Post by Leon "Purple" Hayze on Sept 25, 2017 9:03:38 GMT -5
Leon “Purple” Hayze – “From Altered Beast to Zaxxon”
{As the scene fades in, we see we are walking alongside Leon “Purple” Hayze hand-in-hand with a beautiful Japanese women, as they walk through the city streets of Tokyo. Leon’s in a dark green polo shirt and tan colored slacks, his auburn hair flowing freely over his shoulders and down his back. The women, standing nearly a head and a half shorter than Leon, is wearing a yellow dress that goes to her knees, with a thin black, button-up, long sleeve shirt that is left completely unbuttoned. They are both enjoying bites of kushikatsu here and there, as they walk around, and while it seems like they are going to walk past it, what is clearly a video game arcade is on the left that they stop at.}
Women: Leo-san, this one is exactly up our street, you might say.
L”P”H: Hmm, Hiroe, I think maybe you meant to say right up our alley. I recognize the word for classic, but can’t place the rest.
Hiroe: Ahh, you see, this is an arcade for those games that we would have grown up to.
L”P”H: With, you mean? Sorry, your English is FAR better than my Japanese, but I get to tease you a little. Anyway, what, you’re just barely thir…
Hiroe: LEO-SAN!
(Her tone is that of mock anger, as she playfully shoves Leon a bit; he flashes that huge grin that he does so often like to wear in response.)
L”P”H: Yeah well, I guess you would have grown up with some of these games.
Hiroe: Yes, but my family was not rich growing up, even when some were playing the PlayStation, we were playing the original Famicom. Even before the Famicom-era, I always enjoyed games of Tempest and Galaga, against those more current games of the times.
L”P”H: Yeah, let’s go in, this looks like a great place. You sure you want to pla…
Hiroe: Leo-san, you know I enjoy many things such as this, especially old video games. Do not mock me so!
L”P”H: All right cherry blossom, let’s play. Come on Jimmy, actually why don’t you shut that off for a bit. We’ll…OOOH they have Street Fighter II!
{The scene fades out as Jimmy Kring, Leon’s personal cameraman, struggles to keep up with Leon as he practically dashes into the arcade. When our view fades in again, we’re in the same arcade, but the overhead lighting is dim. It seems as if only half of the lights on the ceiling are lit, though there is plenty of light to see by, as the sights and sounds of the arcade bathe Leon “Purple” Hayze in different hues of light, and nostalgia-inducing ‘music’ washes over him in chiptune cheerfulness. Leon is standing in front of the monochrome PONG and while he faced us just a moment before, he turns his back to regard the old machine.}
L”P”H: Let’s be honest man, I’m here for the metaphors. I didn’t really think about it until you and I, Jimmy, were into our third or fourth Street Fighter II contest. You got me good with Dhalsim on our first fight man, but I’m too good with Blanka. I tore it up man, cause I’m a beast wherever I go, and whatever I do. Ya’ll don’t know that about me yet man, but it’s cool. I’m new here, not even on most people’s radars. I did score a blip with one of the champions here, and I’ll get to that later.
(Leon puts a coin into PONG and begins playing for a bit once it boots into the game proper.)
L”P”H: Ya know, I just realized this is going to be somewhat calling myself out on this first one, but screw it man. Hey Jimmy, ping me if I curse too much.
J K: Whaddya worried about that for man, you were the one that told me we could cuss?
L”P”H: It’s a matter of principal man. Shit, I curse just like the next guy, but when a typical sentence has more cussing than not, it just sounds real unintelligent man. That’s my main gripe with you...uhm, Thor Odinson?
J K: Nope, try again.
L”P”H: Bore Snore-in-son?
J K: Close, but no cigar--or blunt in your case, I should say.
L”P”H: Bale Christianson?
J K: I…I have no words.
L”P”H: Yeah, bad jokes aside, your time has come and gone Odin Balfore. I’m being real bold, I know, in saying that to such a legend with the storied past you have. Great; you ain’t the future of this company though. We’re both, in differing ways, returnees—though I’m new to the WCF. It’s just, I don’t see you winning the thing man. Hell, I’m not even saying that I’M definitely walking out with that #1 Contendership, but I do think that you should have rethought your attempt at coming back. Nothin but fuck this and fuck that coming out of your mouth, people are shit piles, real class act man. Look, PONG was where it was at back in the 70s man, and it was HUGE! Though it wasn’t the first video game ever made, I really believe it started the video game craze man. Now that’s definitely arguable, but man, not in my opinion. Kinda like what we got here with you Balfore. You’ve been a multiple time World champ, and that’s great and all, but your stale and monochrome now, kinda like PONG. Who would actually want to play that now, in 2017? I love the classics, but that’s too old to be enjoyable for more than a minute or two. You have to respect it for what it did for the business, but it’s not a viable game anymore. It’s not even a viable, let’s bury this into the code of a current game and see if people find it, type mini-game. I look into the WCF archives, and I see what you did here. With all honestly, much respect to you man. But even if it ain’t me doin it, you’re gonna get outclassed by somebody in the WAR match—your time has come and gone man. I ain’t gunnin for you dude, but I’ll tell ya this; I’ve got the speed and stamina to go a long way in this match. I wouldn’t gun for me if I was you, cause you’ll just get shot down!
{Leon has long since used up his ‘quarter’, so to speak, still standing with his back turned as he continues to look at the black and white game. He walks around after another moment of contemplation on the old game, until he walks near the entrance of the arcade, with a game that has a marquee in pure kanji. Looking to the screen, as Leon drops a coin into its slot, we see a wide variety of games with only a screen shot to really tell what the game is, as the titles are in Japanese. We see Leon moving the selection around aimlessly, until he selects a space game that looks strikingly similar to Galaga.}
L”P”H: Hmmm, wonder if you could get double ships on this one? So yeah, I’m gonna go ahead and say it. I knew one thing I wanted to hit on, when I was granted access to the arcade tonight. I wanted to see if there was a multi-game machine, and this one was about the only one I could find. Even better though, it’s the fact all these games looks to be unoriginal—knock-offs of tried and true winners. They are just barely legally different; good for cheap-ass game makers, bad for you, the gaming audience. Or wrestling audience, as I turn this into a way to talk about all the other acts out there. Someone did a little, what I call, report card promo and mentioned me, and it’s like, yeah that works man, I guess. There’s gotta be some way to talk about multiple opponents at once, and this is my way. When you have so many possible people you’ll be competing against, how do you talk to them all? You don’t really; not if you have any sense, anyway.
{It looks like Leon’s lost this one, without finding out if you can, indeed, get double ships like in Galaga. He puts another coin in, and looks around the multiple screens, until he hits something. This is a random, beat ‘em up game that looks similar to so many others of its time.}
L”P”H: Kinda looks like River City Ransom, it’s got that look to it. Little, blocky characters. I wonder if you can go in and buy food power-ups. Man, that was a fun little game on the Nintendo. If you’re into retro gaming WCF, look that one up, it’s a fun game that wasn’t just about graphics, even for the Nintendo 8-bit era; a wonderful time waster, if there ever was one. Wasting time, like a lot of these cats that have been booked into this WAR match that’s just around the corner. A common thug that takes a few punches and kicks, then die, flashing away briefly before becoming less than an afterthought. From what I can tell, these are the likes of Red Dragon, Angimat, Gravedigger, Hajeet, and many others. I don’t like to trash or bad mouth those who stand for something, and don’t cheat to win like others. Yet, that’s the way the game is played when it comes to the WAR match. No friends, just foes; not a new concept, but proven man. It’s not The Great Giana Sisters, it’s Super Mario Bros! It’s the real deal, and the high score is earning you that #1 contender status for the top title in the wrestling world. Boys, and Bonnie Blue, I’m ready for that, unlike so many of you. First match, hell it could be my retirement match—even though I can tell you for sure it ain’t—it doesn’t matter, I go full speed in all that I do, and I’ll prove it at War XVI!
{Walking away from the multi-game machine that he’s on, near the entrance, we follow Leon as he moves around the rows of games for awhile, before abruptly stopping in front of a puzzle game. Before we look up a bit to see the name on the marquee, Leon lets out an exclamation.}
L”P”H: OOOH BOYYY, THEY HAVE BUBBLE BOBBLE!!!
{Leon immediately plunks a coin down into the coin-up slot, and before long that wonderful start up music begins as Leon starts to work through the first level. He’s uncharacteristically silent as he continues to play. About a minute of near silence, save for the games cheerful chip tunes bubbling out of its speakers, Jimmy Kring clears his throat.}
J K: We got a point to this stop Leon? I’m sure you’ve got someone in mind when it comes to this game, right?
L”P”H: Naw man, I just haven’t played this in ages. Me and my brother used to play the shit out of this game!
J K: Yeah, well could you possibly do that on your time, rather than the time of the WCF fans?
L”P”H: Ahhhh, but I wanna play.
J K: So, moving on right?
L”P”H: Mark and I actually beat this once, on the Nintendo, though I think we used the Game Genie…
J K: MOVING ON, right Leon?
{Leon dejectedly walks away from Bubble Bobble, letting the little green dinosaur die on purpose, as he moves on. He walks around the rows of games again, until we get to some fighting games. While he puts a coin into Mortal Kombat, right next to it is a game called Pit Fighter, which Jimmy Kring seems to be purposefully lingering on, rather than put the camera’s focus on Leon. A moment later, we look to the wrestler as he moves the joystick around for awhile before settling on Liu Kang. A moment later, as the ‘kombatants’ appear on Liu Kang’s stage, Hayze starts talking as we see the computer has paired him up with Scorpion.}
L”P”H: The bloody ass take on Street Fighter II. Man, let’s face it, much as we all love the MK franchise, that’s what it boiled down to. Fantastic story though man, and the Kombat games are awesome in their own way. Still, when it comes right down to it, that’s what Mortal Kombat wanted out of their game. It wasn’t a clone by any means, but it was a reaction to lightning in a bottle man, when you really think about it. It does its own thing man, and I’ve recently come to the conclusion that this is the first step towards greatness that I want to achieve in the WCF man. Yeah, some ass-hat just…
J K: Ass-hat? W-what kinda insult is ass-hat?
L”P”H: I dunno man, it sounds funny to me. Gotta get creative with swearing man. Instead of shit, say something like, shit bars, ya know? Hence ass-hat, versus asshole…
J K: Shit bars? Hmmm…mmmmaaaaaaybe. Also, what’s with all the swearing; as you just proclaimed earlier, makes you kinda sound like Balfore. So I think I know who this…ass-hat…is that your talking about. You were saying about Mortal Kombat though?
L”P”H: Yeah, well like Mortal Kombat, I do my own thing man. I actually asked Mr. Atoshi if the staff, before they closed, could move these games around here, in the fighting game section. Pit Fighter was a ways off, but I had it moved right next to these bad boys (waves his right hand briefly at the Mortal Kombat trilogy standing next to each other, and pays for it by getting an uppercut followed by a Scorpion spear to the chest) to prove a point. If you’re gonna do bloody, violent combat, do it right man. You see, no one has really mentioned me yet, except one guy who had the common sense to do so, even if he’s making me out to be far less of a threat than he should. Yeah, you see Ethan King, you remind me of Pit Fighter. I’m not even going to give it the credit of giving me a credit, to play, because it’s just that horrible. Oh it's slightly different than Mortal Kombat, but at the end of the day, it’s a shameless, off-brand attempt at what Mortal Kombat actually achieves. It’s like asking to go to Bloomingdales, and getting dumped off in front of T.J. Maxx instead. Fun fact kiddies, that ugly ass game came out BEFORE the first Mortal Kombat. Although, realistically, a lot of arcades didn’t pick it up until after the superior game I’m playing was introduced and quickly caught fire. Jimmy, focus in on that piece of shit to show the folks at home, and there’s probably quite a few of them, what this game is all about.
{Jimmy moves the camera back to the left a bit, to see the Pit Fighter game going through its demo. Like Mortal Kombat, it has digitized characters in a fighting game environment, save that on all sides the combatants are closed in by a crowd. The digitization looks incredibly poor, especially in 2017-- even when compared to the almost as old Mortal Kombat game. Unlike the game Leon’s playing, a simple wooden floor, rather than the elaborate, fantasy settings of the Mortal Kombat series, is the sole back drop for this early fighting game.}
L”P”H: Just like the comparison of these two games, I’ll give you a little bit of credit King, before I trounce on your…questionably…good name. If we are talking about just you and I, of course you came first, you came into the WCF well before I did. The time difference between these two games is actually two years, believe it or not. That’s why Mortal Kombat’s digitization process looks cleaner than…than that garbage. I didn’t think I was going to go for the Hardcore title first, but with your little report card presentation, I’ve changed my mind. Like the comparison to these games, you might have come before me, but when I wear the Hardcore title, I’ll bring a lot more showmanship and presentation into that title than you ever could. I know your title, Mr. King, isn’t PURELY about swinging chairs and kendo sticks around, but it’s MOSTLY about that. I don’t mean to be a prick WCF fans, it’s cool to see some bloody ass matches, but that’s what it all amounts to, man. Still though, it’s awesome to know that in a time in the sport where hardcore or extreme wrestling is getting phased out, it’s alive and w…AHH SHIT I LOST!
{In the time that Leon’s been talking, he’s climbed up the ladder a bit, but only to his fourth opponent, being a mirror match against Liu Kang. The bloody, red letters asking if Leon wants to Kontinue flashes on screen, and counts down, but Leon just turns around to ignore it and faces the camera instead.}
L”P”H: So about your little grade, I’m a D+ huh?
J K: Better than an F, right?
L”P”H: Oh for sure; reminds me of some math test scores I got in school, ha ha ha. Of course Ethan, when you’re the one whose creating the grading curve man, what does a D or B, or any other grade even mean? That’d be like you started up a movie ranking website, and say that it’s better than Rotten Tomatoes; it’s a bit delusional man! I just don’t think you are one to judge man, I really don’t. You make some points about me, but I’ll tell ya one thing; don’t worry about my cardio man. So let’s dispel a myth right now, moron. TOBACCO use, yeah that really degrades your ability to perform cardio. Ahhh, but cannabis use actually opens up the capillaries in your lungs. If nothing else, it would be a slight boost to a person while running, biking, or…more relevant to be being in that ring, wrestling. I’m not surprised though, I’m sure a lot of people are going to guess that about me. A lot of people would be wrong though; misinformed to be more accurate. Maybe instead of supposed lung issues like many would think, maybe if I was to get high and then get in a match, I would become lethargic, not willing to be at the top of my game in the ring, is that it? I will say this, I love me the ganja herb man, but when it comes to the day of a match, I wait until I’m OUT of the ring. That’s one of my victory prizes, so to speak, even if I don’t get the pinfall or submission I was looking for that day. I have priorities man, and getting my hand raised as the winner of a match far outweighs my desire to get lifted.
(Leon shakes his head a bit, before continuing on.)
L”P”H: Guessing that my age and knee will be a liability, that’s just more misinformation man; speculation actually, to be more accurate. There are legends in this business that were doing some of their best work between 40 and 50. I’m not gonna drop names, but it’s a fact man. As far as my knee is concerned Ethan King? Well, shit you got me there pal.
J K: Bro, your almost asking him to go for it and put you on the shelf again. You can’t afford that, especially going into your first match!
L”P”H: Shit, let him try Jimmy. I’ll tell ya like this King. I’m gunning for you man. If we’re in that ring together at WAR, you just call me Mr. Torpedo; cause I’m coming straight for your ass, ready to sink you and any hopes you have of winning. So you throw everything you have at me and my knee. I’ve rehabbed it, I’m 100 percent medically cleared by multiple sports physicians to compete again; basically, let’s just say I ain’t worried about it. I classify myself as more of a high flyer, as far as my in-ring style, so if possible, I’ve worked more on retraining my legs than my arms. My knees, both of them, are good as they’ve ever been. I feel just as good to go as when I was in my prime, and that ain’t just me covering up man. I’m ready for whatever anyone throws at me, so you just try whatever you need to try King, when you’re up against me. I mean, besides, if every wrestler was worried about re-injuring an area that has put them out for awhile--to that kind of degree--they wouldn’t come back to the sport. Again, to bring up wrestling legends, there are those who come back from a year long, or more, out of the ring with injuries and go on to win World titles. To say I’m not at all worried about it, well that’d be stupid man. Am I going to let that wreck my mind set and not give my best in that ring each and every night? Helllll, to the naw naw naw!
J K: Wow, 2013 just cal…
L”P”H: Yeah, let me shut that one down before you see it to completion. We can’t let old memes die man, not completely. Never forget Harambe, ammiright?
J K: Harambe?!?
L”P”H: Look Jimmy, you’re getting me off track man. For the time being, I’m just about done talking about you Mr. King. But just like King from Tekken, I’m a beast of a wrestler man. I just don’t think you could handle my wild style in that ring, so when you’re up against me, get ready to get trounced! Yeah, I’m actually only starting to worry about one thing now, as far as WAR is concerned. I’m going to have to stop thinking about the future, when the present looms like a 40 story skyscraper, and I’m on the street lookin up to it. I’ve got my sights set on you and that Hardcore title man, but that’s just a battle man, when I need to think about the WAR. I need to think about all the variables that this crazy match could throw my way, instead of the simple equation I see, when I envision the days and weeks after the dust from the WAR PPV has settled. Ethan King, just remember this. When you come up against me, you better remember to step your actual wrestling game up. Even in the Hardcore division, swinging chairs around and slammin people through tables is only part of the pizza pie. Leon Hayze has what it takes to be a complete family meal man; extra-large with everything on it, hot wings, salad and garlic knots on the side, with a 2 liter of Coke to boot! Damn Jimmy, I could go for a nice BUNCH of slices, on a side note. Any late night, American-style pizza joints around here? Don’t answer now, but do us both a favor man and Google that shit.
{Leon turns around, and takes a few steps toward the row behind him, before coming face-to-face with a legend, when it comes to arcade games. Street Fighter II now faces Leon, as he eagerly puts a coin in, taking the game away from the famous scene of two people fighting in front of a skyscraper, to the screen of the globe, where Leon quickly and decisively moves the character select box over to Blanka. A moment later, Leon is starting his first game against Ken.}
L”P”H: The one and only man, the real, legitimate father of fighting games. Some came before it, as witnessed by Pit Fighter, and its bastard ilk, but this juggernaut right here really started it all. Yeah man, this is what I see of you Stephen Singh. Lofty goals, trading blows with a God; but look man, I don’t give a damn what you proclaim yourself to be in this business. You’re one of the last one I’m gonna mention, and of course, whether you like him or hate him WCF, you have to respect what he’s done and is doing currently. You’re definitely worthy of being mentioned last, in anyone’s promos here; actually Street Fighter II is a good metaphor for a few people, but you most of all Golden boy. You’re no deity though, and you’ll lose that strap some time, to make you aware that you really are mortal, just like the rest of us.
(Leon goes down to Zangief in his second match, which he shakes his head at.)
L”P”H: Man, I haven’t played in a while. I used to be able to beat this game on 2, maybe 3 quarters max. Oh well, it’s just a game. See, even when I’m facing the big guys in this business like a John Rabid, like a Teo Del Sol, even like you Stephen “M. Bison” Singh, you go down just like anyone else does in the WCF. It might take some good amount of time; more preparation, more practice, but you all are beatable, even when “Here comes a New Challenger” (hums the little side music that pops up when a second player pops in to the game Leon's currently playing) enters the scene, like Leon “Purple” Hayze. New doesn’t mean anything except that, as far as the wrestlers of the WCF are concerned--I’m untested. O.k., cool; I’ve been on the other side of the fence, and the smart, real competitors here will know to differentiate my newness as being just that. New, as some would like to believe, doesn’t mean I’m not great in that ring. Quite frankly man, I’m ready for whatever tests are presented to me here. I’m ready for the end of year, college-level exams that the main eventers here equate to! Maybe that’s just me being bold man, but some wise dude once said that fortunate favors the bold.
J K: Really, ‘some wise dude’?
L”P”H: It’s the quote Jimmy man, not who said it. I’m sorry I don’t remember who said it; my memory ain’t the greatest, I profess. Ya know what Jimmy, I think I’m about ready to wrap this one up. How are we on the pizza situation?
J K: I found a few places, but we don’t have long for most of ‘em. Less than an hour.
L”P”H: Right, well let’s wrap this one up in a neat little bow then, shall we? Teo Del Sol; man you remind me of Ken, here as far as Street Fighter II, in a world where Ryu is the original. Why pick Ken when you could just go with Ryu? I’m not gonna say much more on you man, but your unoriginal man, and while I can’t completely write you off as nothing—I could just say we’ve seen it before. You’re just a re-skin of an absolute legend in this business; Ken vs Ryu, that’s all you are to me. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong over time, but I don’t think so. John Rabid, you’re doing great things in WCF, and you’ve done much more, don’t think I’m overlooking you. At the end of the day though boys, don’t write-off a new guy to the industry; unproven doesn’t mean incapable. You’ll all see what I’m able to do, come WAR time ladies and gentlemen. Ooh hey Jimmy, I dunno about you but I’m kinda feel like a Ninja Turtle right now.
J K: Wow, you do? Gee, I didn’t see that one in here. I mean, I’d be down to play one of those games, they were great beat ‘em ups, but we are on a clock, if you really are wanting pizza. After so much time talking about it though, I’m really wanting some pizza, so I just don’t think we have time.
L”P”H: Naw man, I’m feelin like a Ninja Turtle cause…IT’S PIZZA TIME!!!
J K: Oooooo-kay. So after the pizza, you want some underoos and chocolate milk before someone tucks you into bed tonight? Damn man, I am hungry though. Let’s get outta here.
L”P”H: Word to your mutha? I’m sorry, all the 80's and 90's goodness in here is givin me a huge nostalgia boner.
J K: Aaaaannnndd with that, you're done for the night bro!
{ Our view fades to black as we see Leon turning his back to Street Fighter II and towards the camera. }
