Post by Kaz on Apr 18, 2014 19:32:17 GMT -5
[Segment 1 - One and Oh - Off Camera]
My stomach tightened as I landed hard pressed knees to Terry’s chest one by one, each hit taking more and more out of me. As I brought my knee up for the coup de gras, he caught my leg and swiveled my balance. I took a few steps back, finding my equilibrium, but still finding myself extremely vulnerable. I looked in to Terry’s eyes and saw the eyes of desperation. He sneered at me, which sent a blood curdling shiver down my spine. I swung out at him like a rat trapped in a corner but his eyes reddened with anger. He had me locked in his grasp.
But opportunity always presents itself.
As Terry shifted to make his next move, he loosened his grip on my right knee and allowed me to bring my left leg up. I grabbed a hold of the back of his head and brought his chest crashing in to my knees. He doubled back in pain, fell to the ground, and clutched his side in agony. I took the chance as it was given and jumped on to the second rope. My feet planted as I moonsaulted off the rope and landed directly on top of Terry Robert’s back. My lungs begged for air, but I pushed myself back up and made my way towards the turnbuckle. My legs screamed as I leapt to the top rope. I turned around and watched Terry roll off of his stomach.
The opportunity is always there.
But so is the rabbit, Colin.
I pointed towards the audience, the electricity of the fans fueling my next move. I took one deep breath and jumped, controlling my body in a perfect spin before plunging to the ground and impacting Terry Roberts. I quickly wrapped his legs up and shut my eyes.
1...
The ref’s hand slapped the mat to begin the count.
2...
My teeth clenched as I waited for the final count.
3...
My heart stopped as the ref called for the bell. I bolted off of Terry and stood in the middle of the ring in disbelief. A smile wider than the ocean spread across my face as the ref raised my hand in victory. I was unable to hold back the true emotion I felt from this success. A single tear strolled down my face as I swept my hair back behind my head. Terry was beginning to come to. He crawled to the corner of the ring and used the rope to pull himself up in to a sitting position. I exited the ring as his eyes completely opened. He gave me a mildly congratulating look before shifting to one of complete disbelief. He began to stare at the center of the ring as if he didn’t know what to do. I quickly turned around and walked towards the stage exit.
I pushed the curtain aside, but wasn’t exactly met by the expected reaction. The area was strangely empty, having just been buzzing with activity before I went out there. Instead, two men stood in front of me. One of them was Jayden Thunder. His brow was furrowed and he gave me a quizzically impressed look. He tilted his head up and looked behind him towards the other man, Corbin Stein. I recognized him because of a tiny spat we had on the Twitter board prior to Slam! His pictures did not do him justice, as the man who stood in front of me was at least twice the size I expected. His muscles were chiseled and looked even more daunting with his arms crossed. He looked at Jayden and nodded.
Jayden Thunder: “Colin Marshall…we have an offer for you that you would be foolish to refuse.”
[Segment 2 - Believe In Zenith - On Camera]
(The scene opens on Colin, standing alone with his back to a door. He is attired in his street clothes; an As Blood Runs Black shirt, blue jeans, and a pair of black slip on shoes)
Colin Marshall: We can be beaten. We can be broken, battered, and bruised. We can be on the ground, writhing, with in an inch of death…but we will always come back. Last week, you all witnessed Colin Marshall walk out to that ring and do exactly what he proclaimed he would…and that was step away with the victory. And while the victory was there and it felt…(Colin takes a deep breath)…fantastic, I only felt that way because of the hell had I to go through to obtain it. Terry Robert’s ran me through in that ring. He had almost a foot height advantage on me and seventy pound weight advantage. He is a man called Synn, the Hellraiser who can bench press five hundred pounds.
(Colin stops, taking another deep breath before continuing)
Colin Marshall: And I bested him. No cheap shots. No last minute roll ups. I stepped toe to toe with this beast and came out clean. It was all possible because I believed. I believe that I belong to a higher echelon in this company. I know I have what it takes to make it to the top…but, I’m not alone.
(Colin steps aside, revealing a name plate on the door. It reads “Zenith High Command”, a sort of headquarters for Zenith. The door opens and Jayden Thunder and Corbin Stein step out from inside the room)
Colin Marshall: Together, we are Zenith. The highest point of everything you have strove to become. We may not be there yet, but in time, you’ll find us all on top. We can feel the pestilence and disease riddling this locker room. This poisonous environment was all we could handle and we knew we would be fools to take on the WCF all by ourselves. We’re not like your run of the mill stable in the WCF, your average group of people who like to hang out in fancy locker rooms and play dress up. We believe in something much bigger than that…ourselves. We believe in Zenith. And in time, you’ll believe in Zenith too.
(Colin stops again, this time switching gears a little)
Colin Marshall: And now, for my match at Slam this Sunday; A Television Title Contendership match against Marina Valdivia. Marina, first, I would like to tell you congratulations on your victory last week against Evan Vayne and DeShawn Carr…two of WCF’s TOP RISING STARS!!!
(Jayden and Corbin stand behind Colin, laughing)
Colin Marshall: Marina, I’m not going to shelve you like these two MEN did. They obviously didn’t know what they were up against. Marina, my little “Diamond Starlet”, I can see the darkness inside. I’ve studied the Marina Valdivia that you don’t want anyone to know anymore. You were evil, cruel, and self centered…but you were on top Marina! You were so prolific, but now you’re three way dancing with tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb, taking an entire month to earn what I did in one week. You’re a shell of your former self and now you’re just an old diamond ring that someone found in an attic, dusted off, and decided to wear. Maybe your brother is right about you. He can see your fear, just like I can Marina. He’s scared for you and what you’ll never allow yourself to become again. The only thing that can bring you back to the top; To your Zenith.
(Corbin nods to Jayden and he taps Colin on the shoulder. Colin turns and nods in acknowledgment)
Colin Marshall: I don’t have a lot of time to sit here and spout off rhetoric about how badly I’m going to defeat you come Sunday’s Slam! I can only ask you to be prepared, Marina. I showed everyone last week that Colin Marshall is not to be taken lightly, it’s up to each individual to open their eyes and see.
(The trio walks in to the locker room as the scene fades to black)
[Segment 3 - 8:00 P.M. on a Sunday -
]
](OOC: General disclaimer. I do not own any of these characters. Also, pretty non canon story coming up)
8:00 P.M.
ON A SUNDAY
ON A SUNDAY
Dennis Reynolds: All I’m saying is, I could probably hang from a helicopter and fire an automatic rifle at the same time. And all while looking damn sexy, I might add.
Mac: I’m telling you bro, you don’t have the core or upper body strength to achieve said feat.
(The scene opens inside of Paddy’s Pub. The bar has a few patrons, but noticeably sat are Charlie Kelley, Frank Reynolds, and Mac. Dennis Reynolds stands behind the bar, washing a glass)
Dennis Reynolds: What the hell do you know? You’re a god damn moron anyways! You always do this Mac, I bring something up and you have to inject your dumbass argument in to a conversation that doesn’t even need an argument. I could absolutely accomplish this.
Charlie Kelley: Will you two pipe down? Frank and I are about to start watching WCF.
Mac: What the hell is WCF?
Frank Reynolds: Ah, it’s this really great wrestling show where these guys get in the ring and smash each other over the heads with pipes and hammers and trash cans. There’s blood and guts everywhere, it’s incredible! A real bloodbath!
Dennis Reynolds: Eh, we did this already with the troops. We got the wrestling ring rented out, with Maniac, and Cricket threw sand in all of our eyes. I’m gonna tell you that it was just a god awful experience that really turned me off from wre….hey wait, a minute!
(Dennis stops what he’s saying, having noticed a large breasted women appear on the T.V. screen)
Dennis Reynolds: We didn’t do that when we wrestled.
Mac: Oh my god, so hot!
Dennis Reynolds: I know she’s gorgeous.
Mac: Not the girl dummy. That wrestler bro, he’s so ripped. He must do like a thousand push ups a day, do you think?
(Dennis cocks an eyebrow at Mac, who looks on at the T.V. in wonderment)
Charlie Kelley: Ah man, these guys are so badass, so much cooler than Hulk Hogan bro. These guys go in there and really hurt each other. Some guy got stabbed with a machete and just a few weeks ago, some dude lost a toe man.
Dennis Reynolds: Well, my gears are turning now fellas. What say you we get some tickets to next weeks show and head out there to see this up close and personal. Maybe find that really large breasted women hanging out around the arena…
Charlie Kelley: That's perfect bro. They'll be in Philly next week.
(The bar door swings open and Dee Reynolds walks in)
Dee Reynolds: What’s up, boners?
Dennis Reynolds: Get your traveling panties on sis, because we’re going to the wrestling show.
Dee Reynolds: Is it so you can find that big breasted girl?
(Dee points to the T.V. as the large breasted woman reappears on the screen)
Dennis Reynolds: Oh god damn it Dee! Why do you always assume that’s what it’s about?
Charlie Kelley: Bro, you were literally just saying that before she walked in dude.
Dennis Reynolds: That’s not the god damn point, Charlie!
Dee Reynolds: She’s not even that hot, probably like a five. I’m at least an eight or nine.
Mac: Are you serious Dee? Do you even own a mirror? Some of those dudes are way hotter than you.
(Dennis raises his eyebrow again)
Dennis Reynolds: Mac, what the hell’s with that today? Laying on the gay pretty thick pal.
The Gang Goes To A Show
(The scene opens outside of the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The gang are all standing in line waiting for the doors to open)
Charlie Kelley: Oh my god bro! I’m so excited! I can’t wait to get in there and watch the beat down!
(Charlie jumps up on Mac’s shoulders and begins getting the crowd riled)
Charlie Kelley: WCF! WCF!
CROWD: WCF! WCF!
Dennis Reynolds: God damn it Charlie, get down from there. You’re drawing all the attention. Usually I like it, but we have so much alcohol on us right now it’s retarded.
Dee Reynolds: There was NOOOO way I would have come here if we weren’t getting smashed. I’m going to need some liquid courage to talk to some of those hot guys in there.
Dennis Reynolds: Dee! There is absolutely no god damn way one of those guys is going home with you tonight! You look like a bird and believe me, nobody finds you attractive.
Dee Reynolds: Oh yeah? Well you’ll see! I bet I can sleep with one of these wrestlers before you make it with that big breasted women!
Dennis Reynolds: You are absolutely on!
(As they finish talking, Frank pushes his way through the crowd, sporting a one piece blue leotard and black wrestling boots)
Frank Reynolds: I knew it was too early for the Trash Man’s retirement!
Mac: Ah yeah! The trash man! You really gave it to Cricket.
Dennis Reynolds: You sure did. That wound was really festering.
Frank Reynolds: Before the end of the night, I’m going to wrestle in that ring. Really give the fans what they want to see.
Dennis Reynolds: Frank, they don’t want to see your old, nasty balls swinging around in that leotard. I’m going to have to impress the big breasted women somehow! I need to get in the ring tonight too. What do you say Frank? Step in there with me and make me look good?
Frank Reynolds: No way, Dennis! Get your own idea!
Dee Reynolds: Well, you’re going to need somebody to escort you right? Make sure none of these guys screw you over, huh?
(Frank thinks it over for a second, but then looks excited)
Frank Reynolds: That’s a great idea, Deandra. You’re like seven feet tall with man arms. You can probably take on any one of these guys in a fight. Tell you what, you can be my manager.
(Dee looks sullied, but otherwise commends herself to the plan. Dennis turns to Mac and Charlie)
Dennis Reynolds: What do you say guys? Bring the Birds of War out of retirement and take one last shot at glory?
Charlie Kelley: Hell no dude! I’m just here to enjoy a nice wrestling show with my friends. Just relax and hang out, drink some alcohol, get piss drunk. Why do we always have to complicate things with these ridiculous plans?
Mac: The only thing ridiculous around here Charlie is the bullshit spewing out of your mouth. Why wouldn’t you want to try to take a chance at it? Count me in bro!
Dennis Reynolds: That’s what I’m talking about Mac! I knew I could count on you! I guess Birds of War fly in pairs tonight!
Charlie Kelley: Well, you guys have fun with that. I’m just going to watch and have a good time dude and not get in to any bullshit today!
Dennis Reynolds: As soon as we get in Mac, we need to find a way to get backstage and get our asses out to that ring!
(Dee, looking worried, turns to Frank)
Dee Reynolds: What are we going to do, Frank?
Frank Reynolds: Don’t worry, Deandra, I have it in with the owner of this arena from back in the day. I’ll get us on the show!
(The scene switches to inside the arena, Dennis and Mac have split away from the others and are trying to find a way to get backstage)
Mac: I don’t know bro, this is looking kind of risky. They have a ton of security.
Dennis Reynolds: Are you telling me that you’re going to let a few security guards stop you from, perhaps, having the greatest god damn night of your life?!
Mac: I’m not saying that bro. If any of those security guards came at me, I would quickly dispatch them with a series of perfectly strategic strikes and kicks.
Dennis Reynolds: There we go Mac! That’s the fire I’m looking for buddy. Alright, now just how are we going to around those guys…
(As Dennis formulates a plan, they hear a familiar voice shouting)
Da’ Maniac: Are you kidding me?! I’ll tell you what I told that pig…Da’ Maniac don’t bend over for nobody! So you can take your interest fees and choke on it!
(Da’ Maniac slams the receiver down on the pay phone and turns around, noticing Dennis and Mac)
Da’ Maniac: My boys!!!
(He quickly approaches the two and puts an arm around either of them)
Da’ Maniac: You don’t think I forgot my boys, did you? You know the Da’ Maniac loves you…with all his heart.
(Da’ Maniac looks oddly sincere)
Da’ Maniac: Anyways…what brings you boys here? You here to see Da’ Maniac?
Dennis Reynolds: Actually Maniac…we’re looking to get out in the wrestling ring…you think you can help us out?
Da’ Maniac: Da’ Maniac always wants to help his boys. I can get you back there!
Dennis Reynolds: Oh, Maniac, that’s great.
Da’ Maniac: It’s not going to be pretty though…
(Dennis and Mac both look worried)
Frank Reynolds: We’re all set up Deandra. Now we just have to wait about thirty minutes or so.
Dee Reynolds: Ok, awesome…now I have to find a wrestler to hook up with?
Frank Reynolds: What?! You’re supposed to be here for me Deandra? Not gallivanting off, have sex with some strange man.
Dee Reynolds: I am here for you Frank, just let me do…
(A large, hulking wrestler passes by and Dee walks off after him)
Frank Reynolds: Deandra?! What the hell!
(As Dee rushes off, Charlie slips up behind Frank, looking out of breath)
Charlie Kelley: Hey Frank!
(Frank jumps)
Frank Reynolds: Holy shit Charlie! You scared the hell out of me! What are you doing back here anyways? I thought you said you didn’t want any part of this?
Charlie Kelley: Well, I was sitting out there eating a corndog and everything was going according to plan. Next thing I know, I can’t stop thinking about what Mac said about glory and everything. It just started burning me up inside man. I want to be a part of this! I want the fame, Frank! But I can’t go crawling back to Dennis and Mac now, they’re going to think I’m a loser…well, more than they already do.
(Frank looks excited)
Frank Reynolds: Hell yeah! You can be on my team Charlie! I can be the Trash Man and you can be Dumpster Diver!
Charlie Kelley: THE GRUESOME TWOSOME IN EFFECT!!!
(The two start gut bumping as the scene switches back to Dennis and Mac. They are both dressed in wrestling gear and ready to go)
Dennis Reynolds: I don’t know. I’m not a huge fan of the tights. I’ve never been a fan of my legs in general so…
Mac: Don’t be ridiculous, you have great legs.
Dennis Reynolds: Hey, thanks man.
Mac: Oh, no problem…
(Da’ Maniac walks up to them)
Da’ Maniac: Hey, you boys ready to go? We’re on.
(The scene switches to the WCF stage entrance with Kyle Steele making the introductions)
Kyle Steele: And on their way to the ring, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…THE JOB SQUAD!!!
(Dennis, Mac, and Da’ Maniac exit from behind the curtain to a chorus of boos and jeers. They attempt to pose to the crowd, but they’re completely against them)
Dennis Reynolds: What the hell, Maniac? Everyone’s booing us and there aren’t any large breasted women anywhere. This is bullshit and I don’t want to do it anymore.
Da’ Maniac: I told you boys, it wasn’t going to be pretty.
(They enter the ring and await their opponents)
Kyle Steele: And on their way to the ring, from Parts Unknown, the Trash Man and Dumpster Diver…THE GRUESOME TWOSOME!!!
(Charlie Kelley and Frank Reynolds come out from behind the curtain. Frank is wielding a steel garbage can and Charlie is pushing a shopping cart. Charlie hops in the shopping cart and rolls down the entrance ramp, slamming in to the ring. As the shopping cart hits the ring, he rolls in to it. Frank throws his trash can over the top rope, walks up the steps, and climbs through the ropes)
Mac: Charlie! What the hell man? You’re supposed to be with us!
Charlie Kelley: Am I? Well…I’m…Not. I’m one half of the greatest tag team to ever exist! THE GRUESOME TWOSOME! And we’re going to destroy you guys!
Dennis Reynolds: Hold on? This is our opposition? Are you kidding? We’re going to destroy these guys!
(Music hits the arena and the trio stops arguing. Kyle Steele begins announcing a third team)
Kyle Steele: AND THEIR OPPONENTS! Making their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 709 pounds. Being accompanied by "The Punisher" Kaden Black. They are "The Guiding Light" Jayden Thunder, "The Meta of Professional Wrestling" Corbin Stein, and "The Real Deal" Colin Marshall...ZENITH!
Dennis Reynolds: What the shit is this?!
Da’ Maniac: It’s about to get real ugly.
(The three guys make their way to the ring. The ref calls for the bell and chaos ensues. All the men attempt running away from the three men, but they’re caught in their grasps, all except Frank, who managed to slip away. Mac, Dennis, and Charlie all get beaten on and thrown out of the ring as Da’ Maniac gets punished by the three wrestlers. Corbin gets the pin and the three instantly win the match. As they’re celebrating, Frank comes up behind the three men and smashes them all with his trash can, knocking them all to the ground. Frank stands there, flabbergasted, as the crowd begins to cheer him. He raises his arms in victory. The scene switches backstage and Mac, Dennis and Charlie are beaten and bruised)
Charlie Kelley: That was some serious bullshit bro! We could have been killed by those guys.
Mac: I could have taken them out if they didn’t sneak up on us dude.
Dennis Reynolds: Are you kidding?! Those guys came straight as us man! They had announcements and everything! We were dead meat, plain and simple. Now if I had some competent partners, I think I would have stood a chance!
Charlie Kelley: Oh don’t even get me started on that Dennis. You were terrible! You were the first one to get knocked out.
Dennis Reynolds: At least I didn’t almost kill myself with a shopping cart. I mean, real smart Charlie!
(The trio continues to shout at each other as Dee walks in to the area that they are sitting in)
Dee Reynolds: Uh guys, lets get the hell out of here. I had sex with one of the wrestlers so I win Dennis.
Dennis Reynolds: Oh yeah, who was it Dee?
Dee Reynolds: I don’t think that’s important. What’s important is I won.
(As Dennis continues to pester her for information, a rather bummy looking guys walks up. He’s wearing a shirt that says “ZHACK’s America” and a pair of crusty denim shorts)
“ZHACK”: Hey poonbitch. Wanna polish ZHACK’s nob some more? I don’t think I’ve washed it in three years. JELLY RACCOON DON’T GIVE A BITCH!
Dennis Reynolds: Oh my god, I can practically smell the meth on his breath from here. Ha ha, Dee, you win, I guess.
Mac: Wow, Dee…and I thought your standards couldn’t get any lower.
Charlie Kelley: You might want to get tested…that guys grosser than I am.
(The scene fades out as the gang continues to torment Dee)
I sprung from my sleep and looked forward. My eyes came in to focus on the television I had left on overnight. It was on a DVD menu for “Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia”. I grabbed the remote and turned the television off, deciding to never fall asleep with it on again. It always gives me the strangest fucking dreams.
[Segment 4 – Great Sabbath – Off Camera]
Colin Marshall: And I thought you couldn’t get any stranger Patrick.
Patrick had shown up the night I was supposed to depart for Vancouver with his luggage packed and his own ticket on the same red eye flight. He said he felt terrible that he had missed my debut bout due to lack of funds and was coming with me to Vancouver. I think the stronger beer had a little something to do with it as well.
Patrick McCoy: Would I be your best friend if I didn’t come? You’re not going to drop me for Jayden Thunder and Corbin Stein are you?
Colin Marshall: No way dude. They’re cool, but they can’t hold a candle to you dude.
We arrived at Vancouver International Airport at about seven in the morning after departing at about two. We rented a car and checked in to the Holiday Inn Express by ten. After lunch, we decided to head back to the hotel and sleep. After about six hours of sleep and an hour of TV, we were at a loss.
Patrick McCoy: So, what do you usually do before shows?
Colin Marshall: I don’t know, it’s my second week…
Patrick McCoy: Any autograph signings or Hope For The Cure kids or anything?
I looked at Patrick, bewildered…
Colin Marshall: Are you kidding me man? Maybe later down the road…but for right now, my time is mine.
Patrick looked down and twiddled his thumbs. He pulled out his phone and began searching through it. After a few minutes, he stopped and snapped his fingers.
Patrick McCoy: Let’s go get drunk! There’s a bar about a ten minute walk from here. We’ll go get shit faced and just walk back to the hotel.
If I knew Patrick…things weren’t going to be that simple. He had a history for getting in to a lot of shit while we were drinking. It was usually only around people we knew and had history with, so I figured that it wouldn’t be too bad this time.
After the twenty minute walk to a place called Oscar’s Pub, I was ready for a drink. It had been cloudy all day, but halfway there the rain started coming down. We stepped through the door, sodden wet from head to foot. A pretty hostess met us at the front and looked at us in disbelief. She found us a seat in the lounge and took our first round order for drinks. After a few drinks, Patrick began to get a little more vocal.
Patrick McCoy: So you…beat Roberts Terry last…sorry, Terry Roberts last week and they put YOU. In a match. With a girl. HOW does that make you feel?
Colin Marshall: I don’t know. It’s kind of weird for me. I’ve never hit a girl before but she seems pretty tough, so I’m not worried about it. A really smart high flyer so our styles will complement each others. If we play our cards right, we can put on one incredible show for the fan, I think. You should have been there last week Patrick. It was electric. That feeling I felt flying through the air. I know I’ve done it a thousand times at the independent shows, but it’s never felt that good before.
Patrick McCoy: That’s incredible. Wait here for just one second.
Patrick get’s up and leaves, leaving me alone at the table and my thoughts.
You’re alone with the rabbit Colin.
Colin Marshall: (Voiceover) Marina Valdivia, I know you’re a hard worker and you’re trying to keep the negative voices out. I can respect that, because I have to do it too. Everyone tells Colin Marshall he can’t do it. Even after my win last week against Terry Roberts, everyone still considers me a jobber. I have to show them that I’m not to be messed with. I feel sorry for you because you’re just going to have to be another stepping stone on my way to the top. Everything you’ve accomplished since coming back, all your demons you had to beat, and you too earned a Television Title Contendership match. I know how bad you want it. I need this belt, Marina. I need this.
Just like you need the rabbit, Colin?
Patrick threw some money down on the table as he came back over.
Patrick McCoy: Alright man, let’s get out of here.
I was a little anxious by Patrick’s hasty exit, but didn’t really think too much of it. The rain had finally ceased outside and it was good for a nice walk home.
Patrick McCoy: We might want to take the long way home.
He said it with a snicker as he pulled out a sack and unrolled it next to me.
Colin Marshall: Dude, is that pot?
Patrick McCoy: Yeah man. That BC bud, son. You want to get high?
It was kind of sketchy. I knew Patrick smoked and I was cool with it and had tried it when I was younger. I liked the sensation, but I didn’t want it to hold me down from wrestling, so I never picked it up. But on a Vancouver night, with April Twentieth right next door…
Colin Marshall: Yeah, man, let’s do this!
Patrick had already rolled a little doobie for us while we were at the restaurant, so we walked down the street and started smoking. After a few puffs, Patrick was giggling like a little girl.
Colin Marshall: What’s so funny?
Patrick McCoy: Nothing dude, it’s just funny is all. I never thought you would do this with me again.
Patrick McCoy: Well, I can surprise people, you know!
We finished the doobie and my head started to feel real swimmy from the alcohol and pot combination. Somehow, we had ended up at Wal-mart Vancouver. Patrick talked again, but his voice seemed close, yet far away.
Patrick McCoy: (Distorted) You can’t ever get away from these fucking Wal-mart’s you know. They’re everywhere dude! Oh well, let’s go get some munchies, man. I’m fucking starving!
He slapped me on the shoulder, which urged me in the door. My legs didn’t really feel like my own anymore. I felt like I was on auto-pilot, with some invisible puppet master pulling the strings. The lights inside of the store were bright, but they didn’t seem to phase my eyes at all. There was a buzzing ambience from the music that I could barely distinguish. I walked a few more steps, but something called my name to my left. It was a voice, but one I couldn’t make out. It wasn’t Patrick, because he was still a few feet in front of me checking out the candies on the shelf. I decided to follow the voice, leaving Patrick to his snacks.
As I walked towards it, little rabbit footprints began to appear on the ground. I stepped on each one and as I did, they began to call my name. I walked by an aisle and this time, I heard the voice become more distinct; A female voice slicing through the air like knives.
Voice: COLIN!
I turned into the aisle and began to stumble towards the voice, becoming less and less aware of my surroundings. The aisle’s began to disappear and were replaced dirt, grass, and trees. As I turned around a giant tree, I stood face to face with a giant rabbit. Its eyes were glowing red and it began to snarl. I immediately leapt at it out of fear for my life and began to tear it to shreds, cursing it in to oblivion. As I was going for the killing blow, I blacked out.
I woke staring at the blinding ceiling lights. This time, my eyes wouldn’t open. I closed them and began to rub them with my thumb and forefinger. I finally became aware of what was happening around me and I peered up. I looked around at the crowd of onlookers staring at me in fear. A couple with their child cowering behind them, a Wal-Mart employee looking distressed, and Patrick. He looked exceptionally apprehensive to approach me, but he finally did.
Patrick McCoy: Dude, let’s get the hell out of here.
He picked me up off the ground and helped me walk out of the store. The way I was feeling before losing it was completely gone, complete with my memory of what the hell had happened. I couldn’t remember a single detail sans waking up on the floor. Patrick hadn’t said anything until we were about halfway home.
Patrick McCoy: What the fuck happened back there Colin? You just fucking freaked and started destroying some Easter display man. I mean, I’ve never seen you do anything like that and I know it wasn’t the pot.
It took me a minute to speak because I was having a hard time finding my voice. Plus, if I told him I didn’t know what happened, he wouldn’t believe me. Even if I did know, he probably wouldn’t believe me.
Colin Marshall: I don’t know what happened, Patrick. The last thing I remember is lying on the floor. I don’t remember anything before that. I don’t even remember getting to the store.
Patrick looked down. He didn’t really know what to do.
Colin Marshall: I’m sorry, Patrick.
Patrick McCoy: You’re ok man…at least, I hope you are. I’m just worried about you.
Colin Marshall: I don’t think that will ever happen again.
But I wasn’t trying to convince Patrick.
