Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 3:44:15 GMT
Prologue: Scene opens on the runway of London Luton Airport, where the private Twin Pistons jet Dante Alessio hired for his son; new IIW acquisition Mark Alessio has just touched down. Coming to a halt about thirty feet in front of hangar number thirteen. Panning around, a throng of media personalities can be seen, ready to circle the plane like vultures the moment Mark steps through the door; onto the steps. Each one intending to be the first to obtain a statement from him about his impending debut; the fact that he already has been given an opportunity to win a belt via his entry into the International Title tournament. The members appear to be from both local outlets as well as national ones. A few internet bloggers scattered in as well for good measure.
They watch as the door to the jet slowly opens; the steps are slowly lowered onto the asphalt. Eager in their anticipation, which is deflated when a man wearing a pilot's uniform, appearing to be in his early to mid forties saunters out. Glancing across at the media with an icy stare. Regardless, those at the front of the pile place their microphones in his face. Squawking at him and asking if Mark is going to be coming out.
"No questions please. Mr. Alessio would like peace and quiet," The man firmly states, hoping that will be enough to get the media off his and Mark's back. At least in the short-term.
About three of the media members pull their microphones back at this point, though those are replaced by a few behind them leaning over. Trying to get their own snippets. The pilot repeats "I said no questions," before pushing through the journalists who decided to congregate near the bottom of the steps. The scene then fades.
Scene 1: Scene opens to a darkened hotel room, where only a shadowy figure can be seen. Sitting atop a couch and appearing to read a newspaper. Interested by what he sees. He glances to his right; reveals that there is a second shadowy figure in the room. This one with a phone to his ear. Pulling the phone away, the second figure slightly nods.
"He just landed," The second figure remarks, presumably talking about Mark. His voice is refined and has a thin Polish accent.
The first man's mouth curls into a smile as he states "Good. Tell them to come to the Athenaeum; we'll meet them outside." calmly, before turning back to the newspaper.
"Okay. What about the suitcase?" The second figure questions, as the first figure lets out a soft laugh.
"Tell them to bring it as well." Is the reply given, as the first figure sits back against the couch. Thinking about something that is unknown. Possibly the contents of this suitcase, whatever they may be. There has to be a reason why he requested for it to be brought along, after all.
The second figure gives him a nod of understanding as the scene fades.
Scene 2: Scene opens back at the airport. This time in the terminal, where Mark and the pilot, having successfully navigated their way through the packed media scrum, are walking through the terminal. Luggage in tow.
"They called. Said they wanted us to meet them the Athenaeum. Mark states, talking about the phone call he made as the pilot was pushing and shoving his way down the steps of the plane.
"They?" The pilot asks, confused.
Mark sighs, before gently replying "You know. The guys dad said we had to visit when we got here," as they continue walking.
"Oh, them. I thought he said we'd be meeting tomorrow morning." The response calm, Mark simply shrugs as he remembers the man on the phone stating the meeting had to be today. Though he didn't say why they wanted to change it. "Did they mention anything else?" the pilot calmly questions.
"No." Mark comments, though his inflection hints that he isn't being entirely truthful.
The pilot decides against pressing the matter further, however, and simply continues his walk. Mark stops as he glances around, before calmly resuming his own walk toward the exit. The scene then fades.
Scene 3: "What is it now, Lucas?"
Scene opens to the second shadowy figure from earlier asking this, only this time it is sitting on a bench outside the hotel. He appears to be in his mid-to-late twenties; is attired in a white t-shirt, jeans and white Adidas sneakers. Glancing to his right, we can see he is talking to a police officer standing diagonally to his right. His eyes looking down at the man. It appears they know one another.
"Have you seen this man around, Bryan?" The officer asks, producing a poster of a male who appears to be in their late twenties, with a scruffy beard and blond hair.
Bryan shakes his head, responding "No. Sorry," as the officer simply folds up the poster; places it back into his pants pocket.
"Okay. Let us know if you do, or if you have any information on his whereabouts." Lucas comments as he makes his way down the street. Continuing his search for anyone who might hold information about the man on the poster.
Bryan simply glances down at his phone, preparing to write a message to his colleague from earlier; give him a status report as to the whereabouts of Mark, and the suitcase they're seeking. The scene then slowly fades.
Scene 4: Scene re-opens to the exterior of the Baglioni Hotel, where Mark and the pilot are currently unpacking Mark's luggage from the silver 2019 Lexus CT that they rented upon arrival. Carefully placing them atop the asphalt so as not to damage the bags.
"Hey Carlo," Mark comments, as Carlo turns to face him whilst attempting to extract one of the suitcases at the back.
"Yeah?" He responds, curiously before placing the bag on the ground.
"Do you think you can call up Gianni; see if he's willing to come over Tuesday morning?" Mark enquiries, in a manner that tells Carlo he's not willing to say anything more than that.
Understanding that particular look plus tone, Carlo simply remarks "Yeah,". Realizing that it's more than likely a "need to know" sort of deal.
"Thanks."
Mark then looks downward at one of the bags, appearing to notice something distinct about it, but not exactly certain what it is, outside of the fact that it was a part of his itinerary when he got onto the plane. Kneeling down, he continues to fixate himself on the bag, whilst Carlo continues unpacking the car.
(((Flashback)))
A younger version of Mark holds the bag in his arms, watching as his grandfather, Michael Alessio, slowly walks away. Having left him with this light brown leather bag. Glancing at it, Mark notices the snow white zipper, he slowly pulls it towards his chest. Curious as to what is inside.
(((Current day)))
"Mark?"
Mark snaps out of his thought, hearing Carlo shouting at him from about half-way across the parking lot. Five bags in hand. Yet Mark simply continues to look at the white zipper of this particular leather bag. Fascinated by it.
"Are you coming?" Carlo questions, before following up with "Or do I have to do all the work myself?" as Mark slowly pushes himself upward.
"Yeah, I'm coming." He gruffly replies, grabbing three of the bags closest to him; commencing his walk toward the hotel, as the scene slowly fades.
Scene 5: Scene re-opens to the same hotel room as earlier. This time, the first figure from earlier, seated on the same couch; reading the same newspaper. Only this time, he has an impatient expression.
"What could be taking him so long?" The man questions to himself, as he glances over at his cellphone, rested atop the right hand side armrest of the couch.
He would have expected his associate to call him by now. Give him an update on where Mark, and more importantly, the suitcase; an estimated time of arrival. No such call has arrived.
"I thought he told them to bring it as soon as they landed," He continues muttering, as he reaches over; grabs his phone. Irritated that he has to make the call, instead of Bryan being the one to initiate contact. "He better not be at that restaurant again," are the next, bitter words to leave his lips.
Glancing down at his phone, he runs his fingers across the screen. Searching for the numbers so that he can call either Bryan or Mark himself; inquire as to what is taking them so long to arrive. Though a sigh leaves his lips as he looks at his wallpaper. A portrait of himself and his family.
"I'm sorry." The man whispers softly, as his eyes focus in on his wife. A small tear running down his left cheek.
Reaching his list of numbers, the man gently presses on Bryan's name, as the scene fades.
Scene 6: Scene re-opens, this time to Mark, holding the leather suitcase his grandpa gave him. Sitting around within his hotel room, his luggage strewn across the floor. Curiously gazing at the white zipper, as soft breaths leave his mouth. Hearing the slow creaking sound of his door opening, he glances upward. Seeing Carlo's frame entering.
"You ready?" He asks, noticing the almost trance-like expression across Mark's face. An expression he remembers from out in the parking lot. Pertaining to the very same bag he cradles in his arms right now.
Mark, however, says nothing. Too fixated on the bag and its contents to respond. Carlo makes his way over to Mark, standing directly over him; staring downward in the hopes that it will finally get the man's attention.
"Mark?" He states, firmly.
This time, Mark looks up at him, surprised and taken aback by the tone, stating "Yeah?" before slightly lifting the suitcase.
"You ready?" He repeats, stepping back to allow Mark space to stand up.
"Oh, shit," Mark states, remembering about the meeting they had. "Yeah, I'm ready." he continues, before placing the suitcase he was holding down; preparing to leave the room.
The scene then fades.
Scene 7: Scene re-opens to the outside of the Athenaeum, where Mark, Carlo, Bryan and the man from earlier can be seen. Positioned around one another in a circle; a black nylon suitcase in the middle of them.
"Is the money in there?" The man calmly asks, receiving a nod in return from Mark.
Motioning across to Bryan, the man gives him a look that informs him he wants him to be sure the money is in there. Bryan nods softly in response and bends over slightly, placing his right hand atop the suitcase; unzipping it.
"See?" Mark comments somewhat friendlily, as he glances across to the man before commenting "I wouldn't lie to you, Nicolo," as Nicolo sighs in relief.
"I know, but you know how these deals go," His words reflectively, he kneels down himself. Surveying the money to make sure that it's genuine. "with all the counterfeiters and scams." he continues by remarking.
"True enough." Mark states, nodding to himself.
(((Flashback)))
Mark sits atop a chocolate brown leather recliner at his house, looking down at the twenty dollar bill in his hand. Surveying it intently. Verifying that it is genuine. A slight smile crossing his face.
"Good." He gently comments, before placing the bill into the suitcase.
(((Current Day)))
"All good?" Mark enquiries.
"All good." Bryan responds, happy that the money is genuine.
Nicolo sighs to himself, before responding "All good," as he extends his hand out for Mark.
Smiling, Mark extends his own hand, shaking Nicolo's before the scene fades on that shot.
Scene 8: Scene re-opens to Mark's Hotel room, where he is seated on the same chair as earlier. This time, however, he is surveying the entire room. Taking in what will be his long-term residence. At least, for the time being.
"Soon," He gently remarks, as his eyes catch a glimpse of the 42 inch Television, positioned about three feet in front of the window on the right hand side of the room. Facing a jet black leather recliner.
Smiling, he tilts his head back in front of him.
"Soon, they will see." Are the final words to softly leave his mouth, as the scene slowly fades into black.
Epilogue: Next time, we find out just who Mark's first opponent will be for the first round of the International Title Tournament. Who is it, that Mark will have to navigate his way past, if he wishes to leave his imprint on IIW?
They watch as the door to the jet slowly opens; the steps are slowly lowered onto the asphalt. Eager in their anticipation, which is deflated when a man wearing a pilot's uniform, appearing to be in his early to mid forties saunters out. Glancing across at the media with an icy stare. Regardless, those at the front of the pile place their microphones in his face. Squawking at him and asking if Mark is going to be coming out.
"No questions please. Mr. Alessio would like peace and quiet," The man firmly states, hoping that will be enough to get the media off his and Mark's back. At least in the short-term.
About three of the media members pull their microphones back at this point, though those are replaced by a few behind them leaning over. Trying to get their own snippets. The pilot repeats "I said no questions," before pushing through the journalists who decided to congregate near the bottom of the steps. The scene then fades.
Scene 1: Scene opens to a darkened hotel room, where only a shadowy figure can be seen. Sitting atop a couch and appearing to read a newspaper. Interested by what he sees. He glances to his right; reveals that there is a second shadowy figure in the room. This one with a phone to his ear. Pulling the phone away, the second figure slightly nods.
"He just landed," The second figure remarks, presumably talking about Mark. His voice is refined and has a thin Polish accent.
The first man's mouth curls into a smile as he states "Good. Tell them to come to the Athenaeum; we'll meet them outside." calmly, before turning back to the newspaper.
"Okay. What about the suitcase?" The second figure questions, as the first figure lets out a soft laugh.
"Tell them to bring it as well." Is the reply given, as the first figure sits back against the couch. Thinking about something that is unknown. Possibly the contents of this suitcase, whatever they may be. There has to be a reason why he requested for it to be brought along, after all.
The second figure gives him a nod of understanding as the scene fades.
Scene 2: Scene opens back at the airport. This time in the terminal, where Mark and the pilot, having successfully navigated their way through the packed media scrum, are walking through the terminal. Luggage in tow.
"They called. Said they wanted us to meet them the Athenaeum. Mark states, talking about the phone call he made as the pilot was pushing and shoving his way down the steps of the plane.
"They?" The pilot asks, confused.
Mark sighs, before gently replying "You know. The guys dad said we had to visit when we got here," as they continue walking.
"Oh, them. I thought he said we'd be meeting tomorrow morning." The response calm, Mark simply shrugs as he remembers the man on the phone stating the meeting had to be today. Though he didn't say why they wanted to change it. "Did they mention anything else?" the pilot calmly questions.
"No." Mark comments, though his inflection hints that he isn't being entirely truthful.
The pilot decides against pressing the matter further, however, and simply continues his walk. Mark stops as he glances around, before calmly resuming his own walk toward the exit. The scene then fades.
Scene 3: "What is it now, Lucas?"
Scene opens to the second shadowy figure from earlier asking this, only this time it is sitting on a bench outside the hotel. He appears to be in his mid-to-late twenties; is attired in a white t-shirt, jeans and white Adidas sneakers. Glancing to his right, we can see he is talking to a police officer standing diagonally to his right. His eyes looking down at the man. It appears they know one another.
"Have you seen this man around, Bryan?" The officer asks, producing a poster of a male who appears to be in their late twenties, with a scruffy beard and blond hair.
Bryan shakes his head, responding "No. Sorry," as the officer simply folds up the poster; places it back into his pants pocket.
"Okay. Let us know if you do, or if you have any information on his whereabouts." Lucas comments as he makes his way down the street. Continuing his search for anyone who might hold information about the man on the poster.
Bryan simply glances down at his phone, preparing to write a message to his colleague from earlier; give him a status report as to the whereabouts of Mark, and the suitcase they're seeking. The scene then slowly fades.
Scene 4: Scene re-opens to the exterior of the Baglioni Hotel, where Mark and the pilot are currently unpacking Mark's luggage from the silver 2019 Lexus CT that they rented upon arrival. Carefully placing them atop the asphalt so as not to damage the bags.
"Hey Carlo," Mark comments, as Carlo turns to face him whilst attempting to extract one of the suitcases at the back.
"Yeah?" He responds, curiously before placing the bag on the ground.
"Do you think you can call up Gianni; see if he's willing to come over Tuesday morning?" Mark enquiries, in a manner that tells Carlo he's not willing to say anything more than that.
Understanding that particular look plus tone, Carlo simply remarks "Yeah,". Realizing that it's more than likely a "need to know" sort of deal.
"Thanks."
Mark then looks downward at one of the bags, appearing to notice something distinct about it, but not exactly certain what it is, outside of the fact that it was a part of his itinerary when he got onto the plane. Kneeling down, he continues to fixate himself on the bag, whilst Carlo continues unpacking the car.
(((Flashback)))
A younger version of Mark holds the bag in his arms, watching as his grandfather, Michael Alessio, slowly walks away. Having left him with this light brown leather bag. Glancing at it, Mark notices the snow white zipper, he slowly pulls it towards his chest. Curious as to what is inside.
(((Current day)))
"Mark?"
Mark snaps out of his thought, hearing Carlo shouting at him from about half-way across the parking lot. Five bags in hand. Yet Mark simply continues to look at the white zipper of this particular leather bag. Fascinated by it.
"Are you coming?" Carlo questions, before following up with "Or do I have to do all the work myself?" as Mark slowly pushes himself upward.
"Yeah, I'm coming." He gruffly replies, grabbing three of the bags closest to him; commencing his walk toward the hotel, as the scene slowly fades.
Scene 5: Scene re-opens to the same hotel room as earlier. This time, the first figure from earlier, seated on the same couch; reading the same newspaper. Only this time, he has an impatient expression.
"What could be taking him so long?" The man questions to himself, as he glances over at his cellphone, rested atop the right hand side armrest of the couch.
He would have expected his associate to call him by now. Give him an update on where Mark, and more importantly, the suitcase; an estimated time of arrival. No such call has arrived.
"I thought he told them to bring it as soon as they landed," He continues muttering, as he reaches over; grabs his phone. Irritated that he has to make the call, instead of Bryan being the one to initiate contact. "He better not be at that restaurant again," are the next, bitter words to leave his lips.
Glancing down at his phone, he runs his fingers across the screen. Searching for the numbers so that he can call either Bryan or Mark himself; inquire as to what is taking them so long to arrive. Though a sigh leaves his lips as he looks at his wallpaper. A portrait of himself and his family.
"I'm sorry." The man whispers softly, as his eyes focus in on his wife. A small tear running down his left cheek.
Reaching his list of numbers, the man gently presses on Bryan's name, as the scene fades.
Scene 6: Scene re-opens, this time to Mark, holding the leather suitcase his grandpa gave him. Sitting around within his hotel room, his luggage strewn across the floor. Curiously gazing at the white zipper, as soft breaths leave his mouth. Hearing the slow creaking sound of his door opening, he glances upward. Seeing Carlo's frame entering.
"You ready?" He asks, noticing the almost trance-like expression across Mark's face. An expression he remembers from out in the parking lot. Pertaining to the very same bag he cradles in his arms right now.
Mark, however, says nothing. Too fixated on the bag and its contents to respond. Carlo makes his way over to Mark, standing directly over him; staring downward in the hopes that it will finally get the man's attention.
"Mark?" He states, firmly.
This time, Mark looks up at him, surprised and taken aback by the tone, stating "Yeah?" before slightly lifting the suitcase.
"You ready?" He repeats, stepping back to allow Mark space to stand up.
"Oh, shit," Mark states, remembering about the meeting they had. "Yeah, I'm ready." he continues, before placing the suitcase he was holding down; preparing to leave the room.
The scene then fades.
Scene 7: Scene re-opens to the outside of the Athenaeum, where Mark, Carlo, Bryan and the man from earlier can be seen. Positioned around one another in a circle; a black nylon suitcase in the middle of them.
"Is the money in there?" The man calmly asks, receiving a nod in return from Mark.
Motioning across to Bryan, the man gives him a look that informs him he wants him to be sure the money is in there. Bryan nods softly in response and bends over slightly, placing his right hand atop the suitcase; unzipping it.
"See?" Mark comments somewhat friendlily, as he glances across to the man before commenting "I wouldn't lie to you, Nicolo," as Nicolo sighs in relief.
"I know, but you know how these deals go," His words reflectively, he kneels down himself. Surveying the money to make sure that it's genuine. "with all the counterfeiters and scams." he continues by remarking.
"True enough." Mark states, nodding to himself.
(((Flashback)))
Mark sits atop a chocolate brown leather recliner at his house, looking down at the twenty dollar bill in his hand. Surveying it intently. Verifying that it is genuine. A slight smile crossing his face.
"Good." He gently comments, before placing the bill into the suitcase.
(((Current Day)))
"All good?" Mark enquiries.
"All good." Bryan responds, happy that the money is genuine.
Nicolo sighs to himself, before responding "All good," as he extends his hand out for Mark.
Smiling, Mark extends his own hand, shaking Nicolo's before the scene fades on that shot.
Scene 8: Scene re-opens to Mark's Hotel room, where he is seated on the same chair as earlier. This time, however, he is surveying the entire room. Taking in what will be his long-term residence. At least, for the time being.
"Soon," He gently remarks, as his eyes catch a glimpse of the 42 inch Television, positioned about three feet in front of the window on the right hand side of the room. Facing a jet black leather recliner.
Smiling, he tilts his head back in front of him.
"Soon, they will see." Are the final words to softly leave his mouth, as the scene slowly fades into black.
Epilogue: Next time, we find out just who Mark's first opponent will be for the first round of the International Title Tournament. Who is it, that Mark will have to navigate his way past, if he wishes to leave his imprint on IIW?