Post by Peter Vaughn on Oct 22, 2022 17:21:08 GMT -5
The Road So Far:
A Day In The Life, Or My Life In One Day
Can There Be Redemption In A Rebirth?
For the past year, there's been a war simmering under the surface like an oil spill onto water. At the end of September 2022, Peter Vaughn might have lit a match to it.
Back in the day, Vaughn had multiple interactions with the wrestler known as Andrew Logan. They usually didn't go Vaughn's way, as he had not yet become the main eventing force of 2022. Logan tried to convert Vaughn from his clean janitor image into something new, something dangerous. Who knew that Vaughn would actually take that path last year, without Logan's involvement? In the meantime, Logan joined up with one of the more infamous groups in wrestling history, The Left Hand. This poor decision sent Logan to jail for 16 months, but he would eventually find a way to get paroled.
He immediately set his sights on Vaughn again, almost killing him at one point with a rigged explosive in a high-rise apartment building. Vaughn bided his time afterwards, watching for any signs of where to find Logan. He finally tracked him down last month, sneaking into one of his offices and stealing information off of Logan's powerful network... and then setting fire to the room himself. Retribution never felt so good.
But now that Vaughn has made his move, he knows it's Logan's turn once again. But when will the counterattack arrive? And how long will Vaughn have to stay ready?
~The picture comes up outside a Dallas restaurant. We see a pick-up truck pull up outside, taking up one of the only parking spaces available. The doors open, with Peter Vaughn and his half-brother, Thomas Hill, getting out. Both are surprisingly well-dressed, wearing tuxedos. It's a surprisingly good look for Vaughn, who rarely wears anything looking like this. Vaughn, for his part, looks distinctly uncomfortable. They start moving towards the entrance, with Vaughn taking his time, checking out his line of sight in either direction.~
Thomas Hill: Are you okay, Peter? Nervous about tonight?
Peter Vaughn: You could say that...
Thomas Hill: Hey, it's understandable. It's not every day you're honored as a distinguished representative of Dallas. It's quite the honor.
~Hill moves ahead to the door, but Vaughn stops him, blocking it with his foot. Thomas steps back, surprised, as Vaughn quickly checks over the doorway for any sign of a wire or any other boobytrap.~
Peter Vaughn: Okay... I don't see anything. I think it's safe to open.
Thomas Hill: .... So it's not nervousness about the award I'm reading here, is it?
Peter Vaughn: Look, bro. All you need to know is to be ready for anything tonight. This could easily be a trap.
Thomas Hill: What makes you say that?
Peter Vaughn: Seriously? A guy like me? Getting an award like this? And you DON'T think it's a trap?
~Vaughn shakes his head, looking incredulous. Hill just raises an eyebrow.~
Thomas Hill: You know, you HAVE done a lot for Dallas over the past year, especially after your multiple World Title wins. It's not inconceivable that they might want to honor you.
Peter Vaughn: Yeah, okay. I'm just glad you're wearing the tuxedo I got you.
Thomas Hill: I appreciate you picking one up for me. I don't normally dress in tails like this. I never knew a tuxedo could be this heavy, really.
Peter Vaughn: Well, you can have it light-fitting or bulletproof, your choice.
~Thomas nods, then does a double-take, before checking out his tuxedo again. It does seem to be made of a tightly wound fiber of some sort. He can't help but laugh.~
Thomas Hill: You're truly serious about this, aren't you?
Peter Vaughn: You don't know the people I've had to deal with, Thomas. All that stuff with our mother? That was just light work compared to some of the ones coming out of the shadows now. Just... be ready, okay?
~Vaughn takes a deep breath, then throws the door open. He charges in... almost running into the maître d, who gives him an annoyed glare. This lasts just a second, as he recognizes the guest of honor.~
Maître D: Oh, Mr. Vaughn! We've been waiting for you! This way!
~He leads Vaughn and Thomas forward, into the room set up for the event. We see a sign at the front with Vaughn's smiling face on it. Who knows when that picture of taken; not anytime recently, that's for sure. They head in, where a crowd of people are already at their tables, eating away. Vaughn & Thomas are led to the front, where a special table sits for them. Vaughn checks it out carefully before sitting down, as the festivities begin.~
It's always nice to achieve honors in life, no matter how they end up.
Getting a victory over Mark Flynn on the first WGWF show of the new era was truly incredible. I can admit now that there were times I wasn't sure I'd ever get that victory over him, as badly as I wanted it. So many bad tag-team partners, so many missed opportunities. But it finally happened. Clearly, coming to the WGWF paid off greatly. And now, Flynn and I are able to see each other as equals, or at least close to it, forming what is undoubtedly going to be one of the greatest tag-teams the world has ever seen.
Yes, things have taken quite a turn here in the WGWF. We're now set to take this place over, to run it as we see fit. To that end, I feel like I do owe something to the company. I owe it a lot of tremendous wrestling and unbelievable bloodshed, and I am set to deliver, week in and week out.
And that brings us to this week. Max Daemon.
I want to give you some props first, Maxwell. You got a pretty good victory on our first show back as well, taking down Centurion. I know, you've taken some grief due to winning with a low blow hit, but hey, all those fans and wrestlers just don't realize that if it's not caught, it's not illegal, and so it counts. I've won several matches with the shot to the family jewels, and I've taken those hits myself. It happens in the business, doesn't it?
So if I end up kicking you in the dick at some point, you'll understand, too, right?
We're two practical individuals, Maxxie. We both know that all that matters is that check in the victory column. You got yours over Centipede, I got mine over Flynn, and now we're both apparently in position for that World Title. But you know what, Smax? As much as you think the line begins with you, the problem is, Flynn and I are actually sitting at the front as the bouncers. And I don't see your name on the guest list, friend. Looks like you're going to have to wait for that little opportunity.
I've made it perfectly clear, Demon, that I'm here to claim myself a fifth World Title. I've already taken down the best there is here. Once I wipe you out as well, hopefully the message will get across to the rest of the locker room. I'm the present and future of the WGWF. That championship gold will be mine, along with the Tag-Team Titles with Flynn. And guys like you? Hey, there's always the Intercontinental Title. Oh, wait, Flynn might be holding that as well. How forgetful of me.
Maybe you can punch Cholo in the cullions and take his spot for the Television Title? Whatever works, right?
~We enter into the restaurant hall once again, to a darkened room with a spotlight on the speaker up front. It's a most distinguished speaker, as it's the Dallas City Mayor, Eric Johnson. He's apparently in mid-speech as we slowly zoom in on him.~
Mayor Johnson: We know how tough it's been for the city of Dallas over the last few years, just as it's been rough all around the United States. Recovery after the pandemic has not been easy. This is why we honor members of our fair city that have brought acclaim and redemption to Dallas. Over the past year, the gentleman tonight has shown the world that strong men can come out of Big D, and that they don't all have to be footballs players like Dak or Zeke.
~There is a general cheer from the crowd from the mere mention of some Dallas Cowboys. Thomas Hill's voice can be heard among them. We do not, however, hear Peter Vaughn.~
Mayor Johnson: He's also brought money and resources into our economy, buying up ranching property and rebuilding it for all the world to see. He's used local workers to reconstruct a previously well-known ranch, helping us in so many ways. He's also donated to my election fund, something I certainly can't ignore!
~The people there laugh at the political humor. A startled "What??" can be heard, but Thomas quickly shushes his half-brother, telling him they'll talk about it later.~
Mayor Johnson: All-in-all, this is a man who should be honored for everything he's doing for the city of Dallas. I give you one of our great stars, a four-time World Heavyweight Champion and an a true Texan... "The Mechanic" Peter Vaughn!!
~The crowd applauds, with some standing up to make it a full ovation. Thomas apparently has to push Vaughn towards the stage, where he carefully walks up the steps, checking each one before finally reaching the stage. He shakes the mayor's hand, bracing himself, but nothing happens. He then walks up to the podium, ducking down behind it suddenly. The audience stops clapping, confused, as Vaughn slowly raises back up, glancing from spotlight to spotlight. He looks puzzled.~
Peter Vaughn: So... so this isn't an assassination attempt? Really?
~There are a few chuckles from the crowd, but most seem to just still be unsure of what Vaughn means. He scratches his head before stepping closer to the mic.~
Peter Vaughn: Well... er... I didn't really... prepare anything... but let's see here...
~Vaughn clears his throat again, then takes a second to think. You can hear some murmurs from the crowd, as Mayor Johnson looks on a little anxiously from the side.~
Peter Vaughn: If I'm honest with myself... I've always loved Dallas. No matter whether it was good or bad, the city always moved on, and I always was coming back here to continue forward in my career. I would never think of building a ranch anywhere else in the world before here.
~This gets some appreciative cheers from the richer folks in the audience, the ones who need Dallas to continue to thrive, so they can continue to bring in the money.~
Peter Vaughn: I'm glad I'm back here. And I swear to the people of Dallas that I will continue to go out there and win myself championship after championship, showering myself in glory and becoming one of the greatest wrestlers of all time!
~Vaughn pauses, expecting a loud cheer, but there are only a couple of coughs. He reconsiders for a second.~
Peter Vaughn: And as always... HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!
~The crowd erupts, cheering wildly. Vaughn gives a small smile and steps back from the podium. He shakes Mayor Johnson's hand again, getting pulled to the side so that they can take some pictures for future political purposes. Vaughn just accepts it, even though he still seems to be on guard, expecting the worst at any moment. The cheers continue, though, as the ceremony shifts into dessert mode.~
Sometimes it's worth just celebrating your accomplishments, isn't it?
I know you've had some success in your career, Maxxxx. You've held a few belts, and not even all at Action Wrestling. You know I'm planning to beat up a whole team of them at the Tara Fenix Charity Event? Not by myself, of course, although that might be more interesting. But hey, we're talking about you here, not Team Blacky Black.
I saw you were the final SCW World Champion. It's always interesting, isn't it, being the champion at the top when a company fades? Sometimes it's because of the champion themselves, but let's be honest: usually it's the idiots in the bank screwing up the finances. That's what I think happened in Thunder Pro Wrestling, where I was the first and only International Champion. So I've been there. You probably still have that belt at home, right? Stare at it occasionally, thinking about what might have been? Hoping that the company makes a comeback at some point?
Or are you just relieved you'll never lose it?
I guess that's what brings us to the WGWF, doesn't it? We've got a federation making their return, and we both want to make our mark by being the first one to hold the new World Championship. I mean, that's the only thing keeping you here, right? You don't have much interest in the fed on its own, you just want that title... and then, maybe, you'll depart with it, like you and your friends have tried in the past? It's funny, because as despicable as some people think I am, that's not a line I've ever crossed. I've defended every championship to the best of my ability. Sure, I use any loopholes and special additions to push myself forward to victory, but that doesn't change the fact that I leave the chance for the belt to leave my hands every time I'm out there.
I'll never walk away with the gold. If TPW reopened right now, I'd be defending on the very first show. And once I win the WGWF World Heavyweight Title, you can bet that its glory will be preserved in my capable hands. Now, you may ask, how can I guarantee that, being in so many federations at once? Well, because despite keeping my schedule full, I have a current winning streak going, and I'm showing the world that I can do anything I put my mind to.
You're going to be part of that streak. How does that feel?
Some people would be flattered to be part of it, but I get the feeling you aren't that way, Damon. You're probably going to resent me for beating your ass down and leaving you laid out. I can understand that. But you really should find some respect in being added to the List of the Conquered. So many names are on there from this list. So many more to go.
By the way, have you made any plans for someone watching your back yet? I know I'll have Mark Flynn out there with me, making sure to give me another advantage. I'd keep an eye open in the back of my head if I were you, Mix. Maybe you can find a fan who will stand in for you, shout warnings if you... oh, wait, you pissed off all the fans last show. I guess that's out. Oh, what about the commentators... oh. Yeah, that's probably not going to work. Wow. You may be more hated than I am. That's an impressive accomplishment, Maxxie.
Another accomplishment for you, I suppose. You have to take the ones you can get, right? Because you sure as hell aren't getting an accomplishing victory over yours truly.
You're going on the list. Accept it.
~We're at the end of the reception, as Thomas has put away his Emporium Pie slice with gusto. He's also working on Vaughn's piece, as he wasn't quite willing to trust it. His loss. Vaughn is currently talking with the Mayor, nodding to him.~
Peter Vaughn: I really do appreciate being given this award, Mayor Johnson. I'm sorry if I came across as... skeptical.
Mayor Johnson: That's fine, Mr. Vaughn. I know in your line of work, some strange things can happen, after all. I look forward to working with you regularly in the coming months. We have mid-term elections coming up soon, and we could surely use your... contributions towards successful outcomes.
~The Mayor smiles, as if expecting another check to come his way, but Vaughn just glances over at Thomas before continuing.~
Peter Vaughn: Yeah, uh... I'll talk to my accountant about that. Again, thank you for this honor. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again.
~Vaughn nods and turns away from the Mayor, walking over to Thomas, who just put the last chunk of pie into his mouth. Vaughn smacks him on the back, almost making him choke, before leaning over his shoulder.~
Peter Vaughn: Time to go, before we have to pay for this whole thing.
~Thomas, coughing, takes a final sip from his champagne glass, then gets up to follow Vaughn out the door. They get outside, with Vaughn again checking both sides before moving to the truck. They get inside, with Vaughn finally seeming to relax.~
Thomas Hill: So? Did you enjoy yourself?
Peter Vaughn: Eh. It's just a hand-me-down award. They'll be giving it to some other rich celebrity next month.
Thomas Hill: So you weren't happy at all to be honored? Come on, bro, isn't this the kind of attention you always craved for? Becoming a success in the eyes of the people?
Peter Vaughn: Maybe. Although I have to wonder how much of my money you had to give the Mayor before he threw this little shindig.
~Vaughn looks over at Thomas, who awkwardly looks anywhere but at his brother.~
Thomas Hill: Uh, yeah, that... don't worry about it. You'll be getting back what you paid for in spades, this is only the beginning.
Peter Vaughn: Uh huh. Well, we'll see about that. At least we got through it all without anyone being shot.
Thomas Hill: Hey, that's the tuxes were for, right? Hah hah...
Peter Vaughn: Yeah. Course, they could have always shot you in the head. But still, take the precautions you can, right?
~Thomas thinks about this for a moment, then looks down at his tux again. He starts trying to lower his neck a little bit, getting more protection, as Vaughn starts up the truck and pulls out, headed down the road. He contemplates how the night went, thinking it all through.~
Peter Vaughn: Honestly, I'm really surprised. I thought for sure something was going to happen tonight. My instincts said it was all going down. Guess they're not always going to be 100 percent all the time, huh?
Thomas Hill: Hey, I'm all for a quiet evening of celebration, followed by a nice evening back at the ranch, watching Sadie ride a horse.
Peter Vaughn: You really need to stop staring at her, Thomas. Seriously. You're going to get us sued.
Thomas Hill: I can't help it! She's stunning! If only she'd agree to one date...
Peter Vaughn: Yeah, put aside some money in the HR fund, will you? Wait, do ranches have an HR fund?
Thomas Hill: It'll be covered.
~Vaughn nods, turning down the highway that will take them back to the PMV ranch. As they drive, Vaughn's phone suddenly rings. He has it set up where the call immediately transfers to the truck's speakers, so he simply presses a button.~
Peter Vaughn: You've reached the Mechanic.
Voice: Hello, Peter.
~The truck swerves slightly, as Vaughn looks down at the caller ID too quickly. He straightens them back up on the road, continuing onwards.~
Peter Vaughn: Hello... Logan. It's been a while.
~Thomas, initially confused, looks over at his half-brother with alarm. Vaughn is dead serious, waiting for the other shoe to drop.~
Andrew Logan: Yes, it has been, hasn't it? I do remember the last time we spoke. I offered you another chance to work for me. You turned it down.
Peter Vaughn: And you tried to kill me.
Andrew Logan: Oh, not kill, Peter. Never kill. I just wanted to get your attention. And now, it seems I have it. You know, I really liked that office you burned down. I feel bad for the other tenants, who really had nothing to do with what happened.
Peter Vaughn: They've got insurance.
Andrew Logan: So they do. This is why I like you, Peter, even with all the trouble we've had between each other. So I want you to know, despite everything, that job offer is still on the table. I know, I know, you want to become a rancher instead. I admire your enthusiasm. It's too bad that certain groups don't want you to succeed.
~Thomas mouths about what he means, but Vaughn doesn't respond. He's thinking through his next statements.~
Peter Vaughn: And I assume these groups will be put into their place if I joined with you?
Andrew Logan: One way or another, yes. Until then, well, I wish you the best of luck against them. Goodbye, Peter.
~The phone clicks off. Immediately, Vaughn pulls the truck over to the side of the highway. He jumps out, running around to a confused Thomas' side.~
Peter Vaughn: Get out. Get out NOW!
~Thomas complies, and they hurry away from the truck. They stop a good 50 feet away, waiting... and waiting... and waiting. Nothing happens.~
Thomas Hill: You... you thought he rigged the truck to explode?
Peter Vaughn: It wouldn't surprise me.
Thomas Hill: So what do we do? We start walking?
Peter Vaughn: No, you dummy, we call the ranch and get them to come get us.
Thomas Hill: Oh. Right.
~Vaughn quickly hits the button for one of his employees, waiting as the phone rings. After several seconds, it picks up.~
Peter Vaughn: Hey there, Leon, it's Peter. Look, I'm going to need you to.... what? I don't understand... okay, tell me exactly what's going on...
~Vaughn listens quietly, then starts back towards the truck. Surprised, Thomas follows, but hesitates about getting in. Vaughn doesn't, hopping into the driver's side.~
Peter Vaughn: We're on our way.
~He hangs up, then looks out at Thomas.~
Peter Vaughn: Get in.
Thomas Hill: But... but what about the truck?
Peter Vaughn: It's fine. I was wrong.
~Still bewildered, Thomas gets in, quickly buckling his seat belt, as if it will protect him from an explosion. Vaughn immediately peels out, headed down the road.~
Thomas Hill: So what is it? What did Leon say?
Peter Vaughn: .... The ranch is on fire.
~As Thomas looks at Peter, his mouth wide open in shock, Vaughn sits forward, tightening his grip on the wheel as he begins to speed faster down the road. We slowly fade out from the scene.~