Joachim Bright sat, holding the document close to his body and shooting furtive glances whenever somebody passed by, like a teen boy surreptitiously looking at a piece of pornography in class. Lux wrapped her knuckles on the table, drawing him out of his own head, his eyes finally disentangling from the paper for the first time in two solid minutes.

You home?

I'm just reading it again to make sure this is what he wanted.

You've read it like 50 times. Pretty sure the words haven't changed on the page.

Lux looks up and drinks in their surroundings, sighing deeply.



As much as we may want them to.....

The garish lights swirl and play over their faces, momentarily painting and repainting them like an indecisive hack artist with a penchant for neon. Joachim holds the paper out, revealing a crude looking list written in a child-like inconsistent scrawl. At the top, the words “Engy's last wil & testmant”, and beyond that the sentences drunkenly slope and loop all over the page like he was constantly adding random thoughts wherever they fit.

I'm honestly surprised he thought to get it notarized.

I thought of that.

Oh. Lux looks at the stage, where a topless woman in a bright green thong worked her way down the pole from the ceiling to the floor with a level of skill Lux found surprisingly considerable. I've always said this should be an Olympic Competition. Returning her gaze to Jo, she sees that his muted expression hasn't changed in response to the joke. Oh Jo, I'm sorry....

Does this make me a bad gay?! Like, I'm supposed to NOT be closed minded about this kind of thing, right? I'm supposed to be sex positive, and open minded, and live and let live but...but.... He gestures uselessly at the stage. There's vagoo sweat where my father's ashes are going to go!

Lux locks her lips in an impassive line, forbidding herself any semblance of a smirk. It's what he wanted.

Well, I hate it. Jo spits the words petulantly.

You don't HAVE to do it, I suppose.

No...no.... he takes a breath. I'll suck it up. I mean, it's not like I'm using ALL of them. He picks up the box from it's seat beside him in the booth. It was a simple white container. Jo had bought an urn, a beautiful one really, to contain the rest of his father's remains. Lux considered the box as Joachim set it out between them. She marveled at how something so nondescript could contain the measure of a man, house the remnants of a form that had seen so much beauty, and pain, and struggle, and joy. To think of it was almost farcical. Lux's lips finally pursed open into a smile.

He would think this was funny. She taps the box. A straight woman in a boy's body and her gay son at a strip club to spread his ashes.

This finally punches through Joachim's resolve, and his lip upturns into a half grin. Honestly, he'd probably find the last MONTH absolutely goddamn hilarious. Lux cants her head in confusion. Think about it, a few weeks ago you were swearing bloody vengeance against Robert Main and seeking to protect the sanctity of Engy's Universal Title reign by keeping him as the longest holder of all time. You went in there chock full of righteous fury and came up one second too late to stop Main from winning. But just when all hope seemed lost....a devil worshipper and Peter Gilmour crashed into the arena on a pirate ship and unintentionally saved my father's number one spot. Joachim's smile beams wider. And then, as the inheritor of his estate, what do I find in a folder he had marked “stupid nerd shit”? Lux claps her hands together and laughs, well aware of what's coming. Oh, just $5,000 worth of Amazon stock that he bought in 1997 that has appreciated to over FIVE MILLION DOLLARS! And now, NOW, I'm sitting in a strip joint in San Jose trying to pick the most strategic location to deposit his mortal remains so that it feels like he's part of the action without ending up lodged in some poor woman's ass crack...I....

Joachim collapses into teary eyed laughter, joining Lux's own laughter in chorus. They allow themselves this moment for quite a while, before Joachim starts to wind down, brushing aside tears with his palm. Lux gets her own laughter back under control, and envelops his hand in hers. You're right, you're absolutely right. This whole month has been so....utterly....comprehensively....Engy.

I just can't believe he bought stock. Jo marvels, tamping down a last minute giggle. He refocuses on Lux, running a finger over the top of her hand. A small caress, laden with meaning.

Lux looks down at his hand, briefly betraying a microexpression of uncertainty before the demands of the present recalled her. Thankfully, the young man didn't seem to have noticed. So did you settle on a plan for the money? You never told me.

He nods. Yeah, I think so. I'm going to buy an apartment building.

Lux scrunches her face up in confusion. You're going into real estate?

No. Its for all the kids I used to run with before. Finally give them a stable place to live, you know?

Lux mentally put the pieces together. Before Joachim had come into Dexter's life, he had roamed the country with a nomadic group of young castoffs. It had always been Joachim's intention to return to them and help them. And now, born out of a tempestuous but ultimately redemptive relationship with a father who could not have been more his polar opposite, Joachim finally had the means to do what he had set out to do. It struck Lux how oddly poetic it was, like Jo had been cosmically rewarded for standing by the father who was a madman on his best days and a monster on his worst. A testament to a sort of universal justice perhaps, or an affirmation that sometimes patience and love and temperance actually was honoured and tallied by some unseen being on high. It almost threatened to salve the cynical spiritual callous that marred her soul. Almost. God, if there was one, still had plenty to answer for.

Hey, Earth to Lux?

Oh... Lux found Jo looking at her expectantly. Sorry....dreaming. Did you say something?

No, but... he trailed off, breaking eye contact. There is something I WANTED to say. But....this is just such a horrible place to do it. On stage, the green thonged woman was was frantically twerking to a thumping club beat.

Don't be a hater, Jo. Remember, we're living in the absolutely absurd moment. Lux prodded playfully.

But what I want to say isn't absurd, Lux. Something shifted in his brown eyes, a keenness of purpose appeared there. Lux found her stomach begin to work at eating itself, and she wasn't quite sure why. And then, she realized with a quickness that she was sure why.

Joachim....

No, please. Just, listen ok? I know you're going to tell me all the reasons this won't work. I agree, it's immense, the odds that are stacked against us. But we just got done talking about how insane our existences are, right? Joachim leaned in closer. So is us loving each other really all that nuts, all things considered?

The cacophony went quiet around them, and Lux found herself in a bubble of her own shame, seated across from an earnest, beautifully kind-hearted, grieving boy. A boy who spent his entire life wearing his heart on his sleeve and getting it dashed, only to pick it up off the ground, dust it off, and pin it back on again. A boy who Lux had made love to, and cried with, and laughed with. A boy she held in her arms as he bucked with sobs as his father was fed into the incinerator.

A boy she turned to for compassion and warmth, a balm against loneliness and a safe haven against the pain that burned in her own heart. A boy she fucked when she was horny and laid entwined with after the fact, running fingers that weren't hers through his hair and pretending to be the boy he really wanted. Pretending....pretending....she winced. Her breath stole from her lungs, in thrall to that crushing moment when you realize just how much all the little lies you told yourself weighed. How much mass was truly there. And how much that albatross pulled down the people you cared about and threatened to drown them. You didn't mean it. You never did. But sometimes it was just easier to play at truly loving someone and to let them go on believing it because to do otherwise, you reason, would be more damaging to them. Because they would break under the strain of the truth. So you ignore the lingering stolen glances they give you, you ignore the cloying talk about their future and their unspoken invitation to be a part of it, disregarding it as simple pillow talk. But it wasn't. Oh God, it wasn't.

Joachim Bright saw a future with Lux. And she saw nothing. Lux swallows deep, realizing he was still waiting for her to say something. And that she was still holding his hand. And that she had fallen far short of who she thought she was.

Jo, I....

The air is cut by the screeching feedback of a microphone. Lux uses that as cover to slowly pull her hand away from Joachim's. They both turn towards the stage, where the dancer has been displaced by a balding pot bellied man attempting a fashion statement that was 20 years his junior. Hey everybody, if I could have your attention? He calls out and waits for the din to die down. We'll get back to the show in just a moment, I swear! But tonight, I want to honor a great man. A long time friend of Chix on Dix....

Seriously....? Lux sputters out in a harsh whisper.

You didn't see the sign outside?

….and a former XWF Universal champion....DEXTER “THE ENGINEER” BRIGHT! The invocation of his name draws a slim smattering of applause from the mostly inebriated patrons. Now, as you mighta heard, he tragically lost his battle with cancer last month. But we don't forget one of our own! So I'd like to ask for a moment of silence please in honor of our good friend.

The portly man bows his head, and for a time the only sound that can be heard is the gentle rustle of nipple tastles caught in the breeze from the giant fan on stage. When he picks his head up, it's accompanied by the sounds of numerous glasses being raised to meet thirsty lips. Thank you for that. Now, it was Dexter's final wish that his ashes be spread here in our fine establishment. His son is here to do the honors. And then, to Joachim. But be quick about it, eh? I'm expecting a visit from the health department today and they would lose their shit if they found out we were doing this.

Joachim takes the box of Engy's remains and slips out of the booth, looking about thirteen different shades of awkward. He gets up on the stage, glancing about uncertainly for where exactly to put them. So, like, should I just dump them anywhere or....?

The portly man looks taken aback, like he had seriously not considered the logistics of this. Uhhh, fuckin' A. Good question! Uhhhh.....oh! Why don't you just, like, toss them into the fan. Spread it all over the place, right?

Into....the fan?

Shit kid, it's as good an idea as any.

Joachim takes a few tentative steps towards the fan, doubt riding high on his features. He slowly opens the box, taking a look down at the contents. Well Dad, this is what you wanted. And then, as an aside to a couple of the dancers assembled on stage. You might want to take a few steps back. With an “oh” of respectful realization, they scamper further away from the fan, large breasts applauding in the wake of their sudden movement. A couple guys seated in the front put their hands over their beers and Jo positions himself to the side of the fan. Goodbye. I love you. After another moment's hesitation, he upends the box in front of the fan, creating an instant wave of air born ash.

Lux looks up into the miasma, as the lights play over the granules like a bizarre parody of the Aurora Borealis. Time almost seems to slow then, as the ash starts to tumble like a fine snow, bathed in reds, and greens and blues. A rainbow scattered to the winds. It was almost...beautiful.

A speck of ash lands on her hand. And Lux brings a fingertip to it, spreading an off gray path down the back of her wrist before raising that stained fingertip up to her face. She closes her eyes and says goodbye.

Two Days Later, Miami Beach Florida

The waters lapped at the shore under an increasing evening redness. Lux dug her toes down deep in the sand, taking a moment to enjoy the simple comforting sensation. She couldn't help but think of Dexter's ashes as the sandy granules met her skin. She tried to distance herself from it, those memories of loss and the shame she felt at allowing Dexter's son Joachim's feelings for her to blossom unabated. It was a feeling she knew all too well....

...and then he was there. As if on cue.

Nickel for your thoughts?

I thought it was a penny?

The mental image of Corey Smith sat down next to her. I'm feeling generous.

Lux looked at him. I should be asking you. You've been really quiet lately.

His gaze broke towards the water. I've had a lot of shit to figure out.

But are you okay?

Corey didn't answer for an uncomfortably long time. Lux cynically considered if he was formulating a lie. But then he surprised her by meeting her gaze again, and surprised her again with his answer. No.

….no?

No. He repeated, matter of factly. But I will be. I cared about VV. But she's clearly not the person I thought she was. And neither of us can afford that in our lives right now.

Lux desperately wanted to accept this at face value, but the words seemed wrong somehow. Practiced and robotic. Like they weren't the first time he had spoken them. Perhaps a few other times in a mirror when Lux wasn't around. Is that the truth?

Yes. This time he answered immediately. And you know I'm right. We've got a lot to do. Plan a final push against Madison and Aiwass.....

She's gotten bolder. Lux cut in. Hanging out and collecting the Federweight, participating in that stupid dog show. The message she was trying to send Lux was loud and clear: “I'm here and I'm mocking you. Come and get it.” Lux unconsciously found herself grinding her molars together.

Exactly. She's up to something. We need to finish this. Soon.

You keep saying “we”.

Corey's mouth formed a thin line, and he shot her a measured look. Yeah....?

Nothing. I mean, it's fine. You just typically refer to the mission as “mine”. But, yeah, you've got just as much skin in the game as I do.

Corey smirked. Literally. Somebody's feeling punny today.

Lux let out a breath she didn't realize she was keeping, happy to have the tension broken somewhat. I walked into that. She jabs a thumb back at the camera. You wanna take a shot? It's been a while.

Corey scratches the back of his head. Eh, you go ahead. Maybe I'll pick up the next one. Oh, and I need to take the wheel tonight. I'm hanging out with Rox.

Lux digs her toes further into the sand and and looks down at them. The silence screams, and Corey leaps on it. What?

Nothing. It's fine. Have fun tonight.

You sure? His tone is only mildly accusatory.

Lux nods and brings her gaze to bear on Corey's expectant face. Yeah. You've had a rough few weeks. It would do you some good. Just be careful, alright? Lux immediately despised how motherly it sounded, but the words were already hung out to dry between them. Thankfully, Corey didn't seem to note it.

Thanks. I'm gonna go rest up. I'll catch you later, ok?

Ok.

Corey vanished back inside their collective consciousness, leaving Lux alone once more. The shot swings about to face her now.

What a lucky girl I am. First James Raven and now the vaunted Dr. Louis DeVille himself. To what do I owe this honor? The tone in her voice seems to seesaw between playing it straight and playfulness. You know Doctor, I asked for you some months back. You and James both. It seems management is just now coming around to giving me what I wanted. I'm glad. Truly. You're the next stop in my quest to truly test my mettle.

I'm going to start out by addressing the elephant in the room that is my last match, however. I faltered against Raven and Robert Main. Some might say my only sin was in being a second too late to help my partner, but that would imply that I bear less responsibility for not getting it done. In fact, I bear MORE responsibility for that loss. Centurion was already in a tough place, facing off against two of his best friends. He was behind the 8 ball even before the opening bell, so it was my responsibility to support him, to be there for him. And in that I failed.

She goes quiet for a moment before resuming.

But that was then, eh? You're a whole different monster. She places an unusual emphasis on the word “monster”.Some would be quick to dismiss you as smoke and mirrors, but I've seen what goes bump in the night. The closet monster is real and he is hungry. So I believe you are what you appear to be...something more than man. But what precisely you are, I don't know. And that's one of the reasons I called you out all those months ago. You see, this isn't just a match for me. It's a threat assessment.

Her expression cools as she looks directly into the camera.

Now I don't know how much you know about me per se. I'm inclined to think you did your homework. But I'm no stranger to facing evil with a capital “E”. And while I have never encountered you here or in the future, I'd be remiss in overlooking the potential role you could play in civilized society tearing itself to pieces.

However, I can take some solace in the fact that while you may not be human, you ARE fallible. Quid quo pro Doctor, I addressed my elephant. Are you willing to address yours? What have you been doing since The Kings fell by the wayside? Not much, it would seem. And while I'm not naïve enough to assume you haven't been lurking in the shadows all this time, the fact is that those few times you've decided to step into the light have been...less than impressive. Lux shrugs. What's the deal? You're strong enough to take this place by the throat anytime you want. So I'm guessing you just stopped caring. Has the XWF slipped beneath your notice? Would the great Doc DeVille prefer to get his jollies now by drawing up Faustian Pacts with desperate men? I think I saw you in a couple GREAT Twilight Zone episodes. Lux smirks.

Hmmmm....or maybe you just haven't had a sufficiently baited hook? I understand, when you've done as much as you have even the highest peaks can seem old hat. And if that's the case, I think you may struggle with me. Because I don't need a baited hook to fight. My drive's straight internal, Doctor. My pilot light never extinguishes. Because to me, the fight's the thing.

Sun-tzu once said “There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.” And that's more than just some fortune cookie aphorism, Doctor. It means that even when you think you've experienced it all...have you? I learn something new every time I step in that ring. Even against opponents I've soundly beaten, I learn something new about myself. I performed that kick a little faster this time than I did last time. Or I encounter a technique or a style I need to prep for better next time. Or maybe an opponent said something that got under my skin, and there's a new psychological defense I need to shore up.

My point is this. Life is a rich tapestry of struggle and experience. It's a nonstop opportunity to learn and grow and develop. And I will never, EVER grow tired of it. And that, good Doctor, is what YOU have to contend with at Relentless. An unceasing, unstopping, assimilator of experience. Relentless is about as apt a description of me as I could conceive of.

So here's what I need FROM you. I need you to find something to bring you to the dance. Because if you can't muster it up from deep down in your guts like I can, take hold of SOMETHING. Make this COUNT. Because while it'll still be instructive even if I roll you, I'd rather we make management regret not making us the main event. Savvy?

Lux's eyes sparkle with something playful and prodding. But there's an aura of quiet confidence there too. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. I look forward to you confirming you're worth my time.

Lux stops short, eyes narrowed as she looks out upon the darkening evening waters. There's a boy out in the water....

The camera operator's voice sounds out from behind the camera. What?

She points out towards the tide, and the camera follows her gesture. Do you see him? The concern mounted in her tone.

The camera displays nothing but the gentle lapping of the ocean current. I don't see anything.

Lux looks back at the camera, a lingering expression of discontent on her face. Discontent and...something else, slowly rising below the surface like water to a boil. She gets up abruptly, making her way towards the water and leaving little upswells of sand in the wake of her hurried footsteps. The camera follows her towards the beach's edge. Abruptly, she stops, and her eyes narrow again. Her lips part, the bottom lip starting to tremble ever so slightly. A thin croak escapes the back of her throat, but the exact words she speaks are stolen by the breeze. And then, she takes off at a run headed directly for the water.

Whoa....what are you doing?! The camera operator calls out, but the question goes unanswered. Lux plunges knee deep in the water, body moving with the frantic cadence of one starting to sacrifice poise at the altar of fear.

But he was there. She could see him. The thin frame of a boy dressed in black, tresses of long dark curls dancing in the wind. Improbably, he seems to be standing just on the water and has moved back from his original position. A tantalizing dream visage just perpetually out of reach. Even stranger still, he withdraws an umbrella and opes it above his head, and in so doing...he's gone.



Lux, mouth agape, body rigid with shock, slowly sinks to her knees in the water. The tide cuts to her chest, soaking her almost to her collar bone. But she scarcely seems to notice. She's never been more afraid in her life.