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Meeting
Jun 25, 2007 1:07:32 GMT -5
Post by Vladimir T. Strife on Jun 25, 2007 1:07:32 GMT -5
Vladimir walks into the bar, walking up to the counter as he looks around at the empty room. The bartender hands him the usual Killian's Irish Red as he gets up to the counter and Vlad nods at him before picking an empty table in the corner to sit at.
He twists the cap off of the beer and drops it onto the table, lifting the bottle up and taking a long drink from it as he awaits his company.
TBCB Zantazm
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Meeting
Jun 28, 2007 23:46:46 GMT -5
Post by Zantazm on Jun 28, 2007 23:46:46 GMT -5
Zantazm walks into the bar and looks around the room. He sees a man with long dark brown hair in the corner and figures it's Vlad so he makes his way towards him. Once he nears, he realizes it is indeed Vlad, and he smiles in recognition as he extends his hand.
"Hey there, Vlad, how are you doing?"
"Good"
The two shake hands and sit down across from each other.
"Matt's not here yet, huh? Surprise, surprise on that."
Zantazm laughs as Vlad smiles. A waitress approaches and asks Zantazm if he'd like something to drink.
"Sure, I'll have Stella, thanks."
The waitress nods and walks away. Zantazm turns to Vlad.
"So I'm glad you made it out here tonight. What's new with you? You ready for the hardcore games?"
"I'm always ready. My gameplan never changes. I come to the ring, kick ass, and leave. The Hardcore Games should be fun."
The waitress walks over and puts the beer in front of Zantazm.
"Thanks miss."
Zantazm continues his conversation with Vlad.
"I'm looking forward to the Hardcore Games too. I always keep one eye out for great matches, and there should be a lot of those in that Tournament."
Just as Vlad is about to say something, he stops as he sees a grungy looking man enter the bar.
TBC BY MATT
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Meeting
Jun 30, 2007 19:43:10 GMT -5
Post by Matt Oliveira on Jun 30, 2007 19:43:10 GMT -5
*Matt walks in, scanning the bar with his usual boredom-strewn eyes. Knowing of the appointment, he dresses in his most formal -leather jacket, navy blue hoodie, paint and blood stained jeans, and his hair slightly shortened looking wet -but it wasn't raining outside. He connects eyes with Vladimir, Zantazm's back turned to face Strife as Vlad looks over the boss' shoulder. Matt gives a noted nod, and heads over to the bar. Oliveira pulls himself up onto the stool next to Zantazm, so that Zantazm is between both Fighty fighty persons.*
Zantazm: "Hey Matt, good to see you've made it. Why don't we get acquaintanceships out of the way here...Matt, meet Vladi-"
*Zantazm is cut off by the bartender, looking to give Matt a drink before they get started.*
Bartender: "Sorry...erm...Matt, right? Anything I can get you?"
Matt: "...I don't drink that often, but whatever. Do you have any Cabernet Sauvignon? Any year?"
"Sorry, don't have any imported wines. Anything else?"
"...screw it...I'll have a Pepsi." *begins turning to Zantazm and Vlad* "...God knows I don't need booze to be an asshole. You were saying?"
"Ahem, I'd like you to meet none other than Vladimir Strife."
*Vlad nods, extending a hand past Zantazm. Matt, slowly, accepts and shakes.*
"So, "The Hardcore King" and "The Hardcore Genius" finally have the chance to meet. You, defeating twenty men without one loss...and me defeating twenty-TWO competitors in one night. Hell, I'd say that our records combined total the whole roster...but enough of that bullshit."
Vlad: "Hey, a record is a record. As long as I've got the chance to hurt somebody in the worst way possible-"
"-then it's all worth it. I know....You've probably got the idea that I'll be a mark for you. Get your autograph, wear your t-shirts, watch all your matches with a bowl of popcorn. But I just want to get one thing straight, the only possible link between us is the fact that we enjoy each others work."
"Exactly. Even if the fans and other guys in the back don't like it then, well-"
"F*CK YOU."
*Vladimir smirks, either they've studied each other, or have the exact same mindset. The bartender returns with a glass of Pepsi, placing it in front of Matt, and returning to his business.*
"Well, you know, Vlad, that Matt has gotten himself a six-month contract for any title shot. With the Hardcore Games coming up, it is possible that both you and Matt will square off in the tournament...even for the title."
"You're point is?"
"Well, I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on crossing paths with Matt, IF he happens to cash in his contract."
"Well, neither of us would be walking out...but nonetheless I'm not that threatened, it's just how I am. What do you think, Matt?"
"...don't know, don't care."
"...are you trying to get me worried? Wait. Do you think that I'm afraid of a soda-guzzling fairy like yourself?"
"No, but you can bet your ass I CAN make you worried."
*Vlad stands up, abandoning his Killian's and moving closer to Matt.*
"Do you even know who you're talking to? I'm undefeated, and the best damned champion GHW has ever seen. I've laid to rest so many souls that God, Allah, and Buddha -working overtime- can't keep score."
*Matt leaves his chair, facing-off with Vlad. Zantazm pivots in his seat, growing cautious of a brawl.*
"Apparently neither do you. I've given GHW company-changing, life-altering blood baths. I've ended countless careers. I've been through wire, cage, concrete, and steel...you think you're stronger than that, Vlad?...there's one difference..."
*Matt reaches into the back of his jeans pocket, pulling out a box-cutter.*
"Steel doesn't bleed-"
"-but you do."
*Zantazm is on the edge of his seat, the bartender begins eying the phone to call 911, and two of the most violent characters are nose-to-nose in an empty bar.*
TBCB Zant or Vlad
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Meeting
Jun 30, 2007 22:57:51 GMT -5
Post by Vladimir T. Strife on Jun 30, 2007 22:57:51 GMT -5
"A box cutter? Funny, kid."
Vladimir lifts up his shirt, revealing a long thick scar across his stomach, courtesy of Rurouni Kenshin Kobashi. He looks up to Matt, a smug look on his face.
"Try a hand sickle. Rurouni Kenshin, I nearly got gutted like a fish. Don't insult me."
"It's not the size, it's what you do with it."
"You come over here into my playground... and win 1 match and think you're something special. I'll be the first to admit, you earned your shot... and it was no easy feat to beat 22 other guys. You're definitely good.. but so was Hawkeye... so was Jake Diamond, Tai Nai O Neill, Brett Steel, Ricky Rodriguez, Gnarfflinger."
"And not a single one of them are Matt Oliveira. Don't you forget Vladimir, I am THE Hardcore Genius... I practically MADE hardcore."
"You made Hardcore? HA! Well then you of all should sit your ass in that chair and show some respect for the man who perfected it."
"Gentlemen... can't we get along?"
Matt looks over at Zant and shakes his head before nodding respectfully to him. Vladimir smirks.
"That's it, pull the leash a little tighter."
"What was that?"
Matt holds the knife in front of him again.
"Listen to master, like a good puppy."
Matt looks at Zant and then back to Vladimir, his expression turning serious.
"Keep it up and you're going to get a rude awakening.. You may be the Hardcore King, but tyrannical leaders always have a habit of being dethroned."
Vladimir suddenly swings his arm quickly, slapping Matt across the face and turning his head at the force.
TBCB Matt or Zant
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Post by Zantazm on Jul 1, 2007 2:17:42 GMT -5
Zantazm springs to his feet and quickly gets in between Matt and Vlad holding them apart.
"Alright guys, let's make this a peaceful meeting. I know that you both want to show off your war badges, but let's not turn this into a pissing contest. Vlad, let's keep our hands to ourselves. I am Matt's manager and he is my longtime assistant GM. It'd be wise to just keep on our best behavior."
Vlad and Matt continue to stare a hole right through Zantazm as he keeps them apart. Not sure if they heard a word he said, Zantazm reaches over to the table and picks up a couple glasses of water that the waitress brought over. With one in each hand he tosses the contents in both Matt and Vlad's faces. Both of them instantly move back and then angrily stare at Zantazm.
Almost in unison, they both exclaim, "What the hell was that for?"
Zantazm looks from one soaked face to the other.
"Sit down! Both of you need to cool off a little bit. Let's sit down and have a normal conversation. We're all professionals, so let's act that way."
Vlad is still incensed as he takes a seat. Matt sits down shaking his head in disbelief of getting slapped and soaked.
"So I brought you guys here tonight because I wanted you both to meet each other and come to a common understanding. I know you both want to win the Hardcore Games very badly and the fans would love to see you two clash at some point. I personally would like to see it as well. The thing is, I was hoping you both could go into this tournament with mutual respect."
Vlad was busy wiping down his face during Zantazm's speech and now looks up as he puts a napkin down.
"He started it."
Matt interjects, "No, he did. Did you see that look on his face when I walked in?"
"Gentlemen! For the last time!"
Zantazm frustratingly turns to Vlad.
"Vlad, let me cut to the chase. I came here with a proposition for you. However, seeing the way things have unfolded so far, I think it's best that we wait till another time to discuss it. Why don't I stop by your locker room sometime next week?"
Vlad looks at Matt and then at Zantazm.
"That's fine."
"Great, it's a deal."
The waitress comes back over and asks if anyone would like another drink. All three men decline. Then she goes to hand the bill to Zantazm but accidentally drops it. Zantazm gets out of his chair to pick up the piece of paper. Just at that point, Matt and Vlad connect eyes and something clicks. Strangely, they both see the opportunity, and both nod in agreement. Zantazm goes to sit back down in his chair and right at that moment Matt and Vlad grab a leg of the chair and pull it out from under him. Zantazm goes tumbling to the floor as the two Hardcore Superstars errupt in laughter. Zantazm slowly gets up.
"You got me. Very funny, guys."
TBC BY MATT OR VLAD
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Meeting
Jul 3, 2007 17:15:29 GMT -5
Post by Matt Oliveira on Jul 3, 2007 17:15:29 GMT -5
*Both Vlad and Matt return to their chairs as Zantazm picks himself up.*
Matt: "Well, I can say I'm honestly surprised today. But, at the same time, as a "follower" of sorts...I expected SOME sort of way to affectively communicate -even though it's by making my boss look like a fool."
*Matt looks over at Zant, just making it to his chair. Zant shakes his head, a slight wince from the abuse given on his tail bone. Vlad drains the rest of his Killian's.*
Vlad: "I suppose so. I mean, you can't have many allies when you've either broken their necks, ended their careers, tried to kill them..."
"Yeah, it's the sacrifices of-"
"put them through light tubes, glass panes, tables, tacks, barbed wire, ladders...stabbed them, fireballs...and don't even get me started on tap-outs."
"I get your point."
Zantazm: "Great, there's the common understanding we've been looking for. So what's your take on the Hardcore Games? Vlad?"
"...I've simply done it all. I'm one of the longest reigning champions. This only lets me push the envelope...right?"
"Exactly. On the flip side, they've only hit the tip of the iceberg with me. I get the chance to show them what I've got...and get to bust a few skulls in the process. I admit, yes, I am an asshole. Yes, I am the most defensive when it comes to confrontations. But, I view this sport as artwork, and blood is our paint...and a sickle is our paintbrush. In the end, I can believe that there can be respect between two competitors."
"...an admiration of another's work. Egos aside, sure, I'll give respect. But respect with me only means I won't dig the barbed wire deeper, or press the sickle farther to cut the arteries."
"Deal. The same will go for me. Here's to the Hardcore Games..."
*Matt extends a parting handshake, Vlad accepts on one more of his terms.*
"...and may the meanest mother f***er win."
*All three men stand, Zant heads to one end of the bar itself to "graciously" pay the tab. Vlad gives a nod, and parts ways.*
"See you soon, kid."
*Matt's mind races back to his six-month contract, and any title shot is his for the taking.*
"...you bet."
EoT
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