| JM | Date: Tuesday, 2011/08/23, 4:40 PM | Message # 1 |
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Jobber
Group: Champion
Messages: 23
Status: Offline
| The City That Screams - Part Two
Marsham v. Payne: RP #2
Heavens frothed with the sudden surge of electricity belittling the skies; and it is becoming quite certain that a ferocious thunderstorm looms on the horizon. Las Vegas – in all of its decadent splendor – resides beyond the North American rain forests and amidst the barren desert landscape. Sin City's annual precipitation for the month of August averages well below half an inch, so to see the approaching gloom many are ripe with anticipation. Others, those who vacation to the city to escape the weather and enjoy the fierce climates, send curses to heavens.
Las Vegas is also known as the Capital of Second Chances. To Marsham, the city should be known as the Capital City of Two-Thousand Nicknames. Everyone seems to refer to the Las Vegas as something other than its actual name. The Capital of Second Chances fit though not for the Epitome of Technical Finesse, but his nemesis Marcellus Payne. He would be receiving his second chance at proving his worth to be at the top of the EWA food chain. Failure would send him straight down to with all the rest of the bottom-feeders. Many refer to Payne's championship match as his 'big chance'; however, Marsham does not see it that way. Marsham refers to Payne's number one contendership as an opportunity...because there is no chance that he will win.
Coins clank against one another as they fall out of various slot machines, pooling into the collection trays – their first stop on their journey towards redemption. The sounds of the casino are beautiful to the ears of the gambler. People flood the floors, gathering around various tables to watch and play. The Epitome of Technical Finesse is among them, positioned at a Blackjack table with split jacks on the board. To disrupt Marsham's concentration is his very own agent, Solomon Black.
”What're you doing? We have a press conference in like an hour!” exclaims Solomon.
Not often does Solomon look calm. He is a control freak and very schedule-oriented. He cannot be late to any event; and when dealing with an individual like Marsham, who is more spontaneous and is not concerned with time frames, it would not be surprising if Solomon developed an ulcer.
”...how much are you up?” questions Solomon, noting many stacks of chips lined up beside him.
Marsham replies in a barely audible tone, just casually glancing over the cards as he makes his decision. ”I'm up about four hundred or so. It started slow and I was not having much luck, but I've been winning for the past hour.”
”Look, I've got a ton riding on this. You can't leave me hanging on a conference YOU asked me to set up. If you can do this one thing for me this week then that'd be awesome. I purposely did not interfere with that Contendership match because you asked me not to. You can do this.”
Marsham groans. ”What I am going to do is sit right here and ride the rest of my streak.”
”Then, I'm calling it off. You can deal with the press then,” Solomon angrily states, withdrawing a cellular phone from his pocket.
”Contrary to popular belief, I don't actually need you to set-up my own promotional spots and press conferences. When I end up leaving here and heading back to New York, where will you be? Here, annoying the shit out of the rest of your clients. I've been doing this on my own for some time. I don't need a press conference because I have already put together a video promo that is airing tonight. I don't need some forum for shit-talkin' to Marcellus Payne. I just need enough time to irritate him a little,” states Marsham whilst never taking his eyes off the cards. ”Hit me.”
”–fine then. I'll leave you to your own vices then.”
With a smirk, Marsham now finally looks away from the card – having secured twenty points on the board. He has been on fire for so long, but his streak of luck would now be extinguished. The dealer with a face up queen of spades easily flips over an ace of diamonds to beat Marsham's score.
”Oh, I didn't say you couldn't be useful. I just don't run on the same time frame of things as you do. God, I cannot imagine what you were like when you were a wrestler. If a match didn't start on time, you must've had an aneurysm. Look – go spread the word about the Quest for Glory tournament. I'm entered into this damn thing, but I'd like to know exactly who my opponent is. You do a pretty good job at investigating and convincing people to tell you shit that they shouldn't. That can be your new task. Let me worry about Payne...and Crimson Blaze...and El Pablo...and any others who are focused on my Heavyweight Championship.”
Solomon nods and happily responds, ”I CAN do that!”
”Great. Do that! Now, I've got a lot ahead of me, so leave me to enjoy myself. I might not get another chance to visit Las Vegas again. Besides, my flight leaves in about eight hours and then it's back to the Avenue Crossing to train. There's a stack of tapes still sitting on my desk that I need to watch before I can even think of heading into the Supercard. Soooo, as you can see, I have a lot already to worry about. Thanks!”
”Have a nice flight then. Call me when you land. I'll see if I come up with anything before then.”
Marsham smiles. ”Thanks.”
- - - - - -
When audiences return to EWA television, they are greeted by a video package of Justin Marsham and Marcellus Payne's road to the Supercard. Generic rock music sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting match. While these two have not had too many altercations in the squared circle, the rivalry between them is undeniable. Other familiar faces also make an appearance during the video sequences including Crimson Blaze and El Pablo, the two who will be facing off at Rising from the Flames to determine who will be the next in line for a shot at Marsham's coveted title belt. When the video package concludes and the generic music fades, a new segment begins – a perfect lead into what will soon take shape over the screen.
Greeting the fans is a narrator that seems all too familiar. The voice is that of movie actor Morgan Freeman...or so it seems. It is not the actual actor, but a voice actor who is known for impersonating Morgan Freeman. The scene begins like a E! True Hollywood Story, revealing the start of a well organized documentary.
The narrator speaks:
The EWA Heavyweight Championship. It means so much to Justin Marsham. He worked so hard at acquiring the title that to see it go so soon in him life as champion would devastate him. He has a picture in his mind of what a champion should be and he is still working toward that iconic image. It is his hopes and dreams to become the world's greatest champion and to shape this organization into the place where 'everyone wants to be'.
But, how is he to do that when he is being forced to defend his championship against a beloved historic figure? He questioned for some time whether or not he would have it in him to break the hearts of millions of people world-wide. Millions of people have put their faith in his opponent; and for Marsham to beat him and retain his title would crush them. Better yet, would Payne's followers not try to interfere in their match? Or, would they simply stand idle as Marsham murders their idol?
For these questions, Marsham went to the best place in Vegas that would be able to answer them.
The Little Chapel of Flowers in Beverly Green.
The narrative leads viewers to an image of the chapel. The small white building is very stereotypical of a Las Vegas Chapel. A white limousine is parked beside the structure with JUST MARRIED etched across the back window in soap. Various flowers and potted plants ornament the exterior, endowing it with a very Hanging Gardens appeal. Further detail goes unnoticed for the exterior of the chapel is not the focus of the scene.
The audience is led inside where two individuals are shown seated across from one another. One individual is Justin Marsham. Not unlike many of his other promotional spots, the Epitome of Technical Finesse looks pristine. His sleek, black suit exudes not only expense, but also refined taste. Platinum cuff-links reflect the bright lighting of the chapel as he leans towards the individual across from him. With a pleasant smile engraved across his wrinkled countenance, Al Hansen – a minister employed at the Little Chapel of Flowers – patiently awaits his guest.
The setting is simple. Both men sit upon white folding chairs at the altar. With no wedding taking place at this time, the scene is quiet except for the conversation between Marsham and Hansen. The scene transpires much like a Dateline interview with Marsham's inquisitive mind seeking satisfaction from Hansen's wealth of knowledge.
If Marsham was to beat Marcellus Payne, he would need to know more about him. The best person to get that information from would be a man who claims to have a personal relationship with Payne and that would be Minister Al Hansen.
Leaning forward in his chair, Marsham's questions Hansen – his voice contaminated with curiosity. “How well do you know Marcellus Payne?”
Hansen shrugs and answers, “I...don't know him.”
“Oh? I was told that you have a personal relationship with him.”
“I have a personal relationship with Jesus,” retorts Hansen.
“Very well then. He does operate under different aliases. Then, how well do you know Black Jesus? What is his history?” asks Marsham after rephrasing the question, acting as if it were a common misunderstanding.
Hansen, as if not in on the joke, appears a bit hesitant at first to answer. He disregards Marsham calling him Black Jesus and, after a moment of silence, answers. “I know him quite well. He has influenced millions of people. He started as a carpenter and proceeded to sacrifice himself for the eternal lives of all others.”
Hansen's statement dropped a bomb on Marsham.
“Okay, well let's start at the beginning. You're telling me that Black Jesus started as a carpenter before making it to the big time,” begins Marsham but is promptly cut short by the interviewee.
Hansen interrupts. “I understand that there is a wide belief that Jesus had a dark skin complexion compared to the traditional image of him as a white man; however, I don't feel that it is appropriate to refer to him as black Jesus. I feel that may be a little blasphemous.”
“Oh, he is indeed black. But, that's not what I'm concerned about. I know the facts. I want to know what I don't know that you know,”states Marsham to a dismayed Hansen. “...and what really interests me is that you say that he has influenced millions of people. So, is it safe to assume that he has close followers? And I know he has followers on Twitter. I'm referring to those who are actually closest to him. I know of Jenkins, but are there others that I should know about?”
“Well, of course,” Hansen answers so matter of fact.“Jesus had his apostles. There was Paul and Judas and–“
Marsham is now the one to interrupt, asking, “Did they also wear pimp coats and carry canes as well?”
Confusion glazes over Hansen's eyes as he struggles to answer, not understanding what Marsham is talking about.
It would appear to Marsham at this point in the interview that Al Hansen is keeping something from him. Hansen's failure to immediately answer the question seems very peculiar to Marsham. He is avoiding something. Hansen has professed knowing Payne very well, so perhaps it is that he does not want to give Marsham an unfair advantage. Whatever is the issue, Marsham keeps pace with the interview.
“How did you actually come to know Black Jesus?”
“It is a long story. But, I will fast forward a little for you. I was young and stupid at the time it happened. I really led the wrong path early in my life and ended up going to prison and that's when I found Jesus.”
The plot got thicker. Had Black Jesus spent time in prison? Was he – indeed – a convict? If so, Marsham's match against Payne may end up being far more difficult than he ever imagined.
“What was his crime?” questions Marsham.
“Who?”
“Payne? ...err, Black Jesus?”
“Jesus' crime was loving too much. He was persecuted for trying to introduce us to the Heavenly Father. His prison sentence was carried out on the cross when he was crucified for our sins. When he died, he absolved us – you and me – of our sins.”
And that is when the bomb fell.
Shock, distress and curiosity collide over Marsham's countenance – warping his expressions beyond any single emotion. He pauses for a moment and then seeks explanation.
“So, what you're telling me is that Black Jesus has died.”
“Yes. He became the sacrificial lamb and died to wash away your sins; and he later came back to life from his tomb.”
“Let me be clear, he died and came back to life? Is he not unlike a cat? There are reports that cats have a supposed nine lives. Sometimes when you drop a cat from a high enough distance that it could injure the animal, it finds a way of landing. Not...not that I've ever done that. But, really? How many lives do you suspect he still has?”
Hansen shakes his head. “Listen, I don't know what you're getting at. The most important thing you can take out of this is that Jesus will save your soul and allow you to live forever with the Heavenly father.”
Marsham offers a nod and smiles. “You have been an amazing help today. You have answered all but one question I have and I'd really like you to give me some insight before we conclude. Now, I will be seeing Black Jesus on Sunday and we will meet head-to-head for the EWA Heavyweight Championship. To summarize, I have found out the following about Marcellus Payne...Black Jesus: he was once a carpenter, went to prison, has many followers who dress as pimps and carry canes, has once died AND he is immortal.
…
…now, how do I stop him?”
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