Post by Alex Richards on Dec 2, 2018 11:48:55 GMT -5
Chicago, Illinois.. The Drunken Dragon Tuesday November 27th.
Alex Richards looks at all the patrons of the bar. It doesn't take long.. the only other people in the bar are Alex's partner Rebecca Thatch and his brother Shaun Zach. It is 4am but Alex looks kind of troubled.
Alex Richards: Back in the day after hours in the Drunken Dragon was even more of a party then prime time on Saturday night. There were Guardians here.. all the time.. at all hours. Now I don't even know where all the Guardians are. What all the Guardians are doing. Every week we used to band together to fight some menace against society. Now the most we can be assed to do is band together on the night of the wrestling show. I don't know where we went wrong.. where we lost our way. I just beat Odin Balfore, Bonnie Blue is about to win the world title. I just want to celebrate Guardian style.. like we used to.
Rebecca looks over at her boyfriend and decides to try and cheer him up.
Rebecca Thatch: You saying we aren't enough of a party for you? You saying we can't get hammered and get on that stage and belt out some karaoke?
SZR: Please don't. Your singing even hurts the ears of dogs Alex.
Rebecca Thatch: I don't know what you're talking about. Alex sings like Uncle Fester put his nuts in a vice while sucking on a helium balloon.
Alex Richards: That is exactly what I was going for! See.. you get me Becky! Now how about a palate cleanser before we drink. Zach's been bugging me about eating healthier.
SZR: I caught you making a milkshake from deep fryer grease!
Rebecca Thatch: We all know Alex is living to be a 105 anyways.
Alex Richards: Exactly my point! But I figured I'd get Zach off my back and eat something healthy. So I made me some yogurt.
SZR: Oh no.. I should have known you'd make your own.
Alex Richards: I had to. The ones in the stores have such.. normal flavours.
Alex shudders as he says the word normal. Then he goes behind the bar to the fridge and pulls out a bucket of yogurt and begins serving it up.
Alex Richards: You have got to try this. Pablano Peppers... Apple Wood Bacon!
SZR: That.. actually sounds pretty good.
The three dig in.. CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH.
SZR: That is not applewood bacon.
Alex Richards: |Of course not! Anyone can make that! it's Apple, Wood, and Bacon.
Rebecca Thatch: You used cinnamon sticks as the wood!
Alex Richards: Great idea, no? It really pairs strangely with the peppers.
Rebecca Thatch; I like the sweet and spicy notes.
SZR: This is horrible. I actually want a Zim-Quila to get this taste out of my mouth.
Alex Richards: That was part of the plan bro! Coming right up!
But before they can get into the booze.. the door flies open. A distraught woman probably in her mid 30s but looking in her late 40s rushes through the door and approaches the Archduke.
Alex Richards: We're closed.. but you look like you could use a drink.
Woman: I'm not here for a drink. Are you THE Alex Richards.
Alex Richards: I only know one of me.
Woman: Alex Richards of the Guardians?
Alex Richards: The one and only. How about that drink.
Woman: I don't need your drink. I need your help.
Alex Richards: I'm sorry ma'am. But the Guardians aren't taking any new assignments at the moment.
Woman: But I came all this way from Willimantic, Connecticut.
Alex Richards: I'm sure your local police department will be able to help ya.
Woman: They aren't helping me. They aren't helping any of us! My son is missing, he ain't the first and he won't be the last.
Alex suddenly gets more serious.
Alex Richards: You're saying people are kidnapping kids?
Woman: In the middle of the night.. there's these trucks.. always with out of state license plates. You have to help me get my son Max back. Before it's too late. Please mister Richards.. I don't know who else can help us. I don't have much money but..
Alex Richards: I don't need your money. I got beef with anyone who harms children.
Something flashes across Alex's face, obviously recalling his own childhood. Noticing this Rebecca gives his hand a squeeze.
Woman: So the Guardians will help me?
Alex Richards: I will. I swear I'll get your son back if I can Ms..
Woman: Jennings. Charlene Jennings.
Alex Richards: Well Ms. Jennings.. tell me everything you know.
Jennings: It started two years ago. The missing children.
Alex Richards: Wait a second. Why haven't I heard of this before?
Jennings: Because the media doesn't cover it. The police ignore it. It's all poor families, single mothers, and single fathers.
Alex Richards: People who can't fight back, huh? Don't worry Char.. I can.
Alex and Charlene finish their discussion and the lady leaves.
Alex Richards: Looks like I'm going to Connecticut.
SZR: You're seriously going to take on a conspiracy on your own? This is suicide brother.
Alex Richards: Shaun.. people may think I'm the bad guy but I know the truth when I look in the mirror. If I let this continue I couldn't face myself. Besides.. they ain't even come up against a metahuman and they certainly haven't come up against Alex Richards.
Rebecca Thatch: No.
Alex Richards: What do you mean no Becky?
Rebecca Thatch: You aren't doing this by yourself. You need someone to help you research just what these guys are up to. That's my domain. And you need a distraction.
Alex Richards: Too dangerous.
Rebecca Thatch: You risk your life I'm risking mine.
SZR: You are going to need a getaway driver, right?
Alex Richards: If I leave you guys here you're just going to come on your own aren't you Becky?
Rebecca Thatch: Of course I am. And I'll have to hitchhike. You know how dangerous that is.
Rebecca winks at Alex.
SZR: No way. She won't hitchhike. I'll drive her.
Alex grins.
Alex Richards: Guess I don't have much of a choice do I? Don't worry though. I got one hell of a strange plan in mind. I'll fill you guys in during the trip..
Willimantic, Connecticut. Some abandoned warehouse Friday November 30
Most people would have spent more then a few days on their plan. Most people are not Alex Richards though. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is soon to be discovered. There are roughly a dozen gang members in the room. All are well dressed in expensive suits but they are gang members nevertheless. Their leader a man by the name of Justin Sanchez grins broadly, confidently as he surveys his mark.
Sanchez: Emily Williams I presume.
The woman returns the smile. If you didn't know any better you would think she really was Emily Williams. But in the past few days Rebecca Thatch has changed her appearance. Instead of her usual Elvira-ish look she now has short blonde hair. Her usual glowing red eyes have been changed to green courtesy a pair of contact lens. Instead of darker colors she is wearing a low cut, but obviously expensive pink flowered dress.
Sanchez: You're late.
Williams: It's your fault. Choosing this warehouse so far out of town. They all look alike. It was so hard to find the right one Besides I had to withdraw the agreed upon amount.
Sanchez: You have the 200 000 dollars Mrs. Williams?
The lady reaches into her stylish Gucci purse and pulls out an manila envelope and begins counting out the funds.
Williams: As you can see it's all there.
Sanchez: Very good Mrs. Williams. That makes things go much easier.
Williams: It's actually Ms. Williams. I do like it when transactions go smoothly. Although to be fair I have researched going adoption rates and I have discovered the going rate is a mere 40 000 dollars?
Justin snorts.
Sanchez: This is hardly a legal adoption is it Emily?
Williams: No.. it is not. As I told you earlier. I require a boy somewhere between the age of 12 and 15. You see as a teacher my.. certain appetites could get me into troubles. So instead of dipping my ink into the company pool, I prefer to outsource.
You can almost feel the disgust coming off of Rebecca as she makes the statement. But Justin doesn't bat an eye.
Sanchez: Frankly Emily, I don't care what you do with the boy. As long we get our money and you meet our conditions.
Two of the muscle however seem very uncomfortable.
Older Man: Are you trying to steal my wallet Art?
The younger man looks bewildered.
Art: I was about to ask you the same question. I could have sworn someone's hand was in my jacket too.
The two men pull out their wallets, pat the guns in their suit jackets. Meanwhile a third man, a very jumping nervous looking individual points at Williams.
Man: I knew it! Justin.. this is a set up! That's not Emily Williams.. that's Rebecca Thatch!
Justin Sanchez: Who? Evan.. shut up you're embarrassing me.
Evan: C'mon Justin.. that wig should have been a dead give away. And you fools think you are pick pocketing each other! It's obviously Alex Richards in invisible form!
Justin Sanchez: That's Mister Sanchez to you. You honestly expect us to believe in invisible men? Think you this is some kind of a joke?
Evan: I'll prove it!
Evan rushes towards Rebecca.. stumbling.
Evan: He tripped me!
Even the other hoods are chuckling. Evan finally grabs Rebecca's hair.. pulls and..
Williams: Oww! Is this how you treat all your customers?
Evan: She obviously dyed her hair!
Sanchez: My apologies Miss Williams. I assure you this is not how we conduct business. Evan..
Evan: Evan Lynn! My friends call me Evil!
Williams: Who would want to be called evil?
Evan: It's a family name!
Sanchez: You don't have any friends!
Evan: Well I'm going outside... to search for Alex Richards!
Evan stomps off towards the exit.
Sanchez: You do that.. Rest assured this will be the last meeting you attend.
Williams: This Richards is this someone you fear?
Sanchez: Do I fear an invisible boogeyman created by the imagination of someone who obviously should have failed our drug screening? I can say this with complete confidence Ms. Williams. You have nothing to fear from any Alex Richards.
Williams: Oh, I know I don't. I just wanted to know if I was dealing with crazy people. Crazy people can't be trusted to do the right thing.
Sanchez: I assure you. I am far from crazy. Now as I was saying earlier.. I require three things.. first.. the money.. secondly I require you to relocate a minimum of 5000 miles away from this area. Third if you are found with the child I require your silence. I am not a violent man.. by choice. But if you force my hands.. my associates get nervous. Like Evan Lynn a few moments ago. It's better to avoid situations like that.
Williams: I understand completely. But I must see the boy.. I believe you said his name was Max before payment. Just to make sure everything is in order, of course.
Sanchez: Absolutely.
Justin makes a slight nod and one of the gang members steps forward pushing a suit clad, obviously frightened teenaged boy. Emily/Rebecca looks at him, smiles.
Thatch: Don't be frightened Max Jennings.
Justin suddenly looks alarmed.
Sanchez: Wait! How do you know his full name?
Thatch: Your mother Charlene.. she sent us to rescue you.
All of the sudden all the guns in the room are pointed at Rebecca who doesn't seem worried in the slightest.
Sanchez: Shoot her.. take the money.. then shoot the mother. Do both of them in front of the kid.
What about me? Don't I get a bullet?
The gruff voice of Alex Richards breaks through the silence, as he allows himself to be seen for the first time.
Sanchez: Yeah.. dumbass you can have a bullet too.
Alex Richards: Oh, I know I can. In fact.. I already have all of YOUR bullets.
And with that Alex dumps out his ever present doctor's bag revealing bullets.. all the bullets that were previously chambered in the gang members guns.
Alex Richards: That's a whole lot easier then when I have Bonnie bending the laws of time but it looks like Becky and I managed just fine.
The gang members shoot off their guns and predictably they get clicks but no boom.
Sanchez: So you took our bullets? So fucking what! There's still 15 of us and only 2 of you! We'll just have to beat you to death.. and we'll do it slowly at that.
The group advances on Alex and Rebecca herding them towards the center of the room.
Rebecca Thatch: Did you take their money Alex?
Alex Richards: Of course not.
Sanchez: Would you guys just shut up already?
Rebecca ignores Justin.
Rebecca Thatch: Why didn't you?
Alex Richards: I don't need their dirty money. Besides there's a whole lot of money who need it more then us. Since they stole it from their children it's only fair they can take it back if they want to.
Justin cracks Alex across the face with his pistol, drawing blood. Then a second louder crack is heard. The crash of a school bus driving through the side of the warehouse. Shaun Zach Richards behind the wheel opens the front door.. and dozens and dozens of people rush from the bus and instantly tear into the gang members overwhelming them with sheer numbers and sheer aggressive.
Alex Richards: These are the parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends of all the people you adducted over the years. We could have turned you into the police.. but you probably paid them off anyways. Besides that's not justice. I'll let the people whose lives you destroyed decide what happens to you.
Rebecca Thatch: C'mon Max.. we'll take you to your mother.
Rebecca leads the boy by the hand in the direction of the bus. Alex follows but can't resist getting in one parting shot.
Alex Richards: You know.. this building used to be a meat packing plant back in the day. I believe there's still a meat grinder in the basement. Just saying..
And with that Alex boards the bus. His brother closes the door and gets it into gear.
SZR: You know.. I'm starting to see why you enjoy destroying stuff so much. Crashing into that building. Quite an adrenaline rush.
Alex grins at his brother.. then knocks on the helmet he's wearing on his head.
Alex Richards: Then why are you wearing a bike helmet?
SZR: Hey.. gotta be safe.
Alex laughs.
Alex Richards: Some things never change.
Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk Hall parking lot Sunday November 2
Alex Richards pulls into the parking lot of the site of Payback. One day in advance. He puts his black van into park. Then sits, reflecting back on the previous week. He pulls out a lighter, lights himself a cigar, and turns the camera on. Getting ready to give his thoughts, whatever they may be.
Alex Richards: Who says you can't go back? It was nice helping people again. It was nice bringing the bad guys to justice. The way the Guardians used to be. The kind of things the Guardians used to stand for. So I thought about it. I thought that's the difference between the modern Guardians and the classic ones. I came up with an answer. What made us different in the UCI then we are today was the level of success we achieved. I was world champion in the UCI. So was Bonnie Blue. Andre Holmes was world champion. Even Jay Omega and Wade Moor achieved world titles previously, right here in the WCF. The difference was that it didn't matter what people thought of us because we had already proven our talents. We were confident in our skills because we had already backed up our boasts. That's what I want for the Guardians! We aren't just weekend warriors who show up for the show then go home. The Guardians are a lifestyle choice not a mere wrestling stable!
Alex takes a big puff before carefully continuing.
Alex Richards: So how do we bring that pride back to the Guardians? It's simple. We bring back the World Title. We bring back that prestige, that automatic respect. Bonnie Blue is going to do that this week at Payback when she defeats Odin Balfore. I'm confident of this. We are all confident of this. But what if she doesn't? We're right back where we started, right? WRONG!
Alex nods to the camera, but mostly to himself.
Alex Richards: If on the off chance Bonnie fails, that means Noble Savage is next up. She's the one who won WAR.. she's the one who's receiving the world title shot at One. I'm going to help Noble Savage win at One by giving her a loss to learn from.
Alex chuckles.
Alex Richards: That idiot Stephen Singh.. he thinks he's driving a wedge into the Guardians by scheduling Noble and I to face off this week. Like Odin thinks he drives a wedge into the Guardians by praising Savage and damning the rest of us. But Singh didn't realize he did us a favour. I mean.. obviously he didn't realize. Stephen is a natural cheater, a natural scumbag. He doesn't care about honour, respect, or pretty much anything else but results. Stephen doesn't realize that when you cheat, you may win.. but you never improve you are never the better fighter. You merely won the battle. So when he scheduled Alex Richards against Noble Savage he gave me the chance to give Noble the tools that will allow her to win the war.
Alex finishes off his cigar.
Alex Richards: Noble Savage is going to kick my ass...
pause
Alex Richards: Someday. But that day is not Payback. This week I'm going to give Noble Savage a gift.. the gift of adversity.
Alex chuckles again.
Alex Richards: I can use big words and sound smart when I want to. Just because I'm all about having fun, and drinking don't mean I don't have a working brain. I just know that sometimes it's better to let people underestimate what I can do. One of those veteran tricks. But like I was saying Noble Savage... hasn't had to struggle much so far in the WCF. Because she's good. She's damn good. Since losing her first match in the WCF she hasn't been defeated again. By anyone. People aren't going to remember Eccentrix.. the guy who beat her. But they damn sure they are going remember Savage. But there's a problem with always winning. You get overconfident. You get comfortable. You start to think that you can't be beat. And most importantly you stop looking for ways to improve. You stop looking for better ways to approach matches. You think your talent is going to carry you though to another victory no matter what.
Alex holds up his hands.
Alex Richards: Now don't get me wrong.. Savage has a ton of talent. That talent could carry her through wins over a lot of people. But not against me. And not against Odin Balfore. See, next to Odin I'm the second most experienced wrestler on the full time WCF roster. Unless you want to count Jayson Price but he's more interested in pussy then victories these days.
Alex Richards: Speaking of Odin Balfore.. I pinned Odin twice in the past two months. Technically I hold three victories over Odin Balfore in a 2 month period. Has anyone else done that... ever? I have dominated the world champion. But yet if you look at my record you'll notice I have over 30 losses in the WCF. Because experience counts. You learn more from when you lose then you do when you win. I'm going to show Savage that could go wrong when she faces Odin at One. How Odin could take advantage of her and steal her opportunity to be world champion. In short I'm going to beat Noble Savage now so Odin can't.
Alex winks.
Alex Richards: Kind of funny isn't it? Being the best team mate I can be involves stalling Noble's momentum. The first time Noble Savage faced Odin Balfore on Slam she surprised him with that wrench. The first time Noble Savage faced me at War she came out of nowhere after Joey Flash took me out with the Sudden Flash. Which I appreciate by the way.. I was much happier being pinned by Savage then I would have by Flash. I learn from every single mistake I make. If someone beats me one way one time.. they damn sure ain't going to be able to do it again. At War.. I had Joey Flash trapped in the corner.. right where I wanted him.. and he responded with a low blow that lead to my downfall. Lesson learned. At War.. I was too focused on the prize.. too focused on eliminating Joey Flash to see the danger.
Alex Richards: It won't happen again. I learned my lesson. But in return I have a lesson to teach you. Because like me.. Odin learns from his mistakes. He won't make the same mistake at One that he did on Slam.. especially since he felt that wrench for a second time last week.
Alex looks wistful, as if savouring the memory of that.. and the memory of Bonnie putting Odin through a table.
Alex Richards: You don't have that experience Savage. The feeling of truly failing. The feeling of being truly defeated. You lost your first match before you could get any momentum. Before you truly got into the swing of things. Since then no one has been able to best you. Until now. Nobody is unbeatable Savage. The WCF has had a lot of chosen ones over the years. People like Natural Ice Beckman, people like SJW. They came in, they dominated, they won the world title, they were defeated, and they were never seen again.
Alex shrugs.
Alex Richards: They couldn't deal with defeat. They couldn't learn from defeat. But you can Noble Savage. You're better then them. But I have to give you the opportunity to do that. That what drives me this week. In order for you to win the world title at One.. I have to exploit your inexperience. I have to expose your flaws before Odin can. You haven't faced a challenge like me Savage.
Alex Richards: I know.. sounds weird to say that doesn't it? But it's true. You won WAR. But WAR is not a one on one match. You were incredibly impressive. You truly earned that win. But you didn't do it all on your own. You had help eliminating some of the biggest threats. When you defeated Odin Balfore you didn't do that on your own either. You used the wrench to aid you. Compare that to my match last week against Odin Balfore where I used that moonsault, which I'm dubbing The God Slayer, to defeat Odin. Same result either way but the means do matter. I proved I had the talent to defeat Odin. You outsmarted him. But still a wins a wins. The problem is.. a lot of your other matches have been lacking in real challenges. A past his prime Night Rider twice? William and El Ainsley? Multiple wins over Estella Luiz? To your credit you went toe to toe with Bonnie Blue and came away with a disqualification win. You did defeat Teo Del Sol, which is something I failed to do a couple of weeks ago. But the rest of those wins. Not something that's going to help you win the world title. No.. you need a real challenge. Against someone else who's worthy of the world title.
Alex pauses, waits, and finally grabs himself a boot of Zim-Quila from his doctors bag.
Alex Richards: That's where I come in. I'm THE single best wrestler in WCF history to never win the world title. This week Noble, you're going to learn why. People have beat me before Noble. Just like you beat me at War. But rarely have they defeated me a second time. I learn from my mistakes. And I use my opponent's mistakes against them. Experience matters Savage. Experience is important. I'm going to teach you just how important it is this week. I've beaten world champions before. Bobby Cairo, Logan, Oblivion, Steve Orbit, Jayson Price, future hall of famer Dune the list goes on and on. I've beaten future world champions before, such as Bonnie Blue. You haven’t faced people like that before. I’m not claiming to be undefeated against stars of that calibre. Natural Ice Beckman destroyed me in one of my first matches. He ain’t the only one to beat me either. Far from it. My point is you have to face people on that level in order to reach the next level. Even if they do beat you. And I will beat you this week. But someday you’ll have a list of wins over legends just as if not more impressive then mine. This is only the first step.. don’t be discouraged when I am victorious. It's going to be my honour to step into the ring with you, Noble Savage and defeat you. It's going to be an even greater honour knowing that the fact I beat you drove you to greater heights. Drove you to become world champion. Someday the world champion is going to be nobly savaged as you hold the title up in triumph. But as for this week... confusion is going to reign my friend.
Fade To Black.
Alex Richards looks at all the patrons of the bar. It doesn't take long.. the only other people in the bar are Alex's partner Rebecca Thatch and his brother Shaun Zach. It is 4am but Alex looks kind of troubled.
Alex Richards: Back in the day after hours in the Drunken Dragon was even more of a party then prime time on Saturday night. There were Guardians here.. all the time.. at all hours. Now I don't even know where all the Guardians are. What all the Guardians are doing. Every week we used to band together to fight some menace against society. Now the most we can be assed to do is band together on the night of the wrestling show. I don't know where we went wrong.. where we lost our way. I just beat Odin Balfore, Bonnie Blue is about to win the world title. I just want to celebrate Guardian style.. like we used to.
Rebecca looks over at her boyfriend and decides to try and cheer him up.
Rebecca Thatch: You saying we aren't enough of a party for you? You saying we can't get hammered and get on that stage and belt out some karaoke?
SZR: Please don't. Your singing even hurts the ears of dogs Alex.
Rebecca Thatch: I don't know what you're talking about. Alex sings like Uncle Fester put his nuts in a vice while sucking on a helium balloon.
Alex Richards: That is exactly what I was going for! See.. you get me Becky! Now how about a palate cleanser before we drink. Zach's been bugging me about eating healthier.
SZR: I caught you making a milkshake from deep fryer grease!
Rebecca Thatch: We all know Alex is living to be a 105 anyways.
Alex Richards: Exactly my point! But I figured I'd get Zach off my back and eat something healthy. So I made me some yogurt.
SZR: Oh no.. I should have known you'd make your own.
Alex Richards: I had to. The ones in the stores have such.. normal flavours.
Alex shudders as he says the word normal. Then he goes behind the bar to the fridge and pulls out a bucket of yogurt and begins serving it up.
Alex Richards: You have got to try this. Pablano Peppers... Apple Wood Bacon!
SZR: That.. actually sounds pretty good.
The three dig in.. CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH.
SZR: That is not applewood bacon.
Alex Richards: |Of course not! Anyone can make that! it's Apple, Wood, and Bacon.
Rebecca Thatch: You used cinnamon sticks as the wood!
Alex Richards: Great idea, no? It really pairs strangely with the peppers.
Rebecca Thatch; I like the sweet and spicy notes.
SZR: This is horrible. I actually want a Zim-Quila to get this taste out of my mouth.
Alex Richards: That was part of the plan bro! Coming right up!
But before they can get into the booze.. the door flies open. A distraught woman probably in her mid 30s but looking in her late 40s rushes through the door and approaches the Archduke.
Alex Richards: We're closed.. but you look like you could use a drink.
Woman: I'm not here for a drink. Are you THE Alex Richards.
Alex Richards: I only know one of me.
Woman: Alex Richards of the Guardians?
Alex Richards: The one and only. How about that drink.
Woman: I don't need your drink. I need your help.
Alex Richards: I'm sorry ma'am. But the Guardians aren't taking any new assignments at the moment.
Woman: But I came all this way from Willimantic, Connecticut.
Alex Richards: I'm sure your local police department will be able to help ya.
Woman: They aren't helping me. They aren't helping any of us! My son is missing, he ain't the first and he won't be the last.
Alex suddenly gets more serious.
Alex Richards: You're saying people are kidnapping kids?
Woman: In the middle of the night.. there's these trucks.. always with out of state license plates. You have to help me get my son Max back. Before it's too late. Please mister Richards.. I don't know who else can help us. I don't have much money but..
Alex Richards: I don't need your money. I got beef with anyone who harms children.
Something flashes across Alex's face, obviously recalling his own childhood. Noticing this Rebecca gives his hand a squeeze.
Woman: So the Guardians will help me?
Alex Richards: I will. I swear I'll get your son back if I can Ms..
Woman: Jennings. Charlene Jennings.
Alex Richards: Well Ms. Jennings.. tell me everything you know.
Jennings: It started two years ago. The missing children.
Alex Richards: Wait a second. Why haven't I heard of this before?
Jennings: Because the media doesn't cover it. The police ignore it. It's all poor families, single mothers, and single fathers.
Alex Richards: People who can't fight back, huh? Don't worry Char.. I can.
Alex and Charlene finish their discussion and the lady leaves.
Alex Richards: Looks like I'm going to Connecticut.
SZR: You're seriously going to take on a conspiracy on your own? This is suicide brother.
Alex Richards: Shaun.. people may think I'm the bad guy but I know the truth when I look in the mirror. If I let this continue I couldn't face myself. Besides.. they ain't even come up against a metahuman and they certainly haven't come up against Alex Richards.
Rebecca Thatch: No.
Alex Richards: What do you mean no Becky?
Rebecca Thatch: You aren't doing this by yourself. You need someone to help you research just what these guys are up to. That's my domain. And you need a distraction.
Alex Richards: Too dangerous.
Rebecca Thatch: You risk your life I'm risking mine.
SZR: You are going to need a getaway driver, right?
Alex Richards: If I leave you guys here you're just going to come on your own aren't you Becky?
Rebecca Thatch: Of course I am. And I'll have to hitchhike. You know how dangerous that is.
Rebecca winks at Alex.
SZR: No way. She won't hitchhike. I'll drive her.
Alex grins.
Alex Richards: Guess I don't have much of a choice do I? Don't worry though. I got one hell of a strange plan in mind. I'll fill you guys in during the trip..
Willimantic, Connecticut. Some abandoned warehouse Friday November 30
Most people would have spent more then a few days on their plan. Most people are not Alex Richards though. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is soon to be discovered. There are roughly a dozen gang members in the room. All are well dressed in expensive suits but they are gang members nevertheless. Their leader a man by the name of Justin Sanchez grins broadly, confidently as he surveys his mark.
Sanchez: Emily Williams I presume.
The woman returns the smile. If you didn't know any better you would think she really was Emily Williams. But in the past few days Rebecca Thatch has changed her appearance. Instead of her usual Elvira-ish look she now has short blonde hair. Her usual glowing red eyes have been changed to green courtesy a pair of contact lens. Instead of darker colors she is wearing a low cut, but obviously expensive pink flowered dress.
Sanchez: You're late.
Williams: It's your fault. Choosing this warehouse so far out of town. They all look alike. It was so hard to find the right one Besides I had to withdraw the agreed upon amount.
Sanchez: You have the 200 000 dollars Mrs. Williams?
The lady reaches into her stylish Gucci purse and pulls out an manila envelope and begins counting out the funds.
Williams: As you can see it's all there.
Sanchez: Very good Mrs. Williams. That makes things go much easier.
Williams: It's actually Ms. Williams. I do like it when transactions go smoothly. Although to be fair I have researched going adoption rates and I have discovered the going rate is a mere 40 000 dollars?
Justin snorts.
Sanchez: This is hardly a legal adoption is it Emily?
Williams: No.. it is not. As I told you earlier. I require a boy somewhere between the age of 12 and 15. You see as a teacher my.. certain appetites could get me into troubles. So instead of dipping my ink into the company pool, I prefer to outsource.
You can almost feel the disgust coming off of Rebecca as she makes the statement. But Justin doesn't bat an eye.
Sanchez: Frankly Emily, I don't care what you do with the boy. As long we get our money and you meet our conditions.
Two of the muscle however seem very uncomfortable.
Older Man: Are you trying to steal my wallet Art?
The younger man looks bewildered.
Art: I was about to ask you the same question. I could have sworn someone's hand was in my jacket too.
The two men pull out their wallets, pat the guns in their suit jackets. Meanwhile a third man, a very jumping nervous looking individual points at Williams.
Man: I knew it! Justin.. this is a set up! That's not Emily Williams.. that's Rebecca Thatch!
Justin Sanchez: Who? Evan.. shut up you're embarrassing me.
Evan: C'mon Justin.. that wig should have been a dead give away. And you fools think you are pick pocketing each other! It's obviously Alex Richards in invisible form!
Justin Sanchez: That's Mister Sanchez to you. You honestly expect us to believe in invisible men? Think you this is some kind of a joke?
Evan: I'll prove it!
Evan rushes towards Rebecca.. stumbling.
Evan: He tripped me!
Even the other hoods are chuckling. Evan finally grabs Rebecca's hair.. pulls and..
Williams: Oww! Is this how you treat all your customers?
Evan: She obviously dyed her hair!
Sanchez: My apologies Miss Williams. I assure you this is not how we conduct business. Evan..
Evan: Evan Lynn! My friends call me Evil!
Williams: Who would want to be called evil?
Evan: It's a family name!
Sanchez: You don't have any friends!
Evan: Well I'm going outside... to search for Alex Richards!
Evan stomps off towards the exit.
Sanchez: You do that.. Rest assured this will be the last meeting you attend.
Williams: This Richards is this someone you fear?
Sanchez: Do I fear an invisible boogeyman created by the imagination of someone who obviously should have failed our drug screening? I can say this with complete confidence Ms. Williams. You have nothing to fear from any Alex Richards.
Williams: Oh, I know I don't. I just wanted to know if I was dealing with crazy people. Crazy people can't be trusted to do the right thing.
Sanchez: I assure you. I am far from crazy. Now as I was saying earlier.. I require three things.. first.. the money.. secondly I require you to relocate a minimum of 5000 miles away from this area. Third if you are found with the child I require your silence. I am not a violent man.. by choice. But if you force my hands.. my associates get nervous. Like Evan Lynn a few moments ago. It's better to avoid situations like that.
Williams: I understand completely. But I must see the boy.. I believe you said his name was Max before payment. Just to make sure everything is in order, of course.
Sanchez: Absolutely.
Justin makes a slight nod and one of the gang members steps forward pushing a suit clad, obviously frightened teenaged boy. Emily/Rebecca looks at him, smiles.
Thatch: Don't be frightened Max Jennings.
Justin suddenly looks alarmed.
Sanchez: Wait! How do you know his full name?
Thatch: Your mother Charlene.. she sent us to rescue you.
All of the sudden all the guns in the room are pointed at Rebecca who doesn't seem worried in the slightest.
Sanchez: Shoot her.. take the money.. then shoot the mother. Do both of them in front of the kid.
What about me? Don't I get a bullet?
The gruff voice of Alex Richards breaks through the silence, as he allows himself to be seen for the first time.
Sanchez: Yeah.. dumbass you can have a bullet too.
Alex Richards: Oh, I know I can. In fact.. I already have all of YOUR bullets.
And with that Alex dumps out his ever present doctor's bag revealing bullets.. all the bullets that were previously chambered in the gang members guns.
Alex Richards: That's a whole lot easier then when I have Bonnie bending the laws of time but it looks like Becky and I managed just fine.
The gang members shoot off their guns and predictably they get clicks but no boom.
Sanchez: So you took our bullets? So fucking what! There's still 15 of us and only 2 of you! We'll just have to beat you to death.. and we'll do it slowly at that.
The group advances on Alex and Rebecca herding them towards the center of the room.
Rebecca Thatch: Did you take their money Alex?
Alex Richards: Of course not.
Sanchez: Would you guys just shut up already?
Rebecca ignores Justin.
Rebecca Thatch: Why didn't you?
Alex Richards: I don't need their dirty money. Besides there's a whole lot of money who need it more then us. Since they stole it from their children it's only fair they can take it back if they want to.
Justin cracks Alex across the face with his pistol, drawing blood. Then a second louder crack is heard. The crash of a school bus driving through the side of the warehouse. Shaun Zach Richards behind the wheel opens the front door.. and dozens and dozens of people rush from the bus and instantly tear into the gang members overwhelming them with sheer numbers and sheer aggressive.
Alex Richards: These are the parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends of all the people you adducted over the years. We could have turned you into the police.. but you probably paid them off anyways. Besides that's not justice. I'll let the people whose lives you destroyed decide what happens to you.
Rebecca Thatch: C'mon Max.. we'll take you to your mother.
Rebecca leads the boy by the hand in the direction of the bus. Alex follows but can't resist getting in one parting shot.
Alex Richards: You know.. this building used to be a meat packing plant back in the day. I believe there's still a meat grinder in the basement. Just saying..
And with that Alex boards the bus. His brother closes the door and gets it into gear.
SZR: You know.. I'm starting to see why you enjoy destroying stuff so much. Crashing into that building. Quite an adrenaline rush.
Alex grins at his brother.. then knocks on the helmet he's wearing on his head.
Alex Richards: Then why are you wearing a bike helmet?
SZR: Hey.. gotta be safe.
Alex laughs.
Alex Richards: Some things never change.
Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk Hall parking lot Sunday November 2
Alex Richards pulls into the parking lot of the site of Payback. One day in advance. He puts his black van into park. Then sits, reflecting back on the previous week. He pulls out a lighter, lights himself a cigar, and turns the camera on. Getting ready to give his thoughts, whatever they may be.
Alex Richards: Who says you can't go back? It was nice helping people again. It was nice bringing the bad guys to justice. The way the Guardians used to be. The kind of things the Guardians used to stand for. So I thought about it. I thought that's the difference between the modern Guardians and the classic ones. I came up with an answer. What made us different in the UCI then we are today was the level of success we achieved. I was world champion in the UCI. So was Bonnie Blue. Andre Holmes was world champion. Even Jay Omega and Wade Moor achieved world titles previously, right here in the WCF. The difference was that it didn't matter what people thought of us because we had already proven our talents. We were confident in our skills because we had already backed up our boasts. That's what I want for the Guardians! We aren't just weekend warriors who show up for the show then go home. The Guardians are a lifestyle choice not a mere wrestling stable!
Alex takes a big puff before carefully continuing.
Alex Richards: So how do we bring that pride back to the Guardians? It's simple. We bring back the World Title. We bring back that prestige, that automatic respect. Bonnie Blue is going to do that this week at Payback when she defeats Odin Balfore. I'm confident of this. We are all confident of this. But what if she doesn't? We're right back where we started, right? WRONG!
Alex nods to the camera, but mostly to himself.
Alex Richards: If on the off chance Bonnie fails, that means Noble Savage is next up. She's the one who won WAR.. she's the one who's receiving the world title shot at One. I'm going to help Noble Savage win at One by giving her a loss to learn from.
Alex chuckles.
Alex Richards: That idiot Stephen Singh.. he thinks he's driving a wedge into the Guardians by scheduling Noble and I to face off this week. Like Odin thinks he drives a wedge into the Guardians by praising Savage and damning the rest of us. But Singh didn't realize he did us a favour. I mean.. obviously he didn't realize. Stephen is a natural cheater, a natural scumbag. He doesn't care about honour, respect, or pretty much anything else but results. Stephen doesn't realize that when you cheat, you may win.. but you never improve you are never the better fighter. You merely won the battle. So when he scheduled Alex Richards against Noble Savage he gave me the chance to give Noble the tools that will allow her to win the war.
Alex finishes off his cigar.
Alex Richards: Noble Savage is going to kick my ass...
pause
Alex Richards: Someday. But that day is not Payback. This week I'm going to give Noble Savage a gift.. the gift of adversity.
Alex chuckles again.
Alex Richards: I can use big words and sound smart when I want to. Just because I'm all about having fun, and drinking don't mean I don't have a working brain. I just know that sometimes it's better to let people underestimate what I can do. One of those veteran tricks. But like I was saying Noble Savage... hasn't had to struggle much so far in the WCF. Because she's good. She's damn good. Since losing her first match in the WCF she hasn't been defeated again. By anyone. People aren't going to remember Eccentrix.. the guy who beat her. But they damn sure they are going remember Savage. But there's a problem with always winning. You get overconfident. You get comfortable. You start to think that you can't be beat. And most importantly you stop looking for ways to improve. You stop looking for better ways to approach matches. You think your talent is going to carry you though to another victory no matter what.
Alex holds up his hands.
Alex Richards: Now don't get me wrong.. Savage has a ton of talent. That talent could carry her through wins over a lot of people. But not against me. And not against Odin Balfore. See, next to Odin I'm the second most experienced wrestler on the full time WCF roster. Unless you want to count Jayson Price but he's more interested in pussy then victories these days.
Alex Richards: Speaking of Odin Balfore.. I pinned Odin twice in the past two months. Technically I hold three victories over Odin Balfore in a 2 month period. Has anyone else done that... ever? I have dominated the world champion. But yet if you look at my record you'll notice I have over 30 losses in the WCF. Because experience counts. You learn more from when you lose then you do when you win. I'm going to show Savage that could go wrong when she faces Odin at One. How Odin could take advantage of her and steal her opportunity to be world champion. In short I'm going to beat Noble Savage now so Odin can't.
Alex winks.
Alex Richards: Kind of funny isn't it? Being the best team mate I can be involves stalling Noble's momentum. The first time Noble Savage faced Odin Balfore on Slam she surprised him with that wrench. The first time Noble Savage faced me at War she came out of nowhere after Joey Flash took me out with the Sudden Flash. Which I appreciate by the way.. I was much happier being pinned by Savage then I would have by Flash. I learn from every single mistake I make. If someone beats me one way one time.. they damn sure ain't going to be able to do it again. At War.. I had Joey Flash trapped in the corner.. right where I wanted him.. and he responded with a low blow that lead to my downfall. Lesson learned. At War.. I was too focused on the prize.. too focused on eliminating Joey Flash to see the danger.
Alex Richards: It won't happen again. I learned my lesson. But in return I have a lesson to teach you. Because like me.. Odin learns from his mistakes. He won't make the same mistake at One that he did on Slam.. especially since he felt that wrench for a second time last week.
Alex looks wistful, as if savouring the memory of that.. and the memory of Bonnie putting Odin through a table.
Alex Richards: You don't have that experience Savage. The feeling of truly failing. The feeling of being truly defeated. You lost your first match before you could get any momentum. Before you truly got into the swing of things. Since then no one has been able to best you. Until now. Nobody is unbeatable Savage. The WCF has had a lot of chosen ones over the years. People like Natural Ice Beckman, people like SJW. They came in, they dominated, they won the world title, they were defeated, and they were never seen again.
Alex shrugs.
Alex Richards: They couldn't deal with defeat. They couldn't learn from defeat. But you can Noble Savage. You're better then them. But I have to give you the opportunity to do that. That what drives me this week. In order for you to win the world title at One.. I have to exploit your inexperience. I have to expose your flaws before Odin can. You haven't faced a challenge like me Savage.
Alex Richards: I know.. sounds weird to say that doesn't it? But it's true. You won WAR. But WAR is not a one on one match. You were incredibly impressive. You truly earned that win. But you didn't do it all on your own. You had help eliminating some of the biggest threats. When you defeated Odin Balfore you didn't do that on your own either. You used the wrench to aid you. Compare that to my match last week against Odin Balfore where I used that moonsault, which I'm dubbing The God Slayer, to defeat Odin. Same result either way but the means do matter. I proved I had the talent to defeat Odin. You outsmarted him. But still a wins a wins. The problem is.. a lot of your other matches have been lacking in real challenges. A past his prime Night Rider twice? William and El Ainsley? Multiple wins over Estella Luiz? To your credit you went toe to toe with Bonnie Blue and came away with a disqualification win. You did defeat Teo Del Sol, which is something I failed to do a couple of weeks ago. But the rest of those wins. Not something that's going to help you win the world title. No.. you need a real challenge. Against someone else who's worthy of the world title.
Alex pauses, waits, and finally grabs himself a boot of Zim-Quila from his doctors bag.
Alex Richards: That's where I come in. I'm THE single best wrestler in WCF history to never win the world title. This week Noble, you're going to learn why. People have beat me before Noble. Just like you beat me at War. But rarely have they defeated me a second time. I learn from my mistakes. And I use my opponent's mistakes against them. Experience matters Savage. Experience is important. I'm going to teach you just how important it is this week. I've beaten world champions before. Bobby Cairo, Logan, Oblivion, Steve Orbit, Jayson Price, future hall of famer Dune the list goes on and on. I've beaten future world champions before, such as Bonnie Blue. You haven’t faced people like that before. I’m not claiming to be undefeated against stars of that calibre. Natural Ice Beckman destroyed me in one of my first matches. He ain’t the only one to beat me either. Far from it. My point is you have to face people on that level in order to reach the next level. Even if they do beat you. And I will beat you this week. But someday you’ll have a list of wins over legends just as if not more impressive then mine. This is only the first step.. don’t be discouraged when I am victorious. It's going to be my honour to step into the ring with you, Noble Savage and defeat you. It's going to be an even greater honour knowing that the fact I beat you drove you to greater heights. Drove you to become world champion. Someday the world champion is going to be nobly savaged as you hold the title up in triumph. But as for this week... confusion is going to reign my friend.
Fade To Black.
