I ll plan the funeral for you. A stony-faced female had said.
Don t count on winning, chump! hissed a man in a leather jacket. Lucario instantly recognized him as the one called Geoff that Colin had spoken to while Lucario was at his side days ago. The same day Colin introduced himself. Soon after, he had led Lucario to the training room, and the entire time Lucario thought that Colin was a gentle giant. It turned out that Colin s friendly mask had tricked him, as Colin was secretly going behind his back in a paranoid state of mind. Did the belt mean that much to him? Lucario also thought about Jeremy Feldman, the previous champion, who, in spite of losing, held Colin at gunpoint because he lost, and was quickly arrested. The belt drove people mad, it seemed.
There was no doubt in Lucario s mind that he also had his own supporters. Becky had personally sought out and spoke to him, looking as determined and vengeful as Lucario had ever seen. She was accompanied by little Chet, who, as always, wasn t smiling, looking as if he had just received news of his death sentence.
I want you to win. Please, Becky s eyes were positively shiny, about to tear up. She sounded like she was in a state of madness. Please tell me you re going to win.
Chet caught Lucario s eye and nodded very curtly, giving Lucario the answer that he was about to say by word of mouth.
Don t worry I will give him what he deserves. said Lucario rather unconvincingly, taking a sigh after he had let it slip. Colin wasn t exactly weak, as he had beat Lucario down the previous day with much amusement. Lucario was still quite sore.
Please Please Becky was murmuring as Chet had dragged her away from Lucario, while Chet whispered soft words of encouragement.
Another morale booster had come soon after his encounter with Becky. A man and child had approached Lucario and engaged him in conversation, introducing themselves.
Nicholas Harrison. This is my son, Logan. He is a big fan of yours.
A young boy had stepped from behind his father. Logan was very skinny and had peach-colored, wispy hair.
You re good at fighting. Logan said politely.
Thank you. Lucario uttered, smiling. He looked at Nicholas Harrison. I ll sign that paper for you.
Right Got it. Nicholas had taken a pen and small piece of paper out of his suit pockets, which Lucario took and began writing.
My boy s been watching you since your first match. Also, this is one of the things going to my wife in the hospital. Avid fan of this kind of stuff. Taking her some souvenirs from this wrestling place.
Lucario had stopped signing for a moment. What was your wife s name, again?
Maria.
Finishing his autograph and writing To Maria , Lucario handed it back to him.
Hey thanks. You re not half bad for a superstar. Usually the ones I met didn t have time for me and my son. Logan likes you a lot, though. Keep it up. We re going to stay and watch your match with that big guy. Best of luck!
Lucario nodded and started walking away, hearing Logan call out a goodbye to him.
But, in the present, as Lucario had sat himself in a chair, having a pep talk with Francine Sprague, his nerves seemed to be bursting.
Feeling confident? Francine questioned.
Lucario shrugged.
Need anything?
Lucario shook his head.
Come on, there s gotta be something to get you out of this nervous state. I mean, feeling like this is normal and all, but Keep your head, please the fans, and most of all Make it count. Beat the tar out of each other!
She was smiling, which did not help Lucario at all. The stupid woman didn t understand, Lucario thought as he looked her in the eyes. No wonder her and Mark Toney were siblings.
What, you don t want to back out of this one too, do you?
Lucario sighed deeply, inhaling the perfume that was wafting off of the woman s body. The match was an hour away and nothing seemed to be ultimately making him feel better. Colin was indubitably going to use that moment to really make him bleed in front of every cheering fan. Perhaps Colin hadn t even started giving Lucario pain. Just a taste.
I m not backing out of anything, and I don t care if you and Mark thought I skipped the match. I ll show everybody I m not afraid to go out there and try for that stupid belt! Lucario felt his temper rising.
Francine hung her mouth open as Lucario stood up and made his departure from the room. His ears picked up the sound of her sighing as he opened the door and walked a bit down the dim hallway, shortly coming to a stop. He didn t know what else to do. A loud voice had suddenly come over the intercom, startling him.
Attention everyone! blasted the speaker on the ceiling.
Colin?! exclaimed Lucario under his breath.
Drinks on me when I make Lucario bite the dust! Too bad you won t be able to join me for one after you bleed to death, Lucario!
The intercom went silent, and Lucario could only stand there, hanging his head gloomily. He was feeling ready to start immediately in order to just get it over with. Maybe Colin was going to make it quick because of everyone watching.
The door behind him flew open, someone clacking towards him on their heels. It had to be Francine.
I m I m sorry, Lucaaarrio. she said, pronouncing his name extra long. Why would my brother let Colin Bledsoe use the intercom? And to say those awful things!
Lucario didn t reply, still looking at the floor.
I know how you re feeling. You can talk to me. I used to be a counselor in New York.
I m okay. Good bye, Francine. The woman rushed around the front of Lucario, holding out her arms as if she were about to hug him. Lucario ignored Francine, pushing past her and walking away. To where, he didn t know. He didn t feel like company. It was almost time to end this whole thing. And once he was in the hospital No more. He d be through with his contract here.
Lucario wasn t watching where he was going, and bumped into a very large body. Looking up from the floor, Harold McMullan, the inspector, was scowling with his clipboard in hand.
Any idea what that message on the intercom was for? Does that go on a lot around here?
Lucario pushed himself up and stood staring at Harold. He shook his head.
Well, in any case
It looked like it pained him, whatever he was about to say.
I hope you win your match against that twerp. He gets rather bothersome when I m in his presence, bothering me and Mark Toney. Harold said, twitching his moustache, possibly hating the fact that he was being halfway decent towards Lucario, or, for that matter, any living being.
Lucario could have almost laughed at the fact that Harold referred to Colin as a twerp . But Harold almost immediately returned to his sour attitude.
Yeah, well, it s nothing really that funny. I just Want you to show him that he s going to have it coming later in life. Capisce?
Shrugging, Lucario made his way around Harold and continued on, the match ticking nearer. He could almost see himself out in the arena already.
The time had really flown, and Lucario was surprised he even made it to this point. His stomach made an unpleasant lurch as he stared at Colin from across the way, belt draped over his shoulder, looking murderous and maniacally grinning at his opponent. Lucario s ears took in the sound of My Sharona blaring over the loudspeakers, accompanied by the audience happily chanting along.
Oh my little pretty one, pretty one When you gonna give me some
time Sharona! the audience chanted in unison with the song.
Lucario looked around with his heart thudding, taking it all in. Mark Toney was deep in conversation with Jeff Howard, standing next to another man that Lucario knew as the other main commentator, Rutherford Rudy Spinelli, who had commentated on his match with Polly and Patrick. Lucario clearly made out other distinct faces, idly staring into the crowd.
The music suddenly stopped, and before long, Mark was speaking into his microphone.
How is everyone doing this fine evening?
The audience cheered, Lucario scanning them again. Five audience members sitting by each other were holding up their own signs with individual letters, spelling out C-O-L-I-N. Seeing this made Lucario feel slightly down, but as he looked over at Colin, he saw him in the same position as earlier, although he had removed the belt from his shoulder, holding it in one hand.
We ve got an extra special event about to go down. The champion, Colin Bledsoe, versus Lucario. Mark seemed to gloat before saying Lucario s name. The audience showed their appreciation by cheering once more.
I m going to start with the usual introduction. Jeff Howard over there. Good guy; been commentating on my matches for years
Jeff stood up and smiled at everyone, holding his arms out. Today he was wearing a jacket of brightest orange. His red sunglasses blocked his eyes. Jeff s clothing was always known to be a bit eccentric.
Rudy Spinelli He s that other one. Moody character, he is
Lucario was breathing fast, again glancing over at Colin, who was smiling more than ever, very much ready to start giving Lucario another thrashing, this time, in front of many people.
And of course, we can t forget Darrell Quincy! Greatest referee this place has ever seen.
The old, shriveled referee of 64, soon to be 65, approached the center of the ring, stopping at a distance equal between Lucario and Colin, to much more applause than the previous men.
I m Markus Edwin Toney. I m the promoter and owner of this entire corporation! Been running this place for God knows how long. But you didn t come to hear my backstory, did you?! You came to see some good old fighting! It s all you, Darrell! Mark added hastily, running to the commentators table.
Darrell coughed, and held a microphone up to his mouth.
This match is scheduled for one fall. No disqualifications. No knockouts. Pin only. Got it? Good!
The entire audience had started an ovation, clapping their hands together once and stomping in between. Darrell wobbled over on his feeble legs, up to Colin and snagged the belt from him; Colin looked surprised and Lucario could have sworn he saw him twitch at having it taken from him without warning.
For the championship belt A great honor, if you ask me! Darrell called, holding the belt up so that everyone could see it. And now FIGHT!
Darrell swiped his hands indicating that the match had begun; Mark rang the bell at the table.
Here we go! Good gracious, I m sweating again. Hey Rudy, want to hear a joke I picked up the other day? Jeff was commentating quickly, and Lucario was already feeling pain as he looked at Colin, who held his stance with his legs spread apart, hands open.
Let s concentrate on the match, Jeffrey. Check Colin out He s practically looking like he s aiming to kill. said Rudy; his voice was notoriously deep.
Nobody s gonna get killed! What re you, crazy, Rudy? Are you crazy?
Lucario heard Jeff say this as he dashed towards Colin with all his might; Colin stuck his arm out and Lucario felt his muzzle connect to Colin s fist, hearing ooohs from the crowd.
Oh man! He didn t even look like he was trying! Jeff called.
Lucario was staring up at the light fixtures, suddenly being picked up by Colin s strong arms; Lucario was being carried like a man would carry his wife, and he was spun around along with Colin s whole body, as if Colin were going to fall on top of him as he slammed him.
Lucario moved his legs up, falling out of Colin s arms, feetpaws around the back of Colin s neck, bringing him downward, hearing Rudy say Oh, excellent reversal. Lucario wasn t finished; he managed to swing his body around and flip Colin over with his legs, sending Colin tumbling upside down, laying on his back, cheering meeting his ears and Jeff s excited squawk.
Colin was nothing short of bewildered as he started to sit up, but Lucario was on his feet again, jumping over Colin s body and flinging himself into the ropes in order to give him some extra momentum. As Lucario rushed forward, hearing the two commentators talking, Colin instantly launched upward and gave Lucario a lariat from hell, sending him down.
Oh my god! That was brutal! Rudy, Rudy, did you see that? I honestly feel bad for Lucario. Jeff cried.
Lucario massaged his aching neck, feeling his upper body getting completely gripped and raised from his laying position, hearing the wind rush and cheering from the crowd as he was suplexed to the ground. Lucario s back was trembling with pain.
That Colin s showing no mercy. Rudy said nonchalantly.
Colin s boot only found the ground as Lucario rolled out of the path; Lucario gripped Colin s other leg with his ankles and made a swift movement of taking his feet out from under him, toppling Colin over onto his back once more.
Lucario s showing some impressive ways of getting out of trouble said Jeff as Lucario stood back up again and gave Colin an elbow drop to the face, making him grunt loudly.
Let s hope Colin doesn t get really fired up. Rudy spoke shortly after; Lucario stood himself up again after his painful elbow, only to be grabbed around the waist by Colin and tackled to the ground. Colin stomped hard on Lucario s left footpaw, trapping it to the floor, picking up Lucario s right leg and wishboning it, pulling his leg out as far is it could go several times, amusement in every line of his face, making Lucario cry out in pain each time it went beyond his usual threshold, hearing the audience going crazy.
Ouch. That s a painful looking wishbone. Rudy mumbled.
Lucario s eyes were watering as his right leg was being split off of his torso practically; he reached up with exhaustion and gave his fiercest punch to Colin s nose, sending him backward, holding it in fury, letting go of Lucario s leg. Lucario only had a moment to stand, and when he did, Colin had darted for him, arms outstretched. Lucario hopped backward, falling back and giving Colin a monkey flip with his legs, hearing Colin s body thud to the ground behind him to wild cheering once more.
Haven t seen that one in a while! cried Jeff happily.
Lucario rose again quickly, watching Colin bumble for a moment on his feet, looking very sulky. Colin suddenly lashed out, gripping Lucario around the neck with his two hands, raising him into the air, choking him. Lucario kicked around, gasping for breath, hardly even able to hear Jeff s outraged comment.
Maybe it was a few too many moments of him being strangled, but Darrell had appeared beside Colin and started yelling.
This may be a no disqualification match, but you can t kill him! Now let go!
Lucario was released, falling heavily, looking up at the two of them. Colin looked smug, and turned around, picking Darrell completely up and tossing the poor old man to the ground, the referee landing facedown, where he didn t move.
An overwhelming amount of jeers and boos were emitting from the crowd; Jeff, of course, was completely frantic.
What a dirty fighter! He shouldn t be allowed to do that!
Poor Darrell He needs to retire. Rudy said sorrowfully.
Lucario pushed himself up, angry at Colin again, giving him a few well placed kicks to the gut, dashing to the side and ax-kicking the back of Colin s neck, putting him on all fours, to which Lucario took to his advantage by giving Colin the Rear Naked Choke, hearing him gag, somewhat pleasurable to Lucario s ears. Lucario wanted to inflict as much pain back to Colin as he had put on him and everyone around here, his eyes burning with hatred toward the man he mounted. Colin was rising; Lucario tried increasing his grip but found it futile as Colin pried his paws off, gripping both of them and swinging him around like a doll, tossing him many feet away to cheers and disappointed groans from the audience simultaneously. Lucario landed on his muzzle, trying to push himself up.
Lucario is taking quite a beating Rudy said in his monotone voice as Lucario managed to bring himself up. He was panting now. Colin was approaching him again
WHACK. Lucario took this moment to strike Colin in his weakening gut once more, making him incline yet again, getting Colin s head under his arm and falling backwards into a DDT.
WHAT AN IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY OF WRESTLING TECHNIQUES! He never fails to amaze me! yelled Jeff blissfully as Lucario stood up, staring at Colin s form after he had taken a severe slam to the head.
Lucario got over Colin and initiated the pin; Darrell was back, to Lucario s utter surprise; the referee himself lay down and slammed his hand on the ground only one time before
That wasn t even close to three! exclaimed Rudy as Lucario was pushed off.
It will be, Rudy, it will be! Jeff replied loudly.
Lucario backed up, watching the crowd. A percentage of the audience had started a chant, going back and forth at each other.
LET S GO BLEDSOE!
COLIN SUCKS!
Colin was already getting back to his feet groggily, rubbing his head, clearly surprised that Lucario could even walk after his injuries from the previous day.
How you doing it, Lucario? After I tried my hardest, here we are now. Colin said with a big, cheesy smile.
Lucario wanted to knock Colin s nasty teeth out of his jaw. The audience kept going with their chanting.
LET S GO BLEDSOE!
COLIN SUCKS!
Jeff had started talking again. Is Colin trying to provoke Lucario?
We ll have to wait and see. His fellow commentator stated.
Lucario stared down his mortal enemy. His main antagonist. The man he hated most in the world at this very moment in time, ready to beat him if his life depended on it. Colin stared right back, and without warning gave a kick to Lucario s chin, dazing him briefly, and making him fall onto his side. Colin hopped out from the ring a conjured a steel chair from the sidelines, as Lucario watched him. It was all over, Lucario thought.
Oh no The metal chair! I m already feeling the hurt. Rudy, shield my eyes! Jeff cried.
Colin had approached Lucario, not smiling, or looking remotely angry. He kept a straight face, looking as if it were costing him all his concentration just to watch Lucario in peril. He raised the chair above his head quickly, drawing his arms to maximum height, making sure he was charging up to put Lucario out with only one or two hits.
Lucario felt the chair with all of its gruesome power, tears forming in his eyes as the amount of pain he was experiencing, adding on to the injuries he had already gotten, he felt as if he d like nothing more than to die. Colin let out a sleazy laugh, one that made Lucario shiver, some of the audience, undoubtedly Colin s fans, were cheering as loudly as ever, and knowing it was seconds from ending.
Who s that? Who s that?! Jeff called in shock.
Lucario didn t understand what he was talking about, hearing Colin drop the chair heavily to the ground, thankfully. Maybe he was going to be pinned, and it would all be done. He needed the rest. He looked up very slightly and saw a buff, hairy, shirtless, blonde-haired someone charging towards Colin. Zach had interfered in the match. The audience was going wild.
Zach Zimmerman?! What?! Rudy actually said this in a shocked tone, sounding a lot like his counterpart as Lucario watched Zach initiate a grapple with Colin, raising him up with incredible strength, holding him vertically up for a few seconds before slamming him heavily.
OH MY LORD! WHAT A DEADLY SUPLEX!
Jeff said his last words in a state of complete hysteria, sounding as if he had wet his pants in excitement. Lucario was shortly picked up by Zach, given a nod, and watched as Zach was chased away by several security guards who had caught up with him. Lucario slowly limped to where Colin lay, landing on top of him, starting the pin.
Darrell slammed his hands on the mat, being counted by the audience and Jeff at the same time.
ONE! TWO! THREE!
There was a deafening amount of noise, followed by the slight dinging of the bell. Lucario couldn t even stand up to his feet again, too exhausted to move.
THREE COUNT! THREE COUNT! Jeff was shouting.
Well I ll be. said Rudy blankly.
Colin had come to his senses again, feeling Lucario on top of him, Lucario raised a pawfist up and punched Colin as hard as he could in the nose before dragging himself up. Arm being raised by Darrell, he couldn t help but smile. He had won Or, had he? Mark Toney was holding his hands upward into the air, ready to begin talking.
I d like everyone s attention, please, The audience had quieted down a bit.
I hate to inform you that Lucario didn t do that entirely by himself. Mark said, to much displeasure to the audience; most were jeering and booing.
Mark made an indistinct noise, sounding almost like a small growl. Interferences cannot be counted in our books
Francine had walked up behind her brother, tapping him on the shoulder, showing him a small note. Mark read it, looking disgusted.
Except For right now. Alright. We ll do a judge of sound. How many of you want Colin to keep his belt?!
There were some definite loud voices among the cheering. Lucario held his breath.
And how many of you think we deserve a new champion?!
The cheering could have easily broken the sound barrier, possibly exceeding that of a concert.
Alright then! Mark smiled. I proclaim Our new champion LUCARIO!
The cheering was still going. Darrell had handed Lucario the belt, to which he had held up proudly, displaying it to every eager fan s face. Lucario somehow managed to catch sight of Nicholas Harrison and his son, beaming, clapping, and whistling. He felt on top of the world. This is great, Lucario thought happily, swaying his tail as he did after his match with Bernie Bruno.
Lucario had only been champion about ten minutes, and already life seemed to be improving around there. There was, however, still one unhappy person about Colin s defeat, who possibly wouldn t like Lucario if it saved his life. Patrick had approached him with a smug grin.
Enjoying that belt Lucario? Maybe with all the money you re gonna get You ll be able to get some dental work, you swine!
Patrick had approached him, but as soon as he did, a door had opened, and a well dressed man that Lucario had never seen exited with two cronies by his side, looking directly at Patrick.
Hey Patty. Where s the money? He won. You lost your bet, buddy.
Patrick looked completely terrified, blinking at the three of them.
Norman I Uh I don t have it yet.
Norman grinned, looking at his goons in turn.
Wade, Mikey Let s show little Pat here what happens when you don t cough up cash.
Wade and Mikey seized Patrick by each arm, Norman leading the way down the hall, Patrick s yells and moans catching Lucario s ears.
As Lucario watched the four continue down the hall, there was a tap on his shoulder. He spun around. It was Colin.
Wha Lucario managed to get out. Colin seized him, turning him around and swinging the champion s belt around Lucario s neck, strangling him.
As Lucario whined and gagged, he heard Colin s voice in his ear. I never Want to see you again. If I do
Colin increased the pressure on Lucario s neck, practically making his eyes pop out. His ears were ringing. He needed oxygen. Colin suddenly let go, making Lucario fall on all fours.
STOP IT RIGHT NOW, YOU FRIGGIN BULLY! Leave him alone!
Becky had appeared from absolutely nowhere, holding a small knife out to Colin. The latter started chuckling.
Are you going to stab me? After all we ve done? Colin asked snidely.
I never liked you, sicko! Becky started sniffling.
Colin started walking towards Becky, stomping his large feet into the ground with each step. There was a cry of pain from Colin in a short time; Becky had driven the knife into his hand, blood oozing in torrents.
YOU BITCH!
There was a loud sound of palm slapping cheek, and Becky tumbled over.
Lucario exhaled in rage, trying to stand, intentions to try and beat Colin within an inch of his life. Colin merely held his arms open.
Come on Lucario! Round two!
Another person had appeared, Lucario hearing footsteps. An angry voice had shouted out its presence from down the hall behind Lucario.
COLIN! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
It was Mark Toney. He was completely outraged at the whole scene.
Sir Colin started, but Mark cut him off, his boss holding on to his shirt with a fist, pulling him close. Mark was as red as a beet.
I DON T CARE! YOU RE FIRED, FIRED, FIRED! GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE, RIGHT NOW, AND NEVER BEFOUL MY COMPANY AGAIN! YOU LITTLE SNEAK, THINKING I D NEVER FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR LITTLE SCHEMES, AND NOW I SEE THIS? OUT, OUT, OUT! GOOD RIDDANCE!
Colin stood there, mouth open, not being able to speak. He started shaking, tears running down his face.
TODAY! Mark boomed.
Colin turned around, giving a look of purest loathing towards Lucario as he held his still bleeding hand.
Better sleep with one eye open, Lucario. You re so dead-
Mark reached into the concession stand, anger still on his face, pulling a tray of nacho chips and cheese sauce. He chucked it at Colin s face, splattering him before he could finish his sentence. As it slid off Colin, he slowly turned around and started walking off.
Lucario wanted to watch his departure, glancing at Becky first to make sure she was okay. He picked her up to her feet, Mark rushing over and questioning her, leading her off.
Lucario also grabbed his new belt up in his paws, following Colin.
Colin first came to a halt as a small child, who Lucario recognized as Logan Harrison, gave a kick to Colin s shin, exclaiming Ha ha!
Lucario watched in amusement as Colin was greeted by many people in the hall on his long walk out, some of them giving him an extra layer of any unfinished food items to coat his head, some taking pictures of him, and even one man putting a cigarette out on Colin s arm, making him yell out in pain. By the time Colin reached the door, Lucario saw Zach and Ian nod to each other, shoving Colin out into a muddy puddle, completely ruining his clothing.
The two of them slammed the door, wiping their hands. Lucario smiled at the duo.
Good work, guys. praised Lucario.
Zach and Ian gave him the thumbs up. Lucario, feeling as if all were good in the world, ultimately decided that there was a nice, comfy bed waiting for him.
As he entered his room in almost five minutes, a very surprising thing was standing up on his shelf next to his bed. Lucario beamed for the first time in many moons. His parents photograph was fixed as much as possible. There was a small note next to it.
Lucario Got two bits of good news. I fixed this picture up as best as I could I hope you appreciate it, and Mark re-hired me. I ll be happy to hang with you any time. Maybe we could spar again.
-Floyd Tanner