(Sean): Hey guys, how's it going?
He flashes a smile at the camera.
(Sean): I hope you're all doing well. Today we're going to be playing some Final Fantasy VII, one of my all-time favorite games. I'm really excited to show you guys some of the new features in the PS4 port.
As he plays, as per his normal streams, he takes the time to intermittently chat with his followers, answering questions and cracking jokes.
(Twitch Follower): Hey Sean, are you planning on doing a Final Fantasy VII Remake stream anytime soon?
Sean chuckles.
(Sean): I definitely plan on doing a stream for the Remake. It's one of my favorite games of all time, and I can't wait to play it with you guys. I’ve completely before obviously and got the Platinum trophy but I would happily play it again for you guys.
(Twitch Follower): What about Final Fantasy XVI, Sean? Are you getting that when it comes out?
(Sean): Ohhh yes! I’ve had it on preorder for a while and I’m very much looking forward to it and yes, before anyone asks, I will be doing a blind playthrough online!
But the conversation quickly turns to his new girlfriend, Michelle. He knows it was only a matter of time before his newly-established relationship with Michelle came into public light. He had felt bad about going rogue almost and declaring he his girlfriend in one of his recent promos without having consulted her first to see if she was comfortable with it but having then seen her post some comments in a recent promo, she had referred to him as her boyfriend and he wouldn’t lie, it filled him with both pride and joy. He also felt pride at the fact she was putting herself out there in terms of cutting a promo. He knew she was nervous about being more vocal and to see her being proactive made him feel proud.
(Twitch Follower): Hey Sean, we heard you're dating Michelle Learner now. How's that going?
Sean grins.
(Sean): Yeah, it's going really well. Michelle is amazing. She's beautiful, talented, kind-hearted and smart. It’s early days, we’ve only been dating a week and had two dates but we’re both really happy together.
The comments section explodes with messages of congratulations and well-wishes. But then, something unexpected happens. As he continues to play, Sean can’t help but talk about Michelle.
(Sean): You know, Michelle and I had our second date the other night and can you believe, she’s only been playing Tears of the Kingdom for three days and she’s at the Fire Temple! I mean, is that not awesome?! She's amazing, you guys. Not only is she a talented wrestler, but she’s so sweet-natured. It's great to have someone who understands the wrestling world and can relate to the struggles and challenges that come with it.
The comments section is filled with heart emojis and messages of admiration for the new couple. Suddenly the conversation in the comments takes a drastic turn as one of the followers reveals the announcement not long made on the HWA Twitter page.
(Twitch Follower): OMG, did you guys hear the news? Red Dragon is coming out of retirement!
Sean's eyes widen in shock. Sensei Matthew was his mentor, the man who had taught him everything he knew about wrestling. He was like a father-figure to Sean.
(Sean): Are you serious?! What the f*ck?! Sorry guys, hold up, I need to check this!
Sean pauses his game and checks his phone. He goes to the HWA Twitter page and sure enough, the announcement is there. And then he sees the second part of the announcer. He reads it aloud.
(Sean): Opponent…Triple Threat, Matt Miller, Jeremy Branson and SEAN PARKER?! HOLY SHIT!
Sean's heart races at the thought of facing Red Dragon, his teacher, his idol in the ring. It would be the ultimate test of his skills. But what had brought it on? There was nothing to indicate he was even thinking of coming out of retirement. What must Jeremy and Matt be thinking too? He can’t think straight right now and abruptly ends his stream.
(Sean): Sorry guys, I’ve only just found out about this announcement and I need to address it! I promise you all I’ll make it up to you all with another stream tomorrow!
The comments section erupt with excitement and understanding messages, and Sean knew that he had just made headlines, not just in HWA but the whole wrestling world. But he didn't care about the fame or the attention. All he cared about was proving himself in the ring, and showing the world what he was made of and beating Matt and Jeremy to get the chance to give Sensei Matthew his send off was the best opportunity. He texts both Jeremy and Matt asking them if they’d seen the announcement. He goes to phone Butch but sees the time and thinks better of it given the time of night.
(Sean): Ohhhh man, this is f*cking crazy!
He paces back and forth in the room, full of nervous energy. He phones Michelle but it goes to voicemail, he’s not sure if she’ll have been asleep or not but he leaves a voicemail nevertheless.
(Sean): Hey hun! Have you heard the news about Sensei? He’s coming out of retirement and he wants to face either Matt, Jeremy or me! I can’t believe it! Holy shit! Sorry for cursing! I’m just so buzzing and I can’t think straight! If it weren’t so late I’d come over? Should I come over? No, you’re probably asleep! I’ll speak to you tomorrow! AAHHH!
Sean hangs up and as he does, his phone pings and he sees a notification from the HWA App come through. As he retrieves the notification, he sees Legion’s face come up and his mood instantly changes. He listens to Legion’s incoherent rambling and now he knows how to get rid of his nervous energy. He sits back down at his game station and goes to his laptop, navigating to the built-in recording software that is linked directly to the HWA App and addresses Legion.
(Sean): Big man, just like my girlfriend, this message is gonna be short and sweet! I’m not gonna waste much time on you because, I’ll be honest, you said a lot of stuff there without actually saying anything. All I actually heard was a hillbilly impression, something about breaking my back again and you managed another dig at Michelle. That’s all you are isn’t, Legion? All bark and no bite. You talk a big game, for a big man, but can you actually back it up when the time comes? From experience, there’s only so much training can do to prepare you for the big lights. Me? This, HWA? It’s practically my backyard. The lights, the cameras, the scrutiny, I block them out, I only see what’s in front of me and at Havoc, all I see is a toxic, vile, juiced up thug who’s in way over his head. You’re bigger than me but make no mistake, Legion, this isn’t David versus Goliath, this isn’t the tale of a punchy and gutsy underdog. This is the tale of a delusional bully who thinks he can get away with anything because he's bigger and stronger. But let me tell you something, Legion, strength isn't everything. What matters is character, and you, my friend, have none. You think you can intimidate people with your size, but all you're doing is exposing your own weaknesses. You're a coward and sooner than you think, someone’s gonna bring you crashing back down to Earth and guess what? That someone is me!
Sean smirks as he stops the recording. He starts to flick through all the mentions and tags on his various social media platforms that have been flying in as the scene fades to black.
Message Thread
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