“I can’t believe I fucking won.”
The croaky raspy voice of Kale Smith came to life as the black screen lifted, it was just him and his chair once again, nothing special no dramatic lights no bings or bangs. Just the latest winner of the Blast From the Past tournament sitting down, his eyes locked on the camera in front of him as he smiled from ear to ear.
“Well actually it was a joint effort between Brittany and I, I shouldn’t be taking all the credit like the weasel Stark boy that just rolled in at the end and took up the six kingdoms by doing absolutely nothing for the last seven seasons. However, the point remains the same… I did it, we did it… the little one and I were able to take this years Blast from the Past and turn it on itself and now here we are just weeks out from facing our respected champions in our divisions and yet, let’s be fucking honest none of you thought it was going to be possible. None of you believed that Britt and I had what it took to be crowned the winners… and well, shame on you.”
Even though Kale the blasting a number of his fans, he still had his token smile on his face. He was used to being doubted but it was refreshing to once in a while be able to prove everyone wrong. Kale clapped his hands together before he let out a little chuckle.
“Good things come to those who work hard and fucking stop at nothing to get to where they want to be. It took me three long years, but over the last few weeks I’ve proved to everyone that the old Kale has well and truly disappeared from inside that six-sided ring and the new version of my damn self isn’t one to be sneezed at. Sure, you can take digs at my backstage antics but rest assured once I’m in that ring and we go toe to toe nothing will stop me from taking names and kicking arse.”
He locked his hands together and rolled them around, Kale was full of energy, but he had to focus for a few minutes to get his match focus out of the way or otherwise this week would just be a mess. A lot had happened in Kale’s life lately, with his mum passing and with the sneaky contract that Alex signed on his behalf it was hard for the big guy to focus. Yet, here he was staring down the camera trying to rub two gold coins together praying that they turned into a crisp fifty.
“The next name that has been put in front of me… is Lord Raab… wait… no… no… that’s wrong. It’s Jake Raab. The German powerhouse… that packs more than a punch. I don’t know what I meant by that… I just… well the kid runs his mouth more than a leaky tap fills a sink. He likes to call himself the Fiery Target, because well he is always on fire and because he is on everyone radar? I mean sure, I can see where people where trying to go with that nickname… but to me, when someone says their a fiery target, I’m just thinking of the burning rings of that cheap homewares store and when I think burning rings, I’m reminded of that one time Alex took me to Mexico city for some authentic fish tacos and well… Johnny Cash didn’t write and sing that song for no reason… he knew exactly what was up when you crossed the border to eat tacos.”
The grimace of Kale’s face said it all as he walked back down memory lane of some bad fish tacos. His hands instantly snapping towards his stomach and he clutched at his six pack. It was as if he was reliving the pain right here right now, yet he quickly shook that thought from his mind he needed to focus on this week’s match at Climax Control or otherwise it was going to go down in flames.
“Now, where was I? oh that’s right this Sunday night at Climax Control I’m facing Jake Raab in the centre of that six-sided ring and I know ones thing is for sure, Jake is a hard hitting, speed machine who will stop at nothing to go to pound town on all of his opponents.”
The shrieking laughter of Alex Rush could be heard off camera as he took what Kale had said with his dirty mind instead of the innocent way that Kale intended it. Kale just shook his head from side to side and continued, ignoring the sounds of his best friend howling in laughter.
“I don’t know why Alex thinks that’s so funny, I mean one right hook from Jake Raab and I’ll be on the canvas... out cold… and all Jake will have to do is drop down over my body and finish what he started. It’s frightening actually. However, Jakey boy… as fearful of a baby man that you are, let me tell you this. It has been a long… looooooooong time between brawls for me my friend and trust me… don’t let my size sway you… don’t let my adorable good looks baffle you… I love to fight… I love to brawl and trust me; I have a lot to fight for and a lot riding on this match.”
The honesty in his eyes said it all, Kale couldn’t lose… well he could there was a fifty percent chance that he could, but he couldn’t think like that. He had come too far in his return to Sin City Wrestling to start losing now, especially when he was just weeks out from facing the Sin City Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.
“I can’t nor will I lose to you on Sunday night… I mean just think of the consequences if I did? I can’t go from winning the Blast from the Past and proving myself worthy of Sin City Wrestling, to failing at your feet? That’s not going to happen… that’s not going to be in my future. I have a path, paved out in front of me that leads me right to the Sin City Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship and I don’t have time to be going down in a knock out to someone like you. I will win on Sunday night and once again I will move closer to my match with Austin Mercer.”
He quickly paused to think about he impeding Sin City Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship match at Into the Void 8 and he couldn’t help but smile. This is what Kale wanted the first time round in his Sin City Wrestling career and well, it had taken him a cool 3 years to get back on track and now since he was only a few weeks away from his dream becoming a reality, he couldn’t stand the thought of knowing that one false move in the lead up to his big match could throw it all out the window for him.
“Austin’s a cool dude and I can’t have him thinking that I’m an easy victory for him… I need to show him that our match at Into the Void isn’t going to a cake walk for him. So Jakey boy, I know you will come for me with cold words about how you’re going to make me pay and that you’re going to derail my path to the Sin City Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship and how you’re not like the other guys I have faced in Sin City Wrestling since my return… I get it, you’re an intimidating dude… but the simple fact is, I don’t have time for mind games. I don’t have time for you thinking that you can knock me out and take everything I have worked for, out from underneath me. I get it, you’re a freak when it comes to fighting but trust me, I won’t go down without a fight and I won’t let you make a mockery of what I have achieved thus far in my second run in Sin City Wrestling. If your plan is to knock me down, mark my words mate, I’ll stand back up every time.”
Kale’s attention was locked on the lens of the camera, he needed his message to be heard. His right hand came up to adjust the collar of his white shirt that was nestled under his brown leather vest before he rested it back in his lap.
“That even applies to the fact if you knock me out. I’ll get back up, I’m not overly sure how that will physically happen but mate… I can’t have you spoiling my journey to the World Heavyweight Championship; I can’t have you red facing me. I need to keep my winning streak alive and that means that on Sunday night, I will find a way to beat you. I will find a way to stop you racing around the ring like a jacked-up hamster… I will find a way to dodge your punches and kicks like I’m Jackie Chan. It won’t be easy, but I don’t see any other way, I must beat you… I must continue my streak and I must walk towards Into the Void with nothing but victories under my belt, because one false move, one slip up, one loss would spell disaster and I’m not down for that. Kale isn’t ready for that and like it or not Jakey boy… even if I have to trade places with you and knock your arse out cold to get this match done and dusted… well… don’t think for a single second that I won’t go there.”
Kale grin said it all, he wasn’t joking. It was unlike him to be this rude when it came to his focus but that’s because he didn’t have the weight of the world resting on his shoulders until now. He though the pressure from the Blast from the Past was bad, but it was nothing compared to the lead up of Into the Void.
“Right now, I’m looking at the bigger picture, but trust me that doesn’t mean I’m distracted by it. Come Sunday night Jake it won’t matter about your families legacy in this business, it won’t matter about you being the fiery target… all that matters is that when the final bells sound, your shoulders will be pinned to the canvas… or the bells will pale in comparison to the sound of your hand slapping the canvas in defeat. Climax Control will be my chance to show the world once again that I can do this and when I beat you, people will finally stop doubting me for what I’m becoming… your next Sin City Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.”
He rocked forward in his chair and looked down towards the camera, the grin still plastered on his face however he knew he was running out of time and he needed to wrap this one up for the week.
“I’ll see you on Sunday night Jakey... at Climax Control and I’ll look forward to facing off against you in the middle of the ring, but just like the CW network mate… I’m going to have to let you down… and I know you understand that you Arrow obsessed fruit bat… for you Sunday night is going to go down just like Olicity and that’s without a happy ending.”
Once again Alex’s laughter roared from off the screen, while Kale just scrunched his nose up unsure of what might have brought that reaction out from his friend. The Aussie just shrugged his shoulders before he got up from his chair and headed off the scene. Truth be told Kale didn’t really know if he had what it takes to beat Jake Raab, all he knew is that this Sunday he was in for a brawl and secretly with all his emotions that he was bottling up lately, he was praying for it to turn ugly.
---
If you haven’t watched the London Underground promotionals now would be a good time to do so, or otherwise you’re not going to know about the lead up to this. The Golden Ring Casino was alive and buzzing even if it was the middle of the afternoon, people still flocked to the casino during non-peak times in search of Sin City Wrestling stars. It was quiet the little empire that Daniel and his friends had set up for themselves here and it really was a money maker. Kale had spent his day trying to reach out to Charlotte and if you had been following along it wasn’t uncommon for the Aussie to be annoying her in some way shape or form. However, he always knew his limits and the Kale was always careful not to over step his boundaries when it came to her after all he respected her more than anyone else at times.
You see the love hate relationship between the two is what kept Kale grounded, it always kept him feeling humble. It wasn’t a secret that ladies flocked to him, but instead of bedding the fans or the followers Kale had set himself up for a challenge in Charlotte. He knew the odds of this panning out in his favour was low, but just like Boyle and Lucifer in the early seasons he was going to try his best to bag a Rosa or a Chloe. Charlotte had spent her day dodging Kale’s calls but now she was trapped as he made his way over towards her. He could hear her sigh as he approached and as much as that would deflate any man’s ego, he couldn’t help but grin. Kale knew that he annoyed her, but he also knew that if she didn’t want him in her space, she would have broken his nose or removed his balls by now.
“Charlotte, baby…” Kale called out as he opened his arms looking for a hug.
Charlotte just shuddered in her spot, ducking down to miss the hug completely before she turned back to look at him with the devil in her eyes.
“Don’t call me that… not out loud, not in my casino… not now, not ever.” He eyes connected with his as the look on her face said it all, she was dead serious. “What do you want?” She sighed.
Kale’s smile was still on his face as he looked down towards the apple of his eye. He knew she was off limits, but he couldn’t help himself.
“I wanted to talk to you.” He said shyly. “I wanted you to hear it from me before the whole world knows.” His head ducked down in shame.
“The chunky bird, gave you crabs?” Charlotte bit back, her tone laced with venom.
Kale took a step back, not completely sure if he heard jealously in Charlotte’s tone or not but he knew he had to be kidding himself.
“Bobbie will never, ever… get this.” His fingers danced down his body as he smirked towards her.
Charlotte rolled her eyes at Kale’s attempt to display himself as some sore of meal for her, she didn’t know how many times she had to tell him this, but she wasn’t interested not now not ever. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel the left-hand corner of her mouth arch upwards with a smirk.
“Please just give me five minutes.” Kale practically begged her.
Charlotte didn’t say a world; she just took off leading Kale over to one of the booths that people sat in to drink their nights away at the casino. She took a seat before she shuffled over making room for the big oof to take a load off. Kale didn’t waste a single second of her time as he quickly took a seat beside her and let the beans spill from his lips.
“I wanted you to know that what’s about to happen in my life, has nothing to do with me.” Kale blurted out at a million miles a minute.
“How can something happen in your life, but it have nothing to do with you? That makes no sense and I don’t have time for bullshit Kale. Tick tock, you’ve got four minutes left.” She hurried him because truly she didn’t care but something stopped her from cutting him off completely.
Kale just looked down at the table before he spoke. “Alex and my sister Sydnie, signed me up to do a dating show… a reality show... I fucking hate them… it’s called Katching Kale… it’s going to be aired by Sin City Wrestling.” His voice was weak, muffled by the sound of embarrassment.
Kale slumped back into his chair like he refused to make eye contact with Charlotte who was processing what she was just told. Quickly folding her arms in front of her chest she looked back over towards him, seeing the fun literally drain from his body.
“Why can’t you get out of it?” She questioned. “It’s not like you put a pen to paper.” Charlotte made a good point.
“I get three million out of it…” he sighed. “I don’t need the money, I hate money… I have no use for it. It’s just, with my mum gone and my dad skipping out of town with the money she had left… my six siblings need this.” He frowned.
It still didn’t make sense to her; she knew there was other ways to make money but from the look on his face she knew that he seriously though this was his only answer.
“I wanted you to know first, because well… I like you… always have, probably always will and it’s going to kill me…” he couldn’t finish his line because Charlotte cut him off.
“We are never going to be anything more Kale.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t care about your miserable little dating show.” Another eyeroll. “I just think it’s pathetic that you’re just accepting something that you know you could get out of it, even if you wanted to.” He tone was almost like a bark.
Kale just slipped back into his chair, before he brought his hands up to the table in front of him.
“I can’t legally get out of it. They have always started casting calls, promotional products… it’s happening… like it or not, I’m going to be the biggest jerk in the whole of Vegas…” it was his turn to sigh.
“Once again… I don’t care.” Her eyeroll was almost a full stop the amount of times she busted one out.
“I just wanted you to know first…” He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know why but I just thought it was the right thing to do.” Another shrug followed.
Charlotte was at a loss for words right now as Kale just huffed in his spot; he was exactly sure what Charlotte’s reaction to the news was going to be, but it wasn’t going down the way he had planned in his head. He looked down at his bare wrist where a watch would sit, and he worked out that his five minutes were probably up. Without another word he just got up from his spot at the table before he reached down his head inching closer to hers.
“Well I guess this is goodbye.” He coughed to clear his throat. “I’m sorry.” He gulped down his pride before he moved away slightly.
Charlotte just looked up at him, while she could feel the very watchful eyes of Kenzie and Dani staring over in her direction. Kale didn’t stop to think of what he did next; he just leant down more and pressed his lips to the top of Charlotte’s head before he quickly and smartly walked off. His head looked downwards towards the floor as he moped his way out of the casino. Charlotte’s rage was rising and as she got up in her spot, she noticed that Dani and Kenz had seen the whole thing, making everything a thousand times worse.
Meanwhile Kale had left the building and outside he was met by the smiling face of his best friend Alex Rush. The two didn’t say a word at first as Alex just rushed to his best friends side to give him a one-armed hug.
“You good?” He questioned.
“let’s get out of here before Daniel or Nick comes down to skin me alive.” Kale just chuckled, but from the tone in his voice everyone knew he wasn’t joking.
Alex clapped his hands together in delight before he took charge of this terrible situation.
“Alright… I need you to get angry… because we have a lizard to find.” Alex ordered Kale by pointing towards his fire truck. “No one flips me the bird and gets away with it.” He proclaimed.
“not on my watch.” Kale just barked back trying to hide the slight pain in his voice.
Alex just looked at Kale and down to his empty wrist, before he replied. “But you’re not wearing a watch.” His eyebrows came together.
“So, it seems.” He coyly retorted. “However, let’s not waste anymore time on it… we have a day to ruin for a certain lizard.”
Kale punched his right hand into his open left palm before both boys rushed off towards their car, heading off for an afternoon in the desert looking for iguanas. More importantly for the one that flipped Alex the bird and gave him a bruise on his butt. Right now this was exactly what Kale needed to do to keep his mind off the whole “Katching Kale” saga.
