Post by John Green on Jun 25, 2009 20:48:10 GMT -4
The internet. It's a great place to find information on anything your little heart desires. For some, it's the latest conspiracy. For others it's the latest games. And hell even some still use it to check the weather. But for a professional wrestler. It's alot more then that. It's a scary place out there, one that most aren't familiar with. One of those being John Green. As he surfs around various wrestling sites made by the fans, he spots some rather rude comments concerning himself. Eddie and Carl are quietly discussing amongst themselves, when John breaks the silence.
--
John- Hey, did you guys know that people don't like me?
Eddie- ... you can't be serious right.
John- No, I'm dead serious. There's this guy here who utterly despises me.
Eddie- Are you forgetting that there's people outside in the real world who are trying to kill you? So what if some punk teenager says something bad about you on cyberspace? At least he's not trying to kill you.
Carl- He's got a point John. I think you should worry about the bigger fish in this pond.
John- Just listen to this though. "John Green in Test For The Best? Have they lost their minds over there? This has got to be the worst business decision since Jason Royce won the Xtreme Championship. Nobody gives a rats ass about John Green. He's the resident jobber. What the hell are they trying to pull anyways? A ratings stunt? Give the loser the chance for a little bit. Hell you have a former champion returning at Test For The Best and you give a worthless piece of shit like John Green the shot to win? I hereby boycot APW as a whole. I will not be tuning in to Overdrive, or buying there next PPV until John Green loses his chance of being a actual main eventer."
Eddie- That's.. actually pretty harsh.
John- And it goes on man. Apparently about fifteen people have boycotted APW because of me and the are Pence fans. He has millions of fans. I think I am officially the most hated man in wrestling.
Carl- I doubt that, fifteen people is nothing in the grand scheme of things. You still have millions of viewers out there.
John- True, true. I do have alot of fans fighting for me here. Well not so much fans but critics.
Eddie- Prove em wrong boy.
John- Some jackass calling himself JasonRoyceFan41 chimed in his two cents saying that Jason Roycw will be the new number one contender for the APW Championship after Test For The Best. What the hell happened to the world man? Where's the sanity.
Carl- I'm pretty sure we all traded that in for the internet. Don't even bother taking anything you read off of there as gospel truth. Just a bunch of idiots that have the power of free speech.
Eddie- He's right John, you're going to be come the contender and you know it.
John- Guess so. But the fan here decided to post a link to that new guy's promo against me. It actually looks half decent. Mentions his money and stuff. Son of a bitch thinks he smart by saying no deal to me. Ah well, I guess I might have to break a sweat this week after all.
John turns away from the computer and looks at Eddie and Carl.
John- But I gotta get there first. What's the verdict guys? I arrive alive?
Carl- We'll take my car, it's full equipped for any attack they could throw at us. Assuming they don't just ram us off the road and gun as down like wild animals. But hey, we're former CIA agents, everything will be fine.
Eddie- We'll get you to the arena alive, you've got my word on that one. But in the meantime, we'll have to be extra cautious. Put on your body armor, and we'll carry the guns. Ever ate military food before?
John- I tried powdered milk once. Turns out you can't snort it and get high.
Eddie- I take that as a no. It's not glamourous at all, but you'll get used to it. Grab anything you might need to stay focused on your match. And leave the assasination attempts to us.
John- Well when you put it that way, I guess I could just forget that people want to kill me for a few hours.....
Carl- Excellent, then we'll leave shortly.
John- That was sarcasm by the way...
Carl- I know, and I'll play along with it.
John- Ugh, good one I guess. Just keep my head bullet free is all I ask.
Carl- It's what were here for. Not come on, let's go.
--
Elsewhere in Northern Canada, West Coast.
Business suits, briefcases full of money, tinted sunglasses, and a pile of drugs. This was Brian O'Deas lifestyle. The lifestyle that got him convicted and put in jail. The same lifestyle that made him an infamous author, and a Canadian household name. The very same lifestyle in which he chose to return to, while masquerading as a family man and a friendly neighbour. Everyone figured he was away on long business trips when he came to his private islands on the west coast. Everyone figured he was in New York, Paris, London, all the big name cities, telling stories about why kids shouldn't do drugs. He had the wool over everyones eyes, and he was back with a vengeance. Blood money brought him to the table, and blood money would ultimatly cause him to die at the same table. He knew his time was coming, but it was very far away. He had his enemies, and a hitlist. He knew what needed to be done before he could finally rest in peace. Get revenge on all those fuckers who brought him down, screwed him over, and threatened to take him out. And the first name on that list was the APW Icon himself. John Green. A professional wrestler who made his name by being the most powerful man. The same professional wrestler who made it big by recently being named to be in the Test For The Best Tournament. The ego was going to cause him public appearance, and his arrogance would ultimatly provide his own death. As Brian mulled over the current situation, while sitting behind a solid mahogony oak desk in his private office, he motioned for his right hand man to come on over.
Brian- If this is true.. you know we have a potential situation on hand. I'm not going to be brought down again, I want this done properly. Nothing traced back to me. I want that cocksucker alive for now.. at least until he get's closer to us. Then we'll make our move. I want him on his knees in front of me, with terror in his eyes. I want him to realize just who the fuck I am.. and why everyone, no matter who they are, learned to fear me. Understood Armond?
Armond the right hand man nodded his head in a silent agreement.
Brian- Good.. keep track of him. The hunt is officially on.
Armond- And the others?
Brian- Do as you wish with them. The CIA wants to stick their noses in my business, well.. that's not allowed. After all, it's just survival.. right?
Armond- Indeed it is sir. But I do suggest that we take those CIA agents out before he comes within three states of the Mexican border.
Brian- You've read the information. He'll be in Mexico for a few weeks. But I want to make this good.
Armond- Indeed that sends quite the message sir. But nobody will know it was really you..
Brian- This isn't about sending a message Armond.. this is about revenge. Cold hearted, malicious revenge. He fucked me.. now I fuck him. Except this time, we raise the stakes a little.
Armond- I'll notify our friends in Texas.
Brian- That's why you're my right hand man.
Brian pulls out a cuban cigar from his pocket and lights it up. He swivels around in his chair and faces toward his large window with a beautiful view of the water.
Brian- John.. you're mine.. all mine.. muaha..muahhahaha.. cough.. cough ha.. ha cough ha.
--
John, Carl, and Eddie have exited the "Secret Room" and travelled further down the dark tunnel. John stops and lights a cigarette before catching up to the others.
Carl- You know smokings bad for you.
John- Eh.. I figure if these guys don't kill me first, the smoking will. Imagine that, assasinated by the American Tobacco Company.
Eddie- They're the most notorious killers in the world. Simply because they don't care who dies, as long as they get money.
John- Yeah... anyways. How about we not talk about my bad habits and talk more about where the hell you're taking me.
Carl- Eddie.. care to explain?
Eddie- I told you already, we have a car down here.
John- And this car magically flies up in the air?
Eddie- Ok, good point. But remember, nothing you see down here is anything you've ever seen before. We have a secret rampway set up to take us into the woods. Remember that trail that leads to nowhere?
John- Yeah..
Eddie- Well if you go another 50 kilometers into the forest, it kinds of picks up again. That's where we come out in our secret car.
John- Wait.. I have to walk 50 kilometers to get to this car?
Eddie- Yep. That would be why it's the best kept secret we've ever had.
Carl- I remember the first time you discovered it Eddie.
John- Well.. we do have fifty kilometers to go. Go on ahead Carl, tell the story.
Carl- Actually, I believe this one is better told by Eddie.
--
Eddie paces back in forth in the "Secret Room" where he awaits his departure. He knew it was his last day down here, he had taken the liberty of recording every date on the personal computer. Probably the only thing that kept him sane over the last month. He stops pacing and goes back over to the computer where the time clock says "11:55" pm. Five more minutes and he would finally see another human being. He had done it, he had passed the first test of what was to be many. Maintaining your sanity even in the most desloate of situations. Beside the computer a single book layed there. Eddie picked it up and flipped through all of the pages. "To Kill A Mockingbird' the classic novel that he had read, and re-read every single day. He had nearly finished it for the umpteenth time, as the bookmark he was using told him. It had been the same bookmark that Carl had once used, as when Eddie picked up the novel, the bookmark was placed halfway through it. It wasn't even much of a bookmark, just a plain piece of notebook paper with a bunch of numbers written on it. During his time spent alone, Eddie had taken the liberty of memorizing those numbers. They had almost driven him insane at one point. 575893. It must have been some kind of combination lock. Eddie had tried it on the electronic doorpad hoping to escape the room, but no luck. As he took another look at the numbers, he heard a noise behind him. The doorway had slid open and there was Carl with a smile on his face.
Carl- Eddie my boy, I see you've managed to get past my first test. Maybe you are as great as they say.
Eddie- CARL! THANK GOD!
Eddie dropped the book back down on the table and ran over to Carl, giving him a hug.
Eddie- How I've missed the simplest of things we take for granted. Another human soul. I can only imagine what it was like being in the Twilight Zone.
Carl- Yes, I know exactly how you feel. It took me some time to get used to it as well. But that's why we're the best at what we do Eddie. We can do things like this and not lose our sanity. I see you enjoyed my favourite novel while you were down here.
Eddie- I've read it everyday so far.
Carl- And the computer got some usage to didn't it?
Eddie- I started my own personal diary if you will on it.
Carl- I appreciate that, I'll read them later on this week. I'm intrested to know what your mind was going through down here. I'm sure you gave me quite the intresting read.
Eddie- That I did. But if you don't mind, I'd like to get out of here now.
Carl- And that you will Eddie. I've got another test for you first though.
Eddie- Not another thirty days down here.
Carl- No, nothing like that. This was is purely a skill of your memory.
Eddie- My memory?
Carl pulls out a lone key and tosses it to Eddie, who catches it in mid air.
Carl- Nice catch. That key will unlock your return to the top so to speak. You'll understand once you get there.
Eddie- Get where?
Carl- Why down the rest of the tunnel of course.
Eddie- There's more down there? You've got to be kidding me.
Carl- Unfortunatly I'm not Eddie, you'll spot the door when you reach the end.
Eddie- Are you coming with me?
Carl- This is a test you must do yourself Eddie. I will not return to get you at all. In fact, if you do not complete it.. you will die down here.
Eddie- WHAT?
Carl- This door will lock once we leave, and as of right now ..only I contain the password for it. Good luck Eddie.. you'll need it.
Eddie- This is a joke right? You're not going to knock me out again and leave me here again are you?
Carl- No.. you'd be expecting that. Come with me, and I'll explain it some more.
Carl starts to head out of the room, as Eddie maintains a confused look on his face. The echo of Carls walking is the only sound heard, as Eddie runs out after him. As he runs down the tunnel, he looks behind him as the doorway finishes closing, only to realize he was tricked again.
Carl- Down the other end of the tunnel Eddie, you'll find quite the surprise if you pass my test.
Eddie contemplates running after Carl, but has a change of heart and turns around instead. His voice echos off the walls as Carl's footsteps fade away into the darkness.
Eddie- I'll see you up top Carl.. I'll see you up top.
With that said, Eddie breaks out into a sprint and starts running down the end of the tunnel.
--
Eddie has finally reached the end of the tunnel, and is quite breathless in doing so. But what awaits him is even more of a piss off then running 50 kilometers just to escape his underground hellhole. Another door, and another electronic keypad.
Eddie- Shit.... that fucking bastard.
Eddie rests against the wall before slinking down to the ground slowly. Putting his hands on his head, he listens in to his own heartbeat. Trying to clear his mind and focus, he realizes that he cannot and instead just lets out a low groan. Thoughts of him dying down here in the dark, where nobody would ever find him, cross his mind. He quickly shakes his head to get rid of the images.
Eddie- No.. I can do this. I just have to remember what Carl said.
Eddie thinks back to when Carl let him out of the "Secret Room". His exact wordings were "This is a memory test".
Eddie- Memory test.. well I'm using my memory right now Carl, and not finding any answers to your fuckin' bullshit.
Eddie takes a deep breath
Eddie- Ok.. that wasn't good. I'm getting frustrated here, calm down Eddie. Think clearly. Clear your mind like you were taught.
Eddie closes his eyes and think back to when he first met Carl and re-traces his exact footsteps up until the very moment.
Eddie- He never told me any passwords... there's no key to put in.. I don't get it. What the hell am I missing?
Not even one second after Eddie fnishes his sentence, does he finally understand everything.
Eddie- Over analyzation is never the key. His favourite book.. those numbers. Of course, why didn't I think of this before? My memory is key to stealth missions. Remember what was behind you, to help you get foreward. Remember all information you ever find that could prove valueable on the battlefield. Standard training.. maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.
Eddie stands up with a smile on his face as he recites the numbers located on the bookmark back in the "Secret Room".
Eddie- 5..7..5..8..9..3.. open seasame.
Eddie waits a few seconds before the keypad notifies him of a password failure.
Eddie- WHAT THE HELL?! 5..7..5..8..9..3
Eddie recieves another password failure.
Eddie- Ok.. what did they train you on about this. If your password does not work, it could be encrypted. I remember this question well. Find the relations between these numbers. Ok Eddie.. you can do this. Think hard now. In chronological order we get 3...5..5..7..8..9
Eddie thinks for a minute.
Eddie- Missing a 4 and a 6 for a complete numerical value. The numbers 1 and 4 are divisible in numerous ways. Let's try 1..3..4..5..5..7..8..9
Password failure.
Eddie- I DON'T FUCKING GET IT CARL!
Eddie's voice echos off the walls surronding him as he pounds his fist on the door.
Eddie- I.. just..don't fucking get it. I'm going to die..
Eddie starts to sink down to his knees as the realization of death approaches his mind.
Eddie- I'm going to die.. it's all over...
As Eddie hits the ground on his knees, he puts his hands together and starts praying.
Eddie- Hey God.. I know I'm not a religious man, and I've doubted your existence. But now is the time for you to prove me wrong. If you really do exist, you won't let me die down here. You'll grant this one man a favour that he will never forget. I'll believe in you, I'll go to church every Sunday. I'll praise your name to everyone in earshot. I'll settle down and get married, I'll stop drinking. I'll stop having pre-marital sex. I'll do whatever it is you need me to do. Just please.. if your listening.. do not let me die down here. Please.
Eddie unclasps his hands and rests his head against the door. He fights back the urge to cry, as he waits for a miracle to happen. After several silent minutes of blinking back the tears, he raises himself to an upright position. Trying his password one more time, he get's the failure notice as expected. He lets out a depressing sigh, as he starts keying in different formations. His second choice just happens to be his password backwords, 398557. As he enters it and get's ready for another attempt, the keypad tells him "correct" and the door slowly slides open. Eddie becomes relieved and looks upwards.
Eddie- I'm not sure if that was you or me.. so I'll settle for the possibility of your existence and nothing more.
Eddie enters the room, and finds a flashlight lying on the ground in front of him. Turning it on, he scans the room. A solid black car sits in the middle of the room, with a note taped to the passenger door. Eddie goes over and tears it off before reading it.
Letter- Congratulations Eddie, you seem to have quite the memory and problem solving skills to have made it this far. You've earned your right to come back to the top. But for the record, I would have never left you down here to die. I was waiting back at the other end, just in case. However, you would have not deemed yourself worthy of my training. So if you are reading this, then know that it's only the beginning. As you might have noticed, this car is the secret to your escape. But how do you escape the underground? The answer lies on the far wall of this room.
Good Job,
Carl
Eddie folds the note neatly and places it in his pockets. Scanning the far wall, he finds what Carl was referring to. A simple lever that he quickly pulls. The sound of gears starting up fill the room, as a portion of the ceiling above, becomes a rampway. The moon can be soon overhead as a gust of cool air enters the room, relieving Eddie. He quickly fishes the key given to him out of his pockets and enters the car. Starting it up, he drives up the rampway, and watches in his rearview mirror as it closes again.
--
Present Time, The Tunnel
John slowly claps his hands together as Eddie finishes his story.
John- Great story man. Really passed the time. But umm, since were here now. How about you just show me first hand what the hell you were talking about.
Eddie- Ha ha, not to worry John. We'll be back on the surface soon enough.
Eddie keys in the number he long ago memorized, and walks into the room. There sits the same black car, looking as beautiful as she did the first night Eddie saw her. Carl goes to the far wall and pulls the lever. John watches on in amusement as the ceiling descends below and provides them an escape ramp.
John- Where to now?
Carl- You'll see, we have another one of our secrets to show you. Eddie, I'm sure you know where were headed.
Eddie- Indeed I do. John, you're in for a wild ride. You're going to be living my past so to speak. Learning about the hardships and trials that Carl put me through. Luckily for you, I'm not that cold hearted. This is quite the adventure for myself to. I haven't been to these places in far to long.
Carl- It's always nice when your kids visit you. Espicially when they bring along grandchildren.
Eddie- Ha ha.. quite the metaphor Carl.
John- Well, I've got only one thing to say.
Carl and Eddie look at John, awaiting something intelligent.
John- SHOTGUN!
Carl- ... kids!
All three men pile into the car, and drive to the surface. A quick look behind them seals their secret forever, as Eddie carefully drives along the pathway.
--
John is sitting in the passenger seat, and staring out the window, when Eddie pipes up.
Eddie- John.. now that we're safe and not doing anything. You should really record another promo. I won't mind.
Carl- I think you should John. He's new to APW so you might just demolish him.
John- Yeah? He didn't have a whole lot of points against me. I'm pretty sure I have him beat in the trash talking department. I mean all he did was a game commercial. But Eddie we still need to talk about APW's newest group.
Eddie- Cool we'll talk about it later.
Carl passes up the voice recorder that John brought with him. As he leans back in his seat, and reclines it a bit, he starts his promo.
John- So we have another big headed, egotistical jackass in APW huh? Damnit, Why can't Jeff send these fucks to some training school or something. It seems like we're getting more Jason Royce copies everytime I blink. I mean come on Carl Cruz. You haven't been here for a hot minute and you're already running your mouth about bullshit that isn't going to happen. You are not gonna beat me Carl. Point blank. But it seems like that thick empty skull of yours just won't understand my words. Ugh... you really are a braindead moron that I'm going to have to demolish. The fact that you actually think you can just come and try and buy out Max is enough to prove that theory correct. Know I know you wanna be the best in APW and I can agree on you with that. I mean, that's why we're all here. To show these fans that we love them and to be the best. So I'll agree that you wanna be the best. But you won't my friend. How about you be known for the man who goes against all odds. The man who has more money than Donald Trump. The man who changed the very face of APW. Something more worthy then being the best in APW. So lets talk about odds since you've only been here for two weeks. How about the odds that if you lose to me, your career starts to plummet another notch? How about the odds of you even coming close to touching gold by the end of the year? Carl.. I don't underestimate you. I fuckin' know you already. You're just another Jason Royce. You're predicatable. You try and go all out every night, and promise us things you cannot do. You think for one second that you can actually defeat me? Just because you have alittle money? Just because you're Carl Freeakin' Cruz, the man who John is simply dismissing like a bad habit? Just because for once in your life you want to be the winner? Fuckin' get a grip Carl. You're a born loser.
John- So come Overdrive, just take that stupid idea out of your head that you are actually going to beat me. Save yourself the embarassment of getting pushed out of the way by me. And just do what is logical. Lay down.. don't show up.. walk away from the match. Do anything, but try and go against me. Because if you do, I will be forced to teach you a long overdue lesson. And that lesson is simple. I am The Real Fuckin' Deal.. I am the reason wrestlers learn to fear my name. I am the reason careers die. And I will prove it to you, shot by shot by shot. Until I hit you with the Headsplitter. And then my point will be proven Carl. You will roll over everytime.. like the bitch you really are.
John stops the tape recorder and smiles over at Eddie who has a wide eyed expression on his face.
Eddie- Why didn't you tell me you had that much intesity?
John- It's a nice little skill I have that the entire world has missed. Simply put Eddie.. the truth speaks louder then any bullshit commercial he can come up with.
-End Rp-
--
John- Hey, did you guys know that people don't like me?
Eddie- ... you can't be serious right.
John- No, I'm dead serious. There's this guy here who utterly despises me.
Eddie- Are you forgetting that there's people outside in the real world who are trying to kill you? So what if some punk teenager says something bad about you on cyberspace? At least he's not trying to kill you.
Carl- He's got a point John. I think you should worry about the bigger fish in this pond.
John- Just listen to this though. "John Green in Test For The Best? Have they lost their minds over there? This has got to be the worst business decision since Jason Royce won the Xtreme Championship. Nobody gives a rats ass about John Green. He's the resident jobber. What the hell are they trying to pull anyways? A ratings stunt? Give the loser the chance for a little bit. Hell you have a former champion returning at Test For The Best and you give a worthless piece of shit like John Green the shot to win? I hereby boycot APW as a whole. I will not be tuning in to Overdrive, or buying there next PPV until John Green loses his chance of being a actual main eventer."
Eddie- That's.. actually pretty harsh.
John- And it goes on man. Apparently about fifteen people have boycotted APW because of me and the are Pence fans. He has millions of fans. I think I am officially the most hated man in wrestling.
Carl- I doubt that, fifteen people is nothing in the grand scheme of things. You still have millions of viewers out there.
John- True, true. I do have alot of fans fighting for me here. Well not so much fans but critics.
Eddie- Prove em wrong boy.
John- Some jackass calling himself JasonRoyceFan41 chimed in his two cents saying that Jason Roycw will be the new number one contender for the APW Championship after Test For The Best. What the hell happened to the world man? Where's the sanity.
Carl- I'm pretty sure we all traded that in for the internet. Don't even bother taking anything you read off of there as gospel truth. Just a bunch of idiots that have the power of free speech.
Eddie- He's right John, you're going to be come the contender and you know it.
John- Guess so. But the fan here decided to post a link to that new guy's promo against me. It actually looks half decent. Mentions his money and stuff. Son of a bitch thinks he smart by saying no deal to me. Ah well, I guess I might have to break a sweat this week after all.
John turns away from the computer and looks at Eddie and Carl.
John- But I gotta get there first. What's the verdict guys? I arrive alive?
Carl- We'll take my car, it's full equipped for any attack they could throw at us. Assuming they don't just ram us off the road and gun as down like wild animals. But hey, we're former CIA agents, everything will be fine.
Eddie- We'll get you to the arena alive, you've got my word on that one. But in the meantime, we'll have to be extra cautious. Put on your body armor, and we'll carry the guns. Ever ate military food before?
John- I tried powdered milk once. Turns out you can't snort it and get high.
Eddie- I take that as a no. It's not glamourous at all, but you'll get used to it. Grab anything you might need to stay focused on your match. And leave the assasination attempts to us.
John- Well when you put it that way, I guess I could just forget that people want to kill me for a few hours.....
Carl- Excellent, then we'll leave shortly.
John- That was sarcasm by the way...
Carl- I know, and I'll play along with it.
John- Ugh, good one I guess. Just keep my head bullet free is all I ask.
Carl- It's what were here for. Not come on, let's go.
--
Elsewhere in Northern Canada, West Coast.
Business suits, briefcases full of money, tinted sunglasses, and a pile of drugs. This was Brian O'Deas lifestyle. The lifestyle that got him convicted and put in jail. The same lifestyle that made him an infamous author, and a Canadian household name. The very same lifestyle in which he chose to return to, while masquerading as a family man and a friendly neighbour. Everyone figured he was away on long business trips when he came to his private islands on the west coast. Everyone figured he was in New York, Paris, London, all the big name cities, telling stories about why kids shouldn't do drugs. He had the wool over everyones eyes, and he was back with a vengeance. Blood money brought him to the table, and blood money would ultimatly cause him to die at the same table. He knew his time was coming, but it was very far away. He had his enemies, and a hitlist. He knew what needed to be done before he could finally rest in peace. Get revenge on all those fuckers who brought him down, screwed him over, and threatened to take him out. And the first name on that list was the APW Icon himself. John Green. A professional wrestler who made his name by being the most powerful man. The same professional wrestler who made it big by recently being named to be in the Test For The Best Tournament. The ego was going to cause him public appearance, and his arrogance would ultimatly provide his own death. As Brian mulled over the current situation, while sitting behind a solid mahogony oak desk in his private office, he motioned for his right hand man to come on over.
Brian- If this is true.. you know we have a potential situation on hand. I'm not going to be brought down again, I want this done properly. Nothing traced back to me. I want that cocksucker alive for now.. at least until he get's closer to us. Then we'll make our move. I want him on his knees in front of me, with terror in his eyes. I want him to realize just who the fuck I am.. and why everyone, no matter who they are, learned to fear me. Understood Armond?
Armond the right hand man nodded his head in a silent agreement.
Brian- Good.. keep track of him. The hunt is officially on.
Armond- And the others?
Brian- Do as you wish with them. The CIA wants to stick their noses in my business, well.. that's not allowed. After all, it's just survival.. right?
Armond- Indeed it is sir. But I do suggest that we take those CIA agents out before he comes within three states of the Mexican border.
Brian- You've read the information. He'll be in Mexico for a few weeks. But I want to make this good.
Armond- Indeed that sends quite the message sir. But nobody will know it was really you..
Brian- This isn't about sending a message Armond.. this is about revenge. Cold hearted, malicious revenge. He fucked me.. now I fuck him. Except this time, we raise the stakes a little.
Armond- I'll notify our friends in Texas.
Brian- That's why you're my right hand man.
Brian pulls out a cuban cigar from his pocket and lights it up. He swivels around in his chair and faces toward his large window with a beautiful view of the water.
Brian- John.. you're mine.. all mine.. muaha..muahhahaha.. cough.. cough ha.. ha cough ha.
--
John, Carl, and Eddie have exited the "Secret Room" and travelled further down the dark tunnel. John stops and lights a cigarette before catching up to the others.
Carl- You know smokings bad for you.
John- Eh.. I figure if these guys don't kill me first, the smoking will. Imagine that, assasinated by the American Tobacco Company.
Eddie- They're the most notorious killers in the world. Simply because they don't care who dies, as long as they get money.
John- Yeah... anyways. How about we not talk about my bad habits and talk more about where the hell you're taking me.
Carl- Eddie.. care to explain?
Eddie- I told you already, we have a car down here.
John- And this car magically flies up in the air?
Eddie- Ok, good point. But remember, nothing you see down here is anything you've ever seen before. We have a secret rampway set up to take us into the woods. Remember that trail that leads to nowhere?
John- Yeah..
Eddie- Well if you go another 50 kilometers into the forest, it kinds of picks up again. That's where we come out in our secret car.
John- Wait.. I have to walk 50 kilometers to get to this car?
Eddie- Yep. That would be why it's the best kept secret we've ever had.
Carl- I remember the first time you discovered it Eddie.
John- Well.. we do have fifty kilometers to go. Go on ahead Carl, tell the story.
Carl- Actually, I believe this one is better told by Eddie.
--
Eddie paces back in forth in the "Secret Room" where he awaits his departure. He knew it was his last day down here, he had taken the liberty of recording every date on the personal computer. Probably the only thing that kept him sane over the last month. He stops pacing and goes back over to the computer where the time clock says "11:55" pm. Five more minutes and he would finally see another human being. He had done it, he had passed the first test of what was to be many. Maintaining your sanity even in the most desloate of situations. Beside the computer a single book layed there. Eddie picked it up and flipped through all of the pages. "To Kill A Mockingbird' the classic novel that he had read, and re-read every single day. He had nearly finished it for the umpteenth time, as the bookmark he was using told him. It had been the same bookmark that Carl had once used, as when Eddie picked up the novel, the bookmark was placed halfway through it. It wasn't even much of a bookmark, just a plain piece of notebook paper with a bunch of numbers written on it. During his time spent alone, Eddie had taken the liberty of memorizing those numbers. They had almost driven him insane at one point. 575893. It must have been some kind of combination lock. Eddie had tried it on the electronic doorpad hoping to escape the room, but no luck. As he took another look at the numbers, he heard a noise behind him. The doorway had slid open and there was Carl with a smile on his face.
Carl- Eddie my boy, I see you've managed to get past my first test. Maybe you are as great as they say.
Eddie- CARL! THANK GOD!
Eddie dropped the book back down on the table and ran over to Carl, giving him a hug.
Eddie- How I've missed the simplest of things we take for granted. Another human soul. I can only imagine what it was like being in the Twilight Zone.
Carl- Yes, I know exactly how you feel. It took me some time to get used to it as well. But that's why we're the best at what we do Eddie. We can do things like this and not lose our sanity. I see you enjoyed my favourite novel while you were down here.
Eddie- I've read it everyday so far.
Carl- And the computer got some usage to didn't it?
Eddie- I started my own personal diary if you will on it.
Carl- I appreciate that, I'll read them later on this week. I'm intrested to know what your mind was going through down here. I'm sure you gave me quite the intresting read.
Eddie- That I did. But if you don't mind, I'd like to get out of here now.
Carl- And that you will Eddie. I've got another test for you first though.
Eddie- Not another thirty days down here.
Carl- No, nothing like that. This was is purely a skill of your memory.
Eddie- My memory?
Carl pulls out a lone key and tosses it to Eddie, who catches it in mid air.
Carl- Nice catch. That key will unlock your return to the top so to speak. You'll understand once you get there.
Eddie- Get where?
Carl- Why down the rest of the tunnel of course.
Eddie- There's more down there? You've got to be kidding me.
Carl- Unfortunatly I'm not Eddie, you'll spot the door when you reach the end.
Eddie- Are you coming with me?
Carl- This is a test you must do yourself Eddie. I will not return to get you at all. In fact, if you do not complete it.. you will die down here.
Eddie- WHAT?
Carl- This door will lock once we leave, and as of right now ..only I contain the password for it. Good luck Eddie.. you'll need it.
Eddie- This is a joke right? You're not going to knock me out again and leave me here again are you?
Carl- No.. you'd be expecting that. Come with me, and I'll explain it some more.
Carl starts to head out of the room, as Eddie maintains a confused look on his face. The echo of Carls walking is the only sound heard, as Eddie runs out after him. As he runs down the tunnel, he looks behind him as the doorway finishes closing, only to realize he was tricked again.
Carl- Down the other end of the tunnel Eddie, you'll find quite the surprise if you pass my test.
Eddie contemplates running after Carl, but has a change of heart and turns around instead. His voice echos off the walls as Carl's footsteps fade away into the darkness.
Eddie- I'll see you up top Carl.. I'll see you up top.
With that said, Eddie breaks out into a sprint and starts running down the end of the tunnel.
--
Eddie has finally reached the end of the tunnel, and is quite breathless in doing so. But what awaits him is even more of a piss off then running 50 kilometers just to escape his underground hellhole. Another door, and another electronic keypad.
Eddie- Shit.... that fucking bastard.
Eddie rests against the wall before slinking down to the ground slowly. Putting his hands on his head, he listens in to his own heartbeat. Trying to clear his mind and focus, he realizes that he cannot and instead just lets out a low groan. Thoughts of him dying down here in the dark, where nobody would ever find him, cross his mind. He quickly shakes his head to get rid of the images.
Eddie- No.. I can do this. I just have to remember what Carl said.
Eddie thinks back to when Carl let him out of the "Secret Room". His exact wordings were "This is a memory test".
Eddie- Memory test.. well I'm using my memory right now Carl, and not finding any answers to your fuckin' bullshit.
Eddie takes a deep breath
Eddie- Ok.. that wasn't good. I'm getting frustrated here, calm down Eddie. Think clearly. Clear your mind like you were taught.
Eddie closes his eyes and think back to when he first met Carl and re-traces his exact footsteps up until the very moment.
Eddie- He never told me any passwords... there's no key to put in.. I don't get it. What the hell am I missing?
Not even one second after Eddie fnishes his sentence, does he finally understand everything.
Eddie- Over analyzation is never the key. His favourite book.. those numbers. Of course, why didn't I think of this before? My memory is key to stealth missions. Remember what was behind you, to help you get foreward. Remember all information you ever find that could prove valueable on the battlefield. Standard training.. maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.
Eddie stands up with a smile on his face as he recites the numbers located on the bookmark back in the "Secret Room".
Eddie- 5..7..5..8..9..3.. open seasame.
Eddie waits a few seconds before the keypad notifies him of a password failure.
Eddie- WHAT THE HELL?! 5..7..5..8..9..3
Eddie recieves another password failure.
Eddie- Ok.. what did they train you on about this. If your password does not work, it could be encrypted. I remember this question well. Find the relations between these numbers. Ok Eddie.. you can do this. Think hard now. In chronological order we get 3...5..5..7..8..9
Eddie thinks for a minute.
Eddie- Missing a 4 and a 6 for a complete numerical value. The numbers 1 and 4 are divisible in numerous ways. Let's try 1..3..4..5..5..7..8..9
Password failure.
Eddie- I DON'T FUCKING GET IT CARL!
Eddie's voice echos off the walls surronding him as he pounds his fist on the door.
Eddie- I.. just..don't fucking get it. I'm going to die..
Eddie starts to sink down to his knees as the realization of death approaches his mind.
Eddie- I'm going to die.. it's all over...
As Eddie hits the ground on his knees, he puts his hands together and starts praying.
Eddie- Hey God.. I know I'm not a religious man, and I've doubted your existence. But now is the time for you to prove me wrong. If you really do exist, you won't let me die down here. You'll grant this one man a favour that he will never forget. I'll believe in you, I'll go to church every Sunday. I'll praise your name to everyone in earshot. I'll settle down and get married, I'll stop drinking. I'll stop having pre-marital sex. I'll do whatever it is you need me to do. Just please.. if your listening.. do not let me die down here. Please.
Eddie unclasps his hands and rests his head against the door. He fights back the urge to cry, as he waits for a miracle to happen. After several silent minutes of blinking back the tears, he raises himself to an upright position. Trying his password one more time, he get's the failure notice as expected. He lets out a depressing sigh, as he starts keying in different formations. His second choice just happens to be his password backwords, 398557. As he enters it and get's ready for another attempt, the keypad tells him "correct" and the door slowly slides open. Eddie becomes relieved and looks upwards.
Eddie- I'm not sure if that was you or me.. so I'll settle for the possibility of your existence and nothing more.
Eddie enters the room, and finds a flashlight lying on the ground in front of him. Turning it on, he scans the room. A solid black car sits in the middle of the room, with a note taped to the passenger door. Eddie goes over and tears it off before reading it.
Letter- Congratulations Eddie, you seem to have quite the memory and problem solving skills to have made it this far. You've earned your right to come back to the top. But for the record, I would have never left you down here to die. I was waiting back at the other end, just in case. However, you would have not deemed yourself worthy of my training. So if you are reading this, then know that it's only the beginning. As you might have noticed, this car is the secret to your escape. But how do you escape the underground? The answer lies on the far wall of this room.
Good Job,
Carl
Eddie folds the note neatly and places it in his pockets. Scanning the far wall, he finds what Carl was referring to. A simple lever that he quickly pulls. The sound of gears starting up fill the room, as a portion of the ceiling above, becomes a rampway. The moon can be soon overhead as a gust of cool air enters the room, relieving Eddie. He quickly fishes the key given to him out of his pockets and enters the car. Starting it up, he drives up the rampway, and watches in his rearview mirror as it closes again.
--
Present Time, The Tunnel
John slowly claps his hands together as Eddie finishes his story.
John- Great story man. Really passed the time. But umm, since were here now. How about you just show me first hand what the hell you were talking about.
Eddie- Ha ha, not to worry John. We'll be back on the surface soon enough.
Eddie keys in the number he long ago memorized, and walks into the room. There sits the same black car, looking as beautiful as she did the first night Eddie saw her. Carl goes to the far wall and pulls the lever. John watches on in amusement as the ceiling descends below and provides them an escape ramp.
John- Where to now?
Carl- You'll see, we have another one of our secrets to show you. Eddie, I'm sure you know where were headed.
Eddie- Indeed I do. John, you're in for a wild ride. You're going to be living my past so to speak. Learning about the hardships and trials that Carl put me through. Luckily for you, I'm not that cold hearted. This is quite the adventure for myself to. I haven't been to these places in far to long.
Carl- It's always nice when your kids visit you. Espicially when they bring along grandchildren.
Eddie- Ha ha.. quite the metaphor Carl.
John- Well, I've got only one thing to say.
Carl and Eddie look at John, awaiting something intelligent.
John- SHOTGUN!
Carl- ... kids!
All three men pile into the car, and drive to the surface. A quick look behind them seals their secret forever, as Eddie carefully drives along the pathway.
--
John is sitting in the passenger seat, and staring out the window, when Eddie pipes up.
Eddie- John.. now that we're safe and not doing anything. You should really record another promo. I won't mind.
Carl- I think you should John. He's new to APW so you might just demolish him.
John- Yeah? He didn't have a whole lot of points against me. I'm pretty sure I have him beat in the trash talking department. I mean all he did was a game commercial. But Eddie we still need to talk about APW's newest group.
Eddie- Cool we'll talk about it later.
Carl passes up the voice recorder that John brought with him. As he leans back in his seat, and reclines it a bit, he starts his promo.
John- So we have another big headed, egotistical jackass in APW huh? Damnit, Why can't Jeff send these fucks to some training school or something. It seems like we're getting more Jason Royce copies everytime I blink. I mean come on Carl Cruz. You haven't been here for a hot minute and you're already running your mouth about bullshit that isn't going to happen. You are not gonna beat me Carl. Point blank. But it seems like that thick empty skull of yours just won't understand my words. Ugh... you really are a braindead moron that I'm going to have to demolish. The fact that you actually think you can just come and try and buy out Max is enough to prove that theory correct. Know I know you wanna be the best in APW and I can agree on you with that. I mean, that's why we're all here. To show these fans that we love them and to be the best. So I'll agree that you wanna be the best. But you won't my friend. How about you be known for the man who goes against all odds. The man who has more money than Donald Trump. The man who changed the very face of APW. Something more worthy then being the best in APW. So lets talk about odds since you've only been here for two weeks. How about the odds that if you lose to me, your career starts to plummet another notch? How about the odds of you even coming close to touching gold by the end of the year? Carl.. I don't underestimate you. I fuckin' know you already. You're just another Jason Royce. You're predicatable. You try and go all out every night, and promise us things you cannot do. You think for one second that you can actually defeat me? Just because you have alittle money? Just because you're Carl Freeakin' Cruz, the man who John is simply dismissing like a bad habit? Just because for once in your life you want to be the winner? Fuckin' get a grip Carl. You're a born loser.
John- So come Overdrive, just take that stupid idea out of your head that you are actually going to beat me. Save yourself the embarassment of getting pushed out of the way by me. And just do what is logical. Lay down.. don't show up.. walk away from the match. Do anything, but try and go against me. Because if you do, I will be forced to teach you a long overdue lesson. And that lesson is simple. I am The Real Fuckin' Deal.. I am the reason wrestlers learn to fear my name. I am the reason careers die. And I will prove it to you, shot by shot by shot. Until I hit you with the Headsplitter. And then my point will be proven Carl. You will roll over everytime.. like the bitch you really are.
John stops the tape recorder and smiles over at Eddie who has a wide eyed expression on his face.
Eddie- Why didn't you tell me you had that much intesity?
John- It's a nice little skill I have that the entire world has missed. Simply put Eddie.. the truth speaks louder then any bullshit commercial he can come up with.
-End Rp-
