[Despayre]

 Synn: Well, it would seem that there is no rest for the wicked, eh? A poor choice of words, true, where it concerns perhaps the most innocent member of the SCW roster, but the meaning behind the words rings true. I had half expected for Despayre to be given a little extra time off, the hard fought rewards for having been put through the grinder at Inception II against Chris Shipman, but alas it was not meant to be. The first episode of Climax Control back and the powers-that-be wished for a Main Event that would draw people in, so whom do they think of first hand?"

"Correct. The Internet Champion, Despayre. To date, the longest reigning Internet Champion, having already surpassed the likes of the Mental Rapist Sean Jackson and yes, Rage, and a championship reign that is likely to continue forward for the foreseeable future. Not to take anything away from this fresh faced challenger that the bookers have deemed a logical contender for Despayre, but it's hard to dispute the evidence placed in front of our very eyes."

"Time and again, men have lined up, eager to face Despayre and take advantage of what they perceive to be a weakness of the mind and body. Despite all evidence over the past number of years, men are still foolish enough to look at him and think because of his diminutive size, he'll be weak and easy pickings to over power and dominate. They look at his antics and innocent charm, and believe that he has a problem in the mind so he'll be a simple one to take advantage of when inside of the ring. How many people watched his pairing with Gabriel as one-half of Sinful Obsession, and referred to Despayre as the so-called 'weak link' of that combination? How many times has Gabriel himself disputed this claim? How many men have stepped into the ring against Despayre with this very mindset, only to find themselves quickly overwhelmed by a little whirlwind? A force of nature, if you will. How many have walked away from the ring against him with a limp, all the worse for wear in shame for having their shoulders pinned to the mat by a young man they so foolishly overlooked? How many men two or three times his size felt the humiliation when they themselves were the ones forced to yield against him and submit?"

"I admit I live for the day when the men he opposed finally wise up and learn to give credit where it is due. Until then, it's an advantage that I admit I have no small degree of pleasure in exploiting."

"And now, this coming weekend in California, a face quite familiar to not only the population of Sin City Wrestling, but Despayre as well, is next in line. 'The Big Tiger' Jeremiah Hardin. Formerly one-half of the tag team R.O.A.R.. I have to admit that it pleases me to see you set foot back firmly into singles competition. While you were relatively successful in the ranks of tag team wrestling, I could not help but believe that your team with your uncle held you back from your true potential, Jeremiah. I also must admit I never understood why you went by the moniker 'Big Tiger' when Sebastian had a much larger size stature over you. But I digress. Granted, you and Sebastian did hold the World Tag Team titles very briefly, but you have allowed the people to forget that at one time you were also an impressive Roulette Champion. Sadly, however, that reign was last in 2013, well over three years ago. Since then, you have passed in and out of relative obscurity, dropping matches that I believe you should have won, and fighting time and again to re ignite the flame that had been the Hardin name."

"Well, Jeremiah. Herein lies your big chance. While it is true that you fell short in your Ladder match at Inception II, something about your performance must have impressed the higher ups enough to believe you warranted this opportunity. I just have to wonder, what makes you believe that this chance will be any different from those past? Granted, you have an impressive advantage in size and strength, but men the size of Casey Williams and Rage can attest that those are but mere statistics when it comes to setting foot inside of the ring against Despayre. And yes, I will be the first to admit that Despayre did, in fact, suffer quite the beating at the hands of Chris Shipman, but he still walked away the winner of that contest. And you? Well, nobody can take part in a Ladder match and walk away with their bodies completely one hundred percent. So I happen to know well for a fact that you are not in the absolute best shape of your career, walking into this match. And I have absolutely no qualms at all in having Despayre exploit any pains or injuries you suffer from. Have no worries. I won't begrudge you the fact that I am certain you intend to do the very same. The key factor though is against you, when you face someone faster, more agile, and by far more unpredictable."

"Ask those that know Despayre, Jeremiah. Ask the men who have faced him inside of the ring. You go on and ask them. Simply grabbing hold of Despayre is a chore in itself, and you have no semblance of what to do with him, a young man that is capable of absolutely anything. Watch the matches he has had against the likes of powerhouses such as Rage and Casey Williams. Their size meant little when they had enough trouble just getting a hand hold on him. And once they did, they found a man with a fighting spirit unlike any other. Both of those individuals are dominant. Yet who else other than a man that stands a mere five foot six and weighs less than one hundred and seventy pounds can say they made both giants tap out? A remarkable feat, wouldn't you say? And men who are quite pleased with cheating and brawling, men such as Sean Jackson and Chris Shipman. Well they thought their mind games and fighting prowess would prove them the superior. Granted, Sean Jackson did end Despayre's first reign as Internet Champion in a steel cage, but it was not Despayre who had his features battered against the cage and bloodied beyond recognition. And Shipman thought what he did to me would prove sufficient to delve into Despayre's mind to wage an all out war. I admit I was quite proud of my son for not allowing those mind games that are Shipman's specialty to get to him. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. Despayre did what Shipman did not expect and used what he did as a means to add fuel to the proverbial fire. And both brawlers learned the hard way that as small as he is, as credible as a cruiserweight as Despayre is, the little guy is one HELL of a fighter when he is pushed!"

"So no, Jeremiah. I won't begrudge you what you have earned in this title shot. You would not have received it were you not a worthy individual. But for all the cheers and adulation that you have earned in your time here, it is not going to protect you from suffering the same defeat as most others have suffered when facing the single most unpredictable man in Sin City Wrestling."



Las Vegas, Nevada - Inception II

The masses inside of the Gold Coast Casino had just witnessed a very hard fought match for the SCW men's Internet Championship, where the ever lovable Despayre managed to retain his championship by the skin of his teeth against former teammate, the Judas known as Chris Shipman. While it was true that Shipman had control of most of the match due to his size and power, Despayre's heart and tenacity allowed him to take advantage of Shipman's own momentum and gain the winning pin fall.

But at what cost?

Adjoining the Grand Ballroom where the event Inception II was taking place, were other ballrooms, each rented out for use by SCW for the day. One was for interviews and equipment, while others were smaller in size and being used by the Superstars and Bombshells as separate dressing rooms. One such had the curtains parted by force, thrown open as the former two-time World Champion, the retired Superstar Gabriel, came through and with him was a visibly shaken Despayre. More to the point, Gabriel was assisting his 'little brother' through the door frame and into the dressing room area. Despayre clutched his shiny gold title belt in one arm, with the teddy bear known as Snowflake in the crook of the same arm. His free arm was draped around Gabriel's neck and he limped past a few of his peers who gave him congratulations and pats on the back, but anything else and Gabriel quickly shooed them away.

"Here, Despy." Gabriel steered the little guy around and helped to ease him down onto a chair in front of his own designated dressing area. "Sit and relax." Despayre had walked with a hint of a limp, and even a casual observer could sense that all was not right physically with the crowd favorite. Shipman had given him quite the beating, and although Despayre had emerged the winner of their contest, it was obvious that he had paid for the victory in spades. The championship belt slipped through his fingers and dropped to the floor, and Despayre paid it little mind. To him, the belt was just that; a belt. He could always pick it up later, but it was what else he held at the time he would offer no such negligence.

He almost lost his grip on the teddy bear in his arm as Gabriel settled him into the chair, but he quickly corrected his grip and grabbed hold of 'her' with his free arm, once unwrapped from around Gabriel.

"You okay?" Gabriel hovered over him, concern on his face. True he was no fan of Shipman, and he was thrilled beyond measure that 'his Despy' had put the traitor in his place for the time being, even Gabriel had to admit that Shipman put him through hell in order to earn that victory.

In answer to Gabriel's question, Despayre silently nodded, but it was the way his arm quickly reached around his sternum area in discomfort that told him Despayre was not being entirely honest with him. That was okay. He knew Despayre was just being himself, wanting to put on a brave front for whoever came asking. His father would be there soon, and given his mother and grandmother was in attendance, he knew even more so that Despayre would not want to admit to being in pain where it might worry his mom and nan.

An outside door then opened, one that led to the hallway of the casino's upstairs, and the aforementioned Synn walked in with a hurried step, followed dutifully by an older man, one of the hired paramedics that would oversee the physical conditions of the competitors.

"Joshua?" Synn said as he stepped up to where his son was sitting, and Gabriel moved aside to give him his space. Despayre tried again to put on a brave front and stand up, but a hand on his shoulder allowed his father to gently push him back down. He said, "No, sit. Take it easy."

Synn kneeled down, his face alit with pride, as he cupped his son's face in his own hands and he beamed, "I want you to know how proud I am of you and how you did out there!"

"It was just another title match." Despayre reasoned -- poorly, to which Synn's hands slipped from his face and found themselves on his son's slim shoulders. He answered back, "It was far more than that, Joshua, and you know it. I know why you fought so hard, and I am proud of you for having done so." He leaned in with his brow raised inquiringly, "Are you okay?"

Despayre gave Gabriel a shifty side-eye that almost made the magician snort back a bark of laughter, but he restrained himself and Despayre said simply, "I'm okay."

"You're a horrible liar, Joshua." Synn smiled. "You shouldn't try to take up the habit."

"Yeah." Gabriel added, shaking a finger at his little brother. "You know that's going on Santa's list, right?"

Despayre's head whipped around to his best friend and he gasped audibly, mouth and eyes both opened wide. Gabriel but winked at the childlike demeanor of his best friend whom became as loved as a little brother. Synn, satisfied, slowly stood up, his own body protesting from his earlier match against Travis Nathaniel Andrews. He said, "Now that we have the issue of honesty settled..."

He turned his head and the paramedic took that as a signal of consent and came forward. "Who's that?" Despayre frowned, one eye wide open and the other squinted toward the man.

"You remember his Joshua." Synn spoke up. "Eckhart Braddock, one of SCW's medical staff."

"I helped you out after you had that trouble with your knee." Eckhart attempted to help, but it had the opposite effect as the moment he came close, Despayre used his feet against the floor to push his chair further away from him.

"Joshua!" "Despy..." Synn and Gabriel spoke up at the same time, but Despayre shook his finger at the man who hovered on the edge of coming any closer.

"I remember him now. Last time he 'helped' me..." Complete with air quotes. "... my knee turned up all banged up. He's bad luck."

"Joshua," Synn intervened. "Your knee was banged up, as you say, because of Travis Andrews. Not because of this man's efforts. Now please, let him have a look at you. You've been holding your ribs ever since the match ended." As if realizing he had been caught with his hands in the cookie jar, Despayre's arm slipped from it's grip on his own upper body, but Synn was not fooled. "It will only take a moment, and you have a long line of people wanting to see how you are; your mother and grandmother, for example."

Gabriel added, "Melody and Odette too. Mikah, as well, and it'd be best to settle this before that one gets it in her head to simply walk in."

"Why can't she?" Despayre asked, looking back and forth between his father and Gabriel, almost not noticing that the medic had started to pull up his shirt to check out his ribs. "Why can't Melly and Odette come in?"

"Because they're young ladies, Joshua." Synn replied. "And this is a men's dressing room. Understand?"

Before he could answer, Despayre casually cast a glance toward the rest of the dressing room and spotted Jamie Dean in a state of undress, and he quickly clapped a hand over Snowflake's eyes. With his own eyes widened in realization, he nodded rapidly, "Uh huh!"



Las Vegas - One week later

"So, how's our boy?"

The voice belonged to that of Margaret Young, the mother of Despayre. Synn sat behind the desk in his office, his eyes on the screen of his computer. He was leaning back in his office chair, his elbow on the arm rest and his chin rested on the curl of his fingers. The phone call had come as expected, even when he wasn't hurt, not a day went by that Margaret didn't contact her son from her own Las Vegas home when she was unable to make the trip for a usual visit. There were times when she settled for the phone, and at other times, Skype was a reasonable substitute for being there. At least that way she and her own mother could see Despayre. But this time, the call was more for information, so she called the number Synn had given her in the case of a need for privacy. His office shielded much noise (thank god because when he and Shipman were still together ... well ....!), so the phone's speaker feature was on and they spoke freely, between mother and father.

Synn answered, "He's still sore, bruised ribs will do that. The doctor did say that it would take a few weeks to fully heal, but at least he's breathing a little easier and doesn't hurt when he falls into one of his giggle fits."

Synn could almost 'hear' the smile on Margaret's voice as she said, "Well thank God for that." And she could almost 'see' the man roll his eyes at her free use of the term. They both well remembered that evening. Despayre had a horrible fear of hospitals, and had to be dragged there for the exam, but it was a necessary evil. They couldn't risk him having potential broken or even cracked ribs without a medical diagnosis and treatment. A simple sucker and a promise for Panda Express the next day and Despayre had settled down enough for the doctor to examine him -- and stop attempting to bite the doctor.

"Well, at least he has the time off to rest and recoup." Margaret offered, but Synn's eyes flashed in annoyance as he responded, "Not as much as I should have expected, unfortunately."

"What do you mean?"

"I received a fax this morning." Synn's fingertips glided on the paper in front of his keyboard, and his eyes again went to the screen. "And I got an email notice for confirmation. Joshua is expected in San Bernardino on the fifth of February for a title defense."

"You have got to be joking." Margaret said with a steel edge to her words, the protective nature of a mother indeed! "After what he went through with that lunatic, they're making him compete again so soon?"

"Unfortunately." Was the answer, Synn bemusedly ignoring the almost comical use of the term 'lunatic,' given their own son's mental instability. "It seems to be a tradition of sorts, wanting the first show back to have a title defense Main Event to draw money and interest, and it seems to be Joshua's turn."

"I don't believe this!" 'Tiger Mom' angrily said. "Who are they making him wrestle this time!? Some other brute who's going to try to hurt my boy!?"

"Well he's about the same size as Shipman," Synn stared absently at the screen of his computer as a video played silently of a match of 'the Big Tiger's.' "But he's not so much a bad guy. Name's Jeremiah Hardin. Good sort, I suppose, for all intents and purposes, but he won't hold back. He will do everything he can to beat Joshua for his championship."

"And he won't listen to reason?"

Synn found himself frowning at the woman's naivety at the nature of the sport their son called his profession. He said, "It's professional wrestling, Margaret. Championships are what it's all about and Jeremiah wants Joshua's championship."

"Still..."

Synn interrupted her, "As I said, he's not a bad person. He will try to beat Joshua for his championship, but I seriously doubt he'll go out of his way to injure him."

"If he does, he'll have me to answer to."

"Now Margaret, there's no need to frighten the man." Synn smirked. he then switched tactics and reassured the mother of his son, "Joshua will be fine, I'm certain. He's taken it easy ever since the hospital visit. No hijinks. None of his usual rough and tumble antics."

"Is he bored?" She inquired with a little mirth in her voice, knowing her boy's reputation for 'rough play' and the like.

Synn answered, "Very much so. He's been over at Missus O'Heaney's almost every day. It's a wonder the old harpy hasn't thrown him out yet. And I'll be taking him on a little trip for some RnR before his match."

"Where to?"

"Ben Jordan has an open invitation to his place in Cuba." Synn answered. "One of his famous parties, and everyone is invited. Joshua's dying to know how a make believe party takes place, so I thought I'd give in this one time and take him for a little extra relaxation."

"This one time?" Margaret scoffed, knowing Synn's penchant for giving in to whatever their son's heart desire was at any given time. "And what do you mean a make believe party?"

"Joshua doesn't believe Ben Jordan is a real person." Synn answered, and was met by a confused silence. "He apparently believes Cockneys are make believe, like the homeless and Mormons."

"Okay..." Margaret sounded even more uncertain and confused than before, so Synn opted to ease her out of her proverbial misery. "This party served as a perfect excuse to help our boy relax and rest up. Especially now that he has to work a match sooner than expected."

Margaret observed, "You know how excited he gets in new environments. He won't get into any trouble or hurt himself?"

"Just so long as he doesn't take that much desired trip to the Bermuda Triangle, he'll be fine." Synn said, and was met once again by confused silence.



"So. Cuba, hm?" Missus O'Heaney said from the chair she favored in her spacious living room, her legs propped up on the foot rest as she leaned back in her recliner.

"Uh huh!" Despayre said with obvious excitement in his voice. He  carefully set the tea tray down that he had volunteered to bring in from the kitchen so the older woman could go straight to her comfortable recliner. Just because she was the hostess and he was the guest (again), didn't mean that he couldn't do his share to make certain that she was comfortable. "I've never been before." he added as he passed her tea to her, then V-E-R-Y carefully picked up his own cup and sat down. "Have you?"

"This may come as a great surprise for you," She said in her usual hard tone, but one that had softened somewhat since these two first met, and ever since Despayre had taken it upon himself to befriend the meanest person in their neighborhood. She continued, "But yes, I have. It was years ago, right after Mister O'Heaney and I were married."

Despayre set the tea down on a saucer and reached for a cookie, or as Missus O'Heaney comically called them, a biscuit. "Did you like it there?" He asked as he took a nibble.

"It was fine." She answered as she reached forward and Despayre hurriedly offered the plate to her. She never had a real taste for sweets herself but ever since she started 'entertaining' this young man in her home, she made certain to keep stock of a few now and then. Just in case. "I prefer the warm weather, hence why I live in Nevada. The scenery was pleasant enough, but we went more so because Mister O'Heaney wanted to visit the country. He had a fondness for their cigars, and it about broke his heart that he couldn't bring any home with us at the time. The smell of those dreadful things often remind me of him at times."

"Did he smell dreadful too?"

Missus O'Heaney turned her sharp expression towards him but the expression on his face told her that the young man had no idea what he had just said. It was simply an innocent question spoken from an innocent mind. The rest of the afternoon passed with calm conversation between the two, uninterrupted save for the arrival of the nurse that assisted Mrs. O'Heaney with her daily living such as meals and the like. Synn, however, neglected to come over to fetch his son. After a verbal tongue lashing at the hands of the elderly woman, Synn came to the realization that this 'relationship,' unorthodox as it might be, was somehow beneficial to both Despayre as well as the old woman.

"Colleen?" The nurse spoke tenderly as she set foot inside of the room. "Your dinner is ready. Will the young gentleman be staying again?"

Despayre blinked, then looked around for this spoken of gentleman when Mrs. O'Heaney shook her head and sneered, "She's talking about you."

"Oh!" Despayre barked in realization. He then shook his head and answered, "I can't. Theresa already has dinner in the works so it'd be rude of me not to eat at home this time." His gray eyes found those of his 'hostess' and he said, "I hope you understand?"

"I'll try to weather the disappointment." Was her answer but Despayre smiled, the sarcasm bouncing right off of him. He hopped to his feet and he said, "I'll try and stop by after we get back from Cuba. Dad says we're stopping here before we go to California for my match."

"Oh how exciting!" The nurse said before she turned to Mrs. O'Heaney and asked, "Will you be watching this match like you did the last one?"

"Wha...?" Despayre's eyes opened wide and he turned to Mrs. O'Heaney and a bright smile lit his entire face up. "You watched my match?"

Caught in the act, and not having the desire for this little nugget of information to get out, Mrs. O'Heaney fidgeted and mumbled, "There was nothing else on."

Despayre just smiled, his body practically bursting with excitement at this news. He hurriedly waved to the two women with a "Bye!" thrown in for good measure before he raced out the door, slamming it closed behind him.



Havana, Cuba - Last weekend

The villa type abode of the 'Cockney King' Ben Jordan, his residence here in Havana, Cuba, was the centerpiece of one of the Cockney's famed parties. The energy within and outside was pulsating, and could be felt like an electricity in the air. Music beat down from the state of the art surround sound system Ben had installed for just such party emergencies, and the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the odd and random scream of delight lit up the evening sky as the sun banked down over the horizon and the stars had just started to light up the sky.

As January closed out and February fast approached, even during this the winter season, the weather was still perfect for not just Ben, but his guests as well. Unlike the states, the temperatures were seasonally warm, in the mid eighties. So much so that even as dusk descended, there were still many a guest down at the beach on this the mighty Ben's beach front property.

And what a guest list there was to be had! From Ben's close friends in Sam Marlowe, Jamie Dean and Evie Baang, to world renowned stars in SCW such as the World Champion J2H and the new World Bombshell Champion, his squeeze Melody Grace! (Ben half suspected J2H was only there because of Melody, but a guest is a guest!) Far more guests between graced his humble home, tastefully decorated in a manner that was just his style. Bright, but not too much sensory overload. Jamie Dean had spoken of not coming, such was the disappointment in his letting Ben down in failing to dethrone J2H, but Ben not only insisted his friend make the journey to recover in heart and body, but the Cockney King was also graceful enough to invite Jamie's two closest friends, Sandra and Kathy, to Havana as well.

That was just the sort of man Ben was, and it cemented the reasons why Jamie was so fond of him as a close friend.

Ben threw this party for many reasons, but the main was perhaps he knew his peers in Sin City Wrestling would be in dire need for some much needed rest and relaxation -- and a whole lot of beer and rum, to ease away the pains their bodies had to be experiencing. And being the every so humble and gracious host, Ben made certain to mingle with everybody that set foot in his home and ensured they had a drink in hand.

Speaking of hands, a large one settled on Ben's shoulder as he conversed with two guests of the feminine female persuasion. He turned his head and found Synn at his side, and he said, "I am happy to see that your reputation for parties has not been exaggerated, Ben. A good time seems to being had by all."

Ben nodded with a smile, gazing around, "I'd like to think so, but have to admit it's pretty tame by comparison to some of me past rave-ups." Ben then cast a glance to Synn's side and looked around, not seeing whom he had expected. "Where's that fun little fella of yours?"

"Joshua?" Synn jetted a thumb back toward the large picturesque window on the wall that offered a dazzling backdrop of the beach and ocean, as well as the setting sun. "Soon as he saw the beach, he and Angel made a beeline for it."

"That a good idea, mate?" Ben frowned. "You said he had sore ribs. The water's pressure will only make them more sore."

Synn shook his head, "I made him promise to stay out of the water and not go swimming. So he and that teddy bear of his are embarking on another project."

Ben nodded, his bottom lip out in contemplation. He then said, "Well I was planning on taking the sailing yacht I rented out, give some folks a ride to close the night out. Think he'd like to go?"



Out on the beach, that very young man known as Despayre was busying himself with the project of the ages; building the world's perfect sand castle! If he wasn't allowed to go swimming in the ocean, he could at least carry on with something constructive. Father probably knew best, after all. What would happen were he to accidentally swim through a point of the Bermuda Triangle? Who knows what could happen! Angel backed his dad up with this line of reasoning and so Despayre found a different use of his time; one to display his artistic talent to the masses -- or at least to the random guests of Ben's who ventured past to say "hello" and check on his physical well being.

Their manners and concern were nice and all, but if only those strange women in their itty bitty bikinis would stop cooing over him and Angel! Sheesh!

Finished! Despayre sat back and smiled at his accomplishment.



Kale arched an eyebrow as the wide eyed Captain Jack Sparrow gazed around before he focused on the confused Australian and he finally spoke up and asked, "Pardon me, but where has the rum gone?"

"Oh that? Long gone." Kale pointed toward the direction of Ben's house and said, "Party at Ben Jordan's."

"Ah, that explains it." Captain Jack said in a mournful tone. "His parties are legendary right down to Davy Jones' Locker." And that being said, Captain Jack turned around and walked off back into the sunset as Kale merely resumed his search.



Meanwhile, out on the ocean, the sailing yacht of Ben Jordan's coursed through the waters of the Atlantic. The sun by now had fully set, and the stars shone overhead. The wind was calm but cool, and the moon lit up the night sky while the guests on the yacht enjoyed the simple but pleasurable gift of Ben's. Even Synn, usually stoic in demeanor, found himself enjoying the ride and finding a rare luxury in this.

So much so that he did not take immediate notice of his son watching over the edge of the yacht, watching the waters with Angel held protectively in his arms; the teddy bear dressed snugly in a life jacket -- you know. Just in case. Better safe than sorry!

Despayre leaned in and whispered to Angel, "You really think it unlocks a treasure under there?" His eyes focused on the ocean around them, the 'under there' obviously referring to the Atlantic Ocean. "No, I guess you're right as always. What else would keys be doing buried on the beach if they're not for some treasure. Who knew pirates used keys, huh?"

He looked at Angel with a winsome smile and asked, "You're right! They should go back to where they belong. I mean if someone comes looking for the treasure, they'll need the keys to open it. ... Right!" And that being said, Despayre extended his arm over the side of the yacht, keys in hand, and promptly dropped them down. His eyes watched as they quickly sunk into the black waters and he sat back beside his father, sighing in contentment.

"A job well done!"



Las Vegas - Now - Night

No sooner did the car pull into the drive of Synn and Despayre's residence in the 'City of Sin,' than did Despayre himself quickly climb out of the car's window, toppling to the pavement in his haste. He had noticed that the lights were still on in the house of Missus O'Heaney, and he was much too excited to wait for a more reasonable hour.

"Joshua...!" Synn called after him, but too late! With Angel in one arm and the package in the other hand, Despayre was already halfway to the house across the street.

Despayre practically flew up the steps and was about to throw the door open when he was given pause. It was rather late so perhaps he should do this the proper way. He reached up to knock first, before he'd throw open the door, when the door opened of its own accord! There, standing in the frame, was Mrs. O'Heaney's nurse.

"Ah!" Despayre cried in startled surprise. "I mean, AH-lo!"

"Hello there." The nurse replied, recovered from her own case of surprise. "Are you here to see Colleen? She's just about to go to bed."

"Oh." Despayre said, wondering if he indeed should have waited. "I just got home from Cuba, and had a little surprise for her." He held up the box in his hand and said, "I won't be long."

"Alright." The nurse smiled, having taken a liking to this little pest, er, guest, of her patient's. She guided him inside, shutting the door behind them.

"Colleen?" The nurse called out. "You have a visitor."

"Who on earth would be calling on me at this hour?" The elderly miser of a woman asked as she stepped out into the main foyer of her home, using a cane. She then spotted the young man at the nurse's side and sighed, "I might have known."

"Sorry! We just got home." Despayre said as he took a step closer. "And I had a present for you."

"A present?" Mrs. O'Heaney frowned. "Now why on earth did you do that?"

Despayre's smile never faltered. he just shrugged and said, "Just because." As if that solved everything. He then said, "I'm sorry it's so late. I'll stop by tomorrow to see how you like it! Bye!"

And off he went again at top speed, leaving the door open for the nurse to make her own exit. She looked back at the old woman and smiled, "Good night Colleen."

"Goodnight." Mrs. O'Heaney answered back in a crisp tone, shutting the door behind the nurse and locking it. Only then did her curiosity get to her and she paused, setting her cane up against the door. She opened the lid of the box and her breath caught within her. Inside, was a full case of Cuban cigars. Her lips pressed, and her freshly watered eyes found the picture of her husband hanging on the wall.



Synn: "It won't be much longer now, Jeremiah, and the world will bear witness to yet another Internet Championship match on the records. And another definitive victory will be in the books for the current, defending and yes, retaining champion, Despayre."

"Don't get me wrong, Jeremiah. I am not downplaying your role in this match, nor your accomplishments in this sport. I simply know what Despayre is capable of inside of the ring against men such as you, and his mettle has been proven time and again. Size means nothing to him no more than it did to David in that Biblical folktale when he fought Goliath. True you are of a larger stature, but a giant you are not, but in the end, the impending result will be the same. It is not time yet for Despayre's reign as Internet Champion to come to an end. He still has a long time and many challengers he has yet to face before his grip on the championship becomes any less absolute. If ever that is to happen. You, my friend, are simply next in line and it makes one wonder what effect this encounter will have on your mindset."

"It has, after all, been a long time since you've been in this position of challenger facing a champion. Even longer given its for a singles championship. But to find yourself up against Despayre who's reputation has far exceeded even my own wildest expectations... well, even you have to be experiencing a bit of the butterflies, true? After all, what makes you believe that you can do what no other save for three have been able to do? Gabriel. Sean Jackson. And J2H. Those three are the only three since his career first started that have been able to deal Despayre an actual defeat inside of the ring. Now you are impressive, Jeremiah. You have come a long way since you first arrived in SCW, but the time has not yet come where you will rise to the level it takes to put a mark in the loss column of Despayre. You will give him a battle, I am certain. You will ensure that this match is worthy of Main Event status. of that there is no doubt."

"It is simply not your time, Jeremiah. Not now, not yet. The tiger is not the king of this jungle. That reign is reserved for a true kitty with claws known as Despayre. And like any king, he will fight with ferocity the likes the jungle has never seen in order to keep what is his. That is a fact that can not be disputed, and this 'Big Tiger' is going to be cut down to size. The Internet Championship will remain where it is, and you will go back to the end of the line and work your way back up the hard way."

"Now, as we started this whole experience with the usual shoot promo, I'll draw our time to a close. Ironic, is it not? As that is the very same experience that the "Big Tiger" Jeremiah Hardin will be under once that bell rings."