Post by Adrien | Adam on May 31, 2018 2:00:51 GMT -5
Be sure to give points to Jessica Sears, Dean Matthews, and Jaime Alejandro for their part in this.
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Date: Wednesday, May 30th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
“So let me get this straight. Just so that we’re on the same page…”
There is a small modicum of annoyance in the voice of Adrien Cochrane. Annoyance was quite rare for the Dropkick King. He was normally cool and collected. But with the particular conversation, he was having with the three people standing behind him, it wasn’t exactly playing out in Adrien’s favor. Granted, the situation as a whole isn’t in anyone’s favor, to be frank.
Adrien: “You want me to stay clear of this whole ordeal where Zachary Sears is likely in danger. Isn’t that the whole point of having me around? This is what I swore I would do when the Guardians became a thing. But you want me to keep my head down and just do nothing?!”
The three people Adrien addressed all seemed to be disappointed that Adrien wasn’t taking their request easily. Cochrane turns back around to face his girlfriend Everalda Sears-Theron, his tag team partner Jessica Sears, and her boyfriend Dean Matthews. All three of them were seated in the shade of Adrien’s home just a bit outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Matthews was seated with his girlfriend on the outdoor loveseat. Everalda, on the other hand, was in a chair across the table from them. The empty seat next to her was previously occupied by Cochrane prior to the purpose of this visit being revealed.
Everalda: “Adrien…”
Remaining seated where she is, Everalda takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. The redness in the whites of her baby blue eyes and the light bags under her eyes are very present. She’s wearing light natural-toned makeup in an attempt to cover this, a little white dress, and a pair of white high heels. Her blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail with a white hair scrunchie. If it wasn’t for the sleep deprivation, she would look like an angel. She tries to find the words to say, but nothing comes out.
In retrospect, the one who’s been silent from the beginning finally decides to speak up. Jessica raises her head, her soft blue eyes stinging red from the tears she’s cried, and she starts with a hoarse whisper.
Jessica: “The Children of Nephilim are not the Destroyers, Adrien. They’re worse… so much worse than I anticipated. They’re not just a wrestling group. They’re a cult hellbent on making everyone’s lives miserable. The Resistance fight the Children not because we want to, but because we have to. We have people near and dear to us who are in danger… Allowing you, or anyone else, to get involved now would only make things worse.”
Cochrane isn’t satisfied with this response but sees the expression from Everalda. She’s outright frightened.
Adrien: “Regardless, I’m not the type of person who just sits around and does nothing. I could be useful to you guys. I can help. I could do something! Zachary is as much family to me as he is to Dean!”
Zachary Sears, being the brother of Jessica and Everalda, the respective significant others in Adrien’s analogy, is a potential brother-in-law, and therefore family in Adrien’s eyes. Just as much Adrien’s sister Alexis is to Everalda.
Adrien: “I care about Zach. You can’t expect me to not want to take part in getting him back. You said these people have a lot of hostages and captives. I don’t want someone who is family to be just another name on that list. I can’t just be idle while that’s going on.”
Much to the shock of those sitting at the table, Dean; whose hand had been over his face as he listened shot down and slammed onto the table top so hard the table shook. Eyes of ice-cold iceberg blue leveled on Adrien and for a split second, there was hate in those eyes. A cold, vicious hateful stare. The man Adrien had come to know was nowhere in those eyes. They were barely human.
Dean: “ENOUGH!”
Out of everyone, Everalda was the one who visibly jumped. Before any of them could say anything his hand lifted and held out a finger toward them and he drew in a deep shaking breath. Jessica laid her left hand on his right thigh beneath the table and squeezed. She knew what no one else at that table did. The constant war he waged inside his own mind.
His hand clenched and unclenched a few times as he tried to unwrap himself from the thing’s coils. Once he had unwound himself enough he looked back at Adrien and breathed out a deep breath through his nose.
Dean: “What Jess said is right. This isn’t the Destroyers, Adrien. Rivers is cerebral. Everything he does is five moves ahead of everyone else. He’s playing chess while we are all playing checkers. We finally have him where we want him, Adrien. We have all the pieces on the board and he thinks he’s got us in a gambit without realizing our defenses are all set. We got him.
But if you go running in now it, will make him stare harder at the board and he may see what we are doing. You are a variable that we simply cannot afford to be on the board at this time. If he pulls out of this match now, we might not have the chance to get them back at all.
Not Zach. Not my little brother. Aerynn’s husband. Stacy’s birth mother. Ashley’s oldest friend or Maiko’s parents. He has someone connected to everyone in the Resistance.”
Adrien never took his eyes off of Dean’s as he spoke. He wanted to stand his ground to the point where Dean would at least see that he was determined. But something Dean said had Adrien had him thinking. He runs his hands through his blonde hair before looking at Dean again.
Adrien: “You have all the pieces on the board where you want them? There’s a match involved? Can you elaborate that for me a little bit?”
Everalda tilted her head in wonderment.
Everalda: “I-I’m curious as well. Please explain…”
Dean cast a glance back at Jessica, for he knew she wasn’t thrilled about his plan. He blew out another steadying breath and glanced back at Adrien.
Dean: “We do. He’s been tormenting the Resistance for months. First me and then the others. So, We issued a challenge to him. Eight of his best against the eight of us. One match, winner take all. If he loses he has to release everyone he’s taken, not just our loved ones but everyone and shut Hell down…”
Adrien pauses again. This time, he returns to his seat, trying to process what he just told him about the eight versus eight match.
Adrien: “And you got your eight and you are confident they are going to get the job done…”
Cochrane nods his head before continuing.
Adrien: “...the way I was confident in Jessica, Jazmyn, and Joshua?”
Dean: “We are. Now that’s not the delicate part. He isn’t looking at the players on the board. Not really. Michael Rivers is a narcissist...so I dangled bait in front of him he couldn’t resist. You add more variables to the board and he might take a closer look at it.”
Cochrane wipes his eyes to think things a bit more before responding. He can sense the Sears sisters just hoping they leave this conversation with Adrien agreeing to stay out of it.
Adrien: “What happens if...you know…?”
A small sheepish grin pulled at the corners of his mouth beneath the beard when he heard the question he knew was coming.
Dean: “If the Children win the war? Then Lucifer gets what he wants. The eight of us all kneel and become Fallen Angels in his service. Forever.”
Cochrane nods at the first sentence. And then the remaining bit of his statement makes Adrien almost cringe a little.
Adrien: “That’s one hell of a risk. That includes…”
Adrien glances at his fellow Guardian, one of his best friends, someone he considers his sister. Jessica feels his eyes on her and she frowns.
Adrien: “Jess…?”
Dean’s head drifted down slowly and then back up as he nodded to show he agreed with Adrien’s assessment.
Dean: “Everyone. Jessica included. If you step in now, he’ll take his eyes off the eight of us, and keeping his eyes on the eight of us is imperative. He cannot under any circumstances see how far Asmodeus has gotten. She’s the Key.”
But hearing the losing stipulation elevates Everalda’s concern. She shakes her head slowly, nervously places her hands on her lap, and looks to Jessica.
Everalda: “...n-no. I’ve already lost my brother. I can’t afford to lose my baby sister either!”
Jessica’s eyes look up to her older sister and she softly bites her lower lip. The fear in Everalda’s eyes is clear. Outside of her son, Klaus and her grandmother, Anza, they’re the only blood relatives she has. She will never include her biological mother or grandfather in this equation… for good reason that she’s explained before.
Everalda: “Why…? Why does it have to be this way?”
Jessica: “Because it’s the only way.”
Sucking in a breath of air, Jessica raises her right hand and massages her temples. She looks worse for wear, but still, she continues to push on.
Jessica: “If we win… No, WHEN we win, the war is over. Everyone in Hell is free, including Zachary, and the Children of Nephilim will no longer terrorize our loved ones ever again. You have to believe in us.”
She breaks eye contact with Everalda to look towards Adrien. Her soft blue eyes are beginning to fill with tears once more, but there’s a look of hope within them. Even if it’s frail, it’s hard to kill.
Jessica: “Please…”
Adrien takes a deep breath before grabbing his girlfriend’s hand. He lifts her chin gently with his index finger to try to get her to make eye contact with him as well.
Adrien: “I guess I’m just going to have to get used to the fact that I’m going to have no control over the outcome of this. Just as we asked of Dean during this war with the Destroyers. I just...I wish it wasn’t this way. I feel helpless…”
A gentle squeeze of the hand follows those words before Adrien continues.
Adrien: “I don’t like the risk. I don’t like that there’s nothing I can do to help. I...I know this situation is the furthest thing from ideal we could possibly fathom. But…”
Everalda: “We have to believe.”
She speaks with a pained expression and emotional anguish in her voice. Yet deep in her baby blue eyes, there is hope. She squeezes Adrien’s hand tightly, a slight quiver in her body language, but she does her best to compose herself.
Everalda: “Believe in Dean just as he believed in you, Mein Herz. Believe in Jessica to help the Resistance win their war, just as she helped the Guardians win on Victory and Honor.”
Taking a deep breath, she turns to her baby sister and Dean.
Everalda: “...When is Predator and Prey?”
Jessica: “July.”
The Paladin answers simply. She looks away a little and breathes out through her nose, biting her lower lip harder. It’s such a long way.
Jessica: “I’ve told Mom that Zachary’s on a business trip to Tokyo, Japan. His presence as the Talent Director for Trenton Modeling Industries was imminent. She can’t know the truth. She wouldn’t be able to handle it in her condition…”
Their mother has been fighting ALS for the last two years. As they talked, Dean sat beside Jessica with his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose and his narrowed eyes focused down on the table. The muscles of his jaw jumping as he clenched his teeth. Feeling the tension from her beloved Hunter, Jessica’s hand gently squeezes Dean’s thigh before she moves her hand to take his. When she squeezes his hand, there’s a clear tremble coming from her.
Dean: “…Talk…Talk…Talk…”
Each word came out with a very clear and pronounced hiss and he tightened his grip on the table, the knuckles on his hand going white as he drew in another deep breath and looked briefly to the beautiful blonde at his side. He was in control, but barely. Finally, he looked back at the man across from him.
Dean: “We. Will. Not. Lose. I will not allow it. I served that lunatic once. I won’t a second time.”
Adrien: “I believe you. It’s...just hard sitting on the sidelines. I guess this is how you felt leading up to this past match…”
Adrien sighs, knowing any resistance from here is futile.
Adrien: “If you believe that Michael Rivers not knowing I exist a bit longer is what you need to defeat him while I’m sitting here, sipping my earl grey and worry about WrestleForce...then I’ll stand down. I’m not going to like it, but I’m going to trust you and do it.”
Instinctively, Everalda squeezes her boyfriend’s hand and nods in agreement.
Everalda: “Please set them free. Bring Zachary home.”
She’s keeping it together to the best of her ability. Jessica allows her tears to spill down her cheeks as she turns towards Dean, reaches up to gently catch his chin, and lifts herself up to kiss him deeply. One stray tear falls down in the sad kiss and she breaks it, only to softly press their foreheads together and their noses touch.
Jessica: “I’m with you until the end of the line, mein Liebe.”
Dean: “...To Hell and back.”
He told her, and by extension the other two, having no idea how prophetic that statement was.
Date: Wednesday, May 30th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
A few hours passed since Adrien Cochrane had the unexpected visit from Jessica Sears and Dean Matthews. The sun had set a while ago, beyond the horizon in the Louisiana skyline. It was quite warm. Warm enough that the Dropkick King ditched the plaid button-down in favor of just a regular Mumford and Sons t-shirt.
Despite the warm weather, Cochrane has no issues sitting at a table outside of a restaurant in the city. There were enough lights overhanging for Cochrane to see well enough to eat once his best friend approaches the table with two plates of food.
Adrien: “Did they make it without the…”
Before Adrien can even finish his sentence, he sees the look Eddie Walker is shooting him. His eyes were like daggers for Adrien to stop talking. Eddie then replies with the answer to Adrien’s halfway worded question as he takes a seat next to his top client.
Eddie: “Are you forgetting that I know your diet better than Everalda? Yes. I double checked.”
He shakes his head as he removes the paper towel covering his plate, dipping a spoonful of mashed potatoes into the reservoir of brown gravy. Eddie begins placing french fries into his mouth as well.
Eddie: “So Deano and Jessica told you to stand down, huh?”
That was one of the most fascinating things about Eddie Walker. He could read people and situations better than anyone Adrien has ever met, even better than him...and he has a degree in psychology. Adrien’s expression, word choice, social media posts...all of that was enough for Eddie to figure out what was on Adrien’s mind. But it’s become so commonplace that Adrien has stopped reacting to it as much. After all, Eddie was the one who saw Adrien’s sister and his lawyer relationship before everyone else. Even the brief fling between Jessica and Adrien’s protege, Adam Sanders, last year couldn’t slip past him. Thankfully, he keeps his observations to himself for the most part.
Adrien: “Yeah. They did.”
Walker chuckles a little bit before lifting his loaded burger. Just looking at it made Adrien’s arteries clog. But it was a “cheat day” for Eddie’s diet so he wasn’t going to stop him. Walker replies with some of the burger still in his mouth.
Eddie: “How did they convince you?”
Adrien swallows his spoonful of mashed potatoes before replying.
Adrien: “They said there is already a plan in place to get Zachary back. A match at an upcoming HYBRID show. They think that if I come waltzing in, Rivers is going to withdraw from the match. And if that happens, they might not get such an opportunity again.”
Eddie chuckles a little bit as he swallows the bite of his burger. The burger has melted cheese to the point of being all over his fingers. The chili is dripping off the back of the burger, and so is some of the ketchup, mustard, a couple of bits of bacon, and a few pieces of grilled onions. Adrien almost admires the man for taking on the challenge of eating this burger without going into cardiac arrest.
Eddie: “Well, you got Jessica and Dean on the side trying to get Zachary back. And isn’t Sela one of the people on the other side?”
Adrien remembers Sela-Rica Lark mostly as the person who has been giving his protege, Adam Sanders, and his girlfriend, Izzy Roxx, some problems in West Coast Genesis. Adam was able to secure a huge win against her in a special hardcore stipulation match that was supposed to be geared towards Sela’s advantage.
Adrien: “She is. I mean, there’s a lot of quantities in the match that are unknown to me and you.”
Walker gives Adrien a sideways glance before faking a cough.
Adrien: “Fine, unknown to me. I guess of the people that I am familiar with...I have more faith in Dean and Jessica’s talent versus the talent I know against them.”
Eddie: “Face it, buddy. You’re going to have to stay out of this one. You’re going to have to let the people who are already in that shitstorm figure that one out. Besides, it keeps you safely off their radar. They can’t do those horrifying things to you if they don’t know who you are.”
Adrien had no fear of what the Fallen Angels could do. Probably to a fault. Perhaps he should be scared. It certainly seemed to freak out Jessica, and she’s got a lot more intel on what exactly is going on. Eddie continues while Adrien reflects on this.
Eddie: “Looks like you can focus on the other two things. First and foremost, you got a match with El Leon Azul.”
Adrien wasn’t fluent in Spanish but he knew enough to know that meant the Blue Lion. Other than that, he really didn’t have much to go on.
Eddie: “Still trying to find out what I can to see if I can figure out that mysterious tweet he sent you. So far, nothing. And of course...WrestleForce.”
The NGW Heavyweight Championship. This was it. Adrien finally had a one-on-one shot at the belt. And now his opponent for the match has finally been determined after Johnny Maverick was able to retain against Matthew Shields and Alex Jones. As someone who has been in the ring with all three men, he can vouch that those were tough opponents for Maverick to overcome, who is one difficult opponent himself. If anything, the fact Maverick overcame both of them is proof how dangerous he is.
Plus, there’s that strange friendship between the two. Maverick even allowed Everalda to stay in his locker room during the Guardians versus Destroyers match for her safety.
Adrien: “We can’t lose sight of the final goal. That championship is the top priority now that we got the Destroyers out of the way.”
Eddie: “At the end of the day, that’s the only thing we need to absolutely make sure we don’t miss out on.”
Adrien gives a weak grin.
Adrien: “Exactly. This is as good a chance I will have as ever. Since fatal four ways apparently aren’t my thing.”
Adrien remembers the Adrien Cochrane versus Kayla Richards versus Matthew Shields versus Johnny Maverick match for the title. Adrien didn’t get pinned, but he left empty-handed regardless. While Adrien remembers the match, the shadow of another person blankets Adrien and Eddie’s table. The weak grin on Cochrane’s face grows a little bit as he recognizes the man casting the shadow.
Adrien: “Jaime.”
Jaime: “Still eating your traditional cheat day atrocity on the heart? Glad to see some things haven’t changed in almost three years. Even if some of us have, Eddie.”
Jaime Alejandro’s hair is slicked back neatly. He has a pair of dark reading glasses on over his normally dark colored eyes. As he pats Adrien on the shoulder, he nods to Eddie. The three men haven’t seen each other in the same room in quite some time. He takes a seat beside Adrien. As they look at each other for a moment.
Jaime: “Age and wisdom, eh? Where was that shit when I was rampaging around San Diego?”
Adrien chuckles a little bit.
Adrien: “You’re not the only one. Keep in mind, I wasn’t in my thirties when we last stormed the ring together.”
Eddie pushes his plate towards Jaime.
Eddie: “Want me to get you a burger like mine? Or at least share some fries?”
The burger is still dripping with cheese and chili. Almost all the toppings have either fallen off or have been digested at this point.
Adrien: “I heard we were starting to make progress in getting you back for one last run.”
Jaime: “Between your calls, Jessica’s calls, Rosalyn’s business deals, and Chelsea Pryce trying to twist my arm. You folks are a lethal combination. And yes, Eddie. I’ll take a coronary. Because I don’t drink or smoke regularly anymore.”
Jaime sees the side eye from Adrien.
Jaime: “Only one Churchill a month. It’s better than the old days.”
Adrien: “That was bound to catch up to you at some point. Glad you got ahead of it before it did.”
Walker has already left his seat to fetch a second burger for Jaime to enjoy.
Adrien: “A lot has changed since you were last in a ring. Even just in my small little world.”
Inferno. #FSociety. Even the first eleven months or so of his time in Redemption Wrestling/New Generation Wrestling all occurred since the last time he and Jaime were able to actually sit down and talk. He’s even missed Jessica and Adrien having Everalda enter their lives.
Adrien: “How much do you need catching up on?”
Jaime: “Probably more than we have time for, honestly. However, I’m sure it will all come. I’ve been with EWA after everything went south. That also went south. Which you gentlemen know, ever involve politics in your job, ever. It gets messy. I also had heard about Ms. Everalda just recently. It’s not so much that I wouldn’t pick up a phone. You try putting up with young college students who think they know everything about the world from public education. And then they get me, a guy who’s lived through Castro’s Cuba as a child.”
Eddie delivers Jaime’s plate to the table and returns to his seat. Jaime digs into the burger and savors the first bite.
Jaime: “You don’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve eaten something like this. You get married to another professional wrestler, who has her stuff somewhat together. Tanya Black would kill all of us for letting me eat this. Which is why I am.”
Adrien still looks slightly mortified at the burgers as he cuts into the grilled chicken he is eating, trying to sweep up any seasoning that’s on the plate.
Adrien: “Thankfully, I didn’t see anything on your plate and neither did Eddie. Right?”
Walker, being the loyal employee to Adrien, quickly nods his head.
Eddie: “See what on his plate?”
Cochrane winks before continuing.
Adrien: “Thankfully, a lot of the politics has been greatly reduced by just letting Eddie do all the management stuff. I just step into the ring and do my thing. Has taken so much off my plate when it comes to all the crap in this industry. It’s been the smoothest time for me in that respect since...well, before Adrianna divorced me.”
There aren’t too many people Adrien can talk to about his ex-wife and former manager since it was so far in the past. Jaime, on the other hand, was there for the marriage and divorce.
Jaime: “Which hole did she slink back into again? Maybe the same one my exes went to?”
He sees Eddie nearly spit up his drink.
Jaime: “Gets him every time. If you’re wondering why Rosalyn, Eddie. She’s a smart kid, honestly. I also think her mother wants to make sure I don’t go too far off the rails. Even if I have my Ph.D. these days. I don’t think Ms. Pryce trusts in the fact that I don’t go Hulk Smash anymore. Which brings us to another topic. For which we need pie. Don’t you agree, Eddie?”
He looks at Adrien.
Jaime: “And I mean ‘we’, as in you too, Featherweight King.”
Eddie: “All the deserts they serve here have dairy in it. Which Adrien cannot digest.”
Adrien chuckles once more, knowing he was getting out of it. He had a diet he wanted to stick to as best he could to keep him prepared for the next match.
Eddie: “But by all means, the two of us sure can indulge in some delicious pie. As...long as we don’t tell my wife either…”
Walker skips back into the restaurant to order the pies for himself and Alejandro.
Adrien: “Eddie got a notification a little while ago. He tends to find out news around NGW before the general public because of his contacts. You’re joining me and Jessica, it seems.”
Jaime: “I am, yes. I also know about the behind the scenes items. They’re right. As much as you want to save the Shotgun, don’t try it. Not right now. There’s a reason I’m not involved either. You know what I used to be called before that runt christened himself with his undeserved moniker.”
The Strong Style Saint is what Jaime was referring to. Adrien also remembers the man Jaime is referring to as a runt but prefers not to bring him up. Perhaps that was the reason Adrien saw Jaime changed his Twitter handle…
Jaime: “I became something else with education and time, little brother. Something this world didn’t estimate I would become. Much like the monks of old. Time and understanding create a new person the world cannot comprehend without looking within themselves. A warrior that fights injustice is always a good warrior. However, that warrior doesn’t have patience. I turn forty years old this year, Adrien. Most people didn’t think I would make it past thirty…”
Adrien: “I think I’m more surprised Eddie made it to forty-one, honestly. You speak of patience...that wasn’t your strong suit just three years ago. Have you really changed that much?”
Adrien was always the patient one when it came to the tag team of Adrien Cochrane and Jaime Alejandro. Of course, back then, they were called the Fight Kings.
Jaime: “I married someone who tells me ‘NO’ often. In fact, she reminds me on a daily basis she could kick my ass if she felt like it. Although, it’s not too fair that injuries rendered her infertile. We talk about it once in a while. She puts up with Anastacia quite well. I mean as well as you can put up with a fiery teenager trying to bull past college. I do know this. Trust Jessica and her Scooby Gang. I’m halfway responsible for the Paladin she’s become. Even if I’m not Paladin material on my own, someone had to become better than me at it.”
Adrien: “I have you to thank for that, honestly. I don’t think that I would have been able to beat the Destroyers without every single thing Jessica learned from you. She’s become one of my best friends. And that friendship changed my life.”
Adrien thinks past the obvious differences Jessica Sears has made in his life like his fight with the Destroyers but even indirectly such as Adrien’s relationship with Everalda.
Adrien: “I can only hope Kenzie and Adam end up changing lives the way Jessica has changed mine.”
Jaime nods to Adrien as he sees Eddie bringing the pies.
Jaime: “You teach. You hope they listen. You hope they take to heart. You also hope they take from those final pages, whatever is contagious, of course. Hope is a hell of a thing. There was a reason Athena left it inside Pandora’s Box, Adrien. No matter what life throws at all of us, hope is always there to kick our ass and remind us that we’re on the right side of the Earth to fix our problems and ourselves.”
Walker begins replying with a mouthful of pie.
Eddie: “That’s kinda like that speech you gave Adam, except Jaime said it with a lot more philosophy behind it!”
This time, it’s Adrien shooting Eddie the sideways glance. But Adrien can’t be too disappointed in his two students. Kenzie is a former NGW Five Lakes Champion, even if she is on a temporary injury leave from the ring. Adam won the West Coast Genesis Long Beach Title and is still hanging in there in the NGW Tag Team Trials.
Adrien: “It’s a shame you weren’t around when we were fighting the Destroyers. Jessica, Jazmyn, and Joshua had to deal with my broken metaphors and nonsensical analogies.”
Jaime: “Like River Tam told Mal in Firefly, ‘I’ve heard it a thousand times, but I like when you say it.’ They believed in you. That’s why the war was won. Hope has turned impossible odds into huge victories. But I’m going to be blunt, little brother. I’m going to test them soon. Not out of malice. I never do anything out of malice unless it’s deserved. We both know everything is cyclical in this game of kings and queens.”
Eddie: “Well, you know better than anyone else, Jaime. When you’re in the ring, you give it all. No matter who the opponent.”
Adrien: “Even if that opponent is a friend. Like when I had to face Jazmyn. And like when I have to step into the ring with Johnny at WrestleForce…”
Adrien begins thinking about his Heavyweight Title match once more. Cochrane nods his head with a sense of determination. He has to win this. He has to…
Jaime: “We all face friends and enemies, Adrien. Eventually, you’ll have to look at the man in the hakama pants across from you. He’s not a pretty sight. I’ve had to look at him for years in the mirror when I brush my teeth. Just don’t pull a Lenton, man. My head hurt for days after that battle.”
Adrien: “Oh, I’m definitely not afraid to step into the ring with you, old man.”
Cochrane gives a playful grin at his former tag team partner. Jaime nods and smiles as Eddie looks at them.
Jaime: “By the way, I see the missus wants to meet me. If we must, then?”
Adrien: “Yeah. I’ll drive. I’ve moved since the last time you’ve come around. Eddie, you got my card to pay the bill.”
Walker nods as he pulls out Adrien’s American Express credit card.
Eddie: “I’ll take care of all of this. I’ll see you tomorrow, sir.”
As soon as Cochrane and Alejandro walk around the corner towards where Adrien parked his car. Walker begins stacking all of the plates to make it easier for the busboy to clean the table. As he begins to walk inside, he stops.
Eddie: “Wait…”
Eternal friend. Eternal friend. Mexico. Julianna DiMaria. Spanish name. Son of Light. Those moves from the tapes...
All of these thoughts came rushing to Eddie Walker at once. It was at that moment that one singular thought entered Eddie’s mind.
Eddie: “Wait...it can’t be...can it?!”
For the promo portion of this piece, click here!!
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You may call it in this evening
But you've only lost the night
Present all your pretty feelings
May they comfort you tonight
And I'm climbing over something
And I'm running through these walls
I don't even know if I believe
I don't even know if I believe
I don't even know if I believe
Everything you're trying to say to me
Date: Wednesday, May 30th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
“So let me get this straight. Just so that we’re on the same page…”
There is a small modicum of annoyance in the voice of Adrien Cochrane. Annoyance was quite rare for the Dropkick King. He was normally cool and collected. But with the particular conversation, he was having with the three people standing behind him, it wasn’t exactly playing out in Adrien’s favor. Granted, the situation as a whole isn’t in anyone’s favor, to be frank.
Adrien: “You want me to stay clear of this whole ordeal where Zachary Sears is likely in danger. Isn’t that the whole point of having me around? This is what I swore I would do when the Guardians became a thing. But you want me to keep my head down and just do nothing?!”
The three people Adrien addressed all seemed to be disappointed that Adrien wasn’t taking their request easily. Cochrane turns back around to face his girlfriend Everalda Sears-Theron, his tag team partner Jessica Sears, and her boyfriend Dean Matthews. All three of them were seated in the shade of Adrien’s home just a bit outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Matthews was seated with his girlfriend on the outdoor loveseat. Everalda, on the other hand, was in a chair across the table from them. The empty seat next to her was previously occupied by Cochrane prior to the purpose of this visit being revealed.
Everalda: “Adrien…”
Remaining seated where she is, Everalda takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. The redness in the whites of her baby blue eyes and the light bags under her eyes are very present. She’s wearing light natural-toned makeup in an attempt to cover this, a little white dress, and a pair of white high heels. Her blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail with a white hair scrunchie. If it wasn’t for the sleep deprivation, she would look like an angel. She tries to find the words to say, but nothing comes out.
In retrospect, the one who’s been silent from the beginning finally decides to speak up. Jessica raises her head, her soft blue eyes stinging red from the tears she’s cried, and she starts with a hoarse whisper.
Jessica: “The Children of Nephilim are not the Destroyers, Adrien. They’re worse… so much worse than I anticipated. They’re not just a wrestling group. They’re a cult hellbent on making everyone’s lives miserable. The Resistance fight the Children not because we want to, but because we have to. We have people near and dear to us who are in danger… Allowing you, or anyone else, to get involved now would only make things worse.”
Cochrane isn’t satisfied with this response but sees the expression from Everalda. She’s outright frightened.
Adrien: “Regardless, I’m not the type of person who just sits around and does nothing. I could be useful to you guys. I can help. I could do something! Zachary is as much family to me as he is to Dean!”
Zachary Sears, being the brother of Jessica and Everalda, the respective significant others in Adrien’s analogy, is a potential brother-in-law, and therefore family in Adrien’s eyes. Just as much Adrien’s sister Alexis is to Everalda.
Adrien: “I care about Zach. You can’t expect me to not want to take part in getting him back. You said these people have a lot of hostages and captives. I don’t want someone who is family to be just another name on that list. I can’t just be idle while that’s going on.”
Much to the shock of those sitting at the table, Dean; whose hand had been over his face as he listened shot down and slammed onto the table top so hard the table shook. Eyes of ice-cold iceberg blue leveled on Adrien and for a split second, there was hate in those eyes. A cold, vicious hateful stare. The man Adrien had come to know was nowhere in those eyes. They were barely human.
Dean: “ENOUGH!”
Out of everyone, Everalda was the one who visibly jumped. Before any of them could say anything his hand lifted and held out a finger toward them and he drew in a deep shaking breath. Jessica laid her left hand on his right thigh beneath the table and squeezed. She knew what no one else at that table did. The constant war he waged inside his own mind.
His hand clenched and unclenched a few times as he tried to unwrap himself from the thing’s coils. Once he had unwound himself enough he looked back at Adrien and breathed out a deep breath through his nose.
Dean: “What Jess said is right. This isn’t the Destroyers, Adrien. Rivers is cerebral. Everything he does is five moves ahead of everyone else. He’s playing chess while we are all playing checkers. We finally have him where we want him, Adrien. We have all the pieces on the board and he thinks he’s got us in a gambit without realizing our defenses are all set. We got him.
But if you go running in now it, will make him stare harder at the board and he may see what we are doing. You are a variable that we simply cannot afford to be on the board at this time. If he pulls out of this match now, we might not have the chance to get them back at all.
Not Zach. Not my little brother. Aerynn’s husband. Stacy’s birth mother. Ashley’s oldest friend or Maiko’s parents. He has someone connected to everyone in the Resistance.”
Adrien never took his eyes off of Dean’s as he spoke. He wanted to stand his ground to the point where Dean would at least see that he was determined. But something Dean said had Adrien had him thinking. He runs his hands through his blonde hair before looking at Dean again.
Adrien: “You have all the pieces on the board where you want them? There’s a match involved? Can you elaborate that for me a little bit?”
Everalda tilted her head in wonderment.
Everalda: “I-I’m curious as well. Please explain…”
Dean cast a glance back at Jessica, for he knew she wasn’t thrilled about his plan. He blew out another steadying breath and glanced back at Adrien.
Dean: “We do. He’s been tormenting the Resistance for months. First me and then the others. So, We issued a challenge to him. Eight of his best against the eight of us. One match, winner take all. If he loses he has to release everyone he’s taken, not just our loved ones but everyone and shut Hell down…”
Adrien pauses again. This time, he returns to his seat, trying to process what he just told him about the eight versus eight match.
Adrien: “And you got your eight and you are confident they are going to get the job done…”
Cochrane nods his head before continuing.
Adrien: “...the way I was confident in Jessica, Jazmyn, and Joshua?”
Dean: “We are. Now that’s not the delicate part. He isn’t looking at the players on the board. Not really. Michael Rivers is a narcissist...so I dangled bait in front of him he couldn’t resist. You add more variables to the board and he might take a closer look at it.”
Cochrane wipes his eyes to think things a bit more before responding. He can sense the Sears sisters just hoping they leave this conversation with Adrien agreeing to stay out of it.
Adrien: “What happens if...you know…?”
A small sheepish grin pulled at the corners of his mouth beneath the beard when he heard the question he knew was coming.
Dean: “If the Children win the war? Then Lucifer gets what he wants. The eight of us all kneel and become Fallen Angels in his service. Forever.”
Cochrane nods at the first sentence. And then the remaining bit of his statement makes Adrien almost cringe a little.
Adrien: “That’s one hell of a risk. That includes…”
Adrien glances at his fellow Guardian, one of his best friends, someone he considers his sister. Jessica feels his eyes on her and she frowns.
Adrien: “Jess…?”
Dean’s head drifted down slowly and then back up as he nodded to show he agreed with Adrien’s assessment.
Dean: “Everyone. Jessica included. If you step in now, he’ll take his eyes off the eight of us, and keeping his eyes on the eight of us is imperative. He cannot under any circumstances see how far Asmodeus has gotten. She’s the Key.”
But hearing the losing stipulation elevates Everalda’s concern. She shakes her head slowly, nervously places her hands on her lap, and looks to Jessica.
Everalda: “...n-no. I’ve already lost my brother. I can’t afford to lose my baby sister either!”
Jessica’s eyes look up to her older sister and she softly bites her lower lip. The fear in Everalda’s eyes is clear. Outside of her son, Klaus and her grandmother, Anza, they’re the only blood relatives she has. She will never include her biological mother or grandfather in this equation… for good reason that she’s explained before.
Everalda: “Why…? Why does it have to be this way?”
Jessica: “Because it’s the only way.”
Sucking in a breath of air, Jessica raises her right hand and massages her temples. She looks worse for wear, but still, she continues to push on.
Jessica: “If we win… No, WHEN we win, the war is over. Everyone in Hell is free, including Zachary, and the Children of Nephilim will no longer terrorize our loved ones ever again. You have to believe in us.”
She breaks eye contact with Everalda to look towards Adrien. Her soft blue eyes are beginning to fill with tears once more, but there’s a look of hope within them. Even if it’s frail, it’s hard to kill.
Jessica: “Please…”
Adrien takes a deep breath before grabbing his girlfriend’s hand. He lifts her chin gently with his index finger to try to get her to make eye contact with him as well.
Adrien: “I guess I’m just going to have to get used to the fact that I’m going to have no control over the outcome of this. Just as we asked of Dean during this war with the Destroyers. I just...I wish it wasn’t this way. I feel helpless…”
A gentle squeeze of the hand follows those words before Adrien continues.
Adrien: “I don’t like the risk. I don’t like that there’s nothing I can do to help. I...I know this situation is the furthest thing from ideal we could possibly fathom. But…”
Everalda: “We have to believe.”
She speaks with a pained expression and emotional anguish in her voice. Yet deep in her baby blue eyes, there is hope. She squeezes Adrien’s hand tightly, a slight quiver in her body language, but she does her best to compose herself.
Everalda: “Believe in Dean just as he believed in you, Mein Herz. Believe in Jessica to help the Resistance win their war, just as she helped the Guardians win on Victory and Honor.”
Taking a deep breath, she turns to her baby sister and Dean.
Everalda: “...When is Predator and Prey?”
Jessica: “July.”
The Paladin answers simply. She looks away a little and breathes out through her nose, biting her lower lip harder. It’s such a long way.
Jessica: “I’ve told Mom that Zachary’s on a business trip to Tokyo, Japan. His presence as the Talent Director for Trenton Modeling Industries was imminent. She can’t know the truth. She wouldn’t be able to handle it in her condition…”
Their mother has been fighting ALS for the last two years. As they talked, Dean sat beside Jessica with his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose and his narrowed eyes focused down on the table. The muscles of his jaw jumping as he clenched his teeth. Feeling the tension from her beloved Hunter, Jessica’s hand gently squeezes Dean’s thigh before she moves her hand to take his. When she squeezes his hand, there’s a clear tremble coming from her.
Dean: “…Talk…Talk…Talk…”
Each word came out with a very clear and pronounced hiss and he tightened his grip on the table, the knuckles on his hand going white as he drew in another deep breath and looked briefly to the beautiful blonde at his side. He was in control, but barely. Finally, he looked back at the man across from him.
Dean: “We. Will. Not. Lose. I will not allow it. I served that lunatic once. I won’t a second time.”
Adrien: “I believe you. It’s...just hard sitting on the sidelines. I guess this is how you felt leading up to this past match…”
Adrien sighs, knowing any resistance from here is futile.
Adrien: “If you believe that Michael Rivers not knowing I exist a bit longer is what you need to defeat him while I’m sitting here, sipping my earl grey and worry about WrestleForce...then I’ll stand down. I’m not going to like it, but I’m going to trust you and do it.”
Instinctively, Everalda squeezes her boyfriend’s hand and nods in agreement.
Everalda: “Please set them free. Bring Zachary home.”
She’s keeping it together to the best of her ability. Jessica allows her tears to spill down her cheeks as she turns towards Dean, reaches up to gently catch his chin, and lifts herself up to kiss him deeply. One stray tear falls down in the sad kiss and she breaks it, only to softly press their foreheads together and their noses touch.
Jessica: “I’m with you until the end of the line, mein Liebe.”
Dean: “...To Hell and back.”
He told her, and by extension the other two, having no idea how prophetic that statement was.
I had the strangest feeling
Your world's not all it seems
So tired of misconceiving
What else this could've been
I don't even know if I believe
I don't even know if I believe
I don't even know if I believe
Everything you're trying to say to me
So open up my eyes
Tell me I'm alive
This is never gonna go our way
If I'm gonna have to guess what's on your mind
Date: Wednesday, May 30th, 2018
Cameras: OFF
A few hours passed since Adrien Cochrane had the unexpected visit from Jessica Sears and Dean Matthews. The sun had set a while ago, beyond the horizon in the Louisiana skyline. It was quite warm. Warm enough that the Dropkick King ditched the plaid button-down in favor of just a regular Mumford and Sons t-shirt.
Despite the warm weather, Cochrane has no issues sitting at a table outside of a restaurant in the city. There were enough lights overhanging for Cochrane to see well enough to eat once his best friend approaches the table with two plates of food.
Adrien: “Did they make it without the…”
Before Adrien can even finish his sentence, he sees the look Eddie Walker is shooting him. His eyes were like daggers for Adrien to stop talking. Eddie then replies with the answer to Adrien’s halfway worded question as he takes a seat next to his top client.
Eddie: “Are you forgetting that I know your diet better than Everalda? Yes. I double checked.”
He shakes his head as he removes the paper towel covering his plate, dipping a spoonful of mashed potatoes into the reservoir of brown gravy. Eddie begins placing french fries into his mouth as well.
Eddie: “So Deano and Jessica told you to stand down, huh?”
That was one of the most fascinating things about Eddie Walker. He could read people and situations better than anyone Adrien has ever met, even better than him...and he has a degree in psychology. Adrien’s expression, word choice, social media posts...all of that was enough for Eddie to figure out what was on Adrien’s mind. But it’s become so commonplace that Adrien has stopped reacting to it as much. After all, Eddie was the one who saw Adrien’s sister and his lawyer relationship before everyone else. Even the brief fling between Jessica and Adrien’s protege, Adam Sanders, last year couldn’t slip past him. Thankfully, he keeps his observations to himself for the most part.
Adrien: “Yeah. They did.”
Walker chuckles a little bit before lifting his loaded burger. Just looking at it made Adrien’s arteries clog. But it was a “cheat day” for Eddie’s diet so he wasn’t going to stop him. Walker replies with some of the burger still in his mouth.
Eddie: “How did they convince you?”
Adrien swallows his spoonful of mashed potatoes before replying.
Adrien: “They said there is already a plan in place to get Zachary back. A match at an upcoming HYBRID show. They think that if I come waltzing in, Rivers is going to withdraw from the match. And if that happens, they might not get such an opportunity again.”
Eddie chuckles a little bit as he swallows the bite of his burger. The burger has melted cheese to the point of being all over his fingers. The chili is dripping off the back of the burger, and so is some of the ketchup, mustard, a couple of bits of bacon, and a few pieces of grilled onions. Adrien almost admires the man for taking on the challenge of eating this burger without going into cardiac arrest.
Eddie: “Well, you got Jessica and Dean on the side trying to get Zachary back. And isn’t Sela one of the people on the other side?”
Adrien remembers Sela-Rica Lark mostly as the person who has been giving his protege, Adam Sanders, and his girlfriend, Izzy Roxx, some problems in West Coast Genesis. Adam was able to secure a huge win against her in a special hardcore stipulation match that was supposed to be geared towards Sela’s advantage.
Adrien: “She is. I mean, there’s a lot of quantities in the match that are unknown to me and you.”
Walker gives Adrien a sideways glance before faking a cough.
Adrien: “Fine, unknown to me. I guess of the people that I am familiar with...I have more faith in Dean and Jessica’s talent versus the talent I know against them.”
Eddie: “Face it, buddy. You’re going to have to stay out of this one. You’re going to have to let the people who are already in that shitstorm figure that one out. Besides, it keeps you safely off their radar. They can’t do those horrifying things to you if they don’t know who you are.”
Adrien had no fear of what the Fallen Angels could do. Probably to a fault. Perhaps he should be scared. It certainly seemed to freak out Jessica, and she’s got a lot more intel on what exactly is going on. Eddie continues while Adrien reflects on this.
Eddie: “Looks like you can focus on the other two things. First and foremost, you got a match with El Leon Azul.”
Adrien wasn’t fluent in Spanish but he knew enough to know that meant the Blue Lion. Other than that, he really didn’t have much to go on.
Eddie: “Still trying to find out what I can to see if I can figure out that mysterious tweet he sent you. So far, nothing. And of course...WrestleForce.”
The NGW Heavyweight Championship. This was it. Adrien finally had a one-on-one shot at the belt. And now his opponent for the match has finally been determined after Johnny Maverick was able to retain against Matthew Shields and Alex Jones. As someone who has been in the ring with all three men, he can vouch that those were tough opponents for Maverick to overcome, who is one difficult opponent himself. If anything, the fact Maverick overcame both of them is proof how dangerous he is.
Plus, there’s that strange friendship between the two. Maverick even allowed Everalda to stay in his locker room during the Guardians versus Destroyers match for her safety.
Adrien: “We can’t lose sight of the final goal. That championship is the top priority now that we got the Destroyers out of the way.”
Eddie: “At the end of the day, that’s the only thing we need to absolutely make sure we don’t miss out on.”
Adrien gives a weak grin.
Adrien: “Exactly. This is as good a chance I will have as ever. Since fatal four ways apparently aren’t my thing.”
Adrien remembers the Adrien Cochrane versus Kayla Richards versus Matthew Shields versus Johnny Maverick match for the title. Adrien didn’t get pinned, but he left empty-handed regardless. While Adrien remembers the match, the shadow of another person blankets Adrien and Eddie’s table. The weak grin on Cochrane’s face grows a little bit as he recognizes the man casting the shadow.
Adrien: “Jaime.”
Jaime: “Still eating your traditional cheat day atrocity on the heart? Glad to see some things haven’t changed in almost three years. Even if some of us have, Eddie.”
Jaime Alejandro’s hair is slicked back neatly. He has a pair of dark reading glasses on over his normally dark colored eyes. As he pats Adrien on the shoulder, he nods to Eddie. The three men haven’t seen each other in the same room in quite some time. He takes a seat beside Adrien. As they look at each other for a moment.
Jaime: “Age and wisdom, eh? Where was that shit when I was rampaging around San Diego?”
Adrien chuckles a little bit.
Adrien: “You’re not the only one. Keep in mind, I wasn’t in my thirties when we last stormed the ring together.”
Eddie pushes his plate towards Jaime.
Eddie: “Want me to get you a burger like mine? Or at least share some fries?”
The burger is still dripping with cheese and chili. Almost all the toppings have either fallen off or have been digested at this point.
Adrien: “I heard we were starting to make progress in getting you back for one last run.”
Jaime: “Between your calls, Jessica’s calls, Rosalyn’s business deals, and Chelsea Pryce trying to twist my arm. You folks are a lethal combination. And yes, Eddie. I’ll take a coronary. Because I don’t drink or smoke regularly anymore.”
Jaime sees the side eye from Adrien.
Jaime: “Only one Churchill a month. It’s better than the old days.”
Adrien: “That was bound to catch up to you at some point. Glad you got ahead of it before it did.”
Walker has already left his seat to fetch a second burger for Jaime to enjoy.
Adrien: “A lot has changed since you were last in a ring. Even just in my small little world.”
Inferno. #FSociety. Even the first eleven months or so of his time in Redemption Wrestling/New Generation Wrestling all occurred since the last time he and Jaime were able to actually sit down and talk. He’s even missed Jessica and Adrien having Everalda enter their lives.
Adrien: “How much do you need catching up on?”
Jaime: “Probably more than we have time for, honestly. However, I’m sure it will all come. I’ve been with EWA after everything went south. That also went south. Which you gentlemen know, ever involve politics in your job, ever. It gets messy. I also had heard about Ms. Everalda just recently. It’s not so much that I wouldn’t pick up a phone. You try putting up with young college students who think they know everything about the world from public education. And then they get me, a guy who’s lived through Castro’s Cuba as a child.”
Eddie delivers Jaime’s plate to the table and returns to his seat. Jaime digs into the burger and savors the first bite.
Jaime: “You don’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve eaten something like this. You get married to another professional wrestler, who has her stuff somewhat together. Tanya Black would kill all of us for letting me eat this. Which is why I am.”
Adrien still looks slightly mortified at the burgers as he cuts into the grilled chicken he is eating, trying to sweep up any seasoning that’s on the plate.
Adrien: “Thankfully, I didn’t see anything on your plate and neither did Eddie. Right?”
Walker, being the loyal employee to Adrien, quickly nods his head.
Eddie: “See what on his plate?”
Cochrane winks before continuing.
Adrien: “Thankfully, a lot of the politics has been greatly reduced by just letting Eddie do all the management stuff. I just step into the ring and do my thing. Has taken so much off my plate when it comes to all the crap in this industry. It’s been the smoothest time for me in that respect since...well, before Adrianna divorced me.”
There aren’t too many people Adrien can talk to about his ex-wife and former manager since it was so far in the past. Jaime, on the other hand, was there for the marriage and divorce.
Jaime: “Which hole did she slink back into again? Maybe the same one my exes went to?”
He sees Eddie nearly spit up his drink.
Jaime: “Gets him every time. If you’re wondering why Rosalyn, Eddie. She’s a smart kid, honestly. I also think her mother wants to make sure I don’t go too far off the rails. Even if I have my Ph.D. these days. I don’t think Ms. Pryce trusts in the fact that I don’t go Hulk Smash anymore. Which brings us to another topic. For which we need pie. Don’t you agree, Eddie?”
He looks at Adrien.
Jaime: “And I mean ‘we’, as in you too, Featherweight King.”
Eddie: “All the deserts they serve here have dairy in it. Which Adrien cannot digest.”
Adrien chuckles once more, knowing he was getting out of it. He had a diet he wanted to stick to as best he could to keep him prepared for the next match.
Eddie: “But by all means, the two of us sure can indulge in some delicious pie. As...long as we don’t tell my wife either…”
Walker skips back into the restaurant to order the pies for himself and Alejandro.
Adrien: “Eddie got a notification a little while ago. He tends to find out news around NGW before the general public because of his contacts. You’re joining me and Jessica, it seems.”
Jaime: “I am, yes. I also know about the behind the scenes items. They’re right. As much as you want to save the Shotgun, don’t try it. Not right now. There’s a reason I’m not involved either. You know what I used to be called before that runt christened himself with his undeserved moniker.”
The Strong Style Saint is what Jaime was referring to. Adrien also remembers the man Jaime is referring to as a runt but prefers not to bring him up. Perhaps that was the reason Adrien saw Jaime changed his Twitter handle…
Jaime: “I became something else with education and time, little brother. Something this world didn’t estimate I would become. Much like the monks of old. Time and understanding create a new person the world cannot comprehend without looking within themselves. A warrior that fights injustice is always a good warrior. However, that warrior doesn’t have patience. I turn forty years old this year, Adrien. Most people didn’t think I would make it past thirty…”
Adrien: “I think I’m more surprised Eddie made it to forty-one, honestly. You speak of patience...that wasn’t your strong suit just three years ago. Have you really changed that much?”
Adrien was always the patient one when it came to the tag team of Adrien Cochrane and Jaime Alejandro. Of course, back then, they were called the Fight Kings.
Jaime: “I married someone who tells me ‘NO’ often. In fact, she reminds me on a daily basis she could kick my ass if she felt like it. Although, it’s not too fair that injuries rendered her infertile. We talk about it once in a while. She puts up with Anastacia quite well. I mean as well as you can put up with a fiery teenager trying to bull past college. I do know this. Trust Jessica and her Scooby Gang. I’m halfway responsible for the Paladin she’s become. Even if I’m not Paladin material on my own, someone had to become better than me at it.”
Adrien: “I have you to thank for that, honestly. I don’t think that I would have been able to beat the Destroyers without every single thing Jessica learned from you. She’s become one of my best friends. And that friendship changed my life.”
Adrien thinks past the obvious differences Jessica Sears has made in his life like his fight with the Destroyers but even indirectly such as Adrien’s relationship with Everalda.
Adrien: “I can only hope Kenzie and Adam end up changing lives the way Jessica has changed mine.”
Jaime nods to Adrien as he sees Eddie bringing the pies.
Jaime: “You teach. You hope they listen. You hope they take to heart. You also hope they take from those final pages, whatever is contagious, of course. Hope is a hell of a thing. There was a reason Athena left it inside Pandora’s Box, Adrien. No matter what life throws at all of us, hope is always there to kick our ass and remind us that we’re on the right side of the Earth to fix our problems and ourselves.”
Walker begins replying with a mouthful of pie.
Eddie: “That’s kinda like that speech you gave Adam, except Jaime said it with a lot more philosophy behind it!”
This time, it’s Adrien shooting Eddie the sideways glance. But Adrien can’t be too disappointed in his two students. Kenzie is a former NGW Five Lakes Champion, even if she is on a temporary injury leave from the ring. Adam won the West Coast Genesis Long Beach Title and is still hanging in there in the NGW Tag Team Trials.
Adrien: “It’s a shame you weren’t around when we were fighting the Destroyers. Jessica, Jazmyn, and Joshua had to deal with my broken metaphors and nonsensical analogies.”
Jaime: “Like River Tam told Mal in Firefly, ‘I’ve heard it a thousand times, but I like when you say it.’ They believed in you. That’s why the war was won. Hope has turned impossible odds into huge victories. But I’m going to be blunt, little brother. I’m going to test them soon. Not out of malice. I never do anything out of malice unless it’s deserved. We both know everything is cyclical in this game of kings and queens.”
Eddie: “Well, you know better than anyone else, Jaime. When you’re in the ring, you give it all. No matter who the opponent.”
Adrien: “Even if that opponent is a friend. Like when I had to face Jazmyn. And like when I have to step into the ring with Johnny at WrestleForce…”
Adrien begins thinking about his Heavyweight Title match once more. Cochrane nods his head with a sense of determination. He has to win this. He has to…
Jaime: “We all face friends and enemies, Adrien. Eventually, you’ll have to look at the man in the hakama pants across from you. He’s not a pretty sight. I’ve had to look at him for years in the mirror when I brush my teeth. Just don’t pull a Lenton, man. My head hurt for days after that battle.”
Adrien: “Oh, I’m definitely not afraid to step into the ring with you, old man.”
Cochrane gives a playful grin at his former tag team partner. Jaime nods and smiles as Eddie looks at them.
Jaime: “By the way, I see the missus wants to meet me. If we must, then?”
Adrien: “Yeah. I’ll drive. I’ve moved since the last time you’ve come around. Eddie, you got my card to pay the bill.”
Walker nods as he pulls out Adrien’s American Express credit card.
Eddie: “I’ll take care of all of this. I’ll see you tomorrow, sir.”
As soon as Cochrane and Alejandro walk around the corner towards where Adrien parked his car. Walker begins stacking all of the plates to make it easier for the busboy to clean the table. As he begins to walk inside, he stops.
Eddie: “Wait…”
Eternal friend. Eternal friend. Mexico. Julianna DiMaria. Spanish name. Son of Light. Those moves from the tapes...
All of these thoughts came rushing to Eddie Walker at once. It was at that moment that one singular thought entered Eddie’s mind.
Eddie: “Wait...it can’t be...can it?!”
Say something, say something
Something like you love me
Less you wanna move away
From the noise of this place
Well I don't even know if I believe
I don't even know if I believe
I don't even know if I wanna believe
Anything you're trying to say to me
For the promo portion of this piece, click here!!
