Post by irobin on Dec 27, 2010 19:35:13 GMT -5
The scene opens into a grand room, likely from a stately home or mansion. It's a huge room with very high ceilings and clearly quite old-fashioned from the décor. Lots of dark mahogany, cream and deep red on display in the room, but the main focal point is a roaring fireplace, bright, warm and inviting. Stood next to the fireplace with a large brandy glass in hand is none other than Jason Ambrose, dressed in a red velvet gown, he takes a sip and addresses the camera with an award winning smile.
Jace: "Good evening, wrestling fans. As the EUW superstars take a well-earned break over this Christmas period, yours truly will be presenting you with a tale of my own that will surely warm the cockles of your heart over this festive season."
Jace moves towards a plush seat next to the fireplace, sitting down, placing his brandy on a small round table and picks up a hefty tome. We get a glimpse of the rest of the room, seeing that it's probably part of a library, filled with bookcases and old maps and paintings lining the walls. Jace takes up an iron poker and jabs at the fire, its flames strengthening as he does so, before putting the rod down and opening the book.
Jace: "Yes, it's time for Amazing Jace's Christmas Carol."
A tall redhead with pale skin and a red bikini with a fur trim and Santa hat steps out from one of the bookcases, wandering across in from of the camera and standing to Jace's left.
Jace: "And now, some Christmas Holly..."
At this, a petit brunette steps out in a white bikini, adorned with holly and berries. She moves to the right of Jace and winks across at Christmas Carol.
Jace: "And, of course, what could Christmas be without the traditional turkey? Leg or breast? I've got both."
Two more girls step out, either side of Jace, both blonde and very tanned, almost like twins, but one with a killer pair of legs and the other with a hefty rack. They're wearing matching green and red outfits, with stockings and santa hats and they stand together behind Jace.
Jace: "Now that we're all here, I can begin this tale. It begins, as most Christmas stories do, on December 24th, the night before Christmas..."
============
December 24th, 2010
============
"Jace was alive, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The bitterly cold weather may not be doing his health any favours but the register of his burial was some way off of being signed just yet."
This festive tale begins with Jace stood in a shopping mall, dressed for the cold weather in a thick dark grey winter coat and a crimson scarf, over what looks like a grey suit, with matching wingtips. The mall is clearly not an average shopping mall, it's one for the celebrities and models of the world, with gifts costing the average man's yearly salary at the cheaper end of the scales, and requiring most to remortgage their houses at the upper end of things. Not that this would concern Jace, of course, he has money to spare and can afford any of the gifts here, so it's just a matter of choosing what he wants to give people. He has several bags in his hands and looks quite pleased.
"It was Christmas Eve, and Jace was doing some last minute shopping at Bedford Malls."
Jace: "And, with that, I've got everything on my list," Jace said with smile, "This will be a good Christmas, make no doubt about it".
"Jace smiled to himself, he certainly did have everything on his list. No gifts for anyone else, but plenty of nice gifts for himself, without the hassle of having to spend Christmas with people he didn't care for just to receive another bottle of sub-par cologne, or a distinctly average bottle of brandy. Yes, this was set to be a good Christmas for Jace and as he made his way towards his car, he whistled a festive tune."
Jace makes his way across the mall forecourt, whistling the theme tune to the Charlie Brown show. As he heads towards his car, a bedraggled homeless man, looking a lot like Diabolik, steps out of the shadows, asking for money.
"Jace was headed for his car, ready to return to the warmth of his home, when interrupted from his festive cheer by a ghastly sight. Nothing quite ruined the Christmas season for Jace as much as the poor, the sick or the needy, and this man was all three."
Diabolik: "Please sir, 'tis awful cold and what with it bein' Christmas and all, could you not spare some coin? Only I have no place to go and the small change for a warm cup of coffee is all I ask."
Jace: "No place to go? Are there no prisons?"
Diabolik: "Plenty, sir."
Jace: "And what of the Federal Asylums?"
Diabolik: "As much as I wish otherwise, they still exist"
Jace: "Then you have somewhere to go, don't you?"
Diabolik: "But sir, I ask only for the cost of some minor warmth and at this festive time of peace and giving, surely you can find room in your heart for one like myself?"
Jace: "I cannot afford to make idle men such as yourself merry. I support the prisons and the institutes and they cost enough, you can go there."
Diabolik: "I, and many more, would rather die than go those places!"
Jace: "If you would rather die," said Jace, smirking, "Then I suggest that you do so and decrease the surplus population!"
"With that, Jace smiled and made haste for his car, not willing to be troubled again. The poor always put Jace in a foul mood, they were ugly and they smelt bad and at times, Jace found it difficult to forget that they existed. However, a twenty minute drive later meant that Jace was back at home, greeted by Cratchley, his butler. After setting his own presents down beneath the tree, Jace changed into a more appropriate evening attire and attended to the matter of a very expensive bottle of red wine of ancient vintage."
Jace is now back at home, wearing a luxurious deep purple robe, sat in front of the fireplace with a bottle and wineglass on the table next to him. He rings a bell and Cratchley enters the room. Cratchley is Jace's head butler, in charge of the rest of the house staff too, he is about 10 or 15 years older than Jace and strongly represents a balding, older version of Warrior.
Jace: "Cratchley, I dare say that you'll be asking for tomorrow off?"
Warrior: "Only if it's convenient, sir."
Jace: "It's neither convenient, nor fair, that you expect to be paid on a day that you do not work."
Warrior: "Sir, with all due respect, it is but once a year, and I haven't seen my daughter since last Christmas."
Jace: "Neither have I and we are both the better for it."
Jace takes a sip of the wine and sighs.
Jace: "You may have the day off, but if you are even a minute late the day after, then you will never work another day in your life. Are we quite clear?"
"Cratchley nodded and scurried away, before Jace could change his mind. At this point it should be noted that Jace was no Scrooge, nor was he a Grinch, he simply wanted to enjoy Christmas and was frustrated by other people and their trivial demands. They were so impolite. As the evening grew, Jace began to feel tired and made his way up to bed."
Jace finishes his wine and heads up a large staircase towards his bedroom, shivering against the cold.
"It was cold outside, as it always was in December, but on this night, Jace felt it more than before. The snow outside was turning into a blizzard and with his staff having gone home already, Jace found himself alone. Slowly, he entered his bedroom, readying himself for bed.
???: "Jason Ambrose!"
"Jace was awoken by shouting. It was late at night and he should have been all alone, the voice disturbing him amidst the dark."
Jace: "What? Who... Who's there?
Dante Holly appears in a flash of light, stood at the end of the bed.
Dante: "Evildoer, beware! You must change your ways, for the path you head is surely towards destruction! You must give up this villainous lifestyle and lead a virtuous life instead!"
Jace: "Shit, Dante. Just get out, okay? Go feed that evil stuff to someone that cares."
"Jace rolled over, tugged the sheets up around his head and tried to get some sleep."
Dante sighs and heads out of the door, leaving Jace alone once more.
"As Jace lay in bed, the room grew colder and a ghastly apparition appeared before the Amazing One, its disfigured face striking deep terror into his heart"
???: "Jason Ambrose!"
Jace: "What, again? You must be kidding me."
Fallen One: "Damn it, just get the fuck up, Jace!"
Jace: "...Fallen One?"
Fallen One: "Yes, as your partner in the ring, I am here to warn you of the error of your ways."
Jace: "Oh, man. You turn up here in some freaky lights just to tell me I need to train more and spend less time with the ladies? Seriously? What the Hell?"
Fallen One looks a little flattened by this.
Jace: "Man. Don't you have a life?"
Fallen One: "Just shut the fuck up when I'm talking to you. Right? Your days of booze and whores will be your downfall and you need to change that. Also, more training might help."
"Jace didn't reply, he just stood there, smirking, leaning forwards and putting his arm through Fallen One's chest."
Fallen One: "Hey, stop that!"
Jace smirks and steps back.
Fallen One: "Anyway, three more of your co-workers will be visiting you before this night is over to show you the errors of your ways. You should listen to them."
Jace: "Yeah... Alright. Thanks Casper."
Fallen One: "Fuck you, Jace."
"With that, Fallen One left Jace alone in his room once more as he retired to bed."
Jace climbs into bed and moments later, a clock is heard chiming... It is midnight.
???: "Jason Ambrose!"
Jace sits bolt upright, panting heavily, the room lit in an eerie green light.
???: "Who the hell is Jason Ambrose?"
???: "He's a rookie wrestler. Part of Chad Kennedy's New Empire. You were there to watch his debut match!"
???: "I still have no idea who he is. What do I care about him?"
???: "He's a talented rookie and an experienced veteran like yourself should help him out..."
???: "Oh, I get it now. You already know he won't listen to you."
"Jace wiped his eyes in disbelief. It was the middle of the night and two men were stood in front of him, as he regained his sight in the green glow, he recognised them."
Jace: "Xplode?"
Xplode: "Huh. At least this kid recognises a true champion when he sees one."
Jace: "And, uh... You... Erm... Gibbon? Gibroni?"
Gibson: "Uh... Gibson?"
Jace: "Yeah, whatever. No-one actually cares. Xplode, what are you doing here at this hour?"
Xplode: "I don't know. In fact, I'm out of here."
"And with that, Xplode left, as Jace found himself staring at Rock Gibson, he wondered why he was still here."
Jace: "Aren't you going, too?"
Gibson: "Uh, no, erm, I'm the first visitor that you were told about. Well, we, uh, well, now I am. Here to encourage you to change your wicked ways before it is too late by reminding you of your past."
Jace rolls his eyes as Gibson moves towards a window.
Gibson: "Come with me, Jace, let me show you how things used to be."
Jace motions at the bed, a bulge is visible.
Jace: "Give me a minute."
Gibson: "Oh for the crying out loud..."
"Jace crawled out of bed in the bitter cold, grabbing a long coat and heading towards the window with Gibson, wondering what he would see now, looking out of the window."
Jace: "Uh, I don't see anything. I'm going back to bed."
Gibson: "Hold on, hold on..."
"With that, Gibson proved to be slightly less useless than previously thought as he and Jace found themselves standing somewhere other than the bedroom. They were standing in a schoolyard, filled with rambunctious teenagers running wild, screaming and shouting."
Gibson: "Do you recognise this place, Jace?"
Jace: "Not really. Should I?"
Gibson: "Take a closer look. Inside the building."
As the two move towards the building, they see the back of a boy's head in one of the classrooms, he is looking away from the window, presumed to be reading, in a room, alone. The room is decorated for Christmas, but the boy's loneliness and misery is a stark contrast to the proclaimed joy of the festive season, and that of the others playing outside.
Gibson: "Jace, see this poor child? Shunned by his classmates and alone? He has no joy in his heart at Christmas..."
Jace: "So? Some kid has a tough time, it's not my problem."
Gibson: "Some kid? Don't you recognise yourself?"
Jace: "What? Of course I do! I'm over there, livin' large and in charge!"
Jace points back across the schoolyard to a younger version of himself, still very good looking and cool, surrounded by a mix of equally cool guys and girls, hanging out and listening to music.
"Even as a youth, Jace had an exceptional level of charisma, charm, good looks and cool. Being amazing isn't something you become, it's something you are. Jace was born amazing and that's how he will always be."
Jace: "If you brought me back here to show me some sadsack loser still in class, then I think we're done."
Gibson: "Yeah, uh, I guess so..."
Jace: "Hold on a second, Gibroni, watch this!"
As Jace holds Gibson back, they see the younger Jace get up from the bench to pick up a baseball that has rolled across to them. A much younger child runs across and asks for it back, as the teenage Jace smirks and hurls it across the playground, past Gibson and Jace, through the open window, hitting the lonely child in the back of the head.
Jace: "Haha, fantastic shot! I should have been a professional player! Right, what's next? How amazing I was at Jessica Phillips' 18th birthday pool party? Or what about that time in College wi-"
"Rudely interrupting, Gibson transported Jace and himself to another part of the Amazing One's history. Unfortunately, it was neither college, nor the pool party, but instead, it was Jace's first proper job, working in sales for the Fuzziwig Corporation, under the tutelage of a jolly Norwegian Wigmaker."
We see a large office room, with the desks cleared aside and plenty of decorations, food and alcohol. It's the Fuzziwig Christmas party and plenty of revellers are making merry. At the centre of the room is a large man with a large beard and an even larger glass of mead, looking suspiciously like Brett Cross.
Jace: "Fuzziwig?"
Cross is surrounded by many familiar faces, all clearly enjoying themselves. In one corner the Mexican sales team of 415, AJ Valdez and the Puzzo Brothers are all laughing and chatting, as Brett heads across to them, slapping 415 hard on the back and raising his glass in the air.
Cross: "Drink, friends an' be merry! Let none o' you be thirsty or unhappy at this time o' the year!"
Gibson: "See this, Jace? This was your first office Christmas party!"
Jace: "I see them, they all look so happy. It's a pretty swinging party, but then old Fuzziwig always knew how to keep people happy. He was a strange man, but enjoyed a drink and threw a good party!"
Gibson: "And where are you, Jace? All these other workers, partying and enjoying themselves? You're not here. Not among them, no, you didn't attend this party."
Jace: "Sure I did, I just had some business to take care of first!"
And right on cue, Jace emerged from a supply cupboard at the back of the room, with a pair of blonde twins, looking very pleased with himself as he grabs a beer and begins chatting to the other workers.
Jace: "Oh, wow. Sonia and Natalia, my first threesome, and with Fuzziwig's daughters no less. I'm amazed we never got caught!"
"With that, Gibson gave a weary sigh, this clearly wasn't what he wanted Jace to see, but rather than fight, he simply gave up and returned them to the comfort of Jace's bedroom."
Jace: "That was a great trip down memory lane, Gibroni. See you around!"
Gibson: "I sure hope you listen to the next visitor."
"Gibson left, and Jace found himself alone, in the dark of his room once more. Sitting himself down upon the bed, He heard the clock chiming once more."
???: "Jason Ambrose, get the hell up!"
"Jace quickly got to his feet, blinking as a harsh light filled the dark room, illuminating the next of his visitors. It was none other than the Pure Champion himself, Jack Bull."
Bull: "Jace, I'm meant to show you the present state of things, so that you can see what your world is like. Let's get this shit over with."
"With that, Jace nodded and joined Bull as they were whisked away to a family home of no-one in particular. It was a littler earlier than Christmas, it was December 12th in fact, the eve of the last EUW show of 2010 and the family were watching the show intently. It was a typical suburban home. The father and two sons were sat in front of the television, the house decorated for the season. The eldest son looked to be about 13, sporting a Jack Bull t-shirt, whilst the younger looked to be 9 or 10, wearing a Warrior shirt. Both were cheering on Warrior and Diabolik as they faced Jace and Fallen One in the ring."
Elder child: "Go on, Warrior! Kick his butt!"
Younger child: "Get him Diabolik!"
Jace: "These children... Are cheering against me?"
Bull: "Yeah. They pretty much hate you. Especially the youngster, he's a huge Warrior fan. Can't you see that you're making them miserable?"
"This was a shock. Jace understood jealousy, he was used to grown men disliking him because he was good-looking and a hit with the ladies, but he had always assumed that the children wanted to grow up to BE him."
At this point, the mother walks in. Both Jace and Bull are distracted by her, she's in her late-thirties, but a five-star MILF, easily more interesting than the two kids. Pausing for a second, Jace and Bull turn to look at each other, a slight smirk, as she settles down on the couch next to her husband.
Bull: "Lucky dog."
Jace: "Now that's what I'm talking about. Forget the kids, who does she support?"
Mother: "Who's this new guy?"
Younger child: "He's Jace, Mom, he's going to get beaten by Warrior! Yeah!"
Mother: "Well, not too badly, I hope. It would be a shame if they ruined that face."
"As her husband shot her a bemused glance, Jace could only smirk at Bull."
Jace: "I win."
Bull: "Shut up, jackass. Let's just move on. I've got better things to do."
Jace: "You and me both."
"Jace and Bull then found themselves stood in an empty arena."
Jace: "Where are we now?"
Bull: "This is where Blood Red Horizons will take place in January. It will be your first EUW event, do you think you're ready for it, rookie?"
Jace: "Born ready. I'll win those tag titles in my second match here. Surely that must be some kind of a record? Fastest title win upon joining the company? Tag champion for a bit, then, when I'm bored, I'll take the World Title from Sabora."
Bull: "Arrogant little dick, aren't you?"
Jace: "There is nothing little about my dick, I assure you. Do we need to get some ladies here to prove it?"
Bull: "You're talking to the Bull here, not Rodgers or Gibson or one of those others. Keep it in your pants, where it belongs."
A sort of lightning fast montage occurs around Bull and Jace as the lights come on, people fill up the seats in the arena and the show kicks off, wrestlers heading out to fight, time slowing back down to normal as Jace makes his way down to the ring for his match.
Jace: "I thought you were showing the present? Not the future?"
Bull: "Man, this shit's vague at best. You want the present? Right now, I should be with some gorgeous ladies. Chuck is probably drunk and sleeping in a bar somewhere."
As Bull speaks, we see images flash up, the first one being that of Chuck Johnson, asleep on the floor of some bar, a dog licking at his face.
Bull: "Sabora is probably in training, ready for TITAN, who might well be doing the same."
We see both TITAN and Sabora, training hard, ready for their epic encounter.
Bull: "Mr. Luck is probably hanging out with his boyfriend, crying about how he needs help to win a title because he isn't good enough to take the Pure belt from around my waist."
We see the Las Vegas Commission hanging around, drinking and chatting. Dave slaps Luck on the back and they all start laughing about something.
Bull: "And the Scorpion is eating baby foetuses and sacrificing goats."
Scorpion is doing neither, but is deep in prayer, surrounded by candles, he's the only one to directly look into the camera, as if he knows it's there.
Bull: "The exact present is pretty boring. Besides, wouldn't you like to know how your match turns out?"
Jace: "If I win, you mean? Definitely!"
Bull: "Too bad, jackass!"
The two are back in Jace's room, stood in the darkness once more.
Jace: "Hey... I've got a question."
Bull: "I'm not going to help you change and become a better person. I don't care enough to bother."
Jace: "No, man, this is serious. That clicky thing you do, where we move from one place to another, is it that simple? You just think it and you're there? In the arena, or that family's house?"
Bull: "Easy."
Jace: "Can you go anywhere with it?"
Bull: "Anywhere?"
Jace: "Well, can you? And no-one knows you're there? As if you're invisible...?"
Bull: "Nice idea. Catch you around, rookie."
"With that, Jack Bull smirked and made a prompt departure, presumably for a strip show, whether or not he was paying to get in was anyone's guess."
Jace: "Damn."
"Left alone in his room once more, Jace wasn't waiting for long before the clock began to chime again, as he readied himself for the third visitor of the night."
The room is filled with a blue light as a figure appears in the room, dressed in dark clothes, a hood covering his face, so that it can't be seen.
Jace: "You're going to show me my future?"
"This visitor remained silent, keeping Jace on edge, he did not answer any questions, merely motioning for Jace to approach. As he did, the two were whisked away to an arena, in the process of being cleared after a busy night."
The arena is full of rubbish and bits of scaffolding, being dismantled and tidied by the crew. It looks as if it was the site of a large wrestling event. In the centre of the ring, there is a large, bloody stain.
Jace: "What happened here?"
The hooded figure says nothing, he just points Jace towards some of the crew.
Crew member: "I can't believe ol' Scratch finally got what was coming to him!"
Another member: "I know. I never thought we'd see the back of him!"
Jace: "Who are they talking about? Who has finally gone?"
There is no answer, and the two are now stood in a locker room, Jace glances around him, there are a lot of unfamiliar faces here.
"This is a locker room of the future EUW, many stars having come and gone in the time between now and then."
Opening the door, an older Roy Viper steps in, carring his gym bag. Barely through the door, and Jackal enters behind him. Moments later, Chuck Johnson enters the room, carrying a bag of his own. The three look at each other in surprise before laughing.
Viper: "What a chance that we should meet each other here once more! Chuck Johnson, the Jackal and Roy Viper!"
Jackal: "It is a fine chance! We are all here for the same, I expect?"
Viper: "To collect what we are owed."
The three laugh once more.
Chuck: "We all have the right to take care of ourselves. He always did."
Viper: "No man more so."
Jackal: "Well, we know why we're here. Dead men have no need for these things any more, we might as well make the best of them."
Viper: "He never did! Had he done, maybe he wouldn't have been left out there alone, perhaps another would have fought in his corner with him."
Chuck: "It's as true a word as ever spoken, and a reflection upon himself."
Viper: "I remember when he started out, he wasn't always alone."
Jackal: "I remember it well. He alienated all those around him. Drove us all away in life, only to profit us all in death!"
The three continued to tell tales of this man, their memories of him, all bad, as Jace turned to the hooded figure.
Jace: "Who is it that they speak so poorly of?"
"The hooded figure remained silent."
Jace: "Is it me?"
The two are now stood back in the arena. It is empty, but dirty and untidy, banners and bottles strewn all around, the crew having cleared up their equipment, but the cleaners haven't been in yet, giving the room a slightly abandoned and lonely quality.
Jace: "What is this place?"
"The hooded figure said nothing. Jace was left to glance around the arena, it was definitely the same one that he had been in earlier, but now it was empty and cold."
Jace: "Why have you brought me back here? What is this place?"
"The visitor finally spoke, in a deep, dark voice."
???: "Jason, this is where it all ends for you. Your career ends here, on this night."
Jace: "What? This... So... They were speaking of me? That was my blood?"
???: "Yes, Jason. This is your-"
The hooded figure breaks into a coughing fit.
???: "Hold on..."
The hooded figure continues coughing, before knocking the hood back and taking a swig from a bottle of water. As we see its face, we recognise it as none other than Danny Tenfold.
Jace: "Tenfold?"
Tenfold: "Damn, that deep voice is hard to pull off... Oh, hey Jace."
Jace: "Fuck, man. I am going to kill you."
Tenfold: "Had you going then? Good. Either way, it's the truth. This arena, this night... This is how it ends for you. Your last match is a big grudge match, but you've got no-one in your corner to cheer you on. When you lose, and believe me, you lose badly... No-one cares that you lost, either."
Jace: "No-one?"
Tenfold: "No-one."
"A door in the arena opens as Mr. Luck and Chris Sabora head towards the abandoned ring, the bloodstain still visible on the mat, Jace watching them intently."
Jace: "These two seem kind of interested."
The two make their way to the ring, Sabora standing outside as Luck climbs up onto the apron, staring at the bloodstain and shaking his head before turning back to Sabora.
Mr. Luck: "I've never seen anyone leave such a big bloody mess before."
Sabora shakes his head.
Mr. Luck: "Talk about a beating. Long overdue, really. Didn't expect it to be quite so brutal."
Sabora: "It happens."
The scene disappears as Jace and Tenfold are back in Jace's room.
Tenfold: "Do you understand, Jace?"
Jace: "That I become so awesome that the entire EUW turns against me? Yeah. Jealousy's a bitch."
Tenfold: "What? No! Well... That's not the point! The point is that your attitude gets you in trouble and it pushes away everyone that might help you. So, when it all comes down, you're on your own with no-one backing you up. Don't you get it?"
Jace: "Yeah, I get it. No-one else is bad enough to hang with the Amazing One! Thanks Tenfold, it's good to know that I'm on course for greatness!"
Tenfold: "Oh, you must be kidding me."
Jace smirks back, firing a cocky wink at Tenfold.
Tenfold: "Don't you see, Jace? You're arrogant and cocky and rude. It pushes people away from you and you can't treat people like that, or you'll end up alone and miserable."
Jace shrugs.
Jace: "I can live with that. Not my fault if the rest of these guys go getting their panties in a twist because they're nothing compared to the amazing one! Seriously though, thanks man, good to know I'm going to be a massive star.
"With that, Danny Tenfold shook his head and left, leaving Jace stood alone in his room, surrounded by the darkness once more."
Jace: "So, I'm going to be a massive star? The envy of all men? Sounds good... No, it sounds Amazing."
"As Jace made his revelation, he heard a cock crow as the first signs of sunlight began to streak through into his room."
Jace: "Wait, what day is it? Was that all in one night?"
"Jace ran to the window, pulling the curtains open and lifting the window to stare out at the street below. Spotting a young boy dressed in his Sunday best, Jace called out to him."
Jace: "You there, boy! What day is it?"
TITAN: "Fuck off."
============
Present Day
============
Jace: "So there you have it, Amazing Jace's Christmas Story. A tale of warmth and mirth, sure to bring joy to all those who hear it."
Jace raises his glass towards the camera as the girls pose suggestively around him.
Jace: "From Jace and his Ho Ho Hos, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let 2011 be as amazing as every other year has been for the Jace!"
Jace: "Good evening, wrestling fans. As the EUW superstars take a well-earned break over this Christmas period, yours truly will be presenting you with a tale of my own that will surely warm the cockles of your heart over this festive season."
Jace moves towards a plush seat next to the fireplace, sitting down, placing his brandy on a small round table and picks up a hefty tome. We get a glimpse of the rest of the room, seeing that it's probably part of a library, filled with bookcases and old maps and paintings lining the walls. Jace takes up an iron poker and jabs at the fire, its flames strengthening as he does so, before putting the rod down and opening the book.
Jace: "Yes, it's time for Amazing Jace's Christmas Carol."
A tall redhead with pale skin and a red bikini with a fur trim and Santa hat steps out from one of the bookcases, wandering across in from of the camera and standing to Jace's left.
Jace: "And now, some Christmas Holly..."
At this, a petit brunette steps out in a white bikini, adorned with holly and berries. She moves to the right of Jace and winks across at Christmas Carol.
Jace: "And, of course, what could Christmas be without the traditional turkey? Leg or breast? I've got both."
Two more girls step out, either side of Jace, both blonde and very tanned, almost like twins, but one with a killer pair of legs and the other with a hefty rack. They're wearing matching green and red outfits, with stockings and santa hats and they stand together behind Jace.
Jace: "Now that we're all here, I can begin this tale. It begins, as most Christmas stories do, on December 24th, the night before Christmas..."
============
December 24th, 2010
============
"Jace was alive, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The bitterly cold weather may not be doing his health any favours but the register of his burial was some way off of being signed just yet."
This festive tale begins with Jace stood in a shopping mall, dressed for the cold weather in a thick dark grey winter coat and a crimson scarf, over what looks like a grey suit, with matching wingtips. The mall is clearly not an average shopping mall, it's one for the celebrities and models of the world, with gifts costing the average man's yearly salary at the cheaper end of the scales, and requiring most to remortgage their houses at the upper end of things. Not that this would concern Jace, of course, he has money to spare and can afford any of the gifts here, so it's just a matter of choosing what he wants to give people. He has several bags in his hands and looks quite pleased.
"It was Christmas Eve, and Jace was doing some last minute shopping at Bedford Malls."
Jace: "And, with that, I've got everything on my list," Jace said with smile, "This will be a good Christmas, make no doubt about it".
"Jace smiled to himself, he certainly did have everything on his list. No gifts for anyone else, but plenty of nice gifts for himself, without the hassle of having to spend Christmas with people he didn't care for just to receive another bottle of sub-par cologne, or a distinctly average bottle of brandy. Yes, this was set to be a good Christmas for Jace and as he made his way towards his car, he whistled a festive tune."
Jace makes his way across the mall forecourt, whistling the theme tune to the Charlie Brown show. As he heads towards his car, a bedraggled homeless man, looking a lot like Diabolik, steps out of the shadows, asking for money.
"Jace was headed for his car, ready to return to the warmth of his home, when interrupted from his festive cheer by a ghastly sight. Nothing quite ruined the Christmas season for Jace as much as the poor, the sick or the needy, and this man was all three."
Diabolik: "Please sir, 'tis awful cold and what with it bein' Christmas and all, could you not spare some coin? Only I have no place to go and the small change for a warm cup of coffee is all I ask."
Jace: "No place to go? Are there no prisons?"
Diabolik: "Plenty, sir."
Jace: "And what of the Federal Asylums?"
Diabolik: "As much as I wish otherwise, they still exist"
Jace: "Then you have somewhere to go, don't you?"
Diabolik: "But sir, I ask only for the cost of some minor warmth and at this festive time of peace and giving, surely you can find room in your heart for one like myself?"
Jace: "I cannot afford to make idle men such as yourself merry. I support the prisons and the institutes and they cost enough, you can go there."
Diabolik: "I, and many more, would rather die than go those places!"
Jace: "If you would rather die," said Jace, smirking, "Then I suggest that you do so and decrease the surplus population!"
"With that, Jace smiled and made haste for his car, not willing to be troubled again. The poor always put Jace in a foul mood, they were ugly and they smelt bad and at times, Jace found it difficult to forget that they existed. However, a twenty minute drive later meant that Jace was back at home, greeted by Cratchley, his butler. After setting his own presents down beneath the tree, Jace changed into a more appropriate evening attire and attended to the matter of a very expensive bottle of red wine of ancient vintage."
Jace is now back at home, wearing a luxurious deep purple robe, sat in front of the fireplace with a bottle and wineglass on the table next to him. He rings a bell and Cratchley enters the room. Cratchley is Jace's head butler, in charge of the rest of the house staff too, he is about 10 or 15 years older than Jace and strongly represents a balding, older version of Warrior.
Jace: "Cratchley, I dare say that you'll be asking for tomorrow off?"
Warrior: "Only if it's convenient, sir."
Jace: "It's neither convenient, nor fair, that you expect to be paid on a day that you do not work."
Warrior: "Sir, with all due respect, it is but once a year, and I haven't seen my daughter since last Christmas."
Jace: "Neither have I and we are both the better for it."
Jace takes a sip of the wine and sighs.
Jace: "You may have the day off, but if you are even a minute late the day after, then you will never work another day in your life. Are we quite clear?"
"Cratchley nodded and scurried away, before Jace could change his mind. At this point it should be noted that Jace was no Scrooge, nor was he a Grinch, he simply wanted to enjoy Christmas and was frustrated by other people and their trivial demands. They were so impolite. As the evening grew, Jace began to feel tired and made his way up to bed."
Jace finishes his wine and heads up a large staircase towards his bedroom, shivering against the cold.
"It was cold outside, as it always was in December, but on this night, Jace felt it more than before. The snow outside was turning into a blizzard and with his staff having gone home already, Jace found himself alone. Slowly, he entered his bedroom, readying himself for bed.
???: "Jason Ambrose!"
"Jace was awoken by shouting. It was late at night and he should have been all alone, the voice disturbing him amidst the dark."
Jace: "What? Who... Who's there?
Dante Holly appears in a flash of light, stood at the end of the bed.
Dante: "Evildoer, beware! You must change your ways, for the path you head is surely towards destruction! You must give up this villainous lifestyle and lead a virtuous life instead!"
Jace: "Shit, Dante. Just get out, okay? Go feed that evil stuff to someone that cares."
"Jace rolled over, tugged the sheets up around his head and tried to get some sleep."
Dante sighs and heads out of the door, leaving Jace alone once more.
"As Jace lay in bed, the room grew colder and a ghastly apparition appeared before the Amazing One, its disfigured face striking deep terror into his heart"
???: "Jason Ambrose!"
Jace: "What, again? You must be kidding me."
Fallen One: "Damn it, just get the fuck up, Jace!"
Jace: "...Fallen One?"
Fallen One: "Yes, as your partner in the ring, I am here to warn you of the error of your ways."
Jace: "Oh, man. You turn up here in some freaky lights just to tell me I need to train more and spend less time with the ladies? Seriously? What the Hell?"
Fallen One looks a little flattened by this.
Jace: "Man. Don't you have a life?"
Fallen One: "Just shut the fuck up when I'm talking to you. Right? Your days of booze and whores will be your downfall and you need to change that. Also, more training might help."
"Jace didn't reply, he just stood there, smirking, leaning forwards and putting his arm through Fallen One's chest."
Fallen One: "Hey, stop that!"
Jace smirks and steps back.
Fallen One: "Anyway, three more of your co-workers will be visiting you before this night is over to show you the errors of your ways. You should listen to them."
Jace: "Yeah... Alright. Thanks Casper."
Fallen One: "Fuck you, Jace."
"With that, Fallen One left Jace alone in his room once more as he retired to bed."
Jace climbs into bed and moments later, a clock is heard chiming... It is midnight.
???: "Jason Ambrose!"
Jace sits bolt upright, panting heavily, the room lit in an eerie green light.
???: "Who the hell is Jason Ambrose?"
???: "He's a rookie wrestler. Part of Chad Kennedy's New Empire. You were there to watch his debut match!"
???: "I still have no idea who he is. What do I care about him?"
???: "He's a talented rookie and an experienced veteran like yourself should help him out..."
???: "Oh, I get it now. You already know he won't listen to you."
"Jace wiped his eyes in disbelief. It was the middle of the night and two men were stood in front of him, as he regained his sight in the green glow, he recognised them."
Jace: "Xplode?"
Xplode: "Huh. At least this kid recognises a true champion when he sees one."
Jace: "And, uh... You... Erm... Gibbon? Gibroni?"
Gibson: "Uh... Gibson?"
Jace: "Yeah, whatever. No-one actually cares. Xplode, what are you doing here at this hour?"
Xplode: "I don't know. In fact, I'm out of here."
"And with that, Xplode left, as Jace found himself staring at Rock Gibson, he wondered why he was still here."
Jace: "Aren't you going, too?"
Gibson: "Uh, no, erm, I'm the first visitor that you were told about. Well, we, uh, well, now I am. Here to encourage you to change your wicked ways before it is too late by reminding you of your past."
Jace rolls his eyes as Gibson moves towards a window.
Gibson: "Come with me, Jace, let me show you how things used to be."
Jace motions at the bed, a bulge is visible.
Jace: "Give me a minute."
Gibson: "Oh for the crying out loud..."
"Jace crawled out of bed in the bitter cold, grabbing a long coat and heading towards the window with Gibson, wondering what he would see now, looking out of the window."
Jace: "Uh, I don't see anything. I'm going back to bed."
Gibson: "Hold on, hold on..."
"With that, Gibson proved to be slightly less useless than previously thought as he and Jace found themselves standing somewhere other than the bedroom. They were standing in a schoolyard, filled with rambunctious teenagers running wild, screaming and shouting."
Gibson: "Do you recognise this place, Jace?"
Jace: "Not really. Should I?"
Gibson: "Take a closer look. Inside the building."
As the two move towards the building, they see the back of a boy's head in one of the classrooms, he is looking away from the window, presumed to be reading, in a room, alone. The room is decorated for Christmas, but the boy's loneliness and misery is a stark contrast to the proclaimed joy of the festive season, and that of the others playing outside.
Gibson: "Jace, see this poor child? Shunned by his classmates and alone? He has no joy in his heart at Christmas..."
Jace: "So? Some kid has a tough time, it's not my problem."
Gibson: "Some kid? Don't you recognise yourself?"
Jace: "What? Of course I do! I'm over there, livin' large and in charge!"
Jace points back across the schoolyard to a younger version of himself, still very good looking and cool, surrounded by a mix of equally cool guys and girls, hanging out and listening to music.
"Even as a youth, Jace had an exceptional level of charisma, charm, good looks and cool. Being amazing isn't something you become, it's something you are. Jace was born amazing and that's how he will always be."
Jace: "If you brought me back here to show me some sadsack loser still in class, then I think we're done."
Gibson: "Yeah, uh, I guess so..."
Jace: "Hold on a second, Gibroni, watch this!"
As Jace holds Gibson back, they see the younger Jace get up from the bench to pick up a baseball that has rolled across to them. A much younger child runs across and asks for it back, as the teenage Jace smirks and hurls it across the playground, past Gibson and Jace, through the open window, hitting the lonely child in the back of the head.
Jace: "Haha, fantastic shot! I should have been a professional player! Right, what's next? How amazing I was at Jessica Phillips' 18th birthday pool party? Or what about that time in College wi-"
"Rudely interrupting, Gibson transported Jace and himself to another part of the Amazing One's history. Unfortunately, it was neither college, nor the pool party, but instead, it was Jace's first proper job, working in sales for the Fuzziwig Corporation, under the tutelage of a jolly Norwegian Wigmaker."
We see a large office room, with the desks cleared aside and plenty of decorations, food and alcohol. It's the Fuzziwig Christmas party and plenty of revellers are making merry. At the centre of the room is a large man with a large beard and an even larger glass of mead, looking suspiciously like Brett Cross.
Jace: "Fuzziwig?"
Cross is surrounded by many familiar faces, all clearly enjoying themselves. In one corner the Mexican sales team of 415, AJ Valdez and the Puzzo Brothers are all laughing and chatting, as Brett heads across to them, slapping 415 hard on the back and raising his glass in the air.
Cross: "Drink, friends an' be merry! Let none o' you be thirsty or unhappy at this time o' the year!"
Gibson: "See this, Jace? This was your first office Christmas party!"
Jace: "I see them, they all look so happy. It's a pretty swinging party, but then old Fuzziwig always knew how to keep people happy. He was a strange man, but enjoyed a drink and threw a good party!"
Gibson: "And where are you, Jace? All these other workers, partying and enjoying themselves? You're not here. Not among them, no, you didn't attend this party."
Jace: "Sure I did, I just had some business to take care of first!"
And right on cue, Jace emerged from a supply cupboard at the back of the room, with a pair of blonde twins, looking very pleased with himself as he grabs a beer and begins chatting to the other workers.
Jace: "Oh, wow. Sonia and Natalia, my first threesome, and with Fuzziwig's daughters no less. I'm amazed we never got caught!"
"With that, Gibson gave a weary sigh, this clearly wasn't what he wanted Jace to see, but rather than fight, he simply gave up and returned them to the comfort of Jace's bedroom."
Jace: "That was a great trip down memory lane, Gibroni. See you around!"
Gibson: "I sure hope you listen to the next visitor."
"Gibson left, and Jace found himself alone, in the dark of his room once more. Sitting himself down upon the bed, He heard the clock chiming once more."
???: "Jason Ambrose, get the hell up!"
"Jace quickly got to his feet, blinking as a harsh light filled the dark room, illuminating the next of his visitors. It was none other than the Pure Champion himself, Jack Bull."
Bull: "Jace, I'm meant to show you the present state of things, so that you can see what your world is like. Let's get this shit over with."
"With that, Jace nodded and joined Bull as they were whisked away to a family home of no-one in particular. It was a littler earlier than Christmas, it was December 12th in fact, the eve of the last EUW show of 2010 and the family were watching the show intently. It was a typical suburban home. The father and two sons were sat in front of the television, the house decorated for the season. The eldest son looked to be about 13, sporting a Jack Bull t-shirt, whilst the younger looked to be 9 or 10, wearing a Warrior shirt. Both were cheering on Warrior and Diabolik as they faced Jace and Fallen One in the ring."
Elder child: "Go on, Warrior! Kick his butt!"
Younger child: "Get him Diabolik!"
Jace: "These children... Are cheering against me?"
Bull: "Yeah. They pretty much hate you. Especially the youngster, he's a huge Warrior fan. Can't you see that you're making them miserable?"
"This was a shock. Jace understood jealousy, he was used to grown men disliking him because he was good-looking and a hit with the ladies, but he had always assumed that the children wanted to grow up to BE him."
At this point, the mother walks in. Both Jace and Bull are distracted by her, she's in her late-thirties, but a five-star MILF, easily more interesting than the two kids. Pausing for a second, Jace and Bull turn to look at each other, a slight smirk, as she settles down on the couch next to her husband.
Bull: "Lucky dog."
Jace: "Now that's what I'm talking about. Forget the kids, who does she support?"
Mother: "Who's this new guy?"
Younger child: "He's Jace, Mom, he's going to get beaten by Warrior! Yeah!"
Mother: "Well, not too badly, I hope. It would be a shame if they ruined that face."
"As her husband shot her a bemused glance, Jace could only smirk at Bull."
Jace: "I win."
Bull: "Shut up, jackass. Let's just move on. I've got better things to do."
Jace: "You and me both."
"Jace and Bull then found themselves stood in an empty arena."
Jace: "Where are we now?"
Bull: "This is where Blood Red Horizons will take place in January. It will be your first EUW event, do you think you're ready for it, rookie?"
Jace: "Born ready. I'll win those tag titles in my second match here. Surely that must be some kind of a record? Fastest title win upon joining the company? Tag champion for a bit, then, when I'm bored, I'll take the World Title from Sabora."
Bull: "Arrogant little dick, aren't you?"
Jace: "There is nothing little about my dick, I assure you. Do we need to get some ladies here to prove it?"
Bull: "You're talking to the Bull here, not Rodgers or Gibson or one of those others. Keep it in your pants, where it belongs."
A sort of lightning fast montage occurs around Bull and Jace as the lights come on, people fill up the seats in the arena and the show kicks off, wrestlers heading out to fight, time slowing back down to normal as Jace makes his way down to the ring for his match.
Jace: "I thought you were showing the present? Not the future?"
Bull: "Man, this shit's vague at best. You want the present? Right now, I should be with some gorgeous ladies. Chuck is probably drunk and sleeping in a bar somewhere."
As Bull speaks, we see images flash up, the first one being that of Chuck Johnson, asleep on the floor of some bar, a dog licking at his face.
Bull: "Sabora is probably in training, ready for TITAN, who might well be doing the same."
We see both TITAN and Sabora, training hard, ready for their epic encounter.
Bull: "Mr. Luck is probably hanging out with his boyfriend, crying about how he needs help to win a title because he isn't good enough to take the Pure belt from around my waist."
We see the Las Vegas Commission hanging around, drinking and chatting. Dave slaps Luck on the back and they all start laughing about something.
Bull: "And the Scorpion is eating baby foetuses and sacrificing goats."
Scorpion is doing neither, but is deep in prayer, surrounded by candles, he's the only one to directly look into the camera, as if he knows it's there.
Bull: "The exact present is pretty boring. Besides, wouldn't you like to know how your match turns out?"
Jace: "If I win, you mean? Definitely!"
Bull: "Too bad, jackass!"
The two are back in Jace's room, stood in the darkness once more.
Jace: "Hey... I've got a question."
Bull: "I'm not going to help you change and become a better person. I don't care enough to bother."
Jace: "No, man, this is serious. That clicky thing you do, where we move from one place to another, is it that simple? You just think it and you're there? In the arena, or that family's house?"
Bull: "Easy."
Jace: "Can you go anywhere with it?"
Bull: "Anywhere?"
Jace: "Well, can you? And no-one knows you're there? As if you're invisible...?"
Bull: "Nice idea. Catch you around, rookie."
"With that, Jack Bull smirked and made a prompt departure, presumably for a strip show, whether or not he was paying to get in was anyone's guess."
Jace: "Damn."
"Left alone in his room once more, Jace wasn't waiting for long before the clock began to chime again, as he readied himself for the third visitor of the night."
The room is filled with a blue light as a figure appears in the room, dressed in dark clothes, a hood covering his face, so that it can't be seen.
Jace: "You're going to show me my future?"
"This visitor remained silent, keeping Jace on edge, he did not answer any questions, merely motioning for Jace to approach. As he did, the two were whisked away to an arena, in the process of being cleared after a busy night."
The arena is full of rubbish and bits of scaffolding, being dismantled and tidied by the crew. It looks as if it was the site of a large wrestling event. In the centre of the ring, there is a large, bloody stain.
Jace: "What happened here?"
The hooded figure says nothing, he just points Jace towards some of the crew.
Crew member: "I can't believe ol' Scratch finally got what was coming to him!"
Another member: "I know. I never thought we'd see the back of him!"
Jace: "Who are they talking about? Who has finally gone?"
There is no answer, and the two are now stood in a locker room, Jace glances around him, there are a lot of unfamiliar faces here.
"This is a locker room of the future EUW, many stars having come and gone in the time between now and then."
Opening the door, an older Roy Viper steps in, carring his gym bag. Barely through the door, and Jackal enters behind him. Moments later, Chuck Johnson enters the room, carrying a bag of his own. The three look at each other in surprise before laughing.
Viper: "What a chance that we should meet each other here once more! Chuck Johnson, the Jackal and Roy Viper!"
Jackal: "It is a fine chance! We are all here for the same, I expect?"
Viper: "To collect what we are owed."
The three laugh once more.
Chuck: "We all have the right to take care of ourselves. He always did."
Viper: "No man more so."
Jackal: "Well, we know why we're here. Dead men have no need for these things any more, we might as well make the best of them."
Viper: "He never did! Had he done, maybe he wouldn't have been left out there alone, perhaps another would have fought in his corner with him."
Chuck: "It's as true a word as ever spoken, and a reflection upon himself."
Viper: "I remember when he started out, he wasn't always alone."
Jackal: "I remember it well. He alienated all those around him. Drove us all away in life, only to profit us all in death!"
The three continued to tell tales of this man, their memories of him, all bad, as Jace turned to the hooded figure.
Jace: "Who is it that they speak so poorly of?"
"The hooded figure remained silent."
Jace: "Is it me?"
The two are now stood back in the arena. It is empty, but dirty and untidy, banners and bottles strewn all around, the crew having cleared up their equipment, but the cleaners haven't been in yet, giving the room a slightly abandoned and lonely quality.
Jace: "What is this place?"
"The hooded figure said nothing. Jace was left to glance around the arena, it was definitely the same one that he had been in earlier, but now it was empty and cold."
Jace: "Why have you brought me back here? What is this place?"
"The visitor finally spoke, in a deep, dark voice."
???: "Jason, this is where it all ends for you. Your career ends here, on this night."
Jace: "What? This... So... They were speaking of me? That was my blood?"
???: "Yes, Jason. This is your-"
The hooded figure breaks into a coughing fit.
???: "Hold on..."
The hooded figure continues coughing, before knocking the hood back and taking a swig from a bottle of water. As we see its face, we recognise it as none other than Danny Tenfold.
Jace: "Tenfold?"
Tenfold: "Damn, that deep voice is hard to pull off... Oh, hey Jace."
Jace: "Fuck, man. I am going to kill you."
Tenfold: "Had you going then? Good. Either way, it's the truth. This arena, this night... This is how it ends for you. Your last match is a big grudge match, but you've got no-one in your corner to cheer you on. When you lose, and believe me, you lose badly... No-one cares that you lost, either."
Jace: "No-one?"
Tenfold: "No-one."
"A door in the arena opens as Mr. Luck and Chris Sabora head towards the abandoned ring, the bloodstain still visible on the mat, Jace watching them intently."
Jace: "These two seem kind of interested."
The two make their way to the ring, Sabora standing outside as Luck climbs up onto the apron, staring at the bloodstain and shaking his head before turning back to Sabora.
Mr. Luck: "I've never seen anyone leave such a big bloody mess before."
Sabora shakes his head.
Mr. Luck: "Talk about a beating. Long overdue, really. Didn't expect it to be quite so brutal."
Sabora: "It happens."
The scene disappears as Jace and Tenfold are back in Jace's room.
Tenfold: "Do you understand, Jace?"
Jace: "That I become so awesome that the entire EUW turns against me? Yeah. Jealousy's a bitch."
Tenfold: "What? No! Well... That's not the point! The point is that your attitude gets you in trouble and it pushes away everyone that might help you. So, when it all comes down, you're on your own with no-one backing you up. Don't you get it?"
Jace: "Yeah, I get it. No-one else is bad enough to hang with the Amazing One! Thanks Tenfold, it's good to know that I'm on course for greatness!"
Tenfold: "Oh, you must be kidding me."
Jace smirks back, firing a cocky wink at Tenfold.
Tenfold: "Don't you see, Jace? You're arrogant and cocky and rude. It pushes people away from you and you can't treat people like that, or you'll end up alone and miserable."
Jace shrugs.
Jace: "I can live with that. Not my fault if the rest of these guys go getting their panties in a twist because they're nothing compared to the amazing one! Seriously though, thanks man, good to know I'm going to be a massive star.
"With that, Danny Tenfold shook his head and left, leaving Jace stood alone in his room, surrounded by the darkness once more."
Jace: "So, I'm going to be a massive star? The envy of all men? Sounds good... No, it sounds Amazing."
"As Jace made his revelation, he heard a cock crow as the first signs of sunlight began to streak through into his room."
Jace: "Wait, what day is it? Was that all in one night?"
"Jace ran to the window, pulling the curtains open and lifting the window to stare out at the street below. Spotting a young boy dressed in his Sunday best, Jace called out to him."
Jace: "You there, boy! What day is it?"
TITAN: "Fuck off."
============
Present Day
============
Jace: "So there you have it, Amazing Jace's Christmas Story. A tale of warmth and mirth, sure to bring joy to all those who hear it."
Jace raises his glass towards the camera as the girls pose suggestively around him.
Jace: "From Jace and his Ho Ho Hos, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let 2011 be as amazing as every other year has been for the Jace!"