Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2013 13:40:36 GMT -6
4/6/2013: 6PM Tokyo time:
“BLECH!”
Both Dixie Clement and Al Envy said in unison, slamming down the little cups of Sake they had. Being Texans, both were always willing to try new alcohol but this.. had not met well with them. Al recovered enough to speak first, calling the waiter over. “Get us some real got damn alcohol please.... Y’all got Jack Daniels here?” The waiter nods and Al sends him on his way, turning back to Dixie. “I know ya said one beer but... we got this nice dinner and I dun trust the Japs to bring halfway decent beer so...”
Dixie nodded, taking a bite of her Mongolian beef. For Asian food, it wasn’t too bad. Not that Dixie was racist, but she had gotten used to a certain diet being a Texan and a rancher besides. Granted, the fact that her grandfather was a World War II vet meant that Dixie had some *interesting* viewpoints on the Japanese that might not entirely be PC, but that was another matter. Looking up at Al she smirked and nodded. “Hell, with Texans 1 beer turns into at least 5 anyways.” Dixie said, adjusting her hat. It was surprising, despite her misgivings, Al did attend Texas A&M, a big time rival of Dixie Clement’s Alma Mater, University of Texas, she was enjoying his company and the two had a lot in common.
“So you’re a rodeo gal, huh?” Al asked as he downed probably his third or fourth shot of Jack Daniels. It was the Texas version of a compromise. Dixie preferred bourbon and Al liked whiskey. Now, technically bourbon is a kind of whiskey, but say that in certain parts of the South and you’re liable to get a fist in the face. Jack Daniels technically and legally met the requirements of bourbon but called itself whiskey. Thus, both got what they wanted. Dixie put down her third shot and nodded. “Yessir. Best damn barrel racer in the USA. I also compete in steer wrasslin’ Had a few scrapes in that, but won me more than a few buckles in that too. Now I’m Youngblood champ. All in all, not too shabby for a gal from West Texas.”
Al smiled and for a moment it almost looked like he was conflicted about something. Seeing her look at him, he rubbed his chest. “Heartburn... happens... annoying as shit, ya know?”
Dixie smiled and nodded. “Right? Always crops up to ruin a good time too.”
4/6/2013: 8PM Tokyo time:
Dixie and Al sat in the hotel bar where they were staying at. The two was well into their second or third bottle of the night and for the first time in a long time, Dixie was having fun. Al took another shot. “Well.. I’m glad you came out here with us... can’t believe that bastard Jesse left you off the card.”
Dixie smiled and downed her next shot, shrugging. “Meh. It happens. Just means I get to be on hand in case any of them mafia sumbitches tries to pull somethin’.” Al shook his head. “Dixie. I was like you for a long time. Trust me... bein’ nice won’t get you nowhere in this business. It’s like steer wrasslin’. Gotta grab the bull by the horns and bring the sumbitch down. Dun worry. I’ll help you get ahead.. much as I can, but when you see an opportunity. You gotta take it. I mean there are people makin’ their damn debuts here! And the Youngblood champ can’t be fit on the card?! That’s bullshit!”
Dixie thought about that as her and Al went back to their drinks. Whether it was how she actually felt, the liquor, or just hearing the advice from a fellow Texan, Dixie found herself starting to believe that Al had a point. It WAS bullshit that she had been left off the card and it had taken her way too long to get noticed going as she was. Maybe Al had a point. Al, noticing the look on Dixie’s face, smirked and took another drink. “So did ya play any sports in school?” Dixie looked up and smiled. “Umm well, I was a Cheerleader and played softball. Both in High School and.. college.” Al smirked. “University of Texas. Degree in Criminal Justice. Dixie smirked back. “Hook ‘Em Horns. And you, went to Texas A&M and got a degree in Psychology.” Both Texans took another shot and Al looked around. You mentioned on the flight over your family wasn’t keen on this trip.” Dixie nodded. “My grandad was a Marine. Fought the Japs in World War II. To say he ain’t found of ‘em is a big understatement. Matter of fact, I’m the only Clement that hasn’t put time in the Military. We go all the way back to the Civil war... Clements on both sides.”
Al listened as he took another shot. Making note of her motivations. Searching out ways in. There might be a use for Dixie coming up here...
4/7/2013: Midnight Tokyo time:
The door to Al’s room opened and Dixie stumbled in, Al Envy leaning on her. Amazingly, Dixie held the man’s weight and got him to the bed where she dumped him flat on his back. Al laughed. “Damn girl! Stronger than you look!” Dixie grinned. “Psh.. you know how many times I carried my brother’s drunk asses back into the house? Now you just lie there and I’ll get you comfy.” Dixie said as she went about removing his boots and tossing them aside. Once his boots were off, Dixie helped ease All onto the bed more. That’s when she noticed Al was still rubbing his chest. “Heartburn, still?” Dixie asked, a bit of concern creeping into her voice. “Yeah..man... its real bad this time..” Dixie frowned. It shouldn’t going on this long. “Ya got anything for it?” Al shook his head no and Dixie nodded. “Right. You jus lay right there. I’ll go to the hotel lobby and pick ya up somethin’...” As Dixie reached the door, Al turned. “D..Dixie. That ain’t your real name... can I have it, please? Dixie paused and looked back at him. “Danielle. Danielle Clement, You’re probably the only one in NEW that’s heard that. Now, take it easy. I’ll be back in two shakes.”
Dixie was back a short time later, muttering to herself as she came in But she set some TUMS and a glass of water down on the table next to Al. “There ya are. How’s it feelin?” Al took the pills and the water and smiled. “I’m sure this’ll help. Always does. So. How’d the Dixie name come? Seems to me, ‘Dani’ would be a better nickname.” Dixie smirked. “Last guy that called me ‘Dani’ outside of my dad is still missing a few of his teeth. When I first started ridin’ in high school, I competed in the ‘Dixieland Rodeo’ riders from all over the South. And I rode faster and better than any of ‘em. When I won, people started callin’ me Dixie. Name just kinda stuck. Now what bout you? Play any sports?” Al smirks. “Football. I was a guy in Texas, had to play football. Before high school, my dad and I used to go into Dallas, watch wrestling at the Sportatorium.” Dixie smiled. “My dad brought my brothers and me there a few times. I think that’s what kinda started my interest in wrestlin’ Well, that and I wanted to let little girls know they could do whatever they wanted...”
Al takes a drink of water. “Be careful, Danielle... The fans out there... they dun give a shit about you. Most of the guys will cheer you because you’re a walking dream. They put pressure on you. You’re feelin’it already, aren’t ya? Winnin’ the belt wasn’t enough... now ya gotta keep the damn thing. Do somethin’ special with it. I can tell cause I’m guessin’ it ain’t in ya to drink as much as we did tonight.”
Dixie frowned and looked down. It was true there was mounting pressure. Her fans just seemed to *expect* her to beat Father Nathan’s record for youngblood title reigns. Father Nathan was tried and true veteran. Dixie didn’t even have 5 years as a pro yet. Al smirked and nodded. “I ain’t sayin’ havin’ fans is bad. What I’m sayin’ is don’t let them run your damn life. You ain’t some damned monkey, dancing for peanuts or some shit. You’ve done more at 22 years old then most of them will do their whole damned lives. I’ve spent way too many nights alone, drinkin’ myself to sleep because I was stressed about how to please them. Don’t make my mistake, Danielle... that’s all I’m sayin’...”
The degree in Psychology was definitely paying off. Dixie was finding it harder and harder to argue against what Al was saying. After, Nathan had said the same thing. He got tired of the fans pushing him around. He had even sent Dixie a personal note explaining that it wasn’t her that had pushed him into Unstable, but the hypocritical fans. Dixie didn’t respond right away, she just looked out the window, over the city of Tokyo...
4/7/2013 3 AM Tokyo time:
Dixie felt a hand on her shoulder, waking her up. Turning over, she saw Al, clutching his heart with one hand and grabbing her with the other. Dixie immediately moved into action, taking hold of him and then dragging him out of the bed to the floor. Both were dressed in pajama like clothing and Dixie looked over and sighed, looking back to Al. “Al! You’re havin’ a heart attack. I swear ta Jesus if you take this the wrong way, Imma kill you myself!” She said as she began CPR, pressing down on his heart and then, for lack of a better term, kissing him as she drove air into him. She was doing this when security came in and she looked back at them as the door opened. “He’s havin’ a heart attack! Call an ambulance!” Seeing the men hesitate a moment, Dixie’s anger got the best of her. “He’s havin’ a damned heart attack! Move your got damn Jap asses and call an ambulance! GO ON GIT!” Dixie’s anger broke through the language barrier her thick Texan accent caused and they scrambled. About 10 minutes later, Dixie, dressed in her gear, climbed into the back of the ambulance and rode with Al. Al was still conscious and the two held hands the entire way to the hospital...
At the hospital, Dixie paced nervously until the doctor came out and nodded. “Mr. Envy had a mild heart attack but he’s recovering. We have him in his room now.” Dixie nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. “What room?” The doctor opened her mouth to argue but Dixie narrowed her eyes. “Look lady. I’m much obliged to y’all for savin’ his life, but we’re pro wrestlers. It ain't all spotlights and fun times for us. The man has enemies. Enemies that lack the scruples to let a man rest and recover. Now y’all gimme the damn room number!” The doctor relented and let Dixie in.
Dixie walked into the room and Al was awake, rubbing his chest a bit. He smiled as she came in. “Nurse offered to give me a sponge bath. Y..you came with me?” Dixie smirked. “Of course I did. Pretty damn sure the people at the hotel think we were sleepin’ together and I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Al smiled and it seemed like he was genuinely happy for Dixie’s presence. The two talked for a bit and continued to get to know each other.
At least until Dixie came in with coffee and noticed that Al was... simply not there anymore...
Present Day
Detroit. The first match Dixie ever wrestled took place here and now she had come full circle. That was reason to be nervous. Defending her Youngblood title at the 5 year anniversary show? That was nerve racking.
The fact that none of her stablemates knew if they could trust her? That hurt like hell.
Given the events of Kamikaze, Dixie kind of understood the suspicion. She had trained to be a police officer, after all. Dixie was in Al’s room when he had the heart attack. The two had spent a good portion of time with each other in Toyo. Dixie went to the hospital with him and Dixie was, most suspiciously of all, without explanation as to how Al got out of the hospital. Perhaps worst of all was that no one had yet come right out and challenged Dixie. But the accusations were there in their eyes. The doubts on whether Dixie could be trusted or whether she’d follow her ‘boyfriend’ Al Envy to the Styles Mafia...
“Damn sure would get treated better by the mafia.” Dixie muttered to herself as she took another drink of her bourbon. The drink she had and the general atmosphere brought back what Al Envy had said. How long until the fans either turned on her outright or pushed her to heavier drinking? Much as she sometimes disagreed with Al and Nathan and them, there were times where Dixie wondered what it would be like to tell the fans exactly where to stick it.
But it wouldn’t happen. Jesse Styles barely knew Dixie existed so even if she wanted to follow Al, she couldn’t. But one thing Dixie could control was United. Either they would grow a pair and talk her and listen to what she said or they’d be without the services of the 3 Count Cowgirl.
As she took a drink, she sighed. If one wanted proof how highly the Youngblood division was held in, one only had to look at her opponent this week. Dynamite Davey Dynamo. DDD for short. Apparently no one told the ass that DDD was a cup size, not a name. His theme music ‘Fuck Authority’ didn’t particularly sit well with the Texan cowgirl and police officer either. He was a seasoned veteran, but unlike most rookie/newer talents, Dixie wasn’t arrogant enough to underestimate the experienced veterans, though for one as skilled as his record would lead one to believe he was, it was very strange that his pre match prep for Kamikaze had involved beating the crap out of a Japanese businessman. Dixie had remembered seeing the news and, while she didn’t speak Japanese, the pictures of him shown were kind of hard to miss. As was the fact that DDD was out of the country almost as soon as his match ended.
Dixie took a glance around the bar she was in and sighed. She hadn’t felt this lonely in quite some time. She stared at her cell phone and sighed, taking another shot of bourbon. Who the hell was she going to call? Al Envy was partying with the Mafia and there was no way Dixie had an invite there. Her ‘teammates’ in United didn’t trust her. Not to mention, she was a champion. Which meant she was surrounded by people that wanted her belt, no matter what they had to do to get it. “Awww sheit girl.. git the hell up and quit feelin’ sorry for yerself.” She muttered to herself before standing up and paying her tab and heading out of the bar.
As she walked out to her pickup truck, she found herself thinking about some of the things Envy had said to her. Had he been warning her? It wasn’t like his speech to the fans was much different than what he said to her. Except that there was maybe more concern in his voice while he was talking to her. Perhaps, the most frustrating thing of all... was that Dixie knew what she’d have to do to regain trust with United and... she didn’t want to do it. She didn’t want to call out Al Envy just to prove she could be trusted, especially since such a move likely wouldn’t do a damned thing anyways.
A couple hours later, Dixie was back in her hotel room when a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Lilly there. Kronin’s girlfriend and manager, also her own manager as well. Dixie frowned and opened the door. “Well, holy sheep shit, batman. I wasn’t even sure I had a manager anymore.” She said while walking back to the tv where she was watching DDD vs Shane Sparx. Lilly walked in, closing the door behind her and sighed. “Dixie... you were in Envy’s room. At 3AM. In his bed. You went with him to the hospital and lost track of him. You’re a cop. Tell me that isn’t suspicious.”
Dixie turns around and narrows her eyes. “What about Slater using steroids?! I talked to Kronin before the match Slater LIED TO KRONIN’S FACE! News flash, Lilly. I ain’t some dumb blonde dragged in off the street to smile and look purty for the fans! I got a brain, I got connections, and I’ve learned some things in mah time here. Yes. Al Envy and I had a date. God forbid I have some fun with a fellow got damn Texan!”
Lilly raises an eyebrow. Dixie’s outburst had never been seen before and her head for the business is already looking for ways to make use of it to help Dixie. “Did you sleep with him?”
“How the hell is that any of your got damn business?!” Dixie shoots back, clenching her fist. Lilly walks back and forth. “I think its a safe bet that he’s going to claim he did. Try to paint you as a slut. Someone he used for fun and tossed aside. If you slept with him, I need to get out ahead of it. If you didn’t. Then I need to start working to protect you. This isn’t girl gossip talk time. This is me doin’ my damn job.”
Dixie nods. “He won’t. For one thing, if he comes out and attacks me, United will rally around me and its much more beneficial to the Styles Mafia to have them not trustin’ me. Besides... there’s a certain.. code of conduct that I dun think he’ll break. Plus, I ain’t worth the effort. Ask most of the Styles Mafia who I am, they likely couldn’t tell ya.”
Lilly frowned and nodded. She could tell she had pushed the Texan about as far as she was going to let herself be pushed at the moment. A change in tactic was needed. “Okay. Davey Dynamo, then. Any idea how he’ll come at you? How to deal with him?”
How indeed. Fortunately for Dixie, a degree in Criminal Justice was just as useful as a degree in Psychology when it came to the concept of breaking down and analyzing the motives, personalities and dispositions of the various wrestlers one might face.
It wasn’t a skill she often used as she considered it a form of cheating, but at the same point in time, she needed to keep her belt and start sending a message that she was someone to be taken seriously.
Davey Dynamo would be the first example.
“Aww hell. Prolly the same as most people do. Make some half assed jokes about mah state or the way I talk or some such. If the man knows I have training and some experience as a cop, he might flaunt his penchant for rebelling against authority.. tryin’ some childish prank. As for how to deal with him? Hell, that’s the simple part. Beat his ass til he stops movin’, pin him for the three count and send his ass home without mah belt.”
Lilly smiled. If nothing else, at least Dixie was confident. It was definitely a step in the right direction. It was then she had a question she decided to run by the Texan cowgirl and cop. “Hey... you were/are a cop, right? Valora wears the whole 5150, some other wrestlers do the same and in one of the cop shows I watched, the police used it. Never did explain it..”
Dixie smirked as she looked up at Lilly. “5150? Means a danger to themselves and others. Some people.. specially out the California way, like to throw crazy onto it as well, but that’s a whole nother code in actual, police code. There are several law enforcement codes that deal with crazy. But anyone that’s talked to that Mexican psycho can tell you she’s a danger to herself and others, so... least its a truth in advertising..”
Dixie paused a moment. The meaning behind the question hit her and she glanced at the frozen picture of Davy Dynamo on the screen and continued. “Unlike DDD. See, Mr. Bra cup here wants people to think he’s a regular Billy Badass, with his goofy lil’ haircut and his beatin’ the tar outta Jap businessmen and all. But when you get right down to it... he’s jus’ a bully. I’m sure he’s got some B.S. reason as to why he dunnit fit in... but the truth is he’s...umm.. what the hell do they call them weird kids.. not Goth but...”
“Emo?” Lilly offered, raising an eyebrow, watching the Texan as she went on her analysis of her opponent. “Yeah, he ain’t Goth.. you’d be talking to one of them and I’d have to hurt if you tried to lump him in with us.”
Dixie nods. “Emo. Heh. I dun even know what the hell that’s supposed to mean... Fact is, Lil’ Davey boy here rebels against authority cause it’s the cool thing to do. In the 1940-1950s, he’da been Mr. Conformity because that’s the cool thing. But his B.S. is his problem. Come Ignite, he’s not fighting a helpless Jap businessman. He’s fighting a Texan. A rodeo star, cowgirl. A got damn Texan State trooper. Imma have somethin’ special for that mohawk wearin’ sumbitch when the time for our fight comes.”
That was that, really. Dixie laid it all out on the table and it did a good job of getting her fired up for the match and doing a decent job of hiding one the real reasons she was pissed off. “Lilly. Can you tell Kronin I wanna have a chat with him sometime?”
Lilly nodded. “Yeah. Get some sleep though. And... maybe lay off the bourbon for tonight. Keep that brain focused on the match. We’ll deal with the rest of it later.” She said as she left Dixie alone to her thoughts, closing the hotel room door behind her.
Heh, as if it was all just that damned easy. Beating Davey Dynamo? Dixie could do that. Handling the fact that no one in her stable trusted her? Handling that since Father Nathan screwed her over no one had even thought about teaming with her? Well those two might be slightly harder to deal with...
“BLECH!”
Both Dixie Clement and Al Envy said in unison, slamming down the little cups of Sake they had. Being Texans, both were always willing to try new alcohol but this.. had not met well with them. Al recovered enough to speak first, calling the waiter over. “Get us some real got damn alcohol please.... Y’all got Jack Daniels here?” The waiter nods and Al sends him on his way, turning back to Dixie. “I know ya said one beer but... we got this nice dinner and I dun trust the Japs to bring halfway decent beer so...”
Dixie nodded, taking a bite of her Mongolian beef. For Asian food, it wasn’t too bad. Not that Dixie was racist, but she had gotten used to a certain diet being a Texan and a rancher besides. Granted, the fact that her grandfather was a World War II vet meant that Dixie had some *interesting* viewpoints on the Japanese that might not entirely be PC, but that was another matter. Looking up at Al she smirked and nodded. “Hell, with Texans 1 beer turns into at least 5 anyways.” Dixie said, adjusting her hat. It was surprising, despite her misgivings, Al did attend Texas A&M, a big time rival of Dixie Clement’s Alma Mater, University of Texas, she was enjoying his company and the two had a lot in common.
“So you’re a rodeo gal, huh?” Al asked as he downed probably his third or fourth shot of Jack Daniels. It was the Texas version of a compromise. Dixie preferred bourbon and Al liked whiskey. Now, technically bourbon is a kind of whiskey, but say that in certain parts of the South and you’re liable to get a fist in the face. Jack Daniels technically and legally met the requirements of bourbon but called itself whiskey. Thus, both got what they wanted. Dixie put down her third shot and nodded. “Yessir. Best damn barrel racer in the USA. I also compete in steer wrasslin’ Had a few scrapes in that, but won me more than a few buckles in that too. Now I’m Youngblood champ. All in all, not too shabby for a gal from West Texas.”
Al smiled and for a moment it almost looked like he was conflicted about something. Seeing her look at him, he rubbed his chest. “Heartburn... happens... annoying as shit, ya know?”
Dixie smiled and nodded. “Right? Always crops up to ruin a good time too.”
4/6/2013: 8PM Tokyo time:
Dixie and Al sat in the hotel bar where they were staying at. The two was well into their second or third bottle of the night and for the first time in a long time, Dixie was having fun. Al took another shot. “Well.. I’m glad you came out here with us... can’t believe that bastard Jesse left you off the card.”
Dixie smiled and downed her next shot, shrugging. “Meh. It happens. Just means I get to be on hand in case any of them mafia sumbitches tries to pull somethin’.” Al shook his head. “Dixie. I was like you for a long time. Trust me... bein’ nice won’t get you nowhere in this business. It’s like steer wrasslin’. Gotta grab the bull by the horns and bring the sumbitch down. Dun worry. I’ll help you get ahead.. much as I can, but when you see an opportunity. You gotta take it. I mean there are people makin’ their damn debuts here! And the Youngblood champ can’t be fit on the card?! That’s bullshit!”
Dixie thought about that as her and Al went back to their drinks. Whether it was how she actually felt, the liquor, or just hearing the advice from a fellow Texan, Dixie found herself starting to believe that Al had a point. It WAS bullshit that she had been left off the card and it had taken her way too long to get noticed going as she was. Maybe Al had a point. Al, noticing the look on Dixie’s face, smirked and took another drink. “So did ya play any sports in school?” Dixie looked up and smiled. “Umm well, I was a Cheerleader and played softball. Both in High School and.. college.” Al smirked. “University of Texas. Degree in Criminal Justice. Dixie smirked back. “Hook ‘Em Horns. And you, went to Texas A&M and got a degree in Psychology.” Both Texans took another shot and Al looked around. You mentioned on the flight over your family wasn’t keen on this trip.” Dixie nodded. “My grandad was a Marine. Fought the Japs in World War II. To say he ain’t found of ‘em is a big understatement. Matter of fact, I’m the only Clement that hasn’t put time in the Military. We go all the way back to the Civil war... Clements on both sides.”
Al listened as he took another shot. Making note of her motivations. Searching out ways in. There might be a use for Dixie coming up here...
4/7/2013: Midnight Tokyo time:
The door to Al’s room opened and Dixie stumbled in, Al Envy leaning on her. Amazingly, Dixie held the man’s weight and got him to the bed where she dumped him flat on his back. Al laughed. “Damn girl! Stronger than you look!” Dixie grinned. “Psh.. you know how many times I carried my brother’s drunk asses back into the house? Now you just lie there and I’ll get you comfy.” Dixie said as she went about removing his boots and tossing them aside. Once his boots were off, Dixie helped ease All onto the bed more. That’s when she noticed Al was still rubbing his chest. “Heartburn, still?” Dixie asked, a bit of concern creeping into her voice. “Yeah..man... its real bad this time..” Dixie frowned. It shouldn’t going on this long. “Ya got anything for it?” Al shook his head no and Dixie nodded. “Right. You jus lay right there. I’ll go to the hotel lobby and pick ya up somethin’...” As Dixie reached the door, Al turned. “D..Dixie. That ain’t your real name... can I have it, please? Dixie paused and looked back at him. “Danielle. Danielle Clement, You’re probably the only one in NEW that’s heard that. Now, take it easy. I’ll be back in two shakes.”
Dixie was back a short time later, muttering to herself as she came in But she set some TUMS and a glass of water down on the table next to Al. “There ya are. How’s it feelin?” Al took the pills and the water and smiled. “I’m sure this’ll help. Always does. So. How’d the Dixie name come? Seems to me, ‘Dani’ would be a better nickname.” Dixie smirked. “Last guy that called me ‘Dani’ outside of my dad is still missing a few of his teeth. When I first started ridin’ in high school, I competed in the ‘Dixieland Rodeo’ riders from all over the South. And I rode faster and better than any of ‘em. When I won, people started callin’ me Dixie. Name just kinda stuck. Now what bout you? Play any sports?” Al smirks. “Football. I was a guy in Texas, had to play football. Before high school, my dad and I used to go into Dallas, watch wrestling at the Sportatorium.” Dixie smiled. “My dad brought my brothers and me there a few times. I think that’s what kinda started my interest in wrestlin’ Well, that and I wanted to let little girls know they could do whatever they wanted...”
Al takes a drink of water. “Be careful, Danielle... The fans out there... they dun give a shit about you. Most of the guys will cheer you because you’re a walking dream. They put pressure on you. You’re feelin’it already, aren’t ya? Winnin’ the belt wasn’t enough... now ya gotta keep the damn thing. Do somethin’ special with it. I can tell cause I’m guessin’ it ain’t in ya to drink as much as we did tonight.”
Dixie frowned and looked down. It was true there was mounting pressure. Her fans just seemed to *expect* her to beat Father Nathan’s record for youngblood title reigns. Father Nathan was tried and true veteran. Dixie didn’t even have 5 years as a pro yet. Al smirked and nodded. “I ain’t sayin’ havin’ fans is bad. What I’m sayin’ is don’t let them run your damn life. You ain’t some damned monkey, dancing for peanuts or some shit. You’ve done more at 22 years old then most of them will do their whole damned lives. I’ve spent way too many nights alone, drinkin’ myself to sleep because I was stressed about how to please them. Don’t make my mistake, Danielle... that’s all I’m sayin’...”
The degree in Psychology was definitely paying off. Dixie was finding it harder and harder to argue against what Al was saying. After, Nathan had said the same thing. He got tired of the fans pushing him around. He had even sent Dixie a personal note explaining that it wasn’t her that had pushed him into Unstable, but the hypocritical fans. Dixie didn’t respond right away, she just looked out the window, over the city of Tokyo...
4/7/2013 3 AM Tokyo time:
Dixie felt a hand on her shoulder, waking her up. Turning over, she saw Al, clutching his heart with one hand and grabbing her with the other. Dixie immediately moved into action, taking hold of him and then dragging him out of the bed to the floor. Both were dressed in pajama like clothing and Dixie looked over and sighed, looking back to Al. “Al! You’re havin’ a heart attack. I swear ta Jesus if you take this the wrong way, Imma kill you myself!” She said as she began CPR, pressing down on his heart and then, for lack of a better term, kissing him as she drove air into him. She was doing this when security came in and she looked back at them as the door opened. “He’s havin’ a heart attack! Call an ambulance!” Seeing the men hesitate a moment, Dixie’s anger got the best of her. “He’s havin’ a damned heart attack! Move your got damn Jap asses and call an ambulance! GO ON GIT!” Dixie’s anger broke through the language barrier her thick Texan accent caused and they scrambled. About 10 minutes later, Dixie, dressed in her gear, climbed into the back of the ambulance and rode with Al. Al was still conscious and the two held hands the entire way to the hospital...
At the hospital, Dixie paced nervously until the doctor came out and nodded. “Mr. Envy had a mild heart attack but he’s recovering. We have him in his room now.” Dixie nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. “What room?” The doctor opened her mouth to argue but Dixie narrowed her eyes. “Look lady. I’m much obliged to y’all for savin’ his life, but we’re pro wrestlers. It ain't all spotlights and fun times for us. The man has enemies. Enemies that lack the scruples to let a man rest and recover. Now y’all gimme the damn room number!” The doctor relented and let Dixie in.
Dixie walked into the room and Al was awake, rubbing his chest a bit. He smiled as she came in. “Nurse offered to give me a sponge bath. Y..you came with me?” Dixie smirked. “Of course I did. Pretty damn sure the people at the hotel think we were sleepin’ together and I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Al smiled and it seemed like he was genuinely happy for Dixie’s presence. The two talked for a bit and continued to get to know each other.
At least until Dixie came in with coffee and noticed that Al was... simply not there anymore...
Present Day
Detroit. The first match Dixie ever wrestled took place here and now she had come full circle. That was reason to be nervous. Defending her Youngblood title at the 5 year anniversary show? That was nerve racking.
The fact that none of her stablemates knew if they could trust her? That hurt like hell.
Given the events of Kamikaze, Dixie kind of understood the suspicion. She had trained to be a police officer, after all. Dixie was in Al’s room when he had the heart attack. The two had spent a good portion of time with each other in Toyo. Dixie went to the hospital with him and Dixie was, most suspiciously of all, without explanation as to how Al got out of the hospital. Perhaps worst of all was that no one had yet come right out and challenged Dixie. But the accusations were there in their eyes. The doubts on whether Dixie could be trusted or whether she’d follow her ‘boyfriend’ Al Envy to the Styles Mafia...
“Damn sure would get treated better by the mafia.” Dixie muttered to herself as she took another drink of her bourbon. The drink she had and the general atmosphere brought back what Al Envy had said. How long until the fans either turned on her outright or pushed her to heavier drinking? Much as she sometimes disagreed with Al and Nathan and them, there were times where Dixie wondered what it would be like to tell the fans exactly where to stick it.
But it wouldn’t happen. Jesse Styles barely knew Dixie existed so even if she wanted to follow Al, she couldn’t. But one thing Dixie could control was United. Either they would grow a pair and talk her and listen to what she said or they’d be without the services of the 3 Count Cowgirl.
As she took a drink, she sighed. If one wanted proof how highly the Youngblood division was held in, one only had to look at her opponent this week. Dynamite Davey Dynamo. DDD for short. Apparently no one told the ass that DDD was a cup size, not a name. His theme music ‘Fuck Authority’ didn’t particularly sit well with the Texan cowgirl and police officer either. He was a seasoned veteran, but unlike most rookie/newer talents, Dixie wasn’t arrogant enough to underestimate the experienced veterans, though for one as skilled as his record would lead one to believe he was, it was very strange that his pre match prep for Kamikaze had involved beating the crap out of a Japanese businessman. Dixie had remembered seeing the news and, while she didn’t speak Japanese, the pictures of him shown were kind of hard to miss. As was the fact that DDD was out of the country almost as soon as his match ended.
Dixie took a glance around the bar she was in and sighed. She hadn’t felt this lonely in quite some time. She stared at her cell phone and sighed, taking another shot of bourbon. Who the hell was she going to call? Al Envy was partying with the Mafia and there was no way Dixie had an invite there. Her ‘teammates’ in United didn’t trust her. Not to mention, she was a champion. Which meant she was surrounded by people that wanted her belt, no matter what they had to do to get it. “Awww sheit girl.. git the hell up and quit feelin’ sorry for yerself.” She muttered to herself before standing up and paying her tab and heading out of the bar.
As she walked out to her pickup truck, she found herself thinking about some of the things Envy had said to her. Had he been warning her? It wasn’t like his speech to the fans was much different than what he said to her. Except that there was maybe more concern in his voice while he was talking to her. Perhaps, the most frustrating thing of all... was that Dixie knew what she’d have to do to regain trust with United and... she didn’t want to do it. She didn’t want to call out Al Envy just to prove she could be trusted, especially since such a move likely wouldn’t do a damned thing anyways.
A couple hours later, Dixie was back in her hotel room when a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Lilly there. Kronin’s girlfriend and manager, also her own manager as well. Dixie frowned and opened the door. “Well, holy sheep shit, batman. I wasn’t even sure I had a manager anymore.” She said while walking back to the tv where she was watching DDD vs Shane Sparx. Lilly walked in, closing the door behind her and sighed. “Dixie... you were in Envy’s room. At 3AM. In his bed. You went with him to the hospital and lost track of him. You’re a cop. Tell me that isn’t suspicious.”
Dixie turns around and narrows her eyes. “What about Slater using steroids?! I talked to Kronin before the match Slater LIED TO KRONIN’S FACE! News flash, Lilly. I ain’t some dumb blonde dragged in off the street to smile and look purty for the fans! I got a brain, I got connections, and I’ve learned some things in mah time here. Yes. Al Envy and I had a date. God forbid I have some fun with a fellow got damn Texan!”
Lilly raises an eyebrow. Dixie’s outburst had never been seen before and her head for the business is already looking for ways to make use of it to help Dixie. “Did you sleep with him?”
“How the hell is that any of your got damn business?!” Dixie shoots back, clenching her fist. Lilly walks back and forth. “I think its a safe bet that he’s going to claim he did. Try to paint you as a slut. Someone he used for fun and tossed aside. If you slept with him, I need to get out ahead of it. If you didn’t. Then I need to start working to protect you. This isn’t girl gossip talk time. This is me doin’ my damn job.”
Dixie nods. “He won’t. For one thing, if he comes out and attacks me, United will rally around me and its much more beneficial to the Styles Mafia to have them not trustin’ me. Besides... there’s a certain.. code of conduct that I dun think he’ll break. Plus, I ain’t worth the effort. Ask most of the Styles Mafia who I am, they likely couldn’t tell ya.”
Lilly frowned and nodded. She could tell she had pushed the Texan about as far as she was going to let herself be pushed at the moment. A change in tactic was needed. “Okay. Davey Dynamo, then. Any idea how he’ll come at you? How to deal with him?”
How indeed. Fortunately for Dixie, a degree in Criminal Justice was just as useful as a degree in Psychology when it came to the concept of breaking down and analyzing the motives, personalities and dispositions of the various wrestlers one might face.
It wasn’t a skill she often used as she considered it a form of cheating, but at the same point in time, she needed to keep her belt and start sending a message that she was someone to be taken seriously.
Davey Dynamo would be the first example.
“Aww hell. Prolly the same as most people do. Make some half assed jokes about mah state or the way I talk or some such. If the man knows I have training and some experience as a cop, he might flaunt his penchant for rebelling against authority.. tryin’ some childish prank. As for how to deal with him? Hell, that’s the simple part. Beat his ass til he stops movin’, pin him for the three count and send his ass home without mah belt.”
Lilly smiled. If nothing else, at least Dixie was confident. It was definitely a step in the right direction. It was then she had a question she decided to run by the Texan cowgirl and cop. “Hey... you were/are a cop, right? Valora wears the whole 5150, some other wrestlers do the same and in one of the cop shows I watched, the police used it. Never did explain it..”
Dixie smirked as she looked up at Lilly. “5150? Means a danger to themselves and others. Some people.. specially out the California way, like to throw crazy onto it as well, but that’s a whole nother code in actual, police code. There are several law enforcement codes that deal with crazy. But anyone that’s talked to that Mexican psycho can tell you she’s a danger to herself and others, so... least its a truth in advertising..”
Dixie paused a moment. The meaning behind the question hit her and she glanced at the frozen picture of Davy Dynamo on the screen and continued. “Unlike DDD. See, Mr. Bra cup here wants people to think he’s a regular Billy Badass, with his goofy lil’ haircut and his beatin’ the tar outta Jap businessmen and all. But when you get right down to it... he’s jus’ a bully. I’m sure he’s got some B.S. reason as to why he dunnit fit in... but the truth is he’s...umm.. what the hell do they call them weird kids.. not Goth but...”
“Emo?” Lilly offered, raising an eyebrow, watching the Texan as she went on her analysis of her opponent. “Yeah, he ain’t Goth.. you’d be talking to one of them and I’d have to hurt if you tried to lump him in with us.”
Dixie nods. “Emo. Heh. I dun even know what the hell that’s supposed to mean... Fact is, Lil’ Davey boy here rebels against authority cause it’s the cool thing to do. In the 1940-1950s, he’da been Mr. Conformity because that’s the cool thing. But his B.S. is his problem. Come Ignite, he’s not fighting a helpless Jap businessman. He’s fighting a Texan. A rodeo star, cowgirl. A got damn Texan State trooper. Imma have somethin’ special for that mohawk wearin’ sumbitch when the time for our fight comes.”
That was that, really. Dixie laid it all out on the table and it did a good job of getting her fired up for the match and doing a decent job of hiding one the real reasons she was pissed off. “Lilly. Can you tell Kronin I wanna have a chat with him sometime?”
Lilly nodded. “Yeah. Get some sleep though. And... maybe lay off the bourbon for tonight. Keep that brain focused on the match. We’ll deal with the rest of it later.” She said as she left Dixie alone to her thoughts, closing the hotel room door behind her.
Heh, as if it was all just that damned easy. Beating Davey Dynamo? Dixie could do that. Handling the fact that no one in her stable trusted her? Handling that since Father Nathan screwed her over no one had even thought about teaming with her? Well those two might be slightly harder to deal with...