"Gods fucking damn it! That bitch…..oh her time will come. Sooner than she thinks…."
Zatara King growled, ragging with growing hatred. As she cursed the low life bitch, that was Sara Lewis. The fucking bitch had managed to steal the FXW women's champion ship. Becoming the first champion, by the skin of her teeth. With a mist to the eyes of Samantha Black.
Who she'd quickly kicked out of the ring. Becoming the sole wrestler in the ring and thus the winner. The stupid little bitch, had snatched away victory. Like a child sneaking into the kitchen and stealing cookies. The only saving grace was it wasn't that total bitch Nyx Rosewood.
The little leach had managed to take her out of the match. Leaving Zatara enraged rightful so, as Nyx just a demented song bird. Who hung out with even more deranged lunatics. She didn't have nearly the skill of King. Or hell even Striker, who knew what a real fight was.
Nyx had never been in a four way; where the boss encouraged interference and weapons. She didn't know what it was like to escape the breaker of bones. Nyx knew nothing about being in trios matches that were actual fights for survival.
King had problems giving respect to anyone. Who hadn't been in The Temple. It was a problem that many of the Luchadors that had worked for Cueto had.
Many joked it was because no one really understood; it unless they lived it. While Cueto was seen as a weakling, at least at first glance. There was something dark in him, that had come out in spades. After Mr. Cisco had been killed and Cueto had vanished for a few months.
A dark confidence that put many on edge. There had been other things that had gone on. Most of which King only knew the bare bones about. It hadn't stopped her from doing his dirty work. For the extra money, and promised perks for matches.
Still there were times it had left her wondering. Not enough to demand answers, but enough that she asked around a little. Just out of curiosity mostly. It wasn't hard to find people willing to gossip about El Jefe's dealings.
Many of the boys and girls, held no love for Cueto. So it wasn't hard to find out what they knew. Or in many cases didn't know, but highly suspected. Vampiro would mention things at times. That made Kings neck hairs stand on end. As he wasn't mentioning it to gossip, only to inform and warn. King knew her old trainer held few things close to his heart. That were not his daughter, the way he did his students.
The older man's advice was worth its weight in gold. King took it when he decided to give it. As it wasn't given often, once one had graduated. Still you knew you were being looked after because of it.
Unless you were Pentagon Dark, who many of Vampiro's old students would have gladly jumped on a daily bases. If the older man hadn't put his foot down about it that was. No one was sure why, but they respected Vampiro's wishes.
Zatara felt her thoughts drift back to the present. Nyx was unworthy of respect in her eyes. She was one of the weaker women in the match. She should have been the second or third elimination. First being Jazz Conway the weakest woman in the match. Nothing but a ruff rookie, who had no business being in the battle royal. How she had gotten in was a mystery. Instead Zatara had been the third elimination.
This had lead her to become more than willing. To make sure that Nyx a woman she had zero respect for. Got thrown out on her ass, by any means necessary. Even if it meant working with Striker, who she at least had respect for. Striker was also not a second rate crazy with no talent.
Zatara: "….Damn it! Wrecking the place will only piss off the boss. That fucking no talent bitch! I'm going to rip both her ACLU's into seven pieces each!"
Zatara continues raging at Sara Lewis, her mother, her grandmother, her great grandmother, and all the morons who got them with child. She then rages at all of Lewis's relatives. Wishing they had never meet; while praying that one of the gods makes Lewis pay dearly or strikes her down. Without her becoming a force ghost, that torments King.
As this goes on, King fails to notice the door to the locker room open up then close. As in walks a bruised but claim Katie Striker. Who notices King is just one steep away from going full on hulk smash. Striker decides to defuse the situation.
"Zatara, everyone in the match wanted what Lewis is walking out with tonight. There is no reason to get upset. There is no reason to be so hasty. You have plenty of time to get what you want. Take your time, study the enemy. Then when the time is right, show the bitch the meaning of Welcome to the Temple. As for now, I know of a lovely restaurant. That has the best Gumbo, its made with oysters and crawfish. An has some damn good margaritas. Very excusive place, I'll foot the bill as well."
Zatara looks at Striker like a fish with its mouth wide open. She knows the restaurant the other woman is speaking of. Its harder to get into than Fort Knox and as expensive as a full on night out in Tokyo. That's hitting several sushi places and the one place Okada loves to take his favorites.
Not that King's ever been treated by the Final Boss of New Japan. She's was taken out as a birthday present. By a large group of friends and Vampiro. They just happened to see Okada and his little group of lackeys at the time.
Zatara: "…..why?"
Katie: "Why not? Your pissed off and close to raging out on the locker room. Which Mr. Constantine won't like. If you don't like gumbo, they have a wonderful menu. That's filled with all kinds of cuisine."
Zatara: "….how's the bar?"
Katie: "It's very well stocked. They have 50 year old scotch whiskey. Plus all the normal liquor one would want. Patron, Gray Goose, Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Olmeca, Maker's Mark, Cognac. Everything you or anyone else could want."
Zatara: "Well that sounds good. Again why?…"
Katie: "….You know me Zatara. I'm not after anything, other than having some known company. Now if your ok with free dinner and booze. I'd like to get a shower, before more of the girls show up. I'd like to be out of here with in an hour."
Zatara: "Its not that Striker…it's just your still tight with Vamp, and several other people who are here. Why hang out with me?"
Katie: "You know my name Zatara. Quackenbush is my given name and I prefer if you use it. When its not a promo your cutting on me. As for Vamp, he's busy right now. I don't want to get him into trouble with Mr. Constantine….. I…just want to get out of here. You'll see why soon enough….."
King glanced a long moment at the other woman's face. What she saw disturbed her a great deal. Quackenbush's face was forlorn, as if a shadow of depression had suddenly passed over her. Leaving her eye's with less sparkle, less life, taking away the fire that lived with in her former mentor. Leaving a pale shell of a woman, who seemed to be one steep from the edge. An looked to be thinking, hey made six feet isn't so far down.
The as fast as she notices it, the look is replaced by one of acceptance. Of a situation that is in the middle of being resolved. Or one hopes will end favorable for them. Or just fade away and leave them be. Quackenbush merely shakes her head and heads for the showers. King decides to follow as free dinner and booze. Really did sound lovely after the disappointing night she's had. Besides Quackenbush as left her wondering just what is going on her. Its unlike the other woman to be so down.
About one hour later, both King and Quackenbush are dressed in street clothes with freshly washed and styled hair. Quackenbush comes over to King as she's just finishing up. Looking excepting at her, then motions for the other woman to move quickly. King follows her carrying her bag, she can't help but thinking. That her old mentor looks a bit like a scared rabbit.
The two made very quick time to the underground parking lot. That the talent had there cars in. It was separate from the upper levels the fans were using. So that everyone working would be able to leave without hassle. As they moved to the spot where Quackenbush had said her car would be.
Zatara was shocked to see a black cherry colored Jaguar. It looked to be the newest model. With all the bells and whistles as well. Wrapped in a large red ribbon, with a expensive looking large white card with gold lettering.
There was also a couple dozen white roses in the drivers seat. King could only stare dumb founded as her old mentor sighed. Then handed her the card to read. While the older woman removed the bow, and gave the car a quick go over.
As Zatara read the card, she felt her blood turn to ice. The card was creepy, scary, and deranged all wrapped up in nice 24k gold lettering. King's eyes got wider as she continued to read the card. Becoming even more concerned by the contents of it. Convinced that Cueto had final gone off the deep end.
When no one had been looking, then resurfaced and hidden among the sane people. The tone seemed light if you didn't read between the lines. If you understood the actual message being sent. Then you were now fully educated as to why Katherine Quackenbush had become so different.
The other woman had become something of a hermit. Refusing to go out in small parties after shows. Only spending time with people she known for years. Keeping people at arms length and rarely talking with unknowns. An it was now clear to King just why that had happened.
Quackenbush glanced at King a few times and took note of her facial features. Then sighed internal with relief, as she had hoped. Zatara understood the full weight of what she was reading. An was very much repulsed by the whole affair.
A small smile dared to break threw Katie's ice shield. As she found the keys in the ignition as she'd known they would be. She started up the new "present" she'd been given. Then walked over to King, who had finished the card. An was now trying to process the implications of it. Quackenbush walked over and took the card; then nodded at King and motioned for her to come along.
Katherine Quackenbush: "My mustang is now on it's way back home to my garage in Recidea. Dario feels a lady must have a car for each day of the week."
Zatara King: "…he what? How many cars has he gotten for you?"
Katherine Quackenbush: "Three mustangs, One cobra, Two Mercedes, and now this Jaguar. I managed to talk him out of a car for each day of the month."
Zatara King: "He wanted to buy you a car for each day of the month?! He's not even getting any sex. What the hell is wrong with him?"
Katherine Quackenbush: "I told him I didn't have room in my garage. He excepted it with a great deal of dislike. As he said he could easily have my garage expanded to hold them."
Zatara: "…..I take it back. He's fucking insane and needs to be committed. Kept away from all the sane people. You need to tell someone…..he's not going to just go away."
Katherine Quackenbush: "Tetsuya and the rest of Los Ignorable know. They are working on taking care of the problem. Don't tell Vamp…..I don't want him to worry."
Zatara: "I can't promise that. Vamp would never forgive me, if I didn't tell him. But….we can tell him together. You know that's what he would want."
Katherine Quackenbush: "…Alright. For now however, let's go. The reservations are for 9pm."
Zatara King: "Alright. I have a tab to run up, which you will be paying for."
Quackenbush nods at King and starts to drive off. The two a bit close than before. King understanding her former mentor, much more than before. As the contents of the card had shed light on. Just why her old mentor was so different from when King had first meet her.
Quackenbush felt a bit of relief, that King understood. Just why she was now so wary of so many things. Still she felt the fear of disappointment, that she was sacred she would see in Vampiro's eyes.
She knew it was a small possibility. Vamp knew her, trained her, was her friend and had known her for years. He won't blame her for Cueto, nor the unwanted gifts he kept sending.
The fear of being seen as a gold digger or a whore. Had been stifling and nearly all consuming. As she feared being blamed for what had being going on. It was something that had given her sleepless nights. Along with her great shame, the rare night terror. Waking up screaming, soaked to the bone in sweat. While the bedding was flung about, as if a hurricane had come threw.
It had been the night terrors that had been what given her away. Leading to a very late night talk with Hiromu. Who had not believed her feeble excuses at all. He had instead held her the whole night. Falling a sleep with her, to ensure that her night terrors didn't trouble her again. This had lead to a conversation with everyone else. Hiromu had ratted her out during breakfast the next day. As he was fearful for her continued well being.
He had announced it in quiet fashion, leaving the rest of the group looking to her. While she tried to sink into her chair to hide. This had lasted ten seconds, as Bushi and Sanada each grabbed an arm. Firmly pulling her up, so that she could face everyone.
It had been hard for her to look anyone in the eyes at first. It had been when EVIL had come over and hugged her tight. That things had come spilling out, leaving her crying. But letting out all the secrets and fears that had been holding her hostage. The guys had been shocked, but strongly supportive. Letting her know that it was in no way her fault. An any fuck for brains who said other wise. Was going to get a trip to the ER.
The rest of the day was spent goofing off and having fun. Despite the fact they were all working later that night. Her stable had shown her love, loyalty and respect. Letting her know that she was still who she had always been to them. This had given her hope; that she would be able to work up the courage. To tell the rest of her friends and family about her unwanted suitor.
Only so far she had been unable to work up the guts. She hadn't known at the time when she'd singed with FXW. That her stalker was in a position of power with in the company. So far thankful it looked like Dario was on a bit of leash. Unable to run wild as he would, if it had been the Temple. Both the GM and the big boss, seemed willing and able to remind Cueto. That he was no longer in charge of everything. That in its self was a positive sign.
While the place was wild, and very much into the brutal style of wrestling. It did seem as if there were limits, at least with the people in power. Mr. Constantine was of the mind, if he gave people what they wanted. Then they would come in droves and spend money. So far he had not been wrong in the slightest.
Quackenbush felt her mind drift back to her current situation. Shaking her head she realized they were now at there destination. The Star Light Fey was the hottest, best reviewed hotel and restaurant. The Big Easy had seen in years. The sheer culinary power of the cooking staff. Followed by the wonderful service from the rest of the staff. Had earned the hotel the highest praise anyone had seen given. In the recent memory of the city and the state.
Quackenbush couldn't help but smile, as a very familiar lady was waiting as she drove into a parking space. The owner of The Star Light Fey, was very impressive to say the least. The older woman was 6'3 and built like a body builder who could break iron rods. King looked on in shock, as a huge, well dressed woman. Meet them at the curb, smiling like she'd just won the lottery. She'd seen a lot of large women in her life. However King had never before seen anyone. Quite like the lady in front of her. King quickly did a mental run down of all the known thugs Cueto had on his pay roll. This lady didn't ring any bells, nor did she have on any clothing. That identified her to any known merc group. That King was knowledgeable about, still that didn't mean anything.
Zatara was deep in thought, trying to figure out just who the mystery lady was playing for. Only to be jarred out of her thoughts, by the most bell like laugh. King jumped, as the larger woman picked up Quackenbush. Then trilled her around like the other woman was a small child. King was ready to defend her old mentor. Until she neared the other woman laugh, clearly the two knew each other.
Katherine: "You can put me down now. Miss Kay, I'd like you to meet my friend Zatara. I mentioned her, when I made the reservations for tonight."
Miss Kay: "My darling girl! It's so good to see you! I've got the VIP room all set. Now no arguing about it, I would never charge someone who has done for me what you've done. Hello Miss Zatara! Any friend of my little kat, is always welcomed here."
Zatara: "Thank you."
The larger woman motions both into the hotel/restaurant leading them into one of the VIP rooms. Smiling the whole way as she chatted about how things had been going. How she was happy with all the extra business FXW was bring in. Not that they had any problems before, this was just a great way to bring in new faces every week. To help spread the word about her business.
King listens with growing interest, as she's cruise to how the two meet. Sadly she doesn't get much more information. Still King gets some decent blackmail material. That could be used for a few more paid nights out. The taller lady leads them into a wonderfully lavish private dinning room.
The carpet was black, thick and soft. The lighting was from some beautiful old world chandlers. Dripping with crystals, gems, and gilded in gold and sliver. The walls were covered with Fey style art work. Along with a royal purple on the walls. There were also beautiful wall hangings, along with a few hanging lamps. That all depicted different deities, of Western European back ground.
King noticed the smile on Quackenbush's face as she noticed all the decoration with in the room. Her old mentor looked to be in awe of everything around her. The joy that was coming off her was infectious. King felt her own mood to go up, she allowed her self a small smile. It was clear that Quackenbush was in a much better mood. She also looked far more relaxed, less stressed by far. King could see that the actual lady under the mask as coming out.
King could see why Dario was obsessed with her old mentor. That said she didn't know why he wasn't taking no for an answer. It wasn't as if Dario couldn't find willing female company. If you took away the ocd on violence. Then Cueto was actual very attractive to most women.
If you over looked his shady business, along with Matanza. A man who locked his younger brother up in a prison cell. Because it was for the safety of others. Or was a sick way to control his brother was not ideal. Still that didn't explain just why Cueto was after Quackenbush. With such insane vigor, and refusing to take no for an answer. King thought back to the card and shuttered. No more thinking on Cueto for the night. It would only lead to un-comfort, and nightmares.
King sat down as instructed by Miss Kay. The table was large and round a polished cherry wood. The seat was extremely comfortable, with a memory foam cushion. It was a tall hard wood frame, possible oak or some other kind. The frame also had gold inlaid running threw it in varies symbols. Most of which were Fey, Norse, or Celtic.
As Zatara continued to look around at the many different hidden touches threw out the room. Miss Kay personal takes Katherine's order for appetizers and a round of drinks. The two argue a bit because Kay insites that tonight is on the house. Katherine tries to argue that she feels like a free loader. Only to have Kay scoff and tell her, that the hotel and restaurant are making money hand over fist.
King barely stifles a laugh as Kay wins the argument in spades. Walking off smug and happy with a skip in her step. Quackenbush meanwhile looks defeated but happy. As she nuzzles into her chair, and looks over to Zatara. Shrugging her shoulders then takes a sip of her water.
Katherine: "Well it looks like tonight is on the house. Kay demanded as much, as you saw its futile to fight with her."
Zatara : "I noticed that, so can you tell me where you meet her?"
Katherine: "That is a very long and complicated story. I'll tell you next flight to Japan. Now we will eat, drink, smack talk our co-workers. An forget the fact we didn't get to wreck our enemies shit. Well…..wreck them hard that is."
Zatara: "Felt pretty good to lay out that demented song bird. How the hell do you tolerate that little wack job?"
Katherine: "Nxy, isn't normal that bad. I blame her husband for his bad influence on her. That aside Lewis doesn't normal travel alone. I'm betting her cult will be following her."
Zatara: "She's demented and likes Taylor Swift. You have better musical taste than that. Fuck…that little bitch and her cult."
Katherine: "How about we tilt the odds. I've got no love for Lewis. I will help you out with getting what you want. It shouldn't be too hard to fix things in your favor."
Zatara: "Tilting the odds…I won't mind that. What do you get out of it?"
Katherine: "I just want you to keep me informed about Dario. That and I'm in need of some trust worthy company. To come along with me to Japan for some shows."
Zatara: "Keeping you informed about Cueto is a given. Vamp would disown me if I didn't. As for a trip to Japan that sounds like fun. What's the deal you have friends over there."
Katherine: "I do. You are over due for some international tournaments. I've pulled a few strings, you are going to be in the G1. Under a mask granted, nothing I could do about it. Still you should be able to get some value out of the one's where you won't be wearing a mask."
Zatara: "You what?! I'm going to be in the G1?….holy shit…..that's huge. Wait how many tournaments? Just what were you up too?"
Katherine: "Burning threw every favor I've ever been owed. New Japan front office now gets me when ever they want. Only four others, nothing too insane. Only one is a single night, the other three are over five days."
Zatara: "…I don't know what to say."
Katherine: "Do you have all your stuff with you? Or did you leave some of it at the place you were staying?"
Zatara: "Yeah I've got my stuff in your trunk." '…..wait where is this going?….'
Katherine: "Excellent. Consider this a early birthday gift. You will be staying in one of the honey moon suites. The Royal Purple chamber rooms. Here is your key card."
Zatara looked at Quackenbush in complete shock. As the other woman handed her a key card. That had a R&P scrolled on to it in papyrus script. King couldn't believe what she held in her hand. Her old mentor had gone all out, such a room was highly expensive. Then again the owner seemed to adore her mentor. Still it was a very kind of her to give King the room. She had any number of friends or allies in town tonight. She could have easily given the room to any one of them. Yet choice to give it to King as a gift. As a sign that the older woman valued King. Along with the trust she had placed in Zatara. Earlier in the night, when she'd confessed to King about Cueto. An how out of control things had gotten with him. King took a moment to gloat in her head over that.
Zatara: "You have your self a deal. Now lets try out the beer battered shrimp."
Katherine: "…..thank you. Its really good, while we are at it I would recommend the fried mushrooms with truffle dipping sauce. Along with the A5 beef stroganoff with truffles."
The two women continued to eat, and drink well into the early morning hours. It was only when Kay a companied by two large well built security men. To help both ladies to there rooms. Kay was rather old fashioned and ran her hotel with class.
She didn't mind drinking, but past 2am it was just crass. That and she didn't trust the crazy man who was stalking her friend. Not to try and pull some kind of kidnapping. Kay wasn't about to allow that to go down in her hotel of all places.
No Mr. Cueto could go kiss a gator for all Kay cared. The crazy bastard was all the things her mother had warned her about. Along with all the things her father would say needed some back woods swamp justice.
Zatara sighed as she happily snuggled into her bed. The honey moon suite was everything the name implied and more. The night had started off with promise only to seemly crash and burn. Then it had taken a radical up swing into the realms of opportunity.
All thanks to that bitch Sara Lewis and Dario Cueto. King laughed at that thought, content and ready for sleep. Maybe she'd thank one of them, and break the others arm. She'd have to think about it, still the night had gone well.