Tag Team Tormoil RP

Chapter One: The beginning of the end.


Time waits for no one, it's ever flowing and never ending the only thing that remains constant is the hearts and minds of those who stand amongst the living. It's a feeling that makes a young mind wonder as they look to the sky and see the world wondering how it must feel to reach above and beyond the stars.

There was a time when he experienced that feeling, being amongst the burning stars, rising ever higher than any newcomer before him. The Ninja, Tyson Rowle, Matt Young, Vincent Van Rose, Sean Libby, none of them even came close to meeting the expectations that he achieved. None of them had the drive, the passion, the determination to not only see it through each and every battle to its conclusion but to also look towards the horizon, hoping for greener fields ahead. When he won his first belt in IWF just two weeks after he barely signed in, he knew there and then that the path was nothing that he could comprehend but he preserved and more importantly he survived. Many had anticipated and expected his downfall, when he was matched against more established talent, talent that in every shape and form should have no problems pushing him past his current limits. Yet not only did they fail in that regard, but he managed to embarrass and humiliate them. A low tier champion; stepping up to the plate and defeating the High Impact champion and the Heavyweight champion twice in a row. Such a feat was unheard of at the time and no one was more the wiser to doubt him before stepping into that ring belt in hand with the lights shining bright.

Looking back now......one could say he came a long way from being that kid who practically shocked the world. He would pave the way for future talent to like him, to stand out and do the unexpected, to see every challenge and make way for bigger and better things. As he stared out into the endless plain from the corner of his back yard, a sight of healthy grass, flowers of all kinds growing near the hedges that decorate the place around him. A swing set to his left, a glass table with a pair of metal seats and a chess board in the center to his right. Behind him is his private resort, about three floors of a nice penthouse, with a glass rim around the top layer where one can oversee the lakeside in the distance. It was nearing nighttime, clouds hanging overhead as the wind passes through, swaying the recently trimmed hedges and breaking off some of the flower petals which dance within the air. Him standing in the center, dressed in sky blue dress shirt and a white jacket with the center unbuttoned and slick black slacks. It was the aftermath of a bachelor party, his friend Braddon Maxwell and Kayls Maxwell having just tied the knot after being engaged for years and now they are officially married. He felt himself huff in amusement as he glanced at the silver ring etched in his finger, recalling when he received his party after marrying Marley Jones. He takes another breath, the sun having already set and now he finds himself drifting away, a habit that he finds himself not wanting to indulge.

???
Checkmate! Looks like I win again Duke.


Duke Dice
Bah.....I told you I'm not good at this.

The man follows his gaze to the pair to his side, the chess table having been occupied. On the left is Duke Dice, his face having recovered much after suffering burns from Baron Thompson during his stint in IWF. Since then he stayed away from anything wrestling related, only watching the shows from a TV set. On the opposite end is Shawn, another close friend of his who loves wrestling but never had neither heart nor patience to pursue it. Shawn is dressed in grayish polo shirt and a sleeveless vest that is unzipped. Duke is dressed in his green leather jacket with his trademark fedora tilted to the side as he takes another drag from his cigarette. He glances up as Shawn starts putting up the chess set, letting the smoke seep out of his thin lips.

Duke Dice
Sure is good just living the high life, even if it's not as eventful as it was back at the old place.

Shawn
Dude you keep mentioning about that over and over, you outta stop living in the past.

Those words carried over to him, it echoes in his mind replaying it like a tape recorder.

"stop living in the past"

This whole time even with everything going on right now: His successful lifestyle, his new business, having more than enough to live off of for years, having a home and a private resort that is on the most beautiful patch of land god could ever provide. Living with his family, enjoying the "high life" as Duke himself would put it. He still has thoughts about IWF and everything they did for him and everything he did for them. The ups and downs, the successes and failures and the moments that he found himself sitting on as one athlete had said in a promo "his untouchable tower" overseeing everything in front of him. The memories still linger, as one would say bad habits do in fact die hard.

"Daddy!"

His thoughts were interrupted as he turns his body to face the source of the sound. He is greeted by his daughter Rin, running towards him arms stretched out. The man smiles as he kneels down as he opens his arms waiting to catch her as she flings herself into his embrace. He would lift her up and spin her around a few times before setting her back down again. Leaning to the side of the back entrance is the wife Marley, her brown hair tied in a ponytail. She is wearing a business jacket, looking like she came back from work. The two men that were playing chess took a moment to survey the father and daughter. Marley sets her handbag aside and calmly approaches the two. The man looks up as the two lock eyes for the briefest time.

???
Did you just get back?

Marley
Yeah I had to stop by to pick Rin up, the party is still going.

???
How's the couple?

Marley
BM and Kayls are enjoying themselves.

???
I see.....

The two stop talking for a moment, Marley glances towards the little girl, she just turned five a few months back, her dark brown hair looking black under the moonlight, she's wearing a cute looking dress with wavy lines on the edges and hearts dotted along the sides.
Marley smiles as she watches her cling to her father's neck with her tiny arms. Rin loved her father very much and he's taken it upon himself to spend as much time with his daughter as possible. After being released from his contract at IWF gave him all the time he needed to bond with his child.

Now she can hardly suppress a tear as she glances at Rin and takes a breath.

Marley
Rin why don't you head back inside? Your father and I need to talk.

The girl looked reluctant to release her hold on her father but complied nonetheless.

Rin
O-okay mommy.....

She moves around the two as he stands back up, running through the back door. Shawn and Duke who have been watching this scene take the hint and start standing up from their chairs. Shawn nudges Duke and gestures to the house.

Shawn
Come on let's get some food.

Duke took a second to glance at Marley and her husband before giving a slight nod and following Shawn closely behind. Marley waiting until both men where out of sight before returning her attention to her lover who looks back with a serious expression.

???
What is it Marley? You seemed a bit troubled.

Marley
This came into the mail today.

She produces a grayish envelope, the man narrowed his eyes as he recognized the phoenix symbol etched on the center.

???
It's......it's from IWF.

Marley
Martin listen I.....

He glanced up back at her, even though he's dropped the ring name for so long he's still getting used to having people call him by his real name. Most of his close friends and other people still refer to him as Steel or Yuko, it just now hit him that only his wife ever called him by his real name.

Martin
Marley we've had this talk before, you don't need to treat me like I'm still the same person that saved your life back at that Live or Die match ok?

Marley
But Martin......this is IWF we're talking about, the company that you where a part of! I mean.....you're the Steel Angel.

Martin
I was the Steel Angel.

Marley
You still are to me!

He glances at her, his expression harden.

Martin
Marley......can I ask something?

Marley
Yes?

Martin
Who do you love more.....the character.....or the man playing the role?

It didn't take her a second to answer that one.

Marley
Both.....I love both equally and you know why? Because you are the character, don't you see Martin? You never abandon the character because that's who you are, sure you had to change your name and such but in the end you're still you.

Martin
But what if I don't want to be the character anymore? It's just.......ever since I became apart of IWF I felt like I was living a lie. I had my own friends call me Yuko, I had to put on this whole gimmick of being this "unique" person just to promote myself. Simply put I wanted to put all of that behind me. I just want to live a normal life.

He looks dejected as he said that, his head hung low and his eyes shifting to the ground. Then soft hands touch his cheeks and reposition his vision back to Marley as she brings her lips to his. Tasting her lips he returned the kiss back, after a moment of this they break away, with Marley still holding his cheeks.

Marley
You've been living a normal life Martin, you're not living a lie. While people will always remember you as the man who shocked the world and became a Grand Slam Champion, to me you're always Martin, the Steel Angel and the bearer of my child. I don't want you feel like it's a curse because in the end it isn't, if anything your name is one of the main reasons we are living like this.

She then lowers her head and rests it against his chest, her hands slipping down from his cheeks and resting on his shoulders.

Marley
All I'm asking Martin........is don't let your legacy become your downfall to a happy life, embrace what and who you are and live your life off the spoils that you earned. I just want what is the best for both of us.

Martin could feel her words sink into the depths of his mind and transfer over into the rest of his body. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her neck, sniffing her hair.....cherry blossoms haven't smelled that in so long. In the end she was right, IWF did so much for him and he in turn gave them so much back, he recall telling Robbie in a promo that he would build his legacy from the ground up, brick by brick and lo and behold, after so many years he is now living off the legacy that he built.

In the end while he has long since discarded the name Yuko Isamu......he's still the Steel Angel.

He glanced up as the two release their hold on each other, Marley takes his hands with hers, the envelope clutched between his fingers.

Duke Dice
Uhhh......guys?

Just like that the tender moment was interrupted as Marley and Martin turn towards the intruder, their expression fitting considering what just happened.

Duke Dice
BM's wondering why you two lovebirds ain't joining the party, we got a card game setting up and can use a extra player or two.

Though Marley sighed in irritation, Martin took his arm and placed it around her waist as he looks over towards Duke.

Martin
Tell BM we'll just be a minute.

Duke Dice
Alright.

He retreats back inside, Martin then breaks away as he starts heading in, Marley however stays in place.

Marley
Martin....

He would stop mere inches from the door as he glanced back at her.

Marley
I thank you.......for everything.

Martin
I know Marley....come on let's have some fun, this is our time. We can worry about IWF later.

He extends his hand to her.

Martin
Alright?

Marley would smile from this and nod her head.

Marley
Alright.

She walks up to him and takes his hand, together they head inside.


Chapter Two: Lolwut?


The next day went by without too much going on, most the people that attended the party have left. Only BM, Kayles, Shawn, Duke, Marley, Rin and of course Martin are all that remain within the household. It was around ten a clock in the morning, Kayls is in the shower, BM is chilling out on the sofa watching DW reruns on the flat screen TV set. Shawn is eating cereal at the kitchen table, Duke is playing solitaire in the living room across from BM. Next to Duke is Marley and Rin drawing pictures on white sheets and colored pencils. Martin is pacing back and forth near the back yard on the phone. Everything is mostly quiet and peaceful, until......

Martin
THREE HUNDRED AND WHAT!?

He stopped himself when he realized he was being louder then intended, glancing back he was worried that everyone can hear him. Collecting himself as he keeps talking to Sean Libby, his long lost friend and colleague from IWF. After a few more minutes of talking Martin pushed the end call button on his smartphone and suppressed a sigh, shaking his head as he headed in. Once inside he could feel the stares from the people in the living room, Shawn merely poked his head out from the kitchen entrance and shrugged before returning back to his meal. Meanwhile everyone else looked at Martin like he was just attacked with a hail of paintballs. Marley is the first to speak.

Marley
Honey.....is everything alright?

Martin could feel himself scratching the back of his head in embarrassment as he attempts to save face.

Martin
Aheheh I'm fine......I'm just being humored right now.

Duke Dice
Who was that on the phone just now?

Martin
An old friend of mine, Sean Libby.

Shawn
Who?

Duke Dice
He's an athlete that works for IWF.

Martin
Used to, he's been retired for some time it seems.

Duke Dice
Ohh....

Shawn
So.....what did he want?

Martin
He's asking me to loan him.....

He took a moment to recall the exact amount.

Martin
Three hundred and fifty two dollars and sixty nine cents in cash.

Duke then snorts with a laugh.

Duke Dice
That's pocket change to you man.

Shawn
Why the hell is asking you for funds? Doesn't he have his own money?

Martin tries to save face by scratching the back of his head.

Martin
Well.......he was working as a stripper before they replaced him, he seemed to think I had something to do with that.

At this point both Duke and Shawn start laughing, Shawn almost choked on his milk as he grabs a napkin and wipes his face and the table where he made a bit of a mess while pounding his chest a bit to force the air into his lungs so he could swallow his food. BM who was watching TV looks over to Marley and Rin, Marley is covering her red cheeks while Rin has the most innocent curious look on her face as she glances at her mother.

Rin
Mom......what's a stripper?

Marley and Martin exchange looks before he looks at her with a cheerful expression.

Martin
A stripper is a person with low standards, simply put.......a shameless bum.

Now it's BM's turn to laugh and Duke tries his best not to burst from his chair and fall down, at this point Kayls as stepped down from the staircase wearing t-shirt and faded jeans, she sees the mayhem before her. Marley and Rin just watch with blank expressions and Martin has a "was it something I said" look on his face. An awkward salience would fill the room before Kayles breaks it.

Kayles
What did I.........walk into?

Braddon
Ahh ol Steel here was telling us a funny joke.

Duke
Yeah.....

Duke himself stands up as Kayles takes a seat near the couch next to BM meanwhile Marley and Rin have stopped their drawing as they leave the room with Marley giving Martin one more strange look before going upstairs with Rin, liking getting dressed for work.

As Martin takes a seat near the couple, Duke leans to the side of his chair, arms folded as he looks down at him.

Duke
Martin......I know it's none of my business but......why would he ask you for funds?

He would glance up at Duke, looking at him straight in the eye.

Martin
Pardon?

Duke
Look I know you've been telling me about what you've done for this Sean Libby guy. I mean you've been helping him get back on his feet for the past few months and now after not speaking for almost three weeks he comes to you asking for a hand out? I mean what gives?

He could feel the eyes centered on him once more, Shawn had just finished eating his cereal and is cleaning up. Meanwhile Kayls and BM are watching TV but at the same time they both look over to Martin, expecting an answer from him. Taking a deep breath Martin shrugs his shoulders as he leans back on his chair.

Martin
I don't know man I mean in IWF he and I we've never really talked much backstage but in DW we often spent plenty of time getting to know each other. He was the one who told me about IWF and in a way he saw me as a big brother to him. However he's done a lot for me and I guess this is my way of repaying him for that.

Duke
Yeah but.......didn't you say at one point that he needs to learn fend for himself? I mean you're not his keeper and you're sure as hell not doing him any favors by carrying his weight around.

Martin
Who ever said anything about that? I mean sure one would say the only reason he has a roof over his head right now is because of me. Hell I was the one who practically saved his ass after his last stint with IWF which resulted in him almost getting himself killed. However I promise this: I will help him out once but should he pursue this new job that I suggested for him....after giving him this one last handout he's for the most part on his own.

Duke took a moment to comprehend what he just said, seemingly content with his answer.

Duke
I understand it's just.......I don't want this guy to overstay his welcome, I mean sure life sucks at times I mean hell most of us do well enough just to pay the rent each month. But you know.....you gotta learn to stand on your own two feet. He's going to realize sooner or later that you're aren't always going to be there for him. You got your own family to look after.

Martin
I get it.....just.....let it go Duke.

Nothing more needed to be said after that, Duke simply nodded his head as he walked away, leaving Martin there with his thoughts.

Glancing towards the cupboard next to his chair, he takes note of the envelope he received last night resting there, apparently having forgetting about it. He reaches over with his left hand and picks it up as he opens the letter from the side. He inspects the letter carefully, reading the bold text word for word and once he reached the end his eyes appeared narrow, doing a double read just to make sure he's seeing this correctly.

Even though he had long since retired after his released from IWF a year ago, he still received benefits due to clause from his Legends Contract. Even so he had any reason to contact IWF and IWF in turn never sent him anything.......until now that is.

He felt himself reaching for his phone once more, pushing some buttons he brings the speaker to his ear, sure enough Sean's voice would speak to him once more.

Martin
Sean Libby? It's Steel listen....you might wanna dust off your boots once more man.....you're not going to believe this.


Shoot to kill: Dusting some skeletons in the closet.


One does not forget this place, I recall an old saying when I was first enrolled in high school, our mascot was the cardinal and the saying goes: Once a cardinal, always a cardinal. Well I could almost say the same for anyone that comes to IWF and that once you're in here, you'll always be remembered for just being here.

I open your eyes and take a look at me, let the image sink into your memory. First time I went through these very doors it was like entering a new world. I could feel all the faces of the crowds just staring at me, waiting to see what I would do or say. All I could think at that time is how to make those people remember me and that's when I would pave the road and begin my rise into stardom. Funny enough my rise would start the downfall of another athlete who at that time had just reached the peak of his career. That person just happens to be my tag partner for tonight's tag team turmoil match.

Sean Libby.....he never was a household name, he never did make it into the main event picture but one would be stupid to say that he didn't make one hell of an impression. His passion and willingness to entertain the crowd made him a icon in the hearts and minds of many. One would arguably consider him the most underrated athlete in IWF history......and then there's me.

See I took a page out of Sean's book and took it one step further, I would go above and beyond the lengths that Sean would never dare venture into. I won my first title in two weeks, defended it four times and would establish what was considered to be at the time the highest win streak in IWF history. But I wasn't satisfied with being just a "new blood", I wanted more and that's when I made history. I would go on to win many titles, received the newcomer of the year award and is featured on the top ten best wrestlers list. They called me Mr. Ironman and trust me you would be hard press to find a athlete as dedicated as me. I came into this company for one purpose: To compete, to win and to push myself to new heights, I would end up racking the most wins and the most losses and arguably the most matches overall in IWF. With me and Sean, two talents who took two different roads to leave our mark would band together to give this last show one final curtain call and I don't know about my partner but I tend to give these people something to remember me by. Something that they will be talking none stop for years to come and honestly it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Which brings me to this match and the people we're put up against, seems IWF is indeed giving us a blast from the past because all these people we have are those who fought in IWF long before I even heard the name of the company.

I mean the Right Honorable Gentlemen? You mean that rag tag band of British pricks? Sean of course has history with them as part of the IIA and from what I understand they never really made any kind of an impact during their time on IWF. Most of them couldn't wrestling for balls and they were desperate enough to hire one of the best talents at the time Brandon Macdonald to eve give them an edge. Next we have Gunther and Bulk Bogan, two forgettable athletes with Bulk having never won a single match in his time in IWF and Gunther whose only real achievement other than being considered the sexiest person in the company was his victory over Corey Casey back in NLWF.

Then you have the Thunder from down under......I mean really?

So we're fighting relics.....last show for IWF and this is how they plan on closing this company by having us take out their garbage? Good enough for me I guess, after all my intent is not just to win, but to give these people some splendid memories, something that they will never forget and I'm never one to let IWF's crowd down regardless of what happens in that ring.

I can say this for what it's worth you can bet your fortune that I'm going to live this moment for what it's worth because for me and Sean this is the last night on earth that we'll be competing inside an IWF ring.

So what are we waiting for? Let's give em one hell of a show!