre raced upstairs with them all watching.

Victoria turned back to Synn with wide eyes and asked, "Was that a..."

"Mm hm." Synn murmured with a smile and a nod.

"Filled with water?" Margaret asked.

Synn said, "Apparently so."

"But... where did he get them?" His grandmother asked.

Synn nonchalantly sighed and leaned back in his chair to answer, "He had a little luck with a game in a London pub."

Before either woman could ask for further details, they heard a faint *pop!* and Despayre shouted out in startled surprise. He came stomping back downstairs, both he and Angel soaking wet! he marched right over and plopped the bear down on the table in the middle of the three and turned to storm off.

"Joshy!" His mother called. "What happened to you?"

Despayre wheeled around and pointed at Angel. "A needle and a very precocious teddy bear with a flare for practical jokes!" And he turned back and went off with the three adults turning to look at the bear.

59
Archived Roleplays / Going camping!
« on: February 09, 2013, 08:15:55 PM »
 Despayre sat behind the desk in Synn's office, staring at the lit screen of the new XPS One 27 Touch computer Synn had just had delivered days ago. Under ordinary circumstances, the desk used by Synn for all of his work and business dealings would be kept free of clutter and remain immaculate, but now there were papers scattered about and brochures piled high. Despayre stared at the keyboard at the front of the monitor and with a cautious finger, plonked it down onto a key and then looked up.

He smiled at gave a light laugh at whatever it was that he was seeing. (If I told you all now, it would render quite a bit pointless in the tale that I am about to tell.) He looked down at the soft, plush form of Angel the teddy bear perched high on his lap, watching the screen along with him. A forefinger to his lips, Despayre then stretched his hand carefully toward the computer screen and wisped it across and a smile spread across his face when a voice emanating from the office door gave him a start.

"Joshua. What are you doing?"

Despayre glanced up and say the ample form of the house's live-in housekeeper, Theresa Aguilera, standing there and leaning in.

She looked around the office, and then noticed the clutter on the desk and she frowned slightly. "Does Synn know that you're in here?"

Despayre bit his bottom lip and nodded, not saying a word in response.

Theresa tilted her head to the right and raised her eyebrows in questioning.

"And he knows you're playing on his brand new computer?"

"I'm not playing." Despayre answered softly. "I'm searching. And he knows."

He glanced back down at the computer and with both forefingers of both hands, he started to 'hunt and peck' at the keys, pausing only briefly at times to tap his lips in concentration. Theresa stepped back into the hall and made her exit, not bothering to close the door so as Despayre could be kept a close watch upon.

The front living room of the homestead was filled with members of the Sins stable; Despayre's "big brother" and tag team partner in Gabriel, Sxxxy Shane Boswell, Fantasia, Rage and, of course, the man himself; Synn. They were gathered together, not for business, but just as a casual get together. Their voices were soft (or as soft as Rage's could possibly be) as they spoke to one another when Theresa entered the room.

"Synn," She begun. "Did you know that Joshua is on your computer?"

Synn broke from his current conversation with Gabriel and turned to address her. He answered, "Actually, yes. I told him to find something that he might like as a reward."

"Reward?" Fantasia asked, leaning back against Shane's tree trunk legs.

"For winning the NWA titles." Synn emphasized. "I told him to pick something out as a reward and we could do it together. I figure he'll most likely want to go to Chuck E Cheese or play miniature golf." He shrugged. "Something like that."

"No fair." Gabriel smirked from his seat beside Rage. "Where's my reward?"

______________________________


Synn led Despayre down the hallway of their home, a strong arm around the shoulders gently guiding the young man. It was early in the morning, just after they had sat down to breakfast. Despayre was still in his sleeping clothes but around his waist, he wore the NWA World Tag Team Championship belt. If the others in the team of the Seven Deadly Sins had found it difficult to get him to remove the SCW Tag team belt when he was one-half of the reigning champions, this time they found it damn near impossible. His eyes remained alight with the excitement of having won a championship again so quickly following the loss of the SCW gold. And not just any championship. The status of the NWA titles were not lost on Despayre. He knew the NWA world titles was something to be very proud of and the lineage was long and distinguished.

"I want you to know that I am very proud of you." Synn said calmly, leaning slightly down so that his 6'8" frame could address his 5'7" son easier. "Proud of both you and Gabriel. Neither of you allowed the loss of the SCW titles to weigh you down."

"Of course not." Despayre frowned in a mask of confusion. "The belts were pretty heavy so we were actually lighter without them."

"Indeed." Synn smirked and they came to a halt at the closed door of Synn's own personal office. "Which is why I wanted to give you a little reward for all your hard work."

"A reward?" Despayre's eyes lit up in the same apt, childlike fascination that a young one might experience when their parent expressed such pride in them. "What is it? Huh? I promise I won't tell me!"

Synn reached over and grasped the door handle to his office and turned it, opening the door wide. The pair stepped inside of the room's confines and Synn answered, "I decided to let you pick it out yourself. I'm sure Angel can give you an idea or two on what you might like best."

Despayre nodded as Synn guided him around the edge of the desk and encouraged him to seat in the large, black leather office chair.

Looking up at his father, Despayre said, "He can. He always knows just what I'll like."

"Good." Synn said as he turned back around from a filing cabinet with a stack of papers in one hand, and a small sampling of different brochures in the other. He set them down on the desk in front of Despayre, and then reached around and switched on the computer. He said further, "Now, if you can't find something in these brochures you might like, you can browse around online a bit. When you find something you like, come and let me know. Okay?"

Despayre nodded and looked up at the monitor and blinked rapidly as it came to 'life'.

Despayre then glanced up at Synn and smiled.

"When we beat the Canadian Connection in the rematch, do I get another reward?"

The corners of Synn's lips turned upward in a smirk.

"Let's just get your first one figured out an then we'll go from there."

______________________________


"I'm just surprised you actually let him on your computer." Gabriel mused from his seat. "The last time he got online without any supervision, he hacked into an airlines reservation system and sent Nick Jones to somewhere in the Middle East."

"I remember." Synn said gently, the look on his face slowly growing from indifference to a smile that spoke of pride at Despayre managing to accomplish such a prank. Of course, to hear him tell about it, he was assured that it was a game he had thought he discovered. "Anyway..." Synn leaned over on the arm rest. "I'm sure Joshua will pick something simple. A movie or something that all of us can enjoy."

"You still haven't answered my question." Gabriel said with a coy, teasing tone in his accent. "What about my reward?"

"We'll talk." Was Synn's only answer as Despayre appeared in the room, his attention focused intently on a small brochure in his one hand while he held Angel up to see it too with the other.

Synn asked aloud, "Find something so soon?"

Everyone's eyes turned to the little guy and he looked up with a smile and nodded. He offered the paper over to Synn's outstretched hand. Despayre cuddled Angel closely in his arms as he watched Synn take a look at the cover of the brochure and a frown creased the brow of the Sins's mentor. He looked around briefly at the others, and then at his son.

"This is an advertisement for camping." Synn stated.

"Uh huh!" Despayre nodded eagerly. "Angel and I never went camping before! We thought it'd be fun!"

Synn looked back down at the pamphlet and opened its pages up. While he looked at the contents, he said, "I thought you would want a DVD, or perhaps go to a movie or a trip."

"That would be a trip!" Despayre chirped delightedly. "It's not here, after all!"

"Boy has a point." Shane said with a smile, knowing full on well the discomfort Synn had boxed himself into a corner with.

Despayre nodded at Shane, then turned to Synn and, seeing the expression on his face, he appeared worried.

Despayre said, "What is it? You said I could pick whatever I wanted to do. I want to go camping."

"So I did." Synn sighed, closing the brochure. "And so you do." He looked up at Despayre and tapped the ad against his thigh. "Alright then, we'll go camping here."

Despayre's entire body seemed to freeze and then convulse in excitement at his father's agreement. He held Angel out at arm's length, looking into the teddy bear's eyes and he said, "We're going camping! Oh boy! Roughing it! Tents! Roasting marshmallows and weenies!"

"Not one word." Synn held up a forefinger to ward off whatever wise crack he knew was about to come from Shane's mouth at the previous statement.

"Have you ever been camping before?" Fantasia asked.

"No." Synn answered and shook his head in the negative. "I grew up in the city. If it didn't have a sauna and room service, I didn't stay there."

Fantasia smiled, "Well here's your chance to experience something new."

Synn said nothing as he just went back to perusing the pamphlet.

Shane said, "Yeah let's just hope it doesn't go the same way your first attempt at playing 'catch' with Despy here went."

______________________________


"Are you ready?" Synn asked as he stood in the spacious back yard of his house, with Despayre standing right in front of him.

Synn was dressed in a surprisingly casual manner of a sweater and jeans, while Despayre had on a warm jacket, jeans and -- a football helmet? Seated across the ways on the patio, was Angel with a set of pom-poms. In Synn's hands was a football. Despayre had wanted to do a little 'father-son' bonding time and when Synn gave him the free choice in how, it wasn't quite what he had expected. Synn had never played a legit sport in his life. He never found the time nor the desire. Oh he would watch the games on TV with the other guys in his stable, but playing it was another thing altogether. It was not an easy thing for him to admit that he was unable to do.

If it didn't involve two oiled up men in thongs, wrestling in mud, he didn't consider it a sport.

"Ready!" Despayre proclaimed.

"Alright, here." Synn  tossed the football into his son's waiting arms. "You toss it first, and aim away from the windows."

Synn took off in a sprint across the yard and with a holler of giddiness, Despayre tossed the football...

...

The patio door slid open and Theresa looked up from the stove where she was stirring a pot.

"What happened!?" She exclaimed, setting the spoon aside and hurrying over to where Synn was staggering in, holding his bleeding nose where the football had struck it.

"I do not wish to discuss it!" Synn growled as he marched through the kitchen and further into the house to treat his now freshly broken nose.

Despayre was pale, paler than he normally was, watching his father exit. Theresa turned to him.

"What happened?" She asked.

Despayre tore his gaze from the hall where Synn had vanished and he shrugged. He said, "Football's not his cup of tea."

______________________________


"Who ever would have thought that there would be something you wouldn't be very good at?" Gabriel laughed as the others gave smiles toward Synn who shook his head.

Synn sneered and mocked their joking at his expense. "Oh ha ha. Well if you think that's so funny, then there should be no reason why you all shouldn't be able to join us on this little excursion."

"Huh?" Rage's self-satisfied smirk fell and it was replaced immediately with a frown.

"Yeah!" Despayre beamed. "That'll be great! Camping with the boys!"

"Just the boys?" Fantasia asked. "No girls allowed?"

"Next time!" Despayre assured her.

Fantasia looked at Shane and gave him a smug smile, to which he answered by sticking his tongue out at her.

"Gabriel? Shane?" Despayre asked hopefully. "You guys will go, won't you?"

"Of course they will." Synn answered first, before either could speak up.

Gabriel sighed. "Why not? Never been before, so what the he-heck. get my mind off things."

"Sure." Shane nodded and said, "Never let it be said there wasn't something new I wouldn't try."

Synn was about to say something to that and Shane glared at him and cut him off. "Shut it!"

Despayre then turned to Rage and asked hopefully, "Rage, you'll come too, huh?"

"Aw man!" Rage started to say, making certain not to let Synn answer for him before he could do so himself. "You know I'd really love to. ... When were you going?"

"This Friday night!" Despayre answered proudly.

"This Friday?" Rage gave a mocking expression of regret. "Dam-dang! I'm actually busy this Friday, Despy. If it was any other day..."

"Oh, how lucky for you!" Despayre smiled. "We're really leaving Saturday."

Rage clamped his mouth shut and all eyes turned toward him. Gabriel reached over and snatched the pamphlet from Synn's hands and then leaned back and started to leaf through it, saying, "A blind man in New Jersey saw that one coming."

______________________________


Echo Canyon State Park
\'user


As much as Synn dreaded the concept of 'roughing it' as his son kept referring it to, he had the satisfaction that in a case such as this, misery had some company. All the men of the Seven Deadly Sins 'family' had agreed to accompany them on this little outing. It would appear that Synn was not the only one who was unable to tell Despayre the meaning of the word 'no'.

As the time had moved on, the group admittedly had second thoughts but one look at the excitement on Despayre's face and all objections fell silent, and they proceeded on with their plans. When Rage started to get stubborn, those 'puppy dog eyes' of Despayre's worked wonders on the "Sin of Wrath" like no other.

The group had arrived early Friday morning, and now they were all standing around the rolled up tents that Synn had rented for the trip. The general consensus was that the vast majority of them wanted to use campers, but as stated before; what Despayre wanted, Despayre got. The only problem was... none of them knew how to set a tent up.

"Well?" Rage shrugged, frowning over at Synn. "Get it started. We ain't got all day!"

"Me?" Synn shook his head. "The only tent I'm familiar with involves my trousers."

Despayre blinked and glanced down at his father's jeans in stark confusion, then looked at Angel and shrugged.

Shane groaned. "Why do you always insist on saying things that burn their way into my memories?"

Gabriel looked at Shane and sized him up before he said, "Well you're the Sin of Pride. Nothing you can't do. So how's about you set the tents up?"

"Me?" Shane objected. "It was Despy's idea to come here. He can do it."

"Yeah, Despy." Gabriel leaned past Shane to look at his little buddy. "Think you can set up the tents?"

Despayre answered by shaking his head vigorously from side to side. "Nuh uh!" He said. "But I bet Angel can!" He looked at the teddy bear perched atop one of the rolled up tents. "You can do it, right?"

God help them but every one of the men looked to the teddy bear before they caught themselves and closed their eyes in 'shame'. Despayre huffed and put his clenched fists on his hips.

"What do you mean 'sprained pinky'?" Despayre said. "You get one of those every time there's work to be done!"

"So," Gabriel shrugged. "Now what?"

"Oh for fu...god's sake!" Rage stepped forward and grabbed the teddy bear. He handed it to Despayre and Rage started to undo the rolled up tents. "Just let me...!"

______________________________


"Well, congratulations Rage." Synn said as he admired the three tents, perfectly erected up around their reserved campsite. "You did it."

"And it only took three hours." Shane added.

"Hey, can it limey!" Rage growled. "I didn't see you offering me any assistance!"

"Couldn't." Shane said, holding up his pinky.

"Don't give me that!" Rage barked. "The bear has the sprained pinky, not you!" Rage then quickly heard himself and what he had just said and rubbed a hand down his face.

"Where's Despy?" Gabriel said and they all looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Joshua!" Synn called out, his voice echoing across the park. "Where are you!?"

"In here!" Despayre called back, from inside of the tent that he would be sharing with his father. It unzipped and the flaps flew open and Despayre crawled out in a raccoon cap and in his arms, Angel was dressed in an Elmer Fudd hunting jacket and cap. In Angel's paws was a toy rifle with a pop cap on the end, and in Despayre's was a fishing pole.

"What's all this?" Gabriel chuckled as he took in his little brother's getup.

"What? This?" Despayre looked down at his and Angel's outfits, then back up at the others. "Well, they're hunting clothes. We have to eat!"

Synn nudged a large chest with his foot, one of three, and said, "We brought food, remember? Hamburgers. Hotdogs."

"And marshmallows!" Despayre called aloud. "Can't make S' Mores without marshmallows!"

"Right." Synn admitted. "So there's no need for hunting or fishing."

Despayre's happy face went crest fallen and he cocked his head to the side and asked, "But, what about 'roughing it'?"

Synn answered, "I draw the line at slaughtering our own food."

"Aw fish sticks!" Despayre griped and dropped his fishing pole.

"Hey, no need for that." Shane said and he stepped up and picked up the fishing pole. He passed it over to Synn and smiled at the equally large and imposing man. Shane said, "Just because we're not out hunting wabbits, doesn't mean you can't have a little fun fishing with your old man."

"Old man?" Synn's eyebrows rose.

"Older than me." Shane smiled back at him.

"And you're older than us." Gabriel smiled, leaning shoulder to shoulder with Despayre.

"See?" Shane laughed.

Gabriel said, "Actually I was talking to you."

"Huh!?" Shane whipped his head around to look at Gabriel and Despayre leaned up on his tip toes and whispered to Shane, "You're gonna get old Shane!"

Despayre lowered himself back down and Shane turned his head away and ... whimpered.

______________________________


The reservoir of Echo Canyon was over 30 acres and despite Despayre's desires, had no fish in it. It was used mostly for the scenic beauty and swimming by the campers. Though nobody was in the water, considering it was February. Despayre stood at the edge of the water, with Angel at his feet, and was fiddling with the fishing pole in his hands, while looking down at the bear as if it were giving him instructions -- and who's to say that it wasn't?

The rest of the group were seated up along the bank, sipping sodas as they were unable to bring beers into the park, and each one of them was watching with heightened amusement at Despayre who started having a heated one-sided debate with Angel.

"Fine!" Despayre said with a huff. "I'll do it your way!"

"Watch this..." Gabriel whispered to Synn. "You can practically hear the Looney Tunes theme music."

Despayre whipped the fishing pole back with one hand, then cast it as hard as he could! Problem was, the hook caught in his pant leg and tripped him up, resulting in...

SPLASH!

"Joshua!" Synn yelled and he took off in a sprint to retrieve the boy from the water as Gabriel, Shane and Rage all rolled in hysterics!

Despayre splashed and sputtered as Synn helped him from the water and up onto the shore again. Despayre glared down at Angel and shook a finger at him.

"You did that on purpose!" He declared. "You ... you prankster, you!"

______________________________


Despayre emerged from his tent, dressed in fresh, warm clothes and approached the others as they sat around at the picnic table while Synn worked the grill, getting their dinner ready.

"I'm hungry!" Despayre called out, then held the bear up. "Angel is too!"

"I take it you and Angel have patched up your differences?" Shane asked.

"Yeah." Despayre nodded, giving the teddy bear an affectionate nuzzle. "Teddy bears are just naturally mischievous. Can't blame them for staying true to their instincts."

Synn glanced back over his shoulder and said, "Well it'll be a little while before the grill is hot enough to cook on. Why don't you get a fire going in the meantime to roast your marshmallows and..."

"Weenies!" Despayre hollered. He then looked at the piles of fire wood and sighed. "How do we light it though? Oo! Can we rub two sticks together to do it?"

"You know, I actually managed to do that a few times." Rage admitted. He looked around at the others who stared at him in surprise and he shrugged. "No big deal. Just liked to experiment with dumb shi... stuff, like that."

"Angel can do it too!" Despayre said with confidence. "As a matter of fact, Angel says he can light a fire with two sticks faster than you can."

"Oh yeah?" Rage raised an eyebrow. "Care to make it interesting?"

"Like what?" Despayre asked.

Rage thought for a few moments, then said, "Loser has to do all the cooking for the remainder of this little camping trip."

"Deal!"

Despayre and Rage then proceeded to separate the fire wood into two piles in a designated area. Despayre set Angel by one pile of the fire wood, and Rage went to the other.

"Alright Despy," Gabriel said, drawing the little guy's attention over to him. "While your old man is getting the grill ready, and Rage and Angel are having their competition, you know what would be a good way to pass the time?"

Despayre stared at him and shook his head.

"How about you tell us all one of your patented stories?" Shane asked.

"There ya go!" Gabriel laughed.

"Oo!" Despayre's eyes widened. "And I know the perfect one!"

"Do tell..."

______________________________


"Once upon a time there were two young nobles, named Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel. These two brave men were known and beloved throughout the land, Sir Gabriel with the girls, and Sir Despayre with the teddy bears!  They were more than just brave knights that fended away evil from across the lands, but they were also the very best of friends and the best at what they did ... wrestling!"

"Oh yes, they traveled too all of the Kingdoms to compete in the wrestling matches, but none were more challenging than the land of His Royal Highness, King Batee and that of the NWA! See, Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel slew all the evil challengers that wished to do them harm in the land of Sin City. No matter what vile beasties and oafs that came their way to attempt to strip them of their titles, none came close. Not until they were opposed by not one bad guy combination, but TWO! Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel fought bravely, but in the end, the decision was rendered and the bad guys won."

"Scary stuff, huh!?"

"Ah but fear not, sayeth the noble Synn, father of Sir Despayre and mentor of Sir Gabriel! Thy titles will once again come to thee as a part of your storybook destiny! But for now, there are other lands in need of champions. Ones that would do them proud and to fend off the darkness from enveloping the land."

"Oh the darkness! It went by another name, known as the Canadian Concoction."

"Despy, I think their name is the Canadian Connection."

"Uh, who's telling this story?"

"Sorry. Carry on."

"Thank you. Now where was I? Oh yes!"

"The dreaded shadow of darkness known by the names of Rey and Crippler reigned across the land of King Batee, who was unable to do anything to save his good people, until he heard of the brave exploits of Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel! So, he called unto them to venture from across the lands and to do battle against these villainous fiends and free his people from their reign of tyranny!"

"Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel had all the tools to accomplish everything they intended, and gladly accepted this as but another quest to prove their worthiness of being champions of the land, and of the people. ... Yes Angel! And of teddy bears too! Can I finish please?"

"*ahem* The dastardly Crippler and Rey saw the threat of our heroes, but thought little of it. Their reign gave them false hope and they believed our two brave knights were not worthy of the battle that soon loomed. Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel however knew that all they needed was that one opportunity to face these fiends, and the glory would be theirs!"

"So, the battle field was set in none other than their own lands of Sin City. Yes! the foul villains actually traveled to land that was not their own to attempt to humiliate the brave Gabriel and Despayre in their own territory! They laughed and they boasted, but in the end, they fell down in defeat! Sir Gabriel and Sir Despayre stood atop the hill, triumphant with the fallen Crippler and Rey scurrying back to their own lands!"

"Ah, but the tale ends not yet, because the shadows continue to embrace the light! The defeat in the land of Sin City did not spell the end of the threat of Crippler and Rey! Oh no, for they are two mighty foes and they went to the King and demanded they again be given a chance to draw the land into their shadows! Yes, they wished to do battle once more with our heroes with the hopes they could render Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel's golden reign a short one. Crippler and Rey implored with King Batee, and the King, being kind of heart to any and all -- even the bad guys apparently -- gave them their wish."

"The decree was sent to Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel about a new quest known as Wrestle Classic! The stakes were high, our heroes knew, because now that the villains tasted blood, they would fight all the harder to taste it again, and draw the land again into their naughty grip!"

"But fear not, sayeth I! Because Sir Despayre and Sir Gabriel will not falter! They will do unto Crippler and Rey what they had done since their time together had first begun. They will conquer, one and all. Whomever would see these two done away with, would fall. One right after the other. And the golden reign of our brave knights, begins in the land of NWA, at Wrestle Classic 2013!"

"Shit!" Rage bellowed and all heads turned to see the big man jump back in surprise as the glowing embers of Angel's fire sparked up into a dazzling flame. Despayre beamed with pride as he got up and scooped the teddy bear up into his loving arms and carried him back over to Shane and Gabriel who stared with incredible awe at the fire Rage was gawking at.

Shane looked at Gabriel from the corner of his eyes and mouthed, "How...?"

Gabriel leaned over toward Despayre and whispered, "Despy, buddy, how exactly did Angel manage that?"

Despayre glanced over at Rage before he leaned over to Gabriel and whispered, holding up a tiny charred stick, "Well fortunately, Rage didn't say one of the sticks couldn't be a match."

60
Climax Control Archives / Happy Anniversary!
« on: February 08, 2013, 05:48:15 PM »
 They say that even the most normal of days can become an adventure. All you need is the right attitude, not to mention the right circumstances.

Oh, and taking Despayre to the local grocery store certainly couldn't hurt, either.

It was a big day for Despayre, after all. His mother, Margaret, was venturing from Vancouver for a visit with her son. There had been epic progress since the days when Synn had harbored a bitter resentment towards the mother of his only son, under the misguided belief that she alone had kept his identity secret from him and had been solely responsible for Despayre's cruel mistreatment in his former stay at the Broodmoore Mental Facility.

The tan van weaved it's way around the parking lot of the local Kroger grocery store, in search of the closest spot to the store so as to minimize the distance walking while carrying the packages and goods purchased. Behind the wheel, Theresa looked around with close scrutiny when in the seat beside her, Despayre practically bounced in excitement as he slapped his palm against the passenger door and then pointed.

"Oo! There's a good spot! Right in front!"

"We can't use that spot, Joshua."

"How come?"

"It's reserved for the handicapped."

"I'll limp! See? Problem solved!"

Theresa turned her head only slightly to look at Despayre who gave her a bright smile and nodded eagerly. More out of a desire to lend her a bit of helpful advice as opposed to the light hearted mischief that seemed to follow Despayre wherever he ventured.

She said, "This spot will do." As she pulled the vehicle into a spot that had no other cars on either side. A ways away from the front of the store and Despayre frowned with an audible "Aww!"

Theresa turned the engine off and as she began reaching for her purse, Despayre called out, "Wait wait wait!"

He scrambled to undo his seat belt and open the passenger side door. He hopped out and turned to adjust the seat and slide it forward so he could reach into the back. For what you might ask? Silly question, because if you knew Despayre, you'd know that he went nowhere - nowhere - without his very absolute bestest plush pal, Angel. The teddy bear had been secured snug and safe in a child's seat in the back and Despayre fumbled briefly with the safety harnesses before retrieving his buddy. Then, as Theresa watched in a blend of curiosity and amusement, Despayre slammed his door shut and ran around to her side of the car and popped the door open.

"Angel says a gentleman always opens the car door for a lady!" He beamed and took a sweeping bow as in the old days before standing upright.

Theresa stepped out of her car and nodded, playing along. She said, "Well, thank you Angel." She then winked at Despayre. "And you too."

The two headed for  the entrance to the store and Despayre pointed over to the corral of shopping carts.

"Do we need one?" He asked.

"I suppose so." Theresa said. "We have a fair few things to get for your mom's visit."

Despayre 'whooped' and took off for the line of carts and pulled the nearest one free from the round up of others. Then, as would be expected, he pulled out the basket seat normally reserved for toddlers and plopped Angel down into it. He then fastened the small belt around the bear and pulled it around and headed for the waiting Theresa.

The funny thing? Some might be a tad embarrassed at Despayre's childlike behavior and antics. Afraid that strangers, unfamiliar with him or his behavioral tendencies, would frown or laugh at a young man treating a teddy bear with such high regard. Theresa? Not a chance. She had lived with the boy for well over a year and was used  to such things. Synn explained that there was still so much that neither he nor anyone would fully understand about the way this boy's mind worked, but in the meantime, she simply did not care what anyone thought. She was quite proud of this 'family' she helped to take care of and if anyone had something smart to say, then they would get an earful back.

Despayre arrived at her side and the two (three if you count the bear -- always count the bear!), stepped up to the entrance where the doors automatically slid open and they walked inside. Despayre paused inside and looked back and watched as they slid shut again and he smiled with a barely audible "Cool." So much was still a wonderment of mystery to him. Theresa, of course, took charge of this little shopping excursion, and Despayre was only too happy to follow eagerly after her.

"Hello Theresa. Called a man in a white polo shirt and tie, waving toward them. The store manager who knew her from the frequent visits to the store.

"Hello Saul." Theresa called back with a friendly wave.

Despayre frowned toward him and leaned forward to call in what he had hoped was a hushed whisper but carried enough for others close by to overhear. "Is he your boyfriend?"

This drew snickers from other store employees as Theresa kept moving and shook her head. "No! Such silly ideas..."

Despayre started singing in time to their march around the registers and further into the store, "Theresa and ... man, sitting in a tree..."

"Hi Joshua!" A symphony of girlish voices called out from the direction of the cash registers. Two female employees, both in their mid-twenties, were standing together and smiling at him as he walked past them.

Poor kid. The idea of girls being interested in him as a completely alien notion, but he reacted like most toddler boys might; He flinched and hung his head, practically burying it in his own chest to shield himself from their gaze.

"Hi..." Was all he could manage and they giggled and returned to their work. Oh yes, the employees of the store were most familiar with him and his nature. If not for the fact that he was a local celebrity in wrestling circles, than just for how he would act on the rare occasions he would accompany Theresa for a trip to their store.

Dutifully, the first stop for this trip, as her others with Despayre, Theresa headed straight for the bakery. Not that she intended to buy anything for herself, but rather for an age old trick mothers everywhere used for when they took their children out.

The young man working behind the counter had seen them approach and was prepared. As they approached the counter, he slipped the door to the case open and with a tissue, pulled out a large gingerbread cookie in the shape of a heart, aptly decorated for the Valentine holiday.

"Hello Derek." Theresa said as he reached over the counter and handed her the cookie.

"Hi Theresa." He answered back.  "Having fun?"

"Oh lots." She rolled her eyes and turned to hand the sweet bounty to an eager Despayre. Yes, the trick of a treat in order to keep a "child" quit for the remainder of the shopping trip.

Despayre snapped the head off without thinking and popped it into his mouth, then looked at Angel in the seat of the cart and he frowned. "I did not kill it!" He barked at the teddy bear for the unheard accusation. The few people at this area of the store at the early hour turned and looked, but nobody said a word or reacted once they saw who it was that caused the outburst.

"Come on, Joshua." Theresa said and she started to move away and Despayre followed, munching again on the cookie and he looked down at the bear.

He said, "Because it's mine. He gave it to me, that's why."

"Hey, we can't forget him, can we?" The clerk said with a good natured smile. He reached into the case again and grabbed a second cookie from it and held it out over the counter toward Despayre who looked at it warily. The clerk nodded, "For Angel, you know?"

"Oh." Despayre nodded and he slid a step closer and cautiously accepted the cookie himself. Sneaking glances back at the clerk, he placed the cookie in the teddy bear's lap. "Thanks." He said, then leaned a step over and whispered, "Teddy bears have a very voracious sweet tooth you know."

"Oh I know." The clerk nodded, playing along. "My little sister's has practically eaten my parents out of house and home."

Despayre's eyebrows rose nearly to his hairline in wonder. "Is that so?" He said, turning back around to join Theresa who mouthed a silent 'thank you' to the clerk who laughed and waved back.

____________________________________________________


Theresa was in an aisle, looking at the spices when Despayre came up beside her with the cart and he held out a tray covered in small finger sandwiches.

"Want one?" He asked.

Theresa turned and looked down first at the tray, then at him.

She asked, "Where did you get those?"

"Over there." He turned around and pointed -- toward the end of the aisle where a very flustered elderly woman was  standing at a sample cart and staring toward them.

"Oh, Joshua." Theresa said in a light scolding and she took the tray from his hands and headed back toward the sample lady to return her goods. Despayre looked at Angel in his cart seat and shrugged.

____________________________________________________


Theresa turned to Despayre and said, "Say right here Joshua. I have to visit the bank really fast."

"Okay." He nodded and he pulled the cart with the few items in it parallel to the end cap of the aisle display.

Theresa started to walk away when she paused and turned back. She held up a forefinger and tilted her head, "No sneaking junk food into the cart. Agreed?"

Despayre crossed his heart and held up his hand as if taking an oath. Only then did Theresa nod and she turned and headed off.

Minutes later....

Theresa returned and stopped short at the sight of the mountain of cookies and candy piled in the grocery cart. Despayre was trying his best to look innocent -- which was not very good at all. He did a double take toward her and her expression. She set her hands on her hips and he casually pointed at Angel.

"He did it."

____________________________________________________


After being forced to put back every single additional item that Despayre had piled high into the cart, a visibly pouting Despayre sat still at a table in the deli cafeteria with his arms folded over his chest and a frown on his young face. Making him put back all of those goodies instead of Angel! Boy! Angel got away with everything! He stole a glance at the teddy bear now seated at the chair to his right and a smile slowly spread on his face.

You just can't stay upset at such a fuzzy little face, no matter how hard you try!

"Stop making that face!" Despayre started to giggle. "I'm mad and I'm going to stay that way!"

He shifted in his seat and closed his eyes. He stayed that way for a few seconds at least, then he slowly opened one eye and looked at the teddy bear.

"*snort!* Stop that!"

"Stop what?" Theresa said as she returned to the table with something behind her back.

Despayre pretended indifference and turned his head away from her. He said nonchalantly, "Oh, nothing."

"Now Joshua," Theresa said. "You know all those things had to go back. Your father said there was enough treats in the house. We came just for a few things."

"Then why are we sitting down here?" Despayre mumbled.

The answer came as Theresa brought her hands out from behind her back and in each one was an ice cream cone covered in rainbow sprinkles from the deli. Despayre's eyes lit up like headlights at the sight and Theresa smiled.

"Am I forgiven?"

Despayre nodded eagerly and he reached out and accepted his. He said "Thanks!" and started licking at the chocolate ice cream lavishly as Theresa took the chair opposite him and started to enjoy her own. Despayre paused and looked at the bear and he practically stuck his nose in the air as he said, "It was your fault I got in trouble. So you don't get any!"

Despayre started to go back to his ice cream cone then stopped and sighed. he looked at Angel again and rolled his eyes.

"Fine!" And he promptly shoved the ice cream cone over to the bear, almost burying the teddy bear's nose in the treat. He shook his head and looked at Theresa. "Have you ever seen such a messy ice cream eater?"

Theresa sat back in her chair,  preferring to remain silent -- a testament given Despayre already had the chocolate all over his lips and  around his mouth.

____________________________________________________


Their treat finished, Despayre was busy putting Angel back in his cart seat while Theresa went up to the deli counter for some napkins to clean up with. After securing the bear in, Despayre jumped upright as he heard the booming voice overhead;

"We need customer service in aisle three, please! Customer service in aisle three!"

Despayre looked around and saw the young woman at the counter with the telephone speaker in her hand as she spoke into it, and he could tell  it was making her voice go across the entire store. He watched as she hung up and turned and walked back behind the wall of the department. His eyes never strayed from the 'telephone thingy' she had used to make her voice do that 'very cool' booming thing across the entire store. He looked over at Theresa who had paused to chat with another customer. He then looked at Angel and then the phone again.

...

Theresa waved goodbye to the retreating form of her friend when the voice came overhead...

"Two priests, a Jew and a Rabbi walked into a bar..."

Her eyes snapped wide open and she turned and darted around.

"Joshua!"

____________________________________________________


Theresa's vehicle  pulled into the drive of the house in Las Vegas that served as the home of Synn and Despayre, herself, and now Gabriel who had moved in following his recent troubles with Odette Ryder. She turned the ignition off and turned to give Despayre her hardest stare.

"What would your father say?" She asked.

Despayre blinked and looked up at her and tilted his head to the side and answered, "He's the one who told the joke."

Theresa clucked her tongue and shook her head when she looked out the van window. She smiled and directed Despayre's attention with her hand. She said, "Look who's here."

He tuned and looked out the window and the smile was immediate as he saw Synn at the front of the drive, talking to two women. One he had expected. The other was a surprise!

"Mom! Gramma!" He shouted in glee.

Theresa had already gotten Angel from the bar's seat as Despayre threw the door open. He grabbed the bear from Theresa and took off running up the drive and ran right into his mom's waiting arms. He then turned and his grandmother quickly took him into her own and embraced him with a fierce showing of a love only a grandma could give.

"Look Angel!" Despayre cried as he took a step back. "Mom and Gramma came!" He looked back at the women and then at his father. "I didn't know Gramma was coming too!"

"We were saving it as a bit of a surprise." Synn proclaimed. "Surprised?"

Despayre nodded eagerly and then asked, "Where's Gabriel? Does he know?"

"He knows." Synn nodded.  "He was here when they arrived. He's in the back right now finishing up the touches on ... you know what."

"What?" Despayre asked, an then as Theresa joined them, he nodded, "Riiiight!"

"So." Theresa said as she joined them. "Did you tell your parents and grandmother what you did at the store?"

Despayre went silent and looked down, shaking his head in the negative.

"Uh oh." Synn murmured. "Do we want to know?"

"I said I was sorry!" Despayre wailed.

"What happened?" Margaret asked with a sincere curiosity. They were always telling her stories about her son's antics but to date, she had yet to witness any for herself.

"Oh the trip went fine." Theresa said. "Right up until we were leaving the store. The cashier, a very nice older woman who was missing two fingers on her hand? She waved goodbye and your son got the wrong idea and gave her the finger back."

All four adults turned to look at Despayre who was looking in the air, pretending not to notice their stares. Synn shook his head and Margaret and her mother could only smile and they turned and headed toward the gate that led to the homestead's spacious back yard.

Synn stepped up to Despayre and smiled. "How  come you never do those things when your mom is around?" He asked.

"Because I'm mommy's little angel." Despayre coyly whispered back.

"Well mommy's little angel." Theresa said. "Are you going to help me bring the groceries inside?"

"A little later." Synn said and he stepped over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Right now I need to see you in the back yard."

He started to escort her up the walk and toward the gate, as a confused Theresa said, "The back yard? What could be so important that it can't wait for me to bring everything in?"

"Well, you're going to have to forgive me Theresa." Synn said as he stopped at the gate and turned to her. "Truth be told, we really didn't need any of the things at the store so whatever adventures you went through with Joshua... well, they pretty much served as the perfect distraction."

"What?" Theresa frowned at this dubious deception and before she could ask anything further, Synn opened the gate and beckoned her forward. Synn had his mysterious ways, that was a thing of certainty, and when he had a secret, he had his reasons and nothing could coerce him too divulge them. Shaking her head but seeing little alternative, she walked through when she was greeted with a hearty ...

"SURPRISE!"

Every member of the Seven Deadly Sins; Gabriel, Rage, Shane and Fantasia, were all there on the luxurious back patio along with Margaret and her mother. A virtual feast was laid out along two tables and something large was parked in the back and covered with a tarp.

"Surprise!" Despayre shouted, almost in the older woman's ear, making her jump. She looked at him for a moment, and then at everything else.

"What ... is all this?" She asked, eyes wide.

"What's all this?" Synn repeated. "You know, if I were the sensitive sort, I could have been offended by your forgetfulness. Fortunately for you..." He turned to face her and winked. "Seven years ago today you entered my employ, and agreed to put up with whatever quirks and awful little habits that I have."

"And God knows there are enough of those!" Shane called out.

Synn looked back from at him over his shoulder and smiled at the diminutive woman before him. "Indeed. So, this is just a little something to say how much we appreciate everything that you've done for this household. And everything that you've done for me."

Theresa was a strong willed woman, but she was fighting a losing battle as she used her finger tips to wipe quickly at her eyes. Synn was not a man who enjoyed much physical human contact, but he did not object when she stepped into his arms and hugged the man who had given her work when she had needed it and made certain that she had no burdens more than she could bear. There was a light scattering of applause from those present, and then Synn stepped back and shook his head.

"I think that's enough of that, before the rumors begin to start that I actually have a heart."

"God forbid." Gabriel said from his seat at one of the tables.

"Now," Synn said as he tucked an arm around her shoulder and guided her over toward the tarp covered mystery. "... What would an anniversary be without a bit of a gift?"

"Gift?" Theresa looked from him to the covered surprise. "Now, there was no need to..."

"Shane?" Synn interrupted. "Rage? Would you be so kind?"

The two big men stepped up and grabbed the tarp, and with two mighty tugs, whipped it off and revealed the surprise -- a beautiful silver 2012 Kia Sorento. Synn had wanted to purchase her something a little more 'sporty' but he knew the woman well enough and that Theresa would have none of that. She preferred something useful, ignoring Shane's debate that a sportier car would be a real "dick magnet". (Yeah, that one earned him a smack upside the head.)

Theresa said nothing. She couldn't. Such a display had rendered her speechless. She could but stare at the beautiful vehicle that was now revealed, a gift for her. Such a gift, and all as a display of the grateful feelings this family had for her and everything she did for them -- which she humbly felt was not deserving.

Despayre hopped over to her side, "I picked the color!" He looked at the teddy bear in his hand and nodded, "Yeah! Angel helped. Do you like it?"

Theresa wiped at her eyes and said nothing. She just nodded. Despayre frowned, "Then how come you're crying?"

"It's okay." Synn assured his son as he took their beloved housekeeper and guided her to a seat at the table as Margaret brought another plate of food over to set upon it. "Come. This evening it is all about you."

____________________________________________________


"I guess those that believe they know me would think it impossible that I could show such feelings of appreciation toward ... well, anyone. In truth, I admit surprise myself. For the longest of times I had no use for anyone. I never had and never believed that I could. Oh don't get me wrong. I will openly say that the vast majority of mankind yet leaves me unsettled and with little use for, but there are those select few who have shown me a different way of beliefs and thoughts. Those are the ones with whom I share a rarity with. I'm sure Kain would have a field day with such a belief, but this time things are not about him."

"I know, if he ever heard someone say something -- anything -- was not about him, he's probably have a heart attack in the mere insinuation."

"No, tonight we must think closely on only two others; a man and a woman. Trevor Irons and Amanda Cortez."

"I will not waste much time in discussing Miss Cortez, as lately she has not shown me much reason to think her worthy of my time. Anyone who tries to pass Despayre off and say they don't  know of him or what he is capable of... well, clearly her mind is not fully in the game. One-half of the current NWA World Tag Team Champions. Formerly one-half of the SCW Tag Team Champions for eight months, longest title reign in SCW history. You know the difference between those reigns, and your own, do you not Miss Cortez? Despayre earned his. You were handed your own."

"But Trevor Irons, you indeed are the one I intend to have Despayre focus his talents solely against. You two met briefly in the triple threat title match where Blood Omen walked out as the new tag team champions, but this time  things could be a little more personal. You see,  Despayre sees it being the fault of you and your partner, Max Burke, as the reason he and Gabriel are no longer the SCW champions. So you might think of this as something of a grudge match to right a wrong. Though that wrong won't be corrected until the eventual return match between Blood Omen and Sinful Obsession. No, this time around it's between just the two of you. We'll let the ladies keep things to themselves while the boys have their own fun, shall we? Oh now I understand that the roulette stipulations could throw quite the monkey wrench into everyone's plans, but that's the beauty of being Despayre. The boy has a knack for having fun in any given circumstance. A pity though, Trevor, that this time around -- you will be his play thing."

"This time we honor the legends of the past, and move on toward the future. The pairing of Despayre and Karina Koji are the future. Amanda Cortez and Trevor irons will be a mer wisp of the memory's past."</color.

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