[Christian Underwood]

Please post all roleplays here! Have fun and good luck!

[Vincent Lyons Jr]

What started with Vincent being upset over some passing comments made about his sister had become a full on war between Jayden Harris and Vincent Lyons Jr. And I boiled over to the point and wasn't even about those comments anymore. Vincent just hated Jayden. He hated his face, he hated the sound of his voice, and every stupid comment that came out of his stupid mouth, really he hated the entire fucking Harris family.  Maybe that Aiden Reynolds guy was on to something when it came to that stupid fucking family.

But he hated Jayden the most. He hated that he couldn't figure out how to defeat Jayden Harris.  He had left Jayden laid out on more than one occasion but between bells Jayden Harris always got the better of him.

Not this time. This time he was in control. This time he would win. This time he had to win. This time would be the victory that would be the sweetest because it would be the final victory, the victory everyone remembered when it came to the war between Jayden and Vincent.[/i]

__________

It was lunch time at Alexander Graham Middle School when the young Vincent Lyons Jr heard the commotion in the hall, all the students were gathering into a crowd and like any preteen he too became curious what the commotion was all about.

Of course it became all too personal when he saw it was the Eighth grader. Blake Webber arguing with Victoria, really getting in her face,

“You got me in trouble earlier!” Blake barked at her.

“Yeah. Well you didn't have your hall pass.” Victoria replied to her credit she didn't back down.

“Control freak Vicky.” Blake said “At it again, thinking she runs AG.”

“Hey asshole, why don't you shut the fuck up.” Vincent said approaching Blake.

“What your sister can't fight her own battles?” Blake said turning into Vincent.

“Just get out of here Blake.” Vincent said.

“No!” said Blake “I'm tired of her patrolling these halls like she owns the place. She just likes being a bossy little bit…”

The word didn't even finish exiting Blake's lips before Vincent's fist hit him straight in the nose, and the scuffle was on fists being thrown at both sides before they ended up mostly rolling around on the ground, the chants of fight fight fight from the surrounding kids, it took several seconds for staff to finally separate the two.

“What the fuck? You're crazy man!” Blake said blood dripping from his nose.

“You watch your mouth about my sister!” Vincent yelled back at him.

They yelled more obscenities at each other before being taken back to the school office so their parents could be called and suspensions could be handed out.

__________

The young Vincent sat on their couch arms folded not looking his father in the eyes.

“So what happened Vincent?” his father asked

“He was being mean to Victoria and I didn't like it.” Vincent replied “So I punched him in the face.”

“What did he say to her?” his father asked.

“He was calling her a control freak.” said Vincent “He was mad because she caught him without a hall pass and then he was going to call her the B word.”

“Well  that wasn't very nice of him.” Vincent senior replied.

“He's a jerk.” Vincent said.

“Well, your mother and I aren't mad.” Vincent Sr said “You did right protecting your sister.”

“I'm not in trouble?” Vincent said finally actually looking at his father.

“You were looking after your sister.” his father said “That's what a brother is supposed to do.”

“I'm not going to let anyone disrespect her dad.” Vincent said “Not ever.”

“Good.” his father nodded “That just means you're a good brother because you will always defend her honor.”

“I will Dad. I will.” Vincent replied.

“Now let's go see if Mom is finished with the cookies.” yet his father smiled.

“Oh yeah! Cookies!” the young Vincent smiled back happy about his reward.

That was the moment of Vincent's first fight the first time he found himself forced to stand in and defend the honor of his sister a lesson that had been taught to him since he was very young and instilled throughout his life a lesson that he carried into his adult life. He had to always stand by and protect his sisters honor.

__________

The cameras open on a darkened Lyon's Den, the training school that is owned by the Lyons Family.  He sits on the edge of a ring with the ropes removed everything dimly lit around him by a single light bulb.

He looks into the camera with pure malice and hatred in his eyes his wrists wrapped up with bloodied tape. A quiver of the lip and then he begins to talk with pure venom in his voice.

“You think you're better than me Jayden Harris.” Vincent began with slow breath “You have built yourself up into a false sense of confidence because you have a couple victories over me. But what you fail to realize is you left me standing. You've never broken me.”

He exhales.

“You know this all started because you made some sideways comments about my sister.” said Vincent “But it's not about that anymore, because you've already bled for that. Now it's just about you and me, and the fact that I hate your fucking guts and I hate everything that you stand for.”

An affirming scowl appears on his face.

“I hate the fact that tomorrow how many times I drop you on your skull you're the one that gets the W every time the bell rings.” Vincent hissed “It's like the world's playing a trick on me,  some sort of sick joke making you the thing that I can't beat.”

He exhales more heavily this time, his frustration clear.

“That changes at Summer Xxxtreme” Vincent said “Because you're going to enter the Lyons Den and it's not just a match. This is going to be a war, no rules and no excuses. No matter how much confidence you have with your past victories over me  this is not going to be a fight you simply walk out of. See now you have a lion backed into a corner with nothing to lose and that makes him more dangerous than he's ever been.”

A confident smirk grows on his face.

“You've always managed to get one over on me Jayden.” Vincent said “I can't deny that, but now you've got it into your head that you will continue to walk over me each and every time and that's just not the way it is. Because this is the Lyon's Den. It's not your world, it's mine and if you enter my world I decide when you walk out, and when it comes to you Jayden I've made the decision that you don't walk out.”

A sick laugh exits his lips.

“You can whine and complain all you want about me taking away your championship opportunity.” said Vincent “But the reality is even had you won that match you wouldn't be the world champion right now. If you won that match our world champion would still be Alex Jones.”

He rises from the edge of the ring standing on his feet now.

“You're at the point now.” Vincent said "Where all you're going to be able to talk about are your victories over me. You’re going to tell me how stupid I am for wanting another fight against the man who's defeated me twice but I don't measure myself in wins and losses.  I measure myself by action, and my actions have left you laid out like a little bitch every time.”

He laughs again.

“And what did you choose to retaliate with?” Vincent said “Dumping sewage on my sister and myself like some Great Value Jackass bit? At the time it pissed me off but then I came to realize all it meant is that you have nothing left. You're forced to resort to childish antics and games. In your mind you have it all wrapped up and that is exactly where I need you to be.”

He pauses shortly.

“Because you're going to be going into this match over confident” said Vincent “You're going to assume that your two victories over me means that this is going to be a walk in the park for you. It's allowed you to create this illusion of yourself that isn't real. The illusion that you're somehow better than me.”

He shakes his head, scoffing.

“Even if I fall again Jayden and your hand gets raised.” Vincent said "You won't be able to forget me, you won't forget the fight and I will live in your head forever. But I'm not going to fall this time Jayden that I fucking swear to you this time you're the one who stays down.”

He slams a fist down on the mat next to him.

“This is this going to be a message to every little punk out there who thinks they can run their mouth and not face consequences.” said Vincent “Because make no mistake about it Jayden, that's all you are. Just a little punk and people like you need to be put down.”

Another heavy exhale.

“I'm not walking into Summer Xxxtreme just looking for a victory.” said Vincent "I'm walking in to end the rivalry. I'm walking in to dismantle the wall I can't seem to break because I'm done living in the shadow of my own potential.”

He pauses but keeps his gaze steady on the camera.

“Your overconfidence has allowed you to step into something you're not ready for.” said Vincent “Each and every time I left you laid out was a warning. A warning of what's really coming for you. Now you're stepping into something where the end result for you is going to be your body hitting the mat like a sack of potatoes and not getting back up.”

He laughs, relishing the idea.

“You're a piece of shit Jayden.” Vincent said. “An arrogant little prick who doesn't know when to shut his mouth. That's why I'm going to have to shut it for you because I'm sick and tired of hearing you whining about me taking your world championship opportunity as if you ever had a chance to win the damn thing anyway.”

He shakes his head in disgust, truly showing his disdain for Jayden.

“This is going to be your reckoning Jayden Harris” said Vincent “Your ultimate humiliation because when your body goes crashing into that mat and your vision begins to fade you'll realize that none of your victories over me meant anything. You will realize that all along I was always the better man and then you'll be forced to watch me get all the opportunities that you wish were yours. The only thing you'll be able to do about it is the same thing you always do, whine and complain.”

Vincent pauses to take a breath.

“You're not going to be fighting the same man that you hold those two victories over that you love boasting about so much." said Vincent “You're fighting the man you created because of those victories. Every time your name was called as the winner every time I lost I learned and I evolved. But you're still the same loudmouth little prick you always were.”

He pauses again.

“This ring doesn't belong to the loudest man.” Vincent said “It belongs to the last man standing. The one who stands tallest at the end of the war and when our war comes to an end at Summer Xxxtreme, this time it's going to be me. Be prepared Jayden be very prepared. It's the only shot you're going to have because no matter how much you prepare you're not going to be ready for the monster that I've become the monster that you helped create.”

He laughs.

“The worst part is you'll ignore all of these warnings.” said Vincent "You'll tell me my words don't matter because you've already proved yourself against me. You'll call me things like a punk bitch and say that I'm not a real man. You'll probably make some gross implications about my sister and myself to help feed your own weird fetish.”

He pauses again with a quiver of the lip.

“When they remember our war.” Vincent said “They'll remember this night, and they'll remember that at the end of the day Vincent Lyons Jr may have lost some battles along the way but in the ultimate battle he finally put Jayden Harris down.  They will remember that Vincent Lyons Jr was the one who ended up winning the war, because Jayden Harris didn't have the stamina to play the long game.”

He takes another short pause.

“You've had your wins and you had your laughs," said Vincent "You got to pad that precious record of yours. But there will be no more games or jokes when we clash on the Princess Cruise. Only fists and me making you realize that you are never in my league to begin with.”

Vincent lunges forward and punches the camera, the lens cracks and the camera falls to the ground still working as it gets a shot of Vincent's feet walking out of frame before it fades to black.

__________

Vincent sat crossed legged on the floor of his room surrounded by his wrestling gear and a half zipped duffle bag in front of him, when he heard Victoria walk in.

“You packing your entire wardrobe?” she said jokingly.

“Just the stuff that matters.” Vincent replied, "I need to make sure I have everything I need to beat Jayden Harris.”

“And that includes your old wrestling gloves? You hardly ever use those why are you bringing them out this time?” Victoria asked, motioning to the pair of gloves on the bed still stained by the blood of a war past.

“They're a reminder of the wars I had in the past.” Vincent said “The victims I bloodied before Jayden, I intend to add his blood to the collection.”

“You mean you never even washed them?” Victoria said.

“I like the reminder."  Vincent said "I like to remember my fallen victims, the special occasions when I really had to punish somebody and now it's Jayden Harris's turn to earn a spot next to all of them.”

“So those stains are like trophies?” Victoria asked

“Something like that.” nodded Vincent “This one here near the wrist that one's from your ex-husband.”

“Yeah I don't need to be reminded about Ace.” Victoria replied “I was so young and stupid.”

“I warned you I was a bad idea.” said Vincent “But you went and married him anyway.”

“I was young and stupid.” Victoria said, a slight shift in her tone “But we're divorced now and I haven't thought about him in years.”

“Well I'm sure he didn't forget me.” Vincent said “You break my sister's heart, I break your face.”

“I remember the first time you punched someone on my behalf.” Victoria said “You punched that kid in middle school.”

“Blake Webber.” Vincent replied “I remember.”

“You broke his nose Vincent.” Victoria said with a laugh.

“Well he shouldn't have been in your face like that.” Vincent said “And maybe he should have had his hall pass.”

“Yeah maybe he should have.” Victoria said and the two of them laughed together.


“I really need to win this one Vicks.” said Vincent “This time I need to really make an example out of Jayden Harris.”

“Just don't overthink it then.” Victoria replied “You've already gotten into his mind. Just the thought of you is driving him crazy. He's completely obsessed with the idea that you screwed him out of winning that elimination chamber and the very thought of you just throws him off his game. If you ask me you've already won.”

“I just need to make sure he never forgets.” Vincent said “And the Lion's Den is the only way to do that.”

“You know this will only be the third one in history.” Victoria said “Dad won the first one against his old rival Adam Simon, and the second one…..”

“The second one dad lost.” Vincent said “Against Coach Kaiser I remember. The teacher and the mentor. Dad was beginning to wind down because he was raising us, but coach was still at the height of his career being the little shithead that he was.”

“Dad wanted to bring him down a few pegs.” said Victoria “Back then coach was as callous as they come and he ended up smashing a brick into dad's skull.”

“Amazing they were able to become friends again after that.” Vincent said.

“Yeah Dad could be very forgiving like that.” said Victoria.

“Either way I won't be losing this one.” said Vincent “I am going to beat the fuck out of Jayden Harris.”

“Well I believe in you.” said Victoria.

“Sometimes I feel like you're the only one that does.” Vincent said

“Well I'm your sister.” she said nudging him with her elbow. “It's kind of my job.”

“I have to win this one.” Vicks he said.

“Then go win it.” she said looking at him in the eye “Because Jayden Harris is expecting the same Vincent he faced off the last two times. This time he has no idea what's coming.”

They sit in silence for a moment before he looks up at her with a confident smile and a nod.

“Now come on. Mom said dinner is going to be at 6:00 , so if you don't get to the main house soon I'm going to eat your steak “ Victoria said.

“You wouldn't dare.” Vincent said, grinning at her.

“Watch me.” she said, grabbing the gloves and throwing them in his face before escaping out the door with him chasing after her.

“Hey wait up!, don't eat my steak!” he called out.

__________

The camera springs to life in a darkened locker room. Vincent Lyons Jr sits among the shadows on a wooden bench, shirtless and sweaty with a towel around his neck, the camera catching his expressionless gaze.

“Congratulations Jayden. You've beaten me twice.” Vincent said “I'm sure you'll hammer that point right into the ground, and talk about how that makes you the favorite, the safe bet because you've got the winning record.”

Vincent laughs a hideous laugh.

“But people like you don't understand some of us don't care about records.” Vincent continued “Some of us don't care about the headlines, or who the fans want to be next up. Some of us only care about the pain.”

He holds up a pair of old blood stained gloves to the camera.

“You see these Jayden?” Vincent said "I only bring these out for special occasions. Because each stain on this is a reminder of blood I had to spill, bones I had to crack, and hard lessons I had to teach. Now I'm going to add one more name to the collection.”

He pauses for a moment.

“Yours.”  he says with a sinister grin.

Keeping his eyes on the camera he rests the gloves down next to him.

“You ever wonder why you can't stop thinking about me.” said Vincent “Because even with your wins I still live in your head. My name still rots at your brain. You can't get over the fact that I took a potential World Championship opportunity from you. It's eating you alive. It drives you crazy that you can't get rid of me so now this is going to be your opportunity to try.”

Vincent laughs.

“But don't make the mistake of thinking you've seen everything I've got.” said Vincent “Because you've seen nothing yet. But you know what I think?  I think I've taken everything you've got to give. I don't think you have anything left in you either other than your insults and your constant reminders of your two victories over me.”

Vincent smirks confidently.

“So Jayden “I have two victories over you.” Harris” Vincent said. “Are you going to continue that broken record bit when I beat you at Summer Xxxtreme? Will that be how you convince yourself that you're loss didn't matter because you still have a two to one lead over me?”

Vincent pauses for a moment.

“I mean you're going to have to think of something.” Vincent said “You're going to have to think of some sort of excuse to make yourself feel better after the beating that I'm going to give you. After the humiliation that you're going to endure at the hands of Vincent Lyons Jr,  after the trauma I'm going to inflict upon you inside of the Lyons Den.”

He pauses again for a moment.

“It's been fun, Jayden Harris.” Vincent said “But it ends here. The best part is when I win this, maybe I'll move on to capture a championship and you'll be forced to continue waiting. Wouldn't it be great if I became a champion here before you?”

Vincent laughs to himself.

“You have no chance at survival this time.” Vincent said "Because I will sink the entire Princess Cruise if that's what it takes to put you down. This will be the end of Jayden Harris, and I'm going to be the one standing tall at the end of the war.”

He picks the gloves up and looks at them with a twisted smile, looking back up to the camera one more time with the dark smile still on his face as the scene feeds to black.

[Jayden]

FLASHBACK -- September 8th, 2015

Slowly the car was coming to a stop there in the driveway. Jayden sat there looking miserable and cranky. A trademark for the teenager. Yet today there was a bit of a reason for it. That reason went along with the ice-pack that he held against his cheek. The bloody tissue paper hanging out his nose and the slight bruise that was starting to form over his eye. As soon as the car came to a complete stop. Carmen looked up into the rearview mirror at her son.

CARMEN: You know we’re going to have to talk to your father about this.

JAYDEN: No.

CARMEN: Yes, we do. He’s going to question why you are home on a school day in the middle of the day.

JAYDEN: Then you tell him!

CARMEN: I understand you are frustrated right now. Lots happened today. Your body hurts. Your ego and pride hurts. I know, baby. I really do, but this isn’t a conversation I can really have for you. It’s a conversation you need to have with him. It’s only going to make you feel better in the end.

JAYDEN: How is it going to make me feel better? How is telling him that I got beat up and that I lost a fight is going to make me feel better?!

CARMEN: I don’t know for certain, but these are the types of talks father and son have to have. Just trust me on this one will you?

JAYDEN: No, I am not trusting you on this. No, I am not talking to him. I just want to go to my room!

He sat there glaring back up at his mother in the front seat. Her expression changed right away. Her arms folded across her chest. Instantly making the teenager regret his choice of words.

CARMEN: Jayden David! ¡No me hagas repetirlo!

JAYDEN: Fiiiiine!

His Spanish was far more advanced than his peers at school. Thanks to his step mother constantly speaking it around him. He understood enough of it to know she wasn’t playing any games with him. In a frustrated state he opened the back door and stepped up. Keeping the ice-pack against his cheek. Yanking his backpack out with him and then slamming the door shut. Everything about him ooze his father’s attitude. Something Carmen had to be telling herself as she followed him inside.

Jayden already knew where his father was on a day off from the road. Out in the gym. He carried himself through the living room. To a set up of steps that lead to the basement. Gripping the hand rail as he began to walk down those steps. Very reluctantly, if it wasn’t for the fear of God that Carmen had put into him with how she and his father both handled discipline. Along with her being right behind him. Jayden wouldn’t have been walking down the steps. Soon enough though he hit the bottom of them.

Sure enough there stood his father. The wrestling icon and legend in the making. Lying under the bench press. Lifting weight that Jayden couldn’t even phantom trying to do himself. And he was turning into an athlete at his age already. The heavy metal music that was blaring throughout the gym came to a stop. Thanks to Carmen’s hand. It led to Michael slamming the bar back down in place and sitting up. Turning around to see his wife and his son.

MICHAEL: What is going on?

CARMEN: We need to have a conversation, please.

MICHAEL: What the hell happened to him? Why is his nose bloody and his face swollen?!

CARMEN: That’s what we need to talk about. Go on Jayden. Explain to your father what happened.

Talk about feeling pressure and a slight intimidation factor. Not that his father aimed to be intimidating to him or any of his siblings. It was just his presence. It was how he carried himself. He was rough around the edges. Expected them all to tow a line. Jayden slowly lowered the ice-pack away from his face. His cheek really had swelled up. That bruise was able to be seen more clearly. His father grew a bit frustrated with the sight and the fact nothing was coming from his son.

MICHAEL: I’m waiting, son!

JAYDEN: I got in a fight at school today.

MICHAEL: Got into a flight? Because everything I am seeing right now looks like it was one sided and you got your ass beat. What was the fight over?

JAYDEN: There was this girl. I was thinking about asking to go to the school dance next weekend. Some other kid didn’t like it and got in my face.

MICHAEL: Did a whole hell of a lot more than get in your face. You better start spilling all the details Jayden!

JAYDEN: He said he already asked her or something. I said so? Then he punched me... he punched me a few times.

MICHAEL: And did you punch him back?

JAYDEN: No.

MICHAEL: Did you do anything at all?

JAYDEN: No, it all happened so fast. Before I knew it I was on the ground and he was kicking me in the head. That’s where he busted my nose.

MICHAEL: Jesus Christ, Jayden.

His father’s frustration boiled over. This is exactly why Jayden didn’t want to have this talk. He already knew in the back of his head how this was going to turn out. Jayden just knew his father was going to be irritated and more importantly knew he would be disappointed. The teenager watched his father stand up from where he was sitting on the bench press.

MICHAEL: Why didn’t you do anything back?

JAYDEN: I didn’t want to get in any kind of trouble.

MICHAEL: Lord. Where did I go wrong? Where did I go wrong? I didn’t know I was raising my oldest son to be such a fucking pussy.

CARMEN: Michael!

MICHAEL: Carmen. Please stay out of this right now. Let me handle my son.

CARMEN: Our son! Importantly my precious baby boy.

MICHAEL: See. That’s it right there. You’re part of the prob---

CARMEN: I’d watch what you’re about to say right now!

A nasty glare overcame the woman. Her Spanish attitude really taking over as she folded her arms across her chest. Michael’s silence consumed him for the time being.

CARMEN: That’s what I thought. Don’t you think about ever disrespecting me or our son like that ever again. The boy already feels bad enough about what happened. You don’t need to make him feel any worse about the situation. And if you call him out his name again. You’re not going to like the heap I leave you lying in!

Between the two of them there was a very intense glare. They did share similar disciplinary outlooks, but there were times. He took things too far. Just like there were times where she had a soft spot for Jayden. This was one of those times for the both of them. All the tension was high. Making the teengager feel like he had to say something to try and ease it.

JAYDEN: Dad. I’m sorry.

His son’s words brought Michael’s attention back over to the young man.

JAYDEN: I should have done something. You’re right. I just didn’t know what to do.

MICHAEL: That’s not good Jayden. That’s not good at all.

JAYDEN: I know...

MICHAEL: Do you? Do you really know? Because at thirteen years old. I thought I have taught you enough to let you know it’s alright to defend yourself. I thought I have taught you enough that in a situation like this coming up. You would know what to do and how to defend yourself. I thought that I had taught you how cruel the world is. People are going to push you around. People are going to bully you. If they can, they’re going to chew you up, and spit you out with no remorse.

JAYDEN: You have dad. You have. I know the world is cruel. I know people are hateful. It just caught me off guard. I didn’t see it coming.

MICHAEL: And that’s how it is always going to be. You’re never going to see something like this coming. Bullies thrive off the insecurities of others. They’re always going to want to have that upperhand when it comes to the element of surprise. Clearly, I am at fault here. I didn’t make sure you were prepared. I didn’t make sure you were ready for a situation like this. I have to do better.

The pit of Jayden’s gut was turning. It was making him feel sick to his stomach. The hint of disappointment in his father’s voice made him feel the worst. Hearing his father blame him over something that was technically his own fault. It made the teenager regret everything that had taken place today. Yet he didn’t get a chance to dwell on it long. His father spoke up and commanded his attention once again.

MICHAEL: I am going to make sure something like this never happens again. Go upstairs and get yourself cleaned up. Make it quick. To meet me back down here.

CARMEN: Woah. Let’s calm down for a second. Not get ourselves all worked up over the situation. It was a small fight. He knows now it’s okay to defend himself.

MICHAEL: It’s one thing to know it’s okay to defend yourself. It’s another situation to know how to defend yourself. I am going to make sure he knows how. This will never be a thing.

JAYDEN: I’ll just avoid conflict next time.

MICHAEL: No. You’re not a coward. You are going to learn how to fight. One way or another. Don’t care what hoops I gotta jump through or what classes I have to sign you up for.

JAYDEN: Dad...

MICHAEL: I said go get yourself cleaned up. I won’t repeat myself again!

His voice was stern. Jayden knew right then and there he meant business. The teenager turned himself around to make his way out of the gym. As he could hear his father and mother starting to go back and forth over the way his father was choosing to go about things. Up the stairs Jayden went. He was concerned. He was nervous. And there was even a little bit of fear mixed in as well. He didn’t know what his father had planned. Yet it sounded like he was going to have no other option when it came to finding out.

PRESENT DAY -- July 11th, 2025

It was often that Jayden found himself in Chicago these days. Home was in New Orleans, but today he was in the city to handle some business. A day that was going to require him to be very busy. Yet with being an athlete. He had to find time to squeeze in a work out. Especially with that fight with Vincent coming up. At that moment Jayden was pulling the doors open to a gym that he hadn’t been to in a long time. Wasn’t just your usual gym though. It was a gym dedicated to mixed martial arts.

All types of classes were taught inside this gym. From boxing to jiu jitsu. Lots of his teenage years were spent in some of those classes. Helping build himself as a man and as a fighter. Jayden walked through the gym until he found a small corner where the speed bag was. Taking the backpack off his shoulder and tossing it down against the wall. Reaching into the bag for a brief moment to pull out some tape. Wrapping up his fists rather quickly. Nothing professional, just enough to protect them a bit.

“ Let’s see if I can still do this. ”

As he spoke out loud to himself. Jayden tossed the tape down on top of his bag and found himself turning towards the speed bag. Starting with a left jab against it. Causing it to swing back some. Jayden brought his right fist forward for another quick jab against it. In some aspects this type of training was like riding a bicycle. It came back to you once you got back into the swing of things. He had the fundamentals down, but it was clear he was not as quick as he once was. Not as clean and as focused as he once was. Suddenly he heard a voice from behind him.

“ I believe I taught you better than that, junior. ”

Jayden’s fists came to a stop. Turning his head around to see an older man starting to approach him. He couldn’t have been that much older than his father. The expression on the man’s face clicked in his brain. Jayden instantly felt like he knew who this man was.

JAYDEN: Lue? Is that you?

His eyebrow arched up a little more. That older man finally approached him. Extending his hand in Jayden’s direction. He gladly accepted it.

LUE: Who else do you think it would be, kid?

JAYDEN: It’s been a long time! Last I heard you didn’t work here anymore.

LUE: I don’t. My days of training are well behind me, but my grandson has taken an interest in karate. Took him to the best place in the city to learn from. Years and years here. Everyone knows what they’re doing. Well, almost everyone.

JAYDEN: I imagine a lot has changed. Even if it was only seven or eight years ago you were in here training me.

LUE: Training that clearly went in one ear and out the other.

The older man found himself shaking his head a little bit.

LUE: I know I taught you better than that. You don’t start cold and go right into hitting the bag. You need to get yourself warmed up first. Lots and lots of stretching. Making sure all those muscles are ready for what you are about to put them through. Then your cardio. Jogging. Jump Rope. All of those things and then you make your way over to the bag.

JAYDEN: Trust me Lue. I haven’t forgotten a lot of those fundamentals you taught me when I was young. It’s just one of those things. I am a little pressed for time. Cutting a couple corners today just to make sure I get some type of workout in.

LUE: Ahhh! And what did I tell you back then? Hmmm? About cutting corners.

JAYDEN: That there are no shortcuts to becoming a great fighter. No one cuts corners and ends up being talked about as an all time great.

LUE: Exactly! You are not a lazy man Jayden. You and I both know that cutting corners is one hundred percent going to make you lazy. All those years you had all this potential. I don’t want to see you wasting it now that you're older.

For a moment Jayden just looked at that older man. He had respect because of everything that was taught to him. Yet some of these old heads just didn’t know where to back off. That was the frustrating part for the Brat. Despite feeling that frustration. Jayden kept himself in check.

LUE: What did you end up making of yourself anyway? All those years ago when your father signed you up for some of those classes. He sounded very convinced this was going to help you find some kind of killer instinct buried inside you. Ever find it?

JAYDEN: I don’t really remember everything from back then, but I didn’t go on to be a boxer or anything like that. I do use what you taught me as a way to train, spar, and once in a blue moon. I introduce it into my arsenal of moves with my wrestling career.

LUE: Like the fake shit your old man did?

JAYDEN: Hey, hey. Let’s watch that shit. My father made a living for my entire family off of it. And now I am doing the same for my own family.

LUE: I am sorry Jayden. I am. It’s just something that I do not understand. Didn’t get it then. Don’t get it now, but if it pays the bills. I’ve got no business in judging.

Holding his hands up in the air for a moment. Showing his ability to be as non judgemental as possible. Although he should count his lucky stars he called wrestling ‘fake’ to the right person. There were a lot of people that still didn’t take kindly to that comment.

JAYDEN: But, all of that training is going to pay off in a few weeks. Next match I have isn’t classified as a match. It’s being classified as a fight. Every submission hold I was ever taught is legal. My fists are legal. Takedowns are legal. It’s going to be fun to finally test myself in a setting like that.

LUE: Interesting. Sounds like a shoot fight. Any styles involved. This person you’re facing? Do they have any kind of background? Anything that you should be taking into consideration?

JAYDEN: Any legitimate flight background? No, I don’t think so. For someone that talks as much shit as he does. Hides behind his sister and is only puffing out his chest when he sneak attacks someone. I’d say that I am most likely right. Only background he has is being a pussy.

LUE: You can’t call yourself a man if you’re willing to hide behind a female or if you’re willing to constantly hit another man from behind.

JAYDEN: My point exactly.

LUE: But if this is what you are saying it is. If this is truly about a fight. That has nothing to do with being labeled a man. He very well could be dangerous in hand to hand combat.

For that brief second it made Jayden think and take something into consideration that he hadn’t done prior to this moment.

LUE: You’re an adult now Jayden. I am not your trainer. You’ve got no reason to listen to me after all this years. I will however say. The fight game has changed. It has changed a lot. Lot more cowards have entered the fight game. They are known for suckering people in. Something that you might need to keep stored up top. Don’t let him have a mental edge over you.

The older man reached out and proceeded to give Jayden a small pat on his shoulder.

LUE: It was nice catching up with you, junior. Wish you the best of luck out there.

JAYDEN: Thanks Lue. Thanks a lot.

He stood there watching the older man walk away. Within a few seconds of the man disappearing out of eyesview. Jayden instantly turned towards the very bag he had brought into the gym. Unzipping it wide enough to pull out his set of jump ropes. Holding the ends out with both hands as he took them behind them and stepped forward. Speaking out loud to himself once again.

“ You’re not going to catch me lacking, Vincent! ”

Following his words Jayden swung the jump rope ahead of him and found himself starting to leap over it. Within seconds he found himself in a very fast pace setting. Swinging the rope quickly and clearing it with every jump. Practically bouncing off the tips of his toes with each jump he made. Until this moment Jayden just thought Vincent was blowing smoke. Simply thought the man was biting off more than he could chew. Then reality hit. The name of the game had changed in a big way. This wasn’t a wrestling match. This was a fight. A legitimate fight. He had to be at his best, because if he lost in a setting like this. He would never be able to live it down!


With the scene opening up. The back of Jayden’s head could be seen as he was sprinting towards a gate that was clearly designed to keep people out. He leaped onto the gate and then used his hands to pull himself up to the top of it. Swinging his legs right over it and then dropping down. A thud could be heard before the cameras could get close enough to where he had leaped. Seeing him standing there on the dirt floor. From behind the cameras a voice could be heard.

“ Jayden! This is not smart. This is not smart at all. Get the hell out of there! ”

Those words were falling on deaf ears. Jayden shook his head a brief moment before looking back at the camera and the cameraman.

“ Keep it rolling. Whatever happens, just keep it rolling. ”

He turned himself around and started to walk further across that dirt ground. The cameraman zoomed in a little bit. Revealing that Jayden was face to face with what looked like a man built cave. From inside that cave a very fierce roar could be heard. Almost as soon as that roar was heard. Slowly and menacingly a pack of lions could be seen coming out from the depths of it. Their eyes locked on the man threatening their habitat. Jayden remained still and calm. As the camera's audio picked up on what he was saying.

“ Stepping into the Lions Den. That is a phrase that has been heard for years. It’s meant to describe how dangerous a situation can be. And how fitting it is, because there is nothing more dangerous than stepping into a Lion’s Den. It is their home. It is their habitat. It is where they are meant to feel safe and security. It is where they are meant to feel the most at peace. Anything and anyone that enters it. Deserves exactly what’s coming to them. They knew the risks! ”

Although his voice was in a calm manner. Not too excited. Not angry or anything like that. The fact that his presence was even in the den and then he made noise. That was a mistake. That pack started to further adventure outside of the den. The alpha male sat directly in front of Jayden just a few feet away. Snarling at him. All while the other four lions decided to venture out around him. Slowly starting to circle around him. He remained calm still.

“ Vincent. It wasn’t that long ago I decided to give you all the ability in the world to call the shots. I told you. You could name the match. You could name the stipulations. You could choose whatever environment we found ourselves in. all because you wanted a fight with me. And now I can admit that maybe. Just maybe I was a little over confident. Maybe just maybe I was a little cocky. Because you’ve made the choice. It’s you and I at Summer XXXtreme. No ropes. No wrestling. No fancy moves. It’s all about throwings hands, being skilled enough to take down an opponent, and using whatever submission game you might have in your arsenal.

You have undoubtedly made sure that the winner is truly going to be just that. As there is no other way to win unless it’s by a vicious Knockout. You choke the life out of your opponent to the point they either tap out or pass out. Or if somehow we are both just such strong individuals we take the best shot the other has. That the referee has to step in to make a decision on who the winner shall be. Very smart of you. Something I didn’t exactly expect when you said this was going to be a fight. Yet that’s not the most dangerous part. No, you took it a step further. By making this a Lyons Den fight. Something that gives you the advantage. As the ropeless ring will be surrounded by men just waiting to bounce on us. ”

About that time one of those female lions moved in a little closer. For no other reason than to get a sniff of the intruder in their den. Staying perfectly still knowing what would become of him. If he had any sudden movements. Or even made a second. Waiting for that lion to back herself off. As soon as she did, he felt comfortable enough to speak.

“ Or should I actually say. Those men are going to be waiting to bounce on me. After all, I gave you free reign. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit. If you have hand chosen every one of those lumberjacks. Might be members of your family. Might be men that hate me just as much if not more than you hate me. No matter what the situation is. You have made sure that the cards are in your favor. You have made sure that I am at a disadvantage. You have made sure that I am going to be walking into the most dangerous situation I have ever been in before. As much as I don’t like you. I do have to tip my hat to you. Because like I said before. When this was all said up. I didn’t think you had two brain cells to rub together. Not well enough that would allow you to create an outcome like that.

Now while I do give you props for making sure that my back was going to be against the wall in the most dangerous setting of all. That still doesn't change one thing. It does not change what kind of fighter I intend to be or what kind of fighter that I know that I am. You see Vincent. When I was about thirteen years old. I found out what it was like to be in a fight. This kid beat the hell out of me. Left me with a black eye. Busted my nose wide open. I bled all over the place. He made sure my face swelled up by kicking me in it when I hit the floor. Worst of all, I didn't know how to defend myself. I took that asskicking and then when I got home. My father was very disappointed in me. To the point I felt like I let him down in a way he would never forgive me for. But he made it right.

He made it right by forcing me into taking boxing classes. He forced me into taking kickboxing classes. He forced me into taking jiu jitsu classes. I was already playing basketball and football. Well on my way to being an athlete. Then he made sure I became a fighter. I can admit at first, it wasn’t a passion of mine. It wasn’t something I wanted to do. In fact I didn’t ever want to fight after that situation. Intended to avoid all conflict going forward, but I am thankful my father put me in those classes. Because not only did it teach me how to fight. It taught me self discipline which is something I desperately needed as a young teenager. I have come a long way in ten years. This is why I questioned if you truly wanted a fight with me. My hands are registered. My arenal is lethal. I’m a legitimate fighter. Are you?! ”

His eyebrow arched in a questioning manner. Yet he was very quickly forced to to come to grips with the reality before him. That very moment that alpha lion let out a roar. It seemed like it was a signal. Those other four lions. Stopped in their tracks. Sitting down and glaring at Jayden with that same hungry frightening glare in their eyes as the Alpha Lion.

“ But I guess when you are making me walk straight into the Lyons Den to face you. It doesn’t really matter if you can really fight or not. You got all you need with the danger being on your side. With having every upper hand going into this match. Yet, there is one thing that you are so blindly forgetting. Having this upperhand. Having this dangerous aspect of things. Forcing me to face you in the heart of your Lyons Den. It only has the appeal that it does and gives you the leverage you desire.

If I am willing to fear you. If I show you fear. If I show you how scared I am. If you see a state of panic in my eyes. Then you win. You are going to come out on top with this fight. You are going to get to tell all of Sin City Wrestling. You are the King of the Jungle. Something you have craved since you walked in this place.. but sadly for you. That is not the case Vincent. I am not scared of you. There is no reason for me to show any kind of panic. You are simply not a man worth fearing. Never have been. Never will be. ”

Jayden watched as the Alpha Lion stood up out of his sitting position. Turning his back to him and starting to walk back inside that den. Within seconds the rest of the pride started to follow behind them. Waiting until they had disappeared. Jayden made a dash towards that french. Clearing it in a single bound. Landing right on his feet in front of those cameras. A smirk spread from ear to ear. That risk had paid off. Further proving the point he was making.

“ Vincent. You have been able to prey on the fear of others. It has allowed you to create this belief that you are invincible and that you are able to rule with an iron-fist. Yet, you are about to learn a very harsh lesson. One that involves you understanding. You are not the King of the Jungle. One that has you understanding. You are not the fighter you claim to be. And one that has you understanding.. you will not be able to defeat me. Your Lyons Den is about to become my Kingdom! ”

[Vincent Lyons Jr]

Vincent Lyons Jr sat near one of the rear pools of the Princess Cruise intentionally avoiding one of the big ones where most of the parties happened. That sort of thing just wasn't his scene too loud and the music was repetitive and forgettable.

Only a couple other guests sat here with Vincent at this quiet pool and they too remained quiet, everybody respecting each other's space just minding their own business.

Victoria was off enjoying the luxury of her own private suite. A treatment given to her as one of the SCW champions. He didn't resent her for it, she had earned it and she deserved it.

He hadn't earned a suite and truth be told he hadn't earned anything yet. Being defeated twice by Jayden Harris was constantly racking his mind.

“You're thinking too much.” he heard a voice approach him.

He didn't have to look he knew who it was.

“Coach…” he said “I thought you were here for Eddie's wedding…”

“I am.” said Coach Kaiser taking a seat next to him “But you're still one of my students. Besides Eddie's off at the casino with Cleo and that sort of thing is not my scene.”

“Oh right… the wedding” said Vincent “The one Victoria and I weren't invited to.”

“Well that's Lyons family issues and I can't get involved in that.“ said coach Kaiser with a shrug “But I can still be your coach. So what is it that's troubling you, let me guess Jayden Harris?”

“Just thinking…” said Vincent

“Thinking…” Coach Kaiser said “That's what gets people killed in a Lyon's Den match. You can't think too much because that's going to make you hesitate, and if you hesitate even for a moment inside the Lyon's Den it's over.”

“You would know.” Vincent replied

“I would…” said Coach Kaiser "I'm the only one on this ship who has participated in a Lyons Den match, one of the only two in history.”

“You beat my father…” said Vincent nodding. “I know the story..”

"Curb stomped a brick straight into his skull." Coach Kaiser replied. “No finesse or technical ability. I beat him because I was willing to go somewhere he wasn't. I was willing to lose a part of myself to get the win.”

“He was your mentor.” Vincent said looking over at Coach Kaiser.

“Yeah well I was a different person then….” said Coach Kaiser "I let this business allow me to become an arrogant asshole who was only ever out for himself. It was just a different time. If you want to win this you're going to have to tap into something deep in the dark corners of your mind.”

“You're really encouraging me to be violent?” said Vincent.

“I'm telling you how to win.” said Coach Kaiser “I'm not talking to Eddie right now, this isn't about honor or dignity or any of that. I'm not a one note coach. I watch my students and I teach them how to win by being true to themselves, so yeah with someone like Eddie, he's going to fight for honor and glory because that's who he is. But you fight because you have something inside you that just wants to hurt something. You didn't come to SCW for hugs and handshakes, you came to SCW because there's something unfinished inside of you.”

“I'm just worried about what happens if I don't get the job done." Vincent “Jayden has already defeated me twice. What does it mean if I can't beat him in this match? I can’t be seen as a loser.”

Kaiser exhaled with a nod.

“That's just real normal fear.” he said "But if you want my advice, don't try to earn something out there. Just go in there and break him, take everything, make sure the third time is the last time that anyone questions whether or not you belong in SCW.”

“You're making sound so easy.” said Vincent “But you've never been in there with Jayden. I've been humiliated and defeated twice by him.”

“It won't be easy.” said Coach Kaiser “I've seen Jayden work. It's going to be a tough fight but you think I've never lost? I've never been outclassed and exposed? The truth is most of us lose more than we win but it's about how you lose that truly matters.”

Vincent says nothing just listens.

“You go out there and beat Jayden you make a statement, and finally put this whole thing to rest." Kaiser said "But if you lose then you need to make it say just as much, did you drag him to hell even though he defeated you and make him earn every second of it?”

Vincent simply continue to listen.

“Look Vince..” Coach Kaiser continued "Jayden has had your number but that can change,  especially in a match like this. The Lyons Den doesn't care about records,  it doesn't care how many times you've lost or won before. It only cares about the moment, the right now, and in this moment you're alive and breathing with something to prove. So stop overthinking everything, go out there and finish it.”

Vincent nodded, he didn't always listen to his Coach but he was hearing his words this time.

“I'll leave you to your solitude.” said Coach Kaiser patting Vincent on the shoulder “Just remember pain doesn't scare you. That’s not what holds you back,  you're worried about being forgotten but as long as you fight like hell then win or lose people will know you belong. Win or lose you better leave a piece of yourself with Jayden Harris and a piece of Jaden Harris left in The Lyons Den.”

With that Kaiser turned to take his leave and leave Vincent to his peace and quiet.

“Remember the only real loss is not showing up.” said Coach Kaiser looking back at Vincent one last time before exiting the pool area.

Jayden Harris wasn't just an opponent anymore he was a blood rival and when they got into the Lions Den there would be nobody to pull them apart, no ropes to slide under and no room to hide. It was just going to be him and Jaden Harris and the violence they were going to create.

And he was willing to go as far as he needed to in order to have his name called as the victor, no matter what he had to leave behind

__________

The cameras open on Vincent on an upper deck of the Princess Cruise at nighttime. Vincent looks off to the horizon as the camera slowly approaches him as he turns around his eyes burning with contempt.

“That was a cute story you told Jayden.“ Vincent began “It told me the very different worlds we both come from because you're not the only one who got into a fight when you were thirteen years old.”

Vincent pauses for a moment.

“Where you got your ass kicked, your words not mine.” said Vincent “I did the ass kicking. This little son of a bitch named Blake Webber had my sister cornered and was screaming in her face. She was one of the hall monitors and had apparently caught him without his pass so when she turned him in he got a detention and wanted to take his anger out on her. All because she was doing her duty.”

Vincent pauses again.

“So I went over there and punched him in the face.” said Vincent “Told him he wasn't going to call my sister a bitch and get away with it. Broke his nose too. Of course his detention got turned into a suspension and I got suspended as well but you know what my father did?”

Vincent smirked.

“He praised my actions.”  Vincent said “Told me I did a good job protecting my sister. He didn't need to take me to any boxing lessons because I've always been a fighter. I've always known how to fuck somebody up. Both of our dads were wrestlers Jayden,  so why the hell did you not know how to fight by thirt fucking teen? Your dumbass father should have been made a fighter out of you by that time, so maybe that one's on Michael.”

Vincent shrugs.

“I will say you standing around those Lions looked good on camera.” said Vincent, “But that's not what this is. The Lyons Den isn't some theatrical stunt,  or about any sort of symbolism, this is just about you and me having a fight where there's nowhere to run. No ropes to escape under, nowhere to go when things get bad and I promise you they're going to get bad Jayden. They're going to get real bad.”

Vincent laughs to himself and there's an eerie darkness filling his eyes.

“You really think I'm just coming for the submission Jayden?” Vincent said “That I just want to tap or choke you out? Then you're already underestimating me because I'm coming to hurt you Jayden. I'm coming for that vicious knockout, I'm coming to cave in your fucking skull. The Princess Cruise is going to have to make an emergency stop so they can peel your body off the mat and take your unconscious body to the hospital.”

He exhales heavily.

“And those registered fists of yours?” Vincent said “Not a concern of mine. I don't need any registration to know what my fists can do because I promise you I can throw hands all day long. Blake Webber wasn't the first. There are others throughout school that I had to handle for various reasons be it insulting my sister or bullying my cousin Eddie. I was the one that fought and defended my family, and even in my adult life I had to beat the shit out of my sister's ex-husband Ace, little prick that he was.”

Vincent pauses shortly again.

“So if you question if my fists are ready…” Vincent said “Yeah my fists are ready. They always are, always have been my entire life. Because that's what I am, a fighter and a protector.”

He keeps his eyes locked on the camera.

“You sounded to me like you were trying to paint yourself as some sort of underdog going into this match," said Vincent “But you've already beaten me twice, you've proven your so-called dominance but yet here we are again. Because you didn't kill me Jayden you just woke me up and created a monster.”

Vincent smirks grimly.

“The first time, it stung.” Vincent said “And the second one haunted me. But I see it clearly now,  you didn't bury me Jayden you shaped me. You made me stronger, and now you're going to fall victim to the monster you unintentionally created.”

He laughed to himself again.

“I chose this match because I had to.” Vincent said “I chose this match because we need to end this. I chose this match because that ropeless ring is going to be my blank canvas that I paint with your blood. The men surrounding the ring are just there to make sure there is no escape, maybe toss us a weapon or two. But you need to let go of your concern about them. I'm certainly not picking them, that's up to Underwood and Ward. In any case it's not them you need to focus on, it's me.”

Vincent pauses shortly.

“You say not scared but I don't believe you.” said Vincent “The way you talked this time showing concern about the surrounding lions that may or may not decide to bounce on you.  You sounded concerned when you talked about your back being against the wall. You don't sound like your usual confident and cocky self so I know whether you admit it or not somewhere deep in there is some sort of fear.”

Exhale.

"So you can spew all your lies about how pain doesn't phase you and tell yourself you're not scared." said Vincent "But when you step into the lion's den and that bell rings you'll realize real fast that none of it matters. You've already proven you can beat me Jayden now you're fighting to survive me.”

Vincent pauses for a moment letting the ocean air flow around him.

“And this time I'm going to put an end to you," said Vincent "For every moment you embarrassed me, every smug look you gave after pinning me. It's all coming back to you with interest.”

He pauses shortly again.

“I do hope you have a good time on the cruise before our match.” said Vincent “Because once we get in that ring there's going to be nothing but blood and fury. When this cruise comes to an end, you won't be walking out under your own power. They'll be taking you out on a stretcher.  Because you're not going to be defeated, you're just going to be broken. Beating me twice didn't make you better, it only made you interesting enough for me to care. It's time for closure now Jayden and for you the only end is going to be your eternal silence.”

He exhales one more time, keeping a confident and furious gaze on the camera as everything fades to black.

__________

It was late and most of the passengers were elsewhere dancing and laughing over drinks some talked into their beds the open water lulling them to sleep.

Vincent moved alone through the hallway, the quiet bringing him peace. He moved alone with his hoodie drawn over his head and his hands in his pockets, the usual scowl chiseled into his face.

Then he saw it. A glossy display board with an advertisement for Summer Xxxtreme. He stopped and stared.

It showed him and Jayden an advertisement for their Lions Den match. Jayden looked practically glowing, posture upright and eyes determined looking like a man with the whole world behind him.

The image of Vincent was there beside him glaring and brooding in the shadows as though he were an afterthought to his own fight.

“Of course they made you look like that.” Vincent muttered to himself.

He took a step closer, eyes locked on Jayden's half smile.

“He really thinks this ends with him standing tall.“ Vincent said scowling

He glared at the poster at Jayden taking it as a message, whether intentional or not, that Jayden was the story and Vincent was the lesson.

“He always looks so damn sure of himself.” Vincent said in a low voice.

He looked into Jayden's eyes on the poster.

“You think this is your moment that you're going to beat the big bad wolf three times and become some sort of hero?” Vincent said in a humorless tone. " You're no hero Jayden, you're just a man desperate for his own validation. So upset because I robbed you of a championship opportunity because you need that championship to make yourself feel validated.”

He exhales, looking at the image of himself

“And you.” he said “Do you know what it means to keep losing into the same man? What it does to your name and your legacy? The one that really needs to wake up is you. You know you're better than he is, so put and end to him. Make him suffer. Like Coach Kaiser was telling you don't think just do.”

He shifted his gaze back to Jayden.

“I bet you wake up thinking you're better than me.” he muttered “But you're not, you're nothing but a fake that's chasing your own fairy tale about hard work and discipline playing off. But it's not going to pay off for you this time. Everything you fought for, everything you think you have now Jayden is coming to an end at my hands.”

That smirk on Jayden's face was infuriating him, all he wanted was to wipe it off his face he raised the hand and pressed his stomach against the image dragging it down from his cheek all the way across his mouth, leaving behind a slight but noticeable smudge.

“If you think this is your story Jayden.” Vincent said “Then I'm going to burn the whole damn book. You do not leave the Lyons Den the same. Whatever happens no matter who wins you will leave a broken man. That is the only certainty I know of.“

He looked over to himself again.

“You hear me?” he said “Even if Jayden does manage to squeak out a victory here,  you break him. You make him leave less of a man no matter what. You take an eye if you need to, take both if it pleases you. But if you're going to let him leave with the victory, you don't let him leave in one piece.”

He looked at Jayden again.

“And you better hope you do win Jayden.” said Vincent “Because a victory is going to be the only positive thing you can hope for coming out of this match.”

He takes a step back from the poster looking at it one more time, before pulling his hoodie over his head and turning to walk down the hall. The smear on Jayden's face remained on the poster. Faint enough to be missed by the casual eye but visible enough to matter.

__________

The cameras open on an open deck of the Princess Cruise where Vincent Lyons Jr stands at the railing overlooking the open water.

He lets the quiet linger at first staring into the camera, the sound of waves crashing against the boat, the only sound breaking through the quiet tension.

“There's something beautiful about the open water isn't there Jayden?" Vincent said. "It's endless and unforgiving and can swallow you whole if you go the wrong way. Trust me, I know. I've experienced it.”

A short bitter laugh exits his lips.

“It's sort of like this business isn't it?” Vincent continued “Because the ocean doesn't care how many matches you've won, or your work ethic, or any sort of comeback story you fall in the water and it buries you just the same.”

He pauses for a moment.

“Just as I plan to bury Jayden Harris.” Vincent in a venomous tone. "I'm tired of him walking around like his victories over me mean something. Sure the record books will show it and they'll highlight his name but I know the truth I know that Jayden Harris is a fraud.”

He scoffs

“You have such a desire to hold a championship.” Vincent continued “Because deep down, you know you have nothing else. You need a championship to make yourself relevant and validated. But I'm going to remove any self-validation you've ever had in yourself. You will wonder why those two victories weren't enough to put me down for good you will wonder why you are never able to completely finish me off.”

He smirks.

"The truth is." Vincent said "I'm not walking until I match to get a win for my name to be accepted because I'm done trying to be worthy of anybody else's expectations. I'm walking in there to rip everything away from you. I'm bringing you a version you haven't seen of me yet Jayden. A dark passenger I haven't let out yet that's been suffocating under my own skin looking for a reason to be let out and now he has one.”

He pauses shortly.

“Your own arrogance has led you to this.” Vincent said “You didn't need to accept this fight. You've already beaten me twice that should mean you're better than me,  no questions asked. You should be able to move on to those championship opportunities you desire so much. You should have told me “no I beat you twice go fuck yourself”, but your ego wouldn't let you.”

He laughs to himself again.

“Now I'm going to hurt you.” said Vincent “Because I'm the one with nothing to lose, I lose to you again and nobody bats an eye. You lose and everything I said gets exposed as the truth and you crumble and fall into a pit of your on self-pity wishing you would never accepted this match wishing you would have ended it at two.”

He keeps an intense gaze on the camera.

“I'm going to finish this once and for all." Vincent said “But be warned that I'm not coming to wrestle, and I'm not coming to play fair. I am coming to crack your ribs and make you wish you never got on this ship.  Your own arrogance will become your own downfall because I'm going to drag you under and swallow you whole just like the waters around us.”

He keeps his sinister glare on the camera looking more monster than man as everything fades to black.

_________

[Jayden]

Exhaustion.

That’s what Jayden felt, this very moment. He laid there on the mat covered in sweat. His muscles ached. Truly looking like he had been through the ringer. That’s exactly what it was too. The last two weeks, it was back in the gym like never before. Repolishing his boxing skills. Refocusing on the jiu jitsu from when he was younger. Getting those mat based takedown fundamentals back in check. It was a fight for crying out loud. A fight that he was making sure he was ready for. Breathing heavy as his silence broke.

“ You’ve spent the last two weeks doing everything you could to bury me. Doing everything you could to discredit me. Making sure that you had the spotlight all to yourself. And more than anything doing what you could to have all eyes on you. This is what you are good at, Vincent. You’re good at talking a big game. You’re almost as good at talking a big game as you are attacking people from behind. But the problem is you’re just good at talking. You’re not good at execution. ”

His hands placed against that mat under him. Pushing himself to a seated position. Those aches and pains surging through his exhausted body. Something that he kept telling himself would all be worth it in the end. It just had to be worth it or all of this was for nothing.

“ Along with not being good with execution. You’re also not good at thinking about the outcome. For example because you have spent all this time burying me. Telling the world I don’t matter. That this is a shoe in for you. Not once has the thought crossed your mind of... what if. What if this doesn’t go the way you had pictured it? See, it’s one thing to bury me as a wrestler and to say I don’t matter. That’s the nature of this business. Everyone does it. I let that shit slide right off my back. But to say those things in a fight setting. That’s shit people hold onto for dear life.

If I go out there and just knock you the fuck out. You are going to be laughed at. Not for just a couple weeks. Not for a couple of months. No, you will be laughed at for the rest of your life. Because of just how sure of yourself you were. If I go out there and put you to sleep or force you to tap out. It is going to be the exact same thing. No one will ever trust anything you have to say ever again. No one is going to ever believe that you are who you say that you are. And can you blame them honestly? You would have essentially told them all lies. Who is going to believe a liar after they've been caught?! ”

Rolling to his knees for a brief moment. Before being able to push himself to his feet all the way. His legs felt weak but he managed to keep himself standing.

“ And lord help you. If it turns into a situation where we go out there. The referee has to stop the match and make a decision against your behalf. That’s far worse than just getting knocked out or forced to tap out. You might not think so. You might think it just shows how even things were. Yet, in reality it just shows how much of a bitch you were. It shows you weren’t man enough to actually go out there and get the job done. It shows that you couldn’t make the things happen that you have spent the last two weeks saying would happen. If it turns into a situation like that Vincent. You might as well just jump overboard and never return to shore. Your career is torched... Yet, you got the balls to call me the arrogant one. ”

All he could do at that moment was chuckle.

“ Oddly enough Vincent. I have never denied that I am a little arrogant. I have never denied having an ego. Not once have I ever tried to make it sound like I didn’t have a chip on my shoulder. As a matter of fact Vincent. I am very much in tune with who I am and how I handle business. That’s something that you can’t say about yourself. Which is why you need me. It is why you have continued to target me. It is why you have tried to stretch this out as far as you can. It is why deep down you are hoping and praying that I do not win this fight. Because you don’t want this to end.

And the reason for all of that is because I make you relevant. I help aid this spotlight you have on you. I help continue to make you appear as if you are some type of threat. Being connected to me is what brings you everything you have right now. You know what I am saying is true. Because if I was a liar. Then when you first sign your name to a contract here. It would have been a bigger deal than it was. But no one batted an eye. No one was impressed. No one saw big things in your future. It showed off the rip. If what I am saying right now was a lie. Then people would have backed you up.

When you were claiming to be a legend in the making and declaring you were bound to be the future of this company. Yet, they didn’t. Those statements you were met with eye rolls and laughter behind your back. The mockery that was heard about how you will never be your sister was something else. If what I was saying was untruthful. Then you would have already proven time and time again to be a better wrestler than me. You would be the one that has won every battle leading up to this major war. You would be the one that has your face plastered across posters and billboards.

And to top it all off. If everything I was saying right now about needing me to make you relevant. Needing me to keep you in the spotlight. Needing me to make you seem like you’re worth paying attention to. If all of that was untrue. Then there would be no reason for this ‘fight’ to be taking place between us. There would be no need for this last desperate attempt to prove that without a shadow of a doubt you are better than me. There would be no need at all for the blood shed that is about to take place, but it is happening. Because you do need me! ”

Despite the state of exhaustion he was in. Jayden managed to let that smirk spread across his lips. That arrogance that Vincent had always pointed out shining through.

“ These last few months. I have been kind enough to indulge in letting you use me for your own personal gain. For no other reason than I like confrontation. Maybe more importantly than that I have engaged because I like to fight. However at this point it has become boring for me. It has become obvious that you are not going to change and you do not have the ability to succeed on your own. It has become clear that I am doing nothing more than wasting my time. Cause while you’re out there trying to bury me with words and cling to the spotlight I let you have. I have taken this fight seriously. I have been busting my ass. I have been training with everything. Leaving myself drenched in sweat and feeling exhausted. Clearly showing the difference amongst the two of us. A difference that that will have an outcome leaving you feeling defeated in the worst ways and leave me feeling that sweet sweet satisfaction. ”

Taking a few steps forward. That smirk of his remaining spread across his lips. That ego of his shining even a little more. Highlighting just what his mindset was.

“ I mean this when I say it. Straight up a man that is standing on business. Ten toes down. Vincent when it comes to this fight. When it comes to everything involving the two of us. I simply want it more than you do. Always have, always will. And you’ll find that out soon enough! ”

His eyes showed a sense of pride in them. Every word that came out of his mouth was a word that he truly meant. He had a strong willed mindset and one that no one could break. For better or for worse than made Jayden every bit of who he was. There was never going to be a moment where he doubted himself. Therefore it was going to be up to Vincent to dig down deep within himself in order to come out on top. Because as far as the Brat was concerned. Fate had already been decided.


Roughly twenty four hours from now Jayden would be setting sail on the ocean with the rest of Sin City Wrestling. It was that time again for the cruise. Something that he didn’t even want to think about. Not today. He wanted it to be a relaxing day. Kicked back in his chair in front of his gaming monitor. His headset was half on.

One ear covered to hear the game. The other off in case his attention was needed elsewhere. Specifically his daughter. Yet, that’s not who was going to be seeking attention right this second. That was going to be all left to his wife. Saraia entered the room and started chatting his ear off. Like he was in any position to fully hear her out.

SARAIA: Got all of Amarissa’s things packed. Made sure we got everything we needed as far as sunscreen and stuff goes. Maybe one or two things I still need to pack, but I need some super cute bikinis before we take off. So when are you taking me shopping?

Looking over at him. Jayden was fully locked into the game. His fingers tapping his keyboard. Holding the mouse in his other hand. Rolling her eyes, she stepped over and tugged on the one ear that wasn’t covered. Instantly getting a reaction.

JAYDEN: What the hell?!

Turning himself around. His eyes locked on his wife. Saria just looked at him. Hands on her hips and tapping her foot impatiently.

SARAIA: I said when are you going to take me Bikini shopping?!

JAYDEN: Bikini shopping? For what?

SARAIA: Uh hello! We leave tomorrow on the cruise.

JAYDEN: Wait... We leave tomorrow? No, I leave tomorrow.

SARAIA: I get that your mother didn’t teach you to play nice when you were a baby, but it isn’t a bad thing to share things, papa. All family and friends get to attend this thing. Last I heard. So I am not missing a chance to be spoiled on a cruise.

She was beaming from ear to ear. So much excitement oozed from the woman. Maybe more than anything it meant she got a chance to get away. Sure, she still had to be a mom. But she got to be mom on a cruise instead of mom in the house. Jayden let out a sigh. Knowing this wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. Taking his headset off and tuning away from the computer.

JAYDEN: I know this isn’t something you want to hear, but you’re not going.

SARAIA: You’re cute and all. But you know the rules. Happy wife. Happy life. I’m definitely going.

JAYDEN: You’re not though.

SARAIA: Why not?! Who died and made you boss?!

JAYDEN: The entire reason why you would get to go is because of me in the first place. So that’s kind of what makes me boss in this situation!

He watched her roll her eyes right away. Not exactly a fan of what he was saying or how things were being put to her. Yet that was because she was a woman that just always had to have her way and when she didn’t get it. It was a massive problem and she made it known it was a massive problem. He slowly pushed himself out of the chair he was sitting in.

JAYDEN: I get that we haven’t really done anything since our honeymoon. I understand that you were looking forward to this. But it’s still a work related situation and I really don’t think it is best if you go or our daughter goes.

SARAIA: I hear a lot of words coming out of your mouth. Having a hard time understanding any of them because one they’re not giving me what I want and two as it’s not providing any legitimate reason for why I can’t go.

JAYDEN: It’s dangerous. After what happened last year with my father. Being attacked and being thrown overboard. Making us all think the worst.

SARAIA: What does that have to do with me? Nothing. Nothing at all. Your dad had opps. Man has been known to have shooters for like what fifteen, twenty years? Bound to happen.

JAYDEN: Wow...

SARAIA: You act like what I am saying isn’t right.

She stood there with her hands remaining on her hips. Not really backing down from her statement or stance at hand. Jayden rubbed his temples. Boy oh boy was she a headache at times.

JAYDEN: Like I think it’s dangerous. After all, I went through a year ago. After having a hard time getting back to where I am. It took a toll on you mentally. Trying to prevent you from going through that again.

SARAIA: If you cared enough about my mental and everything you put me through before. Then you would have never returned to wrestling in the first place. My opinion didn’t matter then.

JAYDEN: That’s not true.

SARAIA: You sure about that?

Her eyebrow arched. Forcing him to change the subject.

JAYDEN: Besides it’s not like this is any regular wrestling match either. It’s a legitimate fight. Lots of shit could go wrong. I don’t want to subject you or our child to that.

SARAIA: What could really go wrong?

JAYDEN: Anything. For all I know he lands a lucky punch. I get knocked out. I am confident in my abilities, but anything could happen. If that were to happen. You don’t want to see that.

SARAIA: Says who? Maybe I do. Maybe, I want to get it all on camera. That way I can remind your ass of it every time you try to get lippy and try to get out of spending time with me.

JAYDEN: I don’t even know why I try sometimes. You do not take anything I say seriously and never want to hear anyone else’s opinion.

SARAIA: I’d be more open to hearing people’s opinions if they weren’t trash.

The rubbing of his tempt increased. She was clearly not going to listen to anything that was being said to her. Knowing she was getting her way just had her smirking from ear to ear.

SARAIA: Since we have established your opinion is trash and that you are wrong for not wanting to spend time with your wife. The question remains when are you taking me bikini shopping?

JAYDEN: You know you’re annoying right?

SARAIA: Maybe, but there’s no denying that my ways are effective. I always get what I want in the end.

JAYDEN: I legitimately hate it here!

Shaking his head from side to side. Taking steps forward to walk out of the room. Saraia followed behind him, still beaming from ear to ear. It was bad enough that this fight was even happening. Lots of pressure came from that. And now even more pressure was being added on with his wife being hell bent on being there. After everything that has happened in the last year. The last thing he wanted to do was put her in a situation where she would have to see him in another compromising position, but per usual. Whatever Saraia wanted, Saraia got.


“ This makes me sick to say this but it can’t be denied. You and I have a lot more in common than either of us are willing to admit, Vincent. ”

Those words were heard the moment the scene opened up. Jayden found himself smack dab in the middle of the Cruiseship’s casino. As expected it was packed with fans and wrestlers alike. This entire cruise was about having fun just as much as enjoying wrestling at the end of it. What better way to have fun than coming up big on some money?

“ Coming from a famous family. Being a second generation wrestler. Having the pressure of that legacy being put on our shoulders. Having to force ourselves to be carried to a certain standard in order to make sure we do nothing to tarnish that legacy. Along with that comes things like dealing with harsh feedback from fans. That may not have liked who our family members were. It often times involves us fighting battles of former foes.

That really has nothing to do with us but their hatred runs so deep that they’re willing to take it out on us to settle an old score or rivalry. And we even have to hear about how we’re using that family name or that family legacy just to get ahead. Right out the gate having people doubt us. Right away having people cutting our legs out from under us. That’s just the nature of the business and what comes with who we are. Eventually though we make a decision... ”

Jayden was making his way through this large crowd of people. Oddly enough none of them seemingly wanted to bother him. Something that worked out in his favor especially in this current moment. His footsteps were leading him to a table where four people were sitting. A little sign hung above the table that read BLACKJACK across the top of it. His arms folded across his chest and his gaze watched the game taking place. All as he continued to address those cameras.

“ That decision actually involves a crossroad for us. Do we continue to have this pressure put on our shoulders and just be a part of a family legacy? Or do we branch out and aim to make our own legacy? One that could ultimately overshadow those before us if we do things right. I myself had decided long ago that I was going to be my own man. I decided I wanted my own legacy. I wanted to carve my own path in professional wrestling. Do whatever it takes to eliminate this ‘nepotism’ shit that people try to bring up. In order to do that. It really involved me betting on myself. Taking some steps out of my comfort zone and putting everything I had into making that happen.

But you on the other hand. It seems like you aren’t taking that route. No it seems as if you are okay with having that pressure on your shoulders. It seems you don’t mind being just another member in your family. Not to mention it appears to me and it has appeared to me this entire time. You are out here trying to seek some kind of validation. Get a pat on the back. Get the ‘I’m proud of you, kid’ statement. Why else would you have started this entire thing over defending your sister’s honor? Sure, you say you are past all of that now. But there were better ways to kick this thing off between us. I said this before. I would have understood jealously over me being in the chamber.

I would have understood jealously over getting opportunities that you weren’t getting. Hell, I’d even understood being the second gen kid getting more eyes on him than you were. Yet, you went with that starting point. The more and more I think about it. It is starting to make sense. Your sister had all of good ol’ dad’s attention. She’s becoming his pride and joy. You are becoming an afterthought. So you thought being the knight and shining armor for her. It was going to get you in the old man’s good graces. Gotta ask. How did that work out for you? Did it get you what you wanted? Did you get that pat on the back after all? Something is telling me that it didn’t work out that way. ”

In front of him one of the people got frustrated with their bad luck and got up from the table. Very annoyed. That was the opportunity Jayden was looking for. Taking a seat at the table. A brief exchange with the dealer. Allowing himself to buy in. With the dealer starting to shuffle the cards for everyone at the table.

“ It didn’t work out because you didn’t get to defend her honor. No, the first meeting between the two of us. I out wrestled you and made everything you said mean nothing. I made you look like your sister wild have been a lot better off defending herself. To which I feel like that made the situation worse for you. Did you no favors at home. Pushed you further and further away from getting that good job kid. In fact, something even tells me that maybe just maybe. By being defeated by me. It got questioned whether or not you deserved to be a wrestler. It got questioned in whether or not you deserved the last name Lyon. That had to really sting. So you went at me a little harder.

But this time Victoria was by your side. I have to think that was the old man pulling the strings somehow. His son already failed him. His daughter on the other hand. She was the pride and joy. She didn’t drop the ball. She was one that wouldn’t let family down. That was until I got my own sister involved. Something I didn’t want to do. Something I didn’t need to do. It was just how the cards lined up because of what y’all kept doing. Boy oh boy did that trigger you when I even up the playing field like that. And ultimately in the end. Victoria was no match for my sister. You were no match for me. The Lyons Twins weren’t ready for the NextGen. Another loss for you.

And I know, I know. Bringing up the fact that you have lost both times. It’s enough to make you want to crash the fuck out over it. Mentioning that you had two attempts to show you were better than me only for you to drop the ball. It has you on the verge of a stroke. Shit is actually kind of funny if I am being honest. Especially when you rant on and on about how it’s all I ever focus on. Definitely not the case, but it does have value here. Facts are facts. You failed both times. That puts me in the driver seat here in this little war that you like to call it. Yet, the reason I think it is so triggering for you is because it keeps exposing you to papa. Further making his son look like a certified loser. Something he can’t have. ”

The dealer began to hand out cards. On the other end of the table a player was given a King. The next player was given a Nine of Clubs. Then the third player was given a Six of Spades. Before Jayden himself was given Three of Hearts. The dealer finally dishing out their card revealing to be an Ace. The next second card started to be dished out as he spoke.

“ Failing twice now in a wrestling setting and starting to tarnish that family legacy. It left you with your back against the wall. It left you in a desperate state. It left you grasping at straws, throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks, and trying to rack your brain with anything that could turn this around. To get you out of this negative light you casted over yourself and family. Thus challenging me to a real fight came into play. No fancy wrestling moves. No ropes. No disqualifications or anything like that. Just two men using their fists, their strength, and their submission abilities to see who the better man is. No other way to tell what kind of man you are than a true fight.

Knockouts are on the table. Submissions are on the table. If it comes down to it. A referee can make a decision. Sounds like a real fight to me. But then you showed your insecurities just a little bit. You are so afraid of this third meeting with us. Being in a situation where you could fail and get completely shunned by your family. You just couldn’t take the risk which is why the lumberjacks were added. Like it was a way to give you some kind of edge. Then you just slap the Lyons Den label on it. As if you are some creative genius, but at the core of it. You showed you are scared. You are worried you could lose this fight. And the truth be told Vincent. You should be! ”

At the end of the table the dealer handed a man Eight of Diamonds. Putting him at Eighteen. He quickly chose to stand. The next man was given a Six of Clubs. Choosing to hit. The dealer handed him another card to be a Seven of Spades. Forcing the man to bust at twenty two. The next man directly to Jayden’s left was given his second card. It was Ten of Hearts. The man chose to stay at Sixteen. The next card Jayden was given was the Queen of Hearts. Putting him at Thirteen and he waited for a moment.

“ Now you shouldn’t be afraid of me because of my background. You had no idea that I could actually fight. You had no idea I could throw hands with the best of them. You didn’t have knowledge of how far my submission game could go. Sure, you played the fuck around and find out game. But that’s not a reason to fear me. You also shouldn’t fear me because of our last two encounters. After all, you have said it more than once. They don’t matter. Therefore it shouldn’t weigh so heavily on your mind. And you shouldn’t be afraid of me because of the outcome you face when it comes to this family legacy of yours. You shouldn’t fear that losing a legitimate fight to me would get you shunned. You shouldn’t fear me because of how you are going to be perceived going forward. You shouldn’t even fear me because when this is all said and done. You’re going to come out the other side looking like one of the biggest bitches to ever exist in all of mankind. Instead you should only fear me because... ”

The Brat stalled for a moment with his words. Not for dramatic effect but for him to take all of his chips and choose to double down in this game of blackjack. Then motioning for the dealer to hit him with another card in a very risky manner.

“ I am never afraid to go all in when it comes to betting on myself. That is why you should fear me. ”

Right then the dealer tossed a card in his direction. It flipped over to be an Eight of Diamonds. Revealing Jayden to hit Blackjack right on the nose. The all three men around the trouble groaned in displeasure. Right then the dealer flipped their card over. Revealing themselves to have a Nine of Hearts. Officially putting them at twenty. Standing to give Jayden the win. With a smirk on the young man’s lips. He collected his chips with the intent to cash out. Looking right at the cameras one last time.

“ Come Sunday. I don’t have anything to gain. Much like I don’t have anything to lose. We have seen what I can do. We have seen my hand raised in victory. We know just exactly what I am capable of when the pressure is on. Yet, you have everything to lose. You have everything to gain. You are in a position to finally prove yourself against me. Back up every single word you’ve said. Be a man that stands on business. This truly benefits you more than it benefits me, Vincent. So it does beg the question why would I even put myself in this position? Why would I take this fight on? Why would I be willing to stand across the ring from you a third time? In a true fight setting none the less.. Well the answer is simple. For the love of the game and to choke your bitch ass out in front of the entire SCW Universe! ”

Every last chip picked up off the table. Jayden gave the cameras nothing more than a single wink. Before turning his back to them and starting to walk away a winner. Was this foreshadowing what the outcome could be when they locked horns inside of the Lyons Den? It could have been. It also could have been just a dream that the Brat had in the back of his mind that’s too difficult to actually achieve. All of it remained to be seen. The further and further he walked away from the table. Disappearing into the chaps of that casino. The cameras found themselves fading to black for the final time.