Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 0:17:51 GMT -5
Waylon can't hear the sound of his own fingers drumming impatiently on the table over the roar of the airplane's engine. He sits back in his black leather chair, staring out the window at a floor of clouds. Roxxanne sits across the table from him, her black t-shirt draped loosely across her slender shoulders. She tries to let her fiance be, but the combination of his irritated window gazing and finger drumming eventually causes her to break the silence.
Roxxy:Baby what's wrong? You look super stressed out.
Waylon:I just don't now what the fuck Scott's draggin' me all the way out to Nevada for, when I got a world title match this week. His ass hasn't even been around. Why the hell am I comin' all the way out here for him.
Roxxanne reaches across the table, and rests her fingers on the top of Waylon's restless hand. A comfort immediately spreads through his body.
Roxxy:Look... I didn't want to say anything, but I know why Scott's dragging us out here.
Waylon:You do?
Roxxy:I'm his sister of course I knew. Look, I know you have a lot on your plate this week, but the surprise in Nevada is something he has been talking about since he was fifteen. Just... try to act happy for him is all I ask.
Waylon stares down at her hand, and then up into her eyes, before taking a deep breath and answering.
Waylon:Alright. If it's that important to him, I'll do my best.
She smiles at him, as the fasten seat belt sign pings on above them. They obey, and await their gradual descent. As they drop beneath the cloud, the sprawling city of Las Vegas becomes visible in the distance. A metropolis surrounded entirely by barren desert. It's enough to make Waylon wonder what sort of person travels all the way out here to start a city. It isn't long before they're close enough to the ground to make out the throngs of people that line the streets. The plane touches down on the runway, which always causes Waylon's heart to jump up into his throat. They slow to a stop, and after a few moments of nothing, the small door at the front of the plane folds down into a set of stairs. Waylon and Roxxy both unbuckle themselves, and step out into the sweltering Nevada heat.
Waylon:I know I'm from Georgia and all... but this sucks.
Roxxy chuckles, as she searches the tarmac for her brother's black SUV. It is nowhere to be found. Suddenly, her eyes shoot to an entrance gate off to the side, where the vehicle she is searching for comes speeding through. It speed sup to the plane, and screeches to a stop. Scott rolls down the window with a look of genuine remorse on his face.
Scott:I apologize profusely. I got caught up in some business.
Waylon:It ain't like the great Scott Savage to be late. Looks like you're losin' your touch.
Scott rolls his eyes at Waylon's mocking tone.
Scott:Quite humorous. Would you mind getting into the vehicle? We have so much time and so little to do... wait-
Waylon:We know what you mean. What about our bags?
Scott:Those will be taken care of. Let us be on our way. I have such sights to show you/
The couple shrugs at each other, before Roxxy climbs into the passenger side, and Waylon gets in the back. Even after just a few minutes in the desert heat, the air conditioned vehicle is like an oasis. Waylon slumps down in his seat, internally bemoaning his case of jet lag. Scott takes them off of the tarmac, and begins moving slowly through the city traffic. Waylon can't help but crane his neck to look out the window. He's never seen so many taxi cabs in his life. Every third car looks to be black and yellow, or at least have a taxi sign on the top. A few driving billboards dot the road as they all inch along the pavement.
Scott:I hate coming into the city. The traffic is horrid no matter what time of day it is. And you would think, given that they drive for a living, the taxi drivers would at least be halfway good at it. It is absolutely ridiculous.
Waylon:I'm pretty sure you didn't fly us across the country to bitch about the traffic. Why are we here? What's this big secret?
Scott:All in good time, Tex. All in good time. This is something that must be seen to be believed.
Waylon:I ain't really in the mood for riddles.
Scott rolls his eyes, and pops open his glove box. He pulls out what look to be a poorly rolled cigar. He hands it back to Waylon, and closes the glove box with a snap.
Scott:Smoke that and relax. It is going to be a bit before we are out of the city.
Waylon:Right here in the middle of traffic?
Scott:Those back windows are tinted as dark as is legally allowed. No one can see you. Besides, the police in this city have far worse things to worry about, I assure you.
Waylon:Yeah, ever since you got here.
They all share a laugh, as Waylon sets the blunt between his lips and lights the end. He inhales deeply, and holds it in his lungs for a minute before coughing it out.
Waylon:Yeah ok, that's a bit better. Seriously though, what are we doin' here Scott? You know I got a match to train for.
Scott:You know I know that. Which means you should also know that I wouldn't call you out here unless it was important. Waylon, what I am going to show you is Savage Enterprises latest venture. Something that is going to launch us into the stratosphere. Waylon... if this works the way I think it will, we can all retire, and all of our children can retire. I am talking about world domination type money.
Waylon:Well good. Then you can finally have your dream of building your lair into the side of a mountain with your face on it.
Waylon takes another drag, before passing the blunt to his fiance. He leans back, and asks no more questions. Eventually they get to a point where the traffic clears, and all at once vanishes. Waylon looks back out the window to see that the tall buildings and rows of taxis have given way to sand, brush and cacti.
Waylon:I swear to god, if you're drivin' us to a pit of dead bodies, I'm gonna be more than a little upset.
Scott laughs, but not enough to soothe Waylon's nerves.
Scott:There she is.
Waylon looks through the windshield in the direction Scott is pointing. He sees what looks to be a giant dome on the horizon.
Waylon:What the hell...
Scott:Just wait.
As they grow closer, they see that the dome is absolutely massive. Off in the distance it is hard to tell, but once they get close, they see that it stretches for miles. The shining black dome sits in the middle of the desert, with only one road leading to and away from it.
Waylon:You know I was kiddin' about the evil villain lair, right?
Scott:Oh Waylon... this is so much more. This is the finish line for me. This is the ultimate goal!
The passion in Scott's voice causes a frightened look to cross Waylon's face. He remains silent, until they come to a stop in front of what now just looks like a long black wall. Scott presses a button on his dashboard, and suddenly a large chunk of the wall slides away to reveal a parking garage. They take a spot, and Scott kills the engine. They all climb out, and Scott leads them towards a large metal door.
Scott:I present to you... New Babylon.
He throws open the door, and they walk out into the middle of a fully functional city. Sidewalks stretch off in all directions, weaving between the different buildings. Bright green grass covers the ground, and the dome above glows a dull white, lighting everything.
Scott:Aw damn. It's still on sleep mode. Hold on.
Scott pulls his phone out of his pocket, and fiddles with it for a second. Suddenly the dome above shows what looks to be a perfect replica of the sky on a bright, sunny day. They step down the sidewalk, marveling at the out of place city.
Waylon:How the hell'd you get grass to grow in here?
Scott:It's fake. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference though. You're not seeing the big picture though. Allow me to explain. This is an exclusive city, available to members only. Inside, no children are allowed, and thanks to a little greasing of the proverbial wheels, neither are law enforcement. That means this is a place where adults can come and let go of their inhibitions. Everything is available, and at your fingertips should you want it.
Waylon:So basically an everlasting city-wide orgy.
Scott:This is about so much more than just sex. I mean, sex is a big part of it, but this is about freedom! Intelligent, albeit hedonistic adults being allowed to do whatever it is they want to do. The one law here at New Babylon is also our slogan. You'll find it everywhere. “Harm none, and do what you will.” Of course, it's in Latin because Latin is way cooler. Anyway, if you are a member you have your own personal apartment here, that you may visit whenever you like... or live in, if it suits you.
Scott gives Waylon a knowing look. It takes a moment for the wrestler to catch up, but he look back and forth between his fiance and his manager.
Waylon:Wait a minute... are you sayin'...
Scott:Move here. Stop worrying about being able to retire. This is your retirement... all of ours. This is it Waylon. I already have Shooter and Heather signed on as gold members. I want you here with us.
Waylon:What... so we just come live here forever?
Scott:It's not as if you can't ever leave, but yes. I would like to see all of us stop destroying our bodies, stop wearing ourselves thin, and finally seize the retirement we've all deserved for so long. This is a safe place. A place where we can pursue whatever dreams are in our heads without having to worry about making sure bills are paid, or we're saving enough money for down the road. This IS down the road. This is Shangri-La, as Isaiah would put it.
Waylon looks at his surroundings, trying to take in the offer he's just received. He looks to his fiance for some sort of explanation.
Roxxy:I really think it's a great idea. Baby, I'm tired of worrying about you out on the road, getting your head bashed in once a week. I can't take it much longer. This is our way out. We can come here and just be. I know it's a lot to take in, but I love the idea, and I really love this place.
Waylon is still speechless. He looks around again, and then back to his friends.
Scott:I know. I know it sounds absolutely insane, but that's just because no one has ever done anything like this before.
Waylon:I don't get it. If we're all livin' here for free, how you gonna make any money?
Scott:Just because I don't charge my friends doesn't mean I don't charge everybody else. A membership here is quite expensive, and we've already sold out our 200 membership test run. In about two months, this place will be full of people, who all spent a lot of money for the privilege.
Waylon:How much money we talkin'?
Scott:Come now Waylon. A magician never reveals all of his secrets. Let's just say that if fifty more people purchase memberships after the test run is over, this place will have already paid for its own construction. That's not counting food sales, silver memberships, merchandise, and all the other sources of money in this place. I would say that once all is told, we will have quite the cash cow on our hands.
Waylon steps away for a moment, and stares off into the artificial sky.
Waylon:This is awesome Scott, don't get me wrong, but I gotta think about it. This is a big deal you're layin' on me.
Scott:Of course. Take all the time you need. New Babylon is not going anywhere. It will always be here for you.
Without another word, Waylon wanders off, aimlessly following the sidewalk. He ends up stopping, and leaning against the stone wall of a large, ornate library. He slides to a sitting position, and pulls a cigarette from behind his ear. He slips the filter in his mouth, and lights the other end, taking a deep drag. Before he can think too much, Roxxane takes a seat next to him.
Waylon:I knew you'd follow me.
Roxxy:We're worried about you. I'm worried about you. I just want to make sure you're ok.
Waylon:I'm fine... it's just...
Roxxy:[colo=pink]It's just what?[/color]
Waylon:I ain't exactly sure I wanna retire.
Roxxy:what do you mean?
Waylon:It ain't about the money for me baby. It's about what I ain't been able to accomplish yet.
Roxxy:Are you kidding me?! You've done it all! You've been World champion in two companies, a tag champion in countless more, and now you're world famous thanks to WCF. What more could you possibly want?
She looks into his eyes, and he makes no noise, but she instantly knows.
Roxxy:Fuck... you gotta be kidding me. This is about Jonny Fly, isn't it?
Waylon's jaw hits his chest. He doesn't even have the presence of mind to pretend he's not amazed by the accuracy of her guess.
Roxxy:God dammit Waylon! I try to be as supportive as I can, but you are about as bull headed a man as I have ever met! You're out there beating the crap out of yourself every week, and for what?! Not for titles or money or immortality, but because you're hoping for the chance to beat one guy in particular?! You're out of your fucking mind if you think I'm gonna be okay with this!
Waylon is dumbstruck. She has never yelled at him like this, and it catches him greatly by surprise.
Roxxy:Look. I get that you've never been able to beat him, and I get that it's a sore spot fo you, but Jesus, how much are you willing to risk for it?
Waylon:I don't expect you to understand. It's just... one of those things I gotta do.
Roxxy:And what if you never do, huh?! What if you never beat Jonny Fly?! You gonna just keep wrestling until you die in the ring?! I refuse to let that happen. I can't grow old without you. I won't.
Waylon:I'm a wrestler. I don't know what you expect. You take wrestling away from me, I'm nothing.
Roxxy:WRONG! You're everything to me! You're an amazing man even if you never set foot in a wrestling ring, and I'm not gonna lose that at the age of 45 because you're off chasing Moby fucking Dick! I'm only gonna be willing to watch you get your head beat in for so long Waylon. I can't live in fear like this forever. I can't and I won't. You will eventually have a choice to make, and you'd be a damn fool to choose Jonny Fly over me.
A tear rolls down her cheek, as several more remain resting on her bottom eyelid. She glares a whole right through the man, making him feel lower than dirt for even arguing.
Roxxy:I'm... I'm gonna let you think for a bit. This isn't something you should take lightly.
Waylon tries to stammer out something, but she just walks away down the sidewalk, as the wrestler's heart drops into his stomach. He sits back against the wall, and buries his head in his hands. His mind races so fast, he can scarcely grab onto one thought, before another thought shoves it out of the way. His hand begins to shake violently, as he reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a small glass vial. He uses a tiny metal scoop to draw a little bit of white powder out of the bottle, and raise it to his right nostril. He inhales it, and goes back for a second. When that is done he puts the bottle away, and buries his head in his hands once again.
Waylon:The fuck am I gonna do...
Roxxy:Baby what's wrong? You look super stressed out.
Waylon:I just don't now what the fuck Scott's draggin' me all the way out to Nevada for, when I got a world title match this week. His ass hasn't even been around. Why the hell am I comin' all the way out here for him.
Roxxanne reaches across the table, and rests her fingers on the top of Waylon's restless hand. A comfort immediately spreads through his body.
Roxxy:Look... I didn't want to say anything, but I know why Scott's dragging us out here.
Waylon:You do?
Roxxy:I'm his sister of course I knew. Look, I know you have a lot on your plate this week, but the surprise in Nevada is something he has been talking about since he was fifteen. Just... try to act happy for him is all I ask.
Waylon stares down at her hand, and then up into her eyes, before taking a deep breath and answering.
Waylon:Alright. If it's that important to him, I'll do my best.
She smiles at him, as the fasten seat belt sign pings on above them. They obey, and await their gradual descent. As they drop beneath the cloud, the sprawling city of Las Vegas becomes visible in the distance. A metropolis surrounded entirely by barren desert. It's enough to make Waylon wonder what sort of person travels all the way out here to start a city. It isn't long before they're close enough to the ground to make out the throngs of people that line the streets. The plane touches down on the runway, which always causes Waylon's heart to jump up into his throat. They slow to a stop, and after a few moments of nothing, the small door at the front of the plane folds down into a set of stairs. Waylon and Roxxy both unbuckle themselves, and step out into the sweltering Nevada heat.
Waylon:I know I'm from Georgia and all... but this sucks.
Roxxy chuckles, as she searches the tarmac for her brother's black SUV. It is nowhere to be found. Suddenly, her eyes shoot to an entrance gate off to the side, where the vehicle she is searching for comes speeding through. It speed sup to the plane, and screeches to a stop. Scott rolls down the window with a look of genuine remorse on his face.
Scott:I apologize profusely. I got caught up in some business.
Waylon:It ain't like the great Scott Savage to be late. Looks like you're losin' your touch.
Scott rolls his eyes at Waylon's mocking tone.
Scott:Quite humorous. Would you mind getting into the vehicle? We have so much time and so little to do... wait-
Waylon:We know what you mean. What about our bags?
Scott:Those will be taken care of. Let us be on our way. I have such sights to show you/
The couple shrugs at each other, before Roxxy climbs into the passenger side, and Waylon gets in the back. Even after just a few minutes in the desert heat, the air conditioned vehicle is like an oasis. Waylon slumps down in his seat, internally bemoaning his case of jet lag. Scott takes them off of the tarmac, and begins moving slowly through the city traffic. Waylon can't help but crane his neck to look out the window. He's never seen so many taxi cabs in his life. Every third car looks to be black and yellow, or at least have a taxi sign on the top. A few driving billboards dot the road as they all inch along the pavement.
Scott:I hate coming into the city. The traffic is horrid no matter what time of day it is. And you would think, given that they drive for a living, the taxi drivers would at least be halfway good at it. It is absolutely ridiculous.
Waylon:I'm pretty sure you didn't fly us across the country to bitch about the traffic. Why are we here? What's this big secret?
Scott:All in good time, Tex. All in good time. This is something that must be seen to be believed.
Waylon:I ain't really in the mood for riddles.
Scott rolls his eyes, and pops open his glove box. He pulls out what look to be a poorly rolled cigar. He hands it back to Waylon, and closes the glove box with a snap.
Scott:Smoke that and relax. It is going to be a bit before we are out of the city.
Waylon:Right here in the middle of traffic?
Scott:Those back windows are tinted as dark as is legally allowed. No one can see you. Besides, the police in this city have far worse things to worry about, I assure you.
Waylon:Yeah, ever since you got here.
They all share a laugh, as Waylon sets the blunt between his lips and lights the end. He inhales deeply, and holds it in his lungs for a minute before coughing it out.
Waylon:Yeah ok, that's a bit better. Seriously though, what are we doin' here Scott? You know I got a match to train for.
Scott:You know I know that. Which means you should also know that I wouldn't call you out here unless it was important. Waylon, what I am going to show you is Savage Enterprises latest venture. Something that is going to launch us into the stratosphere. Waylon... if this works the way I think it will, we can all retire, and all of our children can retire. I am talking about world domination type money.
Waylon:Well good. Then you can finally have your dream of building your lair into the side of a mountain with your face on it.
Waylon takes another drag, before passing the blunt to his fiance. He leans back, and asks no more questions. Eventually they get to a point where the traffic clears, and all at once vanishes. Waylon looks back out the window to see that the tall buildings and rows of taxis have given way to sand, brush and cacti.
Waylon:I swear to god, if you're drivin' us to a pit of dead bodies, I'm gonna be more than a little upset.
Scott laughs, but not enough to soothe Waylon's nerves.
Scott:There she is.
Waylon looks through the windshield in the direction Scott is pointing. He sees what looks to be a giant dome on the horizon.
Waylon:What the hell...
Scott:Just wait.
As they grow closer, they see that the dome is absolutely massive. Off in the distance it is hard to tell, but once they get close, they see that it stretches for miles. The shining black dome sits in the middle of the desert, with only one road leading to and away from it.
Waylon:You know I was kiddin' about the evil villain lair, right?
Scott:Oh Waylon... this is so much more. This is the finish line for me. This is the ultimate goal!
The passion in Scott's voice causes a frightened look to cross Waylon's face. He remains silent, until they come to a stop in front of what now just looks like a long black wall. Scott presses a button on his dashboard, and suddenly a large chunk of the wall slides away to reveal a parking garage. They take a spot, and Scott kills the engine. They all climb out, and Scott leads them towards a large metal door.
Scott:I present to you... New Babylon.
He throws open the door, and they walk out into the middle of a fully functional city. Sidewalks stretch off in all directions, weaving between the different buildings. Bright green grass covers the ground, and the dome above glows a dull white, lighting everything.
Scott:Aw damn. It's still on sleep mode. Hold on.
Scott pulls his phone out of his pocket, and fiddles with it for a second. Suddenly the dome above shows what looks to be a perfect replica of the sky on a bright, sunny day. They step down the sidewalk, marveling at the out of place city.
Waylon:How the hell'd you get grass to grow in here?
Scott:It's fake. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference though. You're not seeing the big picture though. Allow me to explain. This is an exclusive city, available to members only. Inside, no children are allowed, and thanks to a little greasing of the proverbial wheels, neither are law enforcement. That means this is a place where adults can come and let go of their inhibitions. Everything is available, and at your fingertips should you want it.
Waylon:So basically an everlasting city-wide orgy.
Scott:This is about so much more than just sex. I mean, sex is a big part of it, but this is about freedom! Intelligent, albeit hedonistic adults being allowed to do whatever it is they want to do. The one law here at New Babylon is also our slogan. You'll find it everywhere. “Harm none, and do what you will.” Of course, it's in Latin because Latin is way cooler. Anyway, if you are a member you have your own personal apartment here, that you may visit whenever you like... or live in, if it suits you.
Scott gives Waylon a knowing look. It takes a moment for the wrestler to catch up, but he look back and forth between his fiance and his manager.
Waylon:Wait a minute... are you sayin'...
Scott:Move here. Stop worrying about being able to retire. This is your retirement... all of ours. This is it Waylon. I already have Shooter and Heather signed on as gold members. I want you here with us.
Waylon:What... so we just come live here forever?
Scott:It's not as if you can't ever leave, but yes. I would like to see all of us stop destroying our bodies, stop wearing ourselves thin, and finally seize the retirement we've all deserved for so long. This is a safe place. A place where we can pursue whatever dreams are in our heads without having to worry about making sure bills are paid, or we're saving enough money for down the road. This IS down the road. This is Shangri-La, as Isaiah would put it.
Waylon looks at his surroundings, trying to take in the offer he's just received. He looks to his fiance for some sort of explanation.
Roxxy:I really think it's a great idea. Baby, I'm tired of worrying about you out on the road, getting your head bashed in once a week. I can't take it much longer. This is our way out. We can come here and just be. I know it's a lot to take in, but I love the idea, and I really love this place.
Waylon is still speechless. He looks around again, and then back to his friends.
Scott:I know. I know it sounds absolutely insane, but that's just because no one has ever done anything like this before.
Waylon:I don't get it. If we're all livin' here for free, how you gonna make any money?
Scott:Just because I don't charge my friends doesn't mean I don't charge everybody else. A membership here is quite expensive, and we've already sold out our 200 membership test run. In about two months, this place will be full of people, who all spent a lot of money for the privilege.
Waylon:How much money we talkin'?
Scott:Come now Waylon. A magician never reveals all of his secrets. Let's just say that if fifty more people purchase memberships after the test run is over, this place will have already paid for its own construction. That's not counting food sales, silver memberships, merchandise, and all the other sources of money in this place. I would say that once all is told, we will have quite the cash cow on our hands.
Waylon steps away for a moment, and stares off into the artificial sky.
Waylon:This is awesome Scott, don't get me wrong, but I gotta think about it. This is a big deal you're layin' on me.
Scott:Of course. Take all the time you need. New Babylon is not going anywhere. It will always be here for you.
Without another word, Waylon wanders off, aimlessly following the sidewalk. He ends up stopping, and leaning against the stone wall of a large, ornate library. He slides to a sitting position, and pulls a cigarette from behind his ear. He slips the filter in his mouth, and lights the other end, taking a deep drag. Before he can think too much, Roxxane takes a seat next to him.
Waylon:I knew you'd follow me.
Roxxy:We're worried about you. I'm worried about you. I just want to make sure you're ok.
Waylon:I'm fine... it's just...
Roxxy:[colo=pink]It's just what?[/color]
Waylon:I ain't exactly sure I wanna retire.
Roxxy:what do you mean?
Waylon:It ain't about the money for me baby. It's about what I ain't been able to accomplish yet.
Roxxy:Are you kidding me?! You've done it all! You've been World champion in two companies, a tag champion in countless more, and now you're world famous thanks to WCF. What more could you possibly want?
She looks into his eyes, and he makes no noise, but she instantly knows.
Roxxy:Fuck... you gotta be kidding me. This is about Jonny Fly, isn't it?
Waylon's jaw hits his chest. He doesn't even have the presence of mind to pretend he's not amazed by the accuracy of her guess.
Roxxy:God dammit Waylon! I try to be as supportive as I can, but you are about as bull headed a man as I have ever met! You're out there beating the crap out of yourself every week, and for what?! Not for titles or money or immortality, but because you're hoping for the chance to beat one guy in particular?! You're out of your fucking mind if you think I'm gonna be okay with this!
Waylon is dumbstruck. She has never yelled at him like this, and it catches him greatly by surprise.
Roxxy:Look. I get that you've never been able to beat him, and I get that it's a sore spot fo you, but Jesus, how much are you willing to risk for it?
Waylon:I don't expect you to understand. It's just... one of those things I gotta do.
Roxxy:And what if you never do, huh?! What if you never beat Jonny Fly?! You gonna just keep wrestling until you die in the ring?! I refuse to let that happen. I can't grow old without you. I won't.
Waylon:I'm a wrestler. I don't know what you expect. You take wrestling away from me, I'm nothing.
Roxxy:WRONG! You're everything to me! You're an amazing man even if you never set foot in a wrestling ring, and I'm not gonna lose that at the age of 45 because you're off chasing Moby fucking Dick! I'm only gonna be willing to watch you get your head beat in for so long Waylon. I can't live in fear like this forever. I can't and I won't. You will eventually have a choice to make, and you'd be a damn fool to choose Jonny Fly over me.
A tear rolls down her cheek, as several more remain resting on her bottom eyelid. She glares a whole right through the man, making him feel lower than dirt for even arguing.
Roxxy:I'm... I'm gonna let you think for a bit. This isn't something you should take lightly.
Waylon tries to stammer out something, but she just walks away down the sidewalk, as the wrestler's heart drops into his stomach. He sits back against the wall, and buries his head in his hands. His mind races so fast, he can scarcely grab onto one thought, before another thought shoves it out of the way. His hand begins to shake violently, as he reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a small glass vial. He uses a tiny metal scoop to draw a little bit of white powder out of the bottle, and raise it to his right nostril. He inhales it, and goes back for a second. When that is done he puts the bottle away, and buries his head in his hands once again.
Waylon:The fuck am I gonna do...
