IT’S THE ‘STACHE, ISN’T IT?
Fading back in from commercial, we’re greeted with the innocent, bespectacled face of Simon Tillier. At this point in PRIME’s ReVival, we might expect to see Simon a little on edge, including tonight after already receiving his bi-weekly dose of Rezin. However, as we approach the conclusion of tonight’s show, that is not the case. Simon is all smiles, because right now he’s getting his big break.
Simon Tillier: Welcome back to ReVival 9, here on the ACE Network! Tonight’s main event, a Triple Threat for the Five Star Championship, is just around the corner! And standing with me is reigning champ, “Event Horizon” Hayes Hanlon!
Panning out reveals the champ, clad in his ring gear with the belt over his right shoulder. Simon retrieves a handkerchief from his jacket pocket, dabbing his forehead, at which Hayes laughs.
Hayes Hanlon: (giving Simon a hearty slap on the back) Take a breather, Simon! Don’t get all bent out of shape for lil’ ol’ me!
Simon laughs sheepishly while Hayes flashes a bright smile.
Simon Tillier: Thank you Hayes, it’s just…(looking over his shoulder)…most of my interviews have been a little…stressful. Anyway! Hayes, you are not only the first Five Star Champion of the ReVival era, but notably the first crowned champion of the ReVival era period! How’s it been holding the strap?
Hayes Hanlon: You know the story, Simon! It’s the dream come true! The Invitational didn’t work out for me, but earning the shot at this baby (patting his belt) got me all fired up! And winning it at Culture Shock was the cherry on top of the sundae!
Simon Tillier: ReVival 7 saw your first title defense against Alexander Redding, resulting in a double disqualification after some messy interference, and further pushing Redding into tonight’s Five Star Triple Threat. Any words for Red?
Hayes Hanlon: Nothing he hasn’t heard from the horse’s mouth already, but I hope he’s got a fresh game plan now that his buddy Ted got the boot. If he’s trying to make things muddy again, it’ll take a lot more than Grady Patrick in his corner.
Simon Tillier: The fun doesn’t stop at Redding! Cecilia Ryan, your first opponent in PRIME during the Almasy Invitational’s first round, will join in tonight’s main event. Any thoughts on the Murder Daughter?
Hayes Hanlon: Ah, yes. My girl Cecilia. Listen Simon, you can’t sleep on that one, but this will be, what, our third time in the ring together? Maybe third time’s the charm, but I doubt i…
His voice trails off slightly as Cecilia Ryan steps into frame, right on queue.
Simon Tillier: Ah! Cecilia! What timing!
Cecilia keeps her eyes on Hayes, a slightly unsettling smile on her face. Hayes starts to speak, but is cut off.
Cecilia Ryan: I don’t mean to interrupt, but I was walking in this direction on total accident and I saw you both here doing this interview and… okay well, I thought I’d come over and interrupt.
Hanlon snorts, shaking his head.
Simon Tillier: Well, it’s a…pleasure to have you here! Since you are here, mind telling us a little more about how your training’s been going? What you’ve learned since debuting here in PRIME? And maybe…
She holds up a hand and stares directly at Simon.
Cecilia Ryan: Stop talking.
Simon Tillier: Yes okay I will do that.
She continues to stare at him, and finally makes a head movement to suggest he leave. More like demand he leave, actually. Simon Tillier is no dummy, so he takes his cue and walks away. Hayes adjusts the belt over his shoulder and watches as Cecilia turns her attention back to him. Then, surprisingly, she sticks her hand out for a handshake. He considers it warily, and noticing his hesitation, Cecilia smiles her best sincere smile.
Cecilia Ryan: I came on a little strong before. I think we got off on the wrong foot. Nature of the business, you know? Trying to make an impression, that sort of thing.
At this, Hayes softens slightly, and finally reaches out to shake her hand. She doesn’t hold it longer than necessary, no squeezing or attempts to break his wrist, but a good hearty handshake.
Cecilia Ryan: Still…
She releases his hand.
Cecilia Ryan: …taking another look at you up close, I have to say, not really all that impressed.
Hayes Hanlon: It’s the ‘stache, isn’t it? Man, Redding didn’t like it at the last show either!
The Event Horizon adjusts his belt again, shifting to square up with The Murder Daughter.
Hayes Hanlon: But here’s a plot twist; because I am impressed by you.
Cecilia raises an indignant eyebrow.
Hayes Hanlon: You’re an animal in the ring, and I haven’t forgotten that armbar from ReVival 1. You’re going to terrorize people in this place for a long time. But here’s a question for ya…
Ryan’s second eyebrow perks up to match the first, amused.
Hayes Hanlon: You’ve had two chances so far to be unimpressed by me. What’s going to make the third any different?
Cecilia Ryan: Well I’ll tell you. See, in my family we place a lot of emphasis on learning from your mistakes and adapting. We fight, and if we lose, we go back to the drawing board, and sometimes it takes a few tries, but eventually we win. I’m relentless, Hayes. If it takes me ten times, I’ll come at you ten times. You’ll be seeing me in your sleep, in every mirror, in the eyes of everyone you pass on the street, and I’ll haunt you until I figure this out. I’m a kid. I know who and what I am. But I’ll learn. Believe me, I’ll learn. No better time like the present.
She taps on the belt, then turns to walk away, but then pauses.
Cecilia Ryan: Oh and um…yes. It’s the mustache. It looks like you’ve got a ferret resting on your lip.
Hayes grins, drawing his thumb and fore-finger across his dark facial fur while flashing a wink.
Hayes Hanlon: It’ll grow on you.
The Murder Daughter rolls her eyes and continues on, leaving the Five Star Champ to watch her leave, grinning behind the ferret on his lip before we break for commercial.