Post by featherman on Oct 31, 2022 15:06:52 GMT -5
“Ladies and Gentlemen the next stop is approximately five minutes away.”
Drakes “Luxury” coach journey was finally coming to an end. The ticket had cost him $185 and he regretted every penny of it. The journey had lasted nearly twelve hours, it was already three hours over the estimated time. Hours of stationary traffic, kids crying, the back of his seat being constantly kicked and at over seven feet tall him being cramped into his seat with no legroom was far from his idea of “Luxury”. Normally Drake would have kicked off. A fight would quickly ensue and Drake would undoubtedly get a lecture from Isaac. Today though was more important than fighting.
He was eager to end the journey as quickly as he could. In anticipation of being able to escape his motorised prison. Drake He stood up on the coach, albeit crouching down slightly to avoid his head hitting the ceiling. Drake opened the luggage locker above his seat and pulled out his bag, Hitting the unsuspecting grey haired man sitting in the nearby seat.
“Oh I am sorry.” Drake said sarcastically.
“It’s ok.” The man replied as he looked down again at his paper.
Drake looked around and smiled. He threw the bag over his right shoulder. This time clubbing a young lady in the face.
“Ah Damn. I’m so clumsy! Sorry!” Drake continued
“It…it’s fine.” The young lady replied
Serves her right. Should have shut her damned brat up. Drake thought. Smiling to himself.
The natural sway of the corner nearly knocked the monster from his feet as the bus rolled to a stop. Composing himself the monster began to walk towards the exit. His frame not best suited to the aisle. Drake though began the March towards freedom. He didn’t care about knocking into everyone on the way.
He stepped off the coach and dropped the bag he was carrying. The sun was shining. Drake pulled his sunglasses off his shirt collar and smiled. He then rifled through his pockets eventually producing a battered old card his father David Wilcox had given him on their last encounter. Drake inspected it for a while, double checking the faded address. It was hard to read so he lifted the glasses for a moment. He looked up at the building in-front of him.
Same address. Well you’re here now Drake. What have you got to lose huh? Drakes inner doubts being put to rest.
Drake picked up the bag and marched across the road.
———————————————————————
The auditorium was full of fans and media. Each having their own private conversations in anticipation of the press conference being held by Level Up. The upcoming PPV event, Tri-Force Heroes had built up an impressive card. It was the final PPV event before the year ending show Final Fantasy. Many of the superstars saw it as the last chance to cement their match on the biggest show of the year. The fans and the media knew this was going to be a massive show.
Abi Garcia was well into her second year working for Level Up. She was an assistant in talent relations. Her role was to plan itineraries and deal with low level issues for the wrestlers she had been assigned. For Abi things weren’t easy at work, her superstars initially were the Faction but since James had been gone for nearly a year she was primarily in charge of Drake and Isaac. Those two had constantly been a problem for her. Especially Drake, who loves a fight. She had begun to feel that she should have just become an attorney rather. This was due to the amount of work she was constantly having to put in to keep Drake out of trouble. Today was slightly different, Ok sure Drake would be involved but she had been asked to begin the presser. She stood with her clipboard at the front of the room, between the crowd and the tables with all the advertising and microphones on.
“Ok erm….guys. Guys! Can I have a bit of quiet please?” No one in the crowd acknowledged her.
Would help if I switched my damn microphone on!
“Ok…ok…. Quiet please! Quiet! Hi all! Welcome to todays presser event! On behalf of myself and the company Thank you for being here!”
Small sporadic pockets of clapping came from the crowd.
“So errr this is how it’ll work today. I’ll introduce a superstar they’ll come and sit down. Talk a bit. Answer some questions and then we’ll move onto the next.”
The crowd barely responded to her. This wasn’t going well for Abi.
Behind the curtain separating the media table from the backstage area stood Isaac and Drake. Both were scheduled to appear. Drake peeking through the curtain at the fumbling wreck Abi.
Isaac : “Drake! Looking good man! You been back in the gym?”
Drake chuckled : “I have. All about the preparation for the upcoming match. Vaughn will pay for his exploits at the last EXP.” Drake punched his right hand into his left palm. His muscles tense. Isaac was impressed at the amount of work the giant had seemingly put into his preparation. The two friends had barely seen each other in close to a fortnight.
Isaac : “Any idea when you’re on?”
Drake : “Apparently first. IF she ever gets around to announcing it.” Nodding in be direction he was looking.
Isaac : “It’s her first time doing this.”
Drake : “Might be her last”
Drake and Isaac shared a short chuckle.
Isaac : “Any ideas on what you going to say?”
Drake : “Vaguely, I’ll play it by ear. See how these questions go. I hate these things.”
Isaac : “Don’t we all.”
The mumbling in the background that was Abi became clearer as the two monsters listened in to what was being said
Abi : “Ok so without further ado ladies and gentlemen. A monster that requires no introduction! Drake Wilcox!”
Drake : “Here we go”
Isaac patted his friend on the back as Drake made his way out.
Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix began to play over the tannoy as the monster emerged from behind the curtain.
There was a moderate response from the crowd, Drake had never really built a good rapport with the Level Up universe but he didn’t care.
The giant almost threw himself into the chair that had been set up for him. Silence befell the auditorium. Drake picked up the microphone and waited.
Reporter one : “Hello Drake! Good to see you!”
Drake : “Sure.” Drake couldn’t have shown less enthusiasm if he tried.
The Reporter continued : “If you win your next match you will earn a shot at the Wisdom title! Not the title scene that I’d personally have pitched you in or around, will you be adapting your style to compete for this title?”
Drake : “Do you mean the technical wrestling aspect of the Wisdom title? You think I’m not capable of being involved in this title mix?”
Reporter : “Yes. I mean no. Y-Y-You’re more of a smash and grab guy th-that’s all I meant.”
Drake held the microphone up to his mouth and paused for a moment to consider his answer : “Well firstly.” He paused again. “Let me say it’s an honour to even be considered as someone who could win this title. It’s a title with a strong history in Level Up and I’d love nothing more than to claim my first ever title in professional wrestling” Drake took a sip of water from the glass in-front of him “But let’s not forget two things. First” Drake held up his index finger “Let’s not forget where I was trained. The Dungeon. Where I honed my skills. Just because I am the size I am doesn’t mean I’m a one trick pony. It doesn’t mean I can’t put on a technical masterclass. Two” Drake put up his second finger “I have a long way to go. My main focus and my ONLY focus at Tri-Force is Peter Vaughn.”
The clicks of a couple of cameras breaks the silence until another reporter stepped forward.
Reporter 2 : “Drake, will you be watching the Tri-force match?”
Drake : “Of course. It’s a great match and one I aspire to be in sometime in the future.”
Reporter 2 continued : “Drake you’re very calm and collected this evening. You have a reputation of flying off the handle. Is this new approach apart of your preparation?”
Drake : “Don’t push me.” A little chuckle murmured around the auditorium.
A Fan screamed from the crowd : “Hey Drake I’ve got $100 Vaughn kicks your ass!”
Drakes chuckle quickly disappeared. His face stern. He put the microphone down and took another sip of water.
Reporter 3 : “Your recent record hasn’t been the greatest. Especially when you’re with Isaac or the other Game Changers. Is this singles run a new direction for you?”
Drake : “The Game Changers are as strong as ever. We run the joint! No one dares to cross us and I’ll take any match as it comes. Doesn’t matter who, when or where. Partner, no partner it makes no difference.”
A small group of fans wearing Larry Tact T-Shirts began to chant “GC rules” over and over. Drake smirked at them “Settle down boys!”
The press had finished their questions. It was now time for a brief fans forum. Stepping forward was a small fan. Drake couldn’t tell how old he was. Although Drake knew he wasn’t a kid.
Fan : “Drake, Over the last few weeks we’ve seen you embroiled in a battle with Peter Vaughn. Last week Vaughn and the Custodians made you look like a punk bitch. My questions this…when will you and the other bitches in the GC give it up? You’re a joke Drake. No one here even cares about a one dimensional gimmick. You’re pathetic Drake and I speak for all the fans. You, especially Drake. You and the GC should just pack up and leave.”
Drake glared at the young man. The rage had begun to build.
“One dimensional huh?” Drake muttered into the microphone.
“Damn right! If it wasn’t for your size, Tact ,
Isaac and EAB carrying you you’d be gone. Future endeavoured. You’ve not done anything in LU! You got nothing. Damn your only major storyline and You got pit back in a box by Vaughn like the bitch you are! Your static and boring Drake!”
Drake stood up and began to walk away. The crowd began to clap and cheer. He got halfway to the exit and stopped.
The monster looked down to his hand. He had forgotten to leave the microphone. He raised it to his mouth and turned to face the fan.
“You listen here you little shit.” The crowd snapped into silence. “You say what you want. You think what you want. Why don’t you look right here” Drake pointed the index and middle fingers of this right hand towards his eyes. “RIGHT HERE. Do you see one dimension behind these eyes? Or do you see passion and rage?”
The fan began to back away from his microphone.
“DON’T you go anywhere you little shit! Seems you’re Vaughan biggest fan I got a message for both him and you!” Drake continued.
“Less than a month ago I powerbombed Vaughn through a table that was on fire. I put him through hell with no hesitation or remorse. The only retaliation you’ve had is a series of childish pranks and sneak attacks. The advantage you gained at the last EXP is over now because I know how you fight. Sneak attacks and petty moves, Whereas I ran through Vaughn head on! You should have learned your lesson PETER! I am the true monster of Level Up. I’M the man who dismantled the Faction. I’m the man who destroyed his own brother to get ahead. I’m the monster who wont stop. Come November first I am going to set aside the one dimensional character you’ve described so well and I’m going drag Vaughn into the depths of hell.”
Drake threw the microphone at the fan. It catching him clean in the chest and forcing him to take a few steps back.
Drake then began pointing at the Tri-Force PPV sign and laughing to the crowd
———————————————————————
Drake walked through the entrance of the building he had just arrived outside of. The inside was clean, modern and well kept. A marked difference to the outside which was dilapidated at best.
“Welcome Drake. We have been expecting you.” The blonde woman at the reception said the moment the monster walked through the front door.
“I’m sorry…expecting me?” Drake
“Yes. A Mr D Wilcox booked you in? I assume that’s you?” She replied
“My father. Wait wait how long have I been booked here for? And booked for what?” Drake confusedly said
“Oh you were due to arrive about two months ago. It’s a standing reservation Mr Wilcox. It’s booked for as long as it’s paid for. You’re here for the full works. Please take a seat.” The woman gestured to a set of white seats to her right.
Before Drake could even sit down a balding red head man burst through the double doors and grabbed Drakes hand giving him a firm handshake “Ah Drake! Welcome welcome! Your father has told me so much about you!”
Drake : “Only the bad parts I hope.”
Man : “We’ll see won’t we. We are here to work on the finer points. Please come with me.”
Drake : “Where are we going?”
Man : “To begin your training.”
Drakes “Luxury” coach journey was finally coming to an end. The ticket had cost him $185 and he regretted every penny of it. The journey had lasted nearly twelve hours, it was already three hours over the estimated time. Hours of stationary traffic, kids crying, the back of his seat being constantly kicked and at over seven feet tall him being cramped into his seat with no legroom was far from his idea of “Luxury”. Normally Drake would have kicked off. A fight would quickly ensue and Drake would undoubtedly get a lecture from Isaac. Today though was more important than fighting.
He was eager to end the journey as quickly as he could. In anticipation of being able to escape his motorised prison. Drake He stood up on the coach, albeit crouching down slightly to avoid his head hitting the ceiling. Drake opened the luggage locker above his seat and pulled out his bag, Hitting the unsuspecting grey haired man sitting in the nearby seat.
“Oh I am sorry.” Drake said sarcastically.
“It’s ok.” The man replied as he looked down again at his paper.
Drake looked around and smiled. He threw the bag over his right shoulder. This time clubbing a young lady in the face.
“Ah Damn. I’m so clumsy! Sorry!” Drake continued
“It…it’s fine.” The young lady replied
Serves her right. Should have shut her damned brat up. Drake thought. Smiling to himself.
The natural sway of the corner nearly knocked the monster from his feet as the bus rolled to a stop. Composing himself the monster began to walk towards the exit. His frame not best suited to the aisle. Drake though began the March towards freedom. He didn’t care about knocking into everyone on the way.
He stepped off the coach and dropped the bag he was carrying. The sun was shining. Drake pulled his sunglasses off his shirt collar and smiled. He then rifled through his pockets eventually producing a battered old card his father David Wilcox had given him on their last encounter. Drake inspected it for a while, double checking the faded address. It was hard to read so he lifted the glasses for a moment. He looked up at the building in-front of him.
Same address. Well you’re here now Drake. What have you got to lose huh? Drakes inner doubts being put to rest.
Drake picked up the bag and marched across the road.
———————————————————————
The auditorium was full of fans and media. Each having their own private conversations in anticipation of the press conference being held by Level Up. The upcoming PPV event, Tri-Force Heroes had built up an impressive card. It was the final PPV event before the year ending show Final Fantasy. Many of the superstars saw it as the last chance to cement their match on the biggest show of the year. The fans and the media knew this was going to be a massive show.
Abi Garcia was well into her second year working for Level Up. She was an assistant in talent relations. Her role was to plan itineraries and deal with low level issues for the wrestlers she had been assigned. For Abi things weren’t easy at work, her superstars initially were the Faction but since James had been gone for nearly a year she was primarily in charge of Drake and Isaac. Those two had constantly been a problem for her. Especially Drake, who loves a fight. She had begun to feel that she should have just become an attorney rather. This was due to the amount of work she was constantly having to put in to keep Drake out of trouble. Today was slightly different, Ok sure Drake would be involved but she had been asked to begin the presser. She stood with her clipboard at the front of the room, between the crowd and the tables with all the advertising and microphones on.
“Ok erm….guys. Guys! Can I have a bit of quiet please?” No one in the crowd acknowledged her.
Would help if I switched my damn microphone on!
“Ok…ok…. Quiet please! Quiet! Hi all! Welcome to todays presser event! On behalf of myself and the company Thank you for being here!”
Small sporadic pockets of clapping came from the crowd.
“So errr this is how it’ll work today. I’ll introduce a superstar they’ll come and sit down. Talk a bit. Answer some questions and then we’ll move onto the next.”
The crowd barely responded to her. This wasn’t going well for Abi.
Behind the curtain separating the media table from the backstage area stood Isaac and Drake. Both were scheduled to appear. Drake peeking through the curtain at the fumbling wreck Abi.
Isaac : “Drake! Looking good man! You been back in the gym?”
Drake chuckled : “I have. All about the preparation for the upcoming match. Vaughn will pay for his exploits at the last EXP.” Drake punched his right hand into his left palm. His muscles tense. Isaac was impressed at the amount of work the giant had seemingly put into his preparation. The two friends had barely seen each other in close to a fortnight.
Isaac : “Any idea when you’re on?”
Drake : “Apparently first. IF she ever gets around to announcing it.” Nodding in be direction he was looking.
Isaac : “It’s her first time doing this.”
Drake : “Might be her last”
Drake and Isaac shared a short chuckle.
Isaac : “Any ideas on what you going to say?”
Drake : “Vaguely, I’ll play it by ear. See how these questions go. I hate these things.”
Isaac : “Don’t we all.”
The mumbling in the background that was Abi became clearer as the two monsters listened in to what was being said
Abi : “Ok so without further ado ladies and gentlemen. A monster that requires no introduction! Drake Wilcox!”
Drake : “Here we go”
Isaac patted his friend on the back as Drake made his way out.
Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix began to play over the tannoy as the monster emerged from behind the curtain.
There was a moderate response from the crowd, Drake had never really built a good rapport with the Level Up universe but he didn’t care.
The giant almost threw himself into the chair that had been set up for him. Silence befell the auditorium. Drake picked up the microphone and waited.
Reporter one : “Hello Drake! Good to see you!”
Drake : “Sure.” Drake couldn’t have shown less enthusiasm if he tried.
The Reporter continued : “If you win your next match you will earn a shot at the Wisdom title! Not the title scene that I’d personally have pitched you in or around, will you be adapting your style to compete for this title?”
Drake : “Do you mean the technical wrestling aspect of the Wisdom title? You think I’m not capable of being involved in this title mix?”
Reporter : “Yes. I mean no. Y-Y-You’re more of a smash and grab guy th-that’s all I meant.”
Drake held the microphone up to his mouth and paused for a moment to consider his answer : “Well firstly.” He paused again. “Let me say it’s an honour to even be considered as someone who could win this title. It’s a title with a strong history in Level Up and I’d love nothing more than to claim my first ever title in professional wrestling” Drake took a sip of water from the glass in-front of him “But let’s not forget two things. First” Drake held up his index finger “Let’s not forget where I was trained. The Dungeon. Where I honed my skills. Just because I am the size I am doesn’t mean I’m a one trick pony. It doesn’t mean I can’t put on a technical masterclass. Two” Drake put up his second finger “I have a long way to go. My main focus and my ONLY focus at Tri-Force is Peter Vaughn.”
The clicks of a couple of cameras breaks the silence until another reporter stepped forward.
Reporter 2 : “Drake, will you be watching the Tri-force match?”
Drake : “Of course. It’s a great match and one I aspire to be in sometime in the future.”
Reporter 2 continued : “Drake you’re very calm and collected this evening. You have a reputation of flying off the handle. Is this new approach apart of your preparation?”
Drake : “Don’t push me.” A little chuckle murmured around the auditorium.
A Fan screamed from the crowd : “Hey Drake I’ve got $100 Vaughn kicks your ass!”
Drakes chuckle quickly disappeared. His face stern. He put the microphone down and took another sip of water.
Reporter 3 : “Your recent record hasn’t been the greatest. Especially when you’re with Isaac or the other Game Changers. Is this singles run a new direction for you?”
Drake : “The Game Changers are as strong as ever. We run the joint! No one dares to cross us and I’ll take any match as it comes. Doesn’t matter who, when or where. Partner, no partner it makes no difference.”
A small group of fans wearing Larry Tact T-Shirts began to chant “GC rules” over and over. Drake smirked at them “Settle down boys!”
The press had finished their questions. It was now time for a brief fans forum. Stepping forward was a small fan. Drake couldn’t tell how old he was. Although Drake knew he wasn’t a kid.
Fan : “Drake, Over the last few weeks we’ve seen you embroiled in a battle with Peter Vaughn. Last week Vaughn and the Custodians made you look like a punk bitch. My questions this…when will you and the other bitches in the GC give it up? You’re a joke Drake. No one here even cares about a one dimensional gimmick. You’re pathetic Drake and I speak for all the fans. You, especially Drake. You and the GC should just pack up and leave.”
Drake glared at the young man. The rage had begun to build.
“One dimensional huh?” Drake muttered into the microphone.
“Damn right! If it wasn’t for your size, Tact ,
Isaac and EAB carrying you you’d be gone. Future endeavoured. You’ve not done anything in LU! You got nothing. Damn your only major storyline and You got pit back in a box by Vaughn like the bitch you are! Your static and boring Drake!”
Drake stood up and began to walk away. The crowd began to clap and cheer. He got halfway to the exit and stopped.
The monster looked down to his hand. He had forgotten to leave the microphone. He raised it to his mouth and turned to face the fan.
“You listen here you little shit.” The crowd snapped into silence. “You say what you want. You think what you want. Why don’t you look right here” Drake pointed the index and middle fingers of this right hand towards his eyes. “RIGHT HERE. Do you see one dimension behind these eyes? Or do you see passion and rage?”
The fan began to back away from his microphone.
“DON’T you go anywhere you little shit! Seems you’re Vaughan biggest fan I got a message for both him and you!” Drake continued.
“Less than a month ago I powerbombed Vaughn through a table that was on fire. I put him through hell with no hesitation or remorse. The only retaliation you’ve had is a series of childish pranks and sneak attacks. The advantage you gained at the last EXP is over now because I know how you fight. Sneak attacks and petty moves, Whereas I ran through Vaughn head on! You should have learned your lesson PETER! I am the true monster of Level Up. I’M the man who dismantled the Faction. I’m the man who destroyed his own brother to get ahead. I’m the monster who wont stop. Come November first I am going to set aside the one dimensional character you’ve described so well and I’m going drag Vaughn into the depths of hell.”
Drake threw the microphone at the fan. It catching him clean in the chest and forcing him to take a few steps back.
Drake then began pointing at the Tri-Force PPV sign and laughing to the crowd
———————————————————————
Drake walked through the entrance of the building he had just arrived outside of. The inside was clean, modern and well kept. A marked difference to the outside which was dilapidated at best.
“Welcome Drake. We have been expecting you.” The blonde woman at the reception said the moment the monster walked through the front door.
“I’m sorry…expecting me?” Drake
“Yes. A Mr D Wilcox booked you in? I assume that’s you?” She replied
“My father. Wait wait how long have I been booked here for? And booked for what?” Drake confusedly said
“Oh you were due to arrive about two months ago. It’s a standing reservation Mr Wilcox. It’s booked for as long as it’s paid for. You’re here for the full works. Please take a seat.” The woman gestured to a set of white seats to her right.
Before Drake could even sit down a balding red head man burst through the double doors and grabbed Drakes hand giving him a firm handshake “Ah Drake! Welcome welcome! Your father has told me so much about you!”
Drake : “Only the bad parts I hope.”
Man : “We’ll see won’t we. We are here to work on the finer points. Please come with me.”
Drake : “Where are we going?”
Man : “To begin your training.”
