Post by Peter Vaughn on Sept 23, 2023 21:13:12 GMT -5
Lately, it's seemed like Peter Vaughn's life had been going in the right direction.
Since finding an ancient artifact that made his psyche "whole", he has become a friendlier, slightly more emotional Vaughn. He appears to care more for his family. He even went on a 'date' with his best ranch hand, Sadie Anderson, showing that maybe things truly were different for the man. But at the same time, strange things have been happening all around him. The doctor of his half-brother was attacked in a parking garage, nearly dying. A pack of coyotes slaughtered on Vaughn's land after attacking some of Vaughn's dogs. A member of the PMV Ranch disappeared, his whereabouts unknown.
What does it all mean? And have things really changed for Vaughn? Or is the other shoe about to drop?
~As the lights come up, we see Vaughn walking down a hallway. Two officers stand on either side of him, holding his arms, making sure he keeps moving straight ahead. Vaughn looks frustrated, as he's directed around a corner... and into a jail cell. They get the doors closed behind him, making sure everything's locked, as Vaughn turns to the doorway.~
Vaughn: This is complete bullshit. You guys know that, right?
~The officers don't respond. They both turn and walk away, not wanting anything more to do with Vaughn, who watches them go, putting a hand on the cell door. Next door, a larger man can be seen getting up and walking up to the barred area between them.~
Prisoner: Well, you're a pretty...
~Without saying a word, Vaughn reaches over, grabbing the prisoner's head through the openings and slamming it into the bars. The man collapses backward, as Vaughn goes back to looking out the door.~
Vaughn: Complete... bullshit...
~With a sigh, Vaughn goes to take a seat on the nearby bed, completely ignoring what just happened. He looks contemplative, thinking back to what's happened over the last few days...~
~Vaughn's eyes stare off into the distance, as if seeing a little of what's coming. A voice snaps him out of it.~
Thomas: You still in there, bro?
~Vaughn glances to the side, where he sees his half-brother, Thomas, being wheeled up towards him, with an attractive brunette pushing him along. Vaughn can't help but grin.~
Vaughn: Don't worry, I'm still in there. Haven't lost my mind yet. It's backed up on the cloud.
Thomas: Are the servers down again? Hah!
~The two brothers exchange a quick hug, with Vaughn leaning over. Thomas has been recovering over the last month after a vicious attack from a band of cultists, leaving him in the chair. Vaughn turns to the woman, reaching out to her as well.~
Vaughn: It's good to see you as well, Becca.
Becca: You say that now, but just you wait until Thomas and I take you down today!
~Both laugh, along with Thomas, as they turn and head into what appears to be an old-fashioned Putt Putt course. It only takes a minute for Vaughn to pay for some clubs and balls, bringing them out to the course, which is thankfully handicap-accessible. He hands Thomas two putters of different sizes.~
Vaughn: Not sure which works better in that chair. You sure you can swing it, right?
Thomas: Are you kidding? This is going to be easy. My arms are twice as strong now from before. And I won't be in this chair forever. Once I'm out, maybe I'll even be a wrestler like you, the way I'm working out!
Vaughn: Yeah, let's not push things too far. For now, let's just play some golf, okay?
~Smirking, Vaughn moves around Thomas, heading up to the first tee. Becca leans over the putter, aiming it, before smacking a shot straight between the triangle obstacles... and going straight into the hole. Vaughn's eyebrow raises up as Becca turns, grinning.~
Vaughn: Uh oh. I smell a ringer.
Becca: Too late to back out on the deal now, you'll be buying us that dinner, I guarantee it!
~Becca moves out of the way after collecting her ball, smiling at Thomas, who grins back. It's clear he's smitten. Vaughn, meanwhile, sets up his own shot, taking little time to aim before swinging. It bangs against the cup for a moment, popping up, before luckily falling back into the hole. Becca's smile falters a bit as Vaughn shrugs at her.~
Vaughn: Beginner's luck?
Thomas: Beginner my ass. If you weren't out here practicing since last week when we proposed this, I'm a monkey's uncle.
Vaughn: Hey, now, that'd be my kids you'd be talking about... if I had any. As for practicing... a guy likes to be prepared for anything, right?
~Grumbling good-naturedly, Thomas wheels up to the side of the course, dropping his ball. He shoots it down the side... where it stops way short of the hole. He sighs.~
Thomas: Well, this is going to be a long day...
~Both Becca and Vaughn laugh as Thomas goes for his second shot, even as we cut away.~
Gotta love the calm before the storm, right, J-Mont?
So here we sit, ready for our little rematch at the One Year show. For the majority of that year, I sat as the World Champion of the WGWF. I was prepared to make it all the way here, really, but fate had other plans. You took advantage of Chris Page's sloppiness, Jim Caedus' low IQ, and Flash Rotten's joy of swimming in piss and walked out with my championship, bragging about how you managed to take advantage of the situation. Hey, I still give you props, Joey. You pulled it off, thanks to all the help of people around you. Congrats.
But things won't be so easy in the sequel. You won't be able to steal away my hard work this time.
I'm sure you've been trying to control your bowels, close to staining those little tighty-whiteys brown, at the thought of me being in control of what kind of match we're having. Oh, sure, on the outside you'll be full of bravado, talking like you can beat me in whatever match I choose, and that it won't matter in the long run. But inside, yeah, you're probably feeling it all the way up to your intestines at this point. So let me give you a little bit of relief, so you can finally flush those concerns down the toilet.
Honestly, I'd be surprised if you haven't guessed what we're doing. But then, thinking's never been your strong point, so let me lay it out for you.
I'm faster than you. I'm more agile than you. I'm not carrying around those extra pounds as you slowly develop more and more of a "dad bod". So obviously, I'm going to choose the kind of match type that will work perfectly in my favor. The one where I'll be able to squash you once and for all, becoming a two-time WGWF World Heavyweight Champion in the process. The one where I'll leave you hanging... until I take you all the way through the canvas.
An Ultimate X match perfectly suits my skill set, J-Mont. I'll be scaling across those ropes with perfect balance, easily able to zoom across to my championship. In a fight like this, I could probably end it in minutes, leaving you completely in the dust. But that's not what I want. I'm interested in making you suffer, for all you've done over the past few months.
Of course, I hear those little wheels starting to screech inside your brain, as you start to think "Hey, I can just bring my stooges down, spending all the money I can, and I'll survive." Yeah, there's one little caveat I put in the contract, boyo: no interference allowed. If anyone interferes in our match, be it your little street Flasher, that weak-willed woman following you around, or even our boss, Page, they won't be able to appear again in the WGWF. They'll be fired, tossed, gone completely.
Now I know that wouldn't bother you any, Joey, since you see them all as expendable anyway. But I bet it'll have an effect on what they choose to do, since they'll want to keep getting a paycheck.
So what do you think, J-Mud? You seeing any paths around this one, other than having to defeat me cleanly on the race for the title? Because that's what I've wanted with you. One on one, nobody else being involved. You beat me this time, on your own, and I'll give you praise afterwards. I'll talk about how you truly could be one of the greatest in the world, instead of a loudmouth with a porn addiction.
Oh, wait, that's your wife you're always looking at, nevermind, my mistake.
The truth is, J, you and I have taken similar career paths. We need to have a definitive answer to who the best truly is, without anyone else sticking their large noses and fat bellies into the mix. Sure, I've stacked the deck in my favor with Ultimate X. Again, we're similar in that way, aren't we? But a true champion would find a way to still win, despite the odds. That's what I did in TPW, that's what I've done in SCW, and that's what I'm going to do here.
Seven-Time World Champion Peter Vaughn. It has a nice ring to it.
~We rejoin our party as they're leaving the course, heading towards the parking lot. Thomas looks pretty tired, leaning in the chair, as Becca pushes him forward. She glances back at Peter, shaking her head.~
Becca: Well, it was fun competing with you. I thought we were going to take you down there at the end. That last shot was magnificent.
Vaughn: I can't claim full credit. I didn't mean to catch the edge of that corner the way I did. Sometimes you just get lucky, you know?
Becca: Oh, trust me, I know all about luck...
~She leans over, putting an arm around Thomas, who smiles up at her.~
Becca: After all, it was luck that led to Thomas and I being in the hospital at the same time and meeting each other. If not for that, I don't know where I'd be today.
Thomas: Probably dating a supermodel. I'm the lucky one here.
Becca: Oh, c'mon, Thomas, you're a very handsome man! I keep telling you that, even if SOME people don't believe it...
~Vaughn coughs for a second, as he knows in the past, he's made some rough comments about Thomas' looks and build. He reaches into his wallet and pulls out some cash.~
Vaughn: Here you guys go. I need to head back to the ranch, but I know you're wanting to try out that Japanese steakhouse.
~Thomas immediately reaches out, only to get stopped by Becca, who looks questioningly at Vaughn.~
Becca: But you beat me with that last shot. So why pay?
Vaughn: Eh, you had a handicap, didn't you? My little half-brother here...
~Jokingly, Vaughn rubs on Thomas' hair, messing it up. Thomas shoves him off with a grin.~
Becca: Fine. But I'll remember this. We're buying next time.
Thomas: Speak for yourself! I've still got bills to pay!
~Thomas lets out a laugh as Becca takes the cash, putting it away as they reach their respective cars. Vaughn jumps in his truck, Gabriella, leaning out and looking at them.~
Vaughn: You need any help getting him in the car?
Becca: We've got it covered. We'll see you later, Peter.
Thomas: Bye, bro! Thanks for dinner!
~Vaughn gives them a salute before driving off, already thinking about what he needs to take care of tonight. There is always more work to be done...~
Sadie: You can't just barge in here!!
~Sadie's loud yell catches Vaughn's attention, as he looks up from the paperwork he was working through. He puts it to the side & gets to his feet, finding Sadie Anderson, his best rancher (and slight love interest) standing angrily in front of a couple of police officers.~
Officer: We have a warrant, Miss, which means you're not allowed to interfere with us.
Sadie: This is a private ranch, I'll do what I have to if it keeps thugs like you off the premises!
~The officer seems to be reaching for his handcuffs when Vaughn intercedes, stepping in-between them.~
Vaughn: Excuse me, I'm Peter Vaughn. I own this ranch. Can I see this warrant, if you don't mind?
~The officer brings it out, flipping it open in front of Vaughn, who takes it and starts reading.~
Vaughn: Hmmm... so you're searching for... evidence? Evidence for what? It just says you can search the entire property. Kind of broad, don't you think?
Officer: That's what the judge signed off on. He also agreed with one more thing: Peter Vaughn, you are under arrest for assault and attempted murder.
Vaughn: I... what??
~The officer's handcuffs are out now, as he works to turn Vaughn around. Instinctively, Vaughn struggles for a moment, surprised. But he quickly remembers that this isn't a wrestling match and stops himself from swinging back. That would only make things worse. He looks over at a shocked Sadie.~
Vaughn: This is crazy, Sadie, but call those lawyers who wanted to represent us. See if they'll meet me there. I guess they might get my business after all.
~The officers work to move the now handcuffed Vaughn out the door, as Sadie follows behind, her shock turning to genuine anger.~
Sadie: Is this the other ranchers trying to shut us down again? You CAN'T DO THIS!!
~One of the officers keeps Sadie back, as they maneuver Vaughn over to the car. He stops them for a second with a foot on the side, glancing back at Sadie.~
Vaughn: It'll be okay, Sadie. Just call the lawyers... and Thomas!
~With that, Vaughn's forced into the car, slamming the door. They drive away, leaving Vaughn's ranch behind. We cut away again.~
It's crazy how quickly things can change.
All you have to do is study the career of Joe Montouri for a good example.
For one thing, how about when Joey was on top of the world? He had everything he wanted in the world, a championship, the love of his life next to him, a kid, it was all nice and rosy for him. And you know what? He made a pretty big prediction because of this, running off his mouth as usual.
And you'd say to yourself, hey, he started that off really well. He pinned a drugged-up bozo and became the WGWF World Champion. So, hey, point for him, right? But let's look at the rest of that list, shall we?
We've got the WGWF Tag-Team Gold, with J-Mont talking pretty big about taking the win there. What did he and Atara do? They got their asses kicked by two old-timers in speedo briefs. I mean, seriously, he lost to geriatric supermen, including a guy I absolutely beat the shit out of a few months ago. That's just beyond embarrassing, really.
His precious IIW bites the dust, unable to pay the bills because of J-Mont as the champion. Unfortunately, his losing of the belt came too little, too late, but at least J-Mont wouldn't have the ability to call himself the champion forevermore of a company he destroyed. Man, it sucks to have that on your resume, "became champ, ran company into ground". Just makes me more motivated to save the WGWF, I suppose, although I'm not doing it for Page. I'm doing it for me.
But we're not done yet. J-Mont bragged about winning more gold in TPW, and he certainly went for that, trying to take down Junko Souma at Gladiator's Ball. But you know what happened there? He got beat again. Junko, this little shell of a lady who apparently has a huge heart, humiliated ol' J-Mont, so much so that he attacked her in a whiny fit after the match. Well, J-Mont, another failure on the list for you there.
But there's still that Entity event where he was going to shut up Chris Page and take his World Title, right? No, wait, that's the show that J-Mont lost his career, throwing it all away because he couldn't keep those fat lips shut. Man, I tell you, I don't want to win the title back on a forfeit or anything, but it deeply annoys me that Page just let that one slide. He let you keep your career, even though you lost it fair and square. You should have been out of wrestling. It should have been a tart cherry on the top of your piss-filled sundae. Instead? You're still here, having failed at almost everything you said you'd be able to do.
All you've got at this point, really, Joey, is the WGWF Title. And you know, it'd be really sweet to rip that away from you, too.
But you're still hoping for your friends to bail you out, right? Like Sonya Benson and her thugs, they were strong supporters of you. Wait, you turned on her, beat her down, paid off her guys... so she's out. At least, she says she is. I mean, you and Flashy exchanged bodily fluids on each other and still teamed up, so I can't put anything past you guys. But then there's York, who was supposed to be your big replacement for Sonya. Boy, you really turned on him quick when he had to walk away. All you've really got now is a chubby boy and a disturbed girl on your side, and who knows, by the time we get to the show, you might have already turned on them as well.
Man, when you look at it, J-Mont, you're really running out of everything, aren't you? I bet it's only a matter of time before you lose Mia as well, due to another bad comment where you talk about screwing another woman or something. It certainly wouldn't shock me, and it'd definitely be better for that kid to be raised by his mother instead of Papa Piss-Off.
But for now, at least you've got them. Try to hang onto them. Because everything else you said was going to be yours? You've thrown most of it away, and that World Title is next. And then, maybe we'll get a different Tweet from Mr. Mont. Something along the lines of "YouallcheatedIhateyouallIwantmymommy", y'know, something really well thought out and written.
That's what you're known for, anyway, right, Joey? Can't wait to see your reaction when I'm holding the gold again.
Officer: What's your explanation for this?
~The officer throws down an evidence bag on the table, right in front of Vaughn. They're currently sitting in an interrogation room, with Vaughn calmly picking up the bag and looking inside.~
Vaughn: Let's see, an ID... "Dr. Cecil Rodgers"... any relation to Aaron? That guy really got screwed, didn't he, going to the Jets? That injury was something to see...
~The officer quickly snatches the bag back from Vaughn, tossing it to the side.~
Officer: This is the ID of the doctor who's been helping your brother recover. The doctor who was badly assaulted a few weeks ago and still hasn't woken up. His attacker hasn't been found. So why, may I ask, was this ID in your glove compartment, Mr. Vaughn?
~Vaughn looks over at the bag, then back at the officer, confused for a moment. He then thinks it all the way through.~
Vaughn: Wait... you searched GABRIELLA? Oh, you better have been careful with her, she's delicate. If you damaged any of her upholstery...
Officer: Uh huh. A big bad wrestler like you, you wouldn't be suspected of beating up a guy, would you?
Vaughn: Not if I'm not getting paid for it.
Officer: And what about Rebecca Monroe?
Vaughn: ... Becca? My brother's girl? What about her?
Officer: She got attacked last night. You hadn't heard, huh?
Vaughn: What?? Is she okay?
Officer: She got away from the guy with only a few cuts and bruises, thankfully. Enough so that she could say her attacker was your size, and sounded just like you...
Vaughn: Wait... Becca says I was the one who attacked her?? What the hell, I was at the ranch all night last night, you can ask anyone!
Officer: We have, and they're covering for you... for now. But we're going to get to the bottom of this, Vaughn, and you're going to go away for a long, long time. You'd be best to tell us everything now, and you MIGHT get some mercy from the courts.
~With that, the officer gets up and leaves the room, taking the evidence with him. Vaughn stares after him, completely thrown off. He looks down at his hands, which are a little bruised up... but they're ALWAYS bruised up. Aren't they?~
~A quick cut brings us back to the jail cell, where Vaughn is still sitting, shaking his head.~
Vaughn: Complete... bullshit...
Thomas: It sounds that way, doesn't it?
~Vaughn looks up, surprised, as his half-brother wheels up to the door in front of him. He gets to his feet, stepping forward.~
Thomas: Don't bother. We're still working on getting you out of here. They might want your passport, since you're a world traveler now.
Vaughn: Umm... how's Becca?
~A cloud comes over Thomas' face as he shakes his head.~
Thomas: She's shook up. She wouldn't even come in here with me. I have to ask, Peter... do you know why you went after her?
Vaughn: ... I DIDN'T!! I have NO IDEA what happened, Thomas! You have to believe me!
Thomas: I... I believe you that you don't know, Peter. But Becca seems... pretty sure. And the doctor... and those coyotes...
Vaughn: The coyotes? What about them?
Thomas: You know that we found their bodies, Peter. They looked pretty torn up.
~Vaughn groans, taking a few steps back to sit on the bed again.~
Vaughn: I had nothing to do with that either!
Thomas: ... And we still don't know where Chris is. They all connect to you, Peter. You've been pretty... different... since you came back.
Vaughn: I thought that was a good thing...
Thomas: Right now, Peter... I'm going to work to get you out of here. They don't have very much other than the ID, from what I can tell, and Becca might be willing to... change her story. For now, we'll get you out, so you don't miss any matches.
Vaughn: I... I'm telling you, I'm innocent this time, Thomas.
Thomas: Sure, Peter. We'll talk later.
~Thomas wheels himself away, not looking back, as Vaughn just slumps on the bed, wondering... is he 100% certain he didn't do this? He's left with this thought.~
Uncertainty's a bitch.
I know J-Mont is feeling that right now.
All the odds against him.
The match type against him.
The wrestler being better than him.
His girl about to leave him for someone better.
Losing everywhere else, seeing the world cave in on him.
It only gets worse from here, Joey.
I can't wait for you to take the Plunge.
I may even make you take it twice. Thrice. However much it takes.
I'll see you there, Joey.
My World Title is coming home.
~The picture shifts to outside of the building, where Thomas is wheeling himself over to his car. Becca gets out of the driver's seat, looking like she's healing well from whatever happened.~
Becca: Everything go as expected?
Thomas: Yep. They aren't letting him go yet.
Becca: You good getting in?
Thomas: Of course.
~With that, Thomas stands up out of the chair, turning and quickly folding it up. He lifts it up easily, turning and sliding it into the back seat, before getting into the car. He smiles, leaning over and kissing Becca, before they pull away, disappearing into the night.~