A Day in the Life

2 days Before Legends...

Woman on Tannoy: MexicAir Flight Number 5559 from Mexico City to Moscow is now ready for boarding. Please proceed to gate 7, and have your passports and boarding cards ready for inpsection. On behalf of MexicAir, I would like to wish you all a pleasant flight...

---

20 Hours Later

Captain: Ladies and gentlemen, we have just touched down in Moscow. The local time is 15:45. The temperature outside is -10 degrees centigrade and it is currently snowing. We are currently taxiing down the runway to the terminal, and we kindly request that you remain seated with your seatbelts on until the seatbelt light is turned off. On behalf of myself and the crew I'd very much like to thank you for choosing MexicAir, and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.

Ruben sat back in his seat. The last 20 hours had been pretty horrific. As if it wasn't bad enough that they had to spent more than 2/3rds of an entire day in the sky, with no opportunity to train or prepare for the forthcoming match against Gunther, he had had to endure a good two hours of solid turbulence. As someone who struggled with flying at the best of times, Ruben found it even worse when there was significant turbulence. He'd spent half the flight trying not to throw up. His usual trick of 'drink so much tequila that you forget you're on a plane' didn't even work, because they ran out before they'd even flown over Cuba. Ruben hadn't accounted for the fact that he would be on a plane full of either Mexicans, the biggest Tequila drinkers outside of students on spirng break, and Russians, the world's general all purpose alcoholics.

He stared out of the window at the blizzard that awaited them. If Ruben hated one thing more than flying, it was cold weather. He had spent his life living in Mexico, and had deliberately chosen Texas in the USA for its warm climate. He racked his brains and tried to think of the last time that he saw snow, and for the life of him he couldn't remember. Maybe he had never seen it. Most people, when they first see snow, are so amazed by it that they just want to go out and fuck around in it. Not Ruben. Ruben just thought of it as the harbinger of cold. Maybe it was because he was so pissed after the flight. Ruben began to wonder what Maria was up to, when suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a timid voice from behind him.

Girl: This is...the worst part of the flight, isn't it?

Ruben turned around. The voice came from the girl in the seat next to him. She had been pretty quiet all trip, which was fine by Ruben. He was normally fine with people, but when he was as miserable as he had been for most of the flight, he didn't want to have to interact with another human being beyond having to order drinks form the stewardess. Beyond saying hello when they got on board, and apologising when they needed to go to the restroom, they had barely communicated in 20 hours.

Ruben Ricardo León: I'm sorry?

Girl: This is always the worst part of a flight... you know, when you've touched down in your destination, and you are so eager to get out there, to wherever it is you're going, but some guy in a stupid hat seems determined to make you wait in your seat for just that few moments longer. As if he's deliberately keeping you from being wherever you are going for just that tiny bit longer. Just for the power trip.

Ruben thought about this for a second.

Ruben Ricardo León: Well, I'd never really thought about it like that before. But I guess you have a point. You've obviously spent a lot of time thinking about this.

The girl smiles broadly.

Girl: I spend a lot of time on planes. Hi, my name's Katerina.

Ruben Ricardo León: Ruben. You speak remarkably good Spanish for a ...Russian?

Girl: Polish, actually, but I live in Moscow. What are you doing in Russia? It's hardly a popular tourist destination for Mexicans, particularly at this time of year.

Ruben Ricardo León: Well, I don't actually live in Mexico anymore, I'm up in Texas these days, I was only back home for a funeral.

Girl: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

Ruben Ricardo León: It's OK, I've kind of dealt with it all now. But anyway, I'm in Moscow for a wrestling event.

Girl: Oh, you must be a big fan to fly out all this way. I guess that's why you're wearing the mask, huh?

Ruben Ricardo León: No, you misunderstood. I'm wrestling in the event.

Girl: Oh wow, that's really cool.

By this point the plane had pulled up to the terminal, and a number of people were standing up and getting their hand baggage from the overhead lockers. Both Ruben and the girl stood up too, waiting for their chance to get at their possessions. Eventually, most of the passengers filtered off, and there was just a handful left, along with Ruben and the girl. They both retrieved their bags too, and wandered off the plane and on to the gangway which led in to the terminal. When they reached the end, they emerged in the luggage collection area, just as the big carousels began to kick in to life.

Girl: So, how long are you here for?

Ruben Ricardo León: Probably a few days. The next event is in the UAE, and I figured there's no point flying all the way over to the States again, just to come back out the same distance two days later.

Girl: Very sensible. So, if you're in town for a while, I was wondering if maybe you would, umm, like to go for a drink or a coffee or something?

Ruben Ricardo León: Oh, thanks, but I have a gir...

Ruben stopped halfway through the sentence. It didn't have to be a date, and he knew that Maria trusted him. She wouldn't mind. And after all, after everything that had happened in the last week, he could do with some company for a while. Half of the FTW roster wouldn't even be arriving in to Russia for another day, and most of the ones that were already here he hardly knew or didn't get on with. Anyway, Katerina seemed nice.

Ruben Ricardo León: Actually, you know what, fuck it, why not? I do have to tell you I have a girlfriend, though.

Girl: That's OK.

They turned their attention back to the carousel. A number of bags had already come up on the carousel, and the pair scanned it for theirs. Katerina spotted hers coming around and grabbed it. She took a scrap of paper from her pocket, and found a pen. She wrote on the paper and handed it to Ruben.[/.i]

Girl: I have to go, my friend is waiting for me. It was nice to meet you. Hopefully I'll see you again before you go.

Ruben Ricardo León: Thanks. Have a good trip home.

[i]Ruben examined the paper. There was the name of a bar, a time and an address on it, with the words 'Meet me here' written on top. Ruben folded the paper and put it in his wallet. He noticed that his bag was up and was now doing the rounds on the carousel, so he grabbed it at the next opportunity and moved over to passport control. He readied his passport and walked up to the control desk. The man looked at it, and up at Ruben. The masked photo was identical to Ruben's mask, but for some reason, the man didn't seem happy with it. He began to speak in Russian.

Passport Control Guy: Простите, сэр, я собираюсь вам необходимо снять маску.

Ruben Ricardo León: Excuse me?

Passport Control Guy: Вы говорите по любой русский, сэр?

Ruben Ricardo León: I don't understand what you're saying...

Passport Control Guy: Please to be removing you covering.

Ruben Ricardo León: I'll be honest, that didn't make a whole lot more sense.

The man gesticulates at his face.

Passport Control Guy: You covering, please to remove.

Ruben points at his mask.

Ruben Ricardo León: You want me to take off my mask? Not gonna happen, amigo. Nope, niet.

Passport Control Guy: You no to remove covering, you no entry to Russia.

Ruben Ricardo León: That doesn't even make any sense. For a start, the passport has a photo of me WITH THE MASK ON, and secondly... well, there is no secondly, I'm just not taking the mask off.

The guy looks over Ruben's shoulder, and just as he is about to turn around to see why, he feels something round and metal press against his back.

Security Guard: I think it might be sensible to do as he says, my friend.

Ruben glances over his shoulder, to see a gigantic man stood behind him. The man appears to be pointing the business end of an AK47 at the small of his back. Suddenly, for some reason that he couldn't quite work out, Ruben felt a bit more co-operative.

Security Guard: Please to follow me, sir.

Ruben is led off by the man in to a small room at the side of the passport control area.

---

The scene reopens on the inside of the small room, ten minutes later. We can see the back of Ruben's head, unmasked. The security guard is stood in front of him, behind a computer terminal.

Ruben Ricardo León: Sorry about all that, it's just a tradition that I keep my mask on in public at all times.

The security guard glances up from his computer.

Security Guard: I understand, sir. Normally there would not been a problems, but yesterday we receive big security alert for terrorism. We must check identity of all passenger against database of suspected bomb-blasters. I have finish making search on computer machine, and you are not terrorist. Please accept my sorry for the inconveniences.

Ruben Ricardo León: It's OK, you're just doing your job.

Security Guard: I cannot help if I enjoy!

The guard lets out a hearty chuckle, which Ruben does not reciprocate. Ruben picks up his mask and puts it back on his head, re-lacing it. He then picks up his bags and leaves the small room, beyond the passport control.

---

Ruben Ricardo León: ...and that's when the security guard stuck a rifle in my back, and told me it would be 'sensible' to comply.

Katerina is doubled over with laughter. Ruben picks up his coffee cup and sips at it.

Ruben Ricardo León: It's not THAT funny.

Katerina: It's...it's pretty funny.

Ruben Ricardo León: OK, it is pretty funny. Wasn't so hilarious at the time, though.

Katerina wipes a tear from her eyes and manages to stop herself from laughing.

Ruben Ricardo León: Oh, before I forget, I've got something for you.

Katerina: Something for me? Wow, you didn't have to.

Ruben reaches in to his pocket and pulls out two tickets for Legends of the Fall.

Ruben Ricardo León: Here, take these and come see the show. Bring a friend.

Katerina: Oh, wow, thank you! I will definitely come.

Ruben looks at his watch.

Ruben Ricardo León: Oh, God, I'm sorry, I have to go. I need to get a session in at the gym before I go to bed tonight. Look, it was great meeting up with you again, I had a really good time.

Katerina: That's OK, I have to go too.

They both finish their coffees, stand up and walk over to the door. Ruben opens it and holds it for Katerina. As they step outside and go to head off their different ways, they turn and hug. As the hug finishes, they look in to each others eyes and Katerina moves in to kiss Ruben on the lips. Ruben jerks his head away quickly.

Katerina: I...I'm sorry, I thought you were interested?

Ruben Ricardo León: Look, you're a great girl, but I told you, I'm in a relationship.

Katerina: Oh, God, I've made a massive fool out of myself. I'm so sorry!

Ruben Ricardo León: Look, don't be sorry. I'd like us to stay friends, so why don't we just forget it happened, OK?

Katerina: Are you sure?

Ruben Ricardo León: Positive. Look, I hope to see you at the show tomorrow, OK? If you show those tickets to security, you should be able to get in backstage, so come and say hi.

Katerina: I... I will. Thanks again. I'll see you tomorrow.

She runs off, flustered, before Ruben gets a chance to say goodbye. Ruben folds his arms and stands there for a minute before shaking his head.

Ruben Ricardo León: Well this is about the most fucked up day I've ever had...

---

Ruben Ricardo León: This is a big week for me. Not only did I go at least some way to proving my doubters wrong at Legends of the Fall by picking up my first win in Fight the World, I also managed to progress in the Fight the World Grand Prix. I am only 2 steps away from winning the prize, and walking away with that championship briefcase. But before I do that, there's a couple of little things in the way. One of those is Brandon Macdonald. Everyone knows about the history between us, and if you don't, well, I'm not going to start repeating it now. The point is, do I honestly think I can beat Brandon right now?

That is a difficult question to answer, because, well I've not been able to so far. Hell, the only time I've even really come close was in our Golden Crown Championship match, and that wasn't even really that close. Brandon is pretty much unstoppable right now. He is on one of the longest winning streaks in the history of wrestling. But, no-one is invincible. Everyone has off days, and who is to say that I couldn't pick up a surprise win. The big problem that I face, if I come up against Brandon in the Grand Prix final, is that I don't have to get lucky and catch him on an off day once, I have to get lucky twice.

If I want to walk away with the big money and the championship briefcase, then I have to beat the best wrestler in the world right now, not once, but twice. It'll take everything I have n my reserves if I'm going to walk out of this tournament the Fight the World Grand Prix Champion. As for Brandon himself? Well, I think we've said more than enough about each other already in the last couple of months. It seems he doesn't like me, and I'm not too keen on him, and that's about all that needs to be said right now. As for respect? Sure, I respect him. It's hard not to respect a man who has achieved everything he has achieved in his career, both pre and post joining NLWF. Whether he has any more respect for me these days? Well, I guess you would have to ask him about that.

All this talk is a bit pre-emptive anyway, because before I get the chance to take on Brandon, I have another hurdle to overcome. This week, on Global Takeover, I have a Grand Prix match against Death Angel. The Syco. One of the most disturbed men to ever set foot in a wrestling ring. Hell, last week Syco KILLED the Notorious K.I.D. and nearly permanently maimed another legend of the business, Corey Casey. Anyone who can step in to the ring with two former World Champions, two wrestling greats and walk out having put one in the morgue and one in the hospital is a man who should be treated with respect.

Syco has assured me that I will be spared being murdered as part of his rampage, which I suppose is something to hold on to, at the very least. But now I have to ask myself another question. Do I think I can beat Death Angel? The answer to that is a slightly more resounding yes than to the question about Brandon. Death Angel has lost a match recently, and although he squashed his two opponents last week, that was due in part to hatred. I know that Death Angel will bring everything he has got, and that I will have to bring a lot to the table if I even want to stand a chance of stopping the lumbering behemoth from continuing his rampage by breaking several of my bones.

DA, I'm glad you respect me, because I respect you, and not just for the fact that you can obliterate a man's head just by hitting it. I respect you because you are a man who stands up for what he believes in. If someone wrongs you, you take action to write that wrong. That's an admirable trait in a person, even if it does occasionally leade you to....more extreme tactics. I also respect you because you're a good wrestler. You're the tallest man in the world, yet you still have the ability to move around as if you were 3 feet shorter. That is a skill that not many people your size possess, and it's a skill that impresses me a lot, as someone who relies on agility to perform the majority of his moves.

I'm looking forward to this match. It will be a contest between two opponents who respect each other as people and competitors. I think a situation like that can only lead to a great contest. Whoever comes out the winner, and goes on to Majority Rules to face Brandon Macdonald, it will be a great match.

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life

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