Post by featherman on Apr 24, 2022 16:12:18 GMT -5
Drake was laid flat on his back. He had been looking up at the ceiling for what seemed to be an eternity. Occasionally the monotony of staring blankly up was broken by the headlights of a passing vehicle illuminating the room. He had counted six of them so far.
He glanced over at the clock on the sideboard to his right. 4.17am. The last time he looked it had said 2.53am. Not quite an hour and a half had passed but it has felt like four hours.
Despite sleep evading him Drake had just had a fantastic night. He had gone for drinks with his best friend, tag team partner and fellow Game Changer - Isaac. They had decided to celebrate Isaacs first win in singles competition.
Drake had thought it impossible that the last match was Isaacs first win and it was a topic of conversation for much of the night but Isaac was adamant. It was his first singles win. To Drake It was strange to think that in over a year of active competition Isaac had never won a match as a singles competitor. Sure he had won tag matches, he’d even pinned people in gauntlet matches but Drake couldn’t fathom how this had slipped under the radar. After going back and forth about it he decided it was pointless arguing anymore with Isaac. A win was a win and it was a fantastic win for his partner.
The celebratory drinks were only slightly marred by Isaac being a little pissed at Drake. Drake didn’t really care though. He had made the decision to be there to support Isaac at ringside. It ultimately turned out to be a good decision. Drakes presence had meant the odds were evened up and Isaac got the win. It was Drakes presence at ringside and the aftermath of Isaacs encounter that had set up his upcoming match at EXP 24 vs Paul Freedom. Drake was looking forward to it.
He had in recent weeks taken a back seat as Isaac had begun to rise. During this time Drake had continued to suffer from visions and blackouts. He had naturally kept this weakness from his fellow Game Changers but Isaac knew. They had both surmised that stress was to blame.
Drake had been through the mill recently. He had instigated the destruction of the Faction. He had snapped and destroyed his brother James. The church of the Faction was burnt down in the aftermath. He had overstepped many times in the name of wrestling resulting in a ban from the Last of us gauntlet. On top of this he had also been training heavily. Drake and Isaac had made it their mission to spend more time in the gym. Both had gone through a significant body transformation. They were both always big and muscular but now they had stripped down, replacing natural body fat with solid muscle. He had never been in better shape but mentally Drake was in a bad way.
Isaacs recent success and Drakes lack of it wasn’t a big issue for Drake but it had begun to sneak into his thoughts. Drake wasn’t jealous but the splinter in his mind pressed every now and then. He knew that he had to up his level of performance. Being a Game Changer demanded it. They were the premier group in Level Up and everyone had to pull their weight. Drake had thought in the hours since EXP 23 and the booking of his next match that this was it. This was the time he stepped up and began to realise his potential.
Another car whizzed by. The light illuminating the room for a few seconds. Breaking his thoughts up for a moment. Truth be told Drake was still drunk. He knew he wasn’t at home and he knew it was time to leave. The light of the car had brought the figure laid on her front next to him into view.
What the….?!?….Shit….errrrr was her name again. Fuck. Doesn’t matter. Time to go. Drake. Quietly. Where’s my pants?
Drake sat up on his elbows and looked to his left. The woman laying on her front remained unmoved. It was difficult to make out much in the light and her awkward sleeping position made it harder for Drake to piece anything together in his mind.
He slowly slipped out from under the covers. Quickly putting his pants on. First shoe on. Second shoe…..
“You know you are terrible at sneaking out right?”
The woman who was laying on her front had woken up. She hadn’t moved when the initially spoke. Drake turned around and watched her move onto her side. Head in her right hand keeping it propped up.
Drake : “I….Ah ….I just needed a drink.” Drake stuttered. He had been completely taken by surprise.
Woman began to smile : “Sure you did hon!”
Drake stuttered : “No, no seriously I was going for a drink.”
Woman : “Ok Drake I’ll go get your drink. I’m awake now anyways! Water good?”
“Shit she knows my name”
Drake : “Yeah sure!”
The woman quickly got out of bed and threw a robe on her. She hit the light switch on the nearby wall and walked out of the room closing the door behind her. It took a moment for Drakes eyes to adjust and he began to take in his surroundings.
She KNOWS my name!
Drake decided to look around the room a bit. He had hoped to find a bank card or a drivers license or something anything with her name on. Nothing near the clock. Nothing pinned to the walls where there were photos stuck to a mirror. Nothing in the woman’s clothes. “Damn!”
“You robbing me or something?” The woman had caught Drake looking through some things.
Shit. Think Drake….
Drake : “Just…looking for my wallet.”
The Woman laughed at him and handed over a glass of water: “You’re such a terrible liar! You forgot my name didn’t you?”
Drake stood looking at her for a moment. She had red curly hair. Her skin pale. Her eyes piercing green. She stood looking back.
“Ehhh look I’m sorry!” Drake finally blurted out.
The woman laughed again “Don’t worry hon! Not the first time! But shame on you Drake!”
“You know my name?”
“Couldn’t forget it! You kept going on about how you’re the biggest on the roster! I had to try that out!” The woman chuckled again.
“Oh…I meant biggest wrestler not like…….”
The woman burst into laughter again “I know I’m just playin’ with you.”
“Erm so look I think should go you know?” Drake moving on quickly.
“Oh definitely!” The woman responded.
Drake took a drink and set the glass down next to the clock on the side board. He glanced at the pictures stuck to the mirror.
“Who’s that?” He nodded at a man in the pictures.
“That’s trouble. Trust me you don’t wanna know.” The woman’s jovial tone had instantly disappeared.
Drake pursed his lips and looked back at her. She moved closer. Drake wasn’t sure if it was an attempt to reignite the previous few hours or a light attempt to usher him out.
Drake : “is he like your Erm husband or boyfriend?”
Woman : “I told you, you don’t wanna know.”
The ensuing seconds of awkward silence afterwards seemed little get to Drake than his pointless staring at the ceiling
Woman : “Wanna call a cab?”
Drake : “it’s ok I’ll walk.”
The awkward silence continued as Drake got ready and collected his things. He was followed to the door by the woman who opened it and stepped back.
Drake turned to talk to her again. “I don’t know but I think you know maybe I’d like to see you again.”
The woman smiled at him “Sure! Id like that! Coffee next time Ah! Real coffee!”
Drake : “Sure sound good errrr……” The name still hadn’t come to him.
“Erin.” The woman replied.
“Right! Erin! Yeah! I’ll catch you soon?” Drake replied.
“Sure thing! Goodnight!” Erin closed the door and the giant stood on the stoop looking out at the street.
———————————————————————
“Drake cmon man!” The voice had shouted from downstairs. Drake had finally gotten into bed at 6.30am. It was now 10am, he was tired and hungover but he knew he had to be up.
Today he was going to see someone about his blackouts. Isaac had offered to drive him. He knew the importance of today. He had been keeping these blackouts from Tact and the other Game Changers and he knew it was a matter of time before everyone found out. He may be seen at the weakest member of the group. Perhaps too weak to stay in the group? Drake knew he had to get this sorted and simultaneously put in a string performance at exp 24.
Paul Freedom was not someone Drake was too familiar with. He’d, to his recollection never stepped into a ring with him. He had no beef with him. That was until the guy started swinging a chair around the ring. Drakes back was still throbbing from the chair shot Freedom had delivered. In the aftermath of EXP 23 Drakes sole focus had been centred around retribution. He didn’t quite yet know what he planned to do but lots of his time was spent on building painful scenarios on his head.
The car journey was going to last around two hours. Drake saw this as a good chance to speak to Isaac about the match with centurion.
Isaac : “Look man I said I didn’t want you to interfere.”
Drake : “I know. I was there to support you brother. Glad I was there too.”
Isaac : “True! A wins a win!”
Drake : “What’s the plan then? You know going forward?”
Isaac : “I want gold man. I don’t care what anyone says we weren’t pinned in the multiplayer triple threat match. We are the only ones to not hold gold in GC bro. I want to win the titles with you. Failing that, I’ll flatten anyone they put infront of me.”
Drake : “Sounds like a plan brother. I know I haven’t been pulling my weight recently.”
Isaac : “You’ve won matches. God damn man tact trusts you! Challenged for gold less than a month ago you’re doing good.”
Drake : “If I can sort this out.” Drake tapped his right temple.
———————————————————————
The office of the Doctor was on the 39th floor. To get there Drake needed to go up to 25 and then across the corridor and up again.
The building was very modern. Large amounts of glass, shiny metal and well polished floors.
Walking into the reception of the office Drake was immediately reminded of the first time he had met Gina. It was during a therapy session he had to attend when James was mandated to attend them. Gina was the stunning long legged receptionist working that day. He got her number and things went well. That was until James made him choke slam her off the stage and through a few boxes of equipment.
Drake sat down in the chair as the doctor entered the room.
Doctor : “Mr D. Wilcox right?”
Drake : “Yes”
Doctor : “D Wilcox…..” The Doctor paused for a moment looking at Drake and then through the notes again.
Drake : “Problem Doctor?”
“No no momentarily confused. I’m Dr Llambias good to meet you!” He held out his hand and shook Drakes.
“Tell me what’s the problem then.” The Doctor continued
Drake, slumped in the chair began to explain all of the issues he had been experiencing. How he had blackouts. Visions of the demons. Headaches. Uncontrolled rage.
The Doctor sat and listened intently.
Doctor : “Mr. Wilcox. I can’t lie to you. We certainly need to investigate these blackouts. As for the hallucinations and rage I’m…..afraid it’s out of my expertise. We need to refer you to a colleague of mine. I don’t think we have anything serious here but I want you to take this medication. It’ll relax you.” The Doctor handed over a prescription.
“Oh and take this. Read it on the way home.” The Doctor handed over a second piece of paper.
Drake took the paper and looked down at it.
Doctor : “Mr Wilcox I’ll get my office to arrange the appointments. Is that okay?”
Drake : “I’ve wasted my time here.”
Doctor : “Not at all it’s a process Mr Wilcox you’re here for help and this is the first step.”
Drake stood up and looked at the Doctor. He held the pieces of paper up slightly sighed and walked out.
Drake looked to Isaac : “Waste of fucking time.”
Isaac looked down : “Damn.” He opened the drivers side door and got in.
“You Fucking Bastard!”
A man wielding a baseball bat appeared from out of nowhere and slugged Drake across the back, knocking him down to his knees.
“You slept with her!”
Drake telegraphed the second swing and caught it in his right hand. He began to struggle to his feet as the man tussled to free the bat.
Drake instantly recognised the man. He was from the photos he saw the night before at Erin’s home.
Drake : “Look man i don’t remember what happened last night. She told me to not worry.”
The man tried to pull the bat away again. “I don’t give a shit. I’m going to cave your head in.”
Drake : “Just stop. I don’t want to hurt you.” In that instant Drake snapped. He stood up and towered over the man. Wrenching the bat from the man Drake snapped it clean over his knee. The man in terror backed away but it was too late. He was easily inside Drakes enormous reach. Drake ended the conflict swiftly. Once punch. Down. Two teeth laid beside him.
Drake calmly turned around and got into the car.
Isaac : “All ok?”
Drake : “Perfect. Let’s go.”
Isaac : “Where?”
Drake held out the second piece of paper the Doctor gave him and pointed at the handwritten note
“Here.”
———————————————————————
Abi Garcia was a member of the talent relations team. To some people she was the unfortunate member of staff who had to look after the Faction when they first arrived at Level Up. Abi saw that role differently. A challenge.
In the year or so she had looked after them she had seen many things involving Drake and Isaac. Things had honestly calmed down a little over the last few months but the sight of a police officer arriving In the office wasn’t a surprise.
Officer : “I’m here to speak to a Drake Wilcox.”
Abi : “Mr Wilcox is on his way. Officer. You can sit down over there.” She pointed at a chair in the corner.
Drake strolled in. The officer stood up and assessed the giant.
Officer : “Mr. Wilcox I need to speak to you in private.”
Drake : “Oh?”
Abi : “Is he in trouble? Will he be able to fulfil his match?”
Officer : “I’m not arresting him if that’s what you’re asking?”
Abi : “It was. So he can wrestle tonight?”
Officer : “Yes I would think so.”
Drake : “Well then we’d better go and chat. Abi. Make sure the EMTs are around. Freedom is going to need them.”
Drake cracked his knuckles and walked out. The officer quickly following…….
He glanced over at the clock on the sideboard to his right. 4.17am. The last time he looked it had said 2.53am. Not quite an hour and a half had passed but it has felt like four hours.
Despite sleep evading him Drake had just had a fantastic night. He had gone for drinks with his best friend, tag team partner and fellow Game Changer - Isaac. They had decided to celebrate Isaacs first win in singles competition.
Drake had thought it impossible that the last match was Isaacs first win and it was a topic of conversation for much of the night but Isaac was adamant. It was his first singles win. To Drake It was strange to think that in over a year of active competition Isaac had never won a match as a singles competitor. Sure he had won tag matches, he’d even pinned people in gauntlet matches but Drake couldn’t fathom how this had slipped under the radar. After going back and forth about it he decided it was pointless arguing anymore with Isaac. A win was a win and it was a fantastic win for his partner.
The celebratory drinks were only slightly marred by Isaac being a little pissed at Drake. Drake didn’t really care though. He had made the decision to be there to support Isaac at ringside. It ultimately turned out to be a good decision. Drakes presence had meant the odds were evened up and Isaac got the win. It was Drakes presence at ringside and the aftermath of Isaacs encounter that had set up his upcoming match at EXP 24 vs Paul Freedom. Drake was looking forward to it.
He had in recent weeks taken a back seat as Isaac had begun to rise. During this time Drake had continued to suffer from visions and blackouts. He had naturally kept this weakness from his fellow Game Changers but Isaac knew. They had both surmised that stress was to blame.
Drake had been through the mill recently. He had instigated the destruction of the Faction. He had snapped and destroyed his brother James. The church of the Faction was burnt down in the aftermath. He had overstepped many times in the name of wrestling resulting in a ban from the Last of us gauntlet. On top of this he had also been training heavily. Drake and Isaac had made it their mission to spend more time in the gym. Both had gone through a significant body transformation. They were both always big and muscular but now they had stripped down, replacing natural body fat with solid muscle. He had never been in better shape but mentally Drake was in a bad way.
Isaacs recent success and Drakes lack of it wasn’t a big issue for Drake but it had begun to sneak into his thoughts. Drake wasn’t jealous but the splinter in his mind pressed every now and then. He knew that he had to up his level of performance. Being a Game Changer demanded it. They were the premier group in Level Up and everyone had to pull their weight. Drake had thought in the hours since EXP 23 and the booking of his next match that this was it. This was the time he stepped up and began to realise his potential.
Another car whizzed by. The light illuminating the room for a few seconds. Breaking his thoughts up for a moment. Truth be told Drake was still drunk. He knew he wasn’t at home and he knew it was time to leave. The light of the car had brought the figure laid on her front next to him into view.
What the….?!?….Shit….errrrr was her name again. Fuck. Doesn’t matter. Time to go. Drake. Quietly. Where’s my pants?
Drake sat up on his elbows and looked to his left. The woman laying on her front remained unmoved. It was difficult to make out much in the light and her awkward sleeping position made it harder for Drake to piece anything together in his mind.
He slowly slipped out from under the covers. Quickly putting his pants on. First shoe on. Second shoe…..
“You know you are terrible at sneaking out right?”
The woman who was laying on her front had woken up. She hadn’t moved when the initially spoke. Drake turned around and watched her move onto her side. Head in her right hand keeping it propped up.
Drake : “I….Ah ….I just needed a drink.” Drake stuttered. He had been completely taken by surprise.
Woman began to smile : “Sure you did hon!”
Drake stuttered : “No, no seriously I was going for a drink.”
Woman : “Ok Drake I’ll go get your drink. I’m awake now anyways! Water good?”
“Shit she knows my name”
Drake : “Yeah sure!”
The woman quickly got out of bed and threw a robe on her. She hit the light switch on the nearby wall and walked out of the room closing the door behind her. It took a moment for Drakes eyes to adjust and he began to take in his surroundings.
She KNOWS my name!
Drake decided to look around the room a bit. He had hoped to find a bank card or a drivers license or something anything with her name on. Nothing near the clock. Nothing pinned to the walls where there were photos stuck to a mirror. Nothing in the woman’s clothes. “Damn!”
“You robbing me or something?” The woman had caught Drake looking through some things.
Shit. Think Drake….
Drake : “Just…looking for my wallet.”
The Woman laughed at him and handed over a glass of water: “You’re such a terrible liar! You forgot my name didn’t you?”
Drake stood looking at her for a moment. She had red curly hair. Her skin pale. Her eyes piercing green. She stood looking back.
“Ehhh look I’m sorry!” Drake finally blurted out.
The woman laughed again “Don’t worry hon! Not the first time! But shame on you Drake!”
“You know my name?”
“Couldn’t forget it! You kept going on about how you’re the biggest on the roster! I had to try that out!” The woman chuckled again.
“Oh…I meant biggest wrestler not like…….”
The woman burst into laughter again “I know I’m just playin’ with you.”
“Erm so look I think should go you know?” Drake moving on quickly.
“Oh definitely!” The woman responded.
Drake took a drink and set the glass down next to the clock on the side board. He glanced at the pictures stuck to the mirror.
“Who’s that?” He nodded at a man in the pictures.
“That’s trouble. Trust me you don’t wanna know.” The woman’s jovial tone had instantly disappeared.
Drake pursed his lips and looked back at her. She moved closer. Drake wasn’t sure if it was an attempt to reignite the previous few hours or a light attempt to usher him out.
Drake : “is he like your Erm husband or boyfriend?”
Woman : “I told you, you don’t wanna know.”
The ensuing seconds of awkward silence afterwards seemed little get to Drake than his pointless staring at the ceiling
Woman : “Wanna call a cab?”
Drake : “it’s ok I’ll walk.”
The awkward silence continued as Drake got ready and collected his things. He was followed to the door by the woman who opened it and stepped back.
Drake turned to talk to her again. “I don’t know but I think you know maybe I’d like to see you again.”
The woman smiled at him “Sure! Id like that! Coffee next time Ah! Real coffee!”
Drake : “Sure sound good errrr……” The name still hadn’t come to him.
“Erin.” The woman replied.
“Right! Erin! Yeah! I’ll catch you soon?” Drake replied.
“Sure thing! Goodnight!” Erin closed the door and the giant stood on the stoop looking out at the street.
———————————————————————
“Drake cmon man!” The voice had shouted from downstairs. Drake had finally gotten into bed at 6.30am. It was now 10am, he was tired and hungover but he knew he had to be up.
Today he was going to see someone about his blackouts. Isaac had offered to drive him. He knew the importance of today. He had been keeping these blackouts from Tact and the other Game Changers and he knew it was a matter of time before everyone found out. He may be seen at the weakest member of the group. Perhaps too weak to stay in the group? Drake knew he had to get this sorted and simultaneously put in a string performance at exp 24.
Paul Freedom was not someone Drake was too familiar with. He’d, to his recollection never stepped into a ring with him. He had no beef with him. That was until the guy started swinging a chair around the ring. Drakes back was still throbbing from the chair shot Freedom had delivered. In the aftermath of EXP 23 Drakes sole focus had been centred around retribution. He didn’t quite yet know what he planned to do but lots of his time was spent on building painful scenarios on his head.
The car journey was going to last around two hours. Drake saw this as a good chance to speak to Isaac about the match with centurion.
Isaac : “Look man I said I didn’t want you to interfere.”
Drake : “I know. I was there to support you brother. Glad I was there too.”
Isaac : “True! A wins a win!”
Drake : “What’s the plan then? You know going forward?”
Isaac : “I want gold man. I don’t care what anyone says we weren’t pinned in the multiplayer triple threat match. We are the only ones to not hold gold in GC bro. I want to win the titles with you. Failing that, I’ll flatten anyone they put infront of me.”
Drake : “Sounds like a plan brother. I know I haven’t been pulling my weight recently.”
Isaac : “You’ve won matches. God damn man tact trusts you! Challenged for gold less than a month ago you’re doing good.”
Drake : “If I can sort this out.” Drake tapped his right temple.
———————————————————————
The office of the Doctor was on the 39th floor. To get there Drake needed to go up to 25 and then across the corridor and up again.
The building was very modern. Large amounts of glass, shiny metal and well polished floors.
Walking into the reception of the office Drake was immediately reminded of the first time he had met Gina. It was during a therapy session he had to attend when James was mandated to attend them. Gina was the stunning long legged receptionist working that day. He got her number and things went well. That was until James made him choke slam her off the stage and through a few boxes of equipment.
Drake sat down in the chair as the doctor entered the room.
Doctor : “Mr D. Wilcox right?”
Drake : “Yes”
Doctor : “D Wilcox…..” The Doctor paused for a moment looking at Drake and then through the notes again.
Drake : “Problem Doctor?”
“No no momentarily confused. I’m Dr Llambias good to meet you!” He held out his hand and shook Drakes.
“Tell me what’s the problem then.” The Doctor continued
Drake, slumped in the chair began to explain all of the issues he had been experiencing. How he had blackouts. Visions of the demons. Headaches. Uncontrolled rage.
The Doctor sat and listened intently.
Doctor : “Mr. Wilcox. I can’t lie to you. We certainly need to investigate these blackouts. As for the hallucinations and rage I’m…..afraid it’s out of my expertise. We need to refer you to a colleague of mine. I don’t think we have anything serious here but I want you to take this medication. It’ll relax you.” The Doctor handed over a prescription.
“Oh and take this. Read it on the way home.” The Doctor handed over a second piece of paper.
Drake took the paper and looked down at it.
Doctor : “Mr Wilcox I’ll get my office to arrange the appointments. Is that okay?”
Drake : “I’ve wasted my time here.”
Doctor : “Not at all it’s a process Mr Wilcox you’re here for help and this is the first step.”
Drake stood up and looked at the Doctor. He held the pieces of paper up slightly sighed and walked out.
Drake looked to Isaac : “Waste of fucking time.”
Isaac looked down : “Damn.” He opened the drivers side door and got in.
“You Fucking Bastard!”
A man wielding a baseball bat appeared from out of nowhere and slugged Drake across the back, knocking him down to his knees.
“You slept with her!”
Drake telegraphed the second swing and caught it in his right hand. He began to struggle to his feet as the man tussled to free the bat.
Drake instantly recognised the man. He was from the photos he saw the night before at Erin’s home.
Drake : “Look man i don’t remember what happened last night. She told me to not worry.”
The man tried to pull the bat away again. “I don’t give a shit. I’m going to cave your head in.”
Drake : “Just stop. I don’t want to hurt you.” In that instant Drake snapped. He stood up and towered over the man. Wrenching the bat from the man Drake snapped it clean over his knee. The man in terror backed away but it was too late. He was easily inside Drakes enormous reach. Drake ended the conflict swiftly. Once punch. Down. Two teeth laid beside him.
Drake calmly turned around and got into the car.
Isaac : “All ok?”
Drake : “Perfect. Let’s go.”
Isaac : “Where?”
Drake held out the second piece of paper the Doctor gave him and pointed at the handwritten note
“Here.”
———————————————————————
Abi Garcia was a member of the talent relations team. To some people she was the unfortunate member of staff who had to look after the Faction when they first arrived at Level Up. Abi saw that role differently. A challenge.
In the year or so she had looked after them she had seen many things involving Drake and Isaac. Things had honestly calmed down a little over the last few months but the sight of a police officer arriving In the office wasn’t a surprise.
Officer : “I’m here to speak to a Drake Wilcox.”
Abi : “Mr Wilcox is on his way. Officer. You can sit down over there.” She pointed at a chair in the corner.
Drake strolled in. The officer stood up and assessed the giant.
Officer : “Mr. Wilcox I need to speak to you in private.”
Drake : “Oh?”
Abi : “Is he in trouble? Will he be able to fulfil his match?”
Officer : “I’m not arresting him if that’s what you’re asking?”
Abi : “It was. So he can wrestle tonight?”
Officer : “Yes I would think so.”
Drake : “Well then we’d better go and chat. Abi. Make sure the EMTs are around. Freedom is going to need them.”
Drake cracked his knuckles and walked out. The officer quickly following…….
