He stood looking at the bow of the ship, and he knew he had to do it. Many had done it before him, and many would after. Eddie wasn’t even alive when the movie came out, but you can’t go on a boat and NOT do it right?
[/i]
He stood on the bow, stuck his arms out wide and yelled.
“I’M THE KING OF THE WOOOOOORLD!!!!” Eddie declared, as some other passengers rolled their eyes around him, but at least it was out of his system. What wasn’t on out of his system was the desire to be Roulette Champion again, a desire he intended to fulfill at Summer Xxxtreme.
He knew it wouldn’t be easy, he had lost to Aiden Reynolds once already, and Bill Barnhart as well. Either of them could beat him again, and Alexander Raven was an unknown quantity that Eddie had yet to face, but he was the champion, and as a former champion, Eddie knew that winning a championship didn’t come easy, and keeping it came even easier.
Of course Victoria had all but demanded victory from him, so The Lyons Den could have both Roulette Championships, and as much as she annoyed him, he did like the idea. The Lyons Den wasn’t as big of a name as something like Wolfslair, but they still produced some of the most respected talent, even someone as cruel as Victoria couldn’t have her skill denied.
He leaned against the rail of the ship, just watching as it sailed through the blue waters of the open sea, it was relaxing and the serene nature did well to help Eddie clear his mind so he could be fully ready for his match.
“You got this Eddie.” he said to himself ”Just focus, and do what you do best, and you’ll bring that championship home.”
He sighed, and took in some fresh sea air before finding a free lounge chair to lay back in, he had a championship to win true, but this was still a cruise and he’d be a fool not to find some time to enjoy himself, and just relax.
Earpods in, he laid back on the chair and closed his eyes, as he drifted off into a relaxed state, with only his music in his head.
~It's time to get back in the swing of things, When my life crashes, I'm not the guy that'll flee the scene….~
Get back in the swing of things…yes. That’s what he needed to do, leave it to music to speak to him once again. Regaining the Roulette Championship would be the perfect way to make that happen. He was ready, ready to give his all so he could leave his cruise as a champion once again.
___________
The cameras is open on Eddie Lyons standing on the starboard side of the ship somewhere, looking over the rail just observing the scenery of the nice blue sea and watching the seagulls fly overhead.
"Lovely scene isn't it Bill? I do hope you and Bea are having a nice time on this cruise and did find some time for yourselves" said Eddie. “Especially because you’re going to be vastly disappointed when you don’t walk out as champion. Because like it or not, you are the weak link in this match. Aiden, Alexander and myself all have a better track record than you. Somehow you keep squeaking into championship matches, you just never seem to be able to win them, and you can lord your one victory over me because you know it will never happen again, even if I don’t walk off this ship a champion, I know you won’t either. It will be Raven, Aiden or myself.
Eddie pauses for a moment
“If you think I’m wrong, then show me.” said Eddie, “Because everytime you talk this big game and can never really back it up. Alexander Raven is a douchebag, but he at least backs up his mouth. I don’t feel I can say the same for you. Maybe you’re not as delusional as someone like Justin Smith, but you’re closer to him than you are the three of us. If somehow you DO walk out as champion and make me eat my words, then I’ll do the honorable thing and admit that I was wrong and you were the better man, but somehow I just don’t see that happening.”
Eddie shrugs.
“Prove me wrong I guess” he continued, “I just don’t see the winner of this match being Bill Barnhart. The rest of us want it so much more. Alexander Raven will have no intention of losing the Roulette Championship and will do whatever he can to remain champion. Aiden is going to come harder than before because he had a small taste of being champion before my cousin Victoria involved herself for her own ridiculous bullshit. But none the less, that small taste he got is going to fuel him even more this time. Then you have me, who never got my rematch, because my cousin decided I didn’t deserve one so she gave it to Raven, also in hopes he would destroy Aiden for good. He didn’t do that, but he did take the championship from him, so I guess she was half successful in her mission there. But now, I finally get my chance to get back on top. I didn’t whine or complain about my rematch, I just waited because I believe in karma, and that good things happen to good people, and I believe that I will leave this cruise as a two time Roulette Champion."
Eddie turns to look to the cameras, straight on as he continues
“You’re going into this match with three hungry animals, a Raven, A Wolf and a Lion” he continued, “I’m not sure the bulldog can last. Can you clip the ravens wings? Can you tame the mighty lion, or the vicious wolf? Even as a former Roulette Champion yourself, I don’t believe you can. You just haven’t shown me the drive Aiden Reynolds has, or the willingness to do whatever it takes like Alexander Raven. I don’t think it’s too crazy to think you have the most to prove in this match. Your record should speak for itself. I mean a couple years ago, Alexander Raven won this very same match. Back then you were able to eliminate talent like Finn Whelan and Miles Kasey at the same time. Yet now look at the landscape since then, Finn Whelan is the best in the world right now, Miles Kasey isn’t too far behind him either. Alexander Raven is back on top of the division again, but you’ve fallen faster than the anchor of this ship.”
Eddie pauses, taking in a nice breath of fresh sea air.
“I just want you to show me Bill.” Eddie continued, “Show me the Bill Barnhart that’s been Roulette Champion twice. Because I’m an honest person, and my honest opinion is I’m just not that impressed, and I think your mouth is bigger than your ability to win matches. There is nothing YOU will be able to do to stop me from winning this match. I will win my championship back, and this time I won’t be getting ahead of myself with trying to break records. This time, I’ll just focus on being a fighting champion for a long as I can. If I do break a record, cool. If not, well then as long as I lose with honor as I did to Aiden Reynolds, then I’ll just pick myself up once again and fight my way back to the top, once again. Because as far as Eddie Lyons is concerned, it’s still and always will be HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”
Eddie looks confidently into the cameras, as the scene slowly fades out to black.
__________
It was still a few days before the show, and this was a cruise. Eddie knew he would be a fool not to make the best of it. A nice relaxation session by the pool was more than welcome. While he wasn’t much of a drinker, he was enjoying the nice margarita he ordered, again it was a cruise so why not enjoy it?
As he laid back on one of the lounge chairs around the deck, in shorts and a pair of Raybans, he found his rest interrupted by one of the staff.
“Fresh towel sir?” the voice, female said to him.
“Oh, no thank you.” Eddie said, pushing his sunglasses up to his head, “I’m alright.”
The girl tilted her head, and looked at Eddie for a lingering moment.
“...Is that Eddie Lyons?” she asked.
“Yeah, that’s me.” said Eddie, “You want a picture? It’s totally cool if you do.”
“No, Eddie…” she said, “You don’t recognize me?”
Eddie raised an eyebrow, and sat more upright, the girl DID seem familiar, but from where?
“Sabrina Woods!” she exclaimed, “From High School! We were partners in chemistry during Junior year!”
Eddie’s eyes widened, as he remembered his old lab partner.
“Oh my gosh yes!” he said, “How have you been?”
“Just living life.” she replied, “Needed some extra cash so I took a job on this cruise. What about you?”
“I’m actually competing this weekend in the pro wrestling show.” he replied.
“That’s right!” Sabrina replied, “You’re family had that school, your dad wrestled too right?”
“He did.” Eddie nodded, “My uncles did too.”
“Hey whatever happened to your cousins?” she asked, “Victoria and Vincent. They were always pretty cool.”
Eddie smiled and laughed to himself.
“Well Vincent wrestled for a while too.” he said, “But now he left on some journey of self discovery on a sailboat, and Victoria is actually on this cruise too, she competes at the show as well.”
“Oh cool, I’ll have to say hi if I see her.” said Sabrina.
“I wouldn’t.” Eddie warned her, “She’s changed, and I doubt she’d be so receptive. I’m not sure what she’s going through but she’s done some pretty cruel things and made a lot of enemies in SCW. She’s even ruined a few of my matches."
“...Oh.” Sabrina seemed disappointed in the news about Victoria, “Such a shame, she was such a nice girl back then.”
“I know.” Eddie said, “Not much one can do about it though. She’s gonna be who she is.”
“Well, I’m glad you turned out alright.” Sabrina said with a flirtatious smile, “Good luck to you this weekend. I wish I could talk longer, but I’m on the clock and people need towels.”
“Damn..” Eddie said, disappointed he still wanted to catch up. He always thought Sabrina was cute in High School and could see the years were kind to her, “Well, when are you off?”
“My shift ends in a few hours.” she replied, “Why?”
“Maybe we could catch up over dinner?” he said, “My treat? You pick the place?”
“Are you asking me on a date Eddie Lyons?” Sabrina said with a smile.
“Something like that.” he said wish a sheepish grin.
“Well, how about Crown Grill at nine?” she replied, “I can get us am employee discount too.”
“Sounds good.” Eddie replied happily.
Then the two were interrupted by the call of another passenger.
“Towel girl!” the voice called, “Can I get a towel please!”
“Duty calls.” said Sabrina with a sigh, “See you at nine, Eddie Lyons.”
She winked at him, and smiled before going about her business and getting the passenger the requested towel. Eddie hadn’t expected to get a date on the ship as well, maybe it was just karma rewarding his good nature. Whatever it was he now had..just a few hours to get ready so he quickly made his way back to his room to get cleaned up for the evening.
__________
The cameras are rolling, and they open on Eddie on the balcony of his room, he’s leaning against the railing with a casual posture as he begins speaking.
“Your elbows are like bricks you know Aiden.” Eddie said, “I’m gonna have to do my best to avoid those if I am to recapture the Roulette Championship. It’s gonna be a tough battle, but I have my full confidence going in. I’m not coming to lose this match, and I doubt you are either. You took the belt from me after all, and I make no excuses about it. You were the better man that night. Case closed."
Eddie paused for a moment, and took in a breath
“Now Alexander Raven has the championship, all because my cousin wanted to be a bitch.” he said, “You know she’s demanding victory from me now? Suddenly she likes the idea of the two of us having Roulette Championships in SCW. I mean it’s not the worst thought, but I’m not going to act like her and guarantee victory in my match. I will say, if I don’t win. I hope you do Aiden. You deserve a better run than what you have, and we both know someone needs to shut Alexander Raven up. Bill, well he’s Bill. We know he likes to act tough, but has never been able to truly deliver. You and I Aiden, we are the heart and soul of this match, it’s up to us to give those other two knuckleheads a dose of reality.”
Eddie pauses again.
“Raven and Bill, they don’t truly understand what it means to be a champion.” Eddie continued, “They don’t understand the honor that comes with being a champion, they just want to pad their own records, and be able to tout their own ego. You and I would hold that championship proudly, with honor and respect. We would act as proper champions, and inspire the wrestlers of tomorrow to keep reaching for their goals. None of us are better than any of the other. It’s more a matter of character, and Bill and Raven both have no real positive character to speak of. At least you show respect Aiden, and I hope you show me the respect I deserve when I recapture the Roulette Championship. And you know what? I think you will. No, I know you will. Should you manage to regain the championship, then I will do the same.”
Eddie pounds his chest with his fist, to show some solidarity or respect to Aiden.
“We need to do this Aiden. We need to restore some honor.” Eddie continued, “One of us needs to take that championship and restore some honor to it. While I’ll be happy to see you as champion, and will show you the respect you deserve, don’t get it confused. I’m still coming for blood, and if taking your head and punting it into the sea is what I need to do to win, then I will. Because when that bell rings, all I understand is that it’s go time and everyone else, sans the referee is my enemy. That includes you, respect or not. From bell to bell you’re nothing but an opponent trying to take me out. One that’s already done it before, so I know how dangerous you really are. So I need to up my game, and that means taking no prisoners and putting it all on the line.”
Eddie nods, and exhales heavily.
“Does suck this cruise has to end soon, I’ve been having a really good time enjoying some of the shows and the food, and just the nature of the open sea. It’s very serene and has done well to calm me, and get me in a more focused state." [/color]said Eddie, "Just something about the open sea I find relaxing. Come Sunday however, the relaxing will be done and it’s back to business. My business, and my business is that Roulette Championship and winning it once again. I’m coming for a fight, and that goes for all three of you. I’ll see you and those other two goons on Sunday Aiden, until then you and Kallie enjoy yourselves and good luck when that bell rings, cause it’s gonna be nothing short of a war."
Eddie looks into the camera with confidence as the scene fades out.
_________
Eddie wanted to do something nice for his date with Sabrina later than evening and had bought a Stanley Bear from one of the cruises gift shops as a gift for the young lady, he was on his way back to the hotel when he came across a group of young men, slightly drunk and being a little raucous, he sought to ignore them when he noticed one was wearing his cousin Victorias crown. Most in SCW would keep walking, feeling as though Victoria deserved it and he did consider it, however his honor got the better of him, and despite Victorias transgressions he felt he had to do the right thing.
“Hey guys, check it out.” the one wearing the crown said to his frat boy looking friends as he talked in a mocking tone “I am your Queen! The great Victoria Lyons! Join me, we can be STRONGER TOGETHER. Please will somebody worship me? Please? Pleaseeeee? I need attention!”
“Hey, where’d you get that my friend?” Eddie asked, getting the young mans attention.
“Oh woah! Eddie Lyons.” said the guy, “Dudebro, your cousin left this next to her when she was sleeping, since she’s such a bitch to everyone I swiped it. We’re all tired of hearing about her being some sort of queen.”
“What’s your name my friend?” asked Eddie politely
“Chad.” the guy replied.
“Well Chad.” said Eddie, “I know she’s not been very nice, but you shouldn’t stoop to her level. The crown doesn’t belong to you. You need to return it.”
“Why would I do that?” Chad said with a flair of arrogance
“Because it’s the right thing to do man.” Eddie said, “You took someones property, that’s not cool man. Even if it is someone like my annoying cousin.”
“But she’s going to FLIP when she wakes up.” said Chad with a laugh, “It’ll be hilarious.”
His other friends seemed to agree and laughed along with Chad.
“C’mon guys.” said Eddie again, “Just give me the crown, I’ll take it back to her, or do we need to get security involved? I imagine Victoria already did, so they’re probably looking for it now. You’re here for the show right?”
“Yeah man.” said Chad, “Good luck to you by the way.”
“Well thank you for that.” Eddie said, “But if you get caught, they might put you in boat jail for the rest of the trip, and you’ll miss the show.”
“They won’t catch me.” Chad replied.
“Just give me the crown man.” said Eddie, “Let’s not make this difficult, because I see a security guard just down the hall.”
Chad looked, and indeed there was a guard at the other end of the hall.
“Hey Secur…” Eddie started, but was cut short by Chad holding out the crown.
Eddie took the crown into his own arms, and was even nice enough to take a picture with the frat boys before he headed up to the Grand Suite area where SCW had roomed all it’s champions to knock on Victorias door.
She answered the door after a moment and he held the crown out to her.
“.....Lose something?” he asked.
She glared at him, with a look of annoyance.
“WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?” she said as she snatched the crown from his grasp, “WAS IT YOU? DID YOU STEAL IT?”
Eddie couldn’t believe it, she really thought he had done it.
“Seriously?” he responded, “Seriously?” “You really think I would do that? No I didn’t steal your crown, but I did find it. Some fan had it. I had to convince him to give it back. You should really be more careful with your stuff. I’m only bringing this to you, because it’s your property and it’s just the right thing to do.”
“Well, isn’t that noble of you.” Victoria said rolling her eyes.
“Just doing what’s right.” said Eddie.
“Well, at least I have it back. Now I can look like a proper queen for my match.” said Victoria.
”Indeed.” said Eddie with a disinterested tone.
“See you around cousin.” Victoria said, as Eddie found the door slammed in his face.
“...Thank you Eddie?” he said to himself, but he knew he should have expected no less. Still he felt good enough with himself he had done the right thing. Not only was it just the ring thing, but had he not he knew she would never stop complaining about it, and nobody on the SCW roster deserved to deal with any of that.
“Good luck to you this weekend cuzzo.” Eddie said as he walked off from the door, back to his own hotel room, as he still had that date to later to get ready for.
__________
As the scene opens, Eddie sits shirtless on his bed, a towel around his neck after just finishing up a shower. He looks up to the camera and starts speaking.
“How we doin’ champ?” he said, clearly addressing Roulette Champion Alexander Raven, “Well I hope, because after SummerXXXtreme you won’t be doing so well, because that championship is coming back to me.”
Eddie took the towel to wipe some water still left on his face.
“You sure don’t like me do you Raven?” said Eddie, “And for what? What have I done other than go out there and fight each and every time? Because you don’t like my attitude? Well, that’s your prerogative but all I’m doing is being true to myself. If you don’t like that, then that’s your problem. I’m not changing myself or my beliefs for anyone.”
Eddie continued to look into the camera.
“I’m sure to people like yourself, that means failure.” he said, “You can mock me for losing my belt, blah blah blah. I’m not letting that get to me, you win some you lose some and come Sunday you’ll have to deal with the losing side of things because you are NOT walking out Roulette Champion. I am.”
Eddie paused for a moment, before continuing.
“The only reason you even got a championship match is because of my cousins power trip.” Eddie continued, “And to your credit you capitalized and won. Now you have to be on the defense and I can assure you this lion is hungry and he’s coming for blood. I can assure you the wolf is coming for blood of his own, and the Bulldog? Well he’s gonna show his might as much as he can as well. The numbers are really against you in this one, and your chances of survival are minimal. But like I said to Aiden, and Bill as well. You win, I will admit you were the better man that night, and move on to whatever the company has planned for me next.”
He took another moment to pause, as he continued his address of Alexander Raven
“You’re about to find out what I’m really about Raven.” said Eddie “You’ve wanted to try and take me out since you mentioned my name at the press conference the night I won the championship. You said you wanted to remind me of my place beneath my betters.”
Eddie laughed to himself.
“I don’t know what your deal is with me man” said Eddie “But I guess it’s time you learn who Eddie Lyons is, and you learn the true meaning of being UNBREAKABLE. My drive, my spirit will never be broken. Especially not by the likes of you. You can run your mouth all you want, but after SummerXXXtreme, you will learn why Eddie Lyons is one of the toughest fighters in the company. You will realize that I am a whole lot better than you give me credit for and you will be forced to witness me become a two time Roulette Champion at YOUR expense. Right now, I have nothing to lose and that’s where I become most dangerous. Taking me lightly is going to be your biggest mistake, you better open your own eyes real quick or else I am going to clip the wings of the raven, and send him crashing into the waters below and I will do it with HONOR BEFORE GLORY.”
Eddie gives his best look of confidence and determination as the scene closes.
__________
The Crown Grill was really nice, and Eddie had worn his bets button up and did look rather charming for the occasion, across from him sat Sabrina Woods, the old high school friend he ran into earlier in the day in a lovely yellow dress of her own, she smiled at the Stanley Bear that Eddie had gifted her.
“Awww he’s cute.” said Sabrina with a smile, “Thank you Eddie.”
“Of course.” Eddie said kindly.
They both smiled at each other, as they waited the arrival of their food. Eddie had gone for the Rib-Eye, while the lady had opted for the New York Strip. A bottle of white wine also sat iced on the table for them to share.”
“Wine?” asked Eddie.
“Please.” Sabrina replied, to which Eddie promptly poured some wine in her glass, and then some for himself.
“Salud.” he said, as they clinked glasses and took a sip. It did taste pretty delicious.
“So how have you been?” he asked her.
“Pretty good.” she said “Still living in North Carolina, sort of between jobs at the moment. What about you?”
“Just doing the wrestling thing.” said Eddie, “Keeping up the family legacy and all that. It’s been fun I got to tour Europe. The travel can be much sometimes, but it;’s worth it when I get in the ring and hear the fans cheering and chanting for me.”
“Wow I’ve never been to Europe.” said Sabrina, “Never really been out the US. This cruise might be the farthest I’ve traveled from US soil.”
“Ha, well it’s a beautiful world out there.” said Eddie.
“I’d love to see it sometime.” replied Sabrina.
“Well, maybe I can arrange that.” Eddie said with a smile.
The two continued their evening laughing together, talking about old stories from high school like when some Freshman hit a beehive with a baseball, and the following chaos of screaming students, or when Jimmy Nelson came to school in a dress. Good times and great memories, and it seemed like the two of them were going to be making more at the rate the date was going, the food was delicious as well and as his day came to an end and he bid Sabrina goodnight, he did indeed get the kiss and a promise to stay in contact after the cruise ended. It was then, with that kiss Eddie knew that even if he lost his match this weekend, he would still feel like a winner.
