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The proverbial clock is ticking, especially for Jake Starr. For over a year he has been on the quest to be back in the title hunt of Supreme Championship Wrestling. It has been almost an obsession for Jake. It's been that drug that he's been weaned off of, but yet, can't quite get the desire for that high out of his mind. It's a feeling he's been chasing since the day he stepped back into an SCW ring... And in under one month, that wait, that quest, and that chase will come to an end, as he goes head to head with Thirteen, for the right to call themselves the king of the Adrenaline Division.
The match with Thirteen is one Jake had been clamoring for backstage. He had lobbied to get into the Adrenaline Gauntlet at Riding the Lightning. He had been backstage pleading for the opportunity to be a last second entrant, knowing he could go out there and pull off the win, but much like had been the case with the "suits," they stymied him. For some reason, the management at the SCW front offices has been working extra hard at keeping Jake down. It was almost as if they wanted him out of the title hunts in the organization. But there finally came that point when all of the ignoring, and all of the pushing to the side couldn't hold up under the weight of the resume Jake was putting in front of them. They had no choice but to step up, and give Jake an opportunity! When it was announced, Jake began to froth at the mouth. He could taste the opportunity, but the problem was, he didn't know when he'd get it, he just knew it would happen. It was something that put a definite sense of frustration into his mind. At first, it got to him. It got to him bad. He felt it was just an announcement that was geared to shut him up. He felt the front offices were just hoping by "announcing" he'd be in the chase for the Adrenaline Championship, he'd smile, and be the good little employee. He felt they had no intentions of making it soon, or making it anything more than a meaningless match, as many of the Adrenaline Championship matches had become prior to his arrival, and as of late as well. He definitely felt disgust, until he heard the announcement of Rise to Greatness. When he heard that, he felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, it was another waiting game. It was another time when he'd have to sit and just dilly dally around with random opposition, until Rise to Greatness came around. On the other hand, he thought maybe this was the Board of Directors giving him his moment to try and prove what he has said he deserved. He wondered if maybe this was his true test, and they're finally accepting the error of their ways, and understanding they, indeed, shunned him for too long. Regardless, he knew whatever the true reasoning was for their announcement, he would ultimately capitalize. Capitalizing on situations has been Jake's motto as of late. Both in the public eye, and in his private life as well. In public, he's been battling all comers in SCW, and just recently captured his second career OWF World Championship as well. In his private life, he's finally been given insight as to the persons behind the attempted thieving of his daughter. It was insight that was difficult to accept, but easy to believe. Sure, both Jake and Roeper were torn that their own family would try something like this, but in the end, there wasn't as much surprise if it had been someone whom they thought were fully in their corner all along. They also know that this whole story of treachery by Roeper's parents won't end without some form of fight. So they've been preparing for the next phase of battle. Surprisingly enough for them, however, the next phase has come quicker than expected. Earlier in the day, Jake received a call from his lawyer, asking if he had a free bit of time later that day for both he and Roeper to come down to his office and speak with him regarding the case. It was a phone call they had both been anxiously awaiting, and it finally came. The lawyers voice, however, wasn't one Jake had been used to hearing. Before today, Jake had heard his lawyer being very cautious, and only briefly hinting at optimism. He was always positive, but did his best to keep Jake from believing that anything was on the up and up, when he wasn't even aware. This time, it wasn't like that. This time, he's almost sounding jovial about the case. It's something that makes Jake waste no time in getting Roeper and Mara in their car, and making their way toward the lawyer's office. As they drive, their respective curiosities begin to increase, and the amount of time of silence continues to grow as well. Both seriously wonder what kind of news the lawyer will have for them. After several moments of internal curiosity, Roeper finally airs hers to Jake. Roeper Hart: ... So you have no clue what is going on? Jake Starr: Honestly, I don't have a damn clue. All I know is that he called me, sounded almost excited to get ahold of me, and asked that we come down there. I can say that I don't want to get too excited, but it sounded as if it's something good, finally! Roeper sighs.
Roeper Hart: Oh Jake, I hope you're right! But at the same time, I don't want to get my hopes up either... Jake briefly looks over at Roeper and gives her a look showing he agrees with her. She grabs his right hand, and squeezes it, as Jake goes back to focusing on the road.
They finally come upon the driveway of the lawyer's firm. Jake pulls in, and grabs one of the first spots available. As he turns the car off, he then gets out. Roeper then reaches into the back seat, and gets Mara out of her car seat. As she exits the vehicle with Mara in her arms, they all begin to make their way toward the front door. Once they reach the door, Jake reaches out and opens the door for his wife and daughter. They all walk in, and are immediately met by the receptionist at the firm. The receptionist quickly recognizes Jake, and welcomes him. Receptionist: Jake! Welcome! How have you guys been? Jake Starr: We've been doing better, I would say. Everything seems to be falling into place, and leaving us with less and less questions. How about you, how have you been? Receptionist: I've been... The receptionist stops mid-sentence, seeing Roeper emerge from behind Jake, carrying Mara. Her attention immediately goes to the child, as it is one of her personal "weaknesses."
Receptionist: Mara! She then jumps up out of her chair, and comes around from behind her desk to fawn over the youngling. This reaction is one Jake rolls his eyes and grins at, having become more and more accustomed to it happening. He knows that forever will his daughter be able to upstage him, and command more and more attention than him.
As the receptionist continues to go crazy over Mara, she looks up at Roeper, and the unavoidable "mommy talk" ensues. Receptionist: Oh my gosh Roeper! She's so big! Has she begun walking, talking, causing mass amounts of chaos? Roeper chuckles at the over-the-top reaction to Mara.
Roeper Hart: Oh she's definitely mobile! She keeps me busy with her constant movements. She's been my little weed lately, that's for sure. On top of all that... She's becoming a bit of a picky eater, if you ask me. Jake can't resist chiming in.
Jake Starr: Nah, she's not picky. She just doesn't like eating crap! The receptionist looks over at Jake and begins to laugh. She then looks back over at Roeper, whoc just shakes her head at her husband.
Roeper Hart: No... She's a picky eater! The receptionist goes back to googoo-ing and gaga-ing over Mara. In response, Mara coos, giggles, and then quickly hides her face in Roeper's shoulder. It's a reaction Jake and Roeper aren't used to seeing, and both laugh.
Roeper Hart: When did you decide you were going to be shy? Jake Starr: Ha ha, yeah, usually she's clamoring to be the center of attention! Roeper nods.
Roeper Hart: Yeah... You're right there! Receptionist: Aww... Well she is doing just that! She's making everyone pay attention to her right now! Jake Starr: ... And now you're right! They continue to let Mara be the center of the universe, and their conversation, for several more moments. Mara is continually told how beautiful and wonderful she is by each of those people out there around her. Finally, the receptionist realizes that they're not there to simply show off their baby girl, and runs over to her desk. She phones back to the lawyer, who has heard the commotion outside, and figured Jake and Roeper had arrived with Mara.
After a couple of breaths, the lawyer finally appears from around the corner to greet Jake and Roeper. Lawyer: Guys! You made it! The lawyer reaches out and shakes Jake's hand. He then steps over, and gives Roeper a kiss on the cheek. After doing so, he sees Mara peeking out at him. He reaches in and gives her a little tickle on the shoulder, to which she replies by burying her head in Roeper's shoulder all over again. From under Roeper's neck the grin of the little girl can easily be seen.
Jake Starr: Oh hell, now she's figured out the ability of flirting! The receptionist can't wait to chime in with her own quip.
Receptionist: It sure wouldn't be the first time a cute girl walked in here, and flirted with him in this lobby! The lawyer chuckles himself.
Lawyer: Why don't you guys come back to my office, guys/ As Jake and Roeper turn to follow, the receptionist offers her services during their meeting.
Receptionist: You know, you're welcome to leave Mara up here to play, if you want. I'm happy to watch her! Lawyer: She's one of the best babysitters in the business, I can say that! As Jake begins to follow the lawyer, Roeper briefly thinks about it, and quickly realizes that it sounds like a good idea. She knows that it'd give her a little reprieve, and less to worry about while they're actually meeting with the lawyer. She hands Mara over to the receptionist, who immediately pulls toys out from her desk drawer. Roeper chuckles, and then heads around the corner, catching up to Jake and the lawyer down the hallway.
The trio reach the lawyer's office, and walk in. Lawyer: Take a seat, guys! Both Jake and Roeper notice the same positive tone in the voice of the lawyer, and continue to try and refrain from getting too excited. They each take their seat, and as Jake gets situated, he can't help but comment on the whole situation.
Jake Starr: I have to say, we're both anxious to see if this news is good or bad. I didn't want to get my hopes up, or anything, but you did sound a bit excited about getting us in to see you. Unbeknownst to Jake, Roeper, and their lawyer, this situation begins to have an eerie similarity to the encounter that Ron and Alice had with the agent from Child Protective Services.
Lawyer: Well let me begin by saying that you guys don't have to worry. This news is definitely not of the "brace yourselves" variety, so I think it's safe for you to take a deep breath. Both Jake and Roeper are relieved to hear that the news isn't of the negative variety. They each let out a sigh of relief, and both feel their respective senses of worry begin to turn into more senses of curiosity. They each are curious about what exactly the news could now be.
As Jake and Roeper continue to be curious, the lawyer begins to get some papers organized on his desk. After doing so, he looks up at Jake and Roeper, and smiles. Lawyer: Remember guys... Relax! You guys still look a bit tense... Jake and Roeper each try and let out some of the tension in their bodies.
Lawyer: ... Guys... Things have taken a MASSIVE turn with this case. And by massive, I mean Earth shakingly-massive. Child Protective Services has decided to drop their investigation, and withdraw pursuit of any action against either one of you. Both are immediately overwhelmed, and put in a pseudo-state of shock.
Jake Starr: WHAT?! The lawyer smirks.
Lawyer: Child Protective Services has withdrawn their case, and their pursuit of any actions against you two... Roeper Hart: You're kidding! The lawyer simply smiles, and shakes his head.
Jake Starr: What in the hell happened? What brought that on? Lawyer: Let me give you the abridged version... Apparently Ron and Alice were brought into town by CPS to explain that you guys had found out they were behind everything. On top of that, they were told that there was minimal to no evidence of what they wanted to find out. When they heard that, Ron flew off of the handle... Jake shrugs his shoulders, and gives a look of "go figure."
Lawyer: ... When all of this was laid out, Alice immediately pulled her name from the case. Ron tried to force her to keep on it, but Alice wouldn't have it, and stood up to him. Once that charade was over with Ron, the CPS Agent looked over the case, and determined that it just wasn't in the best interest of her department to be associated and prosecute this case. The pair both sit there in a state of shock for a few beats. Once the shock wears off again, Jake inquires some more.
Jake Starr: So... What's next then? I mean, where do we go from here, or are things just kind of done? Lawyer: Well, things aren't completely over yet. Ron is still trying to fight the battle. Granted, he's doing it completely alone, since Alice has severed all ties to the case... Roeper begins to feel a sense of support from her mother, especially since she stood up to Ron.
Lawyer: ... Ron realizes, as well, that no judge would hear the case, so he's decided to start by lobbying for a mediator to hear it first. Jake cocks his eyebrow.
Jake Starr: What good would that do him? Lawyer: Honestly? It really doesn't do him much good at all, outside of giving him a reason to lobby a judge to try the case anyway. That's really his best case scenario. The CPS Agent did agree to act as a liaison for Ron, only to present the information he'd like presented to the mediator. She won't be offering up any arguments, or trying to defend his positions, she's just there as a representative... Jake cocks his eyebrow again. He doesn't comprehend why the CPS Agent representing Ron is as "good" of an idea as his lawyer is presenting it to him.
Lawyer: ... The reason she's doing it, is kind of as a favor to me. She and I both knew that if Ron did this by himself, it's simply turn into a circus, and a way for him to get attention on himself, and cause you both extra pain... Jake and Roeper both begin to understand a bit more, and nod.
Lawyer: ... She also decided to write you guys a formal apology for her and her department's actions. She realizes she really screwed up, and wanted to make sure you guys knew it. But on the positive side, once the mediator rules against Ron, he'll be completely out of the picture. This is the final phase in this nightmare for you guys... Ultimately, you two will FINALLY be in control, and you will have the final say of what kind of access he'll have to his granddaughter, if any. The same goes for Alice as well. Jake sighs again.
Jake Starr: I'm glad that this all could FINALLY be coming to an end. Lawyer: I am too... For you both... Roeper Hart: ... And I'm glad my mom finally stepped up to my father. Maybe that will let us, and Mara, have a relationship with at least one of my parents. Jake Starr: ... It may take time, but it could be possible. Lawyer: Well, ultimately it'll be your call. I just felt that this was something that needed to be told to you both in person. I also would recommend that if and when this whole mediation thing happens, Jake, you call your parents and get them to town for support. They'll also be able to keep Mara while it is all happening, and she wouldn't have to be exposed to it. With those final words from his lawyer, Jake simply nods. Jake begins to stand up, and is followed up closely by Roeper. Jake and his lawyer shake hands once again, and he comes around his desk to hug Roeper.
The lawyer leads them back down the hallways, where they emerge and see Mara playing with toys on the desk of the receptionist. Jake and Roeper admire Mara playing, and get a chuckle out of the whole situation. They finally scoop their daughter back up, who has a death grip on one of the toys. The receptionist kindly tells them to take it home with them, as she has many to spare. Jake and Roeper can now begin to, maybe, just maybe, begin to return to a sense of normalcy in their lives. They can now begin to focus back on raising their daughter, continuing their lives together, and allowing Jake to have less and less distractions plaguing him as he goes to continue his resurgence to the top of the professional wrestling ladder. Jake Starr: There was a growing sense within my gut that people really didn't want to listen to me. I was truly wondering if people had completely forgotten about Jake Starr. It was a feeling I had, much like when I first arrived on the SCW scene. People weren't taking me literally... People were kind of thinking that I was just another name to the roster. People thought that the idea of me vying for the Adrenaline Championship wasn't anything newsworthy, and in fact it was as if it was just another blase announcement from the Supreme Championship Offices. It wasn't a reaction like I wanted... So, I decided to go out there and take many of the measures into my own hands. I decided that I needed to go out there and make everyone care. I decided that I needed to continue on my path, and ultimately achieve my goal of giving the SCW "powers that be" no reason not to give me an opportunity at the World Championship. Yep, folks... I'm NOT giving up my quest to ultimately be the World Champion again. I am NOT going to sit back, and simply feel content with a chance to vie for the Adrenaline Championship. I want the world to be forced to continue to witness what I've done, and the trail of tears I've left in my wake. I want everyone to see the river of disappointment, and know that I am the cause, and I'm the one who beat so many asses, that denying me a chance would prove to be highway robbery... And let's all face it, none of us like to have things stolen from us! For too long, I've sat back, and waited. I've talked about it before... And it still very much applies. I've sat back and simply allowed others to go ahead of me, and get what it is they want. The problem is, I'm the one who wants it now. I'm the one who wants to go out there, and get my chance at glory again. I get it, I have to wait my turn, but my turn has definitely come and gone AT LEAST once, since my return. So needless to say, I'm making things a little less difficult for the "judges." My plan is simple. I plan on going out there at Rise to Greatness, and reclaiming command of the division that I helped bring right to the brim of Supreme Championship Wrestling supremacy. I plan on capturing my first taste of gold in SCW in over a year, and right after that, I plan I going on to the next pay-per view as the number one contender for the SCW World Championship. That's right, folks! Jake Starr is going title hungry! I'll be honest, too... Once Rise to Greatness comes to a close, everyone will be fawning over who won the World Championship. They'll be going gaga over whoever emerges as "numero uno." The problem is, I'm not going to let this whole cycle of the same people... Jake makes a dramatic, over the top, clearing of the throat noise.
Ahem... Shilo and Christy... Ahem... He once again makes the noise.
... getting the spotlight continue over me. I'm not letting those two keep going in a circle, and keeping others out. So I'm going in there after Rise to Greatness, and claiming the number one contendership for myself. In a nutshell... I'm taking the bull by the horns, and running with it! Doesn't that sound wonderful? Jake makes a sarcastically shocked face, and holds the pose for a few minutes. He then breaks the look, after he feels a cramp in his jaw, and chuckles to himself, thinking that he almost injured himself by cutting a promo. He shakes his head, and continues on.
That's just my mentality, now, guys. It's not about waiting, and it's not about sitting back and being content. It's about doing what needs to be done, and not caring about what else happens. It's about going back to doing things my way. It's about doing things the way that, honestly, got David on my case, back at the end of 2010. It's about being the mother-fucking Social Misfit! Jake smirks again.
That's why I did what I did to Thirteen. That's why I decided that I would take it upon myself to make sure that Thirteen knew that things would be soon changed from how they are now. Right now, he's the "head" of the Adrenaline Division, and yet, he's really done a minimal amount to help bring that division back to the forefront of SCW. He has YET to truly prove that, in my opinion, he is worthy of wearing the Adrenaline Championship. And when that whole tag team thing was going on, I knew that in the back of his mind he was worried about his reign coming to an end atop the Adrenaline Division. I knew he was hoping to have the Tag Team Championship around his waist at the same time, thus exponentially decreasing the chances that losing the Adrenaline Championship would lead to people forgetting who he was. So I decided to really screw with the guy. I wanted him to know that his sole chance of remaining relevant and worthy of being considered a "champion" in SCW, was to go through me. I wanted to make sure it was ALL he had... And I succeeded! I went out there, and I made sure that he wouldn't have ANY chance to decide that he would be claiming gold in more than one area. I went out there, and yes, I ensured that he would NO LONGER be involved in that tournament. It was something I look back on, and I'm VERY MUCH pleased with myself I'm very proud that I have forced him to have to focus solely on me because for the most part, that's what I'm doing with him... Jake goes to continue on Thirteen, but then realizes that the present does't quite involve the man who Jake will face at Rise to Greatness. Instead, it involves a man who Jake crossed paths with due to Thirteen.
... But you know, apparently my actions seemed to really get under someone's skin. No, it's not David. He's not out there telling me to do things the "right way," and be the superhero that he was... It's a different person... And no... It's no one from Infamous, trying to use me to help get their faces on Ammo and Breakdown more often, while also giving them fodder for Twitter. This guy is someone who has spent a hefty amount of time in SCW doing everything he can to try to become relevant in SCW. This is someone who YEARNS for the opportunity to be considered one of the "big boys," and ultimately, a title contender. I'll give you a few seconds to ponder... OH! Better yet... A blue square appears next to Jake's head. As white text appears within the square, a familiar game show chime coincides with the text. As it pops up, Jake immediately puts on a stick-on mustache, and begins to read the clue in his best Alex Trebec voice.
... This man believes facing Jake Starr will help further his career, and send his career to the next level... 30 seconds... Good luck... The "Think Music" from Jeopardy begins to play, as Jake stands there. He looks off in the distance as if he's looking at the contestants on the show. As the music winds down, Jake takes a deep breath.
Let's begin with Fred, he was in third place. His answer... Who is Jesus? Ha ha, no... I don't think Jesus would need me to further his career. Now, your wager? Ouch, everything... That leaves you with zero, and most likely a third place finish tonight. Now, onto our champion, Cliff, who's in second place! Your answer... Who is Christy Matthews? Well contrary to popular belief, Christy is considered to be a woman, if we take into account the laws of science. So that is incorrect... You wagered? Ah! Smart! One dollar, leaving you with $14,499. We'll see if that strategy pays off as we go to our leader, Huang. His answer... Who is the ghost of Ace Marshall? That's the closest to the right answer, but still wrong. No the correct answer, who is Blake Mason... Blake Mason... Now let's see what you risked... Jake gasps.
Oh wow, all but one dollar. That will put you in second place, and our champion survives for another day! The blue box then disappears, and the camera re-centers itself on Jake. He goes to say something, but then realizes he still has the mustache on. Once he has it removed, he goes back to his commentary.
That's right, Blake. You're on my list, and you're what's next for me. I am NOT going to overlook you, like it may have sounded like. I know you would like that. I know you would love to have me forgetting all about you, putting ALL of my focus on Thirteen, and allowing you to take advantage of my ignorance on you. The problem is, it's not going to happen. You're not going to be taking advantage of anything but the blessing of being in a match against me. I mean, I get it... I really do. I understand you're not really happy with me because I caused you an opportunity at the Tag Team Championships, but I have to also say that you should have expected it to be coming. You should have realized that you were teaming up with someone who had a GIANT target on his back, and it was one I was aiming at. You should have realized that if you were going to be aligned with him, you were just as susceptible to being "dealt with" accordingly. You happened to be there, and because of your location, sorry son, that was the whole "wrong place, wrong time" scenario. It's just how life works with me. You put yourself in a position where you were simply a "loose end" for me. That night, you were just someone I felt was in my way of proving a point. So I proved it... But as I look, and listen, to you now, I realize you're trying to paint this in a light that will protect you for when I beat you. You want to have things framed so you maybe can have some kind of chance to FINALLY make something of your career in SCW. I mean, let's face it, Blake... It's something you've never been able to do. You've never been able to truly evolve into anything substantial around the locker room, other than a guy who has lived his life being something mediocre. You have tried to ride coattails... You have tried to go about things on your own... Hell... You've tried to basically go out and force your way into others lives, with the hopes of finally getting some recognition. And has it worked? Do I need to cue the Jeopardy music again? I think not! See Blake, I know exactly what you're about. You want a chance to be something. You want a chance at a title. You think that will bring you to the forefront of the peoples minds. You think that is all that is keeping you from greatness.... Jake smirks.
... And... You're wrong! You're simply at a point where you haven't earned a chance at vying for the chance to be a champion in an eating competition, let alone in professional wrestling. This is Supreme Championship Wrestling, son. This is where the big boys run amok. THIS is the home of Jake fucking Starr! Don't you realize what that means? Don't you understand what that entails? That means SCW is where the best of the best vie to prove themselves. That means it's where I have made it my goal to return to the top of. You're in my way of that. Trust me, son... I'm not overlooking you. Every match, from here, until the day I win the World Championship for the third time, will be treated like the ONE MATCH that will determine the rest of my career. EVERY MATCH I fight will have the potential impact of being the end-all be-all for me. EVERY MATCH could derail any chance I have of getting a chance of reclaiming the glory I feel is mine for the taking. So you're just as important as Thirteen. Beating you means as much as beating anyone. So come Ammo, you're going to walk in with that same feeling you've had every match. You're going to walk in hoping you pull off the upset, and win some poor schmuck a lot of money in Vegas. Instead, you're going have the same outcome as has become the norm for you, and the norm for me... You're going to lose... Jake Starr stands tall! Fin |
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