Vega always had an affinity for the theatrical. He enjoyed elaborate camera framing and set-pieces. The camera lagged on a black screen before opening up on a surprisingly candid and simple shot of Vega sitting on a park bench. It was dark, implied to be midnight as the city lamp posts were the only sources of luminescence besides the camera's light fixtures to illuminate the shot. The clock tower in a distance let out its final bell toll before Vega began to speak to the camera. Even in the dark, he wore his sunglasses.

"So it looks like you're, besides a smart-ass tryhard, a hypocrite as well. Talking about how little you care for metaphorical speech when you relate everything to sports and cinema. Newsflash, little man: that shit gets old real quick. And by the way: this isn't a movie, this is a fight god damn it!

I'm aware that you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder, being a champion and all- Oops, sorry - EX-Champion. You think I'm dumb enough to not study your matches while you sit there and call me out? I've scouted you heavy because I have a new objective.

I will stop you from getting another shot at that title at ANY cost!"

Vega hunched over, moving just a bit closer.

"Even if I lose, I will render you unable to continue. I mean, I already had plans on breaking you into pieces come Savage, but you're just one big pain in the ass. I'll give it to you: you know how to push my buttons... but for someone who wants to give himself a blowjob over how much smarter he claims to be than me, that's a very stupid mistake. Cause now, I don't give a damn about making a statement. The opportunity to be champion is cool and all, but there's one reason, only one reason I'm going to go extra hard on you this Saturday..."

Vega removed his sunglasses before slumping back onto the bench, leaning his arm over the top of it. He pointed at the camera, his haunting white eyes capturing the light from the fixtures fully.



"You pissed me off, Nixon... You pissed me off and that's what's going to make a difference come Saturday. You may think you've won some kind of mind-game, but you're not gonna be having any fun. I'm not just going to beat you at it, I'm going to flip the god damn table over!

I HURT PEOPLE and you bet your ass I won't perform worse because you've upset me! Oh no... I'm going to be that much more adamant about destroying your body and maybe admitting you to Parkland Memorial Hospital. You've got such a hard-on for the place, how about I put aside my anger and give you the VIP experience?!"

Vega's pointing finger droops back down to his lap before he gives a sigh and eerie chuckle. He puts his sunglasses on once more before leaning closer to the camera.

"I'm not a master of words, but I am indeed an artist. My art is what I can do with another person's body. After all, the ring is called 'canvas' for a reason, isn't it? Thomas Nixon... In addition to the honor of being my second victim as well as a stepping stone to the achievement of a legendary era of death and destruction right here in the XWF, you'll be my one, true masterpiece. Isn't... that... exciting?.."

Vega began to laugh harsh, heaving cackles. He doubled over with his hands gripping his head tightly, the laugh refusing to dissipate. He kept his head down as the laugh slowly waned.

"Nixon, I'm going to make you regret everything you've said to me. I'll make you into my greatest work of art and that is an act of kindness despite the absolute abhorrence you have earned from me. "

Vega returned his gaze to the camera, sunglasses removed once more to reveal the chilling white stare.

"I won't let you slip, I will have you in a firm grasp from bell to fucking bell, you hear? And I swear to all the powers that brought me you as my next victim. I will BREAK your body, every single bit of it - EVERY SINGLE BIT EXCEPT FOR ONE:

Your... tongue...

I'll leave your tongue intact... that way... you can

Beg

For

Mercy."

Vega gave one last smug chuckle before slumping back against the bench. The camera's view ascended to the starry sky before fading to black using the dark night sky as a makeshift transition.