(This is also my RP for the Open Invitational Gauntlet match!)
An Entry From the Journal of Phillip Sullivan
January 31st, 2016
I’m going to make this short and to the point. There hasn’t been a lot going on these days, so I guess that is a welcome relief.
It’s been just about a year and a half since me and my brother reconnected, and a lot has happened in that time. Most people who know my brother might call him selfish. Angry. A downright miserable asshole. Okay, maybe he can be that way sometimes, but since I’ve known him, I’ve seen anything but. Sure he’s not exactly in the best of moods all the time, but even when he’s angry or whatever...he’s always thinking of everyone else over himself.
And he continues to make decisions thinking about everyone else over himself. I don’t get it. I mean, it’s his life. He can do whatever the hell he wants with it. I’m not going to hold anything against him, regardless. He doesn’t need my approval, that’s for sure.
The transition of moving me from Boston to Las Vegas wasn’t easy. I’m pretty sure neither one of us knew how it was going to work out, or even if it was. We didn’t even really know each other and after I tried to take my own life, he invited me to come live with him. At the time I was so shocked, and hell even angry, I didn’t accept at first. It was his mentor, Synn, that ultimately changed my mind.
I know at times things can get a little awkward with my living with Rage. Case in point, his extremely loud nightly sessions with Kittie. But, this is how brotherly relationships are supposed to be right? Sort of? Hell if I really know, because I never really had anything to compare to. My point is, if I had to go back in time and change things, I would change a lot.
But I wouldn’t change my mind about agreeing to come live with Rage. That is something I will never regret.
**FLASHBACK**
Wednesday November 19th, 2014
Boston, Massachusetts
The last five days have been anything but easy for Rage, or his biological family. Just one week ago his younger brother, Phillip, had tried to take his own life, and he’s been in the hospital ever since. Rage, however, has been here most of the week visiting his brother. But not only that, he has invited Phillip to move to Las Vegas and come live with him. And with Synn’s help, Phillip agreed, albeit hesitantly. All that is left to do is get Phillip discharged and out of Boston for good.
Rage and Synn are currently in Phillip’s room at Massachusetts General Hospital. After being restrained for several days due to his unstable mental condition, Phillip is finally calmed down enough that the doctor’s agreed to have the restraints removed. Not only that, but after having a long talk with Phillip, as well as Rage, Phillip’s psychiatrist and primary doctors have agreed to release him from the hospital. Under the condition, of course, that Phillip seek counseling after getting situated in Las Vegas.
Phillip is sitting in bed as they all wait for a doctor or nurse to return with his discharge papers. Phillip is surfing through the channels on the TV as they wait, and Rage and Synn are discussing something quietly. After a moment, Phillip finally shuts the TV off, having no luck finding anything, but also slightly impatient.
Phil: I really can’t thank you enough, Jake. I’ve wanted out of this place for years, but never really had the means to get out of here.
Rage and Synn stop their conversation briefly and Rage looks over to his brother. He doesn’t even seem annoyed that Phillip called him by his birth name. A name that he has only sparingly used over the years.
Rage: Don’t mention it, kid. I wasn’t about to let you continue to live in this situation, anyways. And..don’t call me Jake, either. It’ll take time getting used to, but just call me Rage. Okay?
Phil: It’s still strange to me, but I’ll work on it.
Rage and Synn are about to continue their conversation but the door to Phillip’s room opens and two familiar, yet unwanted faces, walk in. Their sister, Ashley and mother Marie, walk in the room, looking directly at Rage and Synn. Marie has a horrified look on her face.
Marie: What the hell is going on here?! Jake??
Rage’s nostrils flare as he looks towards his mother and his sister. Ashley stays quiet, though judging by the look on her face, she’s just as surprised, and even a little concerned, and whatever is going on. Synn stands by quietly, allowing Rage the opportunity to handle this.
Phil: Mom...Ashley...You two can leave now.
Ashley: Phillip? How are you feeling?
Marie: We’re not leaving. Not until you tell me what is going on and what they are doing here. Well, what HE is doing here, particularly.
Marie points and glares in Synn’s direction. He narrows his eyes, but Rage steps forward, looking down at the woman who gave birth to him.
Rage: He’s here because I asked him to be here. How about we take this out in the hall, because I’m not going to have you upsetting Phil again. You cool with that, Phil?
Rage turns around and looks at his brother. Phillip just nods and looks away from his mother and sister, who look devastated at his rejection. They all turn and head out into the hall, closing the door behind them as Phillip just leans back in the bed, waiting as patiently as he can. Once out in the hall, Marie spins around and glares at her oldest son, furious.
Marie: What have you said to him?! And since when do you care about whether or not he’s upset?!
Rage: Since finding out that he tried to kill himself! And I haven’t said shit to him! He doesn’t want to see either of you because of the hell you put him through all of his life!
Ashley is fighting back tears as she feels the sting of Rage’s words. Marie, however, is LIVID and she doesn’t hide it one bit.
Marie: How DARE you! You know NOTHING about what went on in our family!
Rage: Because YOU had me thrown in some psychiatric ward when I was kid! Well, lady, I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let you two push Phil to suicide again. I don’t know what the fuck you did to him when he was growing up, but trust me, I intend to find out. And I’m gonna make sure he gets the help he needs...away from you people!
Marie seems taken back, and now slightly confused. Several nurses and hospital staff monitor the situation closely.
Marie: You are NOT taking my son!
Rage is about to respond, but Synn steps forward this time, finally breaking his silence.
Synn: Don’t worry. Just tell everyone there was a fire. It worked out so well last time.
Marie is suddenly appalled by Synn’s words. She grabs at her hair and turns around, on the verge of having a panic attack. Ashley rubs her mother’s shoulder, trying to comfort her as best as she can, but it has little effect. Eventually, Ashley steps forward, standing directly in front of Rage. She calms herself enough, hoping to get through to her brother.
Ashley: Jake…
He glares down at her, and his look is enough to stop her.
Ashley: Okay, I’m sorry. Rage...please don’t do this. I know you are upset about this whole situation. Trust me, I am, too. But taking Phillip out of here is not the answer. He needs help. Help he’s not going to get outside of here. Mom and I need to make this right.
Rage shakes his head and laughs, but he’s not amused.
Rage: Like I said, I’ll make sure he get’s the help he needs, but what he needs the most is to get as far away from you two as possible. Neither one of us has answers about why the hell we went through what we did, but I intend to find out. Dear old Dad kicked the bucket before he could tell me the truth.
Marie turns around, tears rolling down her face, and she walks up to Rage, pleading with him.
Marie: Please...please don’t do this, Jake.
She reaches for Rage’s hand, trying to show an ounce of motherly love, but Rage refuses to see any of it. He yanks his hand away before she can grasp it, turns and disappears back into Phillip’s room. Synn stays behind for a moment and he looks straight at Marie.
Synn: Perhaps the two of you should leave before an even bigger scene is made.
Marie: This isn’t over!
Synn smiles a wicked smile as he looks at her.
Synn: Oh I think it is. Trust me when I say that you wouldn’t want to find out what would happen should you choose to ignore my warning.
Synn glares at her first, and then glances over to Ashley, who shows more fear than her mother. Marie almost refuses to step down, but Ashley puts her hands on her shoulders and pulls her back.
Ashley: Mother, come on. You shouldn’t be stressing yourself out like this. Let me take you home. Phillip still needs to come home to get his things. You can talk to him then.
Synn turns around and shakes his head as Ashley then leads her sobbing mother away. Once Synn walks back into Phillip’s room, a nurse is now there and Phillip is signing his discharge papers. The nurse then walks past Synn and out of the room as Synn walks up to Rage and Phillip.
Synn: All set? Our flight leaves in a couple of hours so we should head to the airport.
Phillip looks back and forth between Rage and Synn, confused.
Phillip: What? Shouldn’t we head back to my parents’ place so I can get some of my belongings?
Rage glances and Synn before he focuses his attention on his brother and shakes his head.
Rage: You’re not going back there, kid. We’ll get you some new clothes once we get to Vegas, and we’ll have the rest of your belongings taken care of later. You don’t need to go through seeing those two again…
Phillip: W-why are you doing all of this? I can’t let you pay for everything--
Rage: Don’t worry about it, Phil. I’m gonna help you get back on your feet. I might not have been around when we were kids, but…
Rage hesitates for a moment and closes his eyes. He clenches his fists at his side as some of the memories of his childhood flood back into his mind, and it only increases his anger. He lets out a sigh that almost leads into a growl and looks back to his brother.
Rage: You’re my damn brother and unlike those two pieces of shit that call themselves our mother and sister, I know what the meaning of a fucking family is, alright?! Just...let me help you and quit asking questions.
Synn: Rage, there is no need to--
Phillip interrupts Synn, to everyone’s surprise.
Phillip: No, it’s okay. I guess I sort of needed that. Can...can we just get out of here? I’ve already been in the hospital for too long and I’m ready to just get on with my life.
Rage and Synn just nod to Phillip as the troubled near thirty year old just walks past them and heads towards the door. He walks out of the room first with Rage and Synn following behind him.
Monday February 1st, 2016
Club Rain
Las Vegas, Nevada
**OFF CAMERA**
A little over twenty-four hours after the last Climax Control before My Bloody Valentine II, Rage found himself heading to the the highly rated Club Rain in Las Vegas. Sin City Wrestling had put on a show once before at this very club, and normally Rage wouldn’t find the need to visit this particular nightclub, but it just so happened that his brother has worked here as a bartender for the last several months. Rage and Kittie had gotten back into town from California earlier and Phillip was working tonight, so Rage decided to stop by.
For a Monday night, Club Rain was busier than normal, which caused the big man to re-think his decision to stop into his brother’s workplace. He ultimately kept up with his original plan and made his way through the crowd and inside the nightclub. Once inside, he looks around the crowd of people in attendance. He lets out a low growl, but because of the noise level in the club, no one else can hear him. He then looks over towards the bar. Phillip is rushing around making drinks for all the customers and a grin grows on Rage’s face. He spots an empty chair at the bar and quickly heads over to it.
Phillip doesn’t spot him right away, but Rage doesn’t mind. He takes a seat and waits patiently, doing his best not to bother his brother. After serving a few more customers, Phillip looks over in Rage’s direction and spots his brother. Rage waves to him and Phillip quickly heads over to him.
Phillip: Hey, bro! I wasn’t expecting you here tonight. Where’s Kittie?!
Phillip looks around expecting to see Kittie, and Rage just lets out a laugh and shakes his head.
Rage: She’s at home by herself. As soon as we got back she went to take a shower and I snuck out of the house! Pretty sure I’ll never hear the end of that when I get home!
Phillip laughs.
Phillip: Dude, she’s gonna kick your ass! Anyway, what are you doing here?!
Rage is about to respond, but someone whistles towards Phillip from the opposite side of the bar. Phillip turns and looks towards one of the other customers, raising an empty glass and demanding a refill. Phillip sighs and looks to Rage, shaking his head.
Phillip: Hold that thought, bro. I’ll be right back.
Before Phillip heads towards the other customer, he grabs a pint glass and fills it with a beer on tap for Rage. Rage just nods as Phillip slides the beer towards him. Rage takes a drink of the ice cold beer and keeps an eye on Phillip as he heads down towards the other guy at the end of the bar. The other guy doesn’t appear to be too happy as Phillip says something to him before filling another glass and sliding it towards him. Phillip says a few more words to the guy, but the guy just rolls his eyes and stumbles away from the bar.
Before Phillip heads back over to Rage he checks on the other customers around the bar, making sure they don’t need anything, and he finally makes his way back to Rage.
Rage: What was that all about?!
Even Rage has to speak loudly so he can be heard over the music. Phillip just shakes his head as he does a little bit of cleaning around the bar.
Phillip: Nothing to worry about, bro! I had to let him know he’s cut off after that drink, but I don’t think he’s gonna get the point! Anyway, what are you doing here?!
Rage: I wasn’t ready to crash for the night and Kittie was nagging the shit out of me so I decided to stop by for a drink or two. Got a problem with that?!
Phillip laughs and shakes his head.
Phillip: Nah, no problem! What’s Kittie nagging you about now?!!
Rage: Nothing that I’d really like to get into right now, Phil. It’s nothing important!
Rage takes another drink of his beer, almost avoiding the subject. Phil just holds a glass in his hand and dries it with a towel as he looks at Rage, just nodding his head slowly. Rage raises an eyebrow at his brother and slowly lowers his glass back to the counter.
Rage: What?! What is that look for?!
Phillip: It’s obvious what Kittie is nagging you about, bro! But, you said you didn’t want to talk about it, so I won’t push ya!
Rage: You’ve officially lost me, Phil!
He lifts the glass again, taking another drink as Phillip shrugs and grabs another glass to dry.
Phillip: I didn’t think Kittie was the type to push for marriage or anything but--
As soon as Phillip says the dreaded M word, Rage spits out a mouthful of beer and slams the glass on the counter. Several people around Rage turn and stare towards him and Phillip has to leap back a little to avoid being drenched with beer. He laughs and looks at his brother, confused.
Rage: The fuck did you just say, Phil?!?!
Phillip: Dude, I have to clean that shit up you know?! I just thought because you didn’t want to talk about it, that meant Kittie starting talking about rings or something! Guess I was wrong!
Phillip laughs again as he grabs another towel and starts wiping the beer off the counter. Rage just shakes his head, still wide-eyed.
Rage: Yeah, you are wrong! Dead fucking wrong, Phil! Please don’t ever mention that word again! Got it?!
Phillip laughs again and nods. He doesn’t say anything in response though and as he finishes cleaning up the beer, the guy from earlier stumbles up to the bar next to Rage, bumping into him. He is clearly very drunk and Rage glares at him for a moment, but does his best not to say anything right away. The guy, however, is focused right on Phillip as he slides his empty glass forward.
Drunk Guy: Heyyy...Gimmeeee a refillll Philly Booyyy!
Phillip looks up at the guy and just shakes his head.
Phillip: Sorry, man! I told you before that you were cut off after that last one!
The guy just rolls his eyes and shakes his head. He slams his hand down on the bar and Rage slowly turns his head to keep an eye on the guy.
Drunk Guy: Heyyy! Youuu caan’t cut mee off, asshooole! I’m a payingg cust..cussstom...guy! Now gimmee another!!
Getting annoyed with the guy himself, Rage slowly pushes himself away from the counter and stands up from his chair. He towers over the guy, and the guy turns and looks up at Rage. He’s too drunk to even be intimidated by Rage’s size, let alone his rising temper. He just laughs at Rage as he clenches his fists at his side and Phillip quickly looks towards two of the club’s bouncers at the entrance.
Rage: Hey, douchebag, why don’t you get your ass out of here. Go call a cab and go back to whatever hotel you’re staying at. You’re making yourself look like a fool.
The guy laughs. He stares at Rage for a moment then looks at Phillip who is closely monitoring the situation, waiting to call over the two bouncers if needed. And they’re going to be needed very shortly.
Drunk Guy: And whooo are youuu? Hisss buttt buddy naamed Bu..Bu...BUBBBBA?! Mind yerrr owwn damn bizzzzzness, cocksuckerrr!
The guy then places a hand on Rage’s chest and tries to shove him away, but Rage is a lot quicker than him. As soon as his hand is on Rage’s chest, Rage grab’s the guy’s wrist, twists his arm hard and brings the guy down to his knees! The guy screams out in pain as his wrist is seemingly broken, but Rage doesn’t care! Phillip quickly calls over the two bouncers as a large crowd of people are now staring at the situation.
Rage: I’m his brother, asshole! And from the looks of it, I just made YOU my bitch!
Phillip: Rage! Let him go! My guys can handle it now!
The two bouncers hurry up to the two as Rage lets the drunk guy go. The guy is holding his wrist as the bouncers lift him back up to his feet. One of the bouncers looks at Rage.
Bouncer: Alright, big man. You’re outta here, too…
Phillip: No Mike! It’s ok! He was just warning the guy!
The bouncer looks at Phillip for a moment before he nods and helps the other bouncer lead the drunk guy out of the club. Everyone who was staring quickly gets back to minding their own business and Rage turns just shoves his chair against the bar angrily. He sits back down and Phillip gives him a fresh beer.
Rage: This the kind of shit you have to deal with every night, Phil?!
Phillip just shrugs his shoulders in a nonchalant way.
Phillip: I’ve had to deal with worse. It’s no big deal, bro.
Rage takes a huge gulp of his beer, shaking his head.
Rage: If you say so. Fuck, if I wasn’t annoyed before, I sure as shit am now!
Phillip: Yeah, about that...What’s wrong now?!
Rage shakes his head again and just stares down at his beer.
Rage: Oh you know. Just Kittie trying to boss me around as usual. She’s already making me regret going back to SCW.
Before Phillip can respond, several people walk up to the bar ready for refills of their drinks. Phillip lets out a sigh but Rage quickly finishes off his beer and places some money on the bar by his empty glass.
Rage: We’ll talk about it later, Phil. Things look pretty busy here, and I gotta get back anyway.
Phillip: Alright. I’m off in a couple of hours so I’ll try and catch you tomorrow!
Rage: Sure thing, kid!
The two brothers just nod at one another before Rage turns and leaves the nightclub. And apparently it was just in the nick of time as Phillip is soon bombarded by a crowd of people ordering drinks. Rage heads back to his car, roars the engine to life and speeds away from the nightclub, heading back home.
The Next Morning…
After a busy night at work, Phillip is slow to rise the next morning. That is until the glorious smell of breakfast fills his room. Bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, toast and most importantly, strong black coffee, fills his nostrils and his eyes flutter open. He doesn’t want to get out of bed, but that amazing smell coming from the kitchen is more than enough to do the trick as it is hard to ignore.
He takes in a deep breath and slowly sits up in bed, letting out a big yawn. His stomach lets out a loud growl and there is no way he can ignore it. He steps out of bed, wearing just his boxers, but he takes the few steps over to his dresser and takes out a clean white t-shirt. He puts it over his head before he slowly makes his way out of his room, down the hall and towards the kitchen.
He stands at the end of the hall, leaning against the wall. Rage is in the kitchen making a large breakfast, while Kittie is sitting on the sofa in the living room, trying to find something on TV.
Phillip: Thanks for the early wake up call, bro. So much for sleeping in…
Rage is just pouring himself a cup of coffee when he hears Phillip’s voice. He looks up and then grabs another mug, pouring his brother some coffee, and Phillip heads over to the island counter in the center of the kitchen.
Rage: Nobody forced ya to get out of bed, Phil.
Rage laughs as he slides the cup of coffee over to Phillip. Phillip takes the coffee gladly and takes a slow sip, savoring the magical goodness.
Phillip: You kidding me? There’s no way my stomach was gonna be able to ignore the smell of bacon and coffee in the morning.
Kittie is surprisingly quiet in the living room, and Phillip notices. He looks over his shoulder at her before he turns back to Rage.
Phillip: She’s unusually quiet this morning.
Rage: She’s pissed at me. Doesn’t matter. She’ll get over it if she wants breakfast…
Rage cracks an amused smile, but he’s met with Kittie just raising her hand and giving him the finger. Phillip lets out a laugh and the both of them shake their head as Kittie continues to give Rage the silent treatment. Rage continues to finish making breakfast as Phillip takes another drink of his coffee.
Phillip: Let me guess, she’s pissed because you snuck out without telling her where you were going last night, right?
Phillip laughs and Rage shakes his head. Before Rage can respond, Kittie breaks her silence.
Kittie: That and he’s being an idiot!
Rage lets out a growl as he takes all of the cooked bacon and places it on a plate.
Rage: And you’re annoying the shit out of me with your nagging as always! I told you, Kittie, it’s my decision and I ain’t doing it!
Kittie spins around on the sofa and glares towards Rage. Now highly confused as he is, Phillip looks between the two of them.
Phillip: Ok, what did I miss? What is your decision, Rage, and what aren’t you doing?
Kittie jumps off the sofa and storms into the kitchen. She stands next to Phillip, but focuses all of her attention on Rage as she leans on the palms of her hands on the counter.
Kittie: Your dumbass brother has the opportunity to accomplish something he hasn’t done in almost four years and he’s being a chicken shit and not wanting to take it!
Rage: I’m NOT being a chicken shit, Kittie! Fuck, do you ever listen to anything I say?!
She nods and rolls her eyes before walking around the counter and grabbing a mug from one of the cabinets. She takes it upon herself to pour her own cup of coffee as she stares at Rage with an annoyed look on her face.
Kittie: Yeah, I listen. But all I keep hearing is bullshit excuses. Hell even Gabriel agrees with me!
Phillip: What is she talking about, bro?
Rage lets out a sigh and slams a spatula down on the stove.
Rage: The World Heavyweight Championship is vacant right now and there is gonna be an open invitational gauntlet match at My Bloody Valentine to crown a new champion. Kittie has been bugging the shit out of me telling me to enter, but I’ve got no interest in throwing my name into the mix. I’ve got a match against Ethan Alexander to worry about.
Kittie: Jesus Christ! You act like Ethan Alexander is some big threat to you but he’s not! You’ll kick his ass then go out there in the gauntlet match and win the World Heavyweight Championship! Easy as that!
Rage lets out a frustrated growl and shakes his head. He turns his head and glares at Kittie, but before he has a chance to respond and defend himself, Phillip speaks up.
Phillip: Why wouldn’t you want to take that opportunity, bro? Seems like something you should take advantage of when it’s being given, don’t you think? Why wouldn’t you be interested in that?
Rage closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath. The level of annoyance he’s currently feeling is no doubt increasing, especially now that his brother is questioning him about it.
Rage: Look, I don’t feel like having to explain myself all the damn time! I wasn’t intending to come back and immediately dive into going after the championship and shit. I wanted to ease back part time for a while.
Kittie lets out a laugh before she takes a sip of her coffee.
Kittie: Excuses, excuses! That’s a load a bullshit and you know it! You’re incapable of just being there *air quotes* part time. No, I think you’re scared of the rest of those worthless assholes that might enter the gauntlet, Ethan Alexander included!
Phillip: Ok, I’m not saying this as a knock on your wrestling ability or anything, but just because you enter doesn’t mean you’ll win. Just give it a shot, because there will be more opportunities, won’t there?
Kittie: Phil, when Rage enters, he knows he’s going to walk out of that gauntlet as the champion. That title has been fucking worthless for a while now because of all those assholes that have held it recently.
Rage turns around and grabs a few plates from out of another cabinet. He sets them down on the counter and begins filling them up with food but he’s shaking his head.
Rage: I’m NOT entering it, Kittie. Just drop it.
He slides a plate over to Kittie and then the other over to Phillip. Neither one touches their food at first, as both are staring at Rage. Rage is about to take a bite of bacon but as both have their eyes glued to him, he drops the bacon back on his plate and lets out a growl.
Rage: Would you two just fucking eat?!
Phillip: There’s more to your reason for not wanting to enter the gauntlet isn’t there? Not just because you don’t want to?
Kittie: He’s full of shit when he says he doesn’t want to. He still wants that title and he knows it.
Rage turns and glares at Kittie again.
Rage: Right now? No, I fucking don’t! What I want is to focus all of my attention on beating the shit out of that self-absorbed douchebag, Ethan Alexander and not having to prepare for facing however many other guys enter that thing! Which will probably be most of the fucking roster!
Phillip: So? Dude, you had no problem breaking that guy’s wrist last night. What’s so bad about having to face the other guys on the roster? I thought you enjoyed that kinda shit? Is there someone you don’t want to face?
Rage glances at his brother momentarily before he grabs a piece of bacon and takes a quick bite. He picks up his plate and refuses to answer that question as he walks into the living room to eat his breakfast. Phillip looks to Kittie, as Rage’s refusal to answer his question all but gives the answer away.
Phillip: That’s it, isn’t it? There’s someone you don’t want to face? And here I thought you weren’t afraid of anyone…
Phillip lets out a laugh, and Kittie lets out a frustrated sigh and shakes her head.
Kittie: Like I said...he’s a chicken shit.
Kittie then picks up her plate of food and heads into the living room also. Even though his stomach is growling up a storm, Phillip isn’t as quick to break into his plate of food. He turns around and just stares at the back of Rage’s head.
Phillip: Who is it, bro? Who’s the guy that has you so scared to enter the gauntlet?
In a fit of rage...pun intended...Rage slams his plate down on the coffee table in front of him with enough force that it breaks and food goes flying everywhere. He stands up from the sofa and spins around, and for the first time since Phillip moved in, Rage is glaring at his brother angrily.
Rage: Despayre, alright! His fucking name is Despayre! Jesus Christ, you two just can’t leave shit alone can you?!
Rage storms off down the hall and a few moments later, his bedroom door slams shut. A picture falls off the wall and the glass breaks and Kittie slowly turns around, looking at Phillip with a surprised look on her face. Phillip seems equally surprised.
Kittie: Well...I wasn’t expecting that.
Phillip scratches his head and looks down the hall, shaking his head.
Phillip: Seriously...does he ever think of himself?
Kittie: You’re joking right? He’s one of the most selfish assholes I’ve ever met sometimes…
Phillip shakes his head disagreeing.
Phillip: From where I’m standing? He’s the most unselfish person I’ve met.
Kittie shrugs and turns back around.
Kittie: If you say so. It doesn’t matter. He’ll enter that gauntlet soon enough.
Phillip just shakes his head before he turns around and starts digging into his food, as does Kittie as Rage keeps himself locked in his room, ignoring the both of them.
Rage continues to prove my point every single day. First he goes and breaks that drunk asshole’s wrist at Club Rain when the guy was giving me a hard time. That wasn’t a big deal, but what me and Kittie found out the next morning? Well..to call him selfish is a big mistake. I mean, come on! He doesn’t want to enter the World Heavyweight Championship Gauntlet and My Bloody Valentine II because Despayre might enter. I’m not one hundred percent sure of why he doesn’t want to potentially face Despayre, but...I’ve got a pretty good guess.
I wish my brother would start thinking for himself more, but he’s pretty damn stubborn. There’s no question about that. He’s helped me out a lot over the last year and a half, and he continues to do so, but it’s time I start helping him. He’s probably not gonna like it, but I don’t really care.
This open invitational gauntlet match is a huge opportunity for him. I know he thinks of Despayre like a little brother and all, but...I’m not gonna sit back and let him make another decision he might regret. I know Kittie will try and persuade him her way, but I don’t think pissing him off is going to be the answer to this one. I pissed him off the first time in a year and a half and I don’t think I want to do that again.
I really don’t understand why everyone enjoys pissing him off all the time…
Saturday February 6th
Synn’s Home- Las Vegas
**OFF CAMERA**
Ever since Rage blew up on his brother and Kittie at their home five days ago, the big man has been relatively quiet. There have been times where Phillip and Kittie have tried talking to him, but he has offered little to no response and just kept to himself for the most part. Kittie felt no need to press the issue further as she had gotten more than irritated with Rage as it was, but Phillip was not used to his brother being so angry and quiet with him.
Phillip was scheduled to work a graveyard shift at Club Rain tonight, so while Rage and Kittie made their way over to Synn’s for the day, he had to stay behind and get some sleep. He had hoped to try and have a conversation with his brother, but that conversation would have to be saved for later.
Rage and Kittie have made themselves comfortable on one of Synn’s large sofas in the spacious living room of his home. Rage is staring forward, seemingly off in his own little world with Kittie seated next to him quietly. Normally she’d be talking his ear off, but the tension between them has caused both to be unusually quiet. And when Synn walks up to the two, he immediately takes notice of their moods.
Synn: Alright. What is going on with the two of you?
Rage is the first to lift his head and look at Synn.
Rage: Huh? Nothing is wrong…
Synn: You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t believe you. Something must be wrong, because neither of you has spoken a single word to one another since you got here.
He turns his attention to Kittie.
Synn: Kittie? I know you will explain what on earth is going on.
Kittie just lets out a snort and shakes her head. As soon as Synn questions Kittie, Rage stands up from the sofa.
Rage: I’m gonna head into the kitchen. See if I can annoy Theresa a bit…
Synn laughs and shakes his head.
Synn: Brave soul you are.
Kittie lets out another laugh and Synn and Rage turn to look at her.
Kittie: Oh, I’m sorry. I just thought that was funny considering Rage isn’t brave at all…
Rage growls loudly before he turns and heads into the kitchen. Synn raises an eyebrow and he turns back and stares at Kittie curiously.
Synn: Alright, spill it. What seems to be the problem between the two of you?
Kittie: Oh there’s no problem between the two of us. There’s only problem with one of us, and his name is Goat Face Rage! He’s being a complete ass. Phillip can back me up on this one.
Synn seems suddenly surprised, but concerned at the same time.
Synn: I thought Rage was getting along quite well with Phillip? And you as of late? What happened?
Synn takes a seat in the La-Z-Boy chair facing Kittie. He folds his arms across his chest and waits for Kittie to respond. Kittie looks towards the kitchen, making sure Rage hasn’t returned and she lets out a frustrated sigh and leans forward.
Kittie: Everything was fine. Until this open invitational gauntlet was made and Rage suddenly decided he wasn’t interested in entering it. Phil and I have been trying to talk him into it, but he won’t budge and now…
Kittie trails off and Synn stares at her. She runs her hand through her hair and Synn leans forward, keeping his eyes locked on her.
Synn: Now what?
Kittie doesn’t get a chance to answer that question as Theresa suddenly chases Rage out of the kitchen. He’s chewing something, but one look at a delicious looking chocolate chip cookie in his hands reveals what crime he has committed in Theresa’s kitchen.
Theresa: Serves you right to burn the roof of your mouth! I’ll not have you eating the whole batch before anyone else has had the chance to enjoy them!
Rage laughs and throws the last bit of cookie into his mouth. He turns and looks at Theresa with a smile on his face.
Rage: What? No milk to go with it?
Theresa tosses her hands up in the air and disappears back into the kitchen as Rage lets out another laugh. He turns around to see Synn and Kittie staring seriously at him and his mood quickly changes.
Rage: What? What did I do now?!
Synn: You tell me. Kittie was just about to tell me why you don’t seem to want to enter the gauntlet.
Rage rolls his eyes and sighs. He heads back over to the sofa and plops back down on the sofa next to Kittie and turns his head to glare at her angrily.
Rage: You just can’t let that shit go, can you?
Synn: Rage, relax. I’d like this to be a civil conversation if that is possible. Now, why don’t you want to enter the gauntlet?
Rage goes quiet. He doesn’t want to answer that question and he avoids eye contact with Synn as long as possible. Kittie stares at him, and when it’s obvious he’s not going to answer willingly, she takes it upon herself to do the talking.
Kittie: Despayre. Despayre is why he doesn’t want to enter.
Rage snaps his head towards Kittie and narrows his eyes angrily at her.
Rage: Kittie! Would you shut your mouth! Damn!
Synn: I’m sorry...What? What does Joshua have anything to do with this?
Kittie: I’d like to know the same thing, but Rage refuses to talk. He’s being a big fucking baby and playing the silent treatment with me and Phil.
Rage is growing increasingly annoyed with Kittie and Synn can tell. He turns his attention to Kittie, remaining very calm.
Synn: Kittie, can you give the two of us a minute, please?
Kittie: You’re gonna need more than a minute with this asshole. Trust me on that one.
Kittie doesn’t argue however as she stands up from the sofa and disappears into another part of the house. Rage rubs his temples as a headache starts to form. Synn takes in a deep breath.
Synn: Alright, Rage. Tell me what Kittie was talking about. What does Joshua have to do with you not entering the gauntlet? And don’t try lying to me either.
Rage: Why is everyone so focused on this damn gauntlet, Synn? I’ve got a match against Ethan Alexander to focus on, but all Kittie keeps running her mouth about is this fucking gauntlet. And she wonders why I don’t want to enter the damn thing? Despayre is only part of the reason.
Synn nods slowly as Rage once again avoids his question. He leans forward in his chair, trying to get to the bottom of whatever is troubling Rage.
Synn: I understand you wanting to focus on Ethan Alexander, and we’ll get to that in a moment. Just tell me why Joshua is even part of the reason you don’t want to enter. And quit avoiding the question because I’m getting annoyed with having to repeat myself.
Rage stares at Synn, reluctant to answer, but Synn gives him a look saying he will not give up until Rage tells him the truth. Rage finally shakes his head with a sigh.
Rage: Me feelings towards the possibility of me fighting Despayre is probably equivalent to Despayre not wanting to fight Gabriel. I just don’t want to fight the kid, Synn.
Synn: I see…
Synn nods slowly again.
Synn: Well...I won’t lie and say that the possibility of the two of you in the ring together doesn’t concern me, but it’s a risk with these types of matches.
Rage: Is Despy entering? I know he’s always preferred tag team matches.
Synn: It’s being discussed. Let’s not talk about the gauntlet for a moment. Let’s talk about this match against Ethan Alexander. You and Kittie had a confrontation with Ethan and Desiree at Climax Control. I suspect that had something to do with the two of you being booked against one another.
Rage rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t seem too bothered by it.
Rage: Hell if I know why the match was booked, but I don’t give a shit. That guy is a complete self-absorbed douchebag and he’s lucky I didn’t break his neck right then and there.
Synn: I wouldn’t take him lightly, Rage. Like you he’s a former tag team champion. Andrew Watts may have been the more prominent of the two, but Ethan Alexander is just as dangerous I’m sure. Especially with that Desiree woman by his side.
Rage lets out a snort.
Rage: You think I’m scared of that skank? Kittie can handle that bitch at ringside if she decides to try and save her newest pimp.
Synn: Unless the two of you don’t start to get along before then. I know you’re not keen on the idea of possibly facing Joshua, but it’s a huge opportunity for the both of you. You know that. Besides, you have the opportunity to stick it to Ethan Alexander twice in one night, should he decide to enter the gauntlet himself. No pun intended, by the way.
Rage shudders for a moment as Synn grins.
Rage: Yeahhh...I’m gonna pretend you didn’t just imply that.
Synn: You’ll have to forgive me. I couldn’t help myself. Look, the sooner you agree to entering this gauntlet, the sooner you can focus on your match against Ethan first. You’re making it more difficult. Just do yourself, and Kittie, a favor and just enter the gauntlet. No harm no foul.
Rage shakes his head with a sigh. He’s about to speak again, but Kittie walks back into the room and he goes silent and looks away. Kittie rolls her eyes but she stands at the end of the stairs and looks towards Synn.
Kittie: What did I tell ya? You’re gonna need more than a minute with Goat Face.
She is about to walk out of the room again, but Synn stops her.
Synn: Enough, Kittie. Rage actually has something he’d like to tell you. Rage?
Rage looks at Synn and shakes his head in disagreement. Synn just gives him a look that urges him to speak up. Kittie turns her attention to Rage as she waits patiently for whatever it is he has to say. Synn clears his throat and Rage rolls his eyes before he looks to Kittie.
Rage: ….
Kittie and Synn both look at Rage as he mumbles under his breath.
Kittie: I’m sorry, what was that?
Rage lets out a loud growl before he speaks up.
Rage: I said I’m entering the fucking gauntlet, alright?! Happy now?!
A satisfied smirk appears on her face as she practically skips back over to the sofa and plops down next to Rage. He shakes his head as she smiles proudly.
Kittie: About fucking time.
Synn: Let’s not get into a further argument about it. Rage, I know you’re concerned about possibly facing Joshua, but we’ll worry about that should it come down to that. Right now, concern yourself with preparing to face Ethan Alexander. You have an interview with Rocky Mountains later in the week to talk about your match, but I also have a feeling she’ll want to talk about the gauntlet. You’ll need to prepare for everyone else as well.
Rage: Fantastic...I can’t wait.
Synn: Will Phillip be travelling to California with us?
Rage shakes his head.
Rage: He’ll be there for the show, but he has to work Saturday so he’s gonna fly out on Sunday.
Synn nods and the tension in the room is noticeably lower. Kittie spins herself around on the sofa and puts her feet in Rage’s lap, and even though he doesn’t seem to appreciate that very much he doesn’t shove them away.
Kittie: Well at least that is settled, but we have a shit ton of work to do over the next week. Watching your match against Eric Steel a couple weeks ago made me cringe. You really need to get rid of some of that ring rust.
Rage turns slowly and glares at Kittie and before Synn even has a chance to intervene, the two start bickering once again. Synn just shakes his head with a chuckle before he stands up and heads upstairs to see what mischief Despayre and Angel might be getting themselves into.
Wednesday February 10th
Long Beach California- Walter Pyramid
SCW Exclusive- Sit Down Interview With The Sin of Wrath
**ON CAMERA**
