A Meeting Left To Chance

[Deleted]

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A Meeting Left to Chance

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It's after Mayhem. The show has gone off the air long before now. At this point, most of the talent and extra personnel have already begun to exit the backstage area to their respective hotels for the night. However, for Silver Kazama, that is not the case. The former EHWF World Champion pulls the door open to the arena as he steps back into the building from the parking garage. He seems in a slight rush as his footsteps are quick on the hard floor. In his eagerness to accomplish the task set before him he accidentally shoulders into someone.

Silver staggers slightly and almost loses his balance from the momentum of the light collision. A moment later he regains his equilibrium and turns to face the person he hit.

"Sorry about that, I..."

As Silver's eyes turn towards the victim, his apology dies in his throat. His eyes narrow slightly and his fists involuntarily clench for a mere fraction of a moment before he recovers his composure.

"Oh, it's you. Sorry about that."

The apology was half heartfelt. By the tone out of his mouth, Silver would have loved nothing more than to run this man over and never look back...but...that would be rude.

( (TBC: You know who you are!) )

[Deleted]

Bloop.

The sweet sound of hanging up the phone. If there was anything more relieving, it was getting that dunce off his mind and out of his ear. But of course, texts and e-mails await once the call is finished, per usual. It was an e-mail from one of those charity events he bullshits about caring about and their next upcoming event. Just as he was reading the time, his shoulder was smacked into.

Who the hell? he thought to himself. When he looked up and saw it was Silver Kazama, he knew a rightful apology was on the way, or so he figured. He had Kazama figured for a swell guy. Granted, he could've been in a shit mood considering he just recently proved once again that he wasn't good enough to reign as World Champion, but still.

//SILVER KAZAMA\\
Sorry about that, I...

Kazama looked up to see who it was he bumped into.

//SILVER KAZAMA\\
Oh, it's you. Sorry about that.

DeAngelo didn't quite like the attitude with that last bit. Oh, it's you? DeAngelo chuckled a bit at the thought that Mister Kazama here may have some hidden opinions on him. He looked at him with a curious smirk.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
Excuse me? "Oh, it's you"? Got something to say? Something you wanna tell me?

[Deleted]

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Silver's right fist twitches a bit. His fingers curling ever so slightly, making their way into a fist before they relax once more.

Something to say? Oh...how there are so many things he would like to say right now. Silver lets out a breath and stares into the eyes of the EHWF Hardcore Champion, Chris DeAngelo. A small smirk slowly starts to form on the face of The Last Kazama as he regards the Champion.

"As a matter of fact...yes...there is something I would like to say."

He shouldn't. He really shouldn't. The easiest and smartest thing to do would be apologize and walk away. The best result would be getting out without altercation, accomplishing his task, and then going home for the week. But...shouldn't doesn't mean won't.

"Quite while you're ahead, Chris. You want to make a statement here, fine. Doing so along side Brandon Bash and his little gang is going to get you nowhere."

Silver runs a hair lightly through his hair before shrugging his shoulders.

"If you don't believe me, then just look at what you have. You hold the EHWF Hardcore Championship. A Championship you won off of a woman who was unbeaten in singles competition. You did that by yourself. And now here you are allying yourself with Rain and Sykes. Let me give you a bit of history on those two. Ryan Mercury, or Rain, whatever the hell he calls himself now, came in as a member of The Corporate Powers. Then he joined team ECWF. And now he's a member of this little group with Brandon, again. Eli Sykes is very much alike. He started with team ECWF, and now he's with Brandon yet again."

Silver folds his arms across his chest loosely as he regards the EHWF Hardcore Champion.

"Do you want to know what the common factors in all of that are? There are a few. Number one: Brandon Bash. Number two: Silver Kazama. Number three: Brandon fails and takes his allies down with him."

A ghost of a smile spreads across Silver's face.

"Brandon Bash, for all of his maneuvering, continues to get out smarted. Did he secure himself a seat on the Board of Directors, yes. Has he been able to do anything with that position other than put pawns in place and put Black Man back on the roster? No. He hasn't. Brandon Bash is destined to fail, Chris. Surely, you of all people must see that."

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[Deleted]

The smirk never left DeAngelo's face.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
You're right. You're completely right. They're not to be trusted. I don't trust 'em. Nor do I trust you, or anyone else in this company. Everyone's out for themselves and their egos. But in case you don't know who I am, I've been working with egotistical people for nearly a decade now. I don't even like to call what we have a team. Kazama, I don't need them. You know that. You've seen me wrestle, haven't you? They're merely an addition. A smart addition. I scratch their back, they scratch mine. I've made it clear to them that I want no match interferences. None of that cliché run in and beat down crap. I've made it clear that I won't be too keen on doing run ins for them either. They're just friends. Smart friends. That's the best way to make in this company.

DeAngelo's smirk fades and his face turns straight.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
You get me?

[Deleted]

A bark of sarcastic laughter echoes throughout the hall as Silver throws his head back. He runs a hand over his face and wipes the imaginary tear from his eye as he shakes his head.

"Do I get you? Oh, I get you, alright. I get that you are walking down a path that you do not want to be walking down. I get that you are selfish, greedy, and the furthestfrom passionate about this business. I get that this is nothing more than a business transaction for you. I get that you, despite making your claims, are exactly like Brandon and his lackeys. I get that, you, Chris DeAngelo, belong with them."

The laughter fades as Silver stands across from Chris. Their eyes lock once more. Silver takes a step forward. The two are closer together now. Not quite in each others personal space, but close enough to get a message across.

"But if there's one thing that you need to get, Chris, it's this. If you ever...and I mean ever come after me on Brandon's orders...or even by your own petty volition...You will find yourself just like all those ECWF rejects...like The Corporate Powers...and like this little 'group' that Brandon has put together this time...finished."

The two men stand toe to toe for a moment. Eyes locked on eyes as Silver's fist twitches violently at his sides.

[Deleted]

DeAngelo chuckled and looked at Kazama with a condescending smirk.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
I don't think you believe that.

DeAngelo shook his head.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
You're struggling right now, man. You've been watching me and you've seen what I've been able to do. I've been able to do things you couldn't. Like defeat Blaise. And did you see my match out there with Smith and Ryder? Did you see what happened? It was through my force that Smith was laid out. It was after my finisher, and my brutality that he was out long enough for the win. I didn't get to enjoy my win thanks to Ryder being a piece of shit and stealing it. How close have you come to something like that, hmm?

DeAngelo stepped closer to Kazama and his tone lowered.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
You realize that I'm a whole different beast than those other ones. You know full well if we ever locked horns, there's a damn good chance you'll be coming out on the losing end. Otherwise, why warn me? Why would you care what I'm doing and who I'm siding with if you had no fear that you may possibly one day come out fucked? You fear me joining up with these fellas, because you realize how much more powerful I make them. You're trying to nip what could be a future problem - a future, big problem - in the bud.

DeAngelo found himself chuckling once more.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
If this is what needs to be done for me to advance in my career, it will be done. If that means siding with Bash and his guys, it's happening. If I have to fuck your shit up, ruin your career, cripple you, whatever needs to be done, you better get ready.

DeAngelo smirks while looking right in Kazama's eyes.

[Deleted]

When that last syllable left the lips of the Hardcore Champion, it was time to emerge from where I had been lurking. It was only be chance that I had surpassed all the press and made my way to the back where I was planning to check out early after the show went off the air that I first heard this argument between Silver and Chris. I stood around the corner and listened and waited. As the tensions rose and at any moment things could escalate to a whole new level I stepped from where I stood and got in between the two. Sure I had no more authority. I was no longer chairman, some thing that Brandon saw fit to, but I was an active member of the roster and Silver used to be a friend.

"Wow, calm your britches Chris. Silver is right. Brandon is no good and when he dumps your ass, you will be joining this party on our side. In the mean time though lets get a few things straight. You aren't better then Silver. Being the Hardcore champion is like being employee of the month at McDonalds. Everyone can do it. Try being a world champion Chris. Then come back and talk to Silver about being better then him."

Sure I was getting heated. I was back in "superstar" mode. And I knew Silver didn't need me to defend him. If anything he could defend me at this time. One thing was for certain though. The days of the Corporate Powers were long gone, I wasn't that same man any more and it was about time my friends started to realize that.

[Deleted]

Stalking the halls of the Barclays Center after the glorious beating that myself an my cohorts handed David Gideon Smith, a nagging sound begins to break the silence. The sound of a grown man crying could only mean one thing. I round the corner to see Black Man spewing his shit to my new colleague, Chris DeAngelo, about Brandon Bash and the same old repetitive nonsense that he's always talking about. I approach them with a grin stretched ear to ear.

"It seems like you feel as if the more you talk about it, it will actually happen. Come to terms with reality, Adam. The Legion is here to stay, and just as DeAngelo said, we're not here to ruin matches or act like a gang. We're here to watch each others backs. It's called being an opportunist, Adam. You see an opportunity to ascend to the top, and you take it. The Legion already has two men in the Heavyweight championship match at Scars and Stripes. The ball is in our court, and things are beginning to look pretty bleak for your boys here."

I turn, noticing Kazama, who is staring a whole straght through me, physically still feeling the effects from that chair shot I gave him earlier.

"How you feelin', Kaz?"

I notice DeAngelo let out a small smirk, as we wait for a retort.

[Deleted]

My hand is thrown out in front of Silver's chest halting him before he could lash out at Eli. Boy the kid had some balls, but thats what you needed to have here in EHWF. If anything, I could see a little of a younger self in him. Alas this wasn't the time for day dreaming or dwelling on the past. Before us stood some sort of impass that could blow out of purportions at any moment.

"Nice you of you join us Eli. We were just talking about things that should not be underestimated."

I lean back against the wall to admire the smirk that has spread across Eli's face. With no doubt Eli appreciates the compliment that I had sprung upon him. Only problem was is that it wasn't a compliment. With the next words from my mouth, Eli's fists grew tighter and his posture straightened.

"I underestimated your mom last night and boy did she show me a few tricks that I didn't even know where possible. I mean Eli, there are Lays.... and then there is your MOM."

I chuckle while looking at Silver. I wasn't sure if he found it to be funny, but none the less I humored myself.

"Let me get this straight. 'The Legion' as you boys call yourself are the new order here in EHWF. But you are not here to stomp your feet and attack people, you are just hear to screw people out of what they have earned and deserved. The way I see it Brandon is power and you two lackeys following in his footsteps. (My attentions moves from Eli to Chris), you boys are getting shit you havent earned.

A few wins here and there are special I will give you both that, but to be a true star in EHWF you actually need to beat people that stand out."

I saw Chris look at me waiting ready and eager to scream from the top of his lungs that he defeated Blaise for the Hardcore title. Yet, I wouldn't let him get the satisfaction and joy as I quickly interupted his intrussion.

"Before I hear that Blaise story again Chris let me let you in on a little secret. Seeing as I was in management I need to be honest with you about your 'victory' over Blaise for that title. A week before your match Blaise came to me and told me she was leaving EHWF. She asked to be terminated early and we granted it to her. We told her she needed to lose the title and she did, as a good girl would. She made you look good Chris, but in reality, you are nothing more then a two bit hooker."

I stood back waiting and knowing that either Eli or Chris would start to insult and throw around malicious false facts and lies. However, afterall this was a free country so i was eager to here their rebuttle.

[Deleted]

All he could do was chuckle. This was getting tedious and he had a feeling one temper or another may start something. After all, every one of them had egos out of this world and people could only endure so many insults and threats. Still, he had to do what was expected and defend his credibility.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
I'd love to believe Blaise just went ahead and handed over the title to me, but that just doesn't make any sense. I understand she was ready to go, but why me of all people? Why the rookie? The new kid? At the time I went in the ring with Blaise, I had only been in three matches. Blaise was champion since November. She defended and defeated many since then, and then just chose to destroy her credibility and everything she worked for when she decided to just give it up, instead of fighting and keeping her name strong and showing that even in the end, she's a force to be reckoned with? Please explain the logic behind that. But not now.

DeAngelo slid his phone into his pocket, and his limousine could be seen in the distance through the opened doors, sitting and waiting.

//CHRIS DEANGELO\\
I'm bored of this and getting a bit sleepy. Are we all done here?

[Deleted]

(Eli and Chris, I took a little liberty with your characters here, just to wrap up this character development before it gets too repetitive and overdone. I hope you guys don't mind)

This was getting out of hand too fast. What started as a simplistic word of advice to a young up and comer has now turned into a full blown battle of wills. Who would strike first? Would I strike Chris DeAngelo? Possibly. I've done worse things in my life.

And out comes Adam DePaolo from the shadows, claiming to have my back. Does he think I've forgotten? Does he think that I don't remember the days of Scorpion, Black Man, and Maddie Murdock running rampant through EHWF? No. Surely he is not so blind. And surely he remembers the send off we, as a roster, gave him. Surely he remembers the Electro Shock in the center of the ring.

To make matters worse, the ever arrogant Eli Sykes decides that it's time to have some fun with the masses. Oh how I wish to repay him for the shot he delivered earlier. Oh how I beg with my instincts to lunge at him, rip him limb from worthless limb. No...now is not the time. The time for that will come, I have no doubt. But...not tonight.

"Are we done here?"

I snap out of my swirling thoughts as Chris' impatient voice cuts through the air. Adam is leaning against the wall, Eli is...well...Eli, and Chris is looking cocky and impatient at the same time. A rather perplexing look, if I am truly honest with myself. It must have taken him months in front of the mirror to hone that craft.

With a slight grunt and a nod I roll my shoulders.

"Yeah. We're done."

Without a second through, as soon as the words are out of my mouth, Eli and Chris begin to walk away from Adam and me. They head down the hall and past the open doors towards Chris' waiting limousine. For the briefest of moments it looks as though they are going to be leaving together, but Eli branches off and away from the fancy car as Chris has his door opened for him. The double doors to the arena slam shut, and with that I turn to face Adam.

"Do not think that this changes anything between us, Adam. I helped you to save this company at Aces High. I have even helped you try to keep your job. What I have not done is forgotten. I remember exactly where the two of us stood the last time that bell rang for us. I remember the Hardcore Champion coming close to beating the World Champion."

I raise a hand up. The tips of my index finger and thumb are merely a fraction away from each other.

"This close. You beat me, and I accept that. I respect that. Hell, I even respect what you did by coming back. But I know your reputation. You're the Blackest Man for a reason, you know. Not just for your in ring ability, but for your reputation. Trust...it's a hard thing to keep with you, Adam. As of now, I have yet to find a solid reason to trust you. This...this helps that, but only just a fraction. So, for now, I leave you with this: I stay out of your way, and you stay out of mine. I have two goals in EHWF right now. Winning the EHWF World Championship...and kicking Brandon Bash's ass."

I walk off after that, without bothering to wait for Adam's reply. I have somewhere to be...and someone to talk to.

[Deleted]

Which leaves Adam alone, standing their before looking up at the sky in some transparent thought. I just stand there moment after moment, my head not moving from the incline that he protruded it. After the silence becomes to much to bare, I open my lungs as air fills every inch of my wind pipes.

"Kise, there is nothing I can do to make him trust me again. There is nothing I can do to make any of them trust in the Black Man. But I once lost your trust old friend, but you found your way back to me. You let me in once more and when I left NEW......when I left NEW you were there to shake my hand and tip your cap in my direction. You are gone now old friend but your brother, he is just like you. Cocky, funny, you name it, each and every day I see a piece of you inside him. I will get him to trust me again Kise... I must."

As my head falls down, a tear rolls from my eye. I wipe it quickly from my face and head off towards the garage to leave the arena for the night. I would see the world again next week on Mayhem and again I would start the proceess of earning peoples trust back.