Post by ____ on Jul 29, 2010 23:48:37 GMT -5
Victory. A single word which to many is the most important in the English language. No matter how it is achieved or obtained, as long as you can walk away knowing that you have bested someone, you’ve won the game. Men have died in the pursuit of victory, whether by loading up on illegal substances to get some form of competitive edge, pushing their body beyond the limits it can endure and entering cardiac arrest, or more obvious, in war, doing anything under the sun to make sure that in the end, your country does not lose.
In Kingdom of Pride, one victory can mean the difference between being remembered and forgotten. A single victory can put you into the annals of time, being one of the few men who can call themselves champion. A loss however, an abject failure leaves you amongst a menagerie of characters who would forever be remembered as the bridesmaid. Seven men enter Return of the Kingdom with victory as their only focus, their only goal and a necessary conquest to enter into the revered few who can call themselves champions.
As the clock strikes midnight, all is quiet around the Cookeville Community Center, the show having ended over two hours ago. The ring side area is cleared of all the garbage left behind, the ring has been disassembled and taken back to KoP Headquarters in Knoxville. All that is left is three men seated around a card table where the ring had been less than an hour ago. There are no cards, just pieces of paper being swapped between a suit wearing man; appearing to be about forty years of age with brown hair greying at the temple, and across from him receiving the papers is Chris Hart, victorious earlier this evening against Los Sexy’s with his partner, John Parker.
Chris - “What does this mean Mr. Dugas?”
Gesturing at the paper, Chris points to some of the text on the document as the other man takes hold of it. Looking at it from beneath his wire rimmed spectacles, he studies it for a moment before passing it back across to Chris.
Mr. Dugas - “It’s a liability clause to protect Pulte Homes’ sterling reputation in the community. In layman’s terms it states that if you’re arrested for any form of misconduct, we can immediately terminate the agreement, whether you are found guilty or not.”
Chris - “Alright.”
Chris continues reading from the documents as Kurt Noble to his right reads the papers as Chris sets them aside. Smiling to himself, he can‘t help but be proud of both Chris and the successes of the Kingdom. Three weeks ago it had simply been a pipe dream of his and Sterling’s, but now, it appeared like they had all the makings to be successful. Chris finally reaches the last piece of paper and after he is done looks across at Mr. Dugas.
Chris - “That all?”
Mr. Dugas - “All we need is a signature and the house is yours.”
Chris - “Do you have a pen?”
Mr. Dugas reaches into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulls out a silver ballpoint and passes it across to Chris. He takes the cap off, exposing the point and quickly puts his signature on the paper with a smile on his face. Noble to his right finishes reading and smiles, before witnessing the signing himself, putting his name on the paper. Mr. Dugas beams as Kurt replaces the cap and passes it, along with the rest of the document, back across the table.
Mr. Dugas - “I think this is going to be a very good venture for the both of us Chris. Your efforts in the past two weeks with Kingdom of Pride have not gone unnoticed by the members of the community. It’s that sort of service to our roots that makes Pulte Homes the number one builder in Tennessee.”
Chris - “What’s good for you is good for me as well, the more success Kingdom of Pride experiences, the better off we’ll all be.”
Mr. Dugas - “It’s a business, the money trickles down from the top to the bottom. The more business creates, the better of we all are.”
Chris - “Spoken like a true Republican.”
Mr. Dugas - “Here, here.”
Mr. Dugas laughs slightly before continuing the conversation.
Mr. Dugas - “I was thoroughly impressed by your performance earlier this evening Chris. I can only imagine how hard it was to deal with someone like that Parker boy.”
Chris - “You don’t know the half of it, he bought an electric fence earlier today figuring that it’d help us out with our match. Sound strategy, but he bought the Texas sized one and couldn’t fit it in the arena.”
All three begin to laugh, the image of John Parker walking in and the sheepish tone of his voice resonating in Chris’ head.
Chris - “It wasn’t that bad teaming with him. For months all the pressure was on us to walk out victorious that we started to lose the joy in working with someone else. This week though, it was like no matter what happened, I was going to leave with a smile on his face.”
Mr. Dugas - “Every Kingdom has it’s jester …”
The conversation is interrupted as Mr. Dugas’ phone rings. He reaches to the clip on his belt before turning back to Chris and Kurt.
Mr. Dugas - “Sorry about that gentleman. That being said about Mr. Parker, I watched everyone that’s going to be competing next week and I can honestly say that none looked as impressive as you. If you keep that up, you will be champion after Sunday.”
Chris - “Thank you.”
Mr. Dugas - “Hey, if you do walk out with that shiny belt around your waist, I’ll be the one thanking you. You’re good for business as you are, but with that title you’re invaluable. Like you said, what’s good for you is good for me.”
Chris smiles and looks like he is about to speak until Ruford, the large black janitor, appears at the entrance to the large room. Chris looks at him and smiles slightly, the intimidating figure on the outside a simple masquerade, designed to hide the fiercely loyal patriot residing beneath.
Ruford - “Hey, Pink Drink, Nazi Boy, it’s closin’ time and they want you out.”
Mr. Dugas looks at Kurt and then at Chris with a puzzled look on his face, curious at the way a simple janitor is speaking to the owner and top start of the company. Seeing this, Kurt immediately jumps to Ruford’s defence.
Kurt - “Old colleague of ours from the days in Illinois. Don’t let the jumpsuit fool you, that’s not someone you want to cross.”
Chris - “Yeah. Rough around the edges but if you need someone to make sure that no one sticks their nose in your business, he’s definitely the man to seek out.”
Mr. Dugas - “I might have to speak to him then at some point, but that’s neither here of there. Like he said though, it’s getting late and the missus is probably fretting about where I am. Kurt, I will talk to you tomorrow about what we discussed earlier and Chris, enjoy the house.”
Chris - “I will.”
With that, all three men stand and shake hands before Mr. Dugas departs through the same door Ruford had stood in earlier. Taking their seats again, Chris spins towards Kyle and nods his head.
Chris - “He seems like a good guy, fair and knowledgeable about the business.”
Kurt - “Yes, I think it’s the sort of deal that’s going to work well for Kingdom of Pride. Hell, we’re already reaping the rewards by losing the expense money you were billing for housing.”
Chris - “That’s one of the best investments you’ve ever made kid.”
Kurt - “Ha! Who are you calling kid?”
Chris shakes his head as Kurt leans across the table and playfully punches Chris in the arm, who in turn mockingly rubs it.”
Chris - “Hey, don’t take out your future champion. That’d look really good in the press release. ‘Noble injures Hart, out of Return of the Kingdom.’”
Kurt - “Pfft. It’s not like it really matters. Everyone knows that Josh Eagles is going to be our first champion.”
Chris - “After what happened last time you guys are going to do everything in your power to make sure there’s no controversy surrounding the title are you?”
Kurt - “No, not really. It’s going to be one heck of a match, three men in the ring at all times, each won knowing it’s their chance at history.”
Chris - “It’s going to be difficult to get the victory, there’s enough talent in that match that anyone can walk out the door with the title around their waist. Two weeks ago I wouldn’t have said it, but Christian Kane could be considered a threat.”
Kurt - “Yeah, you never know what you’re going to get with him but he’s got that look in his eye, the same as when he went on that big winning streak at the end of last year.”
Chris - “Shame it’ll end on Sunday.”
Chris smiles at Kurt before leaning back in the chair he’s sitting on. They sit in the silence for a moment before the familiar sound of approaching footsteps interrupt them. Turning they see Ruford striding up to them, his face set in stone as always.
Ruford - “I told you two queers that we’re lockin’ up.”
Noble turns and looks at Chris, shaking his head at the comment from Ruford.
Kurt - “Well Chris, time to call it a night?”
Chris - “Yeah, I’m knackered.”
Kurt - “Big night tonight that’s no surprise. You’re still coming over for supper tomorrow evening? Amy’s in town and she’s been dying to see you.”
Chris - “I’m not missing you in an apron for the world.”
Kurt smiles at Chris before the two of them begin to walk away, Ruford following them out and closing off the lights as they exit the main area of the community center.
Kurt - “Are you parked out back?”
Chris - “No, I hitched a ride in with Josh earlier today, it’s only about a twenty minute walk.”
Kurt - “I’ll give you a ride?”
Chris - “It’s okay. We’re in the middle of the suburbs and it looks like it’s a beautiful night out.”
Kurt - “Are you sure?”
Chris - “Yeah. Tell Amy I love her.”
Chris sticks his tongue out as Noble just smirks at him. He waves at Chris as the two go their separate ways, Chris towards the front of the community center and Noble out to the back. Chris takes his time, reading some of the community bulletins before eventually stepping out. As soon as he turns the corner from the entrance, he’s surprised by a girl, appearing to be about nineteen years old, standing in a tank top and boy shorts.
Girl - “Hi Chris.”
Chris - “Hello?”
Girl - “I was wondering if I could get your autograph.”
Chris - “Sure.”
The girl reaches into the pocket of her shorts and pulls out a sharpie. Chris takes it from her, fully expecting her to produce a note book after but instead she simply pulls the sides of the tank top, exposing her ample cleavage.
Girl - “Wherever you like.”
Chris - “Who should I make it too?”
Girl - “Stephanie.”
Chris looks down and begins to sign, speaking along with the movement.
Chris - “Stephanie, nice rack. Love, Chris.”
Stephanie chuckles as Chris caps the pen and gives it back to her as she fixes her tank top.
Girl - “Thanks.”
Chris - “Pleasure was mine.”
Girl - “Say, you’re not busy tonight, are you?”
Chris pauses for a moment, wondering what exactly is going on. Stephanie answers the question for him before he can ask though.
Stephanie - “If you’re not, one of my friends is throwing a party to welcome the basketball team back to campus and you’re definitely welcome.”
Chris smiles, showing off the Colgate perfection. Stephanie, not unfamiliar with that look simply grabs hold of Chris and escorts him away heading towards the visitor parking lot as the scene fades away.
In Kingdom of Pride, one victory can mean the difference between being remembered and forgotten. A single victory can put you into the annals of time, being one of the few men who can call themselves champion. A loss however, an abject failure leaves you amongst a menagerie of characters who would forever be remembered as the bridesmaid. Seven men enter Return of the Kingdom with victory as their only focus, their only goal and a necessary conquest to enter into the revered few who can call themselves champions.
As the clock strikes midnight, all is quiet around the Cookeville Community Center, the show having ended over two hours ago. The ring side area is cleared of all the garbage left behind, the ring has been disassembled and taken back to KoP Headquarters in Knoxville. All that is left is three men seated around a card table where the ring had been less than an hour ago. There are no cards, just pieces of paper being swapped between a suit wearing man; appearing to be about forty years of age with brown hair greying at the temple, and across from him receiving the papers is Chris Hart, victorious earlier this evening against Los Sexy’s with his partner, John Parker.
Chris - “What does this mean Mr. Dugas?”
Gesturing at the paper, Chris points to some of the text on the document as the other man takes hold of it. Looking at it from beneath his wire rimmed spectacles, he studies it for a moment before passing it back across to Chris.
Mr. Dugas - “It’s a liability clause to protect Pulte Homes’ sterling reputation in the community. In layman’s terms it states that if you’re arrested for any form of misconduct, we can immediately terminate the agreement, whether you are found guilty or not.”
Chris - “Alright.”
Chris continues reading from the documents as Kurt Noble to his right reads the papers as Chris sets them aside. Smiling to himself, he can‘t help but be proud of both Chris and the successes of the Kingdom. Three weeks ago it had simply been a pipe dream of his and Sterling’s, but now, it appeared like they had all the makings to be successful. Chris finally reaches the last piece of paper and after he is done looks across at Mr. Dugas.
Chris - “That all?”
Mr. Dugas - “All we need is a signature and the house is yours.”
Chris - “Do you have a pen?”
Mr. Dugas reaches into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulls out a silver ballpoint and passes it across to Chris. He takes the cap off, exposing the point and quickly puts his signature on the paper with a smile on his face. Noble to his right finishes reading and smiles, before witnessing the signing himself, putting his name on the paper. Mr. Dugas beams as Kurt replaces the cap and passes it, along with the rest of the document, back across the table.
Mr. Dugas - “I think this is going to be a very good venture for the both of us Chris. Your efforts in the past two weeks with Kingdom of Pride have not gone unnoticed by the members of the community. It’s that sort of service to our roots that makes Pulte Homes the number one builder in Tennessee.”
Chris - “What’s good for you is good for me as well, the more success Kingdom of Pride experiences, the better off we’ll all be.”
Mr. Dugas - “It’s a business, the money trickles down from the top to the bottom. The more business creates, the better of we all are.”
Chris - “Spoken like a true Republican.”
Mr. Dugas - “Here, here.”
Mr. Dugas laughs slightly before continuing the conversation.
Mr. Dugas - “I was thoroughly impressed by your performance earlier this evening Chris. I can only imagine how hard it was to deal with someone like that Parker boy.”
Chris - “You don’t know the half of it, he bought an electric fence earlier today figuring that it’d help us out with our match. Sound strategy, but he bought the Texas sized one and couldn’t fit it in the arena.”
All three begin to laugh, the image of John Parker walking in and the sheepish tone of his voice resonating in Chris’ head.
Chris - “It wasn’t that bad teaming with him. For months all the pressure was on us to walk out victorious that we started to lose the joy in working with someone else. This week though, it was like no matter what happened, I was going to leave with a smile on his face.”
Mr. Dugas - “Every Kingdom has it’s jester …”
The conversation is interrupted as Mr. Dugas’ phone rings. He reaches to the clip on his belt before turning back to Chris and Kurt.
Mr. Dugas - “Sorry about that gentleman. That being said about Mr. Parker, I watched everyone that’s going to be competing next week and I can honestly say that none looked as impressive as you. If you keep that up, you will be champion after Sunday.”
Chris - “Thank you.”
Mr. Dugas - “Hey, if you do walk out with that shiny belt around your waist, I’ll be the one thanking you. You’re good for business as you are, but with that title you’re invaluable. Like you said, what’s good for you is good for me.”
Chris smiles and looks like he is about to speak until Ruford, the large black janitor, appears at the entrance to the large room. Chris looks at him and smiles slightly, the intimidating figure on the outside a simple masquerade, designed to hide the fiercely loyal patriot residing beneath.
Ruford - “Hey, Pink Drink, Nazi Boy, it’s closin’ time and they want you out.”
Mr. Dugas looks at Kurt and then at Chris with a puzzled look on his face, curious at the way a simple janitor is speaking to the owner and top start of the company. Seeing this, Kurt immediately jumps to Ruford’s defence.
Kurt - “Old colleague of ours from the days in Illinois. Don’t let the jumpsuit fool you, that’s not someone you want to cross.”
Chris - “Yeah. Rough around the edges but if you need someone to make sure that no one sticks their nose in your business, he’s definitely the man to seek out.”
Mr. Dugas - “I might have to speak to him then at some point, but that’s neither here of there. Like he said though, it’s getting late and the missus is probably fretting about where I am. Kurt, I will talk to you tomorrow about what we discussed earlier and Chris, enjoy the house.”
Chris - “I will.”
With that, all three men stand and shake hands before Mr. Dugas departs through the same door Ruford had stood in earlier. Taking their seats again, Chris spins towards Kyle and nods his head.
Chris - “He seems like a good guy, fair and knowledgeable about the business.”
Kurt - “Yes, I think it’s the sort of deal that’s going to work well for Kingdom of Pride. Hell, we’re already reaping the rewards by losing the expense money you were billing for housing.”
Chris - “That’s one of the best investments you’ve ever made kid.”
Kurt - “Ha! Who are you calling kid?”
Chris shakes his head as Kurt leans across the table and playfully punches Chris in the arm, who in turn mockingly rubs it.”
Chris - “Hey, don’t take out your future champion. That’d look really good in the press release. ‘Noble injures Hart, out of Return of the Kingdom.’”
Kurt - “Pfft. It’s not like it really matters. Everyone knows that Josh Eagles is going to be our first champion.”
Chris - “After what happened last time you guys are going to do everything in your power to make sure there’s no controversy surrounding the title are you?”
Kurt - “No, not really. It’s going to be one heck of a match, three men in the ring at all times, each won knowing it’s their chance at history.”
Chris - “It’s going to be difficult to get the victory, there’s enough talent in that match that anyone can walk out the door with the title around their waist. Two weeks ago I wouldn’t have said it, but Christian Kane could be considered a threat.”
Kurt - “Yeah, you never know what you’re going to get with him but he’s got that look in his eye, the same as when he went on that big winning streak at the end of last year.”
Chris - “Shame it’ll end on Sunday.”
Chris smiles at Kurt before leaning back in the chair he’s sitting on. They sit in the silence for a moment before the familiar sound of approaching footsteps interrupt them. Turning they see Ruford striding up to them, his face set in stone as always.
Ruford - “I told you two queers that we’re lockin’ up.”
Noble turns and looks at Chris, shaking his head at the comment from Ruford.
Kurt - “Well Chris, time to call it a night?”
Chris - “Yeah, I’m knackered.”
Kurt - “Big night tonight that’s no surprise. You’re still coming over for supper tomorrow evening? Amy’s in town and she’s been dying to see you.”
Chris - “I’m not missing you in an apron for the world.”
Kurt smiles at Chris before the two of them begin to walk away, Ruford following them out and closing off the lights as they exit the main area of the community center.
Kurt - “Are you parked out back?”
Chris - “No, I hitched a ride in with Josh earlier today, it’s only about a twenty minute walk.”
Kurt - “I’ll give you a ride?”
Chris - “It’s okay. We’re in the middle of the suburbs and it looks like it’s a beautiful night out.”
Kurt - “Are you sure?”
Chris - “Yeah. Tell Amy I love her.”
Chris sticks his tongue out as Noble just smirks at him. He waves at Chris as the two go their separate ways, Chris towards the front of the community center and Noble out to the back. Chris takes his time, reading some of the community bulletins before eventually stepping out. As soon as he turns the corner from the entrance, he’s surprised by a girl, appearing to be about nineteen years old, standing in a tank top and boy shorts.
Girl - “Hi Chris.”
Chris - “Hello?”
Girl - “I was wondering if I could get your autograph.”
Chris - “Sure.”
The girl reaches into the pocket of her shorts and pulls out a sharpie. Chris takes it from her, fully expecting her to produce a note book after but instead she simply pulls the sides of the tank top, exposing her ample cleavage.
Girl - “Wherever you like.”
Chris - “Who should I make it too?”
Girl - “Stephanie.”
Chris looks down and begins to sign, speaking along with the movement.
Chris - “Stephanie, nice rack. Love, Chris.”
Stephanie chuckles as Chris caps the pen and gives it back to her as she fixes her tank top.
Girl - “Thanks.”
Chris - “Pleasure was mine.”
Girl - “Say, you’re not busy tonight, are you?”
Chris pauses for a moment, wondering what exactly is going on. Stephanie answers the question for him before he can ask though.
Stephanie - “If you’re not, one of my friends is throwing a party to welcome the basketball team back to campus and you’re definitely welcome.”
Chris smiles, showing off the Colgate perfection. Stephanie, not unfamiliar with that look simply grabs hold of Chris and escorts him away heading towards the visitor parking lot as the scene fades away.