Post by The Anarchist on Jul 14, 2018 5:00:44 GMT -5
PRESENT – PART I
Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’
Bob Dylan, 1962.
For the slightest of seconds, one could almost swear they were hearing that song being sung. Harmonious voices collectively singing it like a choir as the melody serenades the leafy orange trees that populated Labyrinth Grove.
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’
It’s actually those words being sung. Particular attention is emphasized on the third and forth verses. Seromine, from practically day one, had heard all of the negativity from outsiders who imprinted their own falsehoods on a greater message. Those who had been saved from the ills of their own lives are someone’s sons and daughters. No matter where they came from or what they once believed. There was a more cohesive message of wisdom behind Seromine’s brand of leadership, than anything they had been lead to believe pre-Salvation.
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is rapidly fadin’
And the first one now will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’
Seromine placed down the wooden guitar following the final vocal. Destiny, standing behind him, had her loving arms wrapped around his body with her head on his. She hadn’t sang in quite some time, but felt inspired to do so today. The followers remained quiet. Appreciative, but quiet. There was no need for them to speak. The projected warmth and smiles was applause enough.
“I wanted to tell each of you how thankful I am to see you here today.” Seromine spoke “As you may very well know, good ol Loki has put me in yet ANOTHER four way match against two behemoths and a one time rising star. Hiroshi Yukio, a former man of honor and glory, has found himself falling on hard times. He was afforded a championship opportunity and in a losing effort, came away in worse shape than he was walking into it.”
Destiny continued the speech. “Darren Silvaira. The so-called ‘Monster’ was defeated by our friend from the orient. He was also dispatched out of the Icemann Invitational...” she pauses long enough to kiss her husband on the cheek “No doubt he’ll be harboring revenge for that happening. If he’s smart, he’ll remind his clown prince of a friend...”
“his own personal psychotic berserker!” Seromine interjects.
“Oh, yes, heh. I forgot he called himself that. Just the same, he should remind him of what happens when you stray too deep in the water. I guess he felt like channelling his inner Helen Slater, because FAIR IS FAIR!”
Seromine snickers at the movie reference. Destiny’s jovial moment turns serious on the drop of a dime. “He wants it fair? So do we. But he must’ve mistook us for Whitey Ford, because we don’t drink...”
“And let’s not forget about Stacy Jones. I must be slipping in my old age, but isn’t she injured? I don’t just mean physically, but after losing her opportunity at first time gold, surely her confidence has to be as well. Because if it isn’t, I’ll make sure that it is. Which brings me to a surprise I have for you!”
Destiny could hardly contain her excitement. A fact not lost on anyone there. Her reaction was akin to implying that it was rude to stare. Seromine laughed to himself as he motioned for the others to ignore his wife’s reaction. It drew a playful nudge to the ribs.
JUNE 24
Following the punishment handed down by PCW offices, Seromine gathered his bags and rather than board a flight for South Carolina, took one to Texas instead. Lonestar Championship Wrestling was a company ran by Johnny Matthews. The very same dead man who ended up placing Horacio Mortimer on the injury list this past Trauma, thus further digging his own grave with the Underground Champion.
Seromine and Destiny arrived in San Antonio, Texas for the Wild Card Pay Per View event. LCW’S World Champion, Alan Envy, issued an open challenge; one that was answered by five others, including Matthews himself. Everyone inside of The Freeman Coliseum that night was going to have their systems shocked the moment Seromine’s music hit.
Seromine took umbrage with the fact Alan’s last name was one of the seven deadly sins, the fans being labeled ‘heathens’ and most damning of all, Johnny Matthews having the chance to take the top title. A man who he saw parallels with due to his past self. GOD sent him on a mission to stop Johnny from a win. Little did he know, he wouldn’t be the only member of the PCW roster to make an appearance with that very same goal.
Seromine and Destiny returned back home to California on a red-eye into LAX, as they always did following shows. Having been in the business twenty years, and traveling all over the country (as well as the world), they were used to the process and all of its lovely little ups and downs. Refreshed by morning, things were unfolding in an uneventful manner (the best kind). School was out for the summer, so that meant the kids would either be home more often OR out doing vacation things.
This day brought the latter. Only...that didn’t mean an unexpected arrival wouldn’t show up to Anaheim.
TWO DAYS AGO
KNOCK KNOCK
“Open the door, bitch! I know you’re in there!”
“Did you get permission from your mommy to be outside, little girl?”
The response came from a giggling Destiny as she opens the door. Standing on the other side was an equally cheerful Evelyn McNamara, Destiny’s younger sister by three years and only sibling. Ev was in a floral skater dress which complimented her sun kissed skin and a pair of flat sandals. Like her sister, she preferred to wear as little makeup as possible. Her hair was dark brown and hanging freely, allowing the breeze to push it around.
“Aren’t you going to invite me inside?”
“Hmm...” Destiny contemplated “I don’t know. I mean, you only asked for me to open the door, skank!”
Evelyn’s mouth hung wide as she mouthed the term. Destiny was only teasing, evidenced by her stepping aside to let her sister come into the home.
“So what brings you over here?”
“A bus.” Ev deadpans. “With the cost of gas these days, I thought I’d save the fuel and take public transportation. Where’s Jason?”
“He’s...”
“Right here.” Seromine responds as he enters the room. “Hi Evelyn. How are you?”
“Don’t you want to guess?”
She sticks her tongue out after winking towards her sister in playful jest. Ev stands at ease while awaiting an answer to that. Seromine smirks. “You look good.”
She cocks her right eye brow. “Thanks for noticing. You don’t look so bad yourself. My sister definitely has agreed with you.”
Seromine has a laugh while accepting a hug from her.
“I’m doing okay, actually. I happened to be in the same zip code---”
Destiny jumps in. “The pitchforks are still sharp and the torches are still lit.”
“You mean my face isn’t on milk cartons?”
“Oh hell no! Then people would see it and milk would go bad. We all voted on giving you the village treatment.”
Ev has a belly laugh while sitting down on the couch. “Like I started to say, I happened to be in the same zip code and thought I’d stop by. Where are the girls?”
“Kristen is out with friends. Autumn and the twins are visiting mom.”
“Ooh, really?” Evelyn cringes. “Those poor children. I can already hear mom endlessly droning on and on. I trust they took pillows and blankets?”
Seromine stifles a laugh. Destiny smiles, knowing that her sister speaks the truth. It wasn’t a planned sleepover, but could quickly turn into one. After having made peace, she agreed to let the kids visit. Today was the first day of that agreement. Evelyn’s smile begins to evaporate. “Ok. I’ll be honest. I need help.”
Seromine and Destiny give a quick glance towards one another, their wheels turning in tandem at the sound of ‘I need help.’ Years ago, the three had formed a short lived trio lovingly called Xplycit, a cross of sexual innuendo and anarchy. While it had been some time since they last saw her, they remained on excellent terms.
“The job market is as dry as the desert. I recently lost mine after the company I worked for decided they no longer could afford the costs. Small business, you know?”
They nod.
“Every landlord in a hundred mile radius is either a slumlord, wanting to get into my panties, or both. I’m not a slut. I’m not going to have sex just because their pecker is responding to a viagra prescription, and their crusty old wives don’t look so hot after twenty years and a lack of strong enough liquor.”
Laughter between everyone followed that description. Seromine was instantly getting the impression that Evelyn was hanging around Hollywood; A city that isn’t nearly as glamorous as some think it is. Big dreams of making it in the movies end at the city limits. Reality had a way of taking a pure soul and completely tarnishing it into ruin. Departure back to wherever one came from was luck.
“Violet.” Seromine blurts.
“Huh?”
“We’ve found our Violet.” he addresses Destiny this time. She looks at him for a short period, then turns her head towards her sister.
“What are you talking about? What is he talking about?”
“Jason is the leader of a religious cult.”
“That’s hilarious! ‘What Would Jason Do?’ Amirite? Hehe.”
“It’s for the audience. Although we do live the gimmick occasionally to keep in line with realism. Not here at home obviously, but at the other property in Camarillo.”
Evelyn is dumbfounded by this information.
“I have eleven followers right now. Six males and five females. Each has a pseudonym. They also wear an animal mask and dress like the 1800s were making a comeback.”
“Jason does as well” Destiny replies while patting his leg. “You would make the perfect twelfth.”
“Why Violet?”
“Because it’s my mom’s favorite flower, and I personally love the name. If you don’t want to do it, someone else can easily be found. The others are at place we call Labyrinth Grove. That’s where my sermons and other activities go on.”
Evelyn catches herself biting her lower lip at the sound of that. “Sorry, bad habit. I really need to break myself of it.”
“So...” Destiny presses “are you interested?”
“Would I be living there?”
“If you were a stranger, we’d say yes. But because you’re family and we don’t want you mating, you can stay here. The girls will love having you around.”
Evelyn smiles. Jason and Destiny eye one another. There is a slight hint that the cult gimmick may not just be a gimmick...
“Count me the fuck in then!”
“Yay!!” Destiny squeezes Ev with a massive hug. There is a stained plea of “you’re stronger than I remember” from her, prompting a swift release and apology. Seromine gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Don’t worry about a thing. We’ll protect you every step of the way.”
Evelyn caresses her cheek as her eyes follow their departure. She turns head head back around with an ear to ear smile stretching across her blushing face.
PRESENT – PART II
“And let’s not forget about Stacy Jones. I must be slipping in my old age, but isn’t she injured? I don’t just mean physically, but after losing her opportunity at first time gold, surely her confidence has to be as well. Because if it isn’t, I’ll make sure that it is. Which brings me to a surprise I have for you!”
Footsteps approach the gathered congregation. Seromine takes Evelyn by her right hand, while Destiny leads her with the left. Her hair has been tied in braided pig tails, the going style for the sisters of Salvation. Her calico dress is a pastel blue that hangs mid calf (she’s the only one wearing the color). Like her ‘sisters’ she has a white pinafore over it with a bow appearing in the back. Completing the outfit are white tights and black Mary Janes. Slipped over her face is a Fox mask.
“Brothers and Sisters, it is my honor to present to you, Sister Violet!”
She curtsies to the welcome she receives from the others. Seromine and Destiny extend their free hands out, initiating a prayer circle around the Eternal Flame, which burns as bright in the day (current) as it would at night.
“Heavenly Father, I come before you today, completely trusting in your goodness and mercy. I appeal to your loving spirit, to watch over our Sister Violet. I praise you for her life and soul. Thank you for her presence. Look upon her with your tenderness and grace. She used to hurt, until you healed her. She used to be afraid, until you gave her courage. She once fell on hard times, but you helped her up. She is loved. I love her. Her biological sister loves her---”
Evelyn squeezes their hands while hearing these inspirational words.
“Her new brothers and sisters love her, and so do you! Let our love heal her deepest wounds. Give her confidence knowing she is your child. As we all are. Oh heavenly father, embrace our sister’s heart. Bless her my GOD. In the strength of your loving arms, in the name of Seromine, under the protection of Salvation, AMEN!”
The circle breaks following a unified ‘Amen’. Seromine looks around like the proud cult leader he is. “Now then. Let us discuss Brother Gabriel.”
Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’
Bob Dylan, 1962.
For the slightest of seconds, one could almost swear they were hearing that song being sung. Harmonious voices collectively singing it like a choir as the melody serenades the leafy orange trees that populated Labyrinth Grove.
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’
It’s actually those words being sung. Particular attention is emphasized on the third and forth verses. Seromine, from practically day one, had heard all of the negativity from outsiders who imprinted their own falsehoods on a greater message. Those who had been saved from the ills of their own lives are someone’s sons and daughters. No matter where they came from or what they once believed. There was a more cohesive message of wisdom behind Seromine’s brand of leadership, than anything they had been lead to believe pre-Salvation.
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is rapidly fadin’
And the first one now will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’
Seromine placed down the wooden guitar following the final vocal. Destiny, standing behind him, had her loving arms wrapped around his body with her head on his. She hadn’t sang in quite some time, but felt inspired to do so today. The followers remained quiet. Appreciative, but quiet. There was no need for them to speak. The projected warmth and smiles was applause enough.
“I wanted to tell each of you how thankful I am to see you here today.” Seromine spoke “As you may very well know, good ol Loki has put me in yet ANOTHER four way match against two behemoths and a one time rising star. Hiroshi Yukio, a former man of honor and glory, has found himself falling on hard times. He was afforded a championship opportunity and in a losing effort, came away in worse shape than he was walking into it.”
Destiny continued the speech. “Darren Silvaira. The so-called ‘Monster’ was defeated by our friend from the orient. He was also dispatched out of the Icemann Invitational...” she pauses long enough to kiss her husband on the cheek “No doubt he’ll be harboring revenge for that happening. If he’s smart, he’ll remind his clown prince of a friend...”
“his own personal psychotic berserker!” Seromine interjects.
“Oh, yes, heh. I forgot he called himself that. Just the same, he should remind him of what happens when you stray too deep in the water. I guess he felt like channelling his inner Helen Slater, because FAIR IS FAIR!”
Seromine snickers at the movie reference. Destiny’s jovial moment turns serious on the drop of a dime. “He wants it fair? So do we. But he must’ve mistook us for Whitey Ford, because we don’t drink...”
“And let’s not forget about Stacy Jones. I must be slipping in my old age, but isn’t she injured? I don’t just mean physically, but after losing her opportunity at first time gold, surely her confidence has to be as well. Because if it isn’t, I’ll make sure that it is. Which brings me to a surprise I have for you!”
Destiny could hardly contain her excitement. A fact not lost on anyone there. Her reaction was akin to implying that it was rude to stare. Seromine laughed to himself as he motioned for the others to ignore his wife’s reaction. It drew a playful nudge to the ribs.
JUNE 24
Following the punishment handed down by PCW offices, Seromine gathered his bags and rather than board a flight for South Carolina, took one to Texas instead. Lonestar Championship Wrestling was a company ran by Johnny Matthews. The very same dead man who ended up placing Horacio Mortimer on the injury list this past Trauma, thus further digging his own grave with the Underground Champion.
Seromine and Destiny arrived in San Antonio, Texas for the Wild Card Pay Per View event. LCW’S World Champion, Alan Envy, issued an open challenge; one that was answered by five others, including Matthews himself. Everyone inside of The Freeman Coliseum that night was going to have their systems shocked the moment Seromine’s music hit.
Seromine took umbrage with the fact Alan’s last name was one of the seven deadly sins, the fans being labeled ‘heathens’ and most damning of all, Johnny Matthews having the chance to take the top title. A man who he saw parallels with due to his past self. GOD sent him on a mission to stop Johnny from a win. Little did he know, he wouldn’t be the only member of the PCW roster to make an appearance with that very same goal.
Seromine and Destiny returned back home to California on a red-eye into LAX, as they always did following shows. Having been in the business twenty years, and traveling all over the country (as well as the world), they were used to the process and all of its lovely little ups and downs. Refreshed by morning, things were unfolding in an uneventful manner (the best kind). School was out for the summer, so that meant the kids would either be home more often OR out doing vacation things.
This day brought the latter. Only...that didn’t mean an unexpected arrival wouldn’t show up to Anaheim.
TWO DAYS AGO
KNOCK KNOCK
“Open the door, bitch! I know you’re in there!”
“Did you get permission from your mommy to be outside, little girl?”
The response came from a giggling Destiny as she opens the door. Standing on the other side was an equally cheerful Evelyn McNamara, Destiny’s younger sister by three years and only sibling. Ev was in a floral skater dress which complimented her sun kissed skin and a pair of flat sandals. Like her sister, she preferred to wear as little makeup as possible. Her hair was dark brown and hanging freely, allowing the breeze to push it around.
“Aren’t you going to invite me inside?”
“Hmm...” Destiny contemplated “I don’t know. I mean, you only asked for me to open the door, skank!”
Evelyn’s mouth hung wide as she mouthed the term. Destiny was only teasing, evidenced by her stepping aside to let her sister come into the home.
“So what brings you over here?”
“A bus.” Ev deadpans. “With the cost of gas these days, I thought I’d save the fuel and take public transportation. Where’s Jason?”
“He’s...”
“Right here.” Seromine responds as he enters the room. “Hi Evelyn. How are you?”
“Don’t you want to guess?”
She sticks her tongue out after winking towards her sister in playful jest. Ev stands at ease while awaiting an answer to that. Seromine smirks. “You look good.”
She cocks her right eye brow. “Thanks for noticing. You don’t look so bad yourself. My sister definitely has agreed with you.”
Seromine has a laugh while accepting a hug from her.
“I’m doing okay, actually. I happened to be in the same zip code---”
Destiny jumps in. “The pitchforks are still sharp and the torches are still lit.”
“You mean my face isn’t on milk cartons?”
“Oh hell no! Then people would see it and milk would go bad. We all voted on giving you the village treatment.”
Ev has a belly laugh while sitting down on the couch. “Like I started to say, I happened to be in the same zip code and thought I’d stop by. Where are the girls?”
“Kristen is out with friends. Autumn and the twins are visiting mom.”
“Ooh, really?” Evelyn cringes. “Those poor children. I can already hear mom endlessly droning on and on. I trust they took pillows and blankets?”
Seromine stifles a laugh. Destiny smiles, knowing that her sister speaks the truth. It wasn’t a planned sleepover, but could quickly turn into one. After having made peace, she agreed to let the kids visit. Today was the first day of that agreement. Evelyn’s smile begins to evaporate. “Ok. I’ll be honest. I need help.”
Seromine and Destiny give a quick glance towards one another, their wheels turning in tandem at the sound of ‘I need help.’ Years ago, the three had formed a short lived trio lovingly called Xplycit, a cross of sexual innuendo and anarchy. While it had been some time since they last saw her, they remained on excellent terms.
“The job market is as dry as the desert. I recently lost mine after the company I worked for decided they no longer could afford the costs. Small business, you know?”
They nod.
“Every landlord in a hundred mile radius is either a slumlord, wanting to get into my panties, or both. I’m not a slut. I’m not going to have sex just because their pecker is responding to a viagra prescription, and their crusty old wives don’t look so hot after twenty years and a lack of strong enough liquor.”
Laughter between everyone followed that description. Seromine was instantly getting the impression that Evelyn was hanging around Hollywood; A city that isn’t nearly as glamorous as some think it is. Big dreams of making it in the movies end at the city limits. Reality had a way of taking a pure soul and completely tarnishing it into ruin. Departure back to wherever one came from was luck.
“Violet.” Seromine blurts.
“Huh?”
“We’ve found our Violet.” he addresses Destiny this time. She looks at him for a short period, then turns her head towards her sister.
“What are you talking about? What is he talking about?”
“Jason is the leader of a religious cult.”
“That’s hilarious! ‘What Would Jason Do?’ Amirite? Hehe.”
“It’s for the audience. Although we do live the gimmick occasionally to keep in line with realism. Not here at home obviously, but at the other property in Camarillo.”
Evelyn is dumbfounded by this information.
“I have eleven followers right now. Six males and five females. Each has a pseudonym. They also wear an animal mask and dress like the 1800s were making a comeback.”
“Jason does as well” Destiny replies while patting his leg. “You would make the perfect twelfth.”
“Why Violet?”
“Because it’s my mom’s favorite flower, and I personally love the name. If you don’t want to do it, someone else can easily be found. The others are at place we call Labyrinth Grove. That’s where my sermons and other activities go on.”
Evelyn catches herself biting her lower lip at the sound of that. “Sorry, bad habit. I really need to break myself of it.”
“So...” Destiny presses “are you interested?”
“Would I be living there?”
“If you were a stranger, we’d say yes. But because you’re family and we don’t want you mating, you can stay here. The girls will love having you around.”
Evelyn smiles. Jason and Destiny eye one another. There is a slight hint that the cult gimmick may not just be a gimmick...
“Count me the fuck in then!”
“Yay!!” Destiny squeezes Ev with a massive hug. There is a stained plea of “you’re stronger than I remember” from her, prompting a swift release and apology. Seromine gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Don’t worry about a thing. We’ll protect you every step of the way.”
Evelyn caresses her cheek as her eyes follow their departure. She turns head head back around with an ear to ear smile stretching across her blushing face.
PRESENT – PART II
“And let’s not forget about Stacy Jones. I must be slipping in my old age, but isn’t she injured? I don’t just mean physically, but after losing her opportunity at first time gold, surely her confidence has to be as well. Because if it isn’t, I’ll make sure that it is. Which brings me to a surprise I have for you!”
Footsteps approach the gathered congregation. Seromine takes Evelyn by her right hand, while Destiny leads her with the left. Her hair has been tied in braided pig tails, the going style for the sisters of Salvation. Her calico dress is a pastel blue that hangs mid calf (she’s the only one wearing the color). Like her ‘sisters’ she has a white pinafore over it with a bow appearing in the back. Completing the outfit are white tights and black Mary Janes. Slipped over her face is a Fox mask.
“Brothers and Sisters, it is my honor to present to you, Sister Violet!”
She curtsies to the welcome she receives from the others. Seromine and Destiny extend their free hands out, initiating a prayer circle around the Eternal Flame, which burns as bright in the day (current) as it would at night.
“Heavenly Father, I come before you today, completely trusting in your goodness and mercy. I appeal to your loving spirit, to watch over our Sister Violet. I praise you for her life and soul. Thank you for her presence. Look upon her with your tenderness and grace. She used to hurt, until you healed her. She used to be afraid, until you gave her courage. She once fell on hard times, but you helped her up. She is loved. I love her. Her biological sister loves her---”
Evelyn squeezes their hands while hearing these inspirational words.
“Her new brothers and sisters love her, and so do you! Let our love heal her deepest wounds. Give her confidence knowing she is your child. As we all are. Oh heavenly father, embrace our sister’s heart. Bless her my GOD. In the strength of your loving arms, in the name of Seromine, under the protection of Salvation, AMEN!”
The circle breaks following a unified ‘Amen’. Seromine looks around like the proud cult leader he is. “Now then. Let us discuss Brother Gabriel.”