The Return of the Assassin.

[dragon]

Ice cold winds blow through the damp streets of San Francisco, offering a gleam to the normally littered intersections of the downtown district. Various shreds of papers twist about, lost in a mini hurricane of sorts, as they tumble to and fro, passing the doorway of a well lit establishment. Announcing it’s intentions with steady blinking lights of red and greed hues, the building echoes the sounds from within as a small crowd enjoys a well earned Friday night in the city. Just beyond the doorway, a man rests against a muddied brick wall, his facial features lost in the jungle that is his facial hair. Raising a dented coffee mug emblazoned with the words “I break for Boobies”, the man looks up at a patron as they prepare to enter the tavern within. His hands shakes a slight bit, betraying his age, as a few coins are dropped into the porcelain mug. He nods in appreciation, digging his finger less gloves into the mug and removing the loose change within. The door is then opened and shut there after, as the couple enters the building beside him.

Sirens scream into the air now, a black and white car emitting them as it blazes on by only to head off in an unknown direction. The homeless man watches the patrol car do so, unaware that a more quiet vehicle is pulling up alongside him. Coming to a sudden stop, the vehicle remains in place. It’s sleek exterior proudly displays the insignia of the Cadillac Automotive brand. Stretched out quite a bit further than an average vehicle, the “limo” slowly lowers its back tinted window as a slender arm stretches out, a wad of bills in it’s hand. Seeing this, the homeless man stumbles to his feet, dropping the change that he had just obtained moments earlier. He licks his lips, anxious to accept the rather generous offer, only for the hand to retract back into the vehicle as the window raises up and closes once again.

“FUCK YOU THEN!” shouts the vagrant, as he pulls up his pants. He immediately feels a few seems seemingly ripping around his waist as he tugs upon his belt loops. Taking a deep sigh, he then turns around and says: “Fucking jackasses around here have no idea what life is truly about! Let’s see them actually survive out on these streets, damn it! Then we will see who is worth what..”

The dark limo remains in place, almost taunting the vagrant. Finding his place upon the sidewalk once again, the man picks at the only tooth that he has left in his mouth as the back limo door slowly begins to open. His eyes grow wide as a set of legs step into the open, setting up for an attractive female to smile in his direction as she exit’s the vehicle. Enamored with the woman, the vagrant smiles as he adjusts what is left of his shirt collar. He then runs his soiled finger through his dirty brown locks as he says: “Well what have we here? A pretty gal’ on a Friday night? It’s been awhile since I felt the touch of someone with your looks. You lost?”

The female’s eyes slowly shorten, as she glares at the vagrant. Hazel eyes reflect a deep sadness, as she slowly arches her head to the side, almost as if she is studying the man. The vagrant can do nothing but glare back, unsure if he is lost in her beauty… or if he is uncomfortable by the situation. After a few wordless moments, the woman breaks the gaze, glaring towards the still open door of the vehicle as another set of legs step out. A pair of well taken care of black leather boots find their place upon the pavement as a man steps into view. His hair is neatly pinned back, tied into a “pony tail” as he sports a well trimmed beard. The vagrant quickly notices what looks to be heavy scarring upon the forehead of this man, as the well dressed man removes his dark shades and smiles at the vagrant.

“I don’t like him.” speaks the woman as she looks at the homeless man once again. She has a look of serenity upon her face, but her eyes radiate otherwise.

“Skyler honey..” answers the man now. “He’s a fucking hobo. Let him sit in his own shit. We have other matters to tend to.”

The woman now known as Skyler nods, only to turn and walk away. The vagrant continues to watch her leave as the pony tailed man smiles and speaks. “You’re lucky. She would have torn you apart. I saved your life, now make it worth something and get a fucking job. You smell like piss.”

Adjusting his black leather coat, the man turns and follows his female companion, leaving the vagrant alone on the sidewalk. Anger floods through the homeless man now, as he slams his hands down upon the pavement and yells: “WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!!” causing the well dressed man to stop in his tracks, not saying a word. Before the vagrant can say anything, the other man is upon him, his large hand gripping the vagrant around his throat. Dark blue eyes dart from left to right as he looks the vagrant up and down, causing the homeless man to shake in fear. Realizing that he was in danger, the vagrant begins to plead for his life as he says: “Hey mister, I don’t want no trouble-”

“Trouble?” answers the angered man as they remain face to face. “You run your mouth like that to me again, and trouble will be the least of your worries. Oh, and who the fuck do I think I am? I am the Strategic Assassin, but you can call me… Xplode.”

“The Return of the Assassin”
By Xplode.

“It’s quite loud in here, how long must we stay?”

Looking in Xplode’s direction, Skyler Claire takes a deep sigh as she desperately attempts to summon patience from within her. Seated in a booth positioned high above the night club’s dance floor, the duo waits as two drinks are placed on the table before them. Xplode smiles in her direction as he picks up the small shot glass, before slamming it down quickly. He then replies to her question, raising his voice above the high pitched music. “We won’t be here that long, have a drink.”

“I would rather not.” replied Skyler with a roll of the eyes. “I just don’t get why the secrecy. Who are we meeting here anyway?”

Glancing into the crowd below, Xplode slams his second drink as he answers. “An old friend..”

The music continues to blare loudly as the duo waits for a few minutes. Finally, a figure begins to head in their direction and walk up the nearby stairway. Dressed in a sharp suit, a man who looked to be in his late 60’s arrives with a ear to ear grin. His silver tone hair highlights his aged features as he speaks with a raspy voice. “Jaden, it’s been a long time.”

Raising up out of his chair, Xplode approaches the older man and the two share a quick embrace. “It sure has been. How have you been, Terry?”

“Not bad. Retirement is better than I thought it would be.” continues the man now known as Terry. “Though, I won’t lie. I still hunger for the ring from time to time. So, who is this striking female and what the hell is she doing with you?”

Picking up Skyler’s hand, Terry attempts to kiss it on the back of her palm until she yanks it back defensively. Xplode laughs as he comments, “Skyler, meet Terry Jones. Terry… Skyler.”

“She has a bite to her.” remarks Terry as he cautiously pulls his hand back. “Interesting. So, what is the reason for this little family reunion? If I was to guess, it would have something to do with what I witnessed on Sunday Night Vengeance last week.”

“You’re still paying attention to what goes on in the business?” answers Xplode. “I am not even surprised.”

“You don’t spend as much time in the world of professional wrestling like I have and just walk away.” continues Terry Jones once again. “Based on what you have been up to, you must feel the same way. Tell me, what is this business of you challenging your brother again? I thought you both buried that hatchet, if you know what I mean? This is just getting tiresome. Hasn’t Toby put a beating on you enough? Besides, with the condition that your brother was in after the Maynard Hetfield match, he may be in no shape to… wait.. I get it.”

“Do you?” answers Xplode matter-of-fact like. “You don’t know the half of it.”

Laughing, Terry Jones glances at Skyler and offers a smile, one that is not returned as she looks the other way. “Oh, but I do, kid. How long have you two been kicking each other’s asses now? What is it, ten years already? Did you not learn a thing from that retirement match that the two of you were in? Throughout the last ten years, I have seen you literally kill that man… and he just keeps on getting back up. Sure, I see that the window of opportunity is now, with him being all banged up and such. I think you should look at things from the other side of the yard though. Maynard Hetfield kicked the shit outta’ him… and your brother still found a way to win. I don’t think he is capable of being beat.. Unless you actually murdered the man. You have nothing to prove, everyone in the industry already considers you a wrestling legend. Why not hang up the boots and leave this crap behind? We could catch a flight out to Bermuda and see what is there waiting for us? You could even bring Skyler here as long as she promises to play nice.”

“Terry, I didn’t ask you to meet me here to lecture me.” snaps Xplode now. Behind him, Skyler glances at Xplode and runs her fingers along his well defined shoulder. “I am going to step in the ring with Oblivion at Prestige. There is no talking me out of it. There is a reason for this match and right now, I can’t get into it.”

“Then why did you ask me here, X?” asks Terry Jones politely. “I know it isn’t to enjoy the music. I can’t stand techno.”

Looking off in the distance, Xplode takes a moment to gather his words. Deep stress lines appear upon his forehead as he looks back at Terry and speaks. “My most fondest memories are when you stood by my side. We fucking ruled the world together. Sabora, Daggerson… even Oblivion. None of them could hold a damn candle to us. Prestige may be the last time that I step in that ring, and if I do, I want to do it right. What do you say? One more time.. Manage me. You can start right now and help me prepare to beat the shit out of that kid who got in my face two weeks ago.”

“James Hart?” laughs Jones now. “The great Xplode needs help dispatching someone like him? Come on, there was a time that you literally felt no fear about anyone? What’s the catch?”

“The catch is simple. I have been gone a long time, Terry. I stepped in the ring about a month ago with Jack Bull and the ring rust was obvious. I may have not been the one who was pinned.. but the majority who watched that fight saw me as the weak link in that group. I can’t have that. I am the best champion to ever step the hell into that EUW ring, bar none. I have beaten the damn best in this business. Hell, had I not lost that match to Oblivion and was saddled with sudden retirement, I probably would have stomped your boy TITAN as well. Lord knows he has it coming and if anyone can do it.. it is..”

“You… I know.” interrupts Jones now. “I won’t lie to you, kid. TITAN is the culmination of all of my years of managing. He is an unstoppable force of nature. I don’t see a single person in that company who could put him down.. Except you. You had a way of performing the impossible. That’s what made you the best. I just don’t understand though, why James Hart? He doesn’t deserve a match with you. Shouldn’t you be waiting for an answer from Oblivion? He hasn’t answered your challenge yet as far as I know.”

“-and he won’t.” replies Xplode. “You see, my brother has always needed incentive when it comes to stepping in that ring. That is where James Hart comes in. Do I think that little shit can put me down for the three count? Of course not. He is nothing more than bait. I am going to beat Hart senseless all damn night until Oblivion shows up… and he will. Trust me. You see, Toby always had a heart for the idiots in the industry. He has that Hero complex. Of course, there is always the chance that Hart performs a miracle and actually brings some sense of skill to the ring. I welcome it. If I am going to step in the ring with the Big Dog himself.. I need to be at my best.”

Accepting a drink from a waitress, Terry Jones sips it and sets it down. “Let me get this straight, you are going to humiliate James Hart until your brother arrives? Then what? Be careful what you ask for. I just hope you know what you are doing..”

“Terry, I always know what I am doing out there.” Xplode continues as he taps his finger upon the table between them. “James Hart is going to learn that he needs to have respect for the business. I don’t know what piece of shit company created him, but I know who will end him. As for Oblivion, I know exactly what I am asking for. That’s where you come in… you and Skyler here. There is more to this little plan of mine, you will see. All you have to do is say that you are in. Come on, Terry. This is your big chance for one more run at greatness. For a signing prize, I will even let you have a front row seat to the massacre that I will be enacting upon James “Pretty Boy” Hart.”

Terry says nothing as he finishes off his drink. Placing it back on the table, he rises up out of his seat and turns to face Xplode one last time. “You know, Jaden. You always were the most talented of the men that I had managed. Maybe it’s fate that we end things together. I am sorry though. I just can’t do it this time. You and your brother are going to kill each other... and I don’t want to be around to see it. Good luck to you, kid.”

Xplode watches with disapproval as Terry finds his way out the way he came in. To the side of him, Skyler begins to fidget with her dress. She seems obviously uncomfortable with it’s posh materials. Noticing this, Xplode orders another drink and looks in her direction. “You need to relax. You’re being obvious.”

Skyler says nothing, save for a quick glance in Xplode’s direction. Slamming the drink that has just been brought to him, Xplode sighs as he says, “Terry will change his mind once he sees what I do to James Hart this weekend. They all will. This isn‘t my first rodeo after all...”