Posted by Lukas Unruh on July 10, 2004, 11:56 pm

Alyana Krieger and Lukas Unruh both sit within the Great room of the aforementioned Prestwich house. The lounge chair that Alyana relaxes on is adorned with a predominantly red floral pattern. The pattern itself is gaudy, but sitting in the confines of this room, it just seems to fit well. Lukas, himself, is sitting across from her, his eyes trailing within a copy of ‘Inside Kung-Fu’. The chair he resides in is of a dark mahogany and tan upholstery, which picks up on the hints of itself throughout the room. Pulling it all together, as some would say. Virginia Prestwich (formerly Harsterly) married into money, which provides her with time. As is customary in her husband’s family, she sits out of business affairs and bides her time by spending his money, bearing children (for which she hasn’t done yet), decorating and other hobbies. Her ‘hobby’ at the forefront, the one that is biding her time away from her house and guests this evening, is fundraising. More importantly, fundraising for children’s foundations; Operation Smile, New America Foundation, and UNICEF to name a few. Being a child in a destitute family growing up, she instantly felt the need to help those that needed it in whatever way she could. Having money now gave her many avenues to pursue this worthy cause. So, while she was very excited to see a good friend come to visit, it just wouldn’t be prudent for her to step away from a duty that she so boldly steps into. Thus, she leaves Alyana and the newly met Lukas to fend for themselves in the house. Alyana looks around the room at the many items of intrigue, “What do I have to do to become this lucky?” Hearing her words, Lukas glances over at her, across the heavy mahogany coffee table, and watches her awestruck investigating for a few moments before answering, “Wie fangen um Sie datierend an?” “Oh!” starts Alyana, “I didn’t even realize I was thinking aloud. And, you’re telling me that I should start dating? That’s the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, isn’t it?” Giving a smirk, Lukas shrugs and moves his eyes back down to his read of interest. “My reason is that there’s no time. I’m trying to build my rep as a rep and get my company off of the ground while at the same time trying to help you to excel in this business of wrestling. Those are two relationships right there, in thinking. A third, and albeit more personal, relationship just isn’t in the cards for me. At this time.” She gets up from her relaxed perch and wraps her arms tightly around herself. The fire located in the room’s corner hearth is giving off a fair amount of warmth, but to Alyana, a typical female in many senses of the word, it just isn’t enough. Stepping around the lounge chair, she approaches the large arched windows. Her reflection stares back at her as she watches nature cry, her face illuminated by the outside lighting and framed by the fire’s glow behind her. The rain outside falls steadily, creating small shockwaves in the ever growing puddles on the circular drive and walk in-front of the house. Shockwave really has come to Manchester, hasn’t it? Not only IWA, but mother nature herself however small. The eyes in the mirrored face show a bit of concern. As Lukas looks up from his magazine, he notices she isn’t in her spot anymore. The search isn’t a grand one, however, as he looks slightly up and to the right to find her standing before the window’s reflective panes. Panes that show her own pain. He places the issue of ‘Inside Kung-Fu’ down and rises to his feet, and moves closer to the fireplace, though taking time to express his concern, “Was ist falsch?” “Is it that obvious?“ Alyana’s reflected eyes move away from the scene outside and follow across to land on Unruh, who stands looking worried upon her. His reply comes quick enough. “Ja.” “Since it’s no use in attempting to persuade you that nothing is wrong, I won’t.” Her words are laden with wonderment and self-doubt. Much like Unruh has been experiencing in the past few weeks. She takes a deep breath and continues on. “I just can’t help but question the fact that I may not be doing enough for you and the advancement of your career. I know that our business relationship is new, for the both of us, and that this career of yours itself is only, what?, months old? But, as a long time friend, Lukas, I need you to answer one thing.” “Gehen Sie voraus.” She turns around to face him and, as per his request, hits him with the question. “Am I doing enough for you, Lukas? Am I doing my job?” Lukas, although not physically taken aback, he’s a bit stunned. Did she just ask him if SHE’S doing enough? The answer rolls off his tongue easy enough. “Ja.” Any questioning of her personal intentions, at that point, were now thrown out the window. The answer seemed so clear. Of course she would be using Lukas’ successes to maneuver herself up whatever corporate ladder she decided to climb after this. Whether it be in her own company, or another established entity that offered her enough to close those doors, it would be because of the fact that she helped build this star into what he was or is, timeframe withstanding. She’s put in the man, or obviously in her case, woman hours. Contacting companies and individuals who have shown a vested interest in the Lukas Unruh presence. Gameness was brought in by her, and remained after the change of venued interest because of her words. Weider, Inc. is in talks for him to begin pushing their own supplement products. Her persistence, not his. Even Tsuyama Seikukajo Co., a Japanese company that produces furniture, certainly unrelated to his field of expertise, has inked a deal for him to appear in some network commercialism. Another effort by Alyana’s legwork and the recent trip to Japan. They need a hotel reservation or other form of lodging, she provides. Transportation? All in her hands. The proper diet for Lukas to maintain his physique to it’s optimum condition and all the while be able to do it on a traveler’s schedule? Alyana’s specifications ordered specifically to the cook or chef. Financial stability for the future in whatever Unruh decides to pursue it as? A simple investment plan that will yield at least a comfortable living if it didn’t work out. She’s been there. Alyana’s been there for him. What’s he given in return? Questions, though not posed to her. Instead, they worked their way into his confidence. They clawed and scratched into his game plans. Those questions have derailed the train that Alyana had put in motion. They’ve derailed his ascension to whatever level he will accomplish in this federation or others. Because, despite his current record, he was once aware that there were great things in store for him. That questioning stopped that momentum. That and a little interference. Danny Argus. The very reason he started this O’fer run. Though, not without some form of provocation. Much like Herman’s insertion of himself in business that wasn’t his, Lukas inserted himself into his stable-mates business. At least he had a reason to do so. Argus, then filled with full intent for revenge, decided to insert himself firmly into Unruh’s very history. A swift attack left a previously dominating start, become a train wreck. Remember that talk of derailing. This was it. Loss number one, and to two of the worst competitors IWA could offer. Lethal Edge and JustSid KrugerSan. The Ruff Ryderz. Lukas couldn’t really blame Argus’ actions. He’d do the same being put in that situation. But, he couldn’t stop it from continuing to affect him into his next match. Slava and himself, Red Axis versus The Dominators. His head wasn’t into it. His focus wasn‘t focused. The mistakes and inexperience were there, as they will be for some time, but without the others mentioned, overcoming becomes harder. Near impossible. So loss number two came, and has since gone. At this moment, it no longer matters. Things, in the matter of minutes, have fallen into place. Lukas now knows that he must do something to repay Alayan’s hard work towards his career, and her own. He’s got to win. “You’ve done more than enough for me.” English, encrusted with a slight German thickness, comes from the lips of one Lukas Unruh. It is I who haven’t done enough for you.” “You don’t need to d-” Her response is cut off by Lukas’ interrupting. “You came to me, wanting to manage my career. I’ve yet to win, but that’s not because of you. Once that bell sounds, I need to take care of that part of our deal.” “Yes, but thin-” Again and interruption. “No. No buts. It’s time for us to hear our calling. You as a rep a career builder. Me, I need to be the dominating force that everyone in those different arenas believed me to be. From here out, there needs to be a change, and, that change ” Lukas pauses as he looks into Alyana’s tired eyes. “ is me.” Traveling, in all the years he’s known her, has never been her penchant. She loves to travel, or rather, see the sights and people of the places she travels to. The trip itself, however, usually takes it’s toll on her for that first day. “You look tired, Alyana. Why not head on up to bed and get some rest.” “Yes,” she says as she lets out a yawn and a quick stretch, “Some shuteye would do me good before tomorrow’s match.” She heads to the open doorway and trails her fingers along the heavy wood, before stopping halfway beyond the door. Alyana looks back to Lukas with a smile. “Goodnight, Lukas.” continued...