AMA GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold Rush Tournament
Quarterfinals Match
Brian Zewbowski v. Liberty Olivera Lawrenson
Deadlines
❂ Remember that role-plays are to be received no later than 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021.
July 15th, 2021 St. Matthew's Holy Catholic Church Sleepy Oak, Minnesota *A familiar scene appears before our eyes as we see a newer, less ancient chapel, known as St. Matthew's Holy Catholic Church. A neo-Gothic classic design for the cathedral. It appears rather quiet, a few folks here and there, nuns and the like. Entering through the large chamber doors is a very familiar man. A small casual shirt, tie, and black pants make him stick out like a sore thumb, but Brian Zewbowski has always stood out considering his look anyways. With him though is another familiar face, and that is of Detective Harvey Brenton, with a svelte suit of his own, but less conspicuous himself.* Zewbowski: Can you please explain what exactly we're doing here? Aren't we supposed to be investigating those missing kids? Brenton: Listen, Brian. We can get help here with that, but right now, we need this book taken care of. Humanity: The Mundi Deglutiens has one rather unfortunate side-effect that belies its usefulness. It can be well protected through the use of certain rituals passed from Ancient Rome to the modern Catholic church. Zewbowski: Hold on, you mean to tell me the Catholic church knows about this sort of stuff? Brenton: It's better if you don't ask that out in the open. *Humanity's voice echoes in Brian's head, like a ping bong ball against the walls. It reverberates everywhere and nowhere at once, but it is fairly clearly understood.* Humanity: The short answer is yes, though. The Catholic Church is two thousand years old, Brian. They have learned many things in that span of time, some things that would truly bring fear to the common folk. *As Brenton and Brian walk towards the altar, they see an older priest speaking quietly to a far younger acolyte. The priest is perhaps in his 50s, while the acolyte cannot be any more than in his early 20s. Brian and Harvey watch quietly as they approach, the older priest in garb fit for a holy man. The man notices the two coming closely and closes the bible before him, which he was reading to the young acolyte.* Father Heinlam: Ah, gentlemen, I haven't seen either of you before. I am Father Heinlam, how may I help you? *Brian turns to see the young man, and there's this absolutely strange sense of... deja vu. As if these two have met before. The young acolyte has a boyish face, light blonde hair, and circular glasses. Brian tries to shake off the weirdest feeling as Father Heinlam turns to the young man and sends him away.* Father Heinlam: Don't worry about the boy, my friends. Young mister Remus is under my tutelage, and someday he will take over for me as the assigned priest of this church. *The name Remus pings Brian somewhat, bringing a stronger feeling to this odd sensation he is experiencing. He doesn't know why right now, but that name may become important later on. Brenton however is all business today, he turns to Father Heinlam and clears his throat.* Brenton: Father Heinlam, I understand that your education was spent in Rome's papal courts, correct? Father Heinlam: Well, this is a surprise, how did you know that? *Harvey Brenton steps up to the altar, before Heinlam, and pulls out that horrid book, Mundi Deglutiens for the priest to see. As soon as he takes on look at it, his face goes pale white, looking at Brenton and Brian with suspicion and then his eyes darting to the others in the chapel. He shakes his head quickly and ushers the two to follow him.* Father Heinlam: Let's take this to my office, gentlemen. Not out here. *Brian feels confused, as how could such a simple priest know such a thing? The voice in his head, that of Humanity, speaks slowly to him.* Humanity: I sense your confusion, Brian. The church knows all about Ammar and the book... but only those who have been taught in the halls of Rome, and sworn to an oath of secrecy. *After some time, Brian and Brenton are led into a quiet office space, where Father Heinlam sits behind a large mahogany desk. He sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose with his thumb and pointer. Brian and Harvey sit at two chairs in front of the desk and they see Father Heinlam begin to rummage through his desk, pulling out reading glasses and finally releasing some breath, beginning to speak.* Father Heinlam: Alright gentleman. What is the meaning of this. Why have you brought this accursed thing to me. Brenton: There's been activity. We need time, Father. You having an education from the Church in Rome, you know how to stall the forces of destruction. This book, it needs the Ritual of Admonition to keep any of Ammar's cultists from being able to touch the damn thing. Out in the open as it is, it's a danger. *Father Heinlam blinks for a few seconds, and then nods his head. He looks at both Brian and Harvey before shrugging.* Father Heinlam: I see... so you both know, do you. Why do you think I can help? I'm just a simple priest. *Brian's face twists into a frown, his eyes shifting from their blue to dark-brown. Humanity takes control for a second and stands up, leaning into the desk and staring down at the Father. His voice is commanding, Humanity: All three of us know, and I would bid that you show more respect to us. *Father Heinlam is completely caught off guard at the voice, and nervously wipes away the sweat from his brow. He inhales, and then exhales slowly.* Father Heinlam: ... I see, so even Mortis is active, huh? Very well. I guarantee no promise of success, but that book is as good as protected as long as I stand here. *Humanity leaves as Brian takes over again with a look of confusion; he pipes up quickly in this confused state and demands answers to his inquiries.* Zewbowski: Hold on, I need someone to explain this to me. What exactly are we doing here? What is the Ritual of Admonishment, as you call it? Father Heinlam: For a vessel of Mortis, you truly are kept ignorant, my son. *Brian rolls his eyes and shakes his head. That's like the third time this bit has been played on him. He's not really amused.* Zewbowski: Tell me something I don't know, pal.*Father Heinlam sighs and leans forward in the desk. He looks down at the Mundi Deglutiens laid before him by Brenton, and after a few seconds he turns to Brian.* Father Heinlam: Very well, I shall explain. The Ritual of Admonishment is an ancient ritual handed down from before even the Romans existed. It is dated to have existed as far back as the Trojan War, at least as far as we in the Catholic Church are aware. It may be even older. It is a process by which this... book... is bound by forces that prevent its usage. Think of it as creating a living lock; the person who sets the ritual becomes the lock by which the book is bound. Only that person can unlock its usage... It is not a spell for any common man, and only those who have been taught in Rome know of it; but we do not speak of it openly, save for those, like you gentlemen, in the know. You have to understand... Ammar is not something to be reckoned with. His awakening would damn us all to death without salvation from the Lord. We pray to God Almighty that this horrible beast does not awaken, because what would await us is a fate worse than apocalypse. In doing this ritual, it would buy time, perhaps by months, even years. Zewbowski: How is it this stuff isn't common knowledge!? You'd think something like this would cause a world-wide panic. *Father Heinlam leans back and shrugs his shoulders in indifference.* Father Heinlam: The Church is powerful, and good at censoring information if it would harm the natural order of things. I... admit, our censoring of information, while it is intended to do good, doesn't always serve the good of the public... like with our own Church's covering up of... crimes against children, which I dare not speak of. Needless to say, it is a necessary evil. Brenton: You see, Brian, the Church are our allies in this fight, even if their methods are extreme. With the book off our hands, we can then focus on solving the mysteries in this town, and hopefully weaken the power base of Ammar's followers. Father Heinlam: So you're seeking to solve them as well, my friend. Well, I may not be able to serve as much help in your investigations, but what I can do is pray for your protection and for speedy results. Brenton: Father, we thank you; as long as you do your part, we will do ours. Come Brian, I believe we are finished here. We will leave the Father to the book, and we will begin our work. *Brian and Harvey Brenton stand up and nod to the Father, who merely glances at them as he stares at the book, a nervous aura emanating from him. As Brian and Harvey leave the office and down the aisle of the church, they speak in hushed tones.* Brenton: Brian, now that we have some time, I have business of my own to take care of; my own investigation of sorts. I will leave you to it, but I dearly hope when I speak to you again, I have a lead to work on. Brian, take care of yourself, but be mindful of any suspicious activity... especially anyone following you around that you don't know. *Harvey taps Brian on the shoulder and walks away. With all that has been happening, the man is confused enough, but for some reason, he feels somewhat at ease. Ammar is on the move, but at least for a time, his followers won't be able to bring his return. Still, there is some nagging feeling in the back of his head. How long will this last? How long can this reasonably last? Nobody is sure for certain... but the sooner these mysteries are solved, the better.* |
August 11th, 2021 Sleepy Oak National Airport Sleepy Oak, Minnesota *We jump ahead in time to August, three weeks having passed since that meeting with Father Heinlam. It's also been three weeks since Brian had last seen Harvey Brenton. Who knows where he is at the moment. However, that is the least of his concerns. With the Mundi Deglutiens free from him, he can currently focus on winning the the AMA World Heavyweight Championship. This tournament coming up, it's important to him. However, there is another event of great importance to him. He sits in the terminal, in a waiting area, alongside Sarah DuBois. Brian is wearing a more casual affair, a button up t-shirt, jeans with a black leather belt, and his black wrestling boots. Why is Brian wearing his wrestling boots in public? Well, it's a special occasion of course. Sarah DuBois is also in more casual attire, a small grey blouse and some tight form-fitting pants, as well as her trademark Chuck Taylor shoes. Her excitement is fairly noticeable, as is Brian's anxiousness.* Sarah: How long is this going to take? I just can't wait any longer! Brian: Just be patient, Sarah. The plane just landed, after all. She'll be here soon. Sarah: I know, I know! It's been so long since I've seen her! *From the tone in both of their voices, they are speaking fondly of someone who will be appearing. A woman, that is; perhaps someone from their past? For sure someone from Brian's past. As they speak, people begin pouring out of the walk-way from the plane. From there, she appears. A shortish girl, standing 5'5", clearly of Japanese descent. Her reddish hair makes her stand out from the crowd, alongside her otherwise stunning natural beauty. With a tight t-shirt that accentuates her physical features, and a pair of tight jeans, and of course, black wrestling boots. Brian and Sarah immediately stand and wave to her. She notices them and with a big smile, comes up to them quickly.* ???: Kon'nichiwa, sensei! Brian: Yurei-Chan, it's great to see you again. How was your flight?[Hello, Sensei!] *This woman before the two of them is none other than Aka Yurei. In Japan, she is known as the "Crimson Ghost". One of the best and brightest stars in the Joshi scene; though she looks harmless enough now, she is a deadly and devastating performer in the ring. How could she be so good? Well, as a matter of factly, the man who trained her is none other than the infamous "Jujika-Ou", the "King of Crucifix" himself: Brian Zewbowski.* Aka: It was good, thanks. Can't believe we're together again, all of us. Sarah-chan! I missed you! *Aka and Sarah share one big hug with one another, in a great happy embrace. Brian pats their shoulders and smiles softly. Without having to worry about that book, and without having to think too hard about Ammar and the mysteries plaguing this town, this small moment makes him happy.* Sarah: I missed you too, Yurei-chan! How have you been? You been okay? Taking care of yourself? You better be! *Aka turns to Brian with a small laugh and shakes her head.* Aka: She been like this with you, Sensei? Kowai [Scary]! Brian: Trust me, it's worse than you think. Sarah: Hey, that's real mean you two! I'm not that mean! *The three share a laugh with one another. Brian turns to look at his watch... it's just past Noon. Brian rubs his hands together and motions the girls to come follow him.* Brian: Let's get going, why don't we? Who wants to grab something to eat? On me, of course. Oh- and one more thing, Yurei-chan... welcome to the AMA. Aka: It's good to be here... I hope the Crimson Ghost is welcome and can be a good fit here. Sarah: Knowing you, Yurei-chan, you'll be a champion before you know it! Who knows, maybe you and Brian will have to battle it out! Aka: If that happens, Sarah-chan, I'll be sure to show Sensei what I'm made of! Brian: I would expect nothing less, Yurei-chan. *Brian, Sarah, and Aka start walking away, Brian with an arm over Sarah and chatting happily with Aka. It's a nice moment of reprieve for Brian himself, after all that has been going on.* |
August 24th, 2021 Chase Arena San Francisco, California *The camera opens up in the empty Chase Arena, with a ring already set up in the middle of the arena. There is Brian Zewbowski, sitting there in the middle of the ring staring out at the empty rows of chairs and seats. He's in his ring-gear and his hair is wet, dripping with water. The anticipation in his movement is palpable. He turns to look at his hands and sighs.* Brian: One victory out of the way, a few more to go. Before too long, I may finally become the AMA World Heavyweight Champion. What a wonderful sight it would be, to finally earn such a grand achievement in my lifetime. However, I cannot look too far ahead. In life, it is better to take things one step at a time; anticipating the future can lead to disappointment and great displeasure. You must plan each step carefully. It is the way of a warrior to worry about the present, and forget the future. *Flashbacks hit on-screen, Brian's many victories within AMA, including against Brandon Roberts in the first round of the tournament. It was a hard fought victory, but Brian sighs and nods his head.* Brian: In the wrestling business, it is about constantly striving to be the best. In order to be the best, one must learn from mistakes of the past and work to improve on them. In my battle with Brandon Roberts, I made many key mistakes that could have cost me victory. I've studied the film carefully, and I've come to learn what I could have done better. I take my time and I take this sport seriously. It is my life, it is everything to me. In this ring, I am one, and I strive for perfection. *The camera then shows several shots of his upcoming opponent: Liberty Olivera Lawrenson. A proud and arrogant woman in AMA Wrestling, known for her outspoken personality and badass persona. Brian shakes his head and carries a smirk on his face.* Brian: There are those who think they are perfection already. Brandon Roberts was one of them, and he fell before my feet. My opponent coming up, madame Liberty, is another such person. Behind all the words, and the taunts, and the prattering speeches, she is an egoist, plain and simple. Whatever feeds her, she suckles on closely. There is such a problem with people like her. When they lose, they become unable to come to terms with themselves. Perhaps it is a bruise to their supposed greatness. Or perhaps they must find some other scapegoat to feel better about themselves. *Brian sighs and shakes his head. Many years ago, he was much the same. This tired persona of greatness personified. Many like that had come and gone. This character of a maddened demon believing to be right and truly the best at bringing pain and misery. A rose by any other name is merely a rose to Brian. It was not truly who he was anymore. His humbleness reflective of his thoughts on the grand scheme of society and life at large. With the haunting thoughts plaguing the back of his head, gnawing like a monstrous virus. Brian knows he is not the best.* Brian: There is an old adage, my dear Liberty. "To be the best, you must beat the best". However, I will warn you. I make no claims to be the best of anything. I am who I am, Brian, simple Brian. What I do claim is that I *strive* to be the best. I don't rest until I perfect my gameplan and make my way through this world. Becoming the best means one thing, winning matches. You win some, and you lose some, and that is a part of life. Before you can learn to win, you must learn to lose. Liberty, I feel you must learn how to lose before you can become a champion. When we step into the ring, it will be a battle between the two of us, one of us will win, and the other will lose. Should I lose, so be it; that is the nature of life, I would not be good enough. *Brian inhales and then exhales slowly. He means what he says, and what he says seems to carry weight, at least to him. There are no grand declarations and no great self-aggrandization here. It is a man who is just simply speaking what's on his mind. Lady Liberty brings some sense of nostalgia within Brian. Perhaps even reminds him a little of himself from a long time ago.* Brian: But for me, winning would also be the nature of life. I can control my own destiny, though. I can do what I can to win, and I do it humbly. I make no grand claims about myself, I do no such promotion of my ego, no such arrogant grandstanding. Brian Zewbowski, the man himself, is not known to be a man who cries from the mountaintops of his greatness. You and I have had different experiences. I am a man who on more than one occasion fell down, lost his step, thought it to be over. On more than one occasion I thought about retirement, and on more than one occasion, I truly did retire for a time. Every time though, I came back, because I believed in myself. I believed not in my own greatness, but in the support and the love others had given me in times of failure. They helped me back to my feet, made me stronger, made me believe in myself again. Lady Liberty, I have one thing to ask you. You have your people who stroke your ego; but will they be there for you when you fail? Will they stand by your side through dusk until dawn, through thick and through thin? Or will they leave you, to find the "next big thing"? Perhaps those questions will plague your mind now, when we step into the ring. However, I wish not that for you. I want you at your best, and their best is what I demand from all my opponents. So Lady Liberty, show me what you have. *Brian steps through the ropes to the floor, and begins to walk away, turning to the camera, with a wicked smile. He knows his job won't be done until he wins. He must win, for himself. Lady Liberty awaits him.* |