Post by Jonny Fly on Sept 29, 2017 23:52:00 GMT -5
The Dethfort is a magical place. It’s a flashback to the 1300’s when sparring clans dominated this region of the world. The comments regarding the strategic location of this castle are based in truth. Many castles along the coast of Denmark were created for two purposes; to keep an eye on the sea, and to hold the advantage of the high ground in the event of a battle. Sure, some castles were built to display wealth of a prominent family or clan. But that’s not the heritage of The Dethfort. This is a landmark by day, battle castle by night.
It’s an imposing structure to be sure. As you stand on the bridge crossing the castle moat (which of course is filled with alligators) the castle stretches vertically nearly as far as the eyes can see. At the top of the castle, Black has retrofitted battle cannons. This is an important detail because, well, Jonny Fly just rolled up to this motherfucker in a Cold War Era German-style tank. The tracks of the tank come to a stop just on the other side of the castle bridge. The hatch at the top of the tank opens and out comes the beaming face of Jonny Fly. Looking all Brad Pitt in Fury, his gaze is fixed on the majestic structure in front of him.
Fly: Man, she still looks good. Many good times here. Well, time to fuck it all up. Sorry Claus.
Fly ducks back down into the tank. Moments later the turret begins to move upward. It settles into place and then – BOOM! A shot is fired toward the top of the castle, clipping one of the battle cannons. It falls down onto The Dethfort’s helipad below – the helipad that once served as the home of Jonny Fly’s helicopter. The turret begins to move again and positions itself to the right. BOOM! Another shot is fired and the second of the battle cannons is destroyed. With smoke coming from the turret – Fly pokes his head back out of the hatch. This time he holds a megaphone in hand.
Fly: Yo, CD – you in there, buddy?
There’s obviously no response. We don’t know if Corey Black is in the castle, but it stands to reason he would be away considering his commitments this week for the upcoming match.
Fly: Look man, your cannons are gone. You can’t fight this. There’s big fuckin’ rocks falling from your keep. You probably should get out of there.
…still nothing.
Fly: Hey man, quick question? How much do you know about fleas? On my plane ride over here, this chick’s carry on was a fuckin’ dog crate. I’m staring at this little dog through the flight and thinking about why the hell they would allow this on a plane in the passenger cabin. Then I started thinking about fleas. If that dog had fleas, with how cramped everyone is together on a plane, everyone would be in danger of getting them. That led me to thinking about you. A flea is a parasite. It has no wings, so it’s mode of transportation is simply hopping from one host to another. It jumps to a host, attaches to it, sucks its blood, lays eggs, and many times within that process spreads diseases.
I can’t help but draw comparisons to your own actions. You have a little Terry Roberts in you, am I right? You’re always looking for that next person to hop to and lead you to promise land. When you find that person, you attach yourself, and go into full parasite mode. Tell me, CD, who are the people who actually come looking for you? Even your watered-down versions of Pantheon it was always YOU going out and brainwashing people into becoming your teammates. You have no eye for talent, unfortunately, so every version of Pantheon you put together was always a joke. But the fact remains, you size up every competent wrestler who comes into this company to see what they can do for you.
It’s just us out here, buddy. You can come out here and tell me I’m wrong. Let’s discuss it like men. But I’ve been in these meetings with you. You can’t fool me. I know how you talk about other wrestlers. I know how your mind works. It’s NEVER been about helping others. It’s always about what will look best for Corey Black or what you can do to further your career just a little bit longer. Who can take you along on another ride in the spotlight. Your mind is so warped after decades in this business, you couldn’t flip the switch if you even wanted. You don’t possess the character traits to ‘give back.’ You’ve spent a decade slumming with superior wrestlers. The only thing you know how to do now is ride bitch.
Fly pauses. He searches for movement from within the castle.
Fly: Ah, fuck it. Let’s get on with it.
Bred on the streets of New York City, Fly’s never been one with an eloquent tongue. Allow those words to be the last spoken of The Dethfort. Fly disappears back into the tank and closes the hatch behind him. The turret once again begins to move, this time more toward the center of the castle structure.
BOOM!
A shot goes straight into the castle heart. The damage is superficial, as the ancient structure tries to deliver one last heroic stand.
BOOM!
Another shot to the same spot. A visible hole has now formed. Rocks begin the crumble.
BOOM!
Another shot. Fly moves the turret just inches to the left.
BOOM!
The turret is moved back to the right.
BOOM!
The damage is now too much. An avalanche of rocks begins to fall. Like a vortex, the castle walls seem to be sucked into the hole created by the three shots. The Dethfort crumbles into itself before the countless stones come to a rest on top of one another in a heap. We pause for a moment to appreciate the magnitude of the sight before us. The outer walls of The Dethfort are all that remain. The interior has completely crumbled. The castle is no more. But Jonny Fly is not done. The tank springs back into action, backing up several feet. The turret is then positioned downward.
BOOM!
The shot goes straight into the bridge connecting The Dethfort property to the rest of the island. It disappears into the moat below. That’s the last imagery of The Dethfort – now officially nothing more than a memory.
...
Taylor Swift has a dilemma. We’re now back at her New York City condo. She’s alone, and pacing through her living room. After Jonny Fly’s visit earlier in the week, she’s been left to contemplate her next move. At the threat of violence, she agreed to read a letter in public that Fly had written. She’s reviewed the content. She memorized it, as instructed. In short, it’s brutal. It would absolutely ruin Corey Black if made public. On the flip side, she puts herself and those closest to her in danger by disobeying Fly. As she continues to pace, a comment from her television – playing in the corner of the room – catches her ear. E! News is playing and Catt Sadler is on the screen. Swift turns to listen.
Sadler: It was one of the most bizarre television appearances ever witnessed – and from the last person you’d expect. Kate Winslet was the guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers. After some discussion on her newest movie, Winslet went on to reveal – unprompted – that she’d been unfaithful in her marriage to Ned Rocknroll her youngest child Bear wasn’t his! The object of Kate’s affection? Wrestler Corey Black!
Poor Swiftie. An audible gasp is heard.
Sadler: Winslet said that she’s been seeing Black a couple times a week for years in secret, and that she was relieved to finally be telling this publicly. She claimed that the two of them have always loved one another, and will continue to be together. We’ve reached out to Winslet for further comment, but so far have not heard from her. On the other hand, her husband is said to be furious with the revelation and divorce proceedings are being put in motion. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about this story.
Swift walks over to the television and turns it off. She turns around, and appears paler than ever – as if she’d seen a ghost. Finally, she sighs and reaches into her pocket to grab her phone. She clicks to her video app. Once opened, Swift flips the camera so that her face is on the screen. With a solemn look, she begins to record.
Taylor Swift: Hello everyone. Today, I feel an obligation to women across the world to reveal something. It’s no secret that I’ve been different lately. My biggest fans know that I direct passion from personal life into my music, and that’s been no different over the last few months. But this is something that I cannot file away into a song. This is something that I need to tell the world.
For the last several months, I’ve been casually seeing a Wrestling Championship Federation wrestler named Corey Black. Originally, our relationship was just a friendship. He’s a long-time fan, and I must admit, I occasionally enjoyed watching his sport of choice. Eventually our relationship became more. I came to know his manager, Nikki Venus, extremely well. We became good friends over the last few months. A few weeks ago, Nikki revealed to me that she’s been abused by Corey for the last several years.
I didn’t know what to make of this at first. I pressed her on the issue, and she told me that when he loses matches he goes into fits of uncontrollable rage. She tries to calm him, but on multiple occasions he’s hit her. Nikki is a formed wrestler, and she can take a punch, but these are explained to me as more of violent attacks that have required medical treatment. This has occurred at shows, at her house, and his castle in Denmark. I asked her why she doesn’t report him, and she said that it’s tough because how long the two of them have worked together. She was afraid of ruining his career. She promised me not to say anything. I was going to keep that promise until…
I’ve been trying to reach Nikki for several days. I can’t get in touch with her. I went to her house and she’s not there. But there were signs of a struggle. Pictures have fallen off the walls, furniture is moved, and various items are sprawled about on the ground. I…I think Corey Black has done something to her. I tried to call him, but he won’t talk to me. I’ve been left with no choice but to contact the authorities and send this video out to the world. I feel Nikki’s life is in danger. Corey Black is a disgusting human being. He’s violent, angry, and there’s no telling what he has done to her. Please – everyone – I beg you, help us bring Nikki Venus home. Help me bring my friend back safely and unharmed.
Thank you.
Swift ends the video. She draws in another deep breath. The deed is done. The last thing is to upload the video to her various social media channels. She clicks through the apps on her phone, and one by one the video is posted to her 85 million Twitter followers, 70 million Facebook followers, and 103 million Instagram followers. She sets the phone back into her pocket and walks over to a couch. She sits down, tucks her head into her hands, and closes her eyes – the notifications from her phone buzzing away. The scene slowly fades away.j
…
The following news report plays on screen at Jonny Fly’s residence. Fly sits on the couch in his living room watching the television intently. Next to him is Nikki Venus – no longer hanging from the closet in his bedroom. Her mouth is no longer taped, nor are her feet. Her hands are still zip-tied in front of her. He cheeks are red, eyes puffy, and she looks as disheveled as ever. Fly revels in the news report.
Fly: Nikki, I must tell you, there is nothing more satisfying than when a plan comes together. Despite your affiliations with Corey Black, and the fact I left you hanging in my closet for 48 hours, you have to respect the genius of my plan.
Venus doesn’t say anything. She simply looks down at the ground.
Fly: Come on! Let’s recap:
Fly pauses, reveling in how well his plan has been executed. He begins to laugh.
Fly: You know, of all people, Corey Black should know better. He must have thought I was going to play fair. He thought I was going to come into this week like it was just another Corey Black-Jonny Fly match. What a fuckin’ idiot. Do you know how many times in my career I’ve berated opponents who say they’re going to ‘end me’ or ‘kill me’ in the ring. That’s some cliché shit unimaginative jobbers run their mouth saying. How many times have you seen someone die inside the ring? Yeah, none. It’s filler lingo the infantile use to act tough.
Fly fakes a yawn.
Fly: No, when I said this was going to be end of Corey Black I didn’t mean it was going to happen on the canvas. I’m going to beat that overrated Lilliputian-lookin’ motherfucker, that’s for sure. Then he’s going to fly back to the states with his tail tucked under his legs – because he’s got nowhere else to go, and no money to get anywhere else – where he’ll be arrested and locked behind bars for the next couple decades. THAT’S – how you do it.
At this point Venus looks up and at Fly.
Venus: You’re a monster.
Fly smiles, almost taking pride in the comment.
Fly: I’m certainly not someone to be fucked with, that’s for god damn sure. You and everyone else can go on thinking that Corey Black is innocent in all this, but you’re only digging a deeper grave on the side of the dirt where losers go to rest. Corey Black is dead. His career is over. His reputation is ruined. His house is in pieces. His money is in the hands of the federal government. I’ve won.
Venus: That’s not true.
Fly: Enlighten me.
Venus: You still have to wrestle him, and I seem to remember that not working out so well for your last time. Plus, I’m still alive. There’s a witness that can clear him of all this.
Fly laughs at the comment.
Fly: Oh, babe. Your naivety is adorable. I could let you go right now and you could run into the closest police station with a fucking recording of what I’ve just said – and they won’t believe you. You’ll be labeled as the dumb bitch with Stockholm syndrome, protecting your kidnapper and conveniently blaming it all on his wrestling rival. Do you know why? Because Taylor Swift – that’s why.
Venus: I don’t understand.
Fly: Taylor Swift, wholesome midwestern songstress with legions upon legions of fans is the one who’s accused Corey Black. She’s the one who started all of this. It’s not your word against mine, you dumb bitch. It’s your word against hers. How do you think that will go over?
Venus: She’ll turn on you.
Fly: Come on, Nikki. She would be committing career suicide. She would be committing literal suicide too, because her and I have a very firm understanding of the consequences of flipping on me. She has too much to lose. You have no leverage on her, or me. Plus…
Fly drapes his arm Venus and moves closer to her on the couch.
Fly: …I have no plans on letting you go anytime soon. I’m still reviewing your situation and determining the next steps. But I must say, the easiest thing for all of us would be if you would just forget about Corey Black – forever. Let him go. Maybe after Black is arrested you reappear, and upon questioning confirm that he did kidnap you. Simple as that. Then you can go on living your life.
Venus: Listen to me you sick fuck – hear me clearly – I will NEVER do that. I will never turn my back on Corey Black. I will never let you get away with this.
Fly shakes his head in disappointment. He retracts his arm and slaps his knee.
Fly: Oh well.
Fly rises from the couch and looks back at Venus.
Fly: I guess you’ll just have to settle for living in my closet until I get bored with you. After that, I don’t know, maybe we’ll outfit you with some cement shoes and have you chart the bottom of Lake Superior.
With that comment, Fly reaches down and forcefully grabs Nikki Venus. He picks her up over his shoulder and begins carrying her toward his bedroom and the closet she now calls home. About a minute later, he reappears in the main living space with his duffel bag in tow. He calls out to Venus.
Fly: Alright babe, I’m off to Tokyo. I’ll see you in a few days.
With that, Fly move toward the elevator and proceeds to leave Venus once again as he travels out of the country.
…
Earlier in his career Jonny Fly went by the nickname ‘The International Icon.’ The man is strangely loved overseas. Perhaps it’s because international wrestling fans don’t know of his troubled past, and simply appreciate his in-ring exploits. Either way, outside of the terminal a horde of reporters and paparazzi awaits. The man himself has deboarded his plan and is now walking through the airport concourse. Fly is wearing a full suit, dress shoes, and sunglasses. He holds his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He hops on an escalator headed down toward the front entrance of the airport. At the bottom, Fly finds the nearest set of doors and walks outside of the airport. At the curb, he’s immediately rushed by a throng of reporters – shoving camera and microphones into his face.
Fly: Hello everyone!
A number of reporters begin shouting questions.
Fly: Now, now. You guys know I don’t understand you. Anyone here speak English?
One reporter does, apparently. He shouts out.
Reporter: Mister Fly! We welcome you to Tokyo! Please tell us your thoughts on the allegations against Corey Black in America. Will he wrestle?
Fly: Ah, that story has made its way to this side of the world already? Look, I don’t really know what’s going on with Corey Black. Am I surprised? No. He’s a terrible person. That’s part of the reason we have the problems we do with one another. You guys know me, I’m a nice, wholesome guy, right?
Fly pauses to check the crowd for a response. Nobody really does anything. He tries again.
Fly: RIGHT!?
There we go. Nods all around from the paparazzi and reporters, all seemingly to agree that Jonny Fly is a nice person. Hah.
Fly: Corey Black on the other hand is your standard boilerplate asshole. He’s moved up from being a terrible and self-serving wrestling teammate to a woman beater and criminal. It’s sad, really. But I’ll say this to the women across the world – and to Nikki Venus, wherever the poor woman is – Jonny Fly is here for you. I’ll take your anger out on Corey Black for you during the match. Shit, I may inflict my own form of torture on him in the ring and make him give up her location! What do you guys think about that?
Reporter: Mister Fly! You no answer – will he even be able to wrestle?
Fly: I hope so. I understand authorities are looking for him. I don’t know where he is, I don’t know if he’s going to show his face here in Tokyo. But as a competitor, I want to wrestle. You guys have heard me say this for the last month. I want to be the last person Corey Black ever sees in the wrestling ring. That’s why I’m here. I sure hope he doesn’t get his ass arrested before I have that chance. I didn’t return to this company after such a long time away to receive a count out victory because my opponent is having some mental breakdown.
Reporter: Mental breakdown?
Fly: Well, yeah – right? Look, Corey Black has been wrestling a long time. Like, since when dinosaurs were roaming the Earth and shit. This dude’s career started when the only wrestlers were a bunch of flat, flabby motherfuckers. You ever noticed that? All your wrestlers a few decades ago were just fat brawlers. Weird, right? Now the sport is full of physical specimens. You got guys who are bigger, stronger, faster. They’re 300 pounds and can do flips and shit. It’s a mutant jungle, man. Corey Black is a relic. He’s so physically overmatched these days that he had to go get a bionic elbow because the other one got all mushy banging into jobbers. He’s slowly trying to morph into a robot because his body gave up the fight long ago.
But that’s not the only thing going on. You guys here in Asia know about CTE? Is that a thing here? It’s a really big problem in American Football. It stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It’s a degenerative disease of the brain caused by multiple head injuries. We’ve had dudes over in the states kill themselves, or others, because of how fucked up their heads are due to this disease. I’m not a doctor, but I consider myself to be a pretty sharp dude. You and I see the same thing – Corey Black is over-matched every time he gets into the ring. He takes a ton of punishment. Now we see he’s having this psychotic break where he’s beating woman, kidnapping people. Hell, he probably blew up his own castle…
Fly subtly throws in that last comment, hoping now that this press corps will run with it and write stories discussing the possibility that Black himself is at fault for the demise of his beloved Dethfort. Yet again, he creates misdirection to cover his own tracks.
Fly: The cumulative effects of that kind of damage are clearly manifesting itself. This is one plus one equals two type of stuff – it’s obvious. Corey Black’s mind has failed him and has poisoned his ability to know right from wrong. He’s finally lost it. The awe of watching him wrestle is dead and buried. It’s now like watching your poor, sweet Grandma struggle to sip on her chicken noodle soup without wearing it on her fuckin’ onesie.
Reporter: But Mister Fly! Do you think it is then safe for you two to be wrestling?
Fly: That’s a fair question. Should Corey Black be in a nursing home sipping milk through a straw instead of wrestling a PPV event against the most dominant wrestler in history? Let me pose a question, and I hope this doesn’t bring back bad memories for you guys. Why did my country drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II?
Silence from the crowd. Perhaps too soon, bro? Fly’s a narcissist though, so he could care less about the feelings of those around him. He persists.
Fly: Come on, you guys know the answer. There was a cultural problem in this country. The samurai mentality. A Japanese soldier did not surrender. That would be dishonorable. He fought till his death. The United States had to crush the will of the Japanese soldier in spectacular fashion or the war would have never ended. The Japanese would never surrender. This same concept applies to Corey Black.
The man has never quite figured out what he wants to be. He refers to himself as ‘The Jomsviking,’ ‘The Ghost of Tokyo,’ and ‘The Avenger.’ But nobody calls him out on this shit. Why do I have to be the guy who comes around and says…”Uh, hey guys, this doesn’t make any god damn sense.” You think I’m wrong in saying that his brain is fried? Because the dude thinks he’s a fuckin’ Viking, samurai warrior, AND comic book hero! He has more fucking personalities than that creepy dude in Split. How can you be a Viking and Samurai!? They didn’t even exist in the same centuries. Someone go tell Corey Black to read a god damn book. I’m serious, for years I’ve been expecting him to show up to a show with a bunch of slaves holding him in a gold carriage like a Persian Immortal and calling himself ‘The Black Xerces.’ This dude has an unbelievable hard-on for any ancient battle force, so he tries to portray himself as part of all of them – at the same time – in the year 2017.
So, yeah. The dude’s brain is can of Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder soup. But it’s that samurai part of him that’s not going to let him hang up those boots until – like the Japanese army – his willpower is completely and totally crushed. This match has to happen. If it doesn’t, this shit will continue infinitely – I guess at least until he’s arrested. But either way, because of Seth’s nostalgia boner, this dude is going to keep getting run out there in matches he has no business being part of and everyone will suffer. Seth will move the damn shows to CD’s prison. Watch.
Now Fly begins to smile from ear-to-ear.
Fly: Think of me like a social worker. Sure, I want to beat Corey Black. But I’m also trying to help him transition to that next step. With someone like him, the only way to get this done is through force. I’m good at force. I’m the perfect person for the job. I’m motivated to wrestle this match, but I’m also a soft, caring, and sensitive soul that knows deep in my heart this is what’s best for him. I’m doing a service to the wrestling industry with this match (sarcasm alert).
It’s convenient that the name of our show is War. It’s there, that I will drop my own version of the atomic bomb and finally make Corey Black surrender. He’ll realize the embarrassment that he’s become. He’ll realize that for the good of his own legacy, the retirement tour must be cut short. The industry has moved on from him. His mind has moved on. Now it’s time for the body to follow suit. The Corey Black we’ve long known – that man is forever gone. He’s a wanted criminal. He’s mentally ill. He’s homeless. He’s poor. He has no companionship. And lastly, he’s 24 hours away from standing across the ring with me. The reaper himself. The wrestling world’s equivalent of your chosen deity. Yes, my friends, the pillar has officially crumbled.
The smile turns to a smirk.
Fly: Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m off to meet up with Orbit with our pregame meal – hot fries and chicken wings. Catch me at the afterparty. We’re going to have a lot to celebrate.
That’s all folks. Fly pushes through the crowd and hails a cab on the airport road. A car stops in front of him, and Fly opens the back door and enters – a process he’ll probably repeat with one of Orbit’s hookers later in the evening. As soon as the cab door is closed, it whizzes away down the street shuttling fly to his next destination.
War.
It’s an imposing structure to be sure. As you stand on the bridge crossing the castle moat (which of course is filled with alligators) the castle stretches vertically nearly as far as the eyes can see. At the top of the castle, Black has retrofitted battle cannons. This is an important detail because, well, Jonny Fly just rolled up to this motherfucker in a Cold War Era German-style tank. The tracks of the tank come to a stop just on the other side of the castle bridge. The hatch at the top of the tank opens and out comes the beaming face of Jonny Fly. Looking all Brad Pitt in Fury, his gaze is fixed on the majestic structure in front of him.
Fly: Man, she still looks good. Many good times here. Well, time to fuck it all up. Sorry Claus.
Fly ducks back down into the tank. Moments later the turret begins to move upward. It settles into place and then – BOOM! A shot is fired toward the top of the castle, clipping one of the battle cannons. It falls down onto The Dethfort’s helipad below – the helipad that once served as the home of Jonny Fly’s helicopter. The turret begins to move again and positions itself to the right. BOOM! Another shot is fired and the second of the battle cannons is destroyed. With smoke coming from the turret – Fly pokes his head back out of the hatch. This time he holds a megaphone in hand.
Fly: Yo, CD – you in there, buddy?
There’s obviously no response. We don’t know if Corey Black is in the castle, but it stands to reason he would be away considering his commitments this week for the upcoming match.
Fly: Look man, your cannons are gone. You can’t fight this. There’s big fuckin’ rocks falling from your keep. You probably should get out of there.
…still nothing.
Fly: Hey man, quick question? How much do you know about fleas? On my plane ride over here, this chick’s carry on was a fuckin’ dog crate. I’m staring at this little dog through the flight and thinking about why the hell they would allow this on a plane in the passenger cabin. Then I started thinking about fleas. If that dog had fleas, with how cramped everyone is together on a plane, everyone would be in danger of getting them. That led me to thinking about you. A flea is a parasite. It has no wings, so it’s mode of transportation is simply hopping from one host to another. It jumps to a host, attaches to it, sucks its blood, lays eggs, and many times within that process spreads diseases.
I can’t help but draw comparisons to your own actions. You have a little Terry Roberts in you, am I right? You’re always looking for that next person to hop to and lead you to promise land. When you find that person, you attach yourself, and go into full parasite mode. Tell me, CD, who are the people who actually come looking for you? Even your watered-down versions of Pantheon it was always YOU going out and brainwashing people into becoming your teammates. You have no eye for talent, unfortunately, so every version of Pantheon you put together was always a joke. But the fact remains, you size up every competent wrestler who comes into this company to see what they can do for you.
It’s just us out here, buddy. You can come out here and tell me I’m wrong. Let’s discuss it like men. But I’ve been in these meetings with you. You can’t fool me. I know how you talk about other wrestlers. I know how your mind works. It’s NEVER been about helping others. It’s always about what will look best for Corey Black or what you can do to further your career just a little bit longer. Who can take you along on another ride in the spotlight. Your mind is so warped after decades in this business, you couldn’t flip the switch if you even wanted. You don’t possess the character traits to ‘give back.’ You’ve spent a decade slumming with superior wrestlers. The only thing you know how to do now is ride bitch.
Fly pauses. He searches for movement from within the castle.
Fly: Ah, fuck it. Let’s get on with it.
Bred on the streets of New York City, Fly’s never been one with an eloquent tongue. Allow those words to be the last spoken of The Dethfort. Fly disappears back into the tank and closes the hatch behind him. The turret once again begins to move, this time more toward the center of the castle structure.
BOOM!
A shot goes straight into the castle heart. The damage is superficial, as the ancient structure tries to deliver one last heroic stand.
BOOM!
Another shot to the same spot. A visible hole has now formed. Rocks begin the crumble.
BOOM!
Another shot. Fly moves the turret just inches to the left.
BOOM!
The turret is moved back to the right.
BOOM!
The damage is now too much. An avalanche of rocks begins to fall. Like a vortex, the castle walls seem to be sucked into the hole created by the three shots. The Dethfort crumbles into itself before the countless stones come to a rest on top of one another in a heap. We pause for a moment to appreciate the magnitude of the sight before us. The outer walls of The Dethfort are all that remain. The interior has completely crumbled. The castle is no more. But Jonny Fly is not done. The tank springs back into action, backing up several feet. The turret is then positioned downward.
BOOM!
The shot goes straight into the bridge connecting The Dethfort property to the rest of the island. It disappears into the moat below. That’s the last imagery of The Dethfort – now officially nothing more than a memory.
...
Taylor Swift has a dilemma. We’re now back at her New York City condo. She’s alone, and pacing through her living room. After Jonny Fly’s visit earlier in the week, she’s been left to contemplate her next move. At the threat of violence, she agreed to read a letter in public that Fly had written. She’s reviewed the content. She memorized it, as instructed. In short, it’s brutal. It would absolutely ruin Corey Black if made public. On the flip side, she puts herself and those closest to her in danger by disobeying Fly. As she continues to pace, a comment from her television – playing in the corner of the room – catches her ear. E! News is playing and Catt Sadler is on the screen. Swift turns to listen.
Sadler: It was one of the most bizarre television appearances ever witnessed – and from the last person you’d expect. Kate Winslet was the guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers. After some discussion on her newest movie, Winslet went on to reveal – unprompted – that she’d been unfaithful in her marriage to Ned Rocknroll her youngest child Bear wasn’t his! The object of Kate’s affection? Wrestler Corey Black!
Poor Swiftie. An audible gasp is heard.
Sadler: Winslet said that she’s been seeing Black a couple times a week for years in secret, and that she was relieved to finally be telling this publicly. She claimed that the two of them have always loved one another, and will continue to be together. We’ve reached out to Winslet for further comment, but so far have not heard from her. On the other hand, her husband is said to be furious with the revelation and divorce proceedings are being put in motion. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about this story.
Swift walks over to the television and turns it off. She turns around, and appears paler than ever – as if she’d seen a ghost. Finally, she sighs and reaches into her pocket to grab her phone. She clicks to her video app. Once opened, Swift flips the camera so that her face is on the screen. With a solemn look, she begins to record.
Taylor Swift: Hello everyone. Today, I feel an obligation to women across the world to reveal something. It’s no secret that I’ve been different lately. My biggest fans know that I direct passion from personal life into my music, and that’s been no different over the last few months. But this is something that I cannot file away into a song. This is something that I need to tell the world.
For the last several months, I’ve been casually seeing a Wrestling Championship Federation wrestler named Corey Black. Originally, our relationship was just a friendship. He’s a long-time fan, and I must admit, I occasionally enjoyed watching his sport of choice. Eventually our relationship became more. I came to know his manager, Nikki Venus, extremely well. We became good friends over the last few months. A few weeks ago, Nikki revealed to me that she’s been abused by Corey for the last several years.
I didn’t know what to make of this at first. I pressed her on the issue, and she told me that when he loses matches he goes into fits of uncontrollable rage. She tries to calm him, but on multiple occasions he’s hit her. Nikki is a formed wrestler, and she can take a punch, but these are explained to me as more of violent attacks that have required medical treatment. This has occurred at shows, at her house, and his castle in Denmark. I asked her why she doesn’t report him, and she said that it’s tough because how long the two of them have worked together. She was afraid of ruining his career. She promised me not to say anything. I was going to keep that promise until…
I’ve been trying to reach Nikki for several days. I can’t get in touch with her. I went to her house and she’s not there. But there were signs of a struggle. Pictures have fallen off the walls, furniture is moved, and various items are sprawled about on the ground. I…I think Corey Black has done something to her. I tried to call him, but he won’t talk to me. I’ve been left with no choice but to contact the authorities and send this video out to the world. I feel Nikki’s life is in danger. Corey Black is a disgusting human being. He’s violent, angry, and there’s no telling what he has done to her. Please – everyone – I beg you, help us bring Nikki Venus home. Help me bring my friend back safely and unharmed.
Thank you.
Swift ends the video. She draws in another deep breath. The deed is done. The last thing is to upload the video to her various social media channels. She clicks through the apps on her phone, and one by one the video is posted to her 85 million Twitter followers, 70 million Facebook followers, and 103 million Instagram followers. She sets the phone back into her pocket and walks over to a couch. She sits down, tucks her head into her hands, and closes her eyes – the notifications from her phone buzzing away. The scene slowly fades away.j
…
“Breaking news this morning, as federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have issued a warrant for the arrest of legendary WCF wrestler Corey Black. It’s been a bizarre week for Black. Headlines were made a few days ago when actress Kate Winslet, on Late Night with Seth Meyers, declared that she had been secretly seeing Black for years – without either her husband or Black’s acquaintances knowing of the affair. In a seemingly unrelated twist, just last night, pop sensation Taylor Swift posted a video on her social media accounts that accused Black of beating and kidnapping her friend, and his manager, Nikki Venus.
Venus has an apartment in the Minneapolis area where Swift filed a missing person’s report with local authorities. An investigation is underway, but Venus has yet to be located. Calls to her family and friends have indicated that they have not heard from her since early in the week, nor did they know if she had any trips planned. There were visible signs of a break-in and struggle at her apartment. Venus had been scheduled to appear at WCF’s War PPV event on Sunday with Black but sources from within the company have indicated that she doesn’t yet have a flight booked to Tokyo.
Black makes his home in Denmark. However, reports have indicated that that the castle he owned in the country for the last several years was seized by the government this week after it mysteriously collapsed. This is an important development because without property in Denmark, Black’s resident visa would be void and he would need to apply for a different visa to re-enter the country – which he wouldn’t be cleared for with a pending warrant in the United States. Authorities have frozen all his domestic assets until he turns himself in. A nationwide manhunt is already underway.”
Venus has an apartment in the Minneapolis area where Swift filed a missing person’s report with local authorities. An investigation is underway, but Venus has yet to be located. Calls to her family and friends have indicated that they have not heard from her since early in the week, nor did they know if she had any trips planned. There were visible signs of a break-in and struggle at her apartment. Venus had been scheduled to appear at WCF’s War PPV event on Sunday with Black but sources from within the company have indicated that she doesn’t yet have a flight booked to Tokyo.
Black makes his home in Denmark. However, reports have indicated that that the castle he owned in the country for the last several years was seized by the government this week after it mysteriously collapsed. This is an important development because without property in Denmark, Black’s resident visa would be void and he would need to apply for a different visa to re-enter the country – which he wouldn’t be cleared for with a pending warrant in the United States. Authorities have frozen all his domestic assets until he turns himself in. A nationwide manhunt is already underway.”
The following news report plays on screen at Jonny Fly’s residence. Fly sits on the couch in his living room watching the television intently. Next to him is Nikki Venus – no longer hanging from the closet in his bedroom. Her mouth is no longer taped, nor are her feet. Her hands are still zip-tied in front of her. He cheeks are red, eyes puffy, and she looks as disheveled as ever. Fly revels in the news report.
Fly: Nikki, I must tell you, there is nothing more satisfying than when a plan comes together. Despite your affiliations with Corey Black, and the fact I left you hanging in my closet for 48 hours, you have to respect the genius of my plan.
Venus doesn’t say anything. She simply looks down at the ground.
Fly: Come on! Let’s recap:
- Get in with Taylor Swift’s assistant to figure out where Swift lives.
- Went to Taylor’s house and kindly convinced her to publicly read a letter that accuses CD of assaulting and kidnapping you.
- Then I went and assaulted and kidnapped you.
- Convinced Kate Winslet, on national television, to say she’s been fucking CD for five years. I did this, one, just for the hell of it. Two, on the off-chance Taylor Swift needed extra convincing to read the letter. There’s no anger quite like a woman scorned, right?
- Sad Swiftie then gives in and reads the letter and essentially throws CD under the bus for your disappearance.
- In the meantime, I destroy The Dethfort, not only costing CD his favorite castle, but voiding his visa and making it impossible for him to go back to the country and hide from the FBI.
- As expected, authorities put out a warrant out for his arrest and freeze all his accounts.
- Lastly, he's got some serious women issues. His manager is gone. His lover just publicly accused him of crimes that would put him behind bars for 20-30 years. Plus, the whole world thinks he’s fucking Kate Winslet. Hah!
Fly pauses, reveling in how well his plan has been executed. He begins to laugh.
Fly: You know, of all people, Corey Black should know better. He must have thought I was going to play fair. He thought I was going to come into this week like it was just another Corey Black-Jonny Fly match. What a fuckin’ idiot. Do you know how many times in my career I’ve berated opponents who say they’re going to ‘end me’ or ‘kill me’ in the ring. That’s some cliché shit unimaginative jobbers run their mouth saying. How many times have you seen someone die inside the ring? Yeah, none. It’s filler lingo the infantile use to act tough.
Fly fakes a yawn.
Fly: No, when I said this was going to be end of Corey Black I didn’t mean it was going to happen on the canvas. I’m going to beat that overrated Lilliputian-lookin’ motherfucker, that’s for sure. Then he’s going to fly back to the states with his tail tucked under his legs – because he’s got nowhere else to go, and no money to get anywhere else – where he’ll be arrested and locked behind bars for the next couple decades. THAT’S – how you do it.
At this point Venus looks up and at Fly.
Venus: You’re a monster.
Fly smiles, almost taking pride in the comment.
Fly: I’m certainly not someone to be fucked with, that’s for god damn sure. You and everyone else can go on thinking that Corey Black is innocent in all this, but you’re only digging a deeper grave on the side of the dirt where losers go to rest. Corey Black is dead. His career is over. His reputation is ruined. His house is in pieces. His money is in the hands of the federal government. I’ve won.
Venus: That’s not true.
Fly: Enlighten me.
Venus: You still have to wrestle him, and I seem to remember that not working out so well for your last time. Plus, I’m still alive. There’s a witness that can clear him of all this.
Fly laughs at the comment.
Fly: Oh, babe. Your naivety is adorable. I could let you go right now and you could run into the closest police station with a fucking recording of what I’ve just said – and they won’t believe you. You’ll be labeled as the dumb bitch with Stockholm syndrome, protecting your kidnapper and conveniently blaming it all on his wrestling rival. Do you know why? Because Taylor Swift – that’s why.
Venus: I don’t understand.
Fly: Taylor Swift, wholesome midwestern songstress with legions upon legions of fans is the one who’s accused Corey Black. She’s the one who started all of this. It’s not your word against mine, you dumb bitch. It’s your word against hers. How do you think that will go over?
Venus: She’ll turn on you.
Fly: Come on, Nikki. She would be committing career suicide. She would be committing literal suicide too, because her and I have a very firm understanding of the consequences of flipping on me. She has too much to lose. You have no leverage on her, or me. Plus…
Fly drapes his arm Venus and moves closer to her on the couch.
Fly: …I have no plans on letting you go anytime soon. I’m still reviewing your situation and determining the next steps. But I must say, the easiest thing for all of us would be if you would just forget about Corey Black – forever. Let him go. Maybe after Black is arrested you reappear, and upon questioning confirm that he did kidnap you. Simple as that. Then you can go on living your life.
Venus: Listen to me you sick fuck – hear me clearly – I will NEVER do that. I will never turn my back on Corey Black. I will never let you get away with this.
Fly shakes his head in disappointment. He retracts his arm and slaps his knee.
Fly: Oh well.
Fly rises from the couch and looks back at Venus.
Fly: I guess you’ll just have to settle for living in my closet until I get bored with you. After that, I don’t know, maybe we’ll outfit you with some cement shoes and have you chart the bottom of Lake Superior.
With that comment, Fly reaches down and forcefully grabs Nikki Venus. He picks her up over his shoulder and begins carrying her toward his bedroom and the closet she now calls home. About a minute later, he reappears in the main living space with his duffel bag in tow. He calls out to Venus.
Fly: Alright babe, I’m off to Tokyo. I’ll see you in a few days.
With that, Fly move toward the elevator and proceeds to leave Venus once again as he travels out of the country.
…
Earlier in his career Jonny Fly went by the nickname ‘The International Icon.’ The man is strangely loved overseas. Perhaps it’s because international wrestling fans don’t know of his troubled past, and simply appreciate his in-ring exploits. Either way, outside of the terminal a horde of reporters and paparazzi awaits. The man himself has deboarded his plan and is now walking through the airport concourse. Fly is wearing a full suit, dress shoes, and sunglasses. He holds his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He hops on an escalator headed down toward the front entrance of the airport. At the bottom, Fly finds the nearest set of doors and walks outside of the airport. At the curb, he’s immediately rushed by a throng of reporters – shoving camera and microphones into his face.
Fly: Hello everyone!
A number of reporters begin shouting questions.
Fly: Now, now. You guys know I don’t understand you. Anyone here speak English?
One reporter does, apparently. He shouts out.
Reporter: Mister Fly! We welcome you to Tokyo! Please tell us your thoughts on the allegations against Corey Black in America. Will he wrestle?
Fly: Ah, that story has made its way to this side of the world already? Look, I don’t really know what’s going on with Corey Black. Am I surprised? No. He’s a terrible person. That’s part of the reason we have the problems we do with one another. You guys know me, I’m a nice, wholesome guy, right?
Fly pauses to check the crowd for a response. Nobody really does anything. He tries again.
Fly: RIGHT!?
There we go. Nods all around from the paparazzi and reporters, all seemingly to agree that Jonny Fly is a nice person. Hah.
Fly: Corey Black on the other hand is your standard boilerplate asshole. He’s moved up from being a terrible and self-serving wrestling teammate to a woman beater and criminal. It’s sad, really. But I’ll say this to the women across the world – and to Nikki Venus, wherever the poor woman is – Jonny Fly is here for you. I’ll take your anger out on Corey Black for you during the match. Shit, I may inflict my own form of torture on him in the ring and make him give up her location! What do you guys think about that?
Reporter: Mister Fly! You no answer – will he even be able to wrestle?
Fly: I hope so. I understand authorities are looking for him. I don’t know where he is, I don’t know if he’s going to show his face here in Tokyo. But as a competitor, I want to wrestle. You guys have heard me say this for the last month. I want to be the last person Corey Black ever sees in the wrestling ring. That’s why I’m here. I sure hope he doesn’t get his ass arrested before I have that chance. I didn’t return to this company after such a long time away to receive a count out victory because my opponent is having some mental breakdown.
Reporter: Mental breakdown?
Fly: Well, yeah – right? Look, Corey Black has been wrestling a long time. Like, since when dinosaurs were roaming the Earth and shit. This dude’s career started when the only wrestlers were a bunch of flat, flabby motherfuckers. You ever noticed that? All your wrestlers a few decades ago were just fat brawlers. Weird, right? Now the sport is full of physical specimens. You got guys who are bigger, stronger, faster. They’re 300 pounds and can do flips and shit. It’s a mutant jungle, man. Corey Black is a relic. He’s so physically overmatched these days that he had to go get a bionic elbow because the other one got all mushy banging into jobbers. He’s slowly trying to morph into a robot because his body gave up the fight long ago.
But that’s not the only thing going on. You guys here in Asia know about CTE? Is that a thing here? It’s a really big problem in American Football. It stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It’s a degenerative disease of the brain caused by multiple head injuries. We’ve had dudes over in the states kill themselves, or others, because of how fucked up their heads are due to this disease. I’m not a doctor, but I consider myself to be a pretty sharp dude. You and I see the same thing – Corey Black is over-matched every time he gets into the ring. He takes a ton of punishment. Now we see he’s having this psychotic break where he’s beating woman, kidnapping people. Hell, he probably blew up his own castle…
Fly subtly throws in that last comment, hoping now that this press corps will run with it and write stories discussing the possibility that Black himself is at fault for the demise of his beloved Dethfort. Yet again, he creates misdirection to cover his own tracks.
Fly: The cumulative effects of that kind of damage are clearly manifesting itself. This is one plus one equals two type of stuff – it’s obvious. Corey Black’s mind has failed him and has poisoned his ability to know right from wrong. He’s finally lost it. The awe of watching him wrestle is dead and buried. It’s now like watching your poor, sweet Grandma struggle to sip on her chicken noodle soup without wearing it on her fuckin’ onesie.
Reporter: But Mister Fly! Do you think it is then safe for you two to be wrestling?
Fly: That’s a fair question. Should Corey Black be in a nursing home sipping milk through a straw instead of wrestling a PPV event against the most dominant wrestler in history? Let me pose a question, and I hope this doesn’t bring back bad memories for you guys. Why did my country drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II?
Silence from the crowd. Perhaps too soon, bro? Fly’s a narcissist though, so he could care less about the feelings of those around him. He persists.
Fly: Come on, you guys know the answer. There was a cultural problem in this country. The samurai mentality. A Japanese soldier did not surrender. That would be dishonorable. He fought till his death. The United States had to crush the will of the Japanese soldier in spectacular fashion or the war would have never ended. The Japanese would never surrender. This same concept applies to Corey Black.
The man has never quite figured out what he wants to be. He refers to himself as ‘The Jomsviking,’ ‘The Ghost of Tokyo,’ and ‘The Avenger.’ But nobody calls him out on this shit. Why do I have to be the guy who comes around and says…”Uh, hey guys, this doesn’t make any god damn sense.” You think I’m wrong in saying that his brain is fried? Because the dude thinks he’s a fuckin’ Viking, samurai warrior, AND comic book hero! He has more fucking personalities than that creepy dude in Split. How can you be a Viking and Samurai!? They didn’t even exist in the same centuries. Someone go tell Corey Black to read a god damn book. I’m serious, for years I’ve been expecting him to show up to a show with a bunch of slaves holding him in a gold carriage like a Persian Immortal and calling himself ‘The Black Xerces.’ This dude has an unbelievable hard-on for any ancient battle force, so he tries to portray himself as part of all of them – at the same time – in the year 2017.
So, yeah. The dude’s brain is can of Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder soup. But it’s that samurai part of him that’s not going to let him hang up those boots until – like the Japanese army – his willpower is completely and totally crushed. This match has to happen. If it doesn’t, this shit will continue infinitely – I guess at least until he’s arrested. But either way, because of Seth’s nostalgia boner, this dude is going to keep getting run out there in matches he has no business being part of and everyone will suffer. Seth will move the damn shows to CD’s prison. Watch.
Now Fly begins to smile from ear-to-ear.
Fly: Think of me like a social worker. Sure, I want to beat Corey Black. But I’m also trying to help him transition to that next step. With someone like him, the only way to get this done is through force. I’m good at force. I’m the perfect person for the job. I’m motivated to wrestle this match, but I’m also a soft, caring, and sensitive soul that knows deep in my heart this is what’s best for him. I’m doing a service to the wrestling industry with this match (sarcasm alert).
It’s convenient that the name of our show is War. It’s there, that I will drop my own version of the atomic bomb and finally make Corey Black surrender. He’ll realize the embarrassment that he’s become. He’ll realize that for the good of his own legacy, the retirement tour must be cut short. The industry has moved on from him. His mind has moved on. Now it’s time for the body to follow suit. The Corey Black we’ve long known – that man is forever gone. He’s a wanted criminal. He’s mentally ill. He’s homeless. He’s poor. He has no companionship. And lastly, he’s 24 hours away from standing across the ring with me. The reaper himself. The wrestling world’s equivalent of your chosen deity. Yes, my friends, the pillar has officially crumbled.
The smile turns to a smirk.
Fly: Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m off to meet up with Orbit with our pregame meal – hot fries and chicken wings. Catch me at the afterparty. We’re going to have a lot to celebrate.
That’s all folks. Fly pushes through the crowd and hails a cab on the airport road. A car stops in front of him, and Fly opens the back door and enters – a process he’ll probably repeat with one of Orbit’s hookers later in the evening. As soon as the cab door is closed, it whizzes away down the street shuttling fly to his next destination.
War.
