Post by Shawn Ashen on Jul 22, 2011 21:15:15 GMT -5
As the sun slowly begin to set over the ocean landscape, the gentle hue reflected against the crystal clear water to form an amazing combination of colorful beauty. Truly, this was a paradise on earth: a private island beach with a luxurious and modern beach house a few hundred feet away. At this point a beautiful young woman dressed in traditional servant clothes began walking towards a large beach chair situated near the water’s edge. Carrying a large drink with several ice cubes, she made her way to the individual sitting in the chair with the utmost haste, apparently in something of a rush. As she made her way to the chair, her eyes came to rest upon the man she was serving. Sitting in the chair was a shirtless man dressed in nothing but a basic pair of swimming trunks and a fine pair of designer Oakley sunglasses. A far cry from the usual thousand dollar suits and ties, the unmistakable figure of Shawn Ashen appeared to be enjoying a quiet vacation of sorts when the young woman made her way to him.
Servant: Mr. Ashen sir? Here is the drink you requested…
At this point, Ashen slowly looked over at the young girl, not even bothering to lift his sunglasses. The young woman went by the name of Valerie and had been in the temporary employ of Ashen for the past couple of weeks on his private island. The young woman had pleaded with him for a job, stating that she needed to earn some money to help finance her first year of college. Never one to not take advantage of a situation, Ashen had agreed to pay her $10,000, a monumental amount for only a few weeks of work, on the condition that she do exactly what she was told without hesitation or question. Essentially, Shawn Ashen had engaged in modern slavery, submitting this woman to any type of language or humiliation he saw fit for his own personal amusement. It made him a disgusting human being, but he had never been the type to care about the perception of others.
Ashen reached over and took the glass from her and slowly raised the glass to his face. He had requested a basic mixed fruit cocktail with mineral water, wishing to keep things simple for the day. Quite thirsty, he immediately took a sip…only to quickly spit out the drink in disgust! Valerie immediately shrieked back in fear, obviously aware that she was about to feel the cold-hearted rich man’s wrath. Ashen quickly stood up and removed his sunglasses, glaring at the young girl in front of him before screaming at her in a very loud voice.
Shawn Ashen: Why the hell is there sand in my drink!? Didn’t I specifically tell you to keep all debris out of my beverages!? How stupid are you!?
Valerie: I’m…I’m sorry Mr. Ashen. I took a walk on the beach earlier this morning and I guess some sand got onto my clothes somehow…
Shawn Ashen: What were you doing walking around you ignorant little twit!? You have a job to do and you are goofing off!? I should fire your worthless ass right now!!
Valerie: Please sir! I need this money! I’ll make you another drink!
Shawn Ashen: Oh I know you will…and you’ll do it soaking wet!
With that, Ashen quickly threw the drink into the young woman’s face, dousing her instantly! She cringed as the liquid hit her, tears visibly welling up on her face at the humiliation of being treated like dirt by the man in front of her. Those tears began to roll down her face, when suddenly Ashen screamed at her once again.
Shawn Ashen: Stop that damn crying you stupid little bitch!! I am in the absolute WORST of moods today thanks to losing millions of dollars in investments! You’re no better than that worthless little whelp called The Scorpion! Thanks to him also being a crying and sniveling little baby, he lost that damn title! Because of him I’m out the money I invested…and I HATE losing money! I have a week like that and I can’t even get a damn drink made properly because you’re too damned stupid to follow orders! Get the hell out of my sight! You have approximately ten minutes to get me another beverage and if there is ANYTHING wrong with it whatsoever than you will immediately be fired and I’ll cut your agreed pay by over 90%!!
Valerie: Sir! You can’t do that! We had an agreement…
Shawn Ashen: SHUT UP! We had a verbal agreement and nothing more! It’s not my fault you were too stupid to demand it in writing! Now get moving before I just straight drop you and you walk out of here with nothing!
As he finished speaking, Ashen quickly threw the glass in the sand near her feet and ordered her to leave. The young woman bent over to pick up the glass…but Ashen quickly kicked her in the rear, forcing her face down into the sand! Valerie got up covered in grime, the sand immediately sticking to her wet clothes and skin. She looked at Ashen for an explanation, but he simply tapped his wrist to indicate time was ticking and ordered her away. Crying once again, she ran away and left him to his own devices. In a brief moment of anger, he quickly kicked at the sand for a moment before sitting back down into the chair and placing his face in his hands.
He was beyond angry at what had happened. The Scorpion had lost the World Heavyweight Title and with it, Shawn Ashen’s leverage. On top of that, he had recently been informed that he was to compete this week against a rookie, a newcomer by the name of Ewan Jakeway. Being a newcomer, he couldn’t even rely on his normal method of a scouting report, as Jakeway had only one or two matches under his belt to analyze. This week, he was going to be forced to rely on his own athletic abilities to best his adversary.
It was unbelievable, a man of Shawn Ashen’s stature wrestling a man that there was barely any information on. Ashen knew that Jakeway was big on faking out opponents and essentially playing the psychological game. This was nothing to him, as he figured that there was nobody capable of matching his own intellect. On top of this Ashen was both bigger and stronger than Jakeway, so he figured a strategy shouldn’t be too hard to formulate. Essentially the basics: slow him down, psych him out, chain together strikes and throws, maintain a consistent attack, take the crowd out of it…
Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted when his cell phone went off. Reaching into a nearby bag, he quickly grabbed the phone and answered it.
Shawn Ashen: Shawn Ashen here.
Charlotte: Mr. Ashen? This is Charlotte. I have a call request for you.
Shawn Ashen: I told you I don’t want to be disturbed! This had better be good Charlotte…
Charlotte: It’s Mark Rivera sir.
Ashen’s eyes went wide shock at what he had just heard. Weeks ago he had cut off his financial backing for Rivera’s Empire brand, figuring that it was best to flee a sinking ship and invest directly in the champion. However, Rivera had pulled it off somehow and actually gotten control of the company. He was perplexed by the rationale for the call, as despite his horrible personality, Mark Rivera was not a stupid man. Ashen figured that there was no way he was simply calling to gloat about The Scorpion’s loss, it simply had to be something else.
After taking a few moments to gather his thoughts, he gave his reply…
Shawn Ashen: Put him through.
Charlotte: Yes sir.
There was an audible click and a few seconds passed before another voice came over the phone, a voice that Shawn Ashen could recognize a mile away…
Mark Rivera: Shawn.
Shawn Ashen: Mark.
Mark Rivera: Unfortunate what happened with The Scorpion. That Jack Bull is nothing if not a pest…
Shawn Ashen: If you’re here to gloat then consider this conversation terminated. I don’t need that kind of crap right now.
Mark Rivera: Far from it Shawn. I’m here to talk business.
This statement made Ashen raise his eyebrows in confusion, as this was the last thing he had expected to hear. Nevertheless, the first rule of business is to listen to every offer, a rule that he had sworn long ago never to break.
Shawn Ashen: I’m listening…
Mark Rivera: Shawn I was wondering if…if you would be willing to meet with me at the show this week? I know you have a match with that Ewan Jakeway fellow, but afterwards I was wondering if we could meet to discuss some business matters.
Shawn Ashen: What’s your game Rivera? You and I both know that you have no authority over me, as my legal team stopped you from assuming my EUW contract upon takeover. I’m under no obligation to meet with you about anything.
Mark Rivera: Quite right. However, I think you might find this proposal very interesting. Shawn, contrary to what you might think, I don’t hate or even dislike you. When you cut off your funding to the Empire it was understandable. Hell, I would have done the same thing! Not to mention you are quite a teacher, you have taught me how to control that madman called The Scorpion…
Shawn Ashen: The Scorpion is a scared little boy that still misses his mommy. I’ll deal with him soon enough. Right now my focus is on beating the life out of Ewan Jakeway. I’m in a pissed off mood and need someone to take it out on. Mr. Jakeway is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mark Rivera: It’s understandable you feel that way, but I would recommend not underestimating Mr. Jakeway. He has been impressive in his limited time wrestling for the Asylum thus far. He has solid technical skills and the fans are starting to take a liking to him. He may yet give you some trouble in the ring.
Ashen quickly had to turn away to contain his anger, the thought of Ewan Jakeway somehow outmaneuvering him in the ring bringing his blood to a boil. He was coming off one of the worst financial weeks of his life, thus for some reason the thought of losing to Jakeway made him fly into the strongest of rages. He quickly settled down though and returned to his conversation.
Shawn Ashen: Ewan Jakeway is a little gnat that I’ll swat in the ring. I’m not concerned about him at all. What I want to know is the nature of this business deal you’re proposing. You know as well as I do that The Scorpion has a rematch clause in his contract. He will cash it in before long…and you know he’ll do whatever I tell him because of those papers I have on him. I’m assuming it has something to do with that?
Mark Rivera: You’re on the button as always Shawn, but that’s not the only thing I’m interested in. Yes I want to discuss those papers with you, but I also want to go over some financial parameters. To put it bluntly I’m proposing that we work together again. I think you and I could both do each other significant favors.
Shawn Ashen: Oh really? Well fine, I’ll hear you out at least. In the interim though you can begin the reestablishment of this business relationship by doing a favor for me.
Mark Rivera: And that would be?
Shawn Ashen: Get me information on Ewan Jakeway. Who he is, where he’s been, the works. Get as much information as you can and fax the documents to my office. I want to formulate my strategy against this guy and he’s too new for my usual scouting organization to do anything.
Mark Rivera: Well, I can’t provide you with a concrete strategy since Jakeway is an Asylum wrestler, but I can certainly provide you the information that is public record.
Ashen scoffed at this notion, knowing that Rivera was just about the most corrupt human being in the entirety of the business world, an accusation that covers a LOT of ground. Nevertheless, he kept his wits about him and continued on.
Shawn Ashen: Fine. Oh and Mark? Cut the facetious unbiased owner crap. Everyone knows that you are an evil, slimy, crooked bastard…and that’s why you’re successful.
Mark Rivera: Heh, still the same as ever I see. Fine Shawn, I’ll play your game. I’ll get you your info on Jakeway. In return can I take you at your word that you’ll make the meeting at the show?
Shawn Ashen: Consider it done. I need those documents within 12 hours though.
Mark Rivera: Give me 8.
Shawn Ashen: Still the overachiever I see. Sounds like we’re back in business then Mark, albeit temporarily for now. You’ve got your meeting.
Mark Rivera: I’ll see you then Shawn. Oh…and good luck against Ewan Jakeway.
Shawn Ashen: Goodbye Mark.
With that, there was an audible click and Ashen casually closed his phone. He slowly looked out at the ocean for a brief moment, seemingly taken in the conversation he had just had. Reestablishing relations with Rivera could prove most beneficial…assuming it wasn’t a trap of some kind. However, Ashen had enough money to buy his way out of any jam and didn’t even need this wrestling job. It was why he cared so little for win/loss records. Obviously he always wanted to win, but if he lost then so what? It’s not like he would be forced to compete hurt. If Ewan Jakeway is successful then it changes nothing, thus Ashen knew that he could simply go full force against his opponent.
The thought brought a smile to his face as he calmly put his sunglasses back on and laid back in his beach chair. As he continued to gaze at the ocean, he became more and more confident about his upcoming match and meeting. He would destroy Ewan Jakeway in the ring and then defeat Mark Rivera at the negotiating table. There was nobody on this planet that knew more about business than Shawn Ashen…and he planned to prove it. Once that was done, he would move on to handling The Scorpion. But for now, the focus was on Ewan Jakeway alone.
Smirking at the thought of being victorious in two avenues Sunday night, Ashen simply reclined in his chair and continued to gaze at the ocean. He thought about his trademark signature line as he gazed forward, saying it out loud seemingly on instinct.
Shawn Ashen: All it takes to make your dreams come true is money and power…and I have both.
Servant: Mr. Ashen sir? Here is the drink you requested…
At this point, Ashen slowly looked over at the young girl, not even bothering to lift his sunglasses. The young woman went by the name of Valerie and had been in the temporary employ of Ashen for the past couple of weeks on his private island. The young woman had pleaded with him for a job, stating that she needed to earn some money to help finance her first year of college. Never one to not take advantage of a situation, Ashen had agreed to pay her $10,000, a monumental amount for only a few weeks of work, on the condition that she do exactly what she was told without hesitation or question. Essentially, Shawn Ashen had engaged in modern slavery, submitting this woman to any type of language or humiliation he saw fit for his own personal amusement. It made him a disgusting human being, but he had never been the type to care about the perception of others.
Ashen reached over and took the glass from her and slowly raised the glass to his face. He had requested a basic mixed fruit cocktail with mineral water, wishing to keep things simple for the day. Quite thirsty, he immediately took a sip…only to quickly spit out the drink in disgust! Valerie immediately shrieked back in fear, obviously aware that she was about to feel the cold-hearted rich man’s wrath. Ashen quickly stood up and removed his sunglasses, glaring at the young girl in front of him before screaming at her in a very loud voice.
Shawn Ashen: Why the hell is there sand in my drink!? Didn’t I specifically tell you to keep all debris out of my beverages!? How stupid are you!?
Valerie: I’m…I’m sorry Mr. Ashen. I took a walk on the beach earlier this morning and I guess some sand got onto my clothes somehow…
Shawn Ashen: What were you doing walking around you ignorant little twit!? You have a job to do and you are goofing off!? I should fire your worthless ass right now!!
Valerie: Please sir! I need this money! I’ll make you another drink!
Shawn Ashen: Oh I know you will…and you’ll do it soaking wet!
With that, Ashen quickly threw the drink into the young woman’s face, dousing her instantly! She cringed as the liquid hit her, tears visibly welling up on her face at the humiliation of being treated like dirt by the man in front of her. Those tears began to roll down her face, when suddenly Ashen screamed at her once again.
Shawn Ashen: Stop that damn crying you stupid little bitch!! I am in the absolute WORST of moods today thanks to losing millions of dollars in investments! You’re no better than that worthless little whelp called The Scorpion! Thanks to him also being a crying and sniveling little baby, he lost that damn title! Because of him I’m out the money I invested…and I HATE losing money! I have a week like that and I can’t even get a damn drink made properly because you’re too damned stupid to follow orders! Get the hell out of my sight! You have approximately ten minutes to get me another beverage and if there is ANYTHING wrong with it whatsoever than you will immediately be fired and I’ll cut your agreed pay by over 90%!!
Valerie: Sir! You can’t do that! We had an agreement…
Shawn Ashen: SHUT UP! We had a verbal agreement and nothing more! It’s not my fault you were too stupid to demand it in writing! Now get moving before I just straight drop you and you walk out of here with nothing!
As he finished speaking, Ashen quickly threw the glass in the sand near her feet and ordered her to leave. The young woman bent over to pick up the glass…but Ashen quickly kicked her in the rear, forcing her face down into the sand! Valerie got up covered in grime, the sand immediately sticking to her wet clothes and skin. She looked at Ashen for an explanation, but he simply tapped his wrist to indicate time was ticking and ordered her away. Crying once again, she ran away and left him to his own devices. In a brief moment of anger, he quickly kicked at the sand for a moment before sitting back down into the chair and placing his face in his hands.
He was beyond angry at what had happened. The Scorpion had lost the World Heavyweight Title and with it, Shawn Ashen’s leverage. On top of that, he had recently been informed that he was to compete this week against a rookie, a newcomer by the name of Ewan Jakeway. Being a newcomer, he couldn’t even rely on his normal method of a scouting report, as Jakeway had only one or two matches under his belt to analyze. This week, he was going to be forced to rely on his own athletic abilities to best his adversary.
It was unbelievable, a man of Shawn Ashen’s stature wrestling a man that there was barely any information on. Ashen knew that Jakeway was big on faking out opponents and essentially playing the psychological game. This was nothing to him, as he figured that there was nobody capable of matching his own intellect. On top of this Ashen was both bigger and stronger than Jakeway, so he figured a strategy shouldn’t be too hard to formulate. Essentially the basics: slow him down, psych him out, chain together strikes and throws, maintain a consistent attack, take the crowd out of it…
Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted when his cell phone went off. Reaching into a nearby bag, he quickly grabbed the phone and answered it.
Shawn Ashen: Shawn Ashen here.
Charlotte: Mr. Ashen? This is Charlotte. I have a call request for you.
Shawn Ashen: I told you I don’t want to be disturbed! This had better be good Charlotte…
Charlotte: It’s Mark Rivera sir.
Ashen’s eyes went wide shock at what he had just heard. Weeks ago he had cut off his financial backing for Rivera’s Empire brand, figuring that it was best to flee a sinking ship and invest directly in the champion. However, Rivera had pulled it off somehow and actually gotten control of the company. He was perplexed by the rationale for the call, as despite his horrible personality, Mark Rivera was not a stupid man. Ashen figured that there was no way he was simply calling to gloat about The Scorpion’s loss, it simply had to be something else.
After taking a few moments to gather his thoughts, he gave his reply…
Shawn Ashen: Put him through.
Charlotte: Yes sir.
There was an audible click and a few seconds passed before another voice came over the phone, a voice that Shawn Ashen could recognize a mile away…
Mark Rivera: Shawn.
Shawn Ashen: Mark.
Mark Rivera: Unfortunate what happened with The Scorpion. That Jack Bull is nothing if not a pest…
Shawn Ashen: If you’re here to gloat then consider this conversation terminated. I don’t need that kind of crap right now.
Mark Rivera: Far from it Shawn. I’m here to talk business.
This statement made Ashen raise his eyebrows in confusion, as this was the last thing he had expected to hear. Nevertheless, the first rule of business is to listen to every offer, a rule that he had sworn long ago never to break.
Shawn Ashen: I’m listening…
Mark Rivera: Shawn I was wondering if…if you would be willing to meet with me at the show this week? I know you have a match with that Ewan Jakeway fellow, but afterwards I was wondering if we could meet to discuss some business matters.
Shawn Ashen: What’s your game Rivera? You and I both know that you have no authority over me, as my legal team stopped you from assuming my EUW contract upon takeover. I’m under no obligation to meet with you about anything.
Mark Rivera: Quite right. However, I think you might find this proposal very interesting. Shawn, contrary to what you might think, I don’t hate or even dislike you. When you cut off your funding to the Empire it was understandable. Hell, I would have done the same thing! Not to mention you are quite a teacher, you have taught me how to control that madman called The Scorpion…
Shawn Ashen: The Scorpion is a scared little boy that still misses his mommy. I’ll deal with him soon enough. Right now my focus is on beating the life out of Ewan Jakeway. I’m in a pissed off mood and need someone to take it out on. Mr. Jakeway is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mark Rivera: It’s understandable you feel that way, but I would recommend not underestimating Mr. Jakeway. He has been impressive in his limited time wrestling for the Asylum thus far. He has solid technical skills and the fans are starting to take a liking to him. He may yet give you some trouble in the ring.
Ashen quickly had to turn away to contain his anger, the thought of Ewan Jakeway somehow outmaneuvering him in the ring bringing his blood to a boil. He was coming off one of the worst financial weeks of his life, thus for some reason the thought of losing to Jakeway made him fly into the strongest of rages. He quickly settled down though and returned to his conversation.
Shawn Ashen: Ewan Jakeway is a little gnat that I’ll swat in the ring. I’m not concerned about him at all. What I want to know is the nature of this business deal you’re proposing. You know as well as I do that The Scorpion has a rematch clause in his contract. He will cash it in before long…and you know he’ll do whatever I tell him because of those papers I have on him. I’m assuming it has something to do with that?
Mark Rivera: You’re on the button as always Shawn, but that’s not the only thing I’m interested in. Yes I want to discuss those papers with you, but I also want to go over some financial parameters. To put it bluntly I’m proposing that we work together again. I think you and I could both do each other significant favors.
Shawn Ashen: Oh really? Well fine, I’ll hear you out at least. In the interim though you can begin the reestablishment of this business relationship by doing a favor for me.
Mark Rivera: And that would be?
Shawn Ashen: Get me information on Ewan Jakeway. Who he is, where he’s been, the works. Get as much information as you can and fax the documents to my office. I want to formulate my strategy against this guy and he’s too new for my usual scouting organization to do anything.
Mark Rivera: Well, I can’t provide you with a concrete strategy since Jakeway is an Asylum wrestler, but I can certainly provide you the information that is public record.
Ashen scoffed at this notion, knowing that Rivera was just about the most corrupt human being in the entirety of the business world, an accusation that covers a LOT of ground. Nevertheless, he kept his wits about him and continued on.
Shawn Ashen: Fine. Oh and Mark? Cut the facetious unbiased owner crap. Everyone knows that you are an evil, slimy, crooked bastard…and that’s why you’re successful.
Mark Rivera: Heh, still the same as ever I see. Fine Shawn, I’ll play your game. I’ll get you your info on Jakeway. In return can I take you at your word that you’ll make the meeting at the show?
Shawn Ashen: Consider it done. I need those documents within 12 hours though.
Mark Rivera: Give me 8.
Shawn Ashen: Still the overachiever I see. Sounds like we’re back in business then Mark, albeit temporarily for now. You’ve got your meeting.
Mark Rivera: I’ll see you then Shawn. Oh…and good luck against Ewan Jakeway.
Shawn Ashen: Goodbye Mark.
With that, there was an audible click and Ashen casually closed his phone. He slowly looked out at the ocean for a brief moment, seemingly taken in the conversation he had just had. Reestablishing relations with Rivera could prove most beneficial…assuming it wasn’t a trap of some kind. However, Ashen had enough money to buy his way out of any jam and didn’t even need this wrestling job. It was why he cared so little for win/loss records. Obviously he always wanted to win, but if he lost then so what? It’s not like he would be forced to compete hurt. If Ewan Jakeway is successful then it changes nothing, thus Ashen knew that he could simply go full force against his opponent.
The thought brought a smile to his face as he calmly put his sunglasses back on and laid back in his beach chair. As he continued to gaze at the ocean, he became more and more confident about his upcoming match and meeting. He would destroy Ewan Jakeway in the ring and then defeat Mark Rivera at the negotiating table. There was nobody on this planet that knew more about business than Shawn Ashen…and he planned to prove it. Once that was done, he would move on to handling The Scorpion. But for now, the focus was on Ewan Jakeway alone.
Smirking at the thought of being victorious in two avenues Sunday night, Ashen simply reclined in his chair and continued to gaze at the ocean. He thought about his trademark signature line as he gazed forward, saying it out loud seemingly on instinct.
Shawn Ashen: All it takes to make your dreams come true is money and power…and I have both.
