From Custodian To Legend: The Journey Begins
Oct 27, 2021 14:17:03 GMT -5
"Cholo" Giovanni Santana likes this
Post by Peter Vaughn on Oct 27, 2021 14:17:03 GMT -5
*The shot slowly rises on an image of impeccable beauty. The majestic sun is seen slowly approaching the bright blue seas below, preparing to disappear once more as the planet continues to spin in its regular rotation. And if you’re one of those who believes that the sun is the one circling the Earth… you’re wrong.*
*A few birds can be seen flying here and there, checking out the surface to see if there are any close fish to munch on, but otherwise it’s fairly quiet. We change our view to look in the opposite direction, where Peter Vaughn is leaning on the railing, looking outwards at this glorious display of nature, yet seeing little of it. His thoughts are focused on the past, as he begins talking to himself with an inner monologue that, for some reason, we can hear as well.*
Vaughn: It’s been such an insane year. Just to think, this time last year I was barely treading water in the wrestling world. If I was actually able to defeat someone in the ring, it immediately became a candidate for “Upset Of The Year”.
*We see a quick view of some shots from the now-closed GCWA, showing a happy-go-lucky Vaughn dancing to the ring with his favorite mop. We can hear the commentator’s voices from the past, eerily echoing in the ocean air: ”Peter Vaughn’s ready to try again tonight. He’s always got such a positive personality.” “Which is why he’s known as a lovable loser. Guy can’t buy a win.” Vaughn shakes his head, wanting to remove that memory of who he used to be.*
Vaughn: When I came to OCW, though, everything soon changed. I fell under Jonathan Barrows’ tutelage, and his… teachings…
*We briefly see a glimpse of Peter Vaughn's masked persona appear on his face, just for an instant. The sound of screaming from behind a closed door can briefly be heard, once again with that strange echo quality, before Vaughn once again shunts the memory aside. No one would want to remember agony like that.*
Vaughn: I found myself. I won the OCW Craze Title. I defended it against my old mentor and former adversary, proving that I had, indeed, changed. I became the #1 Contender and the Heel of the Month, perfectly deservingly, I must say. And then… I won the OCW World Championship.
*More voices can be heard, as we hear the announcers reacting to the shocking victory: “From Outsiders to OCW Champion. I’m speechless.” “This is a FUCKIN JOKE.” Even during one of Vaughn’s greatest moments, he still has to push aside the disrespect shown for him, something that this particular announcer later deeply regretted. Vaughn still hasn't managed to get the bloodstains out of his shirt.*
Vaughn: The world had become mine. I finally made it. I reached the top. And then…
*A few news stories seem to spin through Vaughn’s memory, where we can see them. Don’t ask me how, I’m not in control of the SFX budget. The articles all talk about the surprising actions of OCW head Marcus Welsh, seemingly releasing most of his wrestlers and taking the organization in a more private direction, to the shock of the wrestling world.*
Vaughn: Then it all changed. And now… now I’ve got a lot of decisions to make. I’m still the OCW Champion, leader of a business that’s now voluntarily ostracized from the rest of the wrestling world. How can I be seen as the future of the business in this isolated environment?
*Vaughn shakes his head, looking more agitated as the thoughts continue to race through his head. Standing in this apparent paradise, he seems more conflicted than ever.*
Vaughn: I’ve got to make an impression here. This cruise… it’s more than just a fun opportunity now. It’s a statement. It’s a way to put the rest of the business on notice. I have to make it something special. Something incredible. Or else… I go back to where I was. And I can’t do that. I can’t! I CAN’T!
*Vaughn lowers his head, struggling to fight off the demons that are suddenly inside his head, threatening to rear up and take him down once again. This time, at least, Vaughn faces them and sends them packing, taking a few deep breaths before again staring out at the picturesque view in front of him, as if nothing just happened.*
Vaughn: … Hell of a year…
*Vaughn stays there for a few moments, and probably would have stayed melancholy for a while longer. But a voice behind him catches his attention.*
Cholo: El Superstar Vaughn! Que tal hombre? Listo for some fun?
*“Cholo” Giovanni Santana strolls over, looking relaxed in a bathing suit and t-shirt. It stands out against the jeans and long-sleeved shirt Vaughn is still wearing. It almost seems like Vaughn’s reverted slightly; if you close your eyes and look sideways, you might see his outfit as too similar to his old janitorial gear.*
Vaughn: Hey, Cholo. Fun’s… not easy to come by these days.
Cholo: Mira Papi, Xavier told me you were a tight ass, and coming from him I thought that was saying something... But hombre, you are in a CRUISE! Loosen up, ditch the uniform and let's go fiesta!
Vaughn: Uniform? Oh, yeah. I guess I should change. I don’t know why anyone would care, though.
Cholo: Have you seen how many Mamacitas are in this boat? Just put on some shorts and bring that shiny title of yours and the chicas will be all over you like seagulls on a whale's back you know what I mean?
Vaughn: No...
Cholo: Well you about to find out Papa, come on, vamonos!
*Vaughn finally cracks a smile, unable to resist Cholo’s energetic impatience. He looks over towards the pool area, where you can, indeed, see some of the most beautiful women in the wrestling world. He looks tempted, but then hesitates.*
Vaughn: I don't know. Guy like me might just mess things up over there. I’ve always been more of a lone wolf… and being around all those women…
Cholo: Ah, yo entiendo... you need to relax a bit before you come out? You need some of that good maui waui? Paco gave me some -
Vaughn: NOPE! Last thing I need is to fail a drug screening in the near future.
*Vaughn takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He reminds himself that he’s no longer “The Janitor”, a useless waste of a roster spot. He’s now Peter Vaughn, a World Champion and an All Star. He is a wanted man.*
Vaughn: Alright, Cholo. I’ll go change. It’s time more people see the real Peter Vaughn.
Cholo: Orale!
*Vaughn and Cholo walk off, with the world already looking a little brighter, in contrast to the setting sun. We cut away.*
*The picture returns around the swimming area, where Vaughn can be seen pulling himself out of the pool. You wouldn’t think so based on his reputation, but Vaughn actually has some serious definition underneath the heavy clothes he usually wears. That’s how he’s been able to transform himself into a champion. He steps off to the side, drying himself off, as a waiter steps over towards him. Vaughn, smiling, takes a complimentary cocktail and drops back onto a beach chair, looking upwards.*
Vaughn: I take it back. This is the life.
*Vaughn takes a long drink, and then sets it to the side. We can see that Cholo is still in the pool, telling an exaggerated story to an interested beauty. Vaughn laughs and settles back, as a persistent beeping begins to get louder nearby. After a few seconds, Vaughn realizes what it is, and his mood immediately shifts. With a sigh, he gets up and grabs a special-looking tablet from the side, pressing a button to bring his manager, Jonathan Barrows, onto the screen.*
Barrows: Peter!! I was wondering if you would ever answer! What’s going on over there?
Vaughn: Just enjoying the lifestyles of the rich and famous, Jonathan. At least until you called.
Barrows: You do seem more relaxed right now. That’s definitely a good thing with everything that’s been going on. But we need to make some time to discuss your opponents on the cruise. You’ve been placed into a very tough match, after all.
Vaughn: Really? Now?
Barrows: That’s why I got you that expensive satellite-enabled tablet, so we could talk! I mean, I’d rather have been on the cruise. Still don’t know how you didn’t get me there with you. They didn’t offer you another spot?
Vaughn: If they did, I must have missed it. Pure accident, I’m sure. Okay, fine, go over what you’ve got.
*Vaughn shakes his head and takes another sip of the drink, enjoying the flavor. It’s another change he’s grown to like, not just drinking bottled water anymore.*
Barrows: So we have Sara Pettis, “The Child of Fate” apparently. She’s won numerous titles in her career, including being the CWF World Champion.
Vaughn: The same CWF that I was Paramount Champ in?
Barrows: Who knows? There have been many. She’s very dangerous, though, and shows to be a high flyer. She’s willing to take risks to get to victory.
Vaughn: Someone after my own heart. I’ve made a living in this business by calculating the risks and taking the plunge off the top. If nothing else, the fans are going to love us going at it. Maybe they’ll donate more to charity if we get their hearts pumping faster.
*Vaughn nods to himself, pleased with the thought of an acrobatic contest. His nodding shakes the screen, but Barrows ignores the moving camera and continues.*
Barrows: Then we have Jason Long, known as “The Best Bout Machine”.
Vaughn: Excuse me?
Barrows: I know, I know, but don’t underestimate him. This guy’s an AWF Hall of Famer and a Project: Honor top contender. He’s also another high-flyer.
Vaughn: Sheesh, they put together a match that won’t be contained in the ring, will it? Hope they make it a ladder match, we’ll really put on a f’n show! The cash will roll in!
*Barrows watches as Vaughn seems more energetic than ever. It’s not surprising, as Vaughn has been known recently to switch between emotions quicker than before. It’s another sign that his ‘training’ has come a little loose.*
Barrows: Finally, there’s Legion.
Vaughn: Which one?
Barrows: What?
Vaughn: I know of a dozen Legions. Actually, that’s kind of funny. A legion of Legions. Ha!
Barrows: ANYWAY… she’s known as the Queenslayer. Big time in WWH. I’d call her the wild card in this one, since she’s more hardcore and willing to brawl compared to the rest of you.
Vaughn: What, you think I don’t know how to brawl? I’m a former hardcore champ! I was OCW Craze Champ, and nobody ever took that from me, because I ditched it when I became World Champion. Believe me, if they want this to get physical, I’m more than happy to go that way. Add in some chairs and tables to go with those ladders and we’ll have a match that steals the entire cruise.
Barrows: Just remember, Peter, this cruise is a great way to get your name out there, but I’d rather not see any permanent injuries from it. You have a lot of people talking about you.
Vaughn: So the offers are pouring in?
Barrows: There have been more than a few. We’ll discuss them once the cruise is over with. Who knows, we might hear from more once you’ve crushed the competition.
Vaughn: Uh huh…
*Vaughn’s attention has been grabbed by a nearby lady getting out of the pool. Her form is absolutely perfect. Vaughn shakes his head in amazement, then looks back at the screen. He’s already tired of this conversation.*
Vaughn: Hey, Jonathan, I think I’m starting to have… connect… iss…
Barrows: You know that I can still see you, right?
*Apparently Vaughn had forgotten that, as his hand freezes near the disconnect button. Barrows sighs.*
Barrows: Just go back to having a good time, Peter. You deserve it. We’ll speak again later. Just in case, though, good luck in your match. Hope it’s the one that makes your name even bigger.
Vaughn: It will be, Jonathan. It will be.
*Vaughn cuts contact with Barrows, dropping the screen to the side. He reaches down and picks up the OCW Championship, which he had brought with him due to Cholo’s urging. He smiles at the gold, keeping it close, as he starts to think about his next move on the cruise. We leave the scene behind.*
*It’s later on in the evening when Vaughn appears in front of a special set-up for promos. You know they would have one on a wrestling cruise ship. Hell, odds are there’s multiple spots to cut promos. Vaughn faces the camera, calmly smiling towards it.*
Vaughn: I want to take this opportunity to thank Tara Fenix once again for this opportunity. This cruise is everything I expected it to be, and more, and that’s before I’ve even had a chance to get into the ring. I promise Tara, as well as Jason, that they won’t regret my signing. I’m going to be on my best behavior during the entire weekend... well, when outside the squared circle, at least. Also… CaTara Forever.
*Vaughn grins again, then gets himself ready for more serious discussions.*
Vaughn: Jason Long. Sara Pettis. Legion. There’s only one thing I’m asking of you for our match on Night Three: bring it. Bring everything you’ve got. All the skills you’ve acquired over your amazing careers. All your best strategies and strongest abilities. I want to see them all. Because while all of you have reached your peak and are approaching your descent from the top of the mountain, I’m on my way up. I plan to add a lot more championships before my career is over, and to get those opportunities, I need to keep having the greatest of matches.
*Vaughn stops for a moment, feeling the thrill of going against some of the best in the world with so many organizations keeping track.*
Vaughn: I was supposed to get my dream match with James Raven. Now it’s not happening. That puts all the pressure on this contest. Long, Pettis, Legion, I need your absolute best, because I don’t want anyone saying that it was a fluke when I leave the victor. I need them saying “Holy shit, three wrestlers put their A+ games on the line, and Peter Vaughn still took them down triumphantly.” I need this, more than all of you put together.
*After a moment, the wrestler turns back to the camera, showing off the OCW Title on his shoulder.*
Vaughn: This here? This is the accomplishment of a lifetime… and it’s only the beginning. So I’m asking you to help me out on November 1st. Let’s kick off the month in style, and make them regret putting us right before the highly-hyped main event. Let’s have ourselves a good, old-fashioned war that will make everyone speak our names with honor. And in the end, when I’m basking in glory from the inevitable victory… I’ll thank each and every one of you for making it happen.
*The champion nods towards the screen, showing a hint of gratitude for the wrestlers that have been put into his path. He turns and walks off, leaving the area behind. Who knows what else will happen as Peter Vaughn continues on the Tara Fenix Charity Cruise? Really, the only thing that seems assured is that it’s going to be memorable. Fade out.*
