Post by generationshift on Jun 20, 2024 22:42:19 GMT
Amari sits, alone inside of his living room. A tripod is set up in front of him, appearing as if he is about to record, but there is one problem. It's switched off. Instead, he is looking down at his laptop, sending an email to Brianna, his former girlfriend from high school.
What the email is about, is unknown.
Though it appears to be positive, seeing as he has a smile across his face rather than being in the foul mood he had been following the battle royal. A match where neither he or Luka was able to walk out with the win, despite their statements prior to the match. That doesn't mean they're not gonna talk their sh*t, though.
They pride themselves on talking whether or not they win.
It just means they know they have to work harder and ensure that next time, they don't make any mistakes.
Amari: Goddamnit.
Frustrated, he deletes the message he had been typing, realizing that the context was more mean-spirited than he had desired for it too. Some of his lingering frustration from said battle royal seeping into the message.
Re-writing it, he makes sure it is more jovial and light hearted in nature before sending it, closing his laptop afterward. Glancing across at his phone, he notices that Luka has sent him a message, talking about a basketball game at the YMCA, which he responds to in the affirmative before standing and walking off.
---
Luka sits in his car, stewing over not just the rumble match, but also over something his mother told him when he visited on Monday, immedately after returning from Denver. It is unknown what exactly it was, but what is known is that - he has been staying at home the last few days.
Looking over his shoulder, he notices the basketball he brought for the game pressed against the passenger's side door, leaning over and grabbing it as he notices a man wearing a black basketball jersey wandering over to the car. Smiling, he rolls the window down before giving the man his full attention.
Luka: What's good, Mark?
Mark smiles at his friend, the 2 sharing a handshake.
Mark: Not much fam. Just waitin' for the others to pull up. Is Amari coming?
Luka nods.
Luka: Yeah. He'll be here soon --- had to run a few errands first.
Mark: Ah, alright.
Luka: Is OJ here?
Mark shakes his head, taking a swig from his water.
Mark: Nah. He said he'd be a little late - Tracy wanted him to help set her computer up.
Luka: Oh. Cool, cool. Speaking of - how's Melanie?
Mark chuckles.
Mark: She's good. Been busy with law school and trying to find an internship. She wants to catch up with you sometime though.
Luka: Nice. Let her know I'll call her and set something up. Might even bring Kasey if she's not working.
Mark: That'd be great.
He tilts his head, noticing four of their friends arriving.
Mark: We should probably head in. Don't wanna keep the guys waiting.
Luka grabs the basketball, opening his door before getting out.
Luka: Ain't that the truth.
The 2 then make their way over to the group.
---
Amari and Luka sit atop the empty bleachers of the YMCA, about 2 and a half hours following the conclusion of the basketball game with their friends.
A game their team won 102-97.
Both have scowls on their faces, having gotten themselves into wrestling mode, especially considering the fact that in a little over a month - they have a shot at the NPWA Tag team championships. A tripod is set up on the sideline of the court, tilted up so that both are in the frame.
Amari: Alright, so we may have failed during the rumble. We may not have walked out the winner, but you know we left our mark. We made sure that our names were the ones on your lips once it was said and done.
Luka: That is what matters more than the win. We do want to congratulate Mr. Maverick though. He balled out and took the win. No excuses here. We know next time we're in that situation, we gotta be better.
Amari shakes his head.
Amari: No. We will be better.
Luka smiles at his partner before turning his focus back to the camera.
.
Luka: You got that right. Starting with Week One, when we step into the bright lights and the main event of the first half. Gunning to become the first tag team champions.
Amari looks across at Luka, believing that he is selling the team short. Something Luka responds to with a shrug that indicates that they should probably give the other teams some credit.
Amari: Bruh, you know we're gonna become champions. Yeah, I know. I know. The other teams might have something to say about it, but they gotta know that to us - it won't matter.
Luka smirks, knowing that Amari is right. Even if he might be a little brash in his approach. Then again, it's just the way they are.
Luka: You right.
Amari: But anyway, maybe we should entertain them. Let them think that they've got shine when in reality - they're the rusted pieces of metal that we will be shining and placing on our cabinet as trophies. Reminders that it doesn't matter who you are.
Luka: Or what you've done --- the moment you step into the ring against us, the best you can hope for is second place.
Amari: Let them know.
Amari nods, before looking across at Luka. Waiting for him to run down the teams.
Luka: Starting with the Freedom Fighters. Wannabe superheroes - or superheroines in this case who would be better on the set of a Marvel film than in the ring. The 2 of you do realise that this isn't something you can script? This isn't something that will play out like it does on the screen.
Amari: There isn't any editing tricks here. Whilst sure, you might have pure hearts and the 'greater good' embedded into your actions but this isn't charity. We aren't make a wish. Your aspirations of being the conquering champions over the so called evil of the world.
Amari and Luka shake their heads.
Amari: This is a dog eat dog world and people like you - they get chewed up and spat out.
Luka: Discarded and left for scraps, just like you will be the moment you even look at that ladder. Not even climbing it, looking at it. So, I just hope you're both ready to be disappointed and for your story to be one where the heroes are decimated and left at the feet of the villains.
Pausing, Luka and Amari stand before moving onto the next team.
Luka: Next, we have the No Sleep Society.
Amari: No Sleep Society for now. We're gonna put you to sleep in that ring, and there isn't a can of monster that can perk you up.
Luka: The two of you may have some martial arts background, but that ain't preparing you to fight. That ain't gonna help you when you are getting punched in the mouth and find yourselves on the mat. Considering just what happened in life to lead you astray. To ruin the plans you thought were perfectly laid and ready to be executed.
Amari interjects.
Amari: The answer is - you ran into the 2 of us. It's that simple. You might be trained in the art of fighting, but being trained in something isn't the same as actually being capable of doing the task. That is what you'll learn when you step into the ring against us. That you're just not cut out for primetime, no matter how hard you try to convince yourselves you are.
Luka: Or how many energy drinks you take to amp yourself up for this, it's not gonna be your time.
Amari then ponders the next team. One that caused him to chuckle when Luka told him about them the other day.
Amari: Clyde Newton and Joe Montouri. 2 men who think they can walk in and be entitled to anything they desire, all because of their names. Please. Believe that all you will - all it's going to do is make it sweeter when we put you down like the rabid dogs you are and remind you that it doesn't matter to us what you have done in other yards. All that matters is what you do in this yard.
Luka scowls, interjecting.
Luka: Our yard.
Amari: So far, that is nothing. You're a blank slate here. Just like everybody else --- and I know that's gotta hurt your ego. I know it has to be bitter swallowing the fact that you can't just walk in and flex your accolades. Spew rhetoric about how you're the best, when in reality - we all know the 2 of you are trying to compensate for your own insecurities.
Luka: Your own doubts about whether or not the 2 of you are really what you claim to be. See, like us - you fell short when it comes to the battle royal. Unlike us though, we can tell that it's rattled you. That it's caused you to question whether you're cut out for this landscape. Whether or not you can feast here as you have with your smaller ponds.
A green screen that was added in post appears, where a pond of 2 sizes can be seen. Further adding to the point the men are making. The scene then returns to normal.
Amari: Don't worry, you'll know that it wasn't your own failings that led you to this defeat. Rather, it was the fact that we are the better men.
Luka smirks, as they move onto the next team.
Luka: Speaking of riding on reputations - the things we said about Joe and Clyde apply just as much to Lachlan and Malachi. It's as if the 2 are reflections looking at each other in the mirror. Or the spiderman pointing at one another meme.
Amari: True that. You 2 might think you're different. You might claim that you'll never be like them but the reality is - you both are the same. Riding in here, believing that your reputation is enough to carry you to the gold. To the glory that you seek --- only to realise that you actually need to, oh I don't know, execute in the ring.
Luka: Something that the 2 of you just aren't gonna be able to do. Not at our expense. See, as we told Joe and Clyde, you're stepping into our yard. Our battleground and that means you aren't the big dogs. The sharks but instead little guppies, waiting for us to chew you up and spit you out.
Amari: Something we're gonna take great pleasure in doing when the lights are shining and the heat is on us to step up.
The 2 chuckle, posing before returning their focus to their speech.
Amari: Finally, we have the Busfins. A team that are seemingly all the rage right now. A team that many believe are the future of this sport --- absorbing it with their egos like a sponge. Yet when I stepped into that battle royal with them, they got timid. As if they realised that I wasn't gonna play their game. That I wasn't gonna hype them up. Or lay down for them like so many others would and instead was gonna eliminate them. Something I did.
Luka nods, knowing that it's best that he doesn't talk about his failure in the ring against them. Especially as Amari did indeed, eliminate one of the Busfins from the battle royal.
Luka: Trust me. We gunning for you, full force. We're not gonna let you soak in the adulation. The praise. The awe the fans you so richly crave, because ultimately - they aren't the ones fighting. They aren't the ones who are gonna have to climb the ladder and grab the gold.
Amari holds up 2 fingers.
Amari: That will be the 2 of you who are gonna have to do that. But you're not gonna be able to. For we are the ones who those titles are earmarked for. We are the duo who will stand alone, looking down at the rest of you with a reminder that you walked into our yard. You played our game.
Luka: We're not sorry for that ourcome either.
Amari: The truth is, the 2 of you might be the name on everybody's lips. The ones who they wanna see on top, but we don't mind spoiling the party. We don't mind being the ones to snap you, and the other teams, back to reality. In fact, we relish the chance to do just that.
The two begin to walk down the steps beside the bleachers, eyes remaining focused on the camera.
Luka: It's your jobs to try and stop us from doing so. Every second you resist is just putting more strain on your bodies until you finally break. Until you finally except what has been inevitable from the start.
Amari: That is, us with the titles in our possession. Looking down at those who thought they could mess with our vibe and claim the gold for themselves. Smiling as they learn we are for real.
The 2 then reach the bleacher in front of the camera.
Both: Just try us.
---
Three days later, Amari is sitting inside of a house on the outskirts of Philly, having finished a training session with Luka 45 minutes earlier.
Turning his head towards the arched doorway, he watches a woman walk into the room.
Amari: Hey Bri. Been a while since we talked.
The woman, identified as the same Brianna he emailed a few days prior, nods in agreement. They had promised that they would still be friends, even if not boyfriend and girlfriend any more.
Brianna: Yeah. How's life been?
Amari: Good. You?
Brianna sighs. Not knowing the best way to answer it.
Brianna: About the same. Trying to get into medical school and hopefully find a place to intern at for the summer.
Amari: Nice.
Brianna sits down next to Amari, looking into his eyes.
Brianna: I've missed you though.
He nods, knowing that although their break up with amicable, he has missed her living at his house and sleeping in his bed.
Amari: Me too...
Brianna: I was thinking ---.
She stops, feeling a lump beginning to form in her stomach. Amari motions for her to continue, but she struggles with forcing the words out, instead leaning in and kissing him on the cheek softly.
Amari beams, returning the kiss.
Brianna: Maybe we could go to a cafè or something?
Amari looks at her, knowing what she is implying.
Amari: Sure. I don't have anything to do for the next few weeks. So, whenever you wanna go, we can.
Brianna: How does Saturday sound?
Amari: Sounds great to me.
The 2 continue their discussion, even sharing a hug during it.
END.
What the email is about, is unknown.
Though it appears to be positive, seeing as he has a smile across his face rather than being in the foul mood he had been following the battle royal. A match where neither he or Luka was able to walk out with the win, despite their statements prior to the match. That doesn't mean they're not gonna talk their sh*t, though.
They pride themselves on talking whether or not they win.
It just means they know they have to work harder and ensure that next time, they don't make any mistakes.
Amari: Goddamnit.
Frustrated, he deletes the message he had been typing, realizing that the context was more mean-spirited than he had desired for it too. Some of his lingering frustration from said battle royal seeping into the message.
Re-writing it, he makes sure it is more jovial and light hearted in nature before sending it, closing his laptop afterward. Glancing across at his phone, he notices that Luka has sent him a message, talking about a basketball game at the YMCA, which he responds to in the affirmative before standing and walking off.
---
Luka sits in his car, stewing over not just the rumble match, but also over something his mother told him when he visited on Monday, immedately after returning from Denver. It is unknown what exactly it was, but what is known is that - he has been staying at home the last few days.
Looking over his shoulder, he notices the basketball he brought for the game pressed against the passenger's side door, leaning over and grabbing it as he notices a man wearing a black basketball jersey wandering over to the car. Smiling, he rolls the window down before giving the man his full attention.
Luka: What's good, Mark?
Mark smiles at his friend, the 2 sharing a handshake.
Mark: Not much fam. Just waitin' for the others to pull up. Is Amari coming?
Luka nods.
Luka: Yeah. He'll be here soon --- had to run a few errands first.
Mark: Ah, alright.
Luka: Is OJ here?
Mark shakes his head, taking a swig from his water.
Mark: Nah. He said he'd be a little late - Tracy wanted him to help set her computer up.
Luka: Oh. Cool, cool. Speaking of - how's Melanie?
Mark chuckles.
Mark: She's good. Been busy with law school and trying to find an internship. She wants to catch up with you sometime though.
Luka: Nice. Let her know I'll call her and set something up. Might even bring Kasey if she's not working.
Mark: That'd be great.
He tilts his head, noticing four of their friends arriving.
Mark: We should probably head in. Don't wanna keep the guys waiting.
Luka grabs the basketball, opening his door before getting out.
Luka: Ain't that the truth.
The 2 then make their way over to the group.
---
Amari and Luka sit atop the empty bleachers of the YMCA, about 2 and a half hours following the conclusion of the basketball game with their friends.
A game their team won 102-97.
Both have scowls on their faces, having gotten themselves into wrestling mode, especially considering the fact that in a little over a month - they have a shot at the NPWA Tag team championships. A tripod is set up on the sideline of the court, tilted up so that both are in the frame.
Amari: Alright, so we may have failed during the rumble. We may not have walked out the winner, but you know we left our mark. We made sure that our names were the ones on your lips once it was said and done.
Luka: That is what matters more than the win. We do want to congratulate Mr. Maverick though. He balled out and took the win. No excuses here. We know next time we're in that situation, we gotta be better.
Amari shakes his head.
Amari: No. We will be better.
Luka smiles at his partner before turning his focus back to the camera.
.
Luka: You got that right. Starting with Week One, when we step into the bright lights and the main event of the first half. Gunning to become the first tag team champions.
Amari looks across at Luka, believing that he is selling the team short. Something Luka responds to with a shrug that indicates that they should probably give the other teams some credit.
Amari: Bruh, you know we're gonna become champions. Yeah, I know. I know. The other teams might have something to say about it, but they gotta know that to us - it won't matter.
Luka smirks, knowing that Amari is right. Even if he might be a little brash in his approach. Then again, it's just the way they are.
Luka: You right.
Amari: But anyway, maybe we should entertain them. Let them think that they've got shine when in reality - they're the rusted pieces of metal that we will be shining and placing on our cabinet as trophies. Reminders that it doesn't matter who you are.
Luka: Or what you've done --- the moment you step into the ring against us, the best you can hope for is second place.
Amari: Let them know.
Amari nods, before looking across at Luka. Waiting for him to run down the teams.
Luka: Starting with the Freedom Fighters. Wannabe superheroes - or superheroines in this case who would be better on the set of a Marvel film than in the ring. The 2 of you do realise that this isn't something you can script? This isn't something that will play out like it does on the screen.
Amari: There isn't any editing tricks here. Whilst sure, you might have pure hearts and the 'greater good' embedded into your actions but this isn't charity. We aren't make a wish. Your aspirations of being the conquering champions over the so called evil of the world.
Amari and Luka shake their heads.
Amari: This is a dog eat dog world and people like you - they get chewed up and spat out.
Luka: Discarded and left for scraps, just like you will be the moment you even look at that ladder. Not even climbing it, looking at it. So, I just hope you're both ready to be disappointed and for your story to be one where the heroes are decimated and left at the feet of the villains.
Pausing, Luka and Amari stand before moving onto the next team.
Luka: Next, we have the No Sleep Society.
Amari: No Sleep Society for now. We're gonna put you to sleep in that ring, and there isn't a can of monster that can perk you up.
Luka: The two of you may have some martial arts background, but that ain't preparing you to fight. That ain't gonna help you when you are getting punched in the mouth and find yourselves on the mat. Considering just what happened in life to lead you astray. To ruin the plans you thought were perfectly laid and ready to be executed.
Amari interjects.
Amari: The answer is - you ran into the 2 of us. It's that simple. You might be trained in the art of fighting, but being trained in something isn't the same as actually being capable of doing the task. That is what you'll learn when you step into the ring against us. That you're just not cut out for primetime, no matter how hard you try to convince yourselves you are.
Luka: Or how many energy drinks you take to amp yourself up for this, it's not gonna be your time.
Amari then ponders the next team. One that caused him to chuckle when Luka told him about them the other day.
Amari: Clyde Newton and Joe Montouri. 2 men who think they can walk in and be entitled to anything they desire, all because of their names. Please. Believe that all you will - all it's going to do is make it sweeter when we put you down like the rabid dogs you are and remind you that it doesn't matter to us what you have done in other yards. All that matters is what you do in this yard.
Luka scowls, interjecting.
Luka: Our yard.
Amari: So far, that is nothing. You're a blank slate here. Just like everybody else --- and I know that's gotta hurt your ego. I know it has to be bitter swallowing the fact that you can't just walk in and flex your accolades. Spew rhetoric about how you're the best, when in reality - we all know the 2 of you are trying to compensate for your own insecurities.
Luka: Your own doubts about whether or not the 2 of you are really what you claim to be. See, like us - you fell short when it comes to the battle royal. Unlike us though, we can tell that it's rattled you. That it's caused you to question whether you're cut out for this landscape. Whether or not you can feast here as you have with your smaller ponds.
A green screen that was added in post appears, where a pond of 2 sizes can be seen. Further adding to the point the men are making. The scene then returns to normal.
Amari: Don't worry, you'll know that it wasn't your own failings that led you to this defeat. Rather, it was the fact that we are the better men.
Luka smirks, as they move onto the next team.
Luka: Speaking of riding on reputations - the things we said about Joe and Clyde apply just as much to Lachlan and Malachi. It's as if the 2 are reflections looking at each other in the mirror. Or the spiderman pointing at one another meme.
Amari: True that. You 2 might think you're different. You might claim that you'll never be like them but the reality is - you both are the same. Riding in here, believing that your reputation is enough to carry you to the gold. To the glory that you seek --- only to realise that you actually need to, oh I don't know, execute in the ring.
Luka: Something that the 2 of you just aren't gonna be able to do. Not at our expense. See, as we told Joe and Clyde, you're stepping into our yard. Our battleground and that means you aren't the big dogs. The sharks but instead little guppies, waiting for us to chew you up and spit you out.
Amari: Something we're gonna take great pleasure in doing when the lights are shining and the heat is on us to step up.
The 2 chuckle, posing before returning their focus to their speech.
Amari: Finally, we have the Busfins. A team that are seemingly all the rage right now. A team that many believe are the future of this sport --- absorbing it with their egos like a sponge. Yet when I stepped into that battle royal with them, they got timid. As if they realised that I wasn't gonna play their game. That I wasn't gonna hype them up. Or lay down for them like so many others would and instead was gonna eliminate them. Something I did.
Luka nods, knowing that it's best that he doesn't talk about his failure in the ring against them. Especially as Amari did indeed, eliminate one of the Busfins from the battle royal.
Luka: Trust me. We gunning for you, full force. We're not gonna let you soak in the adulation. The praise. The awe the fans you so richly crave, because ultimately - they aren't the ones fighting. They aren't the ones who are gonna have to climb the ladder and grab the gold.
Amari holds up 2 fingers.
Amari: That will be the 2 of you who are gonna have to do that. But you're not gonna be able to. For we are the ones who those titles are earmarked for. We are the duo who will stand alone, looking down at the rest of you with a reminder that you walked into our yard. You played our game.
Luka: We're not sorry for that ourcome either.
Amari: The truth is, the 2 of you might be the name on everybody's lips. The ones who they wanna see on top, but we don't mind spoiling the party. We don't mind being the ones to snap you, and the other teams, back to reality. In fact, we relish the chance to do just that.
The two begin to walk down the steps beside the bleachers, eyes remaining focused on the camera.
Luka: It's your jobs to try and stop us from doing so. Every second you resist is just putting more strain on your bodies until you finally break. Until you finally except what has been inevitable from the start.
Amari: That is, us with the titles in our possession. Looking down at those who thought they could mess with our vibe and claim the gold for themselves. Smiling as they learn we are for real.
The 2 then reach the bleacher in front of the camera.
Both: Just try us.
---
Three days later, Amari is sitting inside of a house on the outskirts of Philly, having finished a training session with Luka 45 minutes earlier.
Turning his head towards the arched doorway, he watches a woman walk into the room.
Amari: Hey Bri. Been a while since we talked.
The woman, identified as the same Brianna he emailed a few days prior, nods in agreement. They had promised that they would still be friends, even if not boyfriend and girlfriend any more.
Brianna: Yeah. How's life been?
Amari: Good. You?
Brianna sighs. Not knowing the best way to answer it.
Brianna: About the same. Trying to get into medical school and hopefully find a place to intern at for the summer.
Amari: Nice.
Brianna sits down next to Amari, looking into his eyes.
Brianna: I've missed you though.
He nods, knowing that although their break up with amicable, he has missed her living at his house and sleeping in his bed.
Amari: Me too...
Brianna: I was thinking ---.
She stops, feeling a lump beginning to form in her stomach. Amari motions for her to continue, but she struggles with forcing the words out, instead leaning in and kissing him on the cheek softly.
Amari beams, returning the kiss.
Brianna: Maybe we could go to a cafè or something?
Amari looks at her, knowing what she is implying.
Amari: Sure. I don't have anything to do for the next few weeks. So, whenever you wanna go, we can.
Brianna: How does Saturday sound?
Amari: Sounds great to me.
The 2 continue their discussion, even sharing a hug during it.
END.