Post by Ricky on Jul 8, 2022 23:38:16 GMT -5
'OPW was the first professional promotion to really take the chance on me. I was just some fuckin random..unknown lilshit and they offered me a spot. They opened the door for me and..I took that offer..and I fuckin ran with it and never once looked back. Never once did I second guess it. Never once did I doubt it. I stormed in there, completely different from everyone there. Did I let that stop me, in anyway imaginable? Fuck no.
I was who I was without hesitation, without reservations. And for the time that I was there..I started out on a hell of a roll. Knockin past everyone they put before me. But then..for whatever reason..they hadda take a break. I really dunno the specifics or nothin like that, ain't none of my goddamn business.
So I moved on. I moved on to places like Fight!NYC. Zion Wrestlin. Liberty Pro. Level-Up for a lilbit. OCW even. I did events on the side. I grew. I evolved into somethin. I got hardened, body and mind. In one year, I learned more bout this business and life itself than some people will ever know. But most importantly..I've found success. I've won gold. I've beaten people nobody expected me to beat.'
The voice of Ricky Rodriguez led into the picture coming into view. It was a local collectible convention. Ricky was approached to do a signing there and was quickly advertised for it. From there, a local podcast host had shown interest in interviewing him and, of course, Ricky was down for it.
Picking up about half way through that interview, Ricky sat in a very comfortable looking black leather chair, his head resting on one arm while his legs were draped over the other. He laid his head on the side, talking to the woman in front of him. Both of them were casually dressed, as was the man holding the camera, filming the interview.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'See..I'm the type of guy where if someone takes a chance on me..gives me an opportunity to succeed..Ima do everythin possible to make them feel like it was the right decision. OPW took the chance on me so now that their break is over, I had the chance to make them happy they took that risk with me.
So, when Johnny approached me bout bein a guest..I jumped on it. Why wouldn't I? And as I walked round backstage, saw people I ain't seen in a while..I didn't hesitate to get back on board. So many people I wanted to face that I wasn't able to face before. So many new accomplishments to..accomplish.'
The laugh that rolled out of Ricky and the face he made after it was a clear indication of just how high the young man was. Reaching up, Ricky slicked his hair back before nodding his head.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Personally, I can't fuckin wait till I get back in there and show just how much I've grown in just a year's time. It really doesn't seem like a long time..on the outside..but like. To me? It's been a fuckin lifetime. Shit's soo different than when I first debuted in OPW. Better too. Holy shit, life's so much better.
Own my own home..own my own ride, more than one actually, more money than I was ever makin before. I've really fuckin come up since then. But yeah, I really can't fuckin wait to make my return to an OPW ring.'
Hostchick: 'You're not going to have to wait that long either. As most of you already know: At this week's Showcase, Ricky Rodriguez will make his return to the Outlaw Pro Wrestling. And what a return it will be.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'You're absolutely right. It's not just a return. It's a Legacy Championship against Apathy. What better way to make your return to a place than to pick up some championship gold?'
Ricky spoke up, not even giving her a chance to answer his question.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'There ain't one. The bright eyed, naive guy who made his debut only to make his return, a year later, nearly a completely different man..and win a title in the process? There's really no better way to make your return. But see, there's more to it than that.
When I first walked in there, I saw the looks I got. I saw the judgmental ass stares I was gettin. I couldn't do nothin bout it then. My head wasn't right. I wanted things to be..somethin different than what they were. But now I know. I'm smarter now.
I know the kinda things I hafta do to succeed. I know I can get my hands just as dirty as anyone else. I know I can get down in the trenches and fight as dirtily as the best of'em.'
Hostchick: 'Uhh..I don't think dirtily is a word.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Look, that's not what's important. What's important is that I'm playin for keeps now. It doesn't just stop with the Legacy Championship either, no fuckin way. That's just the fuckin start, y'know? I want it all. And y'know what? Ima fuckin take it.'
Ricky grinned from ear to ear. Digging into the pocket of the jeans he wore, he pulled out that dab pen. Taking a long drag off of it, he held it in for a few moments before exhaling it upwards. Those already half closed eyes of his closed even more as he offered it to the host. She shook her head and Ricky returned it to his pocket.
Moving around a bit, Ricky got even more comfortable in his spot. His head falling even further back, Ricky felt like he was totally just melting into that chair.
Hostchick: 'That's well and good and all, but it definitely sounds like you're looking past Apathy. Someone who is a force in this business. Multiple time champion. A leader. Someone who knows her way around that ring better than a lot of other people.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'And she is every one of those things you mentioned. This match against Apathy is bouta be a fight, there's nottan ounce of doubt in my mind bout that. But I've seen enough of Apathy to know that there's a wholeeeelottabit more there. Y'know what I see when I look at Apathy?'
Hostchick: 'What's that?'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'A doormat.'
Pushing up to a seated position, Ricky turned around to face the woman talking to him. A slight smirk broke out across his face as he nodded his head. Interest showed on her face as she leaned forward in her seat, curious about what Ricky was going to say.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'She lets people walk all over her. And I mean, I get it. I've done the same thing before. But when it happens to me, at least I can say, I make sure I get mine in the end. I make it right. But not Apathy. I've seen her in soo many fucked up situations and her just..do notta fuckin thing bout it. I don't understand it, really. I've thought bout it before tho, like..how the fuck do you last as long as she has when she just lets people treat her like that?
Cause people need a doormat. They need somethin they can brush their shoes off on. Thus..Apathy. I mean, I know she's into the whole BDSM shit but this is a business..this is your career. If you wanna get knocked around, do it on your own time. If you're not here to be the fuckin best you can be..then what the fuck are you even here for?
I literally have no idea how Papi Suave lost to you. Oh wait, yeah I do. You didn't beat him. Not by yourself. Nah, see Austin and Toddy, they put Paul down. Roger Wright, he made sure the odds couldn't be evened. Even Eoin was there to bail you out. Those four individuals handed you that championship. They handed it to you.
Your skill and talent, they didn't win that match for you. They held your hand. They carried you across the finish line. And it was fuckin sickenin to see. Every championship I've won in this business? I've won on my own. As a champion, I was always able to look at myself in the mirror..look at that title on my shoulder and know that I deserved it. That I earned it.
But you? You can't do that, can you Apathy? I mean, I guess you could..if you're okay with feedin yourself bullshit. But beyond that..you can't do that, Apathy. And you know it. You know you didn't earn that title. You know that you don't deserve that title. You fuckin know that you're a fuckin fraud of a champion.'
With each word that Ricky spoke, you could see the kind hearted, gentle nature of the young man just break away. Behind that was a viciousness that, even while higher than giraffe titties, was just as sharp as a blade, was just as venomous as a snake.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'But you gotta chance to polish away a bit of that tarnish. You gotta chance to prove that you deserve that championship by defendin it by yourself against me. Do you think you can do that, Apathy? I mean, I know the caliber of talent that P Mont is. I can see why you felt like you hadda take that route against him. But this is me we're talkin bout here.
Surely, you gottanough confidence in you to feel like you can beat lilole me without anyone gettin the job done for you. If you can't..this is gonna be easier than I ever thought it'd be. I wanna be right bout this. I wanna believe that you believe you can do this on your own. But I know better than to trust you..or anyone, for that matter.
So, Ima be ready for it. Ain't gonna have anyone out there with me, against my better judgment..but best believe that if there's the slightest hint of anyone comin out there..I'll have my back covered. I'll be ready to have those odds evened. I'm not gonna let myself get fucked over by someone who doesn't think she's good enough. It's that fuckin simple.'
Ricky gave off a rather nonchalant shrug of his shoulders before relaxing back in that chair. Bringing his hands up behind his head, he laced his fingers there, using his palms as a makeshift pillow.
Hostchick: 'Well, there you have it. Ricky Rodriguez is primed and ready to go, not only to make his grand return to OPW but to also pick up his first championship there, against the decorated veteran and Legacy Champion Apathy. Any last thoughts, Ricky?'
He sat there, giving it a bit of thought before nodding his head a single time.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'I want every bit of y'all to watch what I do out there. I want y'all to watch the fight I bring to Apathy. But most important of all, I want y'all to look at who I was and look at who I am and realize just how fuckin serious I am bout all of this. See ya at Showcase, Apathy.'
Bringing a single hand out from the back of his head, he gave a wave to the one holding the camera.
Hostchick: 'Thank you for joining me here, Ricky, I hope the rest of your signing event goes well. Everyone else, be sure to tune into Showcase, which promises to be one hell of a show.'
And with that, the filming was finished. The host got her wish and the rest of the event went off without a hitch. Not only that, even after the signing, Ricky had ample time to roam the convention center, checking out the various booths and seeing what everyone was selling.
Suffice to say, Ricky made more than a few purchases. Not just for himself tho. A couple harder to find Lego sets were bought for his beautiful wife Jennie. Couple different t-shirts for Bobby and Alessa. He was able to get away and just get lost in his various different fandoms and not have to think about much else.
But then again, just because he was able to do it, doesn't mean that that's how it went. Not at all. It was easy at first but the more Ricky went through, the more he thought about that championship match and the opponent he was to face.
'I should be stressin bout this..right? I mean, I haven't really seen much from her that makes me wanna take her seriously. Just look at her. She didn't think she was that good of a leader that she just let Moore walk in and take leadership. Made her look like shit, in all honesty. Does she not stand up for herself? Is she reallyy a fuckin doormat like that?
If so, then it's on me. It's on me to take that championship from her and give OPW a Legacy Champion they can be proud of. Can't nobody be proud of someone like that representin them as a champion. Like seriously.'
Before Ricky could get too deep into his thoughts, however, he caught sight of someone he didn't expect to. It was common knowledge that wherever Ricky was, Big Ass Bobby and Alessa Holloway weren't far behind. But as far as he knew, Bobby and Alessa were supposed to have breakfast and do a little shopping of their own while Ricky did the event.
So, when he saw Alessa walking around the center, almost frantically, concern understandably grew. Putting down what he was looking at, Ricky grabbed up his bags and made his way through the crowds to where she was.
Once he got close enough, Ricky called out her name, getting her attention. Alessa saw Ricky and instantly rushed to him. Ricky's arms wrapped around her in an attempt to comfort her as she was clearly worried to a rather high extent.
Alessa Holloway: 'Have you seen Bobby?'
Confusion grew across the features of Ricky as he tilted his head. He knew he didn't but he thought about it, for a moment, to see if he just didn't really notice him. Shaking his head, he looked to Alessa who sighed out at his answer.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Wait, I thought you two were suppose to have breakfast. What happened? Here, come talk to me, calm down a bit.'
He led Alessa off to the side to where there were rows of empty chairs, a panel discussion being held there earlier. Once Alessa took a seat, Ricky sat down next to her. He watched as she tried to collect herself enough to explain what had happened.
Alessa Holloway: 'Well, usually he'll wake me up, otherwise I'll literally sleep half the day away, you remember.'
Ricky nodded his head in agreement.
Alessa Holloway: 'Well, when I finally did wake up on my own, he was nowhere to be found. His phone was still on the nightstand, his keys too. You know he wouldn't just up and leave like that, especially on foot without his keys. Something had to have happened.'
Once more, Ricky wrapped his arms around her, giving her a reassuring hug in an attempt to calm her down again.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'It's okay, just calm down. I'm sure there's a very logical explanation for what happened.'
But before Ricky could piece one together, Alessa looked at him with widened eyes.
Alessa Holloway: 'Do you think it had anything to do with what we saw at the beach?'
The brow of Ricky lowered as he pulled back just enough to look at her. Shaking his head a bit, he was quick to dismiss the idea entirely.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'It was just a story, Alessa, that's all it was. It was dark, we were already creeped out bout what we saw and he was just tryinta fuck with us.'
Alessa Holloway: 'It wasn't just a story though. My dad told me the same story about him and his dad. They were out huntin when they saw the same thing. He had the same experience about waking up and not being able to breath and seeing that..thing. He thought..he thought it was..whatever they used to worship in those days.'
Ricky fell silent, not a word or sound escaping his lips. It wasn't something he believed before but seeing the way she was acting? He, at least, knew she believed. It may have been because of that but it was at that moment that the hairs on the back of Ricky's neck stood on end, a cold chill running through his body.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'It's gotta..it's gotta be somethin else. Some other explanation for it. C'mon, we'll go lookin for him and won't be no time at all till we find'em. And even better? He'll have a perfectly reasonable explanation as to what happened and where he went and all of that. No kinda..spirit..or whatever.'
The voice of Ricky was reassuring or at least the best impression of reassuring he could muster. As much as he wanted to believe what he was saying, something in the back of his mind told him it was exactly what Alessa said it was. The pair got up out of their chairs and made their way out of the convention center.
They wandered around town, not really familiar with the area, so it was pretty much aimless. Either way, they searched high and low, having no luck whatsoever in finding him. During their searching, Alessa spoke more about what she thought it was.
Alessa Holloway: 'Dad would tell me stories that his dad told him..about what they worshipped. And how if the families didn't make the proper sacrifices, people from the community would just..disappear..they'd vanish without a trace. But they'd turn back up a couple days later, mangled beyond the slightest recognition. Part of them would be missing and nobody ever had a logical explanation other than a vengeful god.
I think that's what's happening here, Ricky. It knows we're descendants. It knows we haven't been doing what we need to do to show our loyalty..'
Before she could get too deep into it, Ricky cut her off.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'But it's been fuckin decades since anythin was done like that. Our parents weren't raised in that life. They didn't make the sacrifices. So, why hasn't anyone else disappeared before this?'
Alessa went silent for a moment, thinking about what Ricky said. A frustrated sigh slipped free as she shook her head.
Alessa Holloway: 'Hasn't anyone in your life ever just disappeared and you didn't give it a second thought? Someone while you were training. Someone you knew in all of those companies you've worked for or working for? What if it's been happening all of this time and you just..didn't..notice?'
He parted his lips as to speak but not a single word escaped him. He just couldn't muster the words he needed to say. Instead, they found themselves outside of the hotel they were staying at. The pair made their way through the lobby and to the elevators. Silence continued the whole elevator ride up and as they walked down the hallway towards their room.
Ricky used his keycard to grant them access and they walked inside of that hotel room. As soon as that door closed behind them, they saw Bobby seated upon the couch in that living room. He was as pale as a ghost, his eyes wide and staring at the black television screen in front of him.
Instantly, Alessa ran up to him and threw her arms around him, squeezing him as tightly as she could. Ricky was quick to follow, moving to the side of Bobby, looking at him. The slightest bit of relief washed through him until he saw just what state Bobby was in. The color was nothing like he ever saw in his older brother and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks. His feet were cut up, caked with mud. His torso littered with various cuts and bruises.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Bobby, what the fuck? What happened? Where'd you go?'
Alessa Holloway: 'I..are you okay? Bobby, talk to us.'
The lips of Bobby parted ever so slightly but nothing came out except for the occasional attempt at forming words. This continued on for a few moments before he was finally able to speak softly.
Big Ass Bobby: 'I..I..don't know. I was..here..you were sleeping..and then..I wasn't. Everything was dark..I don't know where I was..bu..but it wasn't here. I was..there..and it was with me.'
Pure, unfiltered terror showed in the features of Ricky. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what to think and he damn sure didn't know how to process this. What he did know was his brother..the person who had his back from the day he was born was broken. That really fucked with the head of Ricky, sobered him up entirely.
Alessa stood up, hugging the head of Bobby against her stomach. He had little to no response, his arms dangling at his sides.
Alessa Holloway: 'Come on, let's go get you cleaned up.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'You're okay now, man. We got you. We're gonna take care of you.'
Bobby tilted his head, looking over at Ricky.
Big Ass Bobby: 'But who's going to take care of you two?'
That one simple question filled Ricky with more dread and fear than he had ever experienced before. However, he did his best to ignore the question as he helped Alessa get Bobby to his feet. She went off to get him a fresh change of clothes while Ricky led him towards the bathroom.
Bobby had always been there for Ricky, always a symbol of strength and stability. Someone who Ricky knew he could always count on, always depend on when things got rough. But now? The person he helped towards the bathroom was the furthest thing from the person he knew. And that? That scared the literal fuck out of Ricky.
Even despite all of that, Ricky kept a trembling hand on the toned back of Bobby. Someone who had helped him through more problems and shitty situations than he could count now needed him just as much.
Whatever it took, whatever he had to do to make this okay, to make this right for Bobby, Ricky told himself he was going to do it without hesitation. And he was going to do it no matter how fucking terrified he was in this very moment.
Once he got Bobby into the bathroom, Alessa came in shortly after, clean clothes and a towel in her hands. The two of them did what they needed to to get Bobby cleaned up, steadily talking to him in an attempt to ease his mind.
But during the time it took them to do this, Ricky couldn't help but to wonder what exactly happened. Alessa knew though, it was exactly as she told him. They strayed from the old ways and Bobby suffered because of it. But Ricky didn't believe that..did he?
I was who I was without hesitation, without reservations. And for the time that I was there..I started out on a hell of a roll. Knockin past everyone they put before me. But then..for whatever reason..they hadda take a break. I really dunno the specifics or nothin like that, ain't none of my goddamn business.
So I moved on. I moved on to places like Fight!NYC. Zion Wrestlin. Liberty Pro. Level-Up for a lilbit. OCW even. I did events on the side. I grew. I evolved into somethin. I got hardened, body and mind. In one year, I learned more bout this business and life itself than some people will ever know. But most importantly..I've found success. I've won gold. I've beaten people nobody expected me to beat.'
The voice of Ricky Rodriguez led into the picture coming into view. It was a local collectible convention. Ricky was approached to do a signing there and was quickly advertised for it. From there, a local podcast host had shown interest in interviewing him and, of course, Ricky was down for it.
Picking up about half way through that interview, Ricky sat in a very comfortable looking black leather chair, his head resting on one arm while his legs were draped over the other. He laid his head on the side, talking to the woman in front of him. Both of them were casually dressed, as was the man holding the camera, filming the interview.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'See..I'm the type of guy where if someone takes a chance on me..gives me an opportunity to succeed..Ima do everythin possible to make them feel like it was the right decision. OPW took the chance on me so now that their break is over, I had the chance to make them happy they took that risk with me.
So, when Johnny approached me bout bein a guest..I jumped on it. Why wouldn't I? And as I walked round backstage, saw people I ain't seen in a while..I didn't hesitate to get back on board. So many people I wanted to face that I wasn't able to face before. So many new accomplishments to..accomplish.'
The laugh that rolled out of Ricky and the face he made after it was a clear indication of just how high the young man was. Reaching up, Ricky slicked his hair back before nodding his head.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Personally, I can't fuckin wait till I get back in there and show just how much I've grown in just a year's time. It really doesn't seem like a long time..on the outside..but like. To me? It's been a fuckin lifetime. Shit's soo different than when I first debuted in OPW. Better too. Holy shit, life's so much better.
Own my own home..own my own ride, more than one actually, more money than I was ever makin before. I've really fuckin come up since then. But yeah, I really can't fuckin wait to make my return to an OPW ring.'
Hostchick: 'You're not going to have to wait that long either. As most of you already know: At this week's Showcase, Ricky Rodriguez will make his return to the Outlaw Pro Wrestling. And what a return it will be.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'You're absolutely right. It's not just a return. It's a Legacy Championship against Apathy. What better way to make your return to a place than to pick up some championship gold?'
Ricky spoke up, not even giving her a chance to answer his question.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'There ain't one. The bright eyed, naive guy who made his debut only to make his return, a year later, nearly a completely different man..and win a title in the process? There's really no better way to make your return. But see, there's more to it than that.
When I first walked in there, I saw the looks I got. I saw the judgmental ass stares I was gettin. I couldn't do nothin bout it then. My head wasn't right. I wanted things to be..somethin different than what they were. But now I know. I'm smarter now.
I know the kinda things I hafta do to succeed. I know I can get my hands just as dirty as anyone else. I know I can get down in the trenches and fight as dirtily as the best of'em.'
Hostchick: 'Uhh..I don't think dirtily is a word.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Look, that's not what's important. What's important is that I'm playin for keeps now. It doesn't just stop with the Legacy Championship either, no fuckin way. That's just the fuckin start, y'know? I want it all. And y'know what? Ima fuckin take it.'
Ricky grinned from ear to ear. Digging into the pocket of the jeans he wore, he pulled out that dab pen. Taking a long drag off of it, he held it in for a few moments before exhaling it upwards. Those already half closed eyes of his closed even more as he offered it to the host. She shook her head and Ricky returned it to his pocket.
Moving around a bit, Ricky got even more comfortable in his spot. His head falling even further back, Ricky felt like he was totally just melting into that chair.
Hostchick: 'That's well and good and all, but it definitely sounds like you're looking past Apathy. Someone who is a force in this business. Multiple time champion. A leader. Someone who knows her way around that ring better than a lot of other people.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'And she is every one of those things you mentioned. This match against Apathy is bouta be a fight, there's nottan ounce of doubt in my mind bout that. But I've seen enough of Apathy to know that there's a wholeeeelottabit more there. Y'know what I see when I look at Apathy?'
Hostchick: 'What's that?'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'A doormat.'
Pushing up to a seated position, Ricky turned around to face the woman talking to him. A slight smirk broke out across his face as he nodded his head. Interest showed on her face as she leaned forward in her seat, curious about what Ricky was going to say.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'She lets people walk all over her. And I mean, I get it. I've done the same thing before. But when it happens to me, at least I can say, I make sure I get mine in the end. I make it right. But not Apathy. I've seen her in soo many fucked up situations and her just..do notta fuckin thing bout it. I don't understand it, really. I've thought bout it before tho, like..how the fuck do you last as long as she has when she just lets people treat her like that?
Cause people need a doormat. They need somethin they can brush their shoes off on. Thus..Apathy. I mean, I know she's into the whole BDSM shit but this is a business..this is your career. If you wanna get knocked around, do it on your own time. If you're not here to be the fuckin best you can be..then what the fuck are you even here for?
I literally have no idea how Papi Suave lost to you. Oh wait, yeah I do. You didn't beat him. Not by yourself. Nah, see Austin and Toddy, they put Paul down. Roger Wright, he made sure the odds couldn't be evened. Even Eoin was there to bail you out. Those four individuals handed you that championship. They handed it to you.
Your skill and talent, they didn't win that match for you. They held your hand. They carried you across the finish line. And it was fuckin sickenin to see. Every championship I've won in this business? I've won on my own. As a champion, I was always able to look at myself in the mirror..look at that title on my shoulder and know that I deserved it. That I earned it.
But you? You can't do that, can you Apathy? I mean, I guess you could..if you're okay with feedin yourself bullshit. But beyond that..you can't do that, Apathy. And you know it. You know you didn't earn that title. You know that you don't deserve that title. You fuckin know that you're a fuckin fraud of a champion.'
With each word that Ricky spoke, you could see the kind hearted, gentle nature of the young man just break away. Behind that was a viciousness that, even while higher than giraffe titties, was just as sharp as a blade, was just as venomous as a snake.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'But you gotta chance to polish away a bit of that tarnish. You gotta chance to prove that you deserve that championship by defendin it by yourself against me. Do you think you can do that, Apathy? I mean, I know the caliber of talent that P Mont is. I can see why you felt like you hadda take that route against him. But this is me we're talkin bout here.
Surely, you gottanough confidence in you to feel like you can beat lilole me without anyone gettin the job done for you. If you can't..this is gonna be easier than I ever thought it'd be. I wanna be right bout this. I wanna believe that you believe you can do this on your own. But I know better than to trust you..or anyone, for that matter.
So, Ima be ready for it. Ain't gonna have anyone out there with me, against my better judgment..but best believe that if there's the slightest hint of anyone comin out there..I'll have my back covered. I'll be ready to have those odds evened. I'm not gonna let myself get fucked over by someone who doesn't think she's good enough. It's that fuckin simple.'
Ricky gave off a rather nonchalant shrug of his shoulders before relaxing back in that chair. Bringing his hands up behind his head, he laced his fingers there, using his palms as a makeshift pillow.
Hostchick: 'Well, there you have it. Ricky Rodriguez is primed and ready to go, not only to make his grand return to OPW but to also pick up his first championship there, against the decorated veteran and Legacy Champion Apathy. Any last thoughts, Ricky?'
He sat there, giving it a bit of thought before nodding his head a single time.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'I want every bit of y'all to watch what I do out there. I want y'all to watch the fight I bring to Apathy. But most important of all, I want y'all to look at who I was and look at who I am and realize just how fuckin serious I am bout all of this. See ya at Showcase, Apathy.'
Bringing a single hand out from the back of his head, he gave a wave to the one holding the camera.
Hostchick: 'Thank you for joining me here, Ricky, I hope the rest of your signing event goes well. Everyone else, be sure to tune into Showcase, which promises to be one hell of a show.'
And with that, the filming was finished. The host got her wish and the rest of the event went off without a hitch. Not only that, even after the signing, Ricky had ample time to roam the convention center, checking out the various booths and seeing what everyone was selling.
Suffice to say, Ricky made more than a few purchases. Not just for himself tho. A couple harder to find Lego sets were bought for his beautiful wife Jennie. Couple different t-shirts for Bobby and Alessa. He was able to get away and just get lost in his various different fandoms and not have to think about much else.
But then again, just because he was able to do it, doesn't mean that that's how it went. Not at all. It was easy at first but the more Ricky went through, the more he thought about that championship match and the opponent he was to face.
'I should be stressin bout this..right? I mean, I haven't really seen much from her that makes me wanna take her seriously. Just look at her. She didn't think she was that good of a leader that she just let Moore walk in and take leadership. Made her look like shit, in all honesty. Does she not stand up for herself? Is she reallyy a fuckin doormat like that?
If so, then it's on me. It's on me to take that championship from her and give OPW a Legacy Champion they can be proud of. Can't nobody be proud of someone like that representin them as a champion. Like seriously.'
Before Ricky could get too deep into his thoughts, however, he caught sight of someone he didn't expect to. It was common knowledge that wherever Ricky was, Big Ass Bobby and Alessa Holloway weren't far behind. But as far as he knew, Bobby and Alessa were supposed to have breakfast and do a little shopping of their own while Ricky did the event.
So, when he saw Alessa walking around the center, almost frantically, concern understandably grew. Putting down what he was looking at, Ricky grabbed up his bags and made his way through the crowds to where she was.
Once he got close enough, Ricky called out her name, getting her attention. Alessa saw Ricky and instantly rushed to him. Ricky's arms wrapped around her in an attempt to comfort her as she was clearly worried to a rather high extent.
Alessa Holloway: 'Have you seen Bobby?'
Confusion grew across the features of Ricky as he tilted his head. He knew he didn't but he thought about it, for a moment, to see if he just didn't really notice him. Shaking his head, he looked to Alessa who sighed out at his answer.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Wait, I thought you two were suppose to have breakfast. What happened? Here, come talk to me, calm down a bit.'
He led Alessa off to the side to where there were rows of empty chairs, a panel discussion being held there earlier. Once Alessa took a seat, Ricky sat down next to her. He watched as she tried to collect herself enough to explain what had happened.
Alessa Holloway: 'Well, usually he'll wake me up, otherwise I'll literally sleep half the day away, you remember.'
Ricky nodded his head in agreement.
Alessa Holloway: 'Well, when I finally did wake up on my own, he was nowhere to be found. His phone was still on the nightstand, his keys too. You know he wouldn't just up and leave like that, especially on foot without his keys. Something had to have happened.'
Once more, Ricky wrapped his arms around her, giving her a reassuring hug in an attempt to calm her down again.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'It's okay, just calm down. I'm sure there's a very logical explanation for what happened.'
But before Ricky could piece one together, Alessa looked at him with widened eyes.
Alessa Holloway: 'Do you think it had anything to do with what we saw at the beach?'
The brow of Ricky lowered as he pulled back just enough to look at her. Shaking his head a bit, he was quick to dismiss the idea entirely.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'It was just a story, Alessa, that's all it was. It was dark, we were already creeped out bout what we saw and he was just tryinta fuck with us.'
Alessa Holloway: 'It wasn't just a story though. My dad told me the same story about him and his dad. They were out huntin when they saw the same thing. He had the same experience about waking up and not being able to breath and seeing that..thing. He thought..he thought it was..whatever they used to worship in those days.'
Ricky fell silent, not a word or sound escaping his lips. It wasn't something he believed before but seeing the way she was acting? He, at least, knew she believed. It may have been because of that but it was at that moment that the hairs on the back of Ricky's neck stood on end, a cold chill running through his body.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'It's gotta..it's gotta be somethin else. Some other explanation for it. C'mon, we'll go lookin for him and won't be no time at all till we find'em. And even better? He'll have a perfectly reasonable explanation as to what happened and where he went and all of that. No kinda..spirit..or whatever.'
The voice of Ricky was reassuring or at least the best impression of reassuring he could muster. As much as he wanted to believe what he was saying, something in the back of his mind told him it was exactly what Alessa said it was. The pair got up out of their chairs and made their way out of the convention center.
They wandered around town, not really familiar with the area, so it was pretty much aimless. Either way, they searched high and low, having no luck whatsoever in finding him. During their searching, Alessa spoke more about what she thought it was.
Alessa Holloway: 'Dad would tell me stories that his dad told him..about what they worshipped. And how if the families didn't make the proper sacrifices, people from the community would just..disappear..they'd vanish without a trace. But they'd turn back up a couple days later, mangled beyond the slightest recognition. Part of them would be missing and nobody ever had a logical explanation other than a vengeful god.
I think that's what's happening here, Ricky. It knows we're descendants. It knows we haven't been doing what we need to do to show our loyalty..'
Before she could get too deep into it, Ricky cut her off.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'But it's been fuckin decades since anythin was done like that. Our parents weren't raised in that life. They didn't make the sacrifices. So, why hasn't anyone else disappeared before this?'
Alessa went silent for a moment, thinking about what Ricky said. A frustrated sigh slipped free as she shook her head.
Alessa Holloway: 'Hasn't anyone in your life ever just disappeared and you didn't give it a second thought? Someone while you were training. Someone you knew in all of those companies you've worked for or working for? What if it's been happening all of this time and you just..didn't..notice?'
He parted his lips as to speak but not a single word escaped him. He just couldn't muster the words he needed to say. Instead, they found themselves outside of the hotel they were staying at. The pair made their way through the lobby and to the elevators. Silence continued the whole elevator ride up and as they walked down the hallway towards their room.
Ricky used his keycard to grant them access and they walked inside of that hotel room. As soon as that door closed behind them, they saw Bobby seated upon the couch in that living room. He was as pale as a ghost, his eyes wide and staring at the black television screen in front of him.
Instantly, Alessa ran up to him and threw her arms around him, squeezing him as tightly as she could. Ricky was quick to follow, moving to the side of Bobby, looking at him. The slightest bit of relief washed through him until he saw just what state Bobby was in. The color was nothing like he ever saw in his older brother and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks. His feet were cut up, caked with mud. His torso littered with various cuts and bruises.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Bobby, what the fuck? What happened? Where'd you go?'
Alessa Holloway: 'I..are you okay? Bobby, talk to us.'
The lips of Bobby parted ever so slightly but nothing came out except for the occasional attempt at forming words. This continued on for a few moments before he was finally able to speak softly.
Big Ass Bobby: 'I..I..don't know. I was..here..you were sleeping..and then..I wasn't. Everything was dark..I don't know where I was..bu..but it wasn't here. I was..there..and it was with me.'
Pure, unfiltered terror showed in the features of Ricky. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what to think and he damn sure didn't know how to process this. What he did know was his brother..the person who had his back from the day he was born was broken. That really fucked with the head of Ricky, sobered him up entirely.
Alessa stood up, hugging the head of Bobby against her stomach. He had little to no response, his arms dangling at his sides.
Alessa Holloway: 'Come on, let's go get you cleaned up.'
Ricky Rodriguez: 'You're okay now, man. We got you. We're gonna take care of you.'
Bobby tilted his head, looking over at Ricky.
Big Ass Bobby: 'But who's going to take care of you two?'
That one simple question filled Ricky with more dread and fear than he had ever experienced before. However, he did his best to ignore the question as he helped Alessa get Bobby to his feet. She went off to get him a fresh change of clothes while Ricky led him towards the bathroom.
Bobby had always been there for Ricky, always a symbol of strength and stability. Someone who Ricky knew he could always count on, always depend on when things got rough. But now? The person he helped towards the bathroom was the furthest thing from the person he knew. And that? That scared the literal fuck out of Ricky.
Even despite all of that, Ricky kept a trembling hand on the toned back of Bobby. Someone who had helped him through more problems and shitty situations than he could count now needed him just as much.
Whatever it took, whatever he had to do to make this okay, to make this right for Bobby, Ricky told himself he was going to do it without hesitation. And he was going to do it no matter how fucking terrified he was in this very moment.
Once he got Bobby into the bathroom, Alessa came in shortly after, clean clothes and a towel in her hands. The two of them did what they needed to to get Bobby cleaned up, steadily talking to him in an attempt to ease his mind.
But during the time it took them to do this, Ricky couldn't help but to wonder what exactly happened. Alessa knew though, it was exactly as she told him. They strayed from the old ways and Bobby suffered because of it. But Ricky didn't believe that..did he?