It was a couple of days before the next edition of UGWC Synergy, and Kyra had finally found herself booked – and not just the accompaniment to her fiance while he fought the two people they’d be facing together at Infinity.

She wasn’t entirely complaining though.

It gave her pause, and now that she finally had another match upcoming, and especially after her little sparring session with her sister – Kyra actually felt like she was ready for whatever challenge lies ahead.

Well, except she wasn’t exactly prepared to be teamed with someone besides her partner… let alone two people who weren’t Ken Davison. That being said, here she was in Chicago, making her way towards the address one of her partners this week had given her. She wasn’t sure what she was walking into, Kyra had never really taken much notice of Centurion or Dave Rydell before this week – And if she were completely honest with herself, she wasn’t sure she’d really pay much attention to them after this week either.

But that’s the way life goes.

Kyra’s not interested in Centurion or the world title he holds. And she’s not interested in whatever Dave is doing since his apparent return. The only thing she’s worried about in this moment is those Cooperative Championships and the two people she and Ken have to get through to take them for themselves.

But in order to do that, she’s gotta play nice with these two first.

Speaking of…

Kyra glances up as she gets closer to the address, and sees Dave Rydell as he stares up at the high rise. She can’t help but wonder if he’s feeling the same way she is about this whole thing – And when she hears him sigh as she gets closer, she can’t help but feel like he does. As the man moves towards the door, Kyra steps in beside him and he looks over, a bit shocked to see her beside him.

“Kyra.”

“Dave, I presume.”

Dave simply shrugs his shoulders and motions towards the building. “Shall we?”

“Do we have much of a choice?” Kyra replies, shaking her head.

“I suppose not.”

Dave opens the door and the two of them step through, and minutes later they’re standing in front of the door to Centurions home. Without wasting much time, Dave reaches out and knocks on the door.

A few seconds pass and the door swings open, revealing a rather disgruntled looking UGWC World Champion. Kyra would be lying if she tried to say that the sour look on his face didn’t amuse her far more than it should have. Centurion nods his head and invites them in without a single word uttered between them.

Well this is going to be interesting, Kyra thinks to herself as she follows her partners inside. To say Centurions home was impressive would be an understatement, but honestly, it made her miss their place back in Baltimore. Chicago.. It’s just a bit much for her taste.

“Anyone care for a drink?” Their host finally says, motioning towards a bar on the far side of the room.

Dave is the first to speak up. “Bourbon, neat if you have it. Judging by the place, you only drink the good stuff.”

Kyra stifles a chuckle while Centurion isn’t so reserved, even if the world champs chuckle felt a little forced. Kyra watches Centurion as he heads towards the bar and pours Dave his drink of choice.

“Kyra, beverage?”

Kyra turns towards her partners and shrugs her shoulders. “Whiskey?” She isn’t nearly as picky, as her colleagues apparently were.

“My kind of pour.” Dave says, grabbing his glass and staring down at the liquid held within. It took Kyra all she had to not roll her eyes at Dave’s statement. She had to play nice, even if all she wanted to do was remark about how deep Centurion’s dick must be down Dave’s throat at this point and how amazing it is that he can still speak.

That thought made Kyra chuckle as Centurion approached Kyra with her own glass of amber liquid.

“So what can I do for you two?” Centurion asks as he hands Kyra her glass and grabs one of his own.

Dave steps forward. “Let’s just call it what it is. None of us want to be here. However, we got teamed up. We’re all no strangers to the co-op world. And we all don’t want to take a loss.”

“I’m going to be honest with you, Dave. I appreciate you coming here and wanting to hash out a strategy, but if I’m going to be completely honest… I owe Donovan the beating of a lifetime.”

Kyra rolls her eyes as Dave responds.

“Listen, you know how much history I have with that ass hat. You know I’ve got him in my sights. And you know what he took from me.”

She subtly shakes her head. She doesn’t know any of that. Nor does she care.  But neither of them are paying any attention to her as they continue their conversation. 

“No disrespect, I don’t much care. He screwed me last week.” Centurion states flatly.

Dave nods his head. “Yeah, he did. And I reaped the benefits of it. The fact remains that you hate Donovan almost as much as I do.”

“Definitely more.”

Let’s just argue over who hates him more, shall we? Kyra again thinks to herself as Dave let’s out another, more exasperated sigh. Oh great… He’s about to exposit us to death. That’s the look of a man who’s about to go into a deep explanation about why he deserves the title of ‘he who hates Donovan more’.

So she does what anyone in her position would do. She takes another drink and buckles in.

“I don’t think you understand where he and I started… I don’t think you understand how deep my hatred for him runs. He’s been pulling his nonsense and bullshit since I first met him back in 2006. But we aren’t here to talk about that. You and I can sit here for days and talk about all the shit Donovan has done to us. But he isn’t the only one we are facing Monday. I don’t care if we brawl it out right now, all the way to the end of time. When that bell rings for our match Monday, we need to stay focussed and get the win. Because if I know Donovan, the one thing he hates most in this world, is being on the losing side. ESPECIALLY when it involves me. So, let’s do the second worst thing we can do to him.”

That final statement raises Kyra’s eyebrows. “…Second worst?”

And apparently it caught Centurions attention as well. “Yeah, what are you on about?”

Dave grins.

“You already did the absolute worst thing in the world to him. You took the UGWC Title from him. I’d take that attack last week as a compliment. You’re in his head and he’s scrambling.”

Centurion ponders for a moment. Meanwhile, Kyra’s sick of talking about Donovan Hastings.

“Well it’s obvious ya’ll wanna make Donny pay, but he ain’t the only one we’re going up against. What about the other two?”

Centurion nods his head. “Gabriel Baal. The biggest prick I’ve ever encountered.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

Finally, something Kyra can actually contribute a thought to. She smiles.

“As much as I’d hate to fuck up that pretty little face of his… I’d love to drive it into the mat as many times as I can get away with.” Kyra says happily, as Dave nods his head once more in agreement.

“I’ll drink to that one too.”

“I take it you’re not a fan of his either.”

Dave stares at Kyra, disgusted. “Who the fuck is?”

“Eden.” Centurion chimes in.

Dave turns his attention to Centurion, the look of disgust growing on his face. “Who gives a fuck about her?”

“And what about the other one… Zane? Admittedly, I don’t know a whole hell of a lot about the guy, but it seems like he meets the requirements to be on ‘team asshole’.”

“You know. I’ve always respected and admired him. Hated him plenty, but that was because I didn’t know what the hell I was doing at the time. Something’s off with him. And as much as I want to figure out what that might be… the match right now is more important. Don’t be afraid to exploit anyone’s weakness. Because at least two of those three won’t be afraid to do that to us.”

Centurion shrugs his shoulders. “If Donovan is in the ring, I’m going to be there, and I’m going to hurt him.”

“Don’t take all the fun away from us, pal.”

Kyra had found herself zoning out over the last few moments, but when she heard Dave chuckle, she assumed they were back to talking about Donovan. “Fuck Donovan!”

Her partners look at her, confused at her sudden outburst – but both of them unable to find anything wrong with it.

“And the rest of ‘em!”

Dave nods his head. “That’s the spirit.”

Centurion nods and glances down at his glass and around at his partners drinks. “Anyone need a top off?”

Dave shakes his head. “I’m good. I’ve got somewhere to be after this. As much as I do love a good bourbon, I’m afraid I can’t stick around.”

Oh, thank God, Kyra thought to herself as she watched a thoughtful look crossing the World Champs face.

“Dave, you know how difficult it’s going to be for me to focus on the greater good in this situation. Donovan deserves to be maimed. And it’s going to take a lot to not do that the moment I see him.”

Kyra rolls her eyes again as Dave nods his head.

“Trust me, I understand.”

Dave finishes off his drink and sets the glass on the table.

“You want to maim anyone? You want to pummel anyone? Let’s finish the match, and win… then you can obliterate whoever the hell you want. I’ll be honest with you, if either of you does anything to cost us this win on Monday, I’ll put you down myself. I don’t care what payback I’ll have coming to me. I’m not above it. Some time ago, I hoofed Lucy Wylde in the middle of the ring just to be an asshole. I am above nothing to secure the win.”

The mention of Lucy catches Kyra’s attention and when she looks over at Dave, he’s smirking. This time she makes sure he sees her roll her eyes before Dave turns his attention back to Centurion.

“I’m not here to cost anyone anything, but you know as well as I do that “rules” aren’t something folks like Donovan or Gabriel tend to listen to. I don’t want to just win – I want to embarrass these chucklefucks, and that means beating them at their own game. Given everything you’ve told me tonight, I assume I can count on you to do the same.”

With those words, Centurion looks between Kyra and Dave – His eyes narrowing as his gaze settles on each of them for an extended period before Dave finally speaks up.

“You can count on me. I want nothing more than to embarrass Donovan and Gabriel. Those two treat this place like their own personal playground and it needs to end. I’m all in with you.”

This entire time, Kyra’s been off to the side – watching, listening, or daydreaming of being anywhere but right here – But now she steps forward and clears her throat, her own annoyance taking over.

“Since we’re being honest here… We’d be fucking morons if we didn’t wanna win. We’d be bigger morons if we didn’t expect there to be some kind of shenanigans involved in this thing on Monday – And I’m all for embarrassing them, and hurting them.. And whatever else ya’ll feel like doing but I sincerely hope you two don’t think that whatever goes down in a few days time will do a damn thing heading into Infinity. Assholes are gonna asshole, regardless of whether they win or not on Monday. So I ain’t placing all my eggs in this basket and I ain’t gonna get my feelings hurt if by some fucked up circumstance, we don’t get everything we want on Monday.”

She finishes and takes another sip of her drink as Dave places his own empty glass on the table near him.

“You’re not at all wrong in that. I agree with you, one hundred percent. And we aren’t discounting that they’re going to stay the same no matter what. We just want to make it clear that Monday night, their asses are going down.”

With that, Dave nods to both of them and makes his exit. Once he’s gone, Kyra polishes off the rest of her whiskey and shrugs her shoulders at Centurion.

“That fucker brings up my sister again, I’m gonna ‘hoof’ him myself. But anyway… I’m still pretty new around here, but you’re the champ, right? Obviously Donny wants to get under your skin. He wants to take you off your game so he can take that belt right back. It’s what fuckers like him do. Do yourself a favor and don’t let him get to you, or else you’re already fucked and you don’t even know it yet. But that’s just my two cents, take it for what you will.”

Centurion sets his jaw. “I know how to beat Donovan. I’ve proven that already.”

Knowing that she’s talking to a brick wall at this point, Kyra simply grins and places her empty glass on the table next to Daves. There’s no use in trying to be helpful, actually she’s pretty disappointed in herself for even trying.

“Maybe under different circumstances this would have been fun, but thank you for the hospitality anyway. I’m gonna head out too, before this gets awkward. Nice house by the way.”

She looks around one more time before turning and relieving Centurion of her presence. Once she’s out in the hallway and heading towards the elevator – she finally feels like she’s able to breathe again. Too much hot air in a contained space. Far too much bullshit.

As she’s riding down the elevator, she pulls her phone out and calls her fiance.

“Yeah, I’m out of there.”

“How’d it go?”

Kyra couldn’t help but laugh.

“That bad?”

“Jesus Christ, Ken. Monday’s gonna be interesting, that’s all I can say.  They were far too concerned with Donovan to even bother worrying about the other two dickheads we’re facing, honestly.  It’s ridiculous.”

Kyra steps out of the elevator and heads towards the exit.

“Just look out for yourself, to hell with them and whatever ulterior motives they’re going to have heading into Monday.”

“I know. Trust me.”

“If they try anything with you… I swear.. Throat cutting motion.”

Kyra’s eyebrows raise in question as she steps back out onto the streets of Chicago.

“Did you just say ‘throat cutting motion’?”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I actually ran my fingertip over my throat when I said it.”

Kyra rolls her eyes.

“Oh my God…”

“You love me.”

“I do, and I appreciate the sentiment but I think we both know I can take care of myself. Besides, those two ain’t got shit on me.”

Kyra hears Ken sigh softly on the other end of the line.

“I know you can. Doesn’t stop me from wanting to harm any motherfucker who dares to mess with you.”

She smirks. “You wouldn’t get the chance.”

 

I’ll be completely honest here.  I ain’t got much to say about Monday.  

Gabriel, once upon a time I thought you were a nice piece of ass for my sister, but we all know how that went.  And if you honestly think I’m gonna come out here and talk all my shit before our big match at Infinity – then I’d say maybe Eden’s been putting a little more in your tea lately than just the typical poison.  

I’ll see you in a weeks time, sweetheart and then you’ll get to hear everything I’ve got to say about you and your lovely wife. 

And as for Donovan and Zane?

You two mean about as much to me as my partners this week.  Honestly.  

I’m there to try and win, I’m there to ‘play nice’ with Dave and our esteemed world champ, but at the end of the day this match means diddly squat to me. 

Donovan, you wanna fuck with Centurion some more?  Fine, have at it.  You two could fall into a volcano and it wouldn’t bother me none.  You’re a self absorbed dickface, but you already know that and you embrace it.  So good for you.  But what you’re goals are and what mine are?  They seem similar but here’s the difference between us – You play dirty because you’re worried you can’t hack it any other way.  I’m just a bitch.  And maybe you’ll find that out on Monday, or maybe you won’t.  

I guess that depends on whether Dave or Centurion give me a chance to show off.   But see, they’re far too concerned with you and the shit you’ve been pulling that they’ve all but taken their eyes off of this match as a whole.  And while nothing is really to be gained here this week – you can bet that I’m not focusing solely on the good doctor because I’ll be able to focus on him entirely in the very near future. 

And Zane?  Mr. Rebel without a cause?  

I don’t know, honey.  You keep getting fucked, and you keep bending over and letting it happen over and over and over again.  Something tells me that you’ve got a complaint fetish or some shit.  But you do you.  I’m not here to judge.  I’m just here to kick your ass, apparently.  

And whether Centurion or Dave decide to actually be a team on Monday and get their minds off of Donovan fucking Hastings… You three can bet on one God damned thing… That I’m the one you gotta look out for.  Because I’m not a fucking moron.  

So, there it is.  

Whatever happens, I’ve got bigger and better things to look forward to.