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"A Show of Good Faith"; featuring Chris Kage & Michael Draven
Topic Started: May 30 2016, 08:37 PM (18 Views)
Haven
EWA CEO, Majority Owner
"I shake my heavy head and find ways to shift the blame
I hate the rules but I still play the game
I got an eye on the prize
Another on the clock on the wall
I get what I want until I want nothing at all"



Friday, May 27, 2016, 1:44 PM
Boston, MA
EWA Entertainment




Alexander Haven and Chris Kage stood outside the glass doors that led to the offices of EWA wrestling - and specifically, one Michael Draven. Security in the establishment had been rather lax, to this point. In all honesty, neither man thought they would make it this far without so much as a question, or a red flag being raised regarding their presence in the inner sanctum of the EWA.

They’d driven from Buffalo, dragging out what should have been a rather short trip into a days long road trip with ridiculous stops along the way. Kage had insisted on visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, prior to setting off for Boston. Despite the fact that meant they were driving four hours in the opposite direction, Haven didn’t protest.

Taking turns driving Kage’s 1985 Chevy pickup, the road trip felt like old times - only instead of stopping to wrestle in bingo halls and high schools for a meager twenty dollars, they stopped to get drunk and pay their respects to the legends of football. Just the two of them, on the road, like the old days. Gold around their waists and their pockets full of money thanks to their unprecedented EWA contracts, the road was a lot easier without worrying where your next meal would come from. Kage had insisted on visiting the National Jell-O museum among other strange places on the trip, where they may or may not have vandalized some vintage Bill Cosby memorabilia. They stopped at a diner advertising the world’s best cup of coffee, where a hungover Kage became irate upon discovering it was average at best. They would not be welcomed back.

As good as life was, however, they found themselves still dealing with the same old bullshit in many respects. Crooked promoters who wouldn’t live up to their end of the bargain. After being provided with a copy of the current EWA roster and their associated salaries, it had become apparent that the EWA, whether under the control of Duane Gates or the Super Draven Brothers, was about as trustworthy and reliable as the rest of the promoters in this industry - not at all.

Haven and Kage had negotiated a clause stating that they were to be the highest paid wrestlers on the roster, and if the EWA chose to pay another individual more than either of them, their contracts would be subject to immediate renegotiation. In the event satisfactory terms could not be reached, both men had the right to exit the EWA - while collecting a hefty severance package, at that. It was a ridiculous contract, by all accounts, but it was valid and legal none the less.

The EWA had not lived up to their end of the contract, when they neglected to inform the pair that they had signed Grady Smith as an active wrestler once more - at a rate higher than Haven and Kage’s current salaries. Despite the lack of legal notice, someone had seen it fitting to notify the pair by leaving the list in the windshield of Kage’s truck.

It would have been simple enough to let the lawyers handle it, but Haven hadn’t felt much like taking it that easy on Michael Draven. If Draven was truly in charge again, they’d have it out with him directly - one way or another. Kage nodded at Haven, who nodded back.

Kage: You ready?

Haven cracked his knuckles with a loud pop, and put on a menacing smirk.

Haven: Time to collect what we are owed.

Haven held the door for Kage, following him inside. Once inside the office, someone finally seemed to take notice of the pair, as a young secretary looked up from the monitor in front of her. A look of recognition appeared on her face, as she glanced around to see who else was present. She picked up her phone, dialing quickly, before hanging up suddenly once more. As the pair approached the desk, Haven leaned up against it, and Kage took a seat on top, kicking his feet loudly against the edge. The blonde secretary looked frazzled, as she struggled to maintain a professional front.

Secretary: C-c-can I help you?

Haven: Whoa, whoa, whoa...you look like you’ve seen a ghost…(glances around for a nameplate)...Suzanne? Aw, that’s a pretty name. Was my grandma’s. We called her “maw maw” though…

Kage: God rest her soul, maw maw…

Haven: Amen, brother. Suzanne...actually, can I call you Suzie? You look like a Suzie to me. Seriously though, Suze - you look like you’ve seen a dead man. That whole fake your own death thing was like six months ago, honey. I’m back. Or is it that shocking when contracted EWA superstars show up at EWA Headquarters? I mean, should we not be welcome here? What’s got you so scared, sweetie? Tell me, darling. I’m here for you.

Kage holds up a piece of paper from the secretary’s desk, which has a picture of both the Tag Team Champions on it - along with a note underneath that states “If seen on grounds, contact security at extension 594.”

Kage: I’m guessing it has something to do with this lovely little flyer here. Wouldn’t you say so, Alex?

Haven grabs the piece of paper from Kage, looking it over. He smirks, as he sets it down on the desk.

Haven: Is this why you’re scared, Suzie? Is that what they’ve taught you here? That we’re a pair of very bad men who just storm into places and start fights? Start assaulting helpless secretaries? Boy, I knew Draven had a vendetta against us, but I didn’t know he went this far to instill anti-Youth propaganda. Is it like a whole section of your new employee orientation?

Kage: Aaaand right on time!

The doors behind Haven and Kage open, and four formidable looking security guards step through. Approaching Haven and Kage, one steps forward - a large, muscular man, who has a large badge on his vest that reads “Captain.”

Kage: Jesus, you guys are dressed like a fucking SWAT team. We walked right in downstairs, for god’s sake! Did they not give you guys the flyer? Oh man, typical mismanagement by the Dravens. I know I hit Erik hard with that antique rotary phone, but Mikey should know better by now…

Security Captain: What can I help you boys with?

Haven: (laughing) Oh man, how hard did you flunk out of the police academy…(peers at the officer’s badges)...Gary? But you’ve risen to the top of the security guard ranks, so that’s a plus. Way to live your dream, buddy. Proud of you.

The Captain stared at Haven, moving a hand towards his security baton.

Security Captain: I’ll ask you one more time...what can I help you with?

Haven: Convincing threats, Gary, but we both know you aren’t going to hit us with that baton, pal. We just were in the neighborhood, thought we’d drop in and have a little impromptu meeting with Michael...is that so wrong? I mean, I figure we’ve both been here about six months...it’s probably time for our performance reviews.

Kage: Oooh….that’s probably not gonna be very pretty, Alex. I don’t think the boss has been too pleased with us lately...on account of us, you know, fucking up his entire existence all the time…

Haven: That’s probably gonna work against us. You’re right. New strategy next year - be best friends with Michael Draven. We’ll get that three percent raise next time.

From behind the desk, a clapping begins. Slow at first, but increasing in pace, it draws the attention of Haven and Kage who spin around to find Michael Draven approaching.

Draven: Bravo, guys, really. Quite an entrance. I see you’ve met my team.

Haven: Michael! Glad you could join us, pal. I gotta say though, I’m a bit concerned about your team here...doesn’t seem like their heads are in the game. You’re not training them well. I don’t feel like Gary here REALLY hates me. I feel like he’s just collecting a paycheck. Isn’t that right, Gar-Bear?

Kage: Remember, Mikey - clear heads, full hearts, can’t lose….oh, wait….you lose every time…

Draven: What can I do for you guys?

Haven: Didn’t our people call your people? They were supposed to set up a meeting...damnit, not again...I swear, our representation is getting worse and worse…

Draven: I apologize for the scene. It appears some of our previous protocols from before Gates took over were reinstated without my knowledge. Lucky for you guys, I’m more than happy to meet with the two of you, if that’s why you’re here. Join me in my office?

Haven: Why what a delightful offer! Chris, Michael is making time for us! Let’s go!

Kage: Gary, you coming, man?

Draven: That won’t be necessary. Gary, I’ll take it from here.

Gary: You sure boss?

Draven: I’m sure. Follow me, boys. Can I get you a refreshment?

Haven: Kind of you, Michael, but I’ll pass. No offense, but I’m not sure if you’re the type to put something in someone’s drink…

Draven: You’d be an excellent judge of that type of character, from what I gather, Alex.

As they approached Draven’s office, he motioned for the two to enter first. Haven passed and saluted Michael, while Kage performed a regal bow to his boss. Once inside, both men took a seat on the couch in the office, putting their feet up on the coffee table. Draven, went around his desk, and casually reached under, producing a baseball bat, which he slammed on the table with a dramatic thud. Haven and Kage glanced at one another, before bursting out in laughter.

Haven: Really, Mikey…compensating much?

Kage reached into his jacket, producing a joint, which he lit, and inhaled, before passing it to Haven.

Kage: (exhaling smoke) I mean, honestly, bro...is this how you treat all of your stars when they pop by for a visit?

Haven: (also exhaling smoke) I mean, why the violence, Draven? You’re really harshing the vibe in here. We just wanted to have a little chat. We’re not here to trash your office and double powerbomb you through your own desk or anything.

Kage: Haha, yeah, I mean...as long as things go okay, right?

Draven stared at the two without making an expression. He set the bat down on the table, before slowly lowering himself into his chair, as if he expected either man to make a sudden move. After a moment, he began to relax - quite possibly a side effect of the second hand smoke.

Draven: Thanks for asking if you could smoke in here, by the way. I appreciate it. Shame we aren’t able to drug test the two of you, isn’t it?

Haven: Surprised you haven’t tried, friend. After all - it seems that living up to the word of a contract isn’t exactly an area for you to be hanging your hat on.

Draven leaned back in the chair, eyeing the two men up. Haven kept his body language as casual as possible, which was significantly easier with the help of the weed. He could see Draven was letting his guard down. After all, this wasn’t their style, to come head on. If they’d wanted to attack Michael Draven, they’d have done so when he wasn’t looking. These days, there was little to gain by attacking Michael Draven - because that’s exactly what he wanted.

Draven: Honestly, Alex...I was hoping you were here about your contract, actually. Hoping you’d reconsidered that match, after all...but something tells me that’s not why you’re here.

Haven: Ever the detective, aren’t you? Well, maybe if you were paying attention to what’s happening in your own company and not trying to ruin Maggie McIntyre’s life by dragging her into your vortex of bad luck and black clouds, you would kno-

Draven: (interrupting) That you’re here to renegotiate. It was brought to my attention late yesterday that we overlooked legal notice to your representation in the matter of your contractually obligated renegotiation clause. I actually was about to call your lawyer right now, but since you’re here, I see that maybe we can handle this man to...well...you guys.

Haven: Fifteen percent. We want fifteen percent more than Grady.

Kage: Fuck that. TWENTY. We want twenty percent more than Grady, for the disrespect you’ve shown the two of us...two of your fucking champions, for god’s sake…

Draven looked back and forth between the two, and nodded.

Draven: I agree.

Haven: I don’t give a fuck if yo-....agree?

He’d been playing the moment out in his head for days. Draven’s balk at their demands. His cries of how he can’t afford it, and it’ll ruin the promotion. He was expecting something akin to Corey Collins in the NYSWF days, and when Draven had spoke, the words hadn’t registered.

Kage: You agree? Did he just say he agrees? I mean, I’m fucking high right now but I swear to god he just said he agrees.

Draven: I did, and I do. Regardless of our personal differences, Erik and I are making a concerted effort to be fair and professional to all of our contracted talent...and that includes even the two of you. There’s only one problem, however.

Haven: Here we go. What’s it gonna be, Michael? I have to agree to wrestle you, huh? Is that it? Give you another shot to try and get your fucking dignity back against me?

Draven laughed at him. A confident laugh he had rarely encountered during their storied history. This was not going to plan. This was...too easy.

Draven: Actually, I’ve already had the lawyers draw up the paperwork with a twenty five percent increase, and it’s late on a holiday weekend...I’d hate to bother them, so if it’s agreeable to the two of you, I’ll send this version to your representation for review and we can make it official. Call it a show of good faith, for our discretion. What do you say?

Haven leered at Draven, who leaned back in his chair, kicking a foot up on the desk with a bravado he had never seen him exhibit. There was a glimmer in his eye that Alex couldn’t stand, as Draven grinned at him smugly. He wanted nothing more than to kick his head off his shoulders at that moment, but this was neither the time or the place. This wasn’t the same Michael Draven. Something was...different.

Haven: Twenty five percent sounds good, Michael. Pleasure doing business with you.

He stood up from the couch and reached his hand over the desk to Draven. Draven stood to accept his handshake, with a firm grip. Both men held on a little too long, as they stared at each other with thinly veiled contempt. Kage, in turn, shook Draven’s hand...blowing a mouthful of smoke out in the man’s face.

Draven: The pleasure’s all mine. You guys know the way out, right? I’ll tell Gary to back down.

Haven: You do that.

Haven and Kage turned to exit, before Draven called out as they were almost out the door.

Draven: Say, Alex...out of curiousity...what would it take to get you back in the ring? Or are we just gonna keep doing this back and forth forever?

Haven paused, turning slowly around, as Kage exited before him.

Haven: My price goes higher by the day, Michael….and you’re running out of collateral, pal. Ask yourself what it’s worth to you. What it’s REALLY worth to you...and you’ll have your answer.

He turned, swinging the door shut behind him.

Haven: Thanks for the hospitality, “friend”.





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