Post by Adrien | Adam on Mar 6, 2018 19:19:40 GMT -5
(Quick thank yous for the handlers of Dean Matthews and Jessica Sears/Everalda Sears-Theron for their contributions to this piece!)
Date: March 4th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
Anger and regret...those were the two emotions rushing through the mind of Adrien Cochrane as he stares at the hospital room door in front of him. It was an empty state, his eyes haven’t moved in over thirty minutes. The only movement from him in that time span was breathing and blinking. He was trapped in a cage of his own thoughts, wondering what he could have done to prevent this from happening. His sister tried to tell him not to prior to his match mere hours ago. But the reality is: Jessica Sears was his responsibility. And he failed her.
He takes a deep breath before suddenly, the loud sigh of another person who was awaiting another update on the Paladin from the medical staff at this hospital. This broke Adrien’s staring contest with the door as he looks at the man seated to his immediate left.
Adrien: “I should have made arrangements for two Guardians to be with one another at all times. Something to at least deter this from happening. I’m sorry that I let this happen, Dean.”
Adrien kept staring forwards as he spoke, keeping Dean in his peripheral vision.The monster to his left sat with his arms lying on the arms of the chair and his eyes narrowed on the door. He didn’t pace. He didn’t talk. He didn’t even think. He stared, and he remained silent as the grave as he did. The muscles of his jaw twitching and jumping were the only sign that something was bothering him. Other than that he looked so profoundly calm.
A man obviously taught and very experienced in keeping control over himself now. His repeated battled with the Reptile had seen to that. When Adrien finally spoke Dean looked to his right and a low rumbling hissing snarl echoed from his chest and throat, his eyes appeared to be split between the pupil, though this could have simply been a trick of the light.
Dean: “You are not to blame, Adrien. Matthew Shields and his unholy fascination with my girlfriend is to blame, and he’ll pay for it, one way or another.”
Adrien runs his hands through his hair like he did multiple times in his locker room before his match took place. He glances sideways to see both his sister and his girlfriend sleeping in their respective seats to his right. The seat once occupied by his manager empty. He pulls out his phone to check the time, a few minutes before midnight. He notices his phone is currently at three percent battery, but he didn’t really care.
Adrien: “I might end up having to step into the ring with Shields and Tillman by myself if this is serious enough. And believe me, I was prepared to fight Shields without any help, to begin with. With Jessica there or not, I will be giving Shields something he will always remember…”
Adrien’s fists clenched as he spoke. Anger from the Dropkick King was rare. He’s typically one of the most composed and level-headed competitors out there. But not right now. Not after this. Not after he had to watch his girlfriend do everything in her power to unsuccessfully revive her own sister. It broke him emotionally.
Adrien: “To watch someone I care so much about on the ground with all that blood, unresponsive, and to see the girl I’m in love with helplessly try to do something about it...that’s an image that’s going to stay with me…”
As level-headed and composed as the Dropkick King usually was, the Fanged One was so drastically different. One usually left to flying off the handle and throwing things when his towering rage overcomes him and yet here now he sat, calm as the smoothest seas, though perhaps Adrien and those watching would know...even beneath the calmest waters the currents roared, threatening to pull the unsuspecting into its depths for eternity.
Dean: “You will not face them alone. Jessica will recover. She will heal. She will help you. Even I have to snap my healing ribs to ensure she is ready, she will be. Shields doesn’t get away with this. You have the Guardians, this isn’t like the War I have on the horizon. Outnumbered six to one. She will be ready.”
The final words were a whispered promise and yet, so close to being a growled threat. Dean’s hand closed around the end of the arm of the chair and squeezed. He pulled himself forward with an audible hissing groan and pressed his right arm to his right side.
Dean: “Harden yourself, Adrien, you will see others fall. Others hurt. This is only the beginning.”
Adrien thinks back to the previous faction wars he was in, most notably the EXODUS Seikigun versus LEGION where they put Jonathan Collins in a coma. But that was just a group made up of people he was somewhat close to and was fighting on behalf because of a threat.
This was different.
Jessica, Jazmyn, Joshua...they were family to him. Jessica could very well be Adrien’s sister-in-law in a couple of years if the cards are dealt properly. It was a war with people he saw as soldiers, trying to remove the threat in EXODUS Pro. He was just another guy, fighting it out. The Guardians are quite the opposite. He loves the people he has on his side. They look to him as some sort of figurehead, despite the fact he doesn’t want to be the leader. Which is why he feels some responsibility for all of this.
Adrien: “It’s easier when it’s not someone you love on the other side of that door. Sure, I’ve been in a situation where someone from my group was hospitalized, but it was someone I barely knew. We saw a threat, banded together, fought them, and removed the threat. I didn’t have one of my best friends sitting on the other side of that door.”
He lets out another sigh as he sees the face of another person peering around the corner. The spiked hair and wrinkled face of Eddie Walker were very hard to miss. He takes a seat between Everalda Sears-Theron and Alexis Cochrane, silent enough so that he does not awaken either one of them.
Eddie: “I’ve got Everalda’s son in the capable hands of Stephen Nair. I feel like Miss Sears-Theron could use the rest. I’ve updated Avery and Serenity about the situation in regards to their baby shower and they might be pushing it back to accommodate Jessica. I also rescheduled your flight since I know neither you nor Everalda are going to be wanting to depart this hospital until Jessica does. Speaking of which, have you gotten any updates, Mr. Matthews?”
Dean: “Mr. Matthews was my father.”
Dean’s tone was much sharper with this man than it had been Adrien. He pushed himself up from the chair pressing his arm to his side and walked to the door that was of Jessica’s room. He stood there a moment listening then turned to face the small group again.
Dean: “I think, if I heard correctly, it was minor damage. Could have been a lot worse, but I suppose they will know more when they finish the tests later.”
The cold ice blue eyes found Adrien sitting in the chair and stared down at him.
Dean: “What I wanna know is why everyone is sticking with this code. You do not reason with a disease, Adrien. You rip it out by the roots and fight it with whatever is needed to kill it. Gather the Guardians, storm into the Destroyers locker room with a bat and beat his goddamn knee-caps while someone makes that slag Kayla watch!”
It was like he had told Jessica all those weeks before. They wanted her to be a Destroyer? Well, wish granted. Eddie Walker’s eyes widen the moment Dean suggested his plan. Knowing Adrien and how he handles things, he stood back up.
Eddie: “I’m just going to give you two a minute…”
Walker retreats back down the hallway where he previously was. Adrien, on the other hand, was still holding up his head with both palms.
Adrien: “I don’t want to be like them, Dean. If we do that, what makes us any better than them?”
It was a question of morality to Adrien. Something he had shared with Dean previously before in a much more private setting. Adrien’s tone is still hushed as to not to disturb the women sleeping, and hopes Dean does the same.
Adrien: “I know we’re never going to agree on this. I know you suspect my way of thinking isn’t going to get the job done. I’m hearing enough of that from the Rebel Society. But being the Destroyers 2.0 can’t be the only solution, Dean.”
When he heard the words his eyes narrowed down on the man but before he could lose control that cold empty gaze shot to the sleeping women and then slowly back to Adrien. A growl echoed from within his chest but his tone stayed calm, controlled.
Dean: “Fine, you and Jessica can stay true to this...this…illusion of morality. When I heal, I’ll do what needs to be done and spike Shields into the concrete repeatedly until I am wearing his blood like war paint!”
Though he sounded angry…no, enraged, his tone stayed controlled and quiet. As to not disturb the sleeping sisters not far from him.
Dean: “Do not think I don’t think you can’t get the job done, Adrien. I have faith in you and Jessica and the other two, whatever their names are, but your way will take longer. It will result in more chances for events like this. You will all win….it will just take to long and put to much risk on the woman I…”
Dean stopped then and spun around on his heels turning back to face the room and folded his arms over his chest with another soft growl. Adrien remembers how close Everalda was during the attack. He can understand. But this was an easy decision for Adrien.
Adrien: “To be like them is worse than losing to me. I hope you can understand that.”
Life has a lot of grey areas. But to follow through and do what Matthew Shields did to Jessica...that’s outright black in Adrien’s eyes. That was a line he was not going to cross.
Adrien: “I am afraid of having to sit in a hospital waiting room and worry about Joshua or Jazmyn on the other side. Or have all of you sitting out here with me in that hospital bed. I didn’t ask for anyone to join this fight with me. All of them told me they wanted in. They all came to me. I might need to sit down and explain to them all the risks they are putting themselves in by being in this group with me.”
Well, it might be too late at this point, Adrien thought.
Dean: “She won’t care. Jessica won’t care in the slightest about the risks. It’s the only reason I was even in her apartment in the first place Adrien.”
Adrien: “I suspect I’m going to hear the same thing from Rain and Goldstein as well.”
Adrien nods his head before staring at the door once more.
Adrien: “You really think she’s going to be alright?”
Dean: “Of course she is. Jessica Sears is too stubborn to let something like this stop her. She’ll be fighting the doctors to let her leave nearly the second she wakes up. Like I did.”
Adrien reflects back at all the times he was hospitalized with a wrestling related injury. He smiles for the first time since the attack.
Adrien: “Yeah. Just like me too.”
Date: Tuesday, March 6th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
The door opens in front of Adrien Cochrane. The same door he has been staring at for over twenty-four hours. It appears it’s finally his turn. The sullen voice of his usually cheerful manager confirms it for him as he exits the room.
Eddie: “Hey, she wants to see you, bud.”
Adrien glances around the waiting room. Alexis left shortly after visiting Jessica to make sure she was okay. Dean is still having his own personal staring contest with the wall. Walker pats Adrien on the shoulder to make sure he heard him say it was time for him to see one of his best friends.
Adrien: “Thank you.”
Adrien almost forgot how to use his legs for a moment as he rose from his chair. He has barely moved from that spot since he got here late Sunday night. He’s barely gotten any rest and only got to eat because Eddie kept making food runs for him. Once he remembers how to walk once more, he watches his girlfriend step out of the room, tears still rolling down her face after seeing her sister. He attempts a smile to try to comfort her, but he doesn’t have it in him to make one.
Everalda: “She’s… stable. One of the nurses just administered the proper dosage of OxyContin, so she should be feeling alright.”
She raises a white handkerchief she retrieves from the left pocket of her red jacket and wipes the tears from her eyes. She’s not wearing any makeup whatsoever, long ruined and removed after the horrible attack committed by Matthew Shields. To think she once believed there was good in everyone…
There was no good in such a horrible man. No, a monster.
Everalda takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
Everalda: “I would like to see my son as soon as possible. Please, Adrien…”
Eddie Walker overhears Everalda’s request.
Eddie: “Klaus is with Mr. Nair and Mrs. Walker. Jack has been keeping him company. I’ll take you to them.”
As Eddie leads Everalda to her son, Adrien takes a deep breath before entering the hospital room. The lights are a bit dim, possibly so that it doesn’t disturb any rest Jessica might want to get. He slowly closes the door behind him, turning to see Jessica.
Adrien: “Hey…”
Jessica can only turn her head so much. There’s a neck brace keeping her from moving her head and neck too much to avoid overstressing the injury. Still, she manages to use her peripheral vision to see Adrien and a smile crosses her face.
Jessica: “Ah, the College of Valor Bard has finally arrived.”
Even in her condition, she refuses to let her spirits be down. She chuckles softly and extends her right hand towards the seat next to the hospital bed.
Jessica: “I haven’t been in the hospital in years. I forgot how ridiculously comfortable the beds are. The food, on the other hand… yuck. I could go for all-you-can-eat sushi.”
Adrien shakes his head a little bit as Jessica calmly speaks about the condition of her bed and sushi. He wipes some of the crust that’s been developing around his left eye as he moves to a position that is easier for her to see him. He clearly has rested since it happened. The stubble he normally has on his face is starting to grow in patches. The bags under his eyes are getting darker. But he just wants to keep Jessica in the best spirits he possibly can.
Adrien: “The moment you’re out of here, you can eat all the sushi you want, on me. I don’t care if I have to take you to multiple restaurants.”
His guilt over letting this happen put Adrien in a position where he just wants to do anything and everything for one of his best friends.
Adrien: “How are you feeling?”
Jessica: “What doesn’t kill me gives me EXP.”
She raises her LG G6 in her left hand and casually waves it a little. She moves her right hand to reconnect the wireless charger to her phone before she sets both items on the left side of the bed. Mere minutes after waking up from the prolonged unconsciousness and she was already tweeting in retaliation and defiance of Shields’ surprise attack right after she was eliminated from the Global Cup. She shakes her head in the tiniest way and sighs.
Jessica: “It’s spinal cord compression, but it’s nowhere near as severe as the doctor anticipated. My head and neck are incredibly stiff, but the pain’s dulling from the OxyContin. There’s a mild case of Sciatica, but nothing I can’t quickly heal from. Sometimes my arms and hands feel numb and weak…”
She can only gauge so much of Adrien’s facial expression from her angle, but she can tell this has emotionally compromised him.
Jessica: “...I’ll be fine. Really. My right knee is feeling a lot better. I think Aurora didn’t focus on targeting it because she’s my friend. We call that a mercy kill in Team Fortress 2. Besides, I offered her a Sailor Moon marathon over dinner and drinks.”
Adrien remembers that it was Aurora Graves who injured his left knee. She is capable of hurting knees if she wanted to. He felt glad that even if Jessica lost, it wasn’t because of that. In fact, Damon Graves didn’t do anything to Adrien’s left knee either.
Adrien: “I’m glad your knee is okay. I just...this shouldn’t have happened, Jessica…”
Adrien takes a step away from the bed, running his hands through his hair again, feeling frustrated about the whole situation.
Adrien: “This would have never have happened if I didn’t let all of you talk me into letting you all fight alongside me. You all told me you were willing to take these risks. Now I’m not so sure I was ready for these risks. I couldn’t care less what they do to me. But seeing this done to you…”
Adrien’s voice breaks as his sentence trails off. He turns back to face her, regret written all over his face. Jessica closes her eyes for a moment and slightly shakes her head. There’s a faint wince in a verbal response, so she adapts and wags her right index finger.
Jessica: “You’re not going to talk me into leaving the Guardians. You’re not going to be able to convince Jazmyn and Joshua either. We’re more than a team. We’re family. You didn’t ask for our help, but we reached out to help you anyway because we care about you and we believe…”
She pauses for dramatic effect, opens her eyes, and smiles.
Jessica: “...in you. Your fight against the Destroyers isn’t just your fight anymore. It’s our fight and nothing’s going to change that. After everything they’ve done, do you honestly think that we’re going to let you fight Matthew, Kayla, Jaxon, and Jack alone? You’ve gotta be rolling a natural twenty on your insanity check if you even consider that, Adrien.”
Truth be told, he was considering that. This was the same man who planned on stepping into the ring with Matthew Shields and Kayla Richards in a handicap match when Stacy Sterling departed due to her injury. As he said, he doesn’t care what they do to him. What he does care about is what they do to the other three. But he knew there was no turning back from this point. None of them were safe even if Adrien did try to take the fight by himself. They would go after them, current or former Guardian.
Adrien: “I should have done more to keep you safe then. Maybe start keeping you and Jazmyn in the same locker room from now on. Maybe make sure I’m always within a shout away from you. Anything to make sure this doesn’t happen...and we should have known this was coming too…”
A single tear forms in the corner of Adrien’s right eye. He closes both of his eyes momentarily before opening them again.
Adrien: “I don’t want anything like this to happen to you again, Jessica…”
Jessica: “Adrien…”
She can see the tear and the visible sorrow in his entire being. Moving her right hand, she grabs the remote for the hospital bed and manipulates it so the bed slowly moves to help her sit up while still keeping her comfortable. She turns her body, minimalizing the movements of her head and neck, so she can face him better and she reaches out to gently wipe that tear away with her thumb.
Jessica: “I haven’t been in this business for as long as you have. However, I’ve been a professional wrestler long enough to know that there are dangerous people in this industry. They’ll do whatever it takes to hurt someone they hate. It doesn’t matter what kind of reinforcement a person has. If they despise someone so much, they’ll find a way to wound them physically, mentally, and emotionally. That was one of the first things Jaime told me.”
She sees the mention of her mentor and one of Adrien’s old tag-team partners grabs more of his attention. Jessica looks into her current tag-team partner’s eyes and smiles a little.
Jessica: “In December 2014, my first ex-boyfriend put me in a coma with a front flip piledriver onto the ring apron. I was still a rookie back then. I didn’t have a very good constitution ability score and I wasn’t proficient in constitution saving throws. I did, however, make my death saving throws. I wouldn’t be here if I failed them.”
She thinks back to her short interview with Hannah Lacey prior to her match and realizes that Adrien may not understand the Dungeons and Dragons references. She chuckles a little and sighs.
Jessica: “I really need to stop using these references, but it’s one of the only ways I keep my spirits up. I digress. The point is… this isn’t the first time I’ve been hospitalized by someone who despised me. Seeing your experience, as well as Jaime, Ricky, and even Dean’s experiences, I know this probably won’t be the last time. But no matter what, I’m not going to stay down forever. You only truly fail if you give up… and you know me. I never let a game over stop me.”
Another tear starts to form in his left eye this time.
Adrien: “I’ve been hospitalized too. But that’s different to me than sitting here and watching it happen to you. Perhaps if the roles were reversed and I was the one laying in this bed…”
Jessica: “No.”
Even though she shouldn’t, she visibly shakes her head and winces, thankful for the regular administration of the OxyContin.
Jessica: “Don’t you dare. ‘It should have been me, not you.’ I don’t want to hear it. My sister’s heart would be in pain either way. Whether it was you, me, Jazmyn, or Joshua, the result would be the same. It would be painful and consequential. None of us deserve to be in this position, but you know what? In this sport, sometimes it happens. What matters is we get through this together. I’ll be alright. I’ll be ready for Dissension in Dublin. We’re taking the NGW Tag Team Championship belts from Death Before Dishonor. Anyone but the Destroyers, right?”
The second tear is running down his cheek at this point.
Adrien: “I don’t want to put you at risk if you aren’t a full go. I don’t want you right back in this hospital bed in two weeks, Jessica.”
His concern for her well-being outweighed any championship. Even if it was to be taken from the Destroyers. When it comes to the safety of the other Guardians or defeating the Destroyers, he’s going to choose the former every single time.
Adrien: “Don’t push yourself, Jessica. Please.”
She reaches out once more, using her index finger to collect the stream of the tear, and she places her hand on top of his head of blonde hair.
Jessica: “You can’t stop me, Adrien. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
She playfully winks. She’s well aware of his history with defying medical rest and recovery. Against doctor’s orders, he’d march back into the fray of wrestling and fight to his heart’s content. She’s going to do the same thing whether he likes it or not.
It’s interesting to be on the other side of the spectrum.
Jessica: “I love wrestling… more than I love video gaming. Considering that’s my origin, that should say a lot. I’m doing this for me. I’m doing this for my family and friends. Most of all, I’m doing this for you. You’re never alone, Adrien. You will never be alone ever again.”
Adrien: “You’ll never be alone either, Jessica.”
Adrien attempts a smile as another tear trails down his face. He grabs her hand with both of his.
Adrien: “I just care about you too much to just shrug off something like this happening to you, Jessica.”
He remembers what Dean said to him Sunday night. Harden himself. Adrien couldn’t do that. It’s his love and compassion for the people in his life like Jessica that separates him from people like Matthew Shields.
Adrien: “And most of all, I care about you more than those tag team titles. I’d rather fight them myself than have you trying to wrestle in a condition where Matthew will have a chance to do this again.”
Adrien awaits Jessica to shoot that idea down with the proverbial shotgun. Slipping her hand from his grasp, she lowers it slowly, only for her to poke his nose with the tip of her index finger and hold it there.
Jessica: “OBJECTION!”
It’s no coincidence that her Nintendo DS is accompanied by Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Dean was well-prepared with a backpack of some of her favorite personal belongings.
Jessica: “You haven’t been listening to a word I said, have you? Wrestling Matthew AND Jack alone is reckless and stupid. Devlin Scott’s not going to allow you to do that anyway. You’d forfeit the match and Death Before Dishonor would keep the titles. The Destroyers would have a lead in the war that we can’t let them win. If we don’t stop them, they’ll continue to commit such terrible actions to other wrestlers in NGW. They’ll corrupt the entire company and rule over it. The King, the Queen, the Jack, and the Ace would reign supreme. A royal flush isn’t what the wrestling industry needs. It needs honor, respect, and justice. I am the Paladin of VENGEANCE. You are the Bard of VALOR. We’re in this together, all for one and one for all.”
She flashes a big grin and boops his nose again.
Jessica: “I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, Adrien.”
Adrien shakes his head once more. He attempts to wipe his eyes dry from any tears that might have begun to form. His tired blue eyes look back at Jessica’s, who despite all she has gone through, had a lot of hope in them.
Adrien: “I won’t try to stop you. Just please don’t be reckless yourself. Can you at least promise me that? If I can’t be reckless, neither can you.”
He closes his eyes for a half second longer than a standard blink. His tone still has the sorrow, sullen feel to it, but the regret and guilt have begun to fade away in it.
Adrien: “If anything worse than this were to ever happen to you, I don’t know what I’d do…”
Jessica: “Don’t think of the worst-case scenarios.”
She moves her hand down and gently catches his chin. She raises his head and slowly draws her hand away, pausing for a moment to make sure he keeps his head up. Once he actually holds it there, she breathes slowly.
Jessica: “And let’s be honest. You and I are reckless beyond recognition. We can’t NOT be reckless, but we can try our best to control it better. That will be our promise.”
Leaning forward a slight ways from the comfort of the bed, she opens her arms out to him and beckons with her hands for him to hug it out. Adrien, realizing what she was doing, gently puts his arms around her to give her the hug she was requesting.
Adrien: “I’ll do my best. I can promise you that.”
He takes a deep breath as he keeps her in the embrace. This is a friend of many years who was becoming family to him in his arms. He didn’t have it in him to disappoint her. And he wouldn’t disappoint her. Jessica knows that. She believes in Adrien.
Jessica: “I love you, big brother.”
Seeing as he’s dating her older sister, that is quite a validating statement.
Adrien: “I love you too, Jessica.”
He gives a quick kiss on the top of her head, a location that was safe for platonic friends...or family. She can’t help but let her smile widen.
Jessica: “Let’s promise to do our best. Not just for ourselves, but for Everalda and Klaus too. They’ve become your entire world. I know you won’t let it fall apart.”
Adrien thinks about his girlfriend and her son. They are everything to him and became that in a surprisingly short time.
Adrien: “Everything I possibly can.”
He releases the embrace and looks down at Jessica.
Adrien: “Are you sure you going to be okay?”
She allows herself to lean back against the bed and her right hand manipulates the remote. She adjusts the bed back into a more comforting position to lay down without any pressure. She looks up to Adrien and raises a peace sign for his concern.
Jessica: “I’ve got a constitution ability score of fourteen and I’ve acquired the Resilience feat. I’ll be just fine.”
Adrien: “Is fourteen high? What is that out of?”
Adrien was still clueless about all the Dungeons & Dragons references. His quizzical expression brings a small smile on Jessica’s face. Even though it hurts a little, she laughs anyway.
Jessica: “It’s official. I am going to be the Dungeon Master for the Guardians of the Galaxy… and we’re going to start with my favorite campaign from the fifth edition: Curse of Strahd.”
That’s not just a promise. That’s a guarantee. To Adrien however, all it did was confuse him more.
Take a breath
I pull myself together
Just another step
Until I reach the door
You'll never know the way
It tears me up inside to see you
I wish that I could tell you something
To take it all away
Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there's so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up 'til it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know
Date: March 4th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
Anger and regret...those were the two emotions rushing through the mind of Adrien Cochrane as he stares at the hospital room door in front of him. It was an empty state, his eyes haven’t moved in over thirty minutes. The only movement from him in that time span was breathing and blinking. He was trapped in a cage of his own thoughts, wondering what he could have done to prevent this from happening. His sister tried to tell him not to prior to his match mere hours ago. But the reality is: Jessica Sears was his responsibility. And he failed her.
He takes a deep breath before suddenly, the loud sigh of another person who was awaiting another update on the Paladin from the medical staff at this hospital. This broke Adrien’s staring contest with the door as he looks at the man seated to his immediate left.
Adrien: “I should have made arrangements for two Guardians to be with one another at all times. Something to at least deter this from happening. I’m sorry that I let this happen, Dean.”
Adrien kept staring forwards as he spoke, keeping Dean in his peripheral vision.The monster to his left sat with his arms lying on the arms of the chair and his eyes narrowed on the door. He didn’t pace. He didn’t talk. He didn’t even think. He stared, and he remained silent as the grave as he did. The muscles of his jaw twitching and jumping were the only sign that something was bothering him. Other than that he looked so profoundly calm.
A man obviously taught and very experienced in keeping control over himself now. His repeated battled with the Reptile had seen to that. When Adrien finally spoke Dean looked to his right and a low rumbling hissing snarl echoed from his chest and throat, his eyes appeared to be split between the pupil, though this could have simply been a trick of the light.
Dean: “You are not to blame, Adrien. Matthew Shields and his unholy fascination with my girlfriend is to blame, and he’ll pay for it, one way or another.”
Adrien runs his hands through his hair like he did multiple times in his locker room before his match took place. He glances sideways to see both his sister and his girlfriend sleeping in their respective seats to his right. The seat once occupied by his manager empty. He pulls out his phone to check the time, a few minutes before midnight. He notices his phone is currently at three percent battery, but he didn’t really care.
Adrien: “I might end up having to step into the ring with Shields and Tillman by myself if this is serious enough. And believe me, I was prepared to fight Shields without any help, to begin with. With Jessica there or not, I will be giving Shields something he will always remember…”
Adrien’s fists clenched as he spoke. Anger from the Dropkick King was rare. He’s typically one of the most composed and level-headed competitors out there. But not right now. Not after this. Not after he had to watch his girlfriend do everything in her power to unsuccessfully revive her own sister. It broke him emotionally.
Adrien: “To watch someone I care so much about on the ground with all that blood, unresponsive, and to see the girl I’m in love with helplessly try to do something about it...that’s an image that’s going to stay with me…”
As level-headed and composed as the Dropkick King usually was, the Fanged One was so drastically different. One usually left to flying off the handle and throwing things when his towering rage overcomes him and yet here now he sat, calm as the smoothest seas, though perhaps Adrien and those watching would know...even beneath the calmest waters the currents roared, threatening to pull the unsuspecting into its depths for eternity.
Dean: “You will not face them alone. Jessica will recover. She will heal. She will help you. Even I have to snap my healing ribs to ensure she is ready, she will be. Shields doesn’t get away with this. You have the Guardians, this isn’t like the War I have on the horizon. Outnumbered six to one. She will be ready.”
The final words were a whispered promise and yet, so close to being a growled threat. Dean’s hand closed around the end of the arm of the chair and squeezed. He pulled himself forward with an audible hissing groan and pressed his right arm to his right side.
Dean: “Harden yourself, Adrien, you will see others fall. Others hurt. This is only the beginning.”
Adrien thinks back to the previous faction wars he was in, most notably the EXODUS Seikigun versus LEGION where they put Jonathan Collins in a coma. But that was just a group made up of people he was somewhat close to and was fighting on behalf because of a threat.
This was different.
Jessica, Jazmyn, Joshua...they were family to him. Jessica could very well be Adrien’s sister-in-law in a couple of years if the cards are dealt properly. It was a war with people he saw as soldiers, trying to remove the threat in EXODUS Pro. He was just another guy, fighting it out. The Guardians are quite the opposite. He loves the people he has on his side. They look to him as some sort of figurehead, despite the fact he doesn’t want to be the leader. Which is why he feels some responsibility for all of this.
Adrien: “It’s easier when it’s not someone you love on the other side of that door. Sure, I’ve been in a situation where someone from my group was hospitalized, but it was someone I barely knew. We saw a threat, banded together, fought them, and removed the threat. I didn’t have one of my best friends sitting on the other side of that door.”
He lets out another sigh as he sees the face of another person peering around the corner. The spiked hair and wrinkled face of Eddie Walker were very hard to miss. He takes a seat between Everalda Sears-Theron and Alexis Cochrane, silent enough so that he does not awaken either one of them.
Eddie: “I’ve got Everalda’s son in the capable hands of Stephen Nair. I feel like Miss Sears-Theron could use the rest. I’ve updated Avery and Serenity about the situation in regards to their baby shower and they might be pushing it back to accommodate Jessica. I also rescheduled your flight since I know neither you nor Everalda are going to be wanting to depart this hospital until Jessica does. Speaking of which, have you gotten any updates, Mr. Matthews?”
Dean: “Mr. Matthews was my father.”
Dean’s tone was much sharper with this man than it had been Adrien. He pushed himself up from the chair pressing his arm to his side and walked to the door that was of Jessica’s room. He stood there a moment listening then turned to face the small group again.
Dean: “I think, if I heard correctly, it was minor damage. Could have been a lot worse, but I suppose they will know more when they finish the tests later.”
The cold ice blue eyes found Adrien sitting in the chair and stared down at him.
Dean: “What I wanna know is why everyone is sticking with this code. You do not reason with a disease, Adrien. You rip it out by the roots and fight it with whatever is needed to kill it. Gather the Guardians, storm into the Destroyers locker room with a bat and beat his goddamn knee-caps while someone makes that slag Kayla watch!”
It was like he had told Jessica all those weeks before. They wanted her to be a Destroyer? Well, wish granted. Eddie Walker’s eyes widen the moment Dean suggested his plan. Knowing Adrien and how he handles things, he stood back up.
Eddie: “I’m just going to give you two a minute…”
Walker retreats back down the hallway where he previously was. Adrien, on the other hand, was still holding up his head with both palms.
Adrien: “I don’t want to be like them, Dean. If we do that, what makes us any better than them?”
It was a question of morality to Adrien. Something he had shared with Dean previously before in a much more private setting. Adrien’s tone is still hushed as to not to disturb the women sleeping, and hopes Dean does the same.
Adrien: “I know we’re never going to agree on this. I know you suspect my way of thinking isn’t going to get the job done. I’m hearing enough of that from the Rebel Society. But being the Destroyers 2.0 can’t be the only solution, Dean.”
When he heard the words his eyes narrowed down on the man but before he could lose control that cold empty gaze shot to the sleeping women and then slowly back to Adrien. A growl echoed from within his chest but his tone stayed calm, controlled.
Dean: “Fine, you and Jessica can stay true to this...this…illusion of morality. When I heal, I’ll do what needs to be done and spike Shields into the concrete repeatedly until I am wearing his blood like war paint!”
Though he sounded angry…no, enraged, his tone stayed controlled and quiet. As to not disturb the sleeping sisters not far from him.
Dean: “Do not think I don’t think you can’t get the job done, Adrien. I have faith in you and Jessica and the other two, whatever their names are, but your way will take longer. It will result in more chances for events like this. You will all win….it will just take to long and put to much risk on the woman I…”
Dean stopped then and spun around on his heels turning back to face the room and folded his arms over his chest with another soft growl. Adrien remembers how close Everalda was during the attack. He can understand. But this was an easy decision for Adrien.
Adrien: “To be like them is worse than losing to me. I hope you can understand that.”
Life has a lot of grey areas. But to follow through and do what Matthew Shields did to Jessica...that’s outright black in Adrien’s eyes. That was a line he was not going to cross.
Adrien: “I am afraid of having to sit in a hospital waiting room and worry about Joshua or Jazmyn on the other side. Or have all of you sitting out here with me in that hospital bed. I didn’t ask for anyone to join this fight with me. All of them told me they wanted in. They all came to me. I might need to sit down and explain to them all the risks they are putting themselves in by being in this group with me.”
Well, it might be too late at this point, Adrien thought.
Dean: “She won’t care. Jessica won’t care in the slightest about the risks. It’s the only reason I was even in her apartment in the first place Adrien.”
Adrien: “I suspect I’m going to hear the same thing from Rain and Goldstein as well.”
Adrien nods his head before staring at the door once more.
Adrien: “You really think she’s going to be alright?”
Dean: “Of course she is. Jessica Sears is too stubborn to let something like this stop her. She’ll be fighting the doctors to let her leave nearly the second she wakes up. Like I did.”
Adrien reflects back at all the times he was hospitalized with a wrestling related injury. He smiles for the first time since the attack.
Adrien: “Yeah. Just like me too.”
When I hear your voice
It's drowning in the whispers
You're just skin and bones
There's nothing left to take
And no matter what I do
I can't make you feel better
If only I could find the answer
To help me understand
Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there's so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up 'til it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know
Date: Tuesday, March 6th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
The door opens in front of Adrien Cochrane. The same door he has been staring at for over twenty-four hours. It appears it’s finally his turn. The sullen voice of his usually cheerful manager confirms it for him as he exits the room.
Eddie: “Hey, she wants to see you, bud.”
Adrien glances around the waiting room. Alexis left shortly after visiting Jessica to make sure she was okay. Dean is still having his own personal staring contest with the wall. Walker pats Adrien on the shoulder to make sure he heard him say it was time for him to see one of his best friends.
Adrien: “Thank you.”
Adrien almost forgot how to use his legs for a moment as he rose from his chair. He has barely moved from that spot since he got here late Sunday night. He’s barely gotten any rest and only got to eat because Eddie kept making food runs for him. Once he remembers how to walk once more, he watches his girlfriend step out of the room, tears still rolling down her face after seeing her sister. He attempts a smile to try to comfort her, but he doesn’t have it in him to make one.
Everalda: “She’s… stable. One of the nurses just administered the proper dosage of OxyContin, so she should be feeling alright.”
She raises a white handkerchief she retrieves from the left pocket of her red jacket and wipes the tears from her eyes. She’s not wearing any makeup whatsoever, long ruined and removed after the horrible attack committed by Matthew Shields. To think she once believed there was good in everyone…
There was no good in such a horrible man. No, a monster.
Everalda takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
Everalda: “I would like to see my son as soon as possible. Please, Adrien…”
Eddie Walker overhears Everalda’s request.
Eddie: “Klaus is with Mr. Nair and Mrs. Walker. Jack has been keeping him company. I’ll take you to them.”
As Eddie leads Everalda to her son, Adrien takes a deep breath before entering the hospital room. The lights are a bit dim, possibly so that it doesn’t disturb any rest Jessica might want to get. He slowly closes the door behind him, turning to see Jessica.
Adrien: “Hey…”
Jessica can only turn her head so much. There’s a neck brace keeping her from moving her head and neck too much to avoid overstressing the injury. Still, she manages to use her peripheral vision to see Adrien and a smile crosses her face.
Jessica: “Ah, the College of Valor Bard has finally arrived.”
Even in her condition, she refuses to let her spirits be down. She chuckles softly and extends her right hand towards the seat next to the hospital bed.
Jessica: “I haven’t been in the hospital in years. I forgot how ridiculously comfortable the beds are. The food, on the other hand… yuck. I could go for all-you-can-eat sushi.”
Adrien shakes his head a little bit as Jessica calmly speaks about the condition of her bed and sushi. He wipes some of the crust that’s been developing around his left eye as he moves to a position that is easier for her to see him. He clearly has rested since it happened. The stubble he normally has on his face is starting to grow in patches. The bags under his eyes are getting darker. But he just wants to keep Jessica in the best spirits he possibly can.
Adrien: “The moment you’re out of here, you can eat all the sushi you want, on me. I don’t care if I have to take you to multiple restaurants.”
His guilt over letting this happen put Adrien in a position where he just wants to do anything and everything for one of his best friends.
Adrien: “How are you feeling?”
Jessica: “What doesn’t kill me gives me EXP.”
She raises her LG G6 in her left hand and casually waves it a little. She moves her right hand to reconnect the wireless charger to her phone before she sets both items on the left side of the bed. Mere minutes after waking up from the prolonged unconsciousness and she was already tweeting in retaliation and defiance of Shields’ surprise attack right after she was eliminated from the Global Cup. She shakes her head in the tiniest way and sighs.
Jessica: “It’s spinal cord compression, but it’s nowhere near as severe as the doctor anticipated. My head and neck are incredibly stiff, but the pain’s dulling from the OxyContin. There’s a mild case of Sciatica, but nothing I can’t quickly heal from. Sometimes my arms and hands feel numb and weak…”
She can only gauge so much of Adrien’s facial expression from her angle, but she can tell this has emotionally compromised him.
Jessica: “...I’ll be fine. Really. My right knee is feeling a lot better. I think Aurora didn’t focus on targeting it because she’s my friend. We call that a mercy kill in Team Fortress 2. Besides, I offered her a Sailor Moon marathon over dinner and drinks.”
Adrien remembers that it was Aurora Graves who injured his left knee. She is capable of hurting knees if she wanted to. He felt glad that even if Jessica lost, it wasn’t because of that. In fact, Damon Graves didn’t do anything to Adrien’s left knee either.
Adrien: “I’m glad your knee is okay. I just...this shouldn’t have happened, Jessica…”
Adrien takes a step away from the bed, running his hands through his hair again, feeling frustrated about the whole situation.
Adrien: “This would have never have happened if I didn’t let all of you talk me into letting you all fight alongside me. You all told me you were willing to take these risks. Now I’m not so sure I was ready for these risks. I couldn’t care less what they do to me. But seeing this done to you…”
Adrien’s voice breaks as his sentence trails off. He turns back to face her, regret written all over his face. Jessica closes her eyes for a moment and slightly shakes her head. There’s a faint wince in a verbal response, so she adapts and wags her right index finger.
Jessica: “You’re not going to talk me into leaving the Guardians. You’re not going to be able to convince Jazmyn and Joshua either. We’re more than a team. We’re family. You didn’t ask for our help, but we reached out to help you anyway because we care about you and we believe…”
She pauses for dramatic effect, opens her eyes, and smiles.
Jessica: “...in you. Your fight against the Destroyers isn’t just your fight anymore. It’s our fight and nothing’s going to change that. After everything they’ve done, do you honestly think that we’re going to let you fight Matthew, Kayla, Jaxon, and Jack alone? You’ve gotta be rolling a natural twenty on your insanity check if you even consider that, Adrien.”
Truth be told, he was considering that. This was the same man who planned on stepping into the ring with Matthew Shields and Kayla Richards in a handicap match when Stacy Sterling departed due to her injury. As he said, he doesn’t care what they do to him. What he does care about is what they do to the other three. But he knew there was no turning back from this point. None of them were safe even if Adrien did try to take the fight by himself. They would go after them, current or former Guardian.
Adrien: “I should have done more to keep you safe then. Maybe start keeping you and Jazmyn in the same locker room from now on. Maybe make sure I’m always within a shout away from you. Anything to make sure this doesn’t happen...and we should have known this was coming too…”
A single tear forms in the corner of Adrien’s right eye. He closes both of his eyes momentarily before opening them again.
Adrien: “I don’t want anything like this to happen to you again, Jessica…”
Jessica: “Adrien…”
She can see the tear and the visible sorrow in his entire being. Moving her right hand, she grabs the remote for the hospital bed and manipulates it so the bed slowly moves to help her sit up while still keeping her comfortable. She turns her body, minimalizing the movements of her head and neck, so she can face him better and she reaches out to gently wipe that tear away with her thumb.
Jessica: “I haven’t been in this business for as long as you have. However, I’ve been a professional wrestler long enough to know that there are dangerous people in this industry. They’ll do whatever it takes to hurt someone they hate. It doesn’t matter what kind of reinforcement a person has. If they despise someone so much, they’ll find a way to wound them physically, mentally, and emotionally. That was one of the first things Jaime told me.”
She sees the mention of her mentor and one of Adrien’s old tag-team partners grabs more of his attention. Jessica looks into her current tag-team partner’s eyes and smiles a little.
Jessica: “In December 2014, my first ex-boyfriend put me in a coma with a front flip piledriver onto the ring apron. I was still a rookie back then. I didn’t have a very good constitution ability score and I wasn’t proficient in constitution saving throws. I did, however, make my death saving throws. I wouldn’t be here if I failed them.”
She thinks back to her short interview with Hannah Lacey prior to her match and realizes that Adrien may not understand the Dungeons and Dragons references. She chuckles a little and sighs.
Jessica: “I really need to stop using these references, but it’s one of the only ways I keep my spirits up. I digress. The point is… this isn’t the first time I’ve been hospitalized by someone who despised me. Seeing your experience, as well as Jaime, Ricky, and even Dean’s experiences, I know this probably won’t be the last time. But no matter what, I’m not going to stay down forever. You only truly fail if you give up… and you know me. I never let a game over stop me.”
Another tear starts to form in his left eye this time.
Adrien: “I’ve been hospitalized too. But that’s different to me than sitting here and watching it happen to you. Perhaps if the roles were reversed and I was the one laying in this bed…”
Jessica: “No.”
Even though she shouldn’t, she visibly shakes her head and winces, thankful for the regular administration of the OxyContin.
Jessica: “Don’t you dare. ‘It should have been me, not you.’ I don’t want to hear it. My sister’s heart would be in pain either way. Whether it was you, me, Jazmyn, or Joshua, the result would be the same. It would be painful and consequential. None of us deserve to be in this position, but you know what? In this sport, sometimes it happens. What matters is we get through this together. I’ll be alright. I’ll be ready for Dissension in Dublin. We’re taking the NGW Tag Team Championship belts from Death Before Dishonor. Anyone but the Destroyers, right?”
The second tear is running down his cheek at this point.
Adrien: “I don’t want to put you at risk if you aren’t a full go. I don’t want you right back in this hospital bed in two weeks, Jessica.”
His concern for her well-being outweighed any championship. Even if it was to be taken from the Destroyers. When it comes to the safety of the other Guardians or defeating the Destroyers, he’s going to choose the former every single time.
Adrien: “Don’t push yourself, Jessica. Please.”
She reaches out once more, using her index finger to collect the stream of the tear, and she places her hand on top of his head of blonde hair.
Jessica: “You can’t stop me, Adrien. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
She playfully winks. She’s well aware of his history with defying medical rest and recovery. Against doctor’s orders, he’d march back into the fray of wrestling and fight to his heart’s content. She’s going to do the same thing whether he likes it or not.
It’s interesting to be on the other side of the spectrum.
Jessica: “I love wrestling… more than I love video gaming. Considering that’s my origin, that should say a lot. I’m doing this for me. I’m doing this for my family and friends. Most of all, I’m doing this for you. You’re never alone, Adrien. You will never be alone ever again.”
Adrien: “You’ll never be alone either, Jessica.”
Adrien attempts a smile as another tear trails down his face. He grabs her hand with both of his.
Adrien: “I just care about you too much to just shrug off something like this happening to you, Jessica.”
He remembers what Dean said to him Sunday night. Harden himself. Adrien couldn’t do that. It’s his love and compassion for the people in his life like Jessica that separates him from people like Matthew Shields.
Adrien: “And most of all, I care about you more than those tag team titles. I’d rather fight them myself than have you trying to wrestle in a condition where Matthew will have a chance to do this again.”
Adrien awaits Jessica to shoot that idea down with the proverbial shotgun. Slipping her hand from his grasp, she lowers it slowly, only for her to poke his nose with the tip of her index finger and hold it there.
Jessica: “OBJECTION!”
It’s no coincidence that her Nintendo DS is accompanied by Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Dean was well-prepared with a backpack of some of her favorite personal belongings.
Jessica: “You haven’t been listening to a word I said, have you? Wrestling Matthew AND Jack alone is reckless and stupid. Devlin Scott’s not going to allow you to do that anyway. You’d forfeit the match and Death Before Dishonor would keep the titles. The Destroyers would have a lead in the war that we can’t let them win. If we don’t stop them, they’ll continue to commit such terrible actions to other wrestlers in NGW. They’ll corrupt the entire company and rule over it. The King, the Queen, the Jack, and the Ace would reign supreme. A royal flush isn’t what the wrestling industry needs. It needs honor, respect, and justice. I am the Paladin of VENGEANCE. You are the Bard of VALOR. We’re in this together, all for one and one for all.”
She flashes a big grin and boops his nose again.
Jessica: “I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, Adrien.”
Adrien shakes his head once more. He attempts to wipe his eyes dry from any tears that might have begun to form. His tired blue eyes look back at Jessica’s, who despite all she has gone through, had a lot of hope in them.
Adrien: “I won’t try to stop you. Just please don’t be reckless yourself. Can you at least promise me that? If I can’t be reckless, neither can you.”
He closes his eyes for a half second longer than a standard blink. His tone still has the sorrow, sullen feel to it, but the regret and guilt have begun to fade away in it.
Adrien: “If anything worse than this were to ever happen to you, I don’t know what I’d do…”
Jessica: “Don’t think of the worst-case scenarios.”
She moves her hand down and gently catches his chin. She raises his head and slowly draws her hand away, pausing for a moment to make sure he keeps his head up. Once he actually holds it there, she breathes slowly.
Jessica: “And let’s be honest. You and I are reckless beyond recognition. We can’t NOT be reckless, but we can try our best to control it better. That will be our promise.”
Leaning forward a slight ways from the comfort of the bed, she opens her arms out to him and beckons with her hands for him to hug it out. Adrien, realizing what she was doing, gently puts his arms around her to give her the hug she was requesting.
Adrien: “I’ll do my best. I can promise you that.”
He takes a deep breath as he keeps her in the embrace. This is a friend of many years who was becoming family to him in his arms. He didn’t have it in him to disappoint her. And he wouldn’t disappoint her. Jessica knows that. She believes in Adrien.
Jessica: “I love you, big brother.”
Seeing as he’s dating her older sister, that is quite a validating statement.
Adrien: “I love you too, Jessica.”
He gives a quick kiss on the top of her head, a location that was safe for platonic friends...or family. She can’t help but let her smile widen.
Jessica: “Let’s promise to do our best. Not just for ourselves, but for Everalda and Klaus too. They’ve become your entire world. I know you won’t let it fall apart.”
Adrien thinks about his girlfriend and her son. They are everything to him and became that in a surprisingly short time.
Adrien: “Everything I possibly can.”
He releases the embrace and looks down at Jessica.
Adrien: “Are you sure you going to be okay?”
She allows herself to lean back against the bed and her right hand manipulates the remote. She adjusts the bed back into a more comforting position to lay down without any pressure. She looks up to Adrien and raises a peace sign for his concern.
Jessica: “I’ve got a constitution ability score of fourteen and I’ve acquired the Resilience feat. I’ll be just fine.”
Adrien: “Is fourteen high? What is that out of?”
Adrien was still clueless about all the Dungeons & Dragons references. His quizzical expression brings a small smile on Jessica’s face. Even though it hurts a little, she laughs anyway.
Jessica: “It’s official. I am going to be the Dungeon Master for the Guardians of the Galaxy… and we’re going to start with my favorite campaign from the fifth edition: Curse of Strahd.”
That’s not just a promise. That’s a guarantee. To Adrien however, all it did was confuse him more.
That if you fall, stumble down
I'll pick you up off the ground
If you lose faith in you
I'll give you strength to pull through
Tell me you won't give up
'Cause I'll be waiting if you fall
You know I'll be there for you
If only I could find the answer
To take it all away
Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there's so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up 'til it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know
I wish I could save you
I want you to know
I wish I could save you
