Post by Cause and Effect on May 12, 2017 16:50:35 GMT
Dreams of an Antagonist.
Night had long since fallen. While many others were tucked away, fast asleep, one man in particular would be anything but asleep. A considerably younger Gabriel Laroux sat behind the wheel of that discreet black sedan as he drove down a long stretch of road, aiming for a particular destination.
His full, undivided attention was focused on the road ahead, illuminated in the light from that car’s headlights. That focus remained steeled until a frantic pounding could be heard emanating from the trunk of that car. It was a sound he hadn't quite got used to at that point. Desperation. Fear. The occasional scream, pleading to just pull the latch, to open the trunk and grant them freedom.
But that wasn't his job. Remorse. Mercy. Hesitation. In this line of work those three words were considered to be cardinal sins. His job was, simple, to..collect the dead beat, refusing to pay what they owe, and deliver them to a farm out in the middle of nowhere.
Like the professional he was, Gabriel accomplished that goal with flying colors. A week's worth of reconnaissance had led to the perfect moment. The man had stayed late at work, as he usually did, which allowed Gabriel freedom to rush the man from a darkened corner as he walked towards his car. A well placed shot to the back of the man’s head rendered him unconscious long enough for Gabriel to bound the man’s arms behind him before stuffing him into that trunk.
Finally, he arrived at his intended location. Turning onto a dirt road, following it until he came upon a rather large farm. Driving deeper in, he spotted that lit up gated pen that doubled as a track for horses to race upon. Stopping the car once he reached it, he turned it off before moving out of the vehicle, with the keys. Walking around to the trunk, he unlocked it, watching it pop open.
As soon as it opened, Gabriel’s captive tried to make a break for it. Instinctually, he slammed the trunk down onto the top of the man’s head, once more sending him into an unconscious state. Leaning skin, Gabriel scooped up the limp man before throwing him over his shoulder, carrying him to the gate.
When he got there, he caught sight of an older balding male, dressed to the nines in a black and white suit as if he just arrived from a gala of sorts. The man acknowledged Gabriel with a silent nod before pushing open that gate. They both made their way in as the man began to call for the lone horse running around in the pen. As they waited, he spoke up.
“You can tell when someone isn't worth the scum beneath your shoe, kid. Take that man right there..”
He made motion towards the man Gabriel held draped over his shoulder before going on with what he was saying.
“First time I laid eyes on that sorry sack of shit, he was hitting me up for money. A perfectly able bodied young man, nearly on his knees, begging for my help. Surely, something major must have happened to cause this upstanding member of society to grovel at my feet? He didn't know when to quit. He had a few successful bets and got cocky. Pride comes before the fall, Gabriel. Put him down.”
Leaning down, Gabriel allowed that man to slide off of his shoulder, landing upon the ground with a thud. The previously called horse made his way up to the two, the other man moreso. He led the horse to the side where he grabbed a thick rope that hung off of the pen. Throwing it to Gabriel, he caught it successfully, looking down to it with a hint of confusion in those eyes.
“I gave him a loan..a substantial one. When it came time to pay, it was excuse after excuse after excuse. A funeral for a grandmother who had died five years beforehand. A surgery for a child that doesn't exist. Yeah, didn't know I knew about that one did you, you piece of shit.”
That man, obviously angered by the thought, drove the toe of his polished black shoe into the man’s ribs.
“Tie him to the horse’s leg.”
Without a question, Gabriel kneeled down, tying one end of that rope to the leg of the horse and the other end around the ankles of the bound man, securing it as tightly as possible. While Gabriel was doing this, that man continued to speak.
“The fact that I went out of my way, and from my own pocket, help this man when he was at his worst..and for him to lie to me..to my fucking face. It's a disrespect I cannot let go unpunished.”
Without another word, he slapped his hand down on the rear of that horse as it took off, dragging that man behind it. His body jerked and thrown around, slammed against the ground as the horse sped up.
“He’ll survive but I can promise you he’ll never bet on another horse race again. He'll also learn what happens when you mistreat those who help you. That lesson is enough to cover his debt to me.”
That older man developed a warm smile as the shouts of pain coming from that drug man rang in his ears. A hearty laugh escaped his lips as he slapped Gabe across the back before pulling a thick white envelope from his pocket, handing it to Gabriel.
“This should more than cover it. You do good work and you know when to listen instead of speak. I'll be in touch when another..opportunity arises.”
Gabriel nodded his head, shoving the envelope into the deep pocket it his blue denim jeans. Turning away from the going ons, Gabriel made his way back to the car he opened the door and got in. Quickly starting the car, he drove off of that farm before turning back onto the main road.
Once a good bit of distance away, Gabriel pulled onto the side of the road. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white from the grip. Closing his eyes tightly, he tried to steady himself, trying to push out everything he was feeling after seeing and going through what just went down.
He sat there for what felt like forever before finally taking in a breath of air, sighing out as his eyes opened fully. Driving back onto that road, Gabriel retained that blank, emotionless expression upon his face.
Absence and Accusations.[/b]
The eyes of Gabriel Laroux fluttered open as rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains focused upon his eyes. A loud groan escaping the man's lips, he slowly rose up to a seated position, turning his head to look down at the sleeping Lyric Night. A soft smile crept across his face as he heard the sound of his phone going off.
Moving, carefully as to not wake her, he stepped down into the black gym shorts onto that carpeted floor. Standing up off of that bed, he leaned down to pull those shorts up, providing himself some semblance of modesty. Grabbing the phone from that nightstand, he made his way into the living room, looking down at the text he had received.
Xavier: Yo, think we needa talk, you free?
His brow lowered in confusion at just what his younger brother intended to talk about. Holding that phone in one hand, he typed out his response.
Gabriel: Yeah, just come through, I'll be outside.
Dropping the phone into his pocket, he unlocked the front door, making his way outside only to see Xavier standing next to the door, his eyes widening greatly.
”Fuck, Gabe. You weren't supposed to come out this soon.”
He looked to Xavier, shaking his head and laughing slightly as he closed the door, turning his attention to the younger man.
”And you weren't supposed to be here before you ask if I'm free.”[/i]
The younger of the two shrugged his shoulders before running his hand through the hair atop his head, laughing nervously.
”But that tells me you have something that's bothering you..a lot. Talk.”
Taking the final hit off of that cigarette, Xavier flicked that still smoldering butt off to the side. Pushing off of that wall, Xavier backed into the railing, looking at Gabriel.
”Can I still count on you?”
His question was blunt, as they usually are, this slightly caught Gabriel off guard, having taken offense to the question, the feeling showing in his features.
”What the hell? Of course you can. Where's this even coming from?”
”Well I mean..you're not really here, y’know?”
Confusion grew across the features of the eldest Laroux as he couldn't help but to laugh, probably making the situation worse.
”You sound like you're breaking up with me.”
A sort of backhanded shot given off by that statement, it now being Xavier's turn to take offense.
”Hey, fuck you man. The hell was that?”
Before Gabriel could form an answer, Xavier would speak back up, not giving him the chance to get a word in edge wise.
”I mean, I thought this whole thing with Lennox would be right up your fuckin alley. Atti’s your fuckin brother too, y’know? Terra’s your fuckin niece. I thought for sure you'd be right there with me.”
”I do have your back..”
”Yeah, wayyy fuckin back.”
Gabriel had chosen to remain quiet and Xavier would gladly take the utmost advantage of this by letting it all just..flow freely.
”Havin my back ain't acceptin a title shot that you got for not havin my back. Havin my back ain't bein stuck up her ass while shit is breakin down.”
”She is probably the only reason I haven't broke down yet.”
Completely and totally ignoring the words Gabriel, Xavier continued on with his tangent.
”Havin my back isn't fuckin hookin up with Blair the day after we fuckin break up.”
”She was drunk..”
”Were you?”
Silence.
”..fuck you, man.”
Not saying another word, Xavier began to walk down that walkway, aiming for the stairs.
”X..”
The younger Laroux made his way down those stairs, not even acknowledging the name as he opened his car door, slamming it closed and speeding off. Standing in that same spot, Gabriel just shook his head, a sigh laced with guilt as he walked back inside.
Versus Cecily Bell for the Fuckin Awesome Showcase Championship.[/i]
The scene slowly faded into view, revealing one half of the Fuckin Awesome Tag Team Champions The Antagonist Gabriel Laroux as he sat upon a stone wall overlooking an angry body of water. Waves churned and crashed against that wall, showering his bared torso with droplets of water.
His eyes closed, despite the chaos going on around him, Gabriel retained a stoic expression, calm and determined on the task at hand. Parting his lips, he spoke loudly to be heard over the raging water.
”Cecily..that one conversation we had. Nonverbal. It told me a lot about you. Showed me things I had not already seen. It was such a simple question, really. One that you answered atrociously. Pretty cool. That's what you said. How unmotivated..uninspired do you have to be to consider holding championship gold pretty cool? You're..pathetic, Cecily Bell.”
“Holding that championship, it doesn't make you special, it doesn't mean you're better than me. What will make you special? What will make you better than me? Defending that Showcase Championship. Defeating me in our match. That is what it's going to take. Not reminders about things you've done elsewhere, things you've done a great long time ago.”
“It's a lost effort. I have something to prove in this match. I'm not some washup looking for another shiny belt to make me feel better about myself. I’m that guy looking to emerge upon the world in my own light. Look at the things I've been apart of since debuting in FAW, none of them anything short of fantastic. Deny it if you wish, but I eagerly await proof behind such a denial.”
“I'm going to make you hurt, Cecily. Once I get my hands on you, it's only going to go downhill. Your legs..it will make you scream in pain just for the few steps you'll take trying to escape what's to come. Your arms..what's to fear from your punches when just moving your arms make your face twist in agony.”
“And just when the anguish is at its peak, a decision must be made. Should I target an arm..a leg..twist it in ways God never intended..until you pound upon that canvas, screaming that you give up..screaming that you willingly give that Showcase Championship to someone who can bring value and worth to it.”
“Cecily, I expect better than what you've been showing as of late. Despite your victories, I am different..different than anyone you've ever faced, different than anyone you've ever met. The time had come. The time for The Antagonist’s Ascension has begun. You, Cecily Bell, be the first to fall by my hand. Not the hand of Cause and Effect..but the hand of Gabriel..Laroux.”
His expression having never once changed from his stoic gaze, Gabriel returned his attention to that water, his eyes drifting close.
Night had long since fallen. While many others were tucked away, fast asleep, one man in particular would be anything but asleep. A considerably younger Gabriel Laroux sat behind the wheel of that discreet black sedan as he drove down a long stretch of road, aiming for a particular destination.
His full, undivided attention was focused on the road ahead, illuminated in the light from that car’s headlights. That focus remained steeled until a frantic pounding could be heard emanating from the trunk of that car. It was a sound he hadn't quite got used to at that point. Desperation. Fear. The occasional scream, pleading to just pull the latch, to open the trunk and grant them freedom.
But that wasn't his job. Remorse. Mercy. Hesitation. In this line of work those three words were considered to be cardinal sins. His job was, simple, to..collect the dead beat, refusing to pay what they owe, and deliver them to a farm out in the middle of nowhere.
Like the professional he was, Gabriel accomplished that goal with flying colors. A week's worth of reconnaissance had led to the perfect moment. The man had stayed late at work, as he usually did, which allowed Gabriel freedom to rush the man from a darkened corner as he walked towards his car. A well placed shot to the back of the man’s head rendered him unconscious long enough for Gabriel to bound the man’s arms behind him before stuffing him into that trunk.
Finally, he arrived at his intended location. Turning onto a dirt road, following it until he came upon a rather large farm. Driving deeper in, he spotted that lit up gated pen that doubled as a track for horses to race upon. Stopping the car once he reached it, he turned it off before moving out of the vehicle, with the keys. Walking around to the trunk, he unlocked it, watching it pop open.
As soon as it opened, Gabriel’s captive tried to make a break for it. Instinctually, he slammed the trunk down onto the top of the man’s head, once more sending him into an unconscious state. Leaning skin, Gabriel scooped up the limp man before throwing him over his shoulder, carrying him to the gate.
When he got there, he caught sight of an older balding male, dressed to the nines in a black and white suit as if he just arrived from a gala of sorts. The man acknowledged Gabriel with a silent nod before pushing open that gate. They both made their way in as the man began to call for the lone horse running around in the pen. As they waited, he spoke up.
“You can tell when someone isn't worth the scum beneath your shoe, kid. Take that man right there..”
He made motion towards the man Gabriel held draped over his shoulder before going on with what he was saying.
“First time I laid eyes on that sorry sack of shit, he was hitting me up for money. A perfectly able bodied young man, nearly on his knees, begging for my help. Surely, something major must have happened to cause this upstanding member of society to grovel at my feet? He didn't know when to quit. He had a few successful bets and got cocky. Pride comes before the fall, Gabriel. Put him down.”
Leaning down, Gabriel allowed that man to slide off of his shoulder, landing upon the ground with a thud. The previously called horse made his way up to the two, the other man moreso. He led the horse to the side where he grabbed a thick rope that hung off of the pen. Throwing it to Gabriel, he caught it successfully, looking down to it with a hint of confusion in those eyes.
“I gave him a loan..a substantial one. When it came time to pay, it was excuse after excuse after excuse. A funeral for a grandmother who had died five years beforehand. A surgery for a child that doesn't exist. Yeah, didn't know I knew about that one did you, you piece of shit.”
That man, obviously angered by the thought, drove the toe of his polished black shoe into the man’s ribs.
“Tie him to the horse’s leg.”
Without a question, Gabriel kneeled down, tying one end of that rope to the leg of the horse and the other end around the ankles of the bound man, securing it as tightly as possible. While Gabriel was doing this, that man continued to speak.
“The fact that I went out of my way, and from my own pocket, help this man when he was at his worst..and for him to lie to me..to my fucking face. It's a disrespect I cannot let go unpunished.”
Without another word, he slapped his hand down on the rear of that horse as it took off, dragging that man behind it. His body jerked and thrown around, slammed against the ground as the horse sped up.
“He’ll survive but I can promise you he’ll never bet on another horse race again. He'll also learn what happens when you mistreat those who help you. That lesson is enough to cover his debt to me.”
That older man developed a warm smile as the shouts of pain coming from that drug man rang in his ears. A hearty laugh escaped his lips as he slapped Gabe across the back before pulling a thick white envelope from his pocket, handing it to Gabriel.
“This should more than cover it. You do good work and you know when to listen instead of speak. I'll be in touch when another..opportunity arises.”
Gabriel nodded his head, shoving the envelope into the deep pocket it his blue denim jeans. Turning away from the going ons, Gabriel made his way back to the car he opened the door and got in. Quickly starting the car, he drove off of that farm before turning back onto the main road.
Once a good bit of distance away, Gabriel pulled onto the side of the road. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white from the grip. Closing his eyes tightly, he tried to steady himself, trying to push out everything he was feeling after seeing and going through what just went down.
He sat there for what felt like forever before finally taking in a breath of air, sighing out as his eyes opened fully. Driving back onto that road, Gabriel retained that blank, emotionless expression upon his face.
Absence and Accusations.[/b]
The eyes of Gabriel Laroux fluttered open as rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains focused upon his eyes. A loud groan escaping the man's lips, he slowly rose up to a seated position, turning his head to look down at the sleeping Lyric Night. A soft smile crept across his face as he heard the sound of his phone going off.
Moving, carefully as to not wake her, he stepped down into the black gym shorts onto that carpeted floor. Standing up off of that bed, he leaned down to pull those shorts up, providing himself some semblance of modesty. Grabbing the phone from that nightstand, he made his way into the living room, looking down at the text he had received.
Xavier: Yo, think we needa talk, you free?
His brow lowered in confusion at just what his younger brother intended to talk about. Holding that phone in one hand, he typed out his response.
Gabriel: Yeah, just come through, I'll be outside.
Dropping the phone into his pocket, he unlocked the front door, making his way outside only to see Xavier standing next to the door, his eyes widening greatly.
”Fuck, Gabe. You weren't supposed to come out this soon.”
He looked to Xavier, shaking his head and laughing slightly as he closed the door, turning his attention to the younger man.
”And you weren't supposed to be here before you ask if I'm free.”[/i]
The younger of the two shrugged his shoulders before running his hand through the hair atop his head, laughing nervously.
”But that tells me you have something that's bothering you..a lot. Talk.”
Taking the final hit off of that cigarette, Xavier flicked that still smoldering butt off to the side. Pushing off of that wall, Xavier backed into the railing, looking at Gabriel.
”Can I still count on you?”
His question was blunt, as they usually are, this slightly caught Gabriel off guard, having taken offense to the question, the feeling showing in his features.
”What the hell? Of course you can. Where's this even coming from?”
”Well I mean..you're not really here, y’know?”
Confusion grew across the features of the eldest Laroux as he couldn't help but to laugh, probably making the situation worse.
”You sound like you're breaking up with me.”
A sort of backhanded shot given off by that statement, it now being Xavier's turn to take offense.
”Hey, fuck you man. The hell was that?”
Before Gabriel could form an answer, Xavier would speak back up, not giving him the chance to get a word in edge wise.
”I mean, I thought this whole thing with Lennox would be right up your fuckin alley. Atti’s your fuckin brother too, y’know? Terra’s your fuckin niece. I thought for sure you'd be right there with me.”
”I do have your back..”
”Yeah, wayyy fuckin back.”
Gabriel had chosen to remain quiet and Xavier would gladly take the utmost advantage of this by letting it all just..flow freely.
”Havin my back ain't acceptin a title shot that you got for not havin my back. Havin my back ain't bein stuck up her ass while shit is breakin down.”
”She is probably the only reason I haven't broke down yet.”
Completely and totally ignoring the words Gabriel, Xavier continued on with his tangent.
”Havin my back isn't fuckin hookin up with Blair the day after we fuckin break up.”
”She was drunk..”
”Were you?”
Silence.
”..fuck you, man.”
Not saying another word, Xavier began to walk down that walkway, aiming for the stairs.
”X..”
The younger Laroux made his way down those stairs, not even acknowledging the name as he opened his car door, slamming it closed and speeding off. Standing in that same spot, Gabriel just shook his head, a sigh laced with guilt as he walked back inside.
Versus Cecily Bell for the Fuckin Awesome Showcase Championship.[/i]
The scene slowly faded into view, revealing one half of the Fuckin Awesome Tag Team Champions The Antagonist Gabriel Laroux as he sat upon a stone wall overlooking an angry body of water. Waves churned and crashed against that wall, showering his bared torso with droplets of water.
His eyes closed, despite the chaos going on around him, Gabriel retained a stoic expression, calm and determined on the task at hand. Parting his lips, he spoke loudly to be heard over the raging water.
”Cecily..that one conversation we had. Nonverbal. It told me a lot about you. Showed me things I had not already seen. It was such a simple question, really. One that you answered atrociously. Pretty cool. That's what you said. How unmotivated..uninspired do you have to be to consider holding championship gold pretty cool? You're..pathetic, Cecily Bell.”
“Holding that championship, it doesn't make you special, it doesn't mean you're better than me. What will make you special? What will make you better than me? Defending that Showcase Championship. Defeating me in our match. That is what it's going to take. Not reminders about things you've done elsewhere, things you've done a great long time ago.”
“It's a lost effort. I have something to prove in this match. I'm not some washup looking for another shiny belt to make me feel better about myself. I’m that guy looking to emerge upon the world in my own light. Look at the things I've been apart of since debuting in FAW, none of them anything short of fantastic. Deny it if you wish, but I eagerly await proof behind such a denial.”
“I'm going to make you hurt, Cecily. Once I get my hands on you, it's only going to go downhill. Your legs..it will make you scream in pain just for the few steps you'll take trying to escape what's to come. Your arms..what's to fear from your punches when just moving your arms make your face twist in agony.”
“And just when the anguish is at its peak, a decision must be made. Should I target an arm..a leg..twist it in ways God never intended..until you pound upon that canvas, screaming that you give up..screaming that you willingly give that Showcase Championship to someone who can bring value and worth to it.”
“Cecily, I expect better than what you've been showing as of late. Despite your victories, I am different..different than anyone you've ever faced, different than anyone you've ever met. The time had come. The time for The Antagonist’s Ascension has begun. You, Cecily Bell, be the first to fall by my hand. Not the hand of Cause and Effect..but the hand of Gabriel..Laroux.”
His expression having never once changed from his stoic gaze, Gabriel returned his attention to that water, his eyes drifting close.