The ZX Agency
Begbie Street, Vancouver
Wednesday 25th March 2009
Zhen Xu is sat at her desk, feet up on it and leaning back in her chair. She has a big smile on her face an a drink of wine in her right hand. In her left is a lit cigarette. She blows out smoke, still smiling as she thinks back over a successful week for her clients. DeAngelo Castillo made an effective first appearance and her latest client, CJ Osborne, defeated Steve Pinex to become the MWA World Heavyweight Champion.
There’s suddenly a noise from outside her office as someone has entered the building. She hears footsteps and then the door bursts open to reveal August Joyce. Zhen quickly gets her feet off the table, sits upright and stubs out her cigarette. August notices the ashtray and sighs, deciding not to take Zhen up on that issue right now. He has other things on his mind.
“There you are.” August says sternly. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve been trying to get hold of you for frickin’ ages. Why didn’t you return my calls? Why didn’t you tell me about DeAngelo?”
“August, babe.” Zhen starts the charm offensive. “Good to see you, hope all is well with Xanthe?”
“No small talk, Zhen. I’m here on business.” Joyce wants to get right to the point.
“Ok, ok.” Zhen takes a sip of her wine before placing the glass on her desk. She motions for August to take a seat, which he does. “Now, which one of those questions do you want me to answer first?”
“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to speak to you for over a week and nothing.” August seems annoyed.
“I’ve been busy, darling. The life of an agent, what can I say?” Zhen smiles but it soon fades as she notices Augusts’ continual stern look. “I’ve been busy sorting things out for CJ, getting him his new accountant, doing some work for the custody case, working on something for his foundation. Plus not to mention ironing out the details for DeAngelo, the contract between me and him, the contract between us and the MWA, legal issues with that piece of trash MMA promoter.”
“Putting a lot of effort into these two clients, aren’t we?” August folds his arms. “What about me? You were so busy sorting things out for them you neglected to arrange a match for me last week. Plus, the week before, you didn’t get Benjamin or Yana to the arena in time. Thankfully The Truth was there to help me out against AA, but I would have liked a bit of backup from the Children. That was your job and you fucked up.”
Zhen shrugs and raises her hands into the air. “Ok, I’ll put my hands up for that one, I made a mistake. But it’s not cost you anything. We can all learn from this and move forward, a united front, together. I’ve already sorted your match for next week. And I think you’ll like it.” She leans back again with a smile. “It’s for the title.”
“You got me that match with CJ?” August says, confused and excited.
“Oh, not that title silly. For your title, against Sean Atwood.”
August rolls his eyes. “You mean you actually asked for a match with Atwood again?” Zhen nods. “I want to prove myself to the MWA, to compete against the very best. And, for the third time, I get Nightmare?”
“Hey, show your opponent a little respect.” Zhen seems hurt by what her client is saying. “The fans loved your previous encounters. As did the booking committee. They want to see what comes next from you two.”
“What comes next? What comes next is that I go to Lexington, Kentucky, beat Sean Atwood one more time and defend the Millennium Title.” He pauses before thinking of something else. “And, this time, you’re going to make sure that Benjamin is there in case I need him.”
“Benjamin?” Zhen is surprised. “He’s still injured and you know it. Besides, you’ll have someone better to watch your back, DeAngelo Castillo.”
“Ok…” August sighs. “Seeing as you bring him up, I have to ask… what the hell are you doing representing that clown? And how in the bluest of blue hells did you get him an MWA contract?”
Zhen smiles. “August, babe, there are some things you are better off not knowing. Just know this, I saw an opportunity to hire someone different. Someone who deserved a break, a fresh start. Someone who could, along with you, go to the very top in the MWA. And I did what I needed to secure him as a client and to get him into the MWA.” She takes another sip of wine as she leans forward in her chair. “With you, Benjamin and DeAngelo all signed up as card carrying members of the Children of Xu things are looking good for the future. You’ve already captured the Millennium Title. Imagine if Doi and Castillo could add to that. Imagine if I could persuade Osborne to sign up too. Then where could we go? Anywhere we damn well wanted!”
“I admire your aspirations, Zhen.” Joyce nods as he scratches his chin, realising as he does this that it’s about time he shaved. “I admire your optimism and your enthusiasm. For that and because, bizarrely, I trust your judgement, I’ll give Castillo a chance. I think that the agency is going in the right direction, as long as you can keep your clients happy. And remember that I’m the person that first took a chance on you. I hired you when no-one else would. You at least owe me the courtesy of returning my calls.” He smiles, having calmed down somewhat since he arrived.
Zhen nods. “Ok. I can see where you’re coming from. I’m sorry, but it has been crazy these past few weeks.”
“You know why? Because you do everything yourself while Yana sits out there on her butt and reads the newspaper.”
“Hmm…” Zhen takes that in. “You have a point.” She leans to one side, looking out of her office door. “YANA! MAKE SURE YOU SEND OSBORNE’S ACCOUNTS TODAY!” She yells out at Yana.
August laughs.
“What?”
“She’s not there.” Joyce smiles. “It’s Wednesday afternoon, she’s at her lecture.”
“Oh.” Zhen says, embarrassed.
August gets up out of his chair. “Ok, I better go. I’ve got another title defence to look forward to.”
“Knock ‘em dead, Champ.” Zhen smiles, until realising what she said. “Actually, scratch that. Killing an opponent in the ring would be a PR nightmare. Just beat him!”
“I’ll certainly do my best.” August nods at Zhen as he spins on his heels and heads out of her office.
As soon as he’s out of sight Zhen opens a drawer and pulls out a carton of cigarettes. She’s about to light one up when a voice calls out.
“Remember that smoking ban, Zhen!” Joyce calls out just before he leaves the building.
She sighs and tosses the pack back in the drawer. “Bastard.”
FedEx Forum
Memphis, TN
23rd March 2009
Ryann Hardy and Jackson are beating down August Joyce during a backstage segment on BattleZone, until another figure appears.
The man runs down the corridor to Augusts’ aid. He pulls Jackson off of August, holding him up against the wall and laying some big blows into his stomach. He then spins Jackson around and grabs him from behind. He has his arms locked around his waist and he pulls back as he turns, taking Jackson down onto his stomach. The man floats over and gets Jackson in a front headlock. He then begins to smash his knee into the face of Jackson, over and over and over again.
August gets back to his feet and pushes Ryann Hardy away. Ryann pulls the man off Jackson and the two make a quick escape down the corridor, not bothering to look back. The man helps August to his feet and the two watch AA make a run for it.
A few moments pass before August turns to the man. He holds out his hand.
“Thanks for the help. I guess you must be DeAngelo?”
The man keeps his arms by his side. “Ya guessed right… You’ll ‘ave to forgive me fo’ not takin’ yo’ hand. I got a policy of needin’ to know if a hand deserves to get shook or not. Brotha can only take so many back stabbin’s, ya know?”
“I guess I can understand that.” August nods. “Well it’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve seen a lot of your old MMA fights, good viewing. But how did you go from there to ending up with Zhen?”
“Ain’t much to it.” DeAngelo says with a shrug. “Took it too far in the octagon once… Fucked him up, somethin’ fierce. Nigga had it comin’, but I did wrong, doin’ it where I did. That shit got me kicked outta every octagon, every cage, every ring in the god damn country. Got me black listed from every event goin’… Made an outcast from undergound rings, a marked man on tha streets – I was a scalp. Soon I realised I gotta try summin’ new. Problem is, my reputation precedes me. Only one girl ’round these parts dumb and ambitious enough to take a chance like that, ya feel me? ”
August certainly agrees with DeAngelo’s summary of Zhen. He smiles to himself at the thought of what Zhen would say to that description.
“Well, I guess we’ll be working together at some point. I’m sure Zhen has big plans for you, Benjamin and I. Lord knows what they are, mind. I hope you’re able to fly by the seat of your pants?”
Castillo laughs. “Y’all seen my shit… Y’all know what I can do… When ya step toe-to-toe wit’ some tough sonnuva bitch who can knock ya out or tap ya out in tha blick of an eye, ya gots be be ready to improvise!”
“I have to ask, with all that you’ve done before, what is it that you want to achieve here in the MWA?”
“I’m a whole diff’rent kettle o’ fish to most people here.” Castillo begins. “I ain’t in this fo’ any kind of agenda. I step in that ring and I kick that shit outta whoeva’s standin’ in that otha corner. Simple as that, baby. D’s in this for that sport, 110%. All that exta-curriuclar bullshit is just that…”
“Well, if there’s anything you need feel free to call. The MWA can be a tricky place to get used to, there’s always someone out for trouble. If it’s not AA it’s Sean Atwood or some other idiot, you can be sure that I’ll return the favour should you need me to.”
“Hey, I ain’t no stranger to fools wit’ bigga fists than brains and I always took care of numer uno.” Castillo says with a smile. “Don’ you worry about me, a’ight? I’m a big boy, I take care of myself. ‘Preciate you sayin you got my back, though.”
“Anytime.” August smiles back. There’s a moments pause as both men realise they have nothing else to say to each other. “Right, I best be off. Take care.”
“Peace, man.”
The Beresford Apartments’ Residents Gym
Vancouver, BC
Friday 27th March 2009
“Yous’ actually doing pretty well for a bloke what was crook only a short while ago.”
Dave Spikey has a strange look on his face. It’s part smile, part confusion, part excitement, part concern. He’s stood on treadmill, leaning on the controls. On the machine next to him, jogging at a decent pace is Benjamin Doi.
Doi laughs. “I know, rehab is goin’ a lot better than I expected.”
“No no no.” Dave shakes his head. “Dis aint right, Benji. Yous’ had major frickin’ knee surgery less than three months ago. Yous’ should not be running yet.” He pauses and raises an eyebrow at his friend. “Is dere somethin’ you’re not telling me?
Benjamin laughs again, louder than before. “There’s nothin’ Spike, you’re bein’ paranoid or some shit.” He shakes his head as he laughs. “I’m just a tough mother fucker.”
Dave laughs with Doi as he glances up at a television set that is showing a repeat of last weeks BattleZone on HBO.
Dave points to the set. “What did yous’ make of the show last week?”
“Was good.” Benjamin says, plainly. “Didn’t expect a title change, I gotta say. But it’s all good.”
“Not about that, you great goon.” Dave lightly punches Benjamin on the arm. “I meant about DeAngelo saving Augusts’ arse.”
“Well, I gotta tell you that I was disappointed that it wasn’t me there to help out my oldest friend. But that’s why I’m doing this…” Benjamin puts his hands out and directs Dave’s attention to the treadmill, a sign for his rehabilitation. “I wanna be the one that has Augusts’ back, man. I wanna be back in that ring, helping him out. Instead Zhen hires some MMA asshole.”
“An’ dat’s why yous’ pushin’ yourself so ‘ard.” Dave says with a nod. “I can understand dat, like. Just don’t be overdoin’ it, ey.”
Benjamin reaches out in front of him and presses a few buttons on the treadmill. The machine begins to slow and Benjamin moves from a jog to a walk, then he comes to a stop. He breathes deeply before looking over to Dave.
“Don’t you worry your pretty British head about me, Spike. I’m not pushin’ myself too hard, I know what I’m capable of. I’ll know when I’m ready to roll again.”
The Consulting Rooms of Mr Donald Valentine
Berlin, Germany
Thursday 4th December 2008
Benjamin Doi is sat in a consulting room of a top Orthopaedic Surgeon. On the other side of the desk sits the surgeon, Mr Donald Valentine. An English surgeon who moved to Germany several years ago after marrying a German Ophthalmologist. Mr Valentine is sat flicking through Benjamins’ medical notes, previous x-rays and MRI scan results. He keeps making “hmm” noises and sighing, Benjamin seems concerned about what he thinks about his condition.
”Ok.” Mr Valentine closes the file and puts it on the desk in front of him. “What we have here is a case of a torn Anterior Cruiciate Ligament, or ACL. Looks like when you had your initial injury you tore the ACL quite badly, but the surgeon you saw did good work in getting you back on your feet.”
“Yea, that what he said befo’”. Benjamin says, shuffling in his seat. “It’s the second injury that fucked it all up proper.”
“Hmm…” The surgeon says as he flicks open the file again. “I think there’s been some confusion, some misunderstanding, as to the severity of your second injury.”
Ben sits up on hearing this. “What that mean?”
“What I mean, Mr Doi, is that the second injury is not as bad as you seem to think it was. It’s not as bad as your previous surgeon seemed to think either.”
“You mean you can fix me?” Ben smiles widely.
“I mean…” The surgeon smiles back. “That there’s nothing to fix. Looks like there was a small tear the second time, right where the initial one was. I can imagine how much that hurt when you first did it. And when they scanned your knee it would look pretty bad, because the previous scar tissue would make it look worse than it really was. And now, several years down the line, your body has pretty much healed itself. You have a bit of loose cartilage still floating around in there and that could become a problem if you start regular exercise again. So I’d like to remove that as soon as possible. It’s a simple procedure, you’ll be in and out of the hospital in a matter of hours and you could be back in the gym within 6 weeks.”
Benjamin is sat in stunned silence as Mr Valentine tells him that his career is not over after all.
“An’ how long befo’ I can get back in the ring?” He asks, hopefully.
The surgeon thinks about it for a while. “I’d say, as long as your rehabilitation goes well, as little as 3 months. That’s best case scenario, you understand. Could take up to 6 months to be 100% again.”
“When can you fit me in?” Ben asks, wanting to get this done as soon as humanly possible.
The surgeon smiles. “As it happens I had a cancellation, I have a window tomorrow afternoon if that’s good with you?”
Benjamin smiles like he’s never smiled before.
Outside the Rupp Arena
Lexington, Kentucky
Sunday 29th March 2009
August Joyce walks up a few steps outside the Rupp Arena and is greeted by MWA Interviewer extraordinaire, Mitch Weinberg. Mitch extends his hand and the two men shake.
“Good to see you again, August.” Mitch says with a smile.
August smiles and nods. “You too, Mitch. All well with the family?”
“Can’t complain.” Weinberg nods before motioning to the camera crew nearby. “You ready to do this?”
“Sure.” August stands in place as the camera crew get in position. He opens up his long black leather coat to make sure that the MWA Millennium Title is on clear view for all to see.
Mitch gets the signal from the cameraman that he’s rolling.
“So, things are looking pretty good for the Children of Xu and the ZX Agency recently.” Mitch begins. “DeAngelo Castillo makes his first appearance last week on BattleZone, helping you out of a tricky spot with Anarchy Associated. Then the agencies latest client, CJ Osborne, wins the MWA World Heavyweight Championship. How are you feeling about all this?”
August chuckles a while. “To be honest, when I first heard that my agent was looking to add a new member to the Children of Xu without consulting me, I was upset. When I found out that person was DeAngelo Castillo, I was concerned. But now I’ve had the opportunity to talk to him, I’m optimistic about what the future holds for the Children. And as as for CJ. I have to say it was a great match and a fantastic win for CJ. Last week, Mitch, you and I stood here and joked about the possibility of a Champion versus Champion, ZX client versus ZX client match. Well, now that’s a possibility and I’ve already had preliminary talks with Zhen about it.”
August ends the sentence, but Mitch wants to know more. “And?”
“Well, she’s pulled so many strings around the MWA recently that I’m not sure she can wangle any more favors.” Joyce replies with a smile.
“So we shouldn’t count on this happening?” Mitch sounds almost disappointed.
“Don’t count your chickens, Mitch. Anything can happen in the MWA but this may be the wrong time for that match to happen. There are other things going on that need to be addressed. Anarchy Associated for one but this week I’m more inclined to discuss Sean Atwood.”
Weinberg sees this as his opportunity to quiz the Champ on his next opponent. “You and Atwood have faced off once before for the Millennium Title, twice if you include the four way Millennium X match. How are you feeling about locking up with him once again?”
“Sean Atwood is a tough opponent; I experienced that first hand already.” August rubs his head, remembering what they went through in the Millennium X match. “He’s shown himself worthy of getting another shot at the belt. But he’s sorely mistaken if he thinks this is to be a case of third time lucky for him. In fact I’m hoping it’s third time lucky for me. Maybe this time he’ll get the picture, realise that he’s just not Millennium Championship material and will never darken my proverbial door again.”
“What about what he’s been saying this week?” Mitch says, stirring things up in true Weinberg style. “He says you get the rare privilege of facing a Sean Atwood that actually wants to win the match…”
“Well it is an honor to be given this opportunity, I admit. Not many times are there when Sean Atwood wants to win a match.” August pauses and shakes his head. “Isn’t it sad that I’m actually saying that sentence out loud? All Atwood is about it inflicting pain, teaching lessons. He’s got it all wrong, as far as I’m concerned. In this business it’s about winning. If you’re not here to win then you shouldn’t be here. If you’re not here to compete against the best in the world, to prove that you deserve to be on the same stage as them… then go home.”
“Atwood wants me to learn something. He wants me to come round to his way of thinking. He tried doing this by inflicting pain but it didn’t work. Pain is part of life for a veteran like myself, only the most serious of injuries keep people like me down. We get up, we dust ourselves off and we come back better and stronger than we were before.” August thinks back again to the Millennium X match. “One thing has happened between us during our two previous meetings. I have made some changes that were brought on by Atwood. For one, I would never have considered that leg drop from the trusses before. That was the only effect that Sean had on me. And he wants to do it all again?”
“Looks like Sean realises that pain doesn’t affect me, he’s changed his tact. Sean’s way of looking at things is that pain is easier to cope with when you share it. So he inflicts pain on others to make himself feel better. But he’s come up against me and the pain he has inflicted upon me has had no discernable affect. And he’s been thrown by that. So much so that he’s openly admitted that he’s changing his game plan. He no longer wants to inflict physical pain. He wants to dent my ego, my confidence.”
August puts his hands on the title that is around his waist.
“He wants to take this MWA Millennium Championship from me. And do you know what this tells me? It tells me that after two hard battles against each other, where Sean Atwood has tried to change me, I am still the same August Joyce. But Sean Atwood has himself has changed. This ‘Nightmare’ part of him has taken a blow. Maybe there’s another layer to Atwood that’s trying to push through. Maybe there is a man who wants to win titles, to be the best, hidden deep inside. And if that man bursts out and he manages to win the Millennium Title, I will doff my proverbial cap to Sean Atwood. But, more likely, he’ll get frustrated and revert to type.”
“You think he could try to inflict more pain again?”
“I think that’s a distinct possibility, Mitch, yes. But Sean needs to realise something. For too long I’ve been walking alone in the MWA. But now, with the arrival of DeAngelo, there’s someone there to watch my back. There’s someone there who will get involved should the need arise. So, Nightmare, think twice before doing anything stupid. And, Atwood, man the fuck up.”