Post by John Anthony on Jul 23, 2007 22:15:44 GMT -6
DVD Taping Role Play #1
/*\ Against the Wall --- Part One /*\
Hot off his latest victory, John Anthony accompanied his clique to Zango’s, one of the hottest nightclubs in all of New Jersey. Alongside Daniel and Julia, John quickly found his favorite bartender and ordered up a round of drinks in celebration. Sporting his new, snazzier look, John felt the eyes of both women and other men staring him down. It was almost annoying. After being served, John was greeted by a rather large security guard. The massive man asked if he was John Anthony, and upon confirmation, informed him that a special guest was looking for him in the VIP area. Despite John’s accolades within POW: North East and Bodog Sports, it required an invitation to enter the VIP rooms within Zango’s, and John had never earned that privilege. Tonight may not be an invitation per se, but even entering that area made him feel on top of the world.
The three were guided behind the veil and down a hallway. Off to the right stood an arched doorway that the bouncer opened. Inside sat a large, circular, plush sofa with a glass top table in the center. The red sofa was illuminated by the dancing lights on the ceiling, as well as the reflections from a disco ball that hung over a stripper pole off to the right. A stripper pole complete with two female dancers of course. John opted to ignore the two women, much to the delight of Julia. The three were offered a seat by the security guard and informed that the guest in question would be here shortly. A personal bartender entered the room with another round of drinks, and John wasted little time downing his. Nothing like a hint of alcohol to calm ones nerves.
They waited rather impatiently for whoever they were waiting for. John and Julia occupied themselves with small talk while Daniel enjoyed the free show being put on by the two dancers. Hey, nothing wrong with a guy out of college ogling a few vixens dancing under a sea of lights and techno beats. Daniel watched the two women glide graciously around the pole, their bodies hypnotizing him, their eyes captivating his mind. For some reason his head felt light and his vision seemed a little hazy. The two dancers embraced each other, still dancing slowly to the music playing in the background. Daniel felt his head throb with each bass beat of the song and looked over to see Julia and John slightly swaying back and forth. Something wasn’t right. He tried to stand, but his legs felt numb. The last thing Daniel’s eyes captured was a sly grin on the faces of the pair of dancers, almost as if they were in on some cruel trick. His shoulders felt as if they could no longer hold his head up, and shortly after darkness consumed him. Beside Daniel, John Anthony and Julia felt the same effects and, despite their efforts, suffered the same fate, crashing onto the couch as the drug coursing through their veins took control.
/////
Female:
“Hello Mr. Anthony.”
John’s head was throbbing. He slowly opened his eyes and picked himself off the couch to sit up straight. He remained in the VIP room from earlier, but the lights had turned to normal and both Daniel and Julia were missing. Across from the table sat someone, a female, whom he couldn’t recognize.
Female:
“You really must forgive my cliché tactics. I know it’s an overdone method, but it still remains oh so effective.”
The drinks. They were obviously laced with something. John’s head fell backwards as a laugh escaped from his lips. The oldest trick in the book had brought him crashing down, and now some unknown, power tripping fem fatale was probably about to lay down some sort of ultimatum for God only knows what reason. John looked around the room. No bodyguards, no cameras, no nothing. Just the two of them.
Female:
“Oh don’t worry, they’re right outside the door. I could have you broken in half within a mere two seconds if necessary, but you’re a cool headed individual, no? I’m sure we can talk business without me regretfully relying on more… brute force tactics.”
Yep, this girl had obviously watched too many Hollywood movies. John wanted to speak, ask who she was, what she wanted, and so forth, but his mouth felt dry and his ability to speak was kind of missing at the moment.
Female:
“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m the daughter of Louis Zango, owner of this nightclub. Now my father runs a legitimate business, but mine is… well… a bit dirtier.”
John’s vision was no longer blurred, and he gazed over his surroundings again. His eyes then ventured onto the female at hand. She was definitely athletic. Her thin frame was surprisingly blessed with curves in all the right places. A low cut V in her black dress only brought further attention to certain aspects of her. Maybe it was the alcohol, but John’s eyes had a hard time moving away from her figure. Such a gentleman. The girl crossed her arms and looked at John with haunting eyes, but a smile on her face. Her right hand snuck up to tuck her long, brown hair behind her ear.
Female:
“Now now Mr. Anthony. Such animalistic natures are unbecoming of a champion and President of Public Relations. However, I applaud you for your mental fortitude. Your friends have yet to arise from their restful sleep, yet here you are, already awake and aware of your surroundings. I guess I should move on to the explanation part of this little deal. To put a name to the face, I’m Katherine Zango. I’m not here to smack you around and dump you off by the river, so don’t worry about that. Despite me calling my business dirty, I’m still a respectable woman who follows the rules.”
John:
“What rules would those be? Because I don’t recall drugging your customers to be legal.”
Katherine:
“And he speaks already! I truly am impressed. But no, I wouldn’t recommend my tactics to bartenders. Such actions are a quick means of termination, however, when I referred to rules, I was referring to the rules set by those who deal on the shady side of things.”
John:
“Like the mafia?”
Katherine:
“Haha, you flatter me Mr. Anthony. No, not the mafia. Here, let me go into more detail. You have stumbled upon an underground fighting cartel. Ever seen the movie Fight Club? Excellent film. Brad Pitt is absolutely to die for.”
John raised an eyebrow and simply sat in silence. An underground fighting cartel? Fight Club? Brad Pitt? What did any of that have to do with him? Well, besides sharing the ridiculous amount of awesomeness that Brad Pitt possesses.
Katherine:
“Anyway, underground fighting. Basically it’s exactly how it sounds. We set up fights between men in an underground arena beneath this very nightclub. My father is completely unaware of it, mainly due to the fact that there is no entrance to the arena from this venue. In fact, the entrance is quite clever if I do say so myself, and despite us funneling around one hundred people in for a given event, not even an ounce of suspicion has arisen.”
John:
“Well congratulations on your business Ms. Zango, but I’m not a shady dealer. My methods are not underhanded, but straightforward. I’m afraid if you’re looking for a public relations guy, I’m already booked.”
Katherine:
“Oh I’m not looking for PR. Well, at least not in the way you’re thinking. See, those who watch our events bet on the matches for entertainment. It’s like underground dog fighting, but with people instead of animals. No gloves, no wrestling ring, no theme songs, no referees. Just two men, each with two fists and two legs, letting that built up testosterone run rampant as they basically tear each other apart.”
John:
“And this involves me how again?”
Katherine:
“We have a man who has won six consecutive events. His build is much like yours actually. Nothing too impressive, but definitely not shabby.”
John cringed at the insult.
Katherine:
“A lot of the fans are tired of seeing him win match after match without any real challenge. And quite frankly, I’m tired of the odor that seems to follow him around. His posse is nothing but trouble and he’s costing us money. That’s where you come in. I want you to be his next competitor.”
John slapped his knee as he burst into laughter. This woman certainly had her head in the clouds. If she knew John was such a businessman, then she knew he would never agree to an underground, illegal, bare-knuckle fighting event. Not to mention he had a much more important – and legal – event around the corner at Ocean City Slam.
John:
“I apologize Ms. Zango, but I must refuse. This Sunday my Eastern Heavyweight Championship is on the line in a cage match against JR Zevon, the man I took the title from. I have no doubt in my mind that he will be more than ready to bring everything he has to the table plus some. I cannot dabble into underground fighting and risk such injury with my title on the line this weekend. I wish you the best in finding someone else to challenge this nuisance of yours.”
Katherine sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear again.
Katherine:
“I understand your concerns, and they come as little surprise. I respect your decision, and apologize for my tactics tonight. You’re free to leave.”
Well that was weird. John sat there, staring at her quizzically. All of this setup and mumbo jumbo just for her to let him walk out like that? Something wasn’t right.
John:
“And what about Daniel and Julia?”
Katherine:
“I’ll inform the guard outside the door that you declined and the three of you are free to go.”
With that Katherine stood up and walked towards the door. She opened it and held a hand out as if to beckon to John that this wasn’t a scam. He truly was free to go.
Katherine:
“Good luck with your match this weekend, by the way.”
John remained silent and simply walked towards the door. Just outside he was met by the large bouncer that brought him into the room to begin with.
Katherine:
“Don’t worry, everything went fine. Mr. Anthony has opted to decline my request, but I understand. Like I said, I’m a reasonable woman.”
Just as John took another step, he was quickly met by a fierce punch to the gut that doubled him over and had him spitting phlegm onto the floor. His knees buckled and he fell forward, his head spinning. The boulder of a man pulled his right arm back and grabbed John by the head with his massive hands. Lifting him back to his wobbly feet, he crashed another right fist into John’s gut and let him fall limp to the floor. For the second time in less than an hour, John was knocked out cold.
Katherine:
“Of course, I never said Brine here was a reasonable person. Take him to the arena. You’ll be getting your fight with him Brine; we’ll just have to wait until he comes to. And take his friends with you. If necessary, we’ll have to give him a reason to face off with you. I wonder if he’ll call my bluff on me saying you had a body build like his. The poor guy is going to be torn in half and his title defense this weekend will be a joke. I’ll be surprised if he manages to even walk to the ring Sunday night after you have your way with him. Oh well, be gone. I have some phone calls to make so we can get the money flowing for tonight’s big event.”
Brine lifted John up into his arms, and walked out the back exit.
/*\ Against the Wall --- Part One /*\
Hot off his latest victory, John Anthony accompanied his clique to Zango’s, one of the hottest nightclubs in all of New Jersey. Alongside Daniel and Julia, John quickly found his favorite bartender and ordered up a round of drinks in celebration. Sporting his new, snazzier look, John felt the eyes of both women and other men staring him down. It was almost annoying. After being served, John was greeted by a rather large security guard. The massive man asked if he was John Anthony, and upon confirmation, informed him that a special guest was looking for him in the VIP area. Despite John’s accolades within POW: North East and Bodog Sports, it required an invitation to enter the VIP rooms within Zango’s, and John had never earned that privilege. Tonight may not be an invitation per se, but even entering that area made him feel on top of the world.
The three were guided behind the veil and down a hallway. Off to the right stood an arched doorway that the bouncer opened. Inside sat a large, circular, plush sofa with a glass top table in the center. The red sofa was illuminated by the dancing lights on the ceiling, as well as the reflections from a disco ball that hung over a stripper pole off to the right. A stripper pole complete with two female dancers of course. John opted to ignore the two women, much to the delight of Julia. The three were offered a seat by the security guard and informed that the guest in question would be here shortly. A personal bartender entered the room with another round of drinks, and John wasted little time downing his. Nothing like a hint of alcohol to calm ones nerves.
They waited rather impatiently for whoever they were waiting for. John and Julia occupied themselves with small talk while Daniel enjoyed the free show being put on by the two dancers. Hey, nothing wrong with a guy out of college ogling a few vixens dancing under a sea of lights and techno beats. Daniel watched the two women glide graciously around the pole, their bodies hypnotizing him, their eyes captivating his mind. For some reason his head felt light and his vision seemed a little hazy. The two dancers embraced each other, still dancing slowly to the music playing in the background. Daniel felt his head throb with each bass beat of the song and looked over to see Julia and John slightly swaying back and forth. Something wasn’t right. He tried to stand, but his legs felt numb. The last thing Daniel’s eyes captured was a sly grin on the faces of the pair of dancers, almost as if they were in on some cruel trick. His shoulders felt as if they could no longer hold his head up, and shortly after darkness consumed him. Beside Daniel, John Anthony and Julia felt the same effects and, despite their efforts, suffered the same fate, crashing onto the couch as the drug coursing through their veins took control.
/////
Female:
“Hello Mr. Anthony.”
John’s head was throbbing. He slowly opened his eyes and picked himself off the couch to sit up straight. He remained in the VIP room from earlier, but the lights had turned to normal and both Daniel and Julia were missing. Across from the table sat someone, a female, whom he couldn’t recognize.
Female:
“You really must forgive my cliché tactics. I know it’s an overdone method, but it still remains oh so effective.”
The drinks. They were obviously laced with something. John’s head fell backwards as a laugh escaped from his lips. The oldest trick in the book had brought him crashing down, and now some unknown, power tripping fem fatale was probably about to lay down some sort of ultimatum for God only knows what reason. John looked around the room. No bodyguards, no cameras, no nothing. Just the two of them.
Female:
“Oh don’t worry, they’re right outside the door. I could have you broken in half within a mere two seconds if necessary, but you’re a cool headed individual, no? I’m sure we can talk business without me regretfully relying on more… brute force tactics.”
Yep, this girl had obviously watched too many Hollywood movies. John wanted to speak, ask who she was, what she wanted, and so forth, but his mouth felt dry and his ability to speak was kind of missing at the moment.
Female:
“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m the daughter of Louis Zango, owner of this nightclub. Now my father runs a legitimate business, but mine is… well… a bit dirtier.”
John’s vision was no longer blurred, and he gazed over his surroundings again. His eyes then ventured onto the female at hand. She was definitely athletic. Her thin frame was surprisingly blessed with curves in all the right places. A low cut V in her black dress only brought further attention to certain aspects of her. Maybe it was the alcohol, but John’s eyes had a hard time moving away from her figure. Such a gentleman. The girl crossed her arms and looked at John with haunting eyes, but a smile on her face. Her right hand snuck up to tuck her long, brown hair behind her ear.
Female:
“Now now Mr. Anthony. Such animalistic natures are unbecoming of a champion and President of Public Relations. However, I applaud you for your mental fortitude. Your friends have yet to arise from their restful sleep, yet here you are, already awake and aware of your surroundings. I guess I should move on to the explanation part of this little deal. To put a name to the face, I’m Katherine Zango. I’m not here to smack you around and dump you off by the river, so don’t worry about that. Despite me calling my business dirty, I’m still a respectable woman who follows the rules.”
John:
“What rules would those be? Because I don’t recall drugging your customers to be legal.”
Katherine:
“And he speaks already! I truly am impressed. But no, I wouldn’t recommend my tactics to bartenders. Such actions are a quick means of termination, however, when I referred to rules, I was referring to the rules set by those who deal on the shady side of things.”
John:
“Like the mafia?”
Katherine:
“Haha, you flatter me Mr. Anthony. No, not the mafia. Here, let me go into more detail. You have stumbled upon an underground fighting cartel. Ever seen the movie Fight Club? Excellent film. Brad Pitt is absolutely to die for.”
John raised an eyebrow and simply sat in silence. An underground fighting cartel? Fight Club? Brad Pitt? What did any of that have to do with him? Well, besides sharing the ridiculous amount of awesomeness that Brad Pitt possesses.
Katherine:
“Anyway, underground fighting. Basically it’s exactly how it sounds. We set up fights between men in an underground arena beneath this very nightclub. My father is completely unaware of it, mainly due to the fact that there is no entrance to the arena from this venue. In fact, the entrance is quite clever if I do say so myself, and despite us funneling around one hundred people in for a given event, not even an ounce of suspicion has arisen.”
John:
“Well congratulations on your business Ms. Zango, but I’m not a shady dealer. My methods are not underhanded, but straightforward. I’m afraid if you’re looking for a public relations guy, I’m already booked.”
Katherine:
“Oh I’m not looking for PR. Well, at least not in the way you’re thinking. See, those who watch our events bet on the matches for entertainment. It’s like underground dog fighting, but with people instead of animals. No gloves, no wrestling ring, no theme songs, no referees. Just two men, each with two fists and two legs, letting that built up testosterone run rampant as they basically tear each other apart.”
John:
“And this involves me how again?”
Katherine:
“We have a man who has won six consecutive events. His build is much like yours actually. Nothing too impressive, but definitely not shabby.”
John cringed at the insult.
Katherine:
“A lot of the fans are tired of seeing him win match after match without any real challenge. And quite frankly, I’m tired of the odor that seems to follow him around. His posse is nothing but trouble and he’s costing us money. That’s where you come in. I want you to be his next competitor.”
John slapped his knee as he burst into laughter. This woman certainly had her head in the clouds. If she knew John was such a businessman, then she knew he would never agree to an underground, illegal, bare-knuckle fighting event. Not to mention he had a much more important – and legal – event around the corner at Ocean City Slam.
John:
“I apologize Ms. Zango, but I must refuse. This Sunday my Eastern Heavyweight Championship is on the line in a cage match against JR Zevon, the man I took the title from. I have no doubt in my mind that he will be more than ready to bring everything he has to the table plus some. I cannot dabble into underground fighting and risk such injury with my title on the line this weekend. I wish you the best in finding someone else to challenge this nuisance of yours.”
Katherine sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear again.
Katherine:
“I understand your concerns, and they come as little surprise. I respect your decision, and apologize for my tactics tonight. You’re free to leave.”
Well that was weird. John sat there, staring at her quizzically. All of this setup and mumbo jumbo just for her to let him walk out like that? Something wasn’t right.
John:
“And what about Daniel and Julia?”
Katherine:
“I’ll inform the guard outside the door that you declined and the three of you are free to go.”
With that Katherine stood up and walked towards the door. She opened it and held a hand out as if to beckon to John that this wasn’t a scam. He truly was free to go.
Katherine:
“Good luck with your match this weekend, by the way.”
John remained silent and simply walked towards the door. Just outside he was met by the large bouncer that brought him into the room to begin with.
Katherine:
“Don’t worry, everything went fine. Mr. Anthony has opted to decline my request, but I understand. Like I said, I’m a reasonable woman.”
Just as John took another step, he was quickly met by a fierce punch to the gut that doubled him over and had him spitting phlegm onto the floor. His knees buckled and he fell forward, his head spinning. The boulder of a man pulled his right arm back and grabbed John by the head with his massive hands. Lifting him back to his wobbly feet, he crashed another right fist into John’s gut and let him fall limp to the floor. For the second time in less than an hour, John was knocked out cold.
Katherine:
“Of course, I never said Brine here was a reasonable person. Take him to the arena. You’ll be getting your fight with him Brine; we’ll just have to wait until he comes to. And take his friends with you. If necessary, we’ll have to give him a reason to face off with you. I wonder if he’ll call my bluff on me saying you had a body build like his. The poor guy is going to be torn in half and his title defense this weekend will be a joke. I’ll be surprised if he manages to even walk to the ring Sunday night after you have your way with him. Oh well, be gone. I have some phone calls to make so we can get the money flowing for tonight’s big event.”
Brine lifted John up into his arms, and walked out the back exit.
