"Breathe your life into me!"
6'1"
175 lbs.
"Breathe Into Me (Remix Acustica)" by Red
San Diego, California
Lawful Evil
"Evolutionary Imperative"
VICTORY ROSTER
|
Post by Nathaniel Dixon 🗡️ on Feb 20, 2023 2:00:00 GMT
July 31st, 2022 7:10 AM
“...when Jack made his report, I was afraid…”
I was lost in my oldest son’s embrace. However much time passed by was of no concern to me. For the time being, I refused to let him go. There was a splash of a gentle cologne on his dress shirt. In his arms, he was very careful not to apply too much pressure. He knew my sensitivities well.
“I’m sorry, mother.”
Nathaniel was only soft-spoken with me. I taught him to never raise his voice in my presence. He’s never forgotten that lesson from his childhood. I took a moment to close my eyes and listen to his heartbeat. That bullet was meant for his heart. A second later and he would have been…
No. I mustn’t think of such a dreadful scenario. God sent a guardian angel to protect him. I lost my oldest daughter Caleigh in a car accident twenty-eight years ago. I cannot lose another one of my children. Feeling a slight shift in his movement, his lips pressed against my left cheek and I caught a glimpse of his smile.
“It was peaceful for a time. This was bound to happen.”
How could he sound so confident? Shaking my head, I slowly pulled back and carefully relieved him of the left side of his suit jacket. My fingertips barely touched the surface of the dress shirt’s buttons before he took a cautious step back.
“You don’t want to see… It’s still healing.”
I pressed my lips together in a thin line and reluctantly nodded. Through the fabric of the cloth, I could barely make out the medical bandages wrapped around his left shoulder. I helped him fix his suit jacket back on and calmly smoothed it out with my hands. He smiled and bowed his head.
“Thank you, mother. Is everyone present and accounted for?”
“Yes, though some of them are still asleep.”
With shimmering eyes, I looked up at him.
“Ami was rather surprised at the sudden change of plans. She was upset that she had to cancel her music concert. Nathaniel… you haven’t told her the truth yet, have you?”
The sudden furrowing of his brows and the breaking of eye contact told me his answer. We’ve been reunited since the Summer of 2018 and my oldest granddaughter still didn’t know. She had no idea of the reality of her late mother’s bloodline.
“She needs to know…”
He shook his head and turned to face me again.
“How in the world do you tell a long-lost member of your family that she was born into the British Mafia?”
His Adam’s apple moved when he swallowed. There was unease and uncertainty between us. While Ami deserved to know, Nathaniel’s question was a complicated one. How do we tell her? Her biological father, Henri Kennedy, married into the Dixon Family. Caleigh gave birth to her when she was eighteen years old. She was the daughter of the Boss’s Heiress. The answer…?
“I… I don’t know…”
It was my turn to break eye contact, lowering my head with a sigh. He closed the distance between us, carefully wrapped his left arm around my waist, and gently placed his right hand on the back of my head. Once again, I found myself listening to his heartbeat, and of course, I noticed it was beating a little faster now.
“We need to find the right time, mother… Preferably without the cowboy towering protectively over her.”
Oh. He spoke of Ami’s new boyfriend. DJL, was it…? I had no idea what his initials meant. Perhaps when it’s finally time to meet him in person, I shall find out. Until then…? Nathaniel is right.
It’s just a matter of when.
The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Don't mind us, we're just spilling our guts. If this is love, I don't wanna be loved! You pollute the room with a filthy tongue.
Watch me choke it down so I can throw it up!
Don't mind us, we're just spilling our guts. If this is love, I don't wanna be hanging by the neck… Before an audience of death!
London, England July 31st, 2022 9:00 AM
“Four years of peace and quiet… and now we have a client hiring assassins.”
My husband narrowed his eyes on our oldest son. Inside this old fashion-themed dining area, everyone in the family was present except for my granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Jack informed me ahead of time that Serenity was keeping Ami, Chris, and Claire busy in the gaming and music rooms. Until they knew the truth, they could not attend emergency family meetings like this one. The business of the British Mafia was not to be exposed to anyone on the outside.
“You were unable to identify the client,” Arthur scowled. “You failed to obtain information from either one of the two assassins.”
“T’be fair, Mr. Dixon…” My son-in-law, Jack, spoke up. He was leaning against the eastern wall close to the double doors. “...the professional wasn’t gonna talk. Not for nothin’. As fer the rookie, Nate told me she resisted the questionin’. Ain’t nothin’ else he could’ve done.”
Nathaniel glanced over at his brother-in-law and nodded. “We believe her client might be a member of the Italian mob, but that’s just one possibility.” He turned back towards his father.
“Then why spare her life?” Arthur folded his arms across his chest. “Why let her go? We do not leave any witnesses, Nathaniel, Jack. Mercy is for the weak.”
“My humble apologies, Mr. Dixon…” Jack lightly bowed his head.
Nathaniel, however, was far more stubborn. “I’m not sorry. The Small Lady was a new assassin. She wasn’t even wearing gloves for the assassination attempt. She’s not a threat.”
“She almost killed you.” Arthur scoffed.
Nathaniel rolled his eyes. “It was a lucky shot. It’ll never happen again.”
I took a slow, deep breath and let out a silent sigh. My eyes moved to observe the behaviors of the others. Maximilian and Ryleigh were sitting at one of the two-person tables. Gwendolyn was seated at the booth closest to her husband. Although he wasn’t a Dixon by blood, Nicholas Remington was Nathaniel’s best friend. He was a long-time close friend of the family. We trusted him completely. He was seated at another two-person table; the empty seat belonged to Nathaniel.
“Lord Arthur, if I may please speak freely…?” Nicholas turned his head towards my husband.
Even though Arthur’s eyes were glaring at Nathaniel, he did acknowledge Nicholas. “Speak your mind, Mr. Remington.”
“Thank you. M’Lord.” Nicholas rose from his seat and politely bowed to my husband. He also mirrored the gesture for me. “M’Lady.”
I smiled softly and nodded. “You have the floor.”
Nicholas smiled for the briefest moment before he cleared his throat. “As you know, the Remington Family has a small number of resources in Western Europe. Medical offices, counseling centers, orphanages… With your permission and a little bit of time, I may be able to quietly investigate the Italian Mob and see what’s going on.”
“Reconnaissance, hmm?” Arthur contemplated this.
Furrowing his brows, Nathaniel shook his head. “Absolutely not, Rem. That’s dangerous.”
“You’ve been suddenly thrown into the fire, Nate,” Nicholas chuckled softly. “We’re already in danger. I wish to provide some intel.”
“Then that is what you shall do, Mr. Remington.” Arthur nodded and unfolded his arms.
My oldest son sharply turned towards his father with a growl. “I am the Head of the Family. You can’t overrule my objection.”
“Oh, I most certainly can, boy.” A smirk crossed my husband’s face. “You may be the executioner, but I am the judge. My word is final.”
I did not like this.
“How dare you?” Nathaniel’s body grew tense. “You just love embarrassing me, don’t you?”
I did not like this at all.
My daughters were looking away, clearly uncomfortable with the escalation of the meeting. Jack moved from the wall to tend to his wife. Taking a deep breath, Maximilian raised his left hand. “Father, Nathaniel, please… There is no need for this.”
Neither one of them acknowledged him. He swallowed uneasily and sank into his chair. The argument between the two was becoming unnecessarily heated and I’d heard enough.
Loud and clear.
Finally, Arthur and Nathaniel ceased and desisted. They looked at me with contrasting expressions. A frown crossed my oldest son’s face, his eyebrows relaxing a little as he quietly bowed.
“Forgive me, mother.”
My husband’s stoicism rose to his face. He was as blank as an empty canvas.
Shaking my head, I gave him a firm look. “You are retired, Arthur. Our son, Nathaniel, is the Boss. Allow him to lead.”
To the outsider, it would appear Arthur’s eyes were glaring icicles into my soul. I knew better. Whether he liked it or not, my husband was aware of how right I was. After all, I was the one who persuaded him to retire with me. Live our days in our London estate, spend more time with our family, especially our great-grandchildren, leave for vacations whenever we pleased…
Money was no issue. It never was. It never will be.
“Um… Dad?”
At her seat, our youngest daughter Ryleigh quietly spoke up. Normally, she was far more confident, a fun-loving extrovert with style and flair. However, this situation has thrown her off. She’d told me that she had just established a brand new relationship with a young man in the United States. I believe his name was Raion Kido. To be separated from him out of the blue, unable to explain the real reason why she had to depart for London… It must’ve spiked her anxiety.
Of course, hearing his little girl’s voice dropped Arthur’s stoicism and he turned to her with a gentle smile. “Yes, Princess?”
A light red hue surfaced upon her puffed-up cheeks. “Dad, please. I’m not a little girl.” She let out a huff and softly inhaled. “I don’t know what’s been going on, but lately, you’ve been exceedingly hard on Nate. It’s not just about his role as the Owner and CEO of Dixon Corporate Enterprises. It goes beyond the power and authority of our House. You’ve been interfering with his career as a professional wrestler. The bitterness and resentment between you two are as subtle as a firefight in an antique store. You know wrestling has been his greatest passion since before I was even born!”
“What is this…?” I couldn’t help but present my confusion. I was completely unaware of my husband getting involved in Nathaniel’s professional wrestling career. “Arthur, what is the meaning of this?” I turned toward him with the full expectation of answers.
He would not surrender one. “It is not a priority to be concerned with, my love.”
“Father…” At last, Gwendolyn rose from her seat and stood next to her husband. “...our baby sister is right. My belief is you are attempting to sabotage his career in the wrestling industry so that he may do what you want him to do. You want him to focus on being the Head of the Family. You want him to solely concentrate on British Mafia-related matters.”
Ryleigh firmly nodded and chimed into her older sister’s argument. “Even worse, you want him to break up with Keiji… just so you can arrange a marriage between him and some random woman of your choosing?!” Suddenly, she was fired up.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! None of this… none of this had ever reached my ears until now. My eyes widened and my lips parted to say something, anything--
“You shared our private conversation in my study…?” Arthur glared at Nathaniel.
In return, Nathaniel casually shrugged. “You want me to start a family. I’ve never been interested in the concept of having my own children, but that doesn’t suit your needs, does it? Clearly, you want an heir or heiress to take over the moment I drop dead.”
I could hear the venom in my oldest son’s voice. Surely Arthur wouldn’t want him to die…?
“Do not speak to me with such ill disdain!” My husband slightly raised his voice.
A cruel smirk formed on Nathaniel’s face. “Why not? Is it because we’re in front of everyone? You don’t want them to know your true self, do you? Because I am the Devil’s Son!”
S M A C K !
It resonated throughout the dining area. We were in complete shock by Arthur backhanding Nathaniel across his face in front of us. In front of me. . .
My husband hit our oldest son. My precious boy. But Nathaniel just chuckled.
“What a shame, father. Your hits are so weak now.”
Hits…? This wasn’t the first time Arthur hit Nathaniel? I can’t believe-- I’ve had enough of this. I was still in shock, but I had to act. Immediately, I moved out of the booth and regarded Maximilian and Jack with pleading eyes. “Separate them. This emergency meeting is temporarily suspended until further notice.”
My youngest son was slightly taken aback. “O-of course, mother. Right away.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jack nodded and began to move.
Arthur was unhappy with my request, but he reluctantly allowed our son-in-law to separate him from Nathaniel. Even though Nathaniel didn’t try to make a move toward my husband, his younger brother gently pulled him aside and led him to Gwendolyn. She was the nurse of the family. She would tend to his reddening cheek. Nicholas followed after them without a word. Arthur and Nathaniel will be taken to separate rooms in the estate, as far away from each other as possible. This left the dining area quiet and unsettling. Ryleigh and I were the only ones here now.
“...why was I born a Dixon…?”
Just barely, I heard her mutter this question under her breath. It wasn’t the first time she’s asked herself this. The last time was in September 2018… when Maximilian was abducted. The family emergency forced everyone to stay here and lay low for an indefinite amount of time. She had to sacrifice developing a relationship with the woman she was romantically interested in. Marilyn Janes was her name. I believe she’s Marilyn Matthews now. I remembered how devastated Ryleigh was when she realized she was too late and Marilyn had moved on.
Even though it was not her fault…? Ryleigh called it “Runaway’s Guilt”.
Of all my children, she was the one who lived the most “normal” life. Caleigh was Arthur’s Heiress. When she died, the responsibility of leading the family was thrust upon Nathaniel. For a long time, he had to set aside his aspirations of professional wrestling. Maximilian was the family lawyer who specialized in criminal justice. He kept our secret lives in the British Mafia safe and proved every accusation against us false. Gwendolyn was the family nurse who worked alongside her mentor, Dr. Magnus Wright, to treat the wounds we could not show in general hospitals for fear of raising questions and suspicions. Ryleigh was free to live her life however she wished. After high school, she became a model for Trenton Modeling Industries, along with other modeling agencies later on. She was a party-goer. She loved our family, but she also loved fun. From the very beginning, she wanted no part in the British Mafia.
Was it a curse to be born into this family…?
“Ryleigh, sweetheart…” I invited her to sit down with me at the booth. She accepted and we sat next to each other. Not long after that, I embraced her ever-so-lovingly.
Right now, my baby girl needs me. I will speak to Arthur later.
Chapter XIV: Madness Revealed
…For me as a guide, y'all can see me now. 'Cause you don't see with your eye, you perceive with your mind! That's the inner (Fuck 'em!) so I'ma stick around with Russ and be a mentor. Bust a few rhymes so motherfuckers remember Where the thought is, I brought all this So you can survive when law is lawless (Right here!) Feelings, sensations that you thought was dead No squealing and remember…
That it's all in your head!
“...Nate?”
D a z e d. So far away. Where was he right now?
“Nate, are you sure you wanna do this right now?”
D i z z y. Was he concussed? Possibly. He could sense his brother-in-law’s presence. He could hear him and yet…?
B l o o d i e d.
“Y’know, the main event was less than two hours ago…” Jack frowned. “You should let the doc check ya out and give ya some meds. You need to rest.”
Victory was only a short while ago…?
The reality: A camera phone was recording this on the same night.
Orlando, Florida
February 7th, 2023
10:00 PM?
“I need…” Nathaniel let out a breath through his parted lips. God, it was hard to breathe through his nostrils. “...to address what the Bloody Hell just happened.”
“Stubborn ass.” With a sigh, Jack retrieved his smartphone from his right jacket pocket. His body language reflected both strength and unease. Still, he held the mobile device up with both hands and started the recording.
Completely raw footage.
No edits.
“To… Mrs. Tara Ayla…” Nathaniel closed his eyes. “...the Mistress of your own bloody cult. Pre-approved by your husband, I’m sure. He certainly loves feeding into your violence.”
A weak chuckle escaped him. He knew she wasn’t going to like that. Damian may not either, but Nathaniel didn’t care about him.
Unless Damian, himself, interjects.
“I understand the game now. The knowledge is finally crystal clear. Ever since your husband set out the open challenge for anyone in or out of Professional Wrestling Excellence, you’ve been extremely bothered by the invasion of wrestlers from different parts of the industry. A plague upon the houses. You disapprove of those you believe are infecting this company. Am I one of those people? Do you actually believe I am unworthy of being here?
Heh. So… the game is meant to destroy those you believe have spread into PWE like a virus. Is that why you went after Mr. Joe Montouri? Because he and Mrs. Vhodka Black utterly humiliated Allen Chaney and exposed his worthlessness? Do you know how disgusting and gag-worthy the bloody hot dog toilet “meme” was? No one needed to see that garbage on a regular basis. Some would rather pour bleach into their eyes. I almost wanted to. It was completely reasonable for Joe and Vhodka to retaliate in kind. Give the wannabe Comedian a taste of his own medicine.
That would explain why your husband offered Mr. Montouri to you on a silver platter. You bloodied his face. Hell, it might even be broken. He was the number one contender for the Excellence Championship… and just like that, you eliminated him. Sent him to the back of the line in a medical ward. You don’t want anyone you deem unworthy to pursue the gold.”
He took a moment to slowly, calmly breathe with thin-parted lips. Breathing through his mouth was the last thing he wanted to do in front of a camera, but he needed to address this situation.
“Then it makes perfect sense. You knew I had a championship shot that was promised to me. I had earned it in the Olla Rumble prior to the company’s closure. I never lost it. It was simply taken from me. I’ve come back to collect what is rightfully mine: the opportunity to compete for any one of the Pro Wrestling Excellence titles. You don’t want that to happen, do you, Mrs. Ayla? So you’re trying to eliminate me in the same way you eliminated Mr. Montouri.
Except… you didn’t do this to me with your own hands.
No. You sent two of your bloody cultists after me.
Bunny and Faceless.
What’s the matter, Tara? Too high and mighty, holier-than-thou to do your own dirty work? Oh, you have minions to take care of that. You and Damian are “the power couple” of this company. You need not soil your hands if you do not wish to. You have the numbers. You send them after specific people because you do not want them to taint the high prestige you, your husband, Allen, and several others have worked so hard to establish.
Never forget, Tara. This was your husband’s doing… Or is it undoing?
“A plague upon your houses…” Is that what you lot believe? This pathetic “Old Guard” who refuses to accept the new? Very well, then. I will be the incurable, irreversible plague that will destroy you all from the inside out. Here I was presenting the Lord… when in reality, you wanted the Monster.
It is your funeral.”
He attempted to breathe through his nose, but all it did was make him cough. Waving his right hand, he turned away from the camera phone’s view. “Turn it off.”
Without hesitation, Jack stopped the recording.
Coronado, San Diego, California
February 19th, 2023
12:30 AM
To Miss Katerina Michelle Darling.
The Disney Darling.
Cute. I like that. It wouldn’t surprise me if my youngest niece Little Serena was a fan of yours. She loves Disney. She’s seen every single Disney animated film. She’s seen every Disney Pixar movie. I could go on and on, but I think you understand.
I always take the time to study my opponents. I’ve never been one to underestimate anyone, regardless of who they are. Miss Darling, I’m certain you know that a novice in the wrestling industry can defeat a legend on any given night. A wrestler without a single championship in their career can defeat a wrestler with multiple championships and accolades. I, myself, am a good example of this. In no particular order, of course…
I soundly defeated Jensen Kidd, a “supposed” multi-time champion.
I triumphed over The Ringmaster, the longest-reigning NFW Genesis Champion.
I’ve won a match against Serena Riot, a long-time Zion Wrestling World Champion.
I pinned Phrixus Deimos for the three, a three-time UGWC World Champion.
I’ve bested Lord Hastings, a six-time UGWC World Champion, in a glorious upset.
I surpassed Adrien Cochrane, a five-time World Champion throughout different companies, in the Olla Rumble. Hell, I ranked third out of so many competitors.
Speaking of competitors… Out of eighteen wrestlers, some of them with multiple championships in their resumés, I placed second in the Camden Roth Sr. Memorial Tournament. I was a finalist for the PWV World Championship.
Of course, I’m well aware you are a bearer of gold, Miss Darling. The current, reigning and defending FPW Tag Team Champions alongside Cassie Wolfe. From the information I gathered, of which I hope is not outdated… that is your first championship. A belated congratulations to you and Miss Wolfe. I promise you that is a genuine well wish.
Now… it must be a wonder if this upsets me? After all, my reaction to Chelsea Skye and Casanova English having titles… was one of pure frustration. Envy? Hmm. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t even the slightest bit jealous. After all… I’m starving for gold.
But I recently came to understand something. Every time I make a promise to capture a championship in whatever company I am a part of? Well… when I lose, it makes my promises look empty. Empty promises weaken my status as a professional wrestler. More people see me and believe me to be… a joke.
Much like Allen bloody Chaney makes me out to be.
Yes… I do confess that he is a multiple-time World Champion… as much as I despise that. He’s a long-time professional wrestler and he’s damn good at it.
…
Ugh. It leaves such a bad taste in my mouth.
But I digress. So, instead of making promises that I cannot guarantee…? I have adopted a new perspective in my wrestling style. No more promises. Only pain. So far, it’s been going along rather nicely. People who believed I was just some posh, arrogant, self-entitled Brit are beginning to realize that I am a real threat in this industry. They’re being forced to accept that I am a professional wrestler in my own right.
Did you know that some of the best wrestlers in this industry… have never won a single championship in their careers? Don’t misunderstand the fact. They made strong, valiant efforts to win the matches with the gold on the line. Unfortunately, they fell short… But they were recognized as among the best this sport has ever seen. Some of them have passed on. Some of them are retired. Some of them are still active.
Miss Darling, I want you to simply understand this. I may not have a single title to my name, but I am a good wrestler. I am a fighter anywhere and everywhere I go. Come the twenty-first Victory this Tuesday night, we will meet inside the squared circle for the very first time. Give me one hundred percent. Bring your A-game. Because while you are a sweetheart, a kind soul who believes there is goodness in everyone…?
As much as a part of me wants to be good…?
I will always be evil in their eyes.
Consider our bout a lesson in the reality of humanity. Humans are not kind. They are creatures of sin. They are imperfect beings who strive for perfection -- something that doesn’t exist. Adam and Eve ruined that eons ago. No matter how good someone is to you…? Never let your guard down around them. A woman loved her pet snake. When the snake began to feel unwell, she was concerned. She tried her best to take care of the snake, but it refused to eat. The snake remained at her bedside for a time… Until one night, it expanded its mouth and swallowed her whole.
For you, I will not be that snake. However, I am certain there are those who will not hesitate to devour you. They’ll shatter your purity and grind it into dust. Learn this lesson well. It may be harsh, but in the long run, you’ll thank me for it, I’m sure. For you, Miss Darling, I present the Lord. No manipulations. No evil intentions. Just you, me, and a referee in that ring.
Best of luck to you.
Chapter XIV: End
|
|