Post by The Madness Menagerie on Apr 17, 2021 14:01:32 GMT -5
Sebastian wasn’t sure exactly what he was doing anymore. Three seconds was all it took and a misjudgment of just how “out of it” Cat was before he lost it all. Relatively speaking of course. Still, there was one person that always seemed to have the answers.
“Witch Dagger Ink… HA! I get it… Like ‘Inc.’”
Sebastian laughs despite himself and heads inside wondering what to do with all of the restless energy he has had pent up recently. Hopping up and down in place to get himself psyched up for no reason outside of having a reason to hop up and down. Finally ready, he walks to the door and opens it, taking in the sights and smells a tattoo shop carries with it. Smiling to himself he looks around and decides to finally take a look at all the art pieces hung up on the walls.
A lot of the flash on the walls skews toward neo-traditional, but there’s a variety of styles and subjects to choose from. It looks like Silvio has just installed a gumball-style machine at the register with little pieces of tattoo flash as the ‘prizes,’ in the plastic capsules. Can’t decide? Pop in a quarter and let chance tell you what you’re getting. Seb finds the artist working on filling some of the plastic capsules, cutting out pieces of flash from a sheet of paper in front of him. As Seb enters, he smiles.
“Hey, dude!”
Sebastian jumps only slightly as he turns toward Silvio’s voice. His mouth cracks into a smile as he replies. “Hey! How’s it going?”
“Doing okay,” Silvio says, tossing Seb a plastic capsule. “Here! Have one on the house.”
“Heh, thanks, dude!” Sebastian tucks the capsule away in his pocket, safe and secure. “So, if you have a moment I wanted to pick your brain about something that isn’t necessarily ‘Carnage related’ but related to me?”
Silvio nods, gesturing for Seb to have a seat in the little waiting area just in front of the counter. “Of course. You want a soda or anything?”
“No, thank you though.” Sebastian pauses as he rubs the back of his neck. “It’s about Frankie. He’s always been there for me and I kinda want to do something nice for him. I just don’t know what.”
It was true though. Frankie Jennings had been the sidekick that Sebastian didn’t know he wanted. Even at his lowest points, Frankie had given Seb a lift, forcing him to believe that he was better than what he thought of himself. For a ten-year-old, Frankie had given Sebastian many pearls of wisdom and had acted like more of a teacher than a student.
Silvio’s features soften as he rounds the counter, having a seat with Seb and nodding. “Do you know what kinds of things Frankie needs? You’re great with emotional support for Frankie, but are there any material things he needs but isn’t getting?”
Sebastian shrugs. “The kid doesn’t want anything really and believe me, I’ve offered. I almost want to throw him a party or something. Have people pay to show up and the money can go toward whatever is being done to help make Frankie live a better life, but that sort of thing goes far beyond my organizational skills.”
The young Carnage star sighs as he recalls when he first found out about Frankie having Lupus. Frankie had wanted to throw Seb a surprise party to celebrate a title victory. Or winning the shot to become the number one contender to the Chaos title. It was hard for Seb to remember since it felt like so long ago. Frankie got worked up because with everything going on in the world, the zoo the child had chosen for the occasion was closed and the plans were ruined. As Sebastian showed up, Frankie had an attack and had to be rushed to the emergency room, where Frankie’s parents told Sebastian what was going on.
“What kind of thing would you like to do if you did have the skillset?” Silvio asks.
Sebastian tries to say something but stops himself. It would have to be something fun for Frankie for sure. “A party. Lights, music, things Frankie would enjoy doing. Maybe a carnival? I don’t know. He’s also obsessed with ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race…’” Sebastian pauses before continuing, smiling at a memory. “I can understand why. He’s had me watch a couple of episodes and I’ll freely admit that I’m hooked for drama’s sake. Still, I don’t know anyone that could throw something like that.”
The tattoo artist gives a little snort and a knowing grin. “Well, maybe it’s time for Carnivorous to have a second show. I could give Artemis a ring.”
Carnivorous was a drag show that the Oracle had put on along with his former stablemates a few months prior. It had been a way of both taking the piss out of The Wild Cards as well as showing off the talents of his friends as performers outside of wrestling. Artemis Direction, Silvio’s drag mother from his time at House La Lune, had helped him get things off the ground, and he was certain she’d be only too happy to put together a new show.
“We used to do charity shows for LBGTQ youth and people living with HIV and AIDS,” he explains, “so it’s not entirely outside of our wheelhouse.”
Sebastian blinks for a few moments, unsure how the stars were aligning so perfectly. “Ok, so if that’s what we do, who will be the dancers?”
“Drag’s not always about dance, but we can have that be a focal point if that’s your preference. I’m happy to lend my talents, and I’m sure Ax would be thrilled. We can always put a sign-up sheet out and see who on the roster might want to participate. One of the best things about drag is that it’s for everybody.” Silvio rarely performed in a feminine persona, his drag typically centering around toying with and defying social norms related to class. Artemis herself was a bio-queen - a cisgender woman who played with notions of sex and gender through drag.
A faraway look enters Seb’s eyes. “Everybody huh? Yeah. Let’s do this! We’ll turn it into a benefit to end all benefits!” The performer in Sebastian vibrates with excitement and before he can think about what he’s saying blurts out, “I’ll try my hand at it as well!”
Silvio grins, eyes glinting. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. Consider me at your disposal, Seb.”
“This is going to be great! Thanks so much!” Sebastian nearly bounces out of his skin with excitement as he gets up to go. “Seriously though, thank you again! Should I head over to the hospital and talk to Ax about it? Or maybe just call him?”
“I get the feeling Ax would love to have some company,” Silvio says. “He always does best when he has people around him, and I think he’d appreciate a visit.”
Sebastian nods as his excitement grows. “I’m sure Ax will be super stoked for this! Thanks again!”
“Any time, Seb!” Silvio replies, giving him a little salute. “Once you’re done slaying at Incursion, I’ll show you how to do it on a runway.”
"Perfect! Guess it's time for me to…" Sebastian could barely contain a squeal. "Sashay away!" With that, Seb flicks his wrist into the air and parades out of the shop.
The sounds of the hospital echo throughout Sebastian’s head as he makes his way down the hall until he finds the right room. Knocking softly, Seb lets himself in as he looks on at Jonathan Willis, still lying prone in his bed, Axton Gunn sitting silently beside him.
“Hey, dude…” Sebastian waves slightly as he takes a seat. “Figured it was about time I got here to visit. How’s he doing?”
Axton looks up from his phone at the sound of the door, a slight smile crossing his face. As Sebastian goes to sit, Axton waves for him to stand, gesturing toward the hallway. It becomes apparent in the next moment that Jon is fast asleep. Axton leans over and kisses the blonde crown in his head before leading his stablemate out into the hall.
“Hey, Sebby. Glad you came.” Axton’s voice is more subdued than usual, but it’s clear he’s making an effort to contribute his usual chipper outlook. “He’s doing a lot better. Nurse says he can probably be released tomorrow. Not gonna lie, kinda aching to go home. My dogs are gonna lose it when I get them from the kennel.”
“I’m sure it will be a welcoming home party for the ages.” Sebastian laughs as he leans casually against the wall. “I’m glad Jon is doing ok though, truly. Here’s hoping he wakes up any time now.” Sebastian hoped he sounded confident and reassuring.
“Oh, I’ve been feeding him actual real non-hospital food every time he wakes up,” Axton says with a grin, glancing toward the room. “Don’t worry, he’s well on his way to recovery. I’m just keeping an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t get any unwanted company.”
Sebastian shakes off his doubts and continues. “Listen, I was talking to Silvio and we came up with this idea for a benefit for Frankie. Wait for it…” Sebastian holds his hands out to build suspense. “We put on a drag show with the proceeds going to Frankie and his battle against Lupus!”
Axton’s eyes light up.
“You mean I get to drag twice in the same year? It’s not even May yet.”
Sebastian laughs. "Well, I also said that I'd dance too so I might be in the market for a new dance coach?"
Axton crosses his arms, looking at his painted nails against his palm. “Oh yeah? Well, I happen to know a guy who’s a pretty good dancer.”
He looks up, expression deadpan. “Me. It’s me. I’m talking about me.”
Sebastian matches his friend's gaze and tone. "Good! I was hoping it was you!"
“Yeah, that would’ve been awkward if it wasn’t.” Axton shifts his weight to the other leg, leaning on the wall. A passing nurse gestures for him not to do that, and he straightens up with a wince and a ‘whoops’.
“So you need a little drag training? I’m sure I can spare an afternoon. Silvio’s been staying with Jon when I can’t, so I can ask him in advance.”
"Yeah! Just let me know when you feel is best and we can plan around that!" Sebastian could barely contain his excitement but considering where he was, he was doing a great job at it.
“Sure.” Axton’s shoulders relax. He reaches over, squeezing Sebastian’s with one hand. “Hey… thanks. It’s been rough… It'll be nice to focus on something posi. I’m glad you thought of me.”
"Happy to! Listen, I have to get going and figure out what else I need to do to prep but if you need anything, I'm only a call away." Sebastian casts a worried glance toward Jon. “And if there’s any change, please let me know.”
“Yeah,” Axton answers, following Sebastian’s gaze. His heart lurches in his chest, the heartache and worry visible in his expression. Despite that, he seems to push through it, offering his stablemate a smile. “I’ll tell Loco you said hi.”
"Yes, please." Sebastian smiles and grasps Axton's shoulder. "You're both incredibly strong Ax. You got this and you'll see; Jon will be awake in no time."
With one last smile, Sebastian heads back the way he came, the plans for his drag show slowly coming together.
The sounds of shattering glass can be heard from behind Sebastian Hawke as he stares out at the night sky.
“I’ve thought a lot about this…”
His voice trails off as he turns to face the camera and a knowing smile crosses his lips. “I’ve thought about the people that have gotten me to where I stand today, the road to this very moment, and the upcoming Incursion event in a couple of days. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be booked. I lost the Chaos Title…” He points a finger up to the sky. “I lost to the world champion due to a bad misjudgment.” Another finger. “And yet here I am, ready to defend Carnage’s honor as a member of a ‘thrown together’ team given the forever creative name of, ‘Team Carnage.’ I can’t do much better mind you, so the name stands. Let’s just hope that my teammates are up to the task of working as a team, though I at least don’t have to worry about one member. Getting back into the ring with Dom is going to magic, wait and see.”
Putting his hand down Sebastian doesn’t say a word as he passes by the camera, instead, giving it a wink before beaconing it to follow. Stopping in a little side room Sebastian pulls a pair of worn and torn coveralls over his clothes, grabs a nearby full face mask, a pair of gloves, and finally, a bat before once again giving that knowing smile and heading into the next room.
Pieces of plastic and electronics, long since broken, litter the floor and emit crackling sounds as Sebastian enters. Surveying the room, Sebastian tosses the bat over one shoulder and pulls a list out from another.
“In case anyone hasn’t figured it out yet, for all those Angel Dumore’s out there, I am currently in one of 2021’s greatest trends, a smash room! If you aren’t familiar with the concept.” Sebastian gestures around him. “It’s a room where you’re given a weapon and encouraged to just… Break stuff. Seeing as how my road to now hasn’t been the smoothest, I decided that letting off some steam would do me wonders.”
With that, Sebastian takes the bat, crumpling the list in one hand as he swings at the closest table, shattering a lamp that was on it. With a satisfying tinkle of ceramic, Sebastian straightens up and looks at the list. He looks confused for a brief moment before speaking. “I’m looking at the breakdown of UGWC stars that a mystery man felt compelled to share. Angel Dumore is not on the list and it begs the question, ‘Why?’ Well Angel, from an outside perspective and just by glancing at the rundown real quick, you’re on a team with veterans of UGWC, people who have had a career, a former and FIRST World Champion, and so much more. Each of these people has had roads that saw them doing things that had your powers that be saying, ‘I wonder how they would do on a team?’ It’s almost like they added you as an afterthought but in all reality Angel, it just sounds like you need to ‘do more.’ Got it?”
Sebastian winks as he takes another swing, this time coming in contact with an old desktop computer. Looking inside the hole he just made, Sebastian smiles. “I’ve never seen inside one of these things before. Pretty awesome!” Looking back at his list, Sebastian continues. “Montague Cervantes. Says that you’re a certified, ‘nutjob?’” Sebastian shrugs. “Who knows? You might be certifiably insane. However, you sound like the perfect being of unpredictableness that will keep me on my toes. The kind that brings so much to the table that no one quite knows what to expect when you get into the ring and the bell rings. In all honesty Montague, you’re probably the one I’m looking forward to tying up with first. The man that brings everything to the table versus a man who claims that he can adapt to anything. How quickly do you think I can adapt to you, Montague? That’s the thing about unpredictable people. They find something that might work and then a pattern emerges where they will do their damndest to hit the unexpected. All it takes is one strong move, a move SO quick, SO devastating, that it stops you right in your damn tracks.” Sebastian stops as he glances to his right and smiles, firing off a low thrust kick to kick a pedestal out from under another lamp. He pivots and swings the bat, shattering the lamp and sending shards out to litter the room. “Lucky for me, I employ such tactics. Find that thing that rocks me to my core, that takes me out of my grove and I PROMISE you, Montague, if you don’t put me down right then and there, I’ll strike right then and there to do the same to you. Unpredictable? Sure. Still human enough to be stopped? Double sure.”
“Donovan Hastings…”
Sebastian shakes his head as he chuckles to himself. “I swear Legion, I’m not making these names up and most of them sound like people that have aspirations to be the dead person on the front of a ten-dollar bill. But…” Sebastian’s eyes widen as he reads further. “First UGWC world champion, only former five-time champion that the Fed offers, ring veteran, and influencer of the so-called ‘powers that be.’ Here’s the thing though Donovan… Mr. Hastings? Are you that old and expect that much respect from your peers? Asking for anyone that cares enough to follow you after you’re in the ring with me.” Sebastian smiles as he takes a few swings on an unsuspecting TV, relishing the release of tension in his body as he causes more destruction. “How’s your endurance level Hastings? If you’re still wrestling at this point, I can assume it’s damn good but do you have what it takes to keep up with Team Carnage? We’re all young and ready to represent the company that hired us; does your experience teach you how to keep up with someone younger? Someone who doesn’t care about your legacy but wants to create their own? Are you ready to step in front of that explosion of talent and youth? I guess we’ll find out at Incursion but in all honesty, you’d be a lot more intimidating going one on one against. A match where it’s five versus five? Just remember to brush your teeth that day. I don’t want to smell your breath as you try to catch your breath.”
CRASH!
The sound of more glass, plastic, and ceramic raining down onto the floor echoes throughout the room as a red light blinks.
“Looks like that’s close to time. Real quick though, Dave Rydell. Another ring vet and another guy who has, ‘seen it all.’ We’re warned that if anyone underestimates Dave, he’ll make them pay for it. Press the advantage though and Dave tumbles into the realm of mistakes and anger issues. It’s times like this I’m more than happy to employ the staple athletic duck, dip, weave, dodge, and…” Sebastian pauses for a moment, trying to think. “Duck. I’m patient, I have all the time in the world to watch you try to keep up Dave and when you stumble and make that one mistake, I’ll be the one that makes YOU pay.”
Sebastian smiles at his wit before continuing. “Last for many reasons, that brings us all to Carlson Rex, a relative newcomer. I’m going to shoot straight with you Carlson, your company doesn’t have much faith in you. Did you read this fact sheet they put out for you guys?!” Clearing his throat, Sebastian leans the bat against his leg and reads from the now crumpled paper in his hands. “Don’t make any big mistakes and you’ll probably come out on top.” Sebastian snickers. “Right. HUGE confidence booster I’m sure. Either way Carlson, this is your chance to shine. The issue is that it’s also MY time to shine. It isn’t a chance, it isn’t a fluke. I’m one of the fastest rising stars of Carnage. This. Is. MY. TIME.” Sebastian pauses but before he has a chance to continue, an alarm overhead sounds. Sebastian screeches as he grabs the bat and begins swinging at everything within arm’s reach. Finally coming to a rest and barely winded, Sebastian winks one more time at the camera before exiting the room.
“Witch Dagger Ink… HA! I get it… Like ‘Inc.’”
Sebastian laughs despite himself and heads inside wondering what to do with all of the restless energy he has had pent up recently. Hopping up and down in place to get himself psyched up for no reason outside of having a reason to hop up and down. Finally ready, he walks to the door and opens it, taking in the sights and smells a tattoo shop carries with it. Smiling to himself he looks around and decides to finally take a look at all the art pieces hung up on the walls.
A lot of the flash on the walls skews toward neo-traditional, but there’s a variety of styles and subjects to choose from. It looks like Silvio has just installed a gumball-style machine at the register with little pieces of tattoo flash as the ‘prizes,’ in the plastic capsules. Can’t decide? Pop in a quarter and let chance tell you what you’re getting. Seb finds the artist working on filling some of the plastic capsules, cutting out pieces of flash from a sheet of paper in front of him. As Seb enters, he smiles.
“Hey, dude!”
Sebastian jumps only slightly as he turns toward Silvio’s voice. His mouth cracks into a smile as he replies. “Hey! How’s it going?”
“Doing okay,” Silvio says, tossing Seb a plastic capsule. “Here! Have one on the house.”
“Heh, thanks, dude!” Sebastian tucks the capsule away in his pocket, safe and secure. “So, if you have a moment I wanted to pick your brain about something that isn’t necessarily ‘Carnage related’ but related to me?”
Silvio nods, gesturing for Seb to have a seat in the little waiting area just in front of the counter. “Of course. You want a soda or anything?”
“No, thank you though.” Sebastian pauses as he rubs the back of his neck. “It’s about Frankie. He’s always been there for me and I kinda want to do something nice for him. I just don’t know what.”
It was true though. Frankie Jennings had been the sidekick that Sebastian didn’t know he wanted. Even at his lowest points, Frankie had given Seb a lift, forcing him to believe that he was better than what he thought of himself. For a ten-year-old, Frankie had given Sebastian many pearls of wisdom and had acted like more of a teacher than a student.
Silvio’s features soften as he rounds the counter, having a seat with Seb and nodding. “Do you know what kinds of things Frankie needs? You’re great with emotional support for Frankie, but are there any material things he needs but isn’t getting?”
Sebastian shrugs. “The kid doesn’t want anything really and believe me, I’ve offered. I almost want to throw him a party or something. Have people pay to show up and the money can go toward whatever is being done to help make Frankie live a better life, but that sort of thing goes far beyond my organizational skills.”
The young Carnage star sighs as he recalls when he first found out about Frankie having Lupus. Frankie had wanted to throw Seb a surprise party to celebrate a title victory. Or winning the shot to become the number one contender to the Chaos title. It was hard for Seb to remember since it felt like so long ago. Frankie got worked up because with everything going on in the world, the zoo the child had chosen for the occasion was closed and the plans were ruined. As Sebastian showed up, Frankie had an attack and had to be rushed to the emergency room, where Frankie’s parents told Sebastian what was going on.
“What kind of thing would you like to do if you did have the skillset?” Silvio asks.
Sebastian tries to say something but stops himself. It would have to be something fun for Frankie for sure. “A party. Lights, music, things Frankie would enjoy doing. Maybe a carnival? I don’t know. He’s also obsessed with ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race…’” Sebastian pauses before continuing, smiling at a memory. “I can understand why. He’s had me watch a couple of episodes and I’ll freely admit that I’m hooked for drama’s sake. Still, I don’t know anyone that could throw something like that.”
The tattoo artist gives a little snort and a knowing grin. “Well, maybe it’s time for Carnivorous to have a second show. I could give Artemis a ring.”
Carnivorous was a drag show that the Oracle had put on along with his former stablemates a few months prior. It had been a way of both taking the piss out of The Wild Cards as well as showing off the talents of his friends as performers outside of wrestling. Artemis Direction, Silvio’s drag mother from his time at House La Lune, had helped him get things off the ground, and he was certain she’d be only too happy to put together a new show.
“We used to do charity shows for LBGTQ youth and people living with HIV and AIDS,” he explains, “so it’s not entirely outside of our wheelhouse.”
Sebastian blinks for a few moments, unsure how the stars were aligning so perfectly. “Ok, so if that’s what we do, who will be the dancers?”
“Drag’s not always about dance, but we can have that be a focal point if that’s your preference. I’m happy to lend my talents, and I’m sure Ax would be thrilled. We can always put a sign-up sheet out and see who on the roster might want to participate. One of the best things about drag is that it’s for everybody.” Silvio rarely performed in a feminine persona, his drag typically centering around toying with and defying social norms related to class. Artemis herself was a bio-queen - a cisgender woman who played with notions of sex and gender through drag.
A faraway look enters Seb’s eyes. “Everybody huh? Yeah. Let’s do this! We’ll turn it into a benefit to end all benefits!” The performer in Sebastian vibrates with excitement and before he can think about what he’s saying blurts out, “I’ll try my hand at it as well!”
Silvio grins, eyes glinting. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. Consider me at your disposal, Seb.”
“This is going to be great! Thanks so much!” Sebastian nearly bounces out of his skin with excitement as he gets up to go. “Seriously though, thank you again! Should I head over to the hospital and talk to Ax about it? Or maybe just call him?”
“I get the feeling Ax would love to have some company,” Silvio says. “He always does best when he has people around him, and I think he’d appreciate a visit.”
Sebastian nods as his excitement grows. “I’m sure Ax will be super stoked for this! Thanks again!”
“Any time, Seb!” Silvio replies, giving him a little salute. “Once you’re done slaying at Incursion, I’ll show you how to do it on a runway.”
"Perfect! Guess it's time for me to…" Sebastian could barely contain a squeal. "Sashay away!" With that, Seb flicks his wrist into the air and parades out of the shop.
The sounds of the hospital echo throughout Sebastian’s head as he makes his way down the hall until he finds the right room. Knocking softly, Seb lets himself in as he looks on at Jonathan Willis, still lying prone in his bed, Axton Gunn sitting silently beside him.
“Hey, dude…” Sebastian waves slightly as he takes a seat. “Figured it was about time I got here to visit. How’s he doing?”
Axton looks up from his phone at the sound of the door, a slight smile crossing his face. As Sebastian goes to sit, Axton waves for him to stand, gesturing toward the hallway. It becomes apparent in the next moment that Jon is fast asleep. Axton leans over and kisses the blonde crown in his head before leading his stablemate out into the hall.
“Hey, Sebby. Glad you came.” Axton’s voice is more subdued than usual, but it’s clear he’s making an effort to contribute his usual chipper outlook. “He’s doing a lot better. Nurse says he can probably be released tomorrow. Not gonna lie, kinda aching to go home. My dogs are gonna lose it when I get them from the kennel.”
“I’m sure it will be a welcoming home party for the ages.” Sebastian laughs as he leans casually against the wall. “I’m glad Jon is doing ok though, truly. Here’s hoping he wakes up any time now.” Sebastian hoped he sounded confident and reassuring.
“Oh, I’ve been feeding him actual real non-hospital food every time he wakes up,” Axton says with a grin, glancing toward the room. “Don’t worry, he’s well on his way to recovery. I’m just keeping an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t get any unwanted company.”
Sebastian shakes off his doubts and continues. “Listen, I was talking to Silvio and we came up with this idea for a benefit for Frankie. Wait for it…” Sebastian holds his hands out to build suspense. “We put on a drag show with the proceeds going to Frankie and his battle against Lupus!”
Axton’s eyes light up.
“You mean I get to drag twice in the same year? It’s not even May yet.”
Sebastian laughs. "Well, I also said that I'd dance too so I might be in the market for a new dance coach?"
Axton crosses his arms, looking at his painted nails against his palm. “Oh yeah? Well, I happen to know a guy who’s a pretty good dancer.”
He looks up, expression deadpan. “Me. It’s me. I’m talking about me.”
Sebastian matches his friend's gaze and tone. "Good! I was hoping it was you!"
“Yeah, that would’ve been awkward if it wasn’t.” Axton shifts his weight to the other leg, leaning on the wall. A passing nurse gestures for him not to do that, and he straightens up with a wince and a ‘whoops’.
“So you need a little drag training? I’m sure I can spare an afternoon. Silvio’s been staying with Jon when I can’t, so I can ask him in advance.”
"Yeah! Just let me know when you feel is best and we can plan around that!" Sebastian could barely contain his excitement but considering where he was, he was doing a great job at it.
“Sure.” Axton’s shoulders relax. He reaches over, squeezing Sebastian’s with one hand. “Hey… thanks. It’s been rough… It'll be nice to focus on something posi. I’m glad you thought of me.”
"Happy to! Listen, I have to get going and figure out what else I need to do to prep but if you need anything, I'm only a call away." Sebastian casts a worried glance toward Jon. “And if there’s any change, please let me know.”
“Yeah,” Axton answers, following Sebastian’s gaze. His heart lurches in his chest, the heartache and worry visible in his expression. Despite that, he seems to push through it, offering his stablemate a smile. “I’ll tell Loco you said hi.”
"Yes, please." Sebastian smiles and grasps Axton's shoulder. "You're both incredibly strong Ax. You got this and you'll see; Jon will be awake in no time."
With one last smile, Sebastian heads back the way he came, the plans for his drag show slowly coming together.
The sounds of shattering glass can be heard from behind Sebastian Hawke as he stares out at the night sky.
“I’ve thought a lot about this…”
His voice trails off as he turns to face the camera and a knowing smile crosses his lips. “I’ve thought about the people that have gotten me to where I stand today, the road to this very moment, and the upcoming Incursion event in a couple of days. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be booked. I lost the Chaos Title…” He points a finger up to the sky. “I lost to the world champion due to a bad misjudgment.” Another finger. “And yet here I am, ready to defend Carnage’s honor as a member of a ‘thrown together’ team given the forever creative name of, ‘Team Carnage.’ I can’t do much better mind you, so the name stands. Let’s just hope that my teammates are up to the task of working as a team, though I at least don’t have to worry about one member. Getting back into the ring with Dom is going to magic, wait and see.”
Putting his hand down Sebastian doesn’t say a word as he passes by the camera, instead, giving it a wink before beaconing it to follow. Stopping in a little side room Sebastian pulls a pair of worn and torn coveralls over his clothes, grabs a nearby full face mask, a pair of gloves, and finally, a bat before once again giving that knowing smile and heading into the next room.
Pieces of plastic and electronics, long since broken, litter the floor and emit crackling sounds as Sebastian enters. Surveying the room, Sebastian tosses the bat over one shoulder and pulls a list out from another.
“In case anyone hasn’t figured it out yet, for all those Angel Dumore’s out there, I am currently in one of 2021’s greatest trends, a smash room! If you aren’t familiar with the concept.” Sebastian gestures around him. “It’s a room where you’re given a weapon and encouraged to just… Break stuff. Seeing as how my road to now hasn’t been the smoothest, I decided that letting off some steam would do me wonders.”
With that, Sebastian takes the bat, crumpling the list in one hand as he swings at the closest table, shattering a lamp that was on it. With a satisfying tinkle of ceramic, Sebastian straightens up and looks at the list. He looks confused for a brief moment before speaking. “I’m looking at the breakdown of UGWC stars that a mystery man felt compelled to share. Angel Dumore is not on the list and it begs the question, ‘Why?’ Well Angel, from an outside perspective and just by glancing at the rundown real quick, you’re on a team with veterans of UGWC, people who have had a career, a former and FIRST World Champion, and so much more. Each of these people has had roads that saw them doing things that had your powers that be saying, ‘I wonder how they would do on a team?’ It’s almost like they added you as an afterthought but in all reality Angel, it just sounds like you need to ‘do more.’ Got it?”
Sebastian winks as he takes another swing, this time coming in contact with an old desktop computer. Looking inside the hole he just made, Sebastian smiles. “I’ve never seen inside one of these things before. Pretty awesome!” Looking back at his list, Sebastian continues. “Montague Cervantes. Says that you’re a certified, ‘nutjob?’” Sebastian shrugs. “Who knows? You might be certifiably insane. However, you sound like the perfect being of unpredictableness that will keep me on my toes. The kind that brings so much to the table that no one quite knows what to expect when you get into the ring and the bell rings. In all honesty Montague, you’re probably the one I’m looking forward to tying up with first. The man that brings everything to the table versus a man who claims that he can adapt to anything. How quickly do you think I can adapt to you, Montague? That’s the thing about unpredictable people. They find something that might work and then a pattern emerges where they will do their damndest to hit the unexpected. All it takes is one strong move, a move SO quick, SO devastating, that it stops you right in your damn tracks.” Sebastian stops as he glances to his right and smiles, firing off a low thrust kick to kick a pedestal out from under another lamp. He pivots and swings the bat, shattering the lamp and sending shards out to litter the room. “Lucky for me, I employ such tactics. Find that thing that rocks me to my core, that takes me out of my grove and I PROMISE you, Montague, if you don’t put me down right then and there, I’ll strike right then and there to do the same to you. Unpredictable? Sure. Still human enough to be stopped? Double sure.”
“Donovan Hastings…”
Sebastian shakes his head as he chuckles to himself. “I swear Legion, I’m not making these names up and most of them sound like people that have aspirations to be the dead person on the front of a ten-dollar bill. But…” Sebastian’s eyes widen as he reads further. “First UGWC world champion, only former five-time champion that the Fed offers, ring veteran, and influencer of the so-called ‘powers that be.’ Here’s the thing though Donovan… Mr. Hastings? Are you that old and expect that much respect from your peers? Asking for anyone that cares enough to follow you after you’re in the ring with me.” Sebastian smiles as he takes a few swings on an unsuspecting TV, relishing the release of tension in his body as he causes more destruction. “How’s your endurance level Hastings? If you’re still wrestling at this point, I can assume it’s damn good but do you have what it takes to keep up with Team Carnage? We’re all young and ready to represent the company that hired us; does your experience teach you how to keep up with someone younger? Someone who doesn’t care about your legacy but wants to create their own? Are you ready to step in front of that explosion of talent and youth? I guess we’ll find out at Incursion but in all honesty, you’d be a lot more intimidating going one on one against. A match where it’s five versus five? Just remember to brush your teeth that day. I don’t want to smell your breath as you try to catch your breath.”
CRASH!
The sound of more glass, plastic, and ceramic raining down onto the floor echoes throughout the room as a red light blinks.
“Looks like that’s close to time. Real quick though, Dave Rydell. Another ring vet and another guy who has, ‘seen it all.’ We’re warned that if anyone underestimates Dave, he’ll make them pay for it. Press the advantage though and Dave tumbles into the realm of mistakes and anger issues. It’s times like this I’m more than happy to employ the staple athletic duck, dip, weave, dodge, and…” Sebastian pauses for a moment, trying to think. “Duck. I’m patient, I have all the time in the world to watch you try to keep up Dave and when you stumble and make that one mistake, I’ll be the one that makes YOU pay.”
Sebastian smiles at his wit before continuing. “Last for many reasons, that brings us all to Carlson Rex, a relative newcomer. I’m going to shoot straight with you Carlson, your company doesn’t have much faith in you. Did you read this fact sheet they put out for you guys?!” Clearing his throat, Sebastian leans the bat against his leg and reads from the now crumpled paper in his hands. “Don’t make any big mistakes and you’ll probably come out on top.” Sebastian snickers. “Right. HUGE confidence booster I’m sure. Either way Carlson, this is your chance to shine. The issue is that it’s also MY time to shine. It isn’t a chance, it isn’t a fluke. I’m one of the fastest rising stars of Carnage. This. Is. MY. TIME.” Sebastian pauses but before he has a chance to continue, an alarm overhead sounds. Sebastian screeches as he grabs the bat and begins swinging at everything within arm’s reach. Finally coming to a rest and barely winded, Sebastian winks one more time at the camera before exiting the room.