The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing | Chapter V

“What are you doing, Little Serena?”

Nathaniel walked into the kitchen of his penthouse.

His six-year-old niece was accompanied by his youngest sister, Ryleigh.

“I’m making broccoli and pepperoni stromboli!”

Serenity, or Little Serena as she preferred, peeked into the oven through the door glass window.

Ryleigh placed her hands on her hips and smiled.

“Gwen said she can cook, so I’m putting her to the test.”

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow at his sister.

“You are operating the oven, yes?”

“Yes! I’m not THAT irresponsible.”

Ryleigh stuck her tongue out at her older brother.

“The stromboli is almost done.”

“Oh, now I’m curious.”

Nathaniel chuckled softly. He took a whiff of the aroma and smiled.

“It smells lovely from here.”

“I can’t wait for you to try some, Uncle Nate!”

Little Serena clapped her hands with excitement.

After a few more minutes of cooking, the timer went off.

Ryleigh removed the stromboli from the oven and set them on the stovetop to cool.

A few minutes later, the stromboli was cool enough for Little Serena to serve.

When he took a bite, Nathaniel’s eyes widened.

He was genuinely surprised.

“I… wow. This is amazing, Little Serena!”

When Ryleigh took a bite, she smiled brightly.

“Mmm, delicious! Well done!”

She was so proud of her niece.

The first-grader bounced with glee.

“Thank you, Uncle Nate, Aunt Rylee!”

“Perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned… You would impress Chef Ramsay with this dish.”

Nathaniel smiled and savored another bite.

Little Serena was over the moon with that compliment.

She was too excited to eat her own serving, happy to see them enjoy her dish.

“I wanna be a chef when I grow up!”

The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

You shout it out,

But I can't hear a word you say.

I'm talking loud, not saying much…

I'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochet.

Shoot me down, but I get up!

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose

Fire away, fire away!

Ricochet, you take your aim

Fire away, fire away!

Today is going to be a great day.

I know because it’s my Sweet 16! Well, technically, I turn sixteen tomorrow, but I wanted to celebrate today. The wonderful staff at the Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, Louisiana were happy to accommodate. It’s better this way. I have school tomorrow morning.

Boo.

High school.

Besides that, I wanted to go by everyone’s schedules. Uncle Nate and Uncle Max are both working tomorrow. I wasn’t going to let them miss the party! This is too important to me.

Uncle Nate is the CEO and Owner of Dixon Corporate Enterprises. It’s a business company that forms partnerships, offers sponsorships, and grows in resources. But what’s even cooler than that is he’s a professional wrestler! He works full-time for New Frontier Wrestling and he’s also performing in Pro Wrestling Excellence and Unified Global Wrestling Coalition. I can tell he loves being a wrestler more than a CEO. He’s a little violent, but come on. I’ve seen worse.

Not without Mom scolding me…

“You shouldn’t be watching such brutality!”

Blah, blah, blah.

Dad lets me.

Uncle Max is the family lawyer. He takes care of any civil issues that we deal with from time to time. He also helps Uncle Nate create official contracts for DCE as well as other things. Like my cousin Ami’s NFW contract to make her a dual-brand interviewer. On top of that, Uncle Max is a criminal justice attorney. He represents defendants in criminal cases by preparing the case for trial, building a record, contacting witnesses, arguing motions, and scheduling. He’s like Phoenix Wright!

My cousin Ami is a musician. She does something nobody else can really do -- she plays the violin and dances at the same time! She started as a street performer in San Francisco, but she’s grown in popularity and now she plays on bigger stages. Unfortunately, the pandemic temporarily delayed her concerts. She’s just getting back into performing in front of the crowds again. Oh, and she’s also a mom! Chris and Claire are my first cousins removed. I don’t know how she does all of this.

Aunt Rylee is a model for Trenton Modeling Industries, but she’s worked for a few other modeling companies as well. Sometimes they collaborate. She’s really pretty! She gets to travel around the world and be featured in photoshoots, magazines, commercials, and other kinds of media. She’s a little mischievous and likes to party a lot, but she’s amazing! I want her to be happy. Truly happy.

She tries to be strong in front of me, but her heart’s been broken too many times.

Grandma was an actress and she was really good too! Grandpa was the original Owner of DCE in San Diego. Now they’re happily retired in the London family estate. They only travel for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and, of course, my birthday! Grandma loves to spoil all of us, but I’ve sort of noticed that Grandpa favors the girls of the family. He’s kinda mean to Uncle Nate and he’s pretty dismissive of Uncle Max. He does respect my Dad, though.

Speaking of my Dad, he’s a retired United States Army Veteran. He was known as Captain Jack Williams! He earned several medals, including the Purple Heart. It was really scary when Mom and I received a report of his injury, but he saved hundreds of lives with his heroic actions in the ongoing Global War of Terror. It’s been six years since he was honorably discharged, but he still serves the family. He’s the man we call when things go wrong.

Like they did back in late September 2018…

Ehhh, I don’t want to think about that.

Finally, there’s my Mom. She’s kind of a superhero! She’s a certified nurse at Ochsner Medical Center here in New Orleans. This pandemic has made her work schedule crazier than it’s ever been. It’s rare when she has a day off, and even then, sometimes she’s called to come into work. Imagine how my life was like when both of my parents were working. Sometimes I was a little lonely, but they were both saving lives in different ways. I love them and I’m so proud of them!

Since I was young, I’ve always worked hard to better myself. When my parents were busy with work, my aunt and uncles helped raise me via rotation. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa spoiled me whenever they could! Still, I wanted to be self-sufficient. I learned to cook when I was six. I love cooking for my family. I even love to make meals for school potlucks and events whenever they happen. My favorite channel is the Food Network. I wanted to try out for MasterChef Junior, but my Mom told me to wait until I graduated high school. I have two more years until I can try out for MasterChef, then. I’ve always wanted to be a chef and that will never change I want to open my own Cajun-Creole restaurant here in the city. Chefs Emeril Lagasse, Susan Spicer, and Sue Zemanick are my role models!

“Are you excited, sweetie?”

Inside the limo, I look from the window to my Dad who smiles at me. “Hell yeah!” I grin.

“Language, dear.”

Sitting next to Dad is my Mom. She gives me that look, and I stick my tongue out at her. “Come on, Mom. I’m practically sixteen.”

“I’m well aware.” That look doesn’t falter. “But you’re a young lady. You need to speak like one.”

“Aunt Rylee is a lady and sometimes she curses like a sailor.” I try to make a counterpoint.

“Please don’t follow her example, Serenity…” Mom sighs softly.

“It’s alright, my love.” Dad laughs a little and wraps an arm around her shoulders. “As long as she keeps it PG-13, she’ll be fine.”

“You’re not helping, Jack.” It’s almost sing-song the way Mom says that.

My grin becomes a cheesy one. Dad knows what’s up. I have a filter for my language, especially when I’m around my grandparents. Grandma doesn’t tolerate foul language at all. Grandpa, well… it depends on his mood. He’s kind of scary when he’s angry!

I cross my legs and adjust my pink dress. “I can’t wait to see everyone!”

“Well, they can’t wait to see you, Princess.” Dad leans in and kisses the top of my head.

“Daaad!” I can’t help but laugh and blush.

Mom smiles at both of us. “Oh, you two…”

We continue to talk for a few more minutes, but once my parents start conversing about work, I look out the window. The drive from Uptown New Orleans to Mandeville is peaceful. Once we arrive at the Fleur de Lis Event Center, the limo stops at the entrance, and my eyes sparkle.

“Wow!”

Believe it or not, I’ve actually never been here. The exterior design and the courtyard are beautiful. There are pink and white flowers all around. My family and some of my friends from high school are already here. Unfastening my seatbelt, I see my uncles come forward and Max opens the door for me. Nate moves closer and extends a hand out towards me.

“There’s the birthday girl!” He smiles.

I giggle and take his hand. He helps me out of the limo and everyone starts clapping and cheering.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

There’s even flash photography! A light red hue blush touches my cheeks and I bow my head a little.

“Thank you! I feel like a celebrity!” My eyes light up.

“As you should,” Uncle Max chuckles. “Today, you are royalty.”

“Every day, she’s royalty.”

I turn to see Dad step out of the limo to give Mom a hand. Then he holds out an arm for her and she accepts it with a smile. He smiles at me. “Are you sure you don’t want to wear the crown?”

“Daaad!” I stick my tongue out at him. Some of the others laugh and I’m blushing.

The Sweet 16 coordinator steps forward and introduces herself. Her name is Brenda. She wishes me a happy birthday and presents me a bouquet of Louisiana irises, welcomes everyone to the venue, and we begin with a tour of the courtyard. As we explore, I glance over and notice some of my classmates talking to Uncle Nate and -- oh! -- Keiji Sugiwara. He accepted my last-minute invitation! I feel myself smiling from ear to ear at the two. They look so cute together! Before I can talk to them, my grandparents come over to greet me. Grandma peppers my face with kisses as she always does. Grandpa gives me a hug that always warms my heart. They keep me focused on the tour and I smile at them. The party’s just started. I can talk to Uncle Nate and Keiji in a little bit.

In the courtyard, Aunt Rylee and Cousin Ami come over and hug me tight. We take a moment for a photo-op because this place is beautiful. When we enter the venue, the decor is absolutely stunning. The lighting is a pattern of natural and pink. A lit white lantern surrounded by magnolia blossoms makes the centerpiece on every round table. The chairs for my guests are sturdy yet comfortable. There’s a rectangular table that sits three with a golden throne in the middle. That must be my seat. I bet Dad’s behind it! There’s a table with all of my birthday presents. There are so many! The catering area is full of authentic Lousiana and British dishes, including Uncle Nate’s Shepherd’s pie. That’s my favorite dish of his! There’s a soft drink bar, a full bar for the adults, and--

Oh my God.

THERE’S A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!

--the dessert table is breathtaking. There are photo booths, a video gaming station, a ballroom, and an in-house DJ who’s playing music from my all-time favorite band, Owl City! I’m dancing my way to the catering table and, of course, I’m first in line. The caterers greet me, wish me a happy birthday, and let me pick out what I want to eat. That’s a little bit of everything! My high school friends are served next, followed by my grandparents, and then the rest of my family. Everyone finds their seats to dine in and converse with one another. When I move to my throne, I wave Uncle Nate and Keiji over.

“Sit down with me!” I beam.

Nate takes note of this and smiles. He and Keiji walk over and my smile brightens.

“Ah, Sugiwara-san, this is my youngest niece, Little Serena.” My oldest uncle pauses. “Although she’s not little anymore, is she?”

“Uncle Nate!” Ohhh, I’m blushing again.

"It’s nice to meet you, Serena,” Keiji politely bows towards me. “Thanks for the invite by the way."

“You’re very welcome,” I smile at him. I allow them to move their chairs so they can sit next to each other. Now the three of us take our seats. My throne is very comfortable!

Keiji smiles warmly and nods. "So, I didn't want to say anything, but that chocolate fountain, am I right!?" Awww, he’s excited!

I share his excitement with a little giddy bounce. “Right! I LOVE chocolate!”

“I’m surprised you’re not eating dessert first,” Nate chuckles softly.

I watch him enjoy a spoonful of traditional gumbo. I look over at Keiji and smile. “So are you and my Uncle Nate dating?”

My oldest uncle nearly chokes on the gumbo. Keiji and I quickly check on him for a brief moment. Once he’s satisfied that Nate’s okay, a smirk crosses Keiji’s face.

"Hmm, getting a bit personal there. But..."

He leans in towards me with a big goofy grin. I turn my head to listen carefully.

"I wouldn't lie to the birthday girl. Yeah, we're a thing. Pretty cool, yeah?"

“Yeah!” I giggle with glee.

Keiji returns to his default position and looks towards the other tables. I notice he’s meeting eyes with Aunt Rylee and he waves at her. Oh yeah, he knows exactly who I received that information from. That’s too good for a guess! She sees this and waves back at him with a grin.

Uncle Nate is blushing!

Quick!

Somebody take a picture!

He shoots a glare at Aunt Rylee before he takes a drink from his gin and tonic. “Ah…” It helps him regain his composure and he looks towards me and Keiji. “We should eat before our food gets cold.”

I can’t help but giggle like a schoolgirl. I am a sophomore, so it makes sense! “You’re right.” Even as I begin to eat, I can’t stop smiling.

"You're cute when you blush." Keiji grins and winks at Nate subtly before looking at the plate in front of him.

“I… you…” Oh wow, Uncle Nate’s lost for words!

The two of us laugh a little. Keiji speaks to me now. "We've probably put your uncle through enough, so maybe we should eat a bit. We can always talk later."

I nod enthusiastically. Keiji takes a sip of his martini and pats Nate gently on the back before picking up a utensil and laughing to himself. They’re so cute!

My Sweet 16 is perfect from the beginning to the end. If I had to pick one moment as my favorite? It was the father-daughter dance. Our song was "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle. I don’t know who cried more, me or my Dad! Throughout my party, the event photographer took a lot of photos.

Mom in daylight and Dad at nighttime.

Grandma and Grandpa are as classy as they can be.

Uncle Max: Noir!

Aunt Rylee’s always so pretty.

Keiji-kun is so adorable!

Uncle Nate and all of his British dapper.

Awww… There are so many!

I’m going to create a mini album with all of the photos and cherish it forever.

Chapter V: Their Shining Bind

I grew up on the corner of normal and tragedy,

Dreaming of bright lights and energy.

There was silver and gold on the path laid in front of me…

But the shadows seemed more interesting.

Oh, in the quiet, you can hear them cry.

Oh... In the quiet, you can hear them die!

“Little Serena told me something the night before I left for Chicago.”

For the first time on-camera, he is neither dressed in his ring attire nor a formal suit. Instead, the sleeves of Nathaniel’s blue dress shirt are rolled up and his black jeans hug his lean muscles. He sits at a table upon the rooftop deck of the Streeterville Luxury Apartments. Even as the camera records him, he’s lost in thought and weariness tied together with a bow.

“A solid beginning may lead to the perfect ending.”

His eyes of the earth’s colors almost blink slowly.

“She quoted it from the Sega Dreamcast video game, Power Stone 2. It was in the middle of our conversation. At the time, I thought it was random.

Why did you share this with me?
I asked her.

Because I can tell you need a boost.
She smiled at me.

Lord, she is a bright young lady.”

He chuckles softly. A weak yet warm smile crosses his face. He’s not quite staring at the camera; his focus still needs time to calibrate.

“Last month was a bit of a clusterfuck.

On the first of January, it was announced that I was a participant in the Unified Global Wrestling Coalition’s Global Challenge.

On the third, at the seventh Victory of Pro Wrestling Excellence, I was victorious in the first round with Ms. Jensen Kidd. I advanced to the second round of the Excellence Invitational.

On the seventh, I was alongside a few of my New Frontier Wrestling coworkers when we invaded Zion Wrestling. Mr. Luthor Callaway, Ms. Isabella Santiago, and Gallus Mag were the harbingers. Myself, Mr. Damon Cross, and Ms. Adrianna Salvatore were the demons they feared the most.

On the tenth, episode three hundred fifty-seven of UGWC’s Synergy, I defeated three-time World Champion, Mr. Phrixus Deimos. Scoring a pinfall after countering his Meteor Press with my Evolutionary Imperative in midair, I earned three points in Block B.”

Slowly, the faraway look in his eyes begins to fade as he concentrates on the camera.

“Then January becomes… rocky.

On the seventeenth, at the eighth Victory, my intellect and my technical skills were tested in a literal clusterfuck of the main event. I proved to my five opponents that I was a fighter. I am a force to be reckoned with. Alas… it was Ms. Vhodka Black who triumphed. She was the winner of the invitational.

Was I disappointed? Only in myself.

Was I a poor sport? Absolutely not. I’m a professional.

I congratulated her and I wished her good luck. On one hand, I want her to rip the Excellence Championship from Mr. Damian Ayla’s cold, unfeeling hands. On the other hand… I want to be the one to end the Dead King’s golden reign.

We’ll have to see how the dice roll, won’t we?”

His lips form an off-kilter smirk and his eyes shimmer. He shakes his head and continues his discussion.

“On the twenty-second, on the fifty-seventh episode of Trauma, I faced a behemoth of a man known as Atlas. Mr. Trey Johnson had some inappropriate things to say about my oldest niece Ami, and I responded with violence. Let me paint a picture for you: He is six-foot-seven and three hundred forty-five pounds. I am six-foot-one and one hundred seventy pounds. I was able to square off with him in our brutal match until it ended with a double disqualification.

Complete loss of control.
Imagine that.

On the twenty-fourth, episode three hundred fifty-ninth of Synergy, I was set to face Mr. Montague Cervantes of the Astro Creeps. Despite my best efforts, he was triumphant and he scored a pinfall on me. The Showman is far more crafty than people give him credit for, but I made him work hard for the win. He had to earn it.

On the twenty-sixth, I completely flew under the radar of Zion Wrestling security and helped Kai Morgan become intimate with a piano wire around his throat. This was during the twenty-first showcase of Mayhem. He ended up on the floor after I delivered my Evolutionary Imperative. I escaped into the night and no member of his precious security was able to catch me.

I warned him.
‘You will never see me coming.’

That will teach the lemmings to never underestimate me and my set of skills. As a result, I’ve made new enemies. Good.

On the twenty-ninth, it was announced by the SPLAT! Network that Keiji Sugiwara-san and I are participating in the GeminiOne Tournament. An unorthodox tandem considering I usually work alone, but I have bonded with Sugiwara-san on a level I did not expect. It was a pleasant surprise.

Then finally… on the thirty-first, the day after Little Serena’s Sweet Sixteen, I went toe-to-toe with Hide Yamazaki-san on episode three hundred sixty of Synergy. It was a technically profound match that resulted in a time-limit draw. It was not the outcome I wanted, but regardless… I stand in Block B with five pounds and one last chance to increase my score against Mr. Konrad Raab.”

His eyes are completely focused. There’s a fire to them as he speaks.

“But I shall speak more on that matter tomorrow.

Within the month of January alone, I’ve been busy. I don’t complain when I’m not booked in one company like so many others. I don’t whine like a bloody wanker when something doesn’t go my way. I am working tirelessly and endlessly on my objectives.

My hunt for gold is constant. It never ends, even when I finally capture my first championship in any of the companies I participate in. I say when because it is inevitable. It’s only a matter of time.

I am also on a mission I cannot go into details about… not yet.

But I digress. This Monday night in Mexico City is Magnificence, the second Pro Wrestling Excellence pay-per-view. I have a valuable opportunity to win a contract for a contendership for any title of my choosing. To do this, I must be… pardon the song title of Mr. Adrien Cochrane’s theme song.”

A lofty chuckle escapes his parted lips as they curl up into an amusing smile.

“...The last one standing.

Yes. The first-ever Olla-Rumble Invitational. It’s a clever play on Ollie the Cat’s name, a male cat I have more respect for than half of the insipid little miscreants who signed themselves up for this clusterfuck. No, I won’t be going down the list of names. I’ll just show you.”

He snaps his fingers, and instantaneously, the viewers of the promo are treated to the match graphic.

After a moment or two, the camera’s perspective returns to the rooftop deck where Nathaniel is taking a sip of an alcoholic drink. Where did it come from? Who knows?

“Mmm. I needed this. A martini. Gin, not vodka, obviously. Stirred for ten seconds while glancing at an unopened bottle of vermouth.”

He chuckles, sets the martini glass down on the table, and folds his hands behind it. His eyes focus back on the camera and a smirk crosses his face.

“Let it be known that I have taken the time to study each and every one of you. Some more than others. I need not waste my time on those I’ve already faced.

A geek from her own Miracle World.
Delirious.
A nerd who represents the collapsing GameStop.
Simple-minded.
A comedian who cries every time he loses.
Pathetic.

There are those who believe that studying and conjuring strategies for a match of this nature are pointless. Ladies and gentlemen, we shall agree to disagree. My greatest strength lies in my genius. I am not among the fastest, the strongest, or the most experienced wrestlers in this industry. I rely on my intelligence, my unpredictability, and my expertise in mind games.

I know I need to have eyes in the back of my head. I’m aware I require survival instincts to endure such chaos. I understand the insane difficulty of this challenge. That is why I always have a plan. A plan that constantly adapts and changes according to the current scenarios.

A jack of all trades. A master of none. It’s true in my on-and-off wrestling career, I haven’t won a single championship. That is a weapon some people try to use against me, but I’ve already acknowledged it and therefore it cannot hurt me. In all honesty, my starvation for the gold makes me far more dangerous than some of you are willing to give me credit for.”

Slowly, his facial features have become stern, far more serious. Dangerous. Nathaniel rises from his seat at the table and picks up the martini glass in his left hand. He holds it in between two of his fingers and his thumb. No pinky out.

“When it comes to professional wrestling?
I literally have nothing to lose and everything to win.

Some of you have incredible match records.

Some of you are longtime veterans.

Some of you are legends.

Some of you are multiple-time world champions.

Some of you are in a hall of fame.

What happens when you lose to someone like me? Your reputation is tarnished! Your career is forever blemished by the reality that a businessman with NO accomplishments in this industry bested you! When that happens, how much you’ve undermined me will come back and haunt you!

Oh, Nathaniel Dixon is a posh, arrogant bastard.
He’s weak.
He’s insignificant.
He’s absolutely nothing.
Haha, I’ll compare him to Sid the Sloth from Ice Age.”

He downs the rest of the gin martini, releases a content sigh, and takes a slow, deep breath.

“. . .YOU BLOODY USELESS CUNTS!”

In a swift, fluid motion, he throws the empty martini glass and nails the camera’s lens. The glass shatters upon impact and the shards fly everywhere. There’s a crack along the lens now. The handler of the camera staggers back and it gives off a dynamic shaky-cam effect. In no time at all does Nathaniel stand before the camera with a wicked grin on his face.

“Go ahead. Underestimate me. Fuck around and find out what happens.

You will regret it.”

Chapter V: End