Opportunity Approaches | Fallout XX
Feb 1, 2022 13:51:02 GMT -5
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Post by Ratball Slade on Feb 1, 2022 13:51:02 GMT -5
Moments after Proving Ground XXIX
Slade and Julius make their way out of the arena, belts in hand.
SLADE CASTLE: Not this time. Not again.
Julius is dazed and confused as they approach the car waiting for them.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: What happened out there, when the fuck did that match even start?
Slade stops and looks to Julius who glares daggers right back.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Not to mention, why the fuck are you taking the same car as me, mother fucker? Get your own.
Julius takes a few more steps toward the car before he’s stopped by Slade’s hand on his shoulder.
SLADE CASTLE: Okay, what the fuck is going on with you?
Julius stops in his tracks and cocks an eyebrow up before turning to meet Slade’s concerned look with a fire in his eyes.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: What the fuck is wrong with me? Mother fucker, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why the fuck do you think we are all buddy buddy all of a sudden? Just because we’re the tag champs? I don’t owe you an explanation for shit, and as far as I’m concerned, you can go rot in hell with the rest of those True Society bastards. I’ve had just about enough of this shit.
Julius forcefully pulls his arm away and begins to walk toward the car. Slade initially bites his tongue but speaks up just as Julius is just about to get into the car.
SLADE CASTLE: I know about Foulweather. I can keep track of him when he’s here. You need me.
Julius stops in his tracks and pulls a foot back out of the car now curious about the proposition. Slade makes his way closer to his rival desperate to find a middle ground.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Foulweather? Explain.
SLADE CASTLE: Sometimes you call yourself Foulweather. I assume you don’t have any say in that? How about Fineweather? You know about him? Look, all I’m saying is I can help you out. Not because I want to but, because I need you to keep your half of this partnership intact. You don’t have to like it but all I’m asking is that you fill me in on whatever in the hell is going on.
Julius pauses to think for a moment. He looks Slade up and down then reaches up and rubs his previously wounded eye.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: I’ll think about it.
Julius turns and gets into the car, closing the door. Slade watches as it drives away and pulls out his phone and a white business card.
SLADE CASTLE: Either you’re gonna tell me what’s goin’ on or they will.
Slade stands there pondering if he should call the number but puts them both back into his pocket and looks around.
SLADE CASTLE: … Shit… That was my ride…
4 Years ago, lost in the Sahara
All of his squamates were surrounded. They had found a lone structure to endure the storm of bullets that made impact on the building all around them. A sandstorm was quickly approaching to cover their escape, they just had to survive till then. Slade was tending to Jackie who had been hit and was severely bleeding. Brickson was covering the entrance while the rest of the squad tended to themselves or attempted to contact reinforcements.
SLADE CASTLE: You’ll be alright Jack, just hold tight. I think the bleeding has almost stopped.
Slade tries talking to Jackie but his comrade is clearly delirious and not hearing him. Slade continues to apply pressure as the sound of bullets slowly fade. Slade stops what he’s doing and takes a look around the sandstone building they are in.
SLADE CASTLE: Are they finally done?
BRICKSON: I don’t think so, everyone keep your asses to the ground. Something big might be coming.
Silence sweeps the room as Slade continues to apply pressure to Jackie’s leg. Jester approaches and tries to assist Slade in stopping the bleeding.
JESTER: C’mon Jackie, you got this bud. Let’s get out of here soon.
A low rumbling can now be heard in the distance. Everyone looks at each other as a wave of uncertainty washes across the room.
BRICKSON: I think it’s time to move. What do you say, captain?
SLADE CASTLE: Goddamnit, I don’t know. I don’t think we can move Jackie. It’s too risky, we gotta wait.
JESTER: If that sound is what I think it is we don’t have time to sit and wait, Slade. I think Jackie would agree that risking one life to save all of us is the better course of action.
SLADE CASTLE: No, I’m not risking Jackie’s life. We can make it through this. We’ve been through worse.
In a moment of clarity, Jackie reaches out to Slade and grabs his shoulder.
JACKIE: Slade, we gotta go. As long as one of you can help me stand I’ll be fine. We got to go.
Slade grimaces, unhappy to be outvoted but begrudgingly helps Jackie to his feet. The sandstorm outside begins to pick up as the rumbling grows louder and louder. Jackie is clearly incapable of standing so Slade nods to him before lifting the wounded onto his shoulders.
BRICKSON: You need help with that, Slade?
SLADE CASTLE: Nah, we need you and Jester keeping cover. I got him.
The crew begin to wait for the sandstorm to be in full effect.
Brickson peers out the door watching for movement. The visibility is getting lower and lower the longer the sandstorm goes on. The sandstorm gets loud enough that it begins to drown out the rumbling in the distance as well.
BRICKSON: Where the hell did these guys get a tank? What are we even dealing with here?
SLADE CASTLE: I don’t know. Whoever this organization is, they’re powerful. I’m starting to think there is too much being kept from us. This is getting ridiculous.
JESTER: What kind of secret organization could have an entire military and heavy weaponry without being known. I can’t even joke about this shit. It’s too much man.
The group waits a few more minutes before making their plan of action.
SLADE CASTLE: Alright, here’s what’s going to happen. We got incredibly low chances of surviving a storm like that but even lower chances of surviving a tank turning this building into a crater. Brickson, you’re taking the lead as we exit the back and Jester will cover our rear. We have to link up so none of us get lost in the storm and try our best to walk in a straight line. This way if we need to go back it should hopefully be easier to find our way back here. It’s gonna be disorienting out there, but if this doesn’t work we're dead anyways. Y’all ready?
The crew silently nods with Slade.
SLADE CASTLE: Alright, let’s move.
The crew make their way into the unforgiving desert hoping to make it out alive. They walk, and walk, and walk, until finally the sound of ballistic shells destroying their building can be heard through the storm in the distance. They push on hoping to escape their pursuers in the commotion. They travel for what feels like miles eventually coming to another structure. They make their way inside and all collapse to the ground in exhaustion. All the members of the squad cough until they bleed, getting all of the sand out of their throats and lungs.
SLADE CASTLE: *cough* … is everyone… *cough cough*... okay?
They all silently nod their head with exception to Jackie who was unconscious. The crew check on Jackie to make sure he’s okay before investigating the building they found themselves in. As they shine lights across the walls, they see hieroglyphics which none of them are capable of deciphering.
JESTER: Where the fuck are we?
SLADE CASTLE: Not sure…
BRICKSON: Wherever here is, I’m just glad it’s not out there.
Brickson sit’s down and takes a swig of water and rests his eyes. Jester and Slade continue to look around, finding a false floor to a staircase down into the ground. Slade and Jester look at each other then back into the hole.
SLADE CASTLE: Jest, stay up here and keep watch. I'm gonna make sure the area is clear. If I yell, get the other two and come get me.
Jester, knowing not to question Slade, nods and kneels at the top of the stairs as Slade makes his way down. While the building and beginning of the stairs all looked long abandoned the tunnel slowly turned more modern. As Slade reaches the bottom of the stairs he flips on his barrel mounted flash light and looks around. It takes a few moments before he sees anything of interest but suddenly something catches his attention. He looks on in shock, unsure of what he is seeing.
SLADE CASTLE: What the hell…
Sal’s Carpark, Detroit, 2 Years Ago
JERRY: Alright Slade, this is the only guy left, who is undefeated in the region. I’m not saying you need to treat this fight with a little extra caution but…
SLADE CASTLE: Shut it, I don’t need your advice on how to fight.
Jerry walks around Slade and looks him dead in the eye.
JERRY: This isn’t just about you. I can’t have one of the most hyped fights in this city's history just for you to go and lose in ten seconds because you underestimate your opponent.
Slade spits at his fight manager's feet.
SLADE CASTLE: I don’t underestimate my opponents, I just don’t fear them. There’s a difference. You can’t assume shit about who you’re fighting. That’s how you get your ass knocked out by something you didn't realize they had tucked away in their arsenal. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a fight to win.
Slade stands up and pushes Jerry to the side as he makes his way to the center of the car park. He approaches the ring of bystanders, pushing his way through to the center. He’s the first one there so he takes a look around, surveying the arena and crowd. It’s a larger space than normal which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are a few objects lying around such as extra windows rocks and a sledgehammer. Slade cracks his neck and waits for his opponent to arrive.
ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets as the match is about to begin! Currently in the arena, he is the Slayer of the Street, the King of Bloodsport, this is Slade Castle!
The crowd around Slade roars only to be silenced by the announcer speaking once more.
ANNOUNCER: His opponent, he is no man. He is no beast. He is a weapon of mass destruction, this is Tank Robinson!
A large man, maybe 6’9” - 6’10” begins to walk through the crowd towering over every person he passes. Slade and Tank meet in the center of the circle and square up face to face. Slade looks up, not afraid to stare his opponent in the eye. Tank also stands his ground seemingly amused by the smaller Castle.
TANK ROBINSON: So you’re the pipsqueak I’m up against, huh? Looks like another free win for me.
Slade, who isn’t short by any means, doesn’t say a word before both men back up getting ready for the battle to start.
ANNOUNCER: Alright, bets have been placed, let’s fight!
Neither man moves an inch. Slade and Tank stare at each other from across the arena, not wanting to make the first move. Slade closes his eyes and raises his arms.
SLADE CASTLE: Well c’mon then big man. If you’re so tough, why don’t you take the first shot.
Tank chuckles and begins to slowly move towards Castle. Tank reaches Castle and raises his right hand.
TANK ROBINSON: Bitch…
Tank brings his right hand down, slapping Castle, knocking him to a knee and the spit from his mouth.
SLADE CASTLE: My turn.
Slade pops back up to his feet throwing a massive uppercut to the jaw of Tank whose head snaps back. The larger man takes a few steps back then looks at Slade with a stern face. He holds it for a few moments then begins to laugh.
TANK ROBINSON: You’re gonna have to do more than…
While Tank was recovering from the hit Slade had grabbed one of the rocks he had seen and chucked it at his opponent's head. The rock cracks off of Robinsons skull while Slade grabs the sledge hammer and dashes forward, swinging it into the stomach of the larger man but he catches it. Tank grabs Slade’s head and lifts him into the air before slamming him down onto the ground. Tanks takes the Sledge and snaps the handle in half.
TANK ROBINSON: You’ll have to do more than that.
Slade begins to crawl away but Tank grabs his leg and tosses him into the side of a car, denting the door. Slade winces in pain and reaches for his spine. Slade begins to frantically look around for a way to take the big man off his feet when he gets an idea. Tank begins to walk back toward Slade but Slade quickly leaps forward grabbing a spare car window. Slade gets to his feet and smashes the window across the face of Tank, causing him to drop to a knee now. Slade grabs the big man's head and begins to smash his knuckles against it. A large gash is split across Tank’s forehead and it keeps getting wider with every punch Castle throws. Tank begins to get back to his feet lighting Slade with him. Tank throws Slade over his shoulders back onto the ground but with no time to waste Slade rolls back to his feet and leaps onto Tank’s back. Slade locks in the rear naked choke. Tank frantically tries to pull Slade off but can’t get a good grip. Finally Tank turns and slams his back against a car. It’s at just the right height that it hits primarily in the center of Slade’s back. Slade tightly holds the grip on the fading big man who in a last ditch effort falls backwards onto Slade who still doesn’t release the hold. The ref runs forward to see Tank Robinson out cold and begins to tap Slade’s shoulders to release the hold.
ANNOUNCER: Your winner… Slade Castle!
The crowd roars to life with the result while it takes multiple people to pull Tank off Slade. Eventually they are able to push the large man off to find him barely conscious. They try to help him up but Slade refuses as he picks himself up off the ground and begins to make his way to the manager to collect his money. He wobbles having difficulty standing making it through the crowd. The manager runs up to Slade with an envelope in hand.
JERRY: That was fantastic! Great work out there!
Slade wipes some blood away from his mouth and snatches the envelope from the managers hand. He then begins to walk away without a single word.
JERRY: I'll be in touch to tell you your next fight!
Mental Garden Institute 3 Days ago
Sarah glares at Slade as he tries to play dumb to the trouble he is currently in.
DR. SARAH GREEN: You have anything to say for yourself?
Slade shrugs, avoiding eye contact with his therapist.
SLADE CASTLE: About what? As far as I’m concerned I did nothing wrong.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Did nothing wrong?! Are you goddamn kidding me?! You assaulted my patient! I already told you I wouldn't allow any more of those outbursts and frankly I shouldn't have allowed you to schedule this appointment.
SLADE CASTLE: I’m telling you, it was an honest mistake. I just don’t understand why someone would come this far just for a therapist appointment.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Have you considered I may just have a decent reputation as a therapist? Or at least had one. I mean, they gave me your hopeless case didn’t they?
SLADE CASTLE: Hey now, I’m not hopeless. That’s just mean.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Have you done anything to prove otherwise?
SLADE CASTLE: Maybe not but that’s neither here nor there.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Okay, so why should I continue these sessions?
SLADE CASTLE: You can’t tell me you actually believe you’ve had no affect on me right? Last time I checked I got here by doin’ exactly what you told me. So if you got better advice I’m here to hear it.
Sarah shakes her head, disapproving of Slade’s interpretation of therapy.
DR. SARAH GREEN: That’s not what this is, Slade. I’m here to help heal the wounds in your head, not give you direction in life. The best I can do is try and get you to do what you think is best. There are methods I can give you to do that but how you use them is up to you. Don’t try to pin this whole mess on me.
Slade nods apologetically.
SLADE CASTLE: Well, I may have gotten out of hand for a while there. I lost a piece of myself and when Arik told me he could help I gave in. And I’m sorry for the outburst last time. You can clearly see the mess I’m in now though. I’m surrounded by a bunch of people I can’t trust, blindly following a man like I’m his lapdog, and my partner has turned into a basket case. Why am I doing this, doc?
DR. SARAH GREEN: You wanted a place to belong. You've said so yourself. You took the first opportunity you got. Have you considered maybe looking elsewhere?
SLADE CASTLE: Nah, I couldn’t. I need this group, and I’d like to believe they need me. At least for now. It's nothing like the old days though. We just don't have the same comradery like I had with my squad.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Then maybe look at some of your teammates not as tools but as people. They all have their own reasons for being in the group. I'm sure you could strike common ground with one of them at least.
SLADE CASTLE: I don't know, maybe.
They sit in silence for a few moments while Sarah takes a few notes. She looks through what she has written down when one topic catches her eye.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Let's change the subject. Why don’t we talk about your partner. Julius right? You called him a basket case. Could you elaborate on that?
SLADE CASTLE: I’ve been meaning to ask your opinion on him actually. Some times he's a sadistic psychopath, other times he's just... nice? Occasionally he just acts like is regular old self too. He seems to switch from personality to personality like it’s a damn light switch. It used to be rare but it keeps happening now. The weirder part is that this is fairly new. No one remembers Julius acting like this before?
DR. SARAH GREEN: While I’m not here to diagnose your friend I…
SLADE CASTLE: He’s not my friend.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Right… I’m not here to diagnose your “partner” but it sounds like he has a strange, extreme case of dissociative identity disorder. He may have had some repressed trauma that recently came to light or possibly…
SLADE CASTLE: Possibly what?
DR. SARAH GREEN: Well it’s possible he went through something traumatic recently. Would you know anything about that?
Slade shows on his face that he isn’t accepting this line of logic.
SLADE CASTLE: Has nothing to do with me, I’m sure of it. He did like his alone time before it started to happen though. Julius Fairweather doesn’t like me all that much, siding with Arik Holt and everything. Now Foulweather on the other hand can’t seem to get enough of being my partner.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Every personality holds a bit of truth in each of them. Perhaps Julius sees more in you then he let on when he was Fairweather.
SLADE CASTLE: I don’t know, doc. All I know is that I need these switches to stop. One way or the other.
Slade reaches into his pocket pulling out the white business card.
SLADE CASTLE: If you’ll excuse me, I have a call I need to make.
Before she can stop him, Slade stands up and leaves the office. Sarah gets up and begins to pursue Slade but stops knowing that this isn't her place to interfere.
Present in a vacant alley in Detroit
Slade is sitting backwards in a metal folding chair as the camera comes to life. He peers at the damp, somewhat snow covered ground. His arms are wrapped around the chair and he is holding one of his wrists in his other hand and almost hugging the back of the chair. As the camera slowly draws in, the bloodstains on the ground beneath Slade become ever more noticeable. The camera gets to about 5 feet away from Slade when it finally comes to a halt. Slade looks up to the camera with a stern look.
SLADE CASTLE: I’ve spilled so much blood in this alley you could probably fill an entire hospital with it. I have to say, it brings back memories. The desperation, the violence. It was all so real back then. Now it just feels like I’m in a goddamn game all the time. Getting pulled around and being caught up in other’s affairs. It just doesn’t feel the same as it used to. Not like how it was back when I fought in places like this. There is so much more on the line yet it feels so much less meaningful. I suppose that’s just because I haven’t had that tick yet. That thing that gets my blood flowing, and gets me psyched the fuck up. Well, while I was gone I guess something came to light. Something that does peak my interest.
Slade leans back, holding himself up by grabbing the brim of the chair.
SLADE CASTLE: So, Jason has had himself some fun by booking Fallout. First that rat loving freak pulls me away from my home brand, then I have to come back to this? Well done, Jason. I can’t believe how stupid you actually are. It’s a good thing you don’t book every show cause you really shot yourself in the foot this time. You see, you may think you’re playing us, and by us I mean True Society, but what you’ve really done is given us multiple opportunities to show you what we really are. I won’t go on about how putting most of our members in a match amongst themselves will only fuel them for the battles to come. There’s been a lot of issues amongst ourselves recently and this is a great chance for everyone to settle their differences so we can get back to the issues at hand.
Slade leans back in and sticks his head forward over the chair. His eyebrow twitches as Slade becomes more and more unhinged while he speaks.
SLADE CASTLE: To top that off, you put yourself in a title match against some of us and your friend, who I’m sure wouldn’t mind taking that belt off your hands as well. Then you were left with me. It appears putting me in that match with the rest of True Society wasn’t enough for you. You wanted to do some real damage. Hurt my pride. You think I have no chance in hell at beating THE Elena DeDraca. You put a man, so ready to fight in singles competition, against a former Legacy Champion. Probably the most celebrated Legacy Champion at that. No offense to my pal Syndicate of course. All this just to prove a point. Well, what’s the point? That I’m not as tough as I say? That I don’t stack up? I just have one thing to say to you Jason, and that is…
Slade looks up to the smog-filled sky as he takes a deep breath in and closes his eyes. He sits there for a moment then exhales up into the air. His breath seeps from his mouth in the chilled air. Slade looks back to the camera with a sickening grin.
SLADE CASTLE: Thanks. Thank you Jason. This is just what I needed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I should properly introduce myself to the former Legacy Champion. Elena, I may not know a whole lot about you and I know damn well you don’t know jack about me, so why don’t I tell you a few things about myself. For one, I’m a former marine. Some people say that doesn’t mean much, but to be honest with you, that was a long time ago and I quit playing by their rules when an IED killed all of my friends and nearly killed me. They said I went crazy. I wasn’t fit to live in society. They said that I needed to go to a GODDAMNED NUTHOUSE.
Slade chuckles.
SLADE CASTLE: Hmph, they were right! I absolutely should’ve, but here I am. Still kicking. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re tough as nails reaching the heights that you have. Well I say bring it. You know why I joined Project: Honor? I was a fighter in an underground pit fighting ring. I joined Project: Honor because they couldn’t find any more lowlife, underworld, scum willing to face me. I had the fuckin’ mob scared of me. My manager at the time said he had a gig for me. Somewhere where I could get my sick sadistic rocks off. So here I am. I’ve made far more enemies than friends since getting here, and you wanna know why? I don’t get along with people. I don’t respect a damn person here. I don’t respect people like you, Elena. You made it to the top before? Oh, good for you. You want a cookie? Who the fuck cares. When you’re face to face with me, I’m not thinking about your history. I’m not thinking about who you’ve beaten. My sole focus is then and there, in that moment. Who you are standing across from me at the present. I’m not fighting the legendary Legacy Champion, Elena DeDraca. I’m just fighting a washed up has-been who’s already incapable of reclaiming that old fire she had.
Slade stands and begins to walk circles around the chair as he speaks now. As he paces around he only occasionally glances at the camera.
SLADE CASTLE: Don’t get me wrong, I’m not foolish. I know the fighting champion Elena is down there somewhere. I honestly hope that’s the Elena I get at Fallout XX. No fight is ever won before it’s over. I’ve learned not to underestimate my opponent. Always assume the person you're fighting has a knife just waiting in their back pocket. That’s the kind of fight I want. The thrill of everything being on the line. Life or death. I’m so used to the feeling that anything else now is just… uninspiring. I want you to fight me like your life depends on it. Can you do that for me, Elena? If knowing this helps, I’ve killed people with my bare hands before. I’m sure I’d be capable of doing it again. There’s already been too much murder talk going around for my taste though so why don’t we move along.
Slade reaches down and folds the chair, holding it by one of the legs as he begins to drag it along the ground.
SLADE CASTLE: Let me be very clear. Jason didn’t put me in a No Holds Barred match with you.
Slade brings the chair over head and brings it down with thunderous force as the sound of steel on concrete echoes throughout the alley.
SLADE CASTLE: He put you in this match with me. I feel right at home in a No Holds Barred match. While I prefer to use my fists to do the talking, not having to worry about a referee dragging me off you as you beg me to stop pounding your skull to dust is a great feeling of relief. This is just what I needed to blow off some steam.
Slade takes the chair and leans it over his shoulder now, as water drips to the ground from the head of it.
SLADE CASTLE: When I lost that Noble championship, I had just started seeing the value in holding such a prize. It felt… good. It almost filled that void of purpose in me. Then Bennett proved to be in a winning position that day. Well, now I know what I gotta do. Fuck the Noble Championship, I have my eyes set on a greater prize. What could possibly be a better way of climbing up the proverbial totem pole than beating someone who held the greatest prize in this company? I wish Havoc the best, I really do, but in True Society we respect each other's drive to earn even greater glories than before. I’ve had the Noble Championship. Why not go for the Prime or even Legacy championships? That second one may have to wait, but I’m afraid there was always only one way for me to move up. Eventually that may have to be through him. For right now though, that’s through you, Elena. You are my opportunity. You are my solution. You are my stepping stone.
Slade tosses the chair to the ground. As he looks dead-eyed into the camera the sound of a car can be heard pulling up and coming to a stop near the Alley. Slade ignores the commotion keeping his attention focused on the camera.
SLADE CASTLE: Elena, I will come prepared for this war. All I ask is that you do the same. May the best fighter win.
Slade takes a few steps toward the camera, shoving the operator to the side, causing the camera to shake. After Slade passes, the camera turns to see Foulweather exiting a black car with both of the tag team titles over his shoulders.
JULIUS FOULWEATHER: I think my associate here has made his point clear. You can be on your way now if you know what is best for you. You don’t want to be trapped in an alley with us two blocking your exit.
SLADE CASTLE: Not right now, Julius. We both have a lot on the line this week.
Foulweather seems displeased with Slade’s comment but accepts it all the same.
JULIUS FOULWEATHER: Very well. You get to live another day without having your eyes ripped from your skull it seems.
Slade and Julius both step into the back seat of the car as it takes off for the Petersen Events Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Slade and Julius make their way out of the arena, belts in hand.
SLADE CASTLE: Not this time. Not again.
Julius is dazed and confused as they approach the car waiting for them.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: What happened out there, when the fuck did that match even start?
Slade stops and looks to Julius who glares daggers right back.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Not to mention, why the fuck are you taking the same car as me, mother fucker? Get your own.
Julius takes a few more steps toward the car before he’s stopped by Slade’s hand on his shoulder.
SLADE CASTLE: Okay, what the fuck is going on with you?
Julius stops in his tracks and cocks an eyebrow up before turning to meet Slade’s concerned look with a fire in his eyes.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: What the fuck is wrong with me? Mother fucker, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why the fuck do you think we are all buddy buddy all of a sudden? Just because we’re the tag champs? I don’t owe you an explanation for shit, and as far as I’m concerned, you can go rot in hell with the rest of those True Society bastards. I’ve had just about enough of this shit.
Julius forcefully pulls his arm away and begins to walk toward the car. Slade initially bites his tongue but speaks up just as Julius is just about to get into the car.
SLADE CASTLE: I know about Foulweather. I can keep track of him when he’s here. You need me.
Julius stops in his tracks and pulls a foot back out of the car now curious about the proposition. Slade makes his way closer to his rival desperate to find a middle ground.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Foulweather? Explain.
SLADE CASTLE: Sometimes you call yourself Foulweather. I assume you don’t have any say in that? How about Fineweather? You know about him? Look, all I’m saying is I can help you out. Not because I want to but, because I need you to keep your half of this partnership intact. You don’t have to like it but all I’m asking is that you fill me in on whatever in the hell is going on.
Julius pauses to think for a moment. He looks Slade up and down then reaches up and rubs his previously wounded eye.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: I’ll think about it.
Julius turns and gets into the car, closing the door. Slade watches as it drives away and pulls out his phone and a white business card.
SLADE CASTLE: Either you’re gonna tell me what’s goin’ on or they will.
Slade stands there pondering if he should call the number but puts them both back into his pocket and looks around.
SLADE CASTLE: … Shit… That was my ride…
4 Years ago, lost in the Sahara
All of his squamates were surrounded. They had found a lone structure to endure the storm of bullets that made impact on the building all around them. A sandstorm was quickly approaching to cover their escape, they just had to survive till then. Slade was tending to Jackie who had been hit and was severely bleeding. Brickson was covering the entrance while the rest of the squad tended to themselves or attempted to contact reinforcements.
SLADE CASTLE: You’ll be alright Jack, just hold tight. I think the bleeding has almost stopped.
Slade tries talking to Jackie but his comrade is clearly delirious and not hearing him. Slade continues to apply pressure as the sound of bullets slowly fade. Slade stops what he’s doing and takes a look around the sandstone building they are in.
SLADE CASTLE: Are they finally done?
BRICKSON: I don’t think so, everyone keep your asses to the ground. Something big might be coming.
Silence sweeps the room as Slade continues to apply pressure to Jackie’s leg. Jester approaches and tries to assist Slade in stopping the bleeding.
JESTER: C’mon Jackie, you got this bud. Let’s get out of here soon.
A low rumbling can now be heard in the distance. Everyone looks at each other as a wave of uncertainty washes across the room.
BRICKSON: I think it’s time to move. What do you say, captain?
SLADE CASTLE: Goddamnit, I don’t know. I don’t think we can move Jackie. It’s too risky, we gotta wait.
JESTER: If that sound is what I think it is we don’t have time to sit and wait, Slade. I think Jackie would agree that risking one life to save all of us is the better course of action.
SLADE CASTLE: No, I’m not risking Jackie’s life. We can make it through this. We’ve been through worse.
In a moment of clarity, Jackie reaches out to Slade and grabs his shoulder.
JACKIE: Slade, we gotta go. As long as one of you can help me stand I’ll be fine. We got to go.
Slade grimaces, unhappy to be outvoted but begrudgingly helps Jackie to his feet. The sandstorm outside begins to pick up as the rumbling grows louder and louder. Jackie is clearly incapable of standing so Slade nods to him before lifting the wounded onto his shoulders.
BRICKSON: You need help with that, Slade?
SLADE CASTLE: Nah, we need you and Jester keeping cover. I got him.
The crew begin to wait for the sandstorm to be in full effect.
Brickson peers out the door watching for movement. The visibility is getting lower and lower the longer the sandstorm goes on. The sandstorm gets loud enough that it begins to drown out the rumbling in the distance as well.
BRICKSON: Where the hell did these guys get a tank? What are we even dealing with here?
SLADE CASTLE: I don’t know. Whoever this organization is, they’re powerful. I’m starting to think there is too much being kept from us. This is getting ridiculous.
JESTER: What kind of secret organization could have an entire military and heavy weaponry without being known. I can’t even joke about this shit. It’s too much man.
The group waits a few more minutes before making their plan of action.
SLADE CASTLE: Alright, here’s what’s going to happen. We got incredibly low chances of surviving a storm like that but even lower chances of surviving a tank turning this building into a crater. Brickson, you’re taking the lead as we exit the back and Jester will cover our rear. We have to link up so none of us get lost in the storm and try our best to walk in a straight line. This way if we need to go back it should hopefully be easier to find our way back here. It’s gonna be disorienting out there, but if this doesn’t work we're dead anyways. Y’all ready?
The crew silently nods with Slade.
SLADE CASTLE: Alright, let’s move.
The crew make their way into the unforgiving desert hoping to make it out alive. They walk, and walk, and walk, until finally the sound of ballistic shells destroying their building can be heard through the storm in the distance. They push on hoping to escape their pursuers in the commotion. They travel for what feels like miles eventually coming to another structure. They make their way inside and all collapse to the ground in exhaustion. All the members of the squad cough until they bleed, getting all of the sand out of their throats and lungs.
SLADE CASTLE: *cough* … is everyone… *cough cough*... okay?
They all silently nod their head with exception to Jackie who was unconscious. The crew check on Jackie to make sure he’s okay before investigating the building they found themselves in. As they shine lights across the walls, they see hieroglyphics which none of them are capable of deciphering.
JESTER: Where the fuck are we?
SLADE CASTLE: Not sure…
BRICKSON: Wherever here is, I’m just glad it’s not out there.
Brickson sit’s down and takes a swig of water and rests his eyes. Jester and Slade continue to look around, finding a false floor to a staircase down into the ground. Slade and Jester look at each other then back into the hole.
SLADE CASTLE: Jest, stay up here and keep watch. I'm gonna make sure the area is clear. If I yell, get the other two and come get me.
Jester, knowing not to question Slade, nods and kneels at the top of the stairs as Slade makes his way down. While the building and beginning of the stairs all looked long abandoned the tunnel slowly turned more modern. As Slade reaches the bottom of the stairs he flips on his barrel mounted flash light and looks around. It takes a few moments before he sees anything of interest but suddenly something catches his attention. He looks on in shock, unsure of what he is seeing.
SLADE CASTLE: What the hell…
Sal’s Carpark, Detroit, 2 Years Ago
JERRY: Alright Slade, this is the only guy left, who is undefeated in the region. I’m not saying you need to treat this fight with a little extra caution but…
SLADE CASTLE: Shut it, I don’t need your advice on how to fight.
Jerry walks around Slade and looks him dead in the eye.
JERRY: This isn’t just about you. I can’t have one of the most hyped fights in this city's history just for you to go and lose in ten seconds because you underestimate your opponent.
Slade spits at his fight manager's feet.
SLADE CASTLE: I don’t underestimate my opponents, I just don’t fear them. There’s a difference. You can’t assume shit about who you’re fighting. That’s how you get your ass knocked out by something you didn't realize they had tucked away in their arsenal. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a fight to win.
Slade stands up and pushes Jerry to the side as he makes his way to the center of the car park. He approaches the ring of bystanders, pushing his way through to the center. He’s the first one there so he takes a look around, surveying the arena and crowd. It’s a larger space than normal which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are a few objects lying around such as extra windows rocks and a sledgehammer. Slade cracks his neck and waits for his opponent to arrive.
ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets as the match is about to begin! Currently in the arena, he is the Slayer of the Street, the King of Bloodsport, this is Slade Castle!
The crowd around Slade roars only to be silenced by the announcer speaking once more.
ANNOUNCER: His opponent, he is no man. He is no beast. He is a weapon of mass destruction, this is Tank Robinson!
A large man, maybe 6’9” - 6’10” begins to walk through the crowd towering over every person he passes. Slade and Tank meet in the center of the circle and square up face to face. Slade looks up, not afraid to stare his opponent in the eye. Tank also stands his ground seemingly amused by the smaller Castle.
TANK ROBINSON: So you’re the pipsqueak I’m up against, huh? Looks like another free win for me.
Slade, who isn’t short by any means, doesn’t say a word before both men back up getting ready for the battle to start.
ANNOUNCER: Alright, bets have been placed, let’s fight!
Neither man moves an inch. Slade and Tank stare at each other from across the arena, not wanting to make the first move. Slade closes his eyes and raises his arms.
SLADE CASTLE: Well c’mon then big man. If you’re so tough, why don’t you take the first shot.
Tank chuckles and begins to slowly move towards Castle. Tank reaches Castle and raises his right hand.
TANK ROBINSON: Bitch…
Tank brings his right hand down, slapping Castle, knocking him to a knee and the spit from his mouth.
SLADE CASTLE: My turn.
Slade pops back up to his feet throwing a massive uppercut to the jaw of Tank whose head snaps back. The larger man takes a few steps back then looks at Slade with a stern face. He holds it for a few moments then begins to laugh.
TANK ROBINSON: You’re gonna have to do more than…
While Tank was recovering from the hit Slade had grabbed one of the rocks he had seen and chucked it at his opponent's head. The rock cracks off of Robinsons skull while Slade grabs the sledge hammer and dashes forward, swinging it into the stomach of the larger man but he catches it. Tank grabs Slade’s head and lifts him into the air before slamming him down onto the ground. Tanks takes the Sledge and snaps the handle in half.
TANK ROBINSON: You’ll have to do more than that.
Slade begins to crawl away but Tank grabs his leg and tosses him into the side of a car, denting the door. Slade winces in pain and reaches for his spine. Slade begins to frantically look around for a way to take the big man off his feet when he gets an idea. Tank begins to walk back toward Slade but Slade quickly leaps forward grabbing a spare car window. Slade gets to his feet and smashes the window across the face of Tank, causing him to drop to a knee now. Slade grabs the big man's head and begins to smash his knuckles against it. A large gash is split across Tank’s forehead and it keeps getting wider with every punch Castle throws. Tank begins to get back to his feet lighting Slade with him. Tank throws Slade over his shoulders back onto the ground but with no time to waste Slade rolls back to his feet and leaps onto Tank’s back. Slade locks in the rear naked choke. Tank frantically tries to pull Slade off but can’t get a good grip. Finally Tank turns and slams his back against a car. It’s at just the right height that it hits primarily in the center of Slade’s back. Slade tightly holds the grip on the fading big man who in a last ditch effort falls backwards onto Slade who still doesn’t release the hold. The ref runs forward to see Tank Robinson out cold and begins to tap Slade’s shoulders to release the hold.
ANNOUNCER: Your winner… Slade Castle!
The crowd roars to life with the result while it takes multiple people to pull Tank off Slade. Eventually they are able to push the large man off to find him barely conscious. They try to help him up but Slade refuses as he picks himself up off the ground and begins to make his way to the manager to collect his money. He wobbles having difficulty standing making it through the crowd. The manager runs up to Slade with an envelope in hand.
JERRY: That was fantastic! Great work out there!
Slade wipes some blood away from his mouth and snatches the envelope from the managers hand. He then begins to walk away without a single word.
JERRY: I'll be in touch to tell you your next fight!
Mental Garden Institute 3 Days ago
Sarah glares at Slade as he tries to play dumb to the trouble he is currently in.
DR. SARAH GREEN: You have anything to say for yourself?
Slade shrugs, avoiding eye contact with his therapist.
SLADE CASTLE: About what? As far as I’m concerned I did nothing wrong.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Did nothing wrong?! Are you goddamn kidding me?! You assaulted my patient! I already told you I wouldn't allow any more of those outbursts and frankly I shouldn't have allowed you to schedule this appointment.
SLADE CASTLE: I’m telling you, it was an honest mistake. I just don’t understand why someone would come this far just for a therapist appointment.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Have you considered I may just have a decent reputation as a therapist? Or at least had one. I mean, they gave me your hopeless case didn’t they?
SLADE CASTLE: Hey now, I’m not hopeless. That’s just mean.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Have you done anything to prove otherwise?
SLADE CASTLE: Maybe not but that’s neither here nor there.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Okay, so why should I continue these sessions?
SLADE CASTLE: You can’t tell me you actually believe you’ve had no affect on me right? Last time I checked I got here by doin’ exactly what you told me. So if you got better advice I’m here to hear it.
Sarah shakes her head, disapproving of Slade’s interpretation of therapy.
DR. SARAH GREEN: That’s not what this is, Slade. I’m here to help heal the wounds in your head, not give you direction in life. The best I can do is try and get you to do what you think is best. There are methods I can give you to do that but how you use them is up to you. Don’t try to pin this whole mess on me.
Slade nods apologetically.
SLADE CASTLE: Well, I may have gotten out of hand for a while there. I lost a piece of myself and when Arik told me he could help I gave in. And I’m sorry for the outburst last time. You can clearly see the mess I’m in now though. I’m surrounded by a bunch of people I can’t trust, blindly following a man like I’m his lapdog, and my partner has turned into a basket case. Why am I doing this, doc?
DR. SARAH GREEN: You wanted a place to belong. You've said so yourself. You took the first opportunity you got. Have you considered maybe looking elsewhere?
SLADE CASTLE: Nah, I couldn’t. I need this group, and I’d like to believe they need me. At least for now. It's nothing like the old days though. We just don't have the same comradery like I had with my squad.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Then maybe look at some of your teammates not as tools but as people. They all have their own reasons for being in the group. I'm sure you could strike common ground with one of them at least.
SLADE CASTLE: I don't know, maybe.
They sit in silence for a few moments while Sarah takes a few notes. She looks through what she has written down when one topic catches her eye.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Let's change the subject. Why don’t we talk about your partner. Julius right? You called him a basket case. Could you elaborate on that?
SLADE CASTLE: I’ve been meaning to ask your opinion on him actually. Some times he's a sadistic psychopath, other times he's just... nice? Occasionally he just acts like is regular old self too. He seems to switch from personality to personality like it’s a damn light switch. It used to be rare but it keeps happening now. The weirder part is that this is fairly new. No one remembers Julius acting like this before?
DR. SARAH GREEN: While I’m not here to diagnose your friend I…
SLADE CASTLE: He’s not my friend.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Right… I’m not here to diagnose your “partner” but it sounds like he has a strange, extreme case of dissociative identity disorder. He may have had some repressed trauma that recently came to light or possibly…
SLADE CASTLE: Possibly what?
DR. SARAH GREEN: Well it’s possible he went through something traumatic recently. Would you know anything about that?
Slade shows on his face that he isn’t accepting this line of logic.
SLADE CASTLE: Has nothing to do with me, I’m sure of it. He did like his alone time before it started to happen though. Julius Fairweather doesn’t like me all that much, siding with Arik Holt and everything. Now Foulweather on the other hand can’t seem to get enough of being my partner.
DR. SARAH GREEN: Every personality holds a bit of truth in each of them. Perhaps Julius sees more in you then he let on when he was Fairweather.
SLADE CASTLE: I don’t know, doc. All I know is that I need these switches to stop. One way or the other.
Slade reaches into his pocket pulling out the white business card.
SLADE CASTLE: If you’ll excuse me, I have a call I need to make.
Before she can stop him, Slade stands up and leaves the office. Sarah gets up and begins to pursue Slade but stops knowing that this isn't her place to interfere.
Present in a vacant alley in Detroit
Slade is sitting backwards in a metal folding chair as the camera comes to life. He peers at the damp, somewhat snow covered ground. His arms are wrapped around the chair and he is holding one of his wrists in his other hand and almost hugging the back of the chair. As the camera slowly draws in, the bloodstains on the ground beneath Slade become ever more noticeable. The camera gets to about 5 feet away from Slade when it finally comes to a halt. Slade looks up to the camera with a stern look.
SLADE CASTLE: I’ve spilled so much blood in this alley you could probably fill an entire hospital with it. I have to say, it brings back memories. The desperation, the violence. It was all so real back then. Now it just feels like I’m in a goddamn game all the time. Getting pulled around and being caught up in other’s affairs. It just doesn’t feel the same as it used to. Not like how it was back when I fought in places like this. There is so much more on the line yet it feels so much less meaningful. I suppose that’s just because I haven’t had that tick yet. That thing that gets my blood flowing, and gets me psyched the fuck up. Well, while I was gone I guess something came to light. Something that does peak my interest.
Slade leans back, holding himself up by grabbing the brim of the chair.
SLADE CASTLE: So, Jason has had himself some fun by booking Fallout. First that rat loving freak pulls me away from my home brand, then I have to come back to this? Well done, Jason. I can’t believe how stupid you actually are. It’s a good thing you don’t book every show cause you really shot yourself in the foot this time. You see, you may think you’re playing us, and by us I mean True Society, but what you’ve really done is given us multiple opportunities to show you what we really are. I won’t go on about how putting most of our members in a match amongst themselves will only fuel them for the battles to come. There’s been a lot of issues amongst ourselves recently and this is a great chance for everyone to settle their differences so we can get back to the issues at hand.
Slade leans back in and sticks his head forward over the chair. His eyebrow twitches as Slade becomes more and more unhinged while he speaks.
SLADE CASTLE: To top that off, you put yourself in a title match against some of us and your friend, who I’m sure wouldn’t mind taking that belt off your hands as well. Then you were left with me. It appears putting me in that match with the rest of True Society wasn’t enough for you. You wanted to do some real damage. Hurt my pride. You think I have no chance in hell at beating THE Elena DeDraca. You put a man, so ready to fight in singles competition, against a former Legacy Champion. Probably the most celebrated Legacy Champion at that. No offense to my pal Syndicate of course. All this just to prove a point. Well, what’s the point? That I’m not as tough as I say? That I don’t stack up? I just have one thing to say to you Jason, and that is…
Slade looks up to the smog-filled sky as he takes a deep breath in and closes his eyes. He sits there for a moment then exhales up into the air. His breath seeps from his mouth in the chilled air. Slade looks back to the camera with a sickening grin.
SLADE CASTLE: Thanks. Thank you Jason. This is just what I needed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I should properly introduce myself to the former Legacy Champion. Elena, I may not know a whole lot about you and I know damn well you don’t know jack about me, so why don’t I tell you a few things about myself. For one, I’m a former marine. Some people say that doesn’t mean much, but to be honest with you, that was a long time ago and I quit playing by their rules when an IED killed all of my friends and nearly killed me. They said I went crazy. I wasn’t fit to live in society. They said that I needed to go to a GODDAMNED NUTHOUSE.
Slade chuckles.
SLADE CASTLE: Hmph, they were right! I absolutely should’ve, but here I am. Still kicking. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re tough as nails reaching the heights that you have. Well I say bring it. You know why I joined Project: Honor? I was a fighter in an underground pit fighting ring. I joined Project: Honor because they couldn’t find any more lowlife, underworld, scum willing to face me. I had the fuckin’ mob scared of me. My manager at the time said he had a gig for me. Somewhere where I could get my sick sadistic rocks off. So here I am. I’ve made far more enemies than friends since getting here, and you wanna know why? I don’t get along with people. I don’t respect a damn person here. I don’t respect people like you, Elena. You made it to the top before? Oh, good for you. You want a cookie? Who the fuck cares. When you’re face to face with me, I’m not thinking about your history. I’m not thinking about who you’ve beaten. My sole focus is then and there, in that moment. Who you are standing across from me at the present. I’m not fighting the legendary Legacy Champion, Elena DeDraca. I’m just fighting a washed up has-been who’s already incapable of reclaiming that old fire she had.
Slade stands and begins to walk circles around the chair as he speaks now. As he paces around he only occasionally glances at the camera.
SLADE CASTLE: Don’t get me wrong, I’m not foolish. I know the fighting champion Elena is down there somewhere. I honestly hope that’s the Elena I get at Fallout XX. No fight is ever won before it’s over. I’ve learned not to underestimate my opponent. Always assume the person you're fighting has a knife just waiting in their back pocket. That’s the kind of fight I want. The thrill of everything being on the line. Life or death. I’m so used to the feeling that anything else now is just… uninspiring. I want you to fight me like your life depends on it. Can you do that for me, Elena? If knowing this helps, I’ve killed people with my bare hands before. I’m sure I’d be capable of doing it again. There’s already been too much murder talk going around for my taste though so why don’t we move along.
Slade reaches down and folds the chair, holding it by one of the legs as he begins to drag it along the ground.
SLADE CASTLE: Let me be very clear. Jason didn’t put me in a No Holds Barred match with you.
Slade brings the chair over head and brings it down with thunderous force as the sound of steel on concrete echoes throughout the alley.
SLADE CASTLE: He put you in this match with me. I feel right at home in a No Holds Barred match. While I prefer to use my fists to do the talking, not having to worry about a referee dragging me off you as you beg me to stop pounding your skull to dust is a great feeling of relief. This is just what I needed to blow off some steam.
Slade takes the chair and leans it over his shoulder now, as water drips to the ground from the head of it.
SLADE CASTLE: When I lost that Noble championship, I had just started seeing the value in holding such a prize. It felt… good. It almost filled that void of purpose in me. Then Bennett proved to be in a winning position that day. Well, now I know what I gotta do. Fuck the Noble Championship, I have my eyes set on a greater prize. What could possibly be a better way of climbing up the proverbial totem pole than beating someone who held the greatest prize in this company? I wish Havoc the best, I really do, but in True Society we respect each other's drive to earn even greater glories than before. I’ve had the Noble Championship. Why not go for the Prime or even Legacy championships? That second one may have to wait, but I’m afraid there was always only one way for me to move up. Eventually that may have to be through him. For right now though, that’s through you, Elena. You are my opportunity. You are my solution. You are my stepping stone.
Slade tosses the chair to the ground. As he looks dead-eyed into the camera the sound of a car can be heard pulling up and coming to a stop near the Alley. Slade ignores the commotion keeping his attention focused on the camera.
SLADE CASTLE: Elena, I will come prepared for this war. All I ask is that you do the same. May the best fighter win.
Slade takes a few steps toward the camera, shoving the operator to the side, causing the camera to shake. After Slade passes, the camera turns to see Foulweather exiting a black car with both of the tag team titles over his shoulders.
JULIUS FOULWEATHER: I think my associate here has made his point clear. You can be on your way now if you know what is best for you. You don’t want to be trapped in an alley with us two blocking your exit.
SLADE CASTLE: Not right now, Julius. We both have a lot on the line this week.
Foulweather seems displeased with Slade’s comment but accepts it all the same.
JULIUS FOULWEATHER: Very well. You get to live another day without having your eyes ripped from your skull it seems.
Slade and Julius both step into the back seat of the car as it takes off for the Petersen Events Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
