Stopping off in Houston (O2A)

[Kayn]

*XGames was done and in the record books. The crowd had left to go to their homes with the memories of this night still in their minds. The crew had broken down the ring and got everything into the trucks to head back to the XWA headquarters until next year when everything would start all over again. While the stage was still put together, Kayn stood there for a few minutes in his jeans and hooded sweatshirt before it was time to head out of the Reliant Stadium and let the crew finish tearing everything down. It had been one hell of a season for the first Combatant Xtraordinaire, from having Scott Epic be at every turn all year long to finally winning the most coveted title in the industry, Kayn felt he had finally reached the top of the mountain. He stood for another few moments before throwing his backpack over his shoulder and headed out to the garage area to his waiting rental car. Once he reached the car, he threw his backpack into the backseat and climbed in. He started up the car and pulled out of the garage to head into Houston. He had a few days in Texas before jumping on a flight back to Seattle to spend some time with his family before the next season began, so he figured while he was here, he’d check out some of the bars in the area. He drove through Houston until he found a bar that looks like it would be something he’d enjoy. Dark, dingy, and it seemed like any light in there would come from the neon lights in the front window, this would be the perfect place for Kayn to get a drink. He parked his car in the pay lot next to the bar and walked in. As he entered it was exactly as he thought it would be and for the first time in a long time a true smile crossed Kayn’s face. Kayn walked through the doors and past the regulars that sat on the barstools that they most likely only leave to use the restrooms and go home, when they go home. He found the darkest corner in the bar and sat down in the corresponding booth. After a few moments the barmaid came over to his table.*

"What’ll it be hon?"

"Double shot of Jager and your largest mug of Sam Adams."

"You got it."

*As the barmaid left to get Kayn his drinks, he sat back and took in the scenery of the local group of people. After a couple of minutes the barmaid came back with a rocks glass filled with Jager and a frosted mug of beer.*

"That’ll be $16.75."

*Kayn pulled out a credit card and handed over.*

"Keep it open, I plan on being here for a bit."

*The barmaid took his card and smiled.*

"Anything you say sweetie."

*As she left Kayn slammed down his shot and sipped his beer and relaxed. He enjoyed these moments where he was in a crowded area but yet was still alone. This was perfect. After a minute or so, another person walked into the bar.*

[Romeo Davis]

That other person just so happened to be Romeo Davis. After spending time with his family in California and nursing his injury, Romeo came to Texas to watch XGames. He was one of the many fans that were in the stands during the show. He would have much rather been in the show but it just couldn’t happen. Romeo makes his way through the bar and final finds any empty seat at the bar at the far corner. It is the end of the line but that didn’t matter to him. He thought he would have to wait quite some time for a bartender to take his order but almost immediately someone came to take his order.

What can I get for ya’ tonight?

I’ll jus’ take a Bud Light draft. Yea’ that’s it for now.

The bartender nods his head and grabs a beer mug and begins filling it with Bud Light. At this moment as he waits for his beer, Romeo begins looking around the area. As he is looking around, a figure catches his eyes. Was that Kayn sitting in the booth in the corner?

Kayn?

[Kayn]

*Kayn heard his name called. He looked around for a second before he saw a familiar face that he hadn't seen in awhile.*

"Romeo? What the hell are you doing here? Don't be a stranger, come on over."

*Kayn waived Romeo to come over and join him in the booth.*

[Romeo Davis]

Romeo picks up his beer that he receives from the bartender and makes his way to the booth where Kayn is located. He sits down in the seat across from Kayn and looks up at the current World Champion.

Damn Kayn it has been a long time huh? I was actually in attendance durin’ XGames and decided that I’d hit a bar up after tha’ show. Funny how we both ended up at tha’ same spot. How ya’ been?

[Kayn]

"Doing good man. Finally at the top of the hill, but you know what they say, when you're at the top you have nowhere else to go but down. How about you? How's Overload been treating ya?"

[Romeo Davis]

Yeah man. That was a great showin’ ya’ put out there earlier tonight. Shows that ya’ really wanna keep that title ‘round ya’ waist.

Before he speaks again, Romeo picks up his mug of beer and takes a few sips. He places the mug back down on the table and continues on.

Overload has been treatin’ me pretty well. I got more injuries over on that side ‘cause of all the craziness over there but I was able ta’ handle it. I actually picked up that No Limits title in a Last Man Standin’ match against Sushi-X. Then Overload decided ta’ branch off and now there’s no more No Limits title. I mean that’s cool wit’ me ‘cause I get ta’ say that I was tha’ last XWA No Limits Champion ever. Sounds good ta’ my ears ha ha. So man, what are ya’ plans for the off-season?

[Kayn]

"I'm planning on taking the time off and just relaxing back home in Seattle with the family and once we start the next season I'll be waiting for the next guy to step up that thinks he can take the title from me. So since Overload's been, shall we say, acquired, I take it you're coming back to Takedown. It's been awhile since you've been there, what kind of plans do you have?"

*As Kayn takes a sip from his beer the barmaid walks back up.*

"Can I get ya something else hun?"

"Another double shot of Jager and whatever my man here would like."

*Kayn smiles as he waits for Romeo to let the barmaid know what he wants.*

[Romeo Davis]

I’ll have a shot of 1800 Silver if ya’ got that. If ya’ don’t then I’ll have a shot of any silver tequila ya’ got at tha’ bar.

The barmaid nods her head and begins to walk away to fetch the orders from Kayn and Romeo.

Spendin’ time wit’ the fam is always great. I jus’ came from doin’ so and I do have ta’ say that bein’ on the road a lot really does make ya’ miss them a lot. I didn’t get ta’ see my sister yet though ‘cause she lives out in Florida. I think after leavin’ Texas I’m gonna go visit her then continue on wit’ my training. As of right now for plans, I donno what they are yet. It’s gonna be a lot different comin’ back ta’ tha’ Takedown side of things. I also feel like it’s gonna be a nice homecomin’ ‘cause that’s really where my career started. Maybe I’ll go back after that Pure title ha ha.

[Kayn]

*Kayn smirks a little as he sits back in the booth and sips his beer. He put his beer on the table and looks at Romeo.*

"Well man, you've beaten Magnus once for that strap, so you've definitely got a good chance of taking it from him, and it'll be cool to have you back on Takedown. From what I hear there's lots of new talent signing on this year, should be good times."

*Just then the barmaid returned with the men's shots. She placed them on the table and headed back to the other patrons at that bar. Kayn picked up his shot and held it up.*

"To another great year in the XWA."

*Kayn held his shot and waited for Romeo to pick his up.*

[Romeo Davis]

Romeo picks up the shot glass that sat in front of him and held it in front of Kayn just as he did the same with his shot of Jager.

Another great year in tha’ XWA!

The two down their shots with ease. Nice, it was 1800 that Romeo just took a shot of. He was hoping that it was too. He places the shot glass down on the table.

We’ll see if Magnus and I step into tha’ ring against each other again. I gotta say that it for damn sure will be a great match for all ta’ see jus’ like we did almost two years ago. There’s a lot of peeps in the XWA now that I would like ta’ go head ta’ head wit’ in tha’ XWA right now wit’ yourself included Kayn. Now like ya’ said there is a lot of new talent which only makes it better. 2011 is gonna be a great year in tha’ XWA I believe.

[Kayn]

*Kayn smirks and nods at Romeo. He takes a sip of beer before responding to Romeo.*

"Well, I'll be honest with ya Romeo. If the day comes where you and I are standing across the ring from each other for the title, even though I consider you a friend, I won't think twice of pulling everything out of my arsenal to make sure I walk out of the ring with the title."

*Kayn smirks before taking another sip of his beer. He then speaks again after finishing his sip.*

"Nothing personal, of course."

[Μyster Controversy™]

... just business. Eh Kayn?

Genesis spoke. As he was shown sitting there at a table across the room from where Kayn & Romeo were seen having there little chit-chat. For the most part until now. Gen. kept to himself. Drinking a nice cold, beer that seemed to hit the spot quite nicely. He couldn't help but eavesdrop over the conversation Romeo & Kayn were having. Its been a long time since he's interacted with anyone within' the XWA.

He walked over towards both men. Talking as he approaches them one step at a time:

Its been quite a while since I've spoken to you, Romeo. Likewise with you 'Champ'. Gotta hand it to ya, Franchise. Never thought I'd say this. But on behalf of all us 'Xtraordinaires' that are left in this company? Thank you for putting our dear friend Scott EPIC out of his misery.

Obviously, that isn't why I came over here to talk with you guys. Though I wanted to get that out there first. 2011 is here. This company has gone through some major changes as of late. New faces coming aboard as old faces jump to the next bandwagon. Out of curiosity. What are your plans for this upcoming year, fellas?

Gen. said. More or less, trying to make conversation with both men. Figuring it wouldn't hurt to ask what these guys are aiming to do in the near future.

[Kayn]

"Aside from giving the fans some great matches?"

*Kayn was not put off at all by Genesis' appearance.*

"I plan on making my Pure title run look like something done by a rookie. I plan on being a fighting champion. No challenge will go unanswered. Any serious contender that wants a shot at the gold, all they have to do is sign the dotted line and they'll become another number."

*Kayn then takes another sip of his beer, just about finishing it, before motion to the barmaid to bring him another.*

"What about you Brandon, what are your plans?"

[Μyster Controversy™]

Interesting choice of words, Kayn. Interesting indeed...

Gen. replied, as he took a sip of his beer. Then answers Kayn.

As for me? Well, I'll be the first to admit this. The last couple of years since my 'Xtraordinary' run in 2008 (no pun intended). Hasn't been too rewarding for me. 2009 & 2010 respectively were good years. I had some nice times with Scott Epic, Chris Dynamite, to name a couple of guys I've had good feuds with here. Some feuds didn't go as planned. Maybe I didn't come out on top as people would expect me to. But I think at the end of the day. Genesis helped make a couple of good stars during those time frames.

So for 2011? I'm looking to turn the other cheek. I believe that this is my 'Time to Shine', so to speak Kayn. Take a step back from creating stars, and instead? Become THE star. What better way to do that then to become World Heavyweight Champion?

Gen. had a nice way of well... being blunt when called upon. Though unlike past feuds where he legitimately hated his enemies. Like his brother Chris Lionheart, Primo, Scott Epic, Loki. Kayn was a different breed. This was a man that Gen. had a HUGE amount of respect for. No love/hate relationship. If the two Xtraordinaires were to clash. It would be done out of respect, and admiration. After all, there were very, very few men Genesis would consider his equal. Kayn, in his eyes? Was one of those few men.

[Kayn]

*Kayn thought to himself as Brandon spoke* I know when you're the champ you have a target on your back, but geeze. I wonder if Jamie has to worry about this kinda stuff too.[/i] *As Genesis finished up his train of thought, the barmaid came over with Kayn's beer and placed it on the table and grabbed Kayn's empty mug.*

"Next time you come back, make sure you bring a round of beers and shots for myself and my friends here."

"Sure thing hun."

*As the barmaid left Kayn turned his attention back to Brandon.*

"Business is business Brand-O, and you're no rookie in this biz. You know as well as I do that most of the time friendships mean just about nothing in our line of work, but respect holds out much longer. Everyone wants to be on the top of the mountain. Why else would we do what we do? And once you're there, there's nowhere to go but down. You know that, Romeo here knows it, we've all held titles in the XWA, and as soon as you have a belt, everyone wants it. No matter what title it is. While I have a bunch of respect for anyone that can step into the ring in the XWA, because they have to be good to be here, there are some competitors that are higher in my book than others. Keith Wyle, Jon Payne, Jamie Fury all have my full respect, as well as you and Romeo among a few others. But respect doesn't get you titles."

*Kayn takes a drink off his beer.*

"But I could honestly say, "The King of Controversy" versus "The Death Metal Goliath" could be if nothing else interesting."