Legacy 003 - Regicide

[ Von Wolff American Estate ]

[ Off Camera ]

Normalcy is a farce.

The idea dwindled to whatever the individual experienced. If you set your “normal” under a microscope then you’ll learn how fucked up it is. All those hours you believed were for your benefit are well, tailored trauma. The worst part is no one else notices the truth. Then again, truth is always suited for the person, isn’t it? It can be irrelevant in the wrong hands.

My family makes it easy to feel delusional in their presence. My parent’s dismissal keeps them strong and it keeps us bound together. We are well fed on the belief that we have to continue building our family’s legacy. I always imagined puppet strings tied around our limbs being hoisted by our father. My mother is the only audience member who is meticulous at taking notes. The rest of the world waits outside the double doors for a performance they’ll never see inside this particular theater. Instead, we’ll travel to other places to put on a completely different show.

In our audience's eyes, our parents are strange ideals. They are bizarre— a bit eccentric— but, BY GOD, they give their children everything. So generous to shovel in bullshit mantras and tools to dismantle our opponents. They don’t just want victory, they want domination. More importantly, they need us to want destruction in the Von Wolff name. Doesn’t matter how or what it does to anyone in the process. If someone breaks then we know nothing. If someone dies then we haven’t seen them. If we shatter… Well, it’s their word. Only theirs.

Anger is burning my throat and I know tears are about to start spilling. No matter how many times I blink them away. “You can’t keep Kanna locked up! She’s an adult! She has a right to live wherever she chooses!”

“She chose to move back in.” My mother’s calm is stabbing me in the spine. Her eyes are a constant reminder of how ‘unreasonable’ and ‘emotional’ I'm being. This conversation has been a rotation of the same argument. Nothing ever changes. If this was just for my own sake then I’d give up. No sense in screaming until my throat is damaged.

“Don’t gaslight me!”

“Gaslight?” My father’s hand is against his chest. “Jennifer…”

My term of endearment hasn’t been used in years. Despite myself, it hurts, and he knows it always will. Which is why he adds extra sugar to my name. Driving the knife deeper. He even summons Amelia by hers and she has long since distanced herself from us. She is far beyond their reach now… It’s a pity that the damage is done. No matter how far we try to run, there are hooks and strings threatening to bring us back.

“Oh,” He coos, “A misunderstanding. I see. You miss your sister. With some time she can return but we were hoping one day you’d do the same. Hm?”

“No.” My backbone stabilizes. “Moving out was the best decision I could have ever made. Why do you think Benji doesn’t live here? Or Judah? We’ve gotten tired of your bullshit lies. All of this? It’s for you two and whatever those creepy fuckers who employed you want! Doesn’t matter how you try to disguise the truth. You didn’t have children to love us or keep us safe. Hell, you didn’t even have us so we could add to the Von Wolff name! We’re fucking experiments!”

My voice cracks. “What you fail to understand is that this training isn’t helping us. It’s ruining us…! If you keep treating Kanna the way you do then you won’t have a champion! You’ll have a broken—”

My entire body shudders from the slap. My mother’s viper reflexes catch me every time. I always forget. Her willowy frame doesn’t warn someone of the danger. Most people would have thought that our father is our disciplinarian because it’s easy to overlook Theo Von Wolff. She looks so mild-mannered… So prim and proper…

Now tears are running down my face while I retreat from her reach. Apologies are the first thing that wants to come out of my mouth. A tiny voice is telling me I took it too far. Like a well-trained animal who wants to gain some sort of forgiveness from its captures.

“You’re ungrateful.” My mother dismisses me with a turn. “We did everything to make sure you succeeded. Instead, you insulted us and took out your failings on us. Excuses are all you ever greet us with, Jennifer. They are all you are good for now. Do not burden your sister with your shortcomings.”

“Jennifer.” His voice is low and the door is opened up behind us.

The conversation ends on their terms. As it always does.

My father stands at his station with a sorrowful expression. Our eyes lock so I know the truth. It isn’t sorrow, no matter how much the rest of his face wants to convince me, it’s something far crueler.

I might never know what.

I think it might be for the better if I don’t know that truth. Whatever creature is slithering beneath my father’s well-tailored face. Best kept ignored. My mother, contrary, is more upfront with who she is. Less unnerving, sure, but not at all comforting. Seeing a monster doesn’t always mean you know how to defeat it.

He bends his towering frame to smother me in his darkness. “Do not lead Kanna astray. Do not take her chance at greatness just to soothe your hurt.”

Even if I take a deep breath, it won’t help the fact I’ve lost the ability to breathe. I’m afraid that I might suck in his poisonous miasma. Despite everything, my head nods so it is acknowledged that I won’t leave my place again. The silence with the closing of the door brings no relief. Any tears dry themselves without assistance while I stare at the white tile. There is a scuff mark just above my shoe.

I know she’s there. Standing against the wall with her hands folded together and head down. Kanna rarely slouches but she always seems to shrink when this happens. The upper deck walls are thinner than the ones downstairs. It’s their design. Even if you aren’t the one being berated doesn’t mean the warning won’t work on the others. Similar to why we join everyone's “training sessions”.

Kanna’s face is torn with guilt. I wish I could know if she believes me or them. I wish I could know where she stood with our parents. They always treated her well because our little prodigy excelled in every lesson. Such a smart young woman who was lovely and strong. Out of the six of us, Kanna is the only one we consider ‘gifted’. Things weren’t easy, but failure wasn’t common. She often watched one of us being punished without fearing her own. Wasn’t until after the first PWE show that Kanna truly understood what that concrete room meant.

She’s still young. Maybe too used to them to even see there is more outside of this family. “We should get some food. You did win your last match. Progress, right?”

Kanna looks down. “They were pleased.” Her face morphs into a hesitant smile. Her eyes dart from side to side, while her hands twist together. For the first time, Kanna is living up to her nickname ‘mouse’. If I’m not careful she might scurry into the walls to hide…

When Benji offered some congratulations on her first win, she seemed to only focus on our parents. No mention of herself.

“I’m proud of you. Now, c’mon. We can steal Adam from his training to go get some sushi!” My cheek is still aching but I wrap an arm around Kanna’s shoulder to lead her far away from their office.

“Thank you.” Her voice is quiet. She peers behind us with a frown but the expression disappears. Her hands have yet to stop fiddling together. She chips at her nails and then wrings her hands together. Both palm press together then fall away. “All I need to do is continue winning.”

“You will.” I squeeze her against me. “You will..”

I’m afraid of what happens if she doesn’t.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The scene opens to a room filled to the brim of glittering, and battle-worn artifacts. Across the walls stretch flags in various states of distress. On every single one is the same family crest that is becoming more familiar. An intricate design with distinct wolves snarling. Despite the years, the name VON WOLFF is still legible.

Kanna is dressed in white gear with both hands neatly tucked against her figure. She offers a soft expression while moving through the large room.  “When I was a child my parents used to tell me stories of our family’s grand legacy. Through the generations was a pantheon all wielding the surname *Von Wolff. Great conquers, respected generals, people who bled for their countries, and those who ruled kingdoms. It was a vivid tapestry of what could be built from nothing. They were not born into royalties, nor were they gifted— but what they lacked became an advantage. It was facing diversity time again that gave our family strength. Together they forged magnificence but never forgot where they had been born; where they struggled. It was during this time when our family creed was created.” Kanna motions upward at the wall covered in the same words written in multiple languages.  “Mighty thrones are erected for the collective to attain greatness.” It was to remind them that even in difficult times they could overcome by having faith in each other. If one succeeds then brighter futures were possible for everyone.”

Kanna is traveling through rows of treasured items. She stops to admire a shield, a delicate finger traces over the imprinted design. “Even when they bore children, they were never fed by silver spoons, but instead iron ones. They were never spoiled but were taught the realities of the world. If they were simply born into the greatness that was not their own, then they’d fall victim to negligence. To continue building the legacy, they had to first struggle as their forefathers did.”

She moves on to a mannequin dressed in a fancy uniform. It looks as if it could be brand new, but the information plaque proves otherwise. Over 70 years since it had been worn.

“My father used to say: ‘Taking fruit from a tree someone else planted is not as sweet as one you’ve grown yourself.’ It was a silly little spout of wisdom that often popped up throughout my life. I always remember it when I begin my training, and when I eat an apple. Even now it reminds me that where I stand is not promised. What I’ve earned will fade if I do not continue to earn it over and over. Despite my upbringing of training tirelessly, it is up to my own hands to use the tools gifted properly.”

Now she stops in front of a whole case filled with boxing gloves and championship belts. Kanna presses her hand against the glass very gently. These appear to be newer. In fact, the surrounding area seems to have more recent trophies.

“There was something that Issak said to me that struck a chord. How my confidence could easily fall into arrogance. When I remember the stories of my family; I feel a bit of shame.” She turns away from the case. “While I was designed, bred, if you want, to be a wrestler. I knew some things would fail in translation. My truths were to never dismiss anyone else but to be brought to the attention of others. My family calls me their prodigy… Their La bête, a grave digger; those titles were not given to be bragged upon or become crutches. Instead, it was instilling hope in what heights I could flourish to. With that being said, I do find solace in knowing more are like me. Where this path was all we have to tread upon. Of course, conversely, they are too few like me. I’m fighting for far more than myself, but the desire to be more for selfish reasons is always lingering. These are where my path with Michelle Riggs weaves and also greatly divides…”

She stops at an intersection. Her eyes grow colder.

“Her summary of her own family’s dynasty vastly differs from my own. She submits herself to the silver spoon in hopes it’ll build a throne alone. Not to mention, diminishing the accomplishments of the collective. If she has no faith in their abilities then what standard are her own? What might’ve been said to intimidate lacks the foundation for belief. It does not install fear but ever-growing doubt. It also establishes her negligence because what she earned in the past has now become all there is. In truth, Michelle was not prepared to prove herself a proper combatant.” A snicker marks the end.

“In her desire to make PWE a home like FIGHT, every word became a shackle dragging her into defeat. She is a prime example of what Issak warned me about arrogance. Always peering down her nose at others and never truly seeing who, what, is in front of her. Soon all she will ever be is just a ‘Queen’ in name alone. One dimensional title that will be a faulty safety net leading absolutely nowhere. When Michelle is unmistakably dethroned, what happens? Since she has to become aware that she is not directly ‘on top’, what is the next step? What is her redemption? I promise that she will not find it with me.”

For the first time, Kanna addresses her opponent but she appears a bit concerned “There has to be more, Michelle. "Being the best" is too vague. That term can be applied to anything, and that includes "being the best at mediocrity." All those things you claimed were meaningless when you needed them the most. If it continues then soon this path will morph into an endless cycle of loss and excuses just to keep afloat. One thing that should’ve been learned was the ability to humble yourself. Even if by an inch.” She shakes her head. “That isn’t what I strive to accomplish during our match, however. It isn't my place to help you. So there is a bit of… unwanted advice, I suppose.” ** with a shrug, she merely finds another row to walk down. She takes time peering inside the cases with a faint smile. Soon they come upon a line of thrones.

“The first mistake made was underestimating Issak, someone who fought all over the world and won titles just as she did. The second was insulting our Excellence Champion who earned the title against who defeated her. The next one is when Michelle Riggs underestimates me on ‘The Bad Luck Club’. A suitable statement for the ‘queen’, I think…”

She approaches a throne on the far left running her fingers over the wooden structure. Her smile dulls into a near grimace.

“I have enjoyed finding patterns… When it comes to my opponents they are never short of supply. Like Maladi, Michelle is far too concerned with what fans think of her. Their opinions don’t lend much inside of the ring, and even if the ‘queen’ brings in thousands, did they pay just to watch her fail? Entertainment does not have one source, I suppose. So even if more people know someone else’s name far beyond mine, does it set them up to accomplish more? From what I’ve seen? No. This silver spoon attitude can also be seen in her questions— Who draws people to PWE? Her.” Kanna scoffs, disappearing behind the thrones. Her laughter echoes. From between two stone craft thrones, she appears again regaining her composure.

“Not Issak who defeated her, or Allen our Excellence Champion. Not Ellie, our Victory Champion, or Joe, our new Impulse champion. Not Ollie, or the return of Damian Ayla— not anyone else on the entire roster… but her.”

Kanna does not sit down but moves in front of them all. “There might be some truth in that, Michelle Riggs… People might come to our next show just to watch you make an utter fool of yourself again. This time it’ll be even more spectacular to watch you lose to a ‘nobody’ like myself.” A toothy grin greets the camera.

“While my opponent idly sits upon a self-appointed throne, I will be moving towards the Excellence title.” Kanna relocates to a section that has a series of crowns. Each one is more beautiful than the next.  ”As my opponent repeats her mantra, I will be competing against the best this industry has to offer just so I can be prepared to fight Allen. My legacy will be forged through trials of fire, instead of petty words. I am going to earn my spot back so that the Excellence title can be wrapped around my waist.”

She stops at a final pedestal that is holding a crown made from plastic. Kanna plucks it up and examines it closely. A nasty smile spreads on her lips. “It is time to continue… By toppling a queen. I pray this helps the shackles constructed of your hubris, Michelle…”

The crown drops to the floor where Kanna crushes it beneath her boot.

“Mächtige throne werden für das kollektiv errichtet, um größe zu erreichen.”

The scene cuts off.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

[ Bluesea Sushi ]

[ Off Camera ]

“Ah, dealing with a royal type? Just treat it like the French revolution— behead’em!” Adam shoveled in a piece of tuna sushi. “Most of the time they are just blowing smoke up everyone’s ass.”

Kanna froze mid-motion while putting a piece of sushi into her mouth. Her eyes squinted, “Have you fought a lot of them?”

“There are a lot of people who consider themselves ‘royalty’. It should always be a title that is given, but even then? It’s hard to hold respect for people who say it. I’ve always thought that it’s one title that should never have to be bragged about. People should just see it in how you act; in your accomplishments.” Jennifer finished off another plate and stacked it with her growing pile.

“The more they say it, the more you oughta laugh.” Adam agreed, adding two more plates to his own.

Kanna settled back. “Is wrestling not different? Our voices are supposed to hold weight.” She ate slowly, considering what her siblings said. In theory, she knew of people cut from this cloth. It was vastly different having to dissect one.

Adam leaned forward, “Sure but if someone has to tell you something repeatedly? Does it not get pointless?”

“Like alphabet soup…” Kanna mumbled.

“Uh, sure?” Adam quirked a brow. “Look at it like this: those monikers we have? Should never be used like affirmations. It very easily transforms people into walking caricatures. They aren’t worthy competitors anymore because they are too delusional to accomplish anything. Be wary of people who can’t humble themselves for even a second.”

“He’s right,” Jennifer confirmed with a nod before she studied her sister briefly. She grabbed two more plates moving past the conveyor belt. One set before Kanna while she took the other. “Have you seen any of your friends recently?”

“No, no. I am going to go visit Myung after this next show. She told me she bought an island.”

The siblings paused.

“She what now?”

“Mm? She is always saying funny things.” Kanna smiled softly.

Adam and Jennifer exchanged a glance. What did they know about Kanna’s new friends? From her explanation, Myung and her wife lived in a mansion. Closer to a compound where a lot of people seemed to go in and out at will. They had offered Kanna a room to move into upon spending some time with her. Money was a non-issue to them. It drew eerie comparisons to their own family and that did not install any confidence.

“Well, that’s good. You deserve to have some fun. Just don’t go flying off to any islands anytime soon, okay?” Jennifer smiled.

“I don’t think I’ll have time for a vacation until after our first Pay-Per-View. If all goes well then perhaps I should. I haven’t been on a small island in quite a while.” Kanna continued to eat. Her mood was improving the longer they were away from the house.

“So, what does Myung’s wife do?” Adam fished.

Kanna paused briefly, “I… do not know.” Her eyes widened a bit upon this realization.

This raised a few flags for them to investigate. Thankfully, their brother was the perfect one to fulfill the task. Both worried about their youngest; she was more like a shut-in than the rest of them. The world was new to her, as were people. Better safe than sorry. Wrestling held a lot of bizarre, powerful, and dangerous people amidst the crowd. That was just common knowledge. The last thing they wanted was for Kanna to get wrapped up with the wrong people. Not they had a right to judge because that's what they were to most.

“When you figure it out, I wanna know. I’m curious.” Adam smiled to distract both himself and his sister.

“I will.”

Jennifer allowed a brief silence. “Sooo. Met anyone you might wanna date?”

Kanna nearly choked on her sushi! She patted her chest then sputtered out a nonsensical response! Just a series of baffling noises! Adam instantly started to laugh at the sight which brought a kick under the table.

“No one even remotely catches your eye?”

“W-what!? Of course not… There’s no sense in that.” Kanna shook her head and chugged down some water. “They are people I’m competing against.”

“Who has that ever stopped?” Adam asked, rubbing at his sore shin.

“It should stop you.” Kanna bit back. “I’m not… No. I don’t want to date anyone.”

Jennifer smirked. “I’m sure if you asked your friend she might be able to introduce you to someone!”

Kanna swiftly kicked her too! She rubbed at her heated face and then grabbed another plate to eat. Why were they always like this?! Listening to both of them erupt into laughter did help her smile though. It was a relief to see her family outside of that house. For the first time in weeks, Kanna felt calm.

“Why is my dating life always brought up!? Why doesn’t Adam date?!” Kanna pointed her chopsticks at him but there was no point. He was too busy laughing. She puffed up her cheeks and sunk into the booth. What a couple of pains.

They could be easy to distract and that gave Kanna a chance to slump into the booth. Was it so strange that she didn’t focus on those things? It was always brought up. Kanna shoveled more food into her mouth to avoid any more of the conversation. Her only focus was on her career… Wasn’t that a good thing? Wasn’t that what they wanted?

Honestly, it was getting more difficult to tell.

“We should get some dessert! Right?” Jennifer poked her sister's arm.

An automatic smile, “Yeah. Yeah, sounds good.”