Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2013 5:22:27 GMT -5
It was just me and the camera…simple enough. No sets, no Randall, no make-up and no gimmicks. Just me and the camera. A little out of my comfort zone but it is the first time I have spoken on T.V. since the first time I lost the Tag titles. So I had saved up a lot in that time…Just needed to let it out now. I waited for a moment, not sure if this was such a good idea. Would people even care if I was breaking silence? Had they even noticed my efforts? Probably not but it wasn’t about them, it was about me…
John Gable: You want to know what I’m thankful for this holiday season? Not being dead. I don’t have many people to celebrate with and I don’t really like to speak of family so what I can truly say and what is the only glimmering light in this whole year was that I was alive. I don’t go out and go deal hunting, I don’t fight little old ladies for the last Garth Brooks CD and I don’t waste my time with all the festive mockery. You all want to make enemies during the holidays because it means less people at your table and you get to free yourselves from actually being held responsible.
I snorted…
John Gable: But I am not going to go on a rant about the obvious. I decided to break my silence another thanksgiving tradition…The turkey. All I hear about now-a-days is how much people preferred Gobble and how that is all my name means. Yes it was amusing at first and sure I was expecting jokes once Thanksgiving rolled around but honestly I am so much more than Gobble, I am so much more than a few gobbles and bukaws that you all seem so entertained by. God damn it, I am a performer and I tear my heart out for this shit hole and all I get in return is shit because I am no longer serving the laughs for you ungrateful twats. It’s my “I’m Rick James, bitch”. A sad overused punch-line that wasn’t the funny part of the joke. Did everyone miss the part where I beat the shit out of Cheetah fighter? I am guessing so since it had nothing to do with you assholes so it seemed like a proper time for a bath room break. What the hell do I have to do to keep people’s attention? Do I have to blow myself up? Fuck a portrait? Bang Rihanna? Do I have to make up a bunch of half-wit catch phrases and say them every fucking time for a cheap pop? Am I not commercial enough for you fuckers? Do I need to dumb it down?
I stepped backwards out of the spot light into the utter darkness.
John Gable: Do I have to disappear forever and comeback when I have been all but forgotten?
I walked back into the light with a white expressionless mask on my face.
John Gable: Do I have to create merchandise to be sold for all the little kids? I am really confused here because this seems to be the only sport in which the most talented wrestlers seemed to get fucked in the ass by cartoon characters. So, please tell me oh giant God of Sports Entertainment, tell me what I have to do to get these slack-jawed yokels to appreciate the REAL work I put out and not just some low brow joke they can’t seem to stop laughing at. Why should I even want to impress you assholes? That is a question I have been thinking a lot really. Why should I waste my energy on something that you all are going to dismiss because I am not the fucking poster child. And it isn’t just me. People actually built the sets, sewn the costumes and acted in as the extras. So when you scoff at me like you do and make those turkey jokes, you aren’t just insulting me, you are insulting a crew of people...Hell, you’re insulting my idols! You fucking mouth breathers!
I throw the mask to the side as I looked around into the darkness.
John Gable: It’s not enough we can’t get the week off for the holidays but S-PAC also has to go up against Jonny Fly and friends. I have never felt so unenthused in my life. I don’t know what it is but I really have no interest in going up against Jonny Fly or Steve Orbit or Jeff Purse because honestly there is nothing I can gain from it. There is no title on the line so I have nothing to aim for and we already lost previously in a similar team up so I really have no face to lose in this match, the only reason I am actually bothering to show up is because when I am told to do a job, I fucking do it. When I am told to play a character, I make sure I believe it and when I am told to fight, I throw punches, motherfucker. You want to mock me like everyone else and reduce me to nothing? Fine, then I have nothing to lose and all the world to gain. I am King FUCKING Leukemia and I won’t leave one left standing by the time you rip me out. So, with all that said, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving, because I know that is the only kind a world champion and his buddies can have, and be prepared because while your bellies are full with junk, my mind will be filled with nothing but loathing and that is all I need to run on, bitch!
I walked once again out of the light as the video fades to black.
~~~~~~~~~~~
When an old man sits next to you on a bench and asks you a question, you fucking answer it!
Let me back up. After last Sunday, I kept getting calls from Damien Pasnak saying I needed to get to Turkey right away or risk legal action. After the first one I didn’t bother answering because I wasn’t going back into my cell. I was playing ball for too long and that’s not who I was. I never rolled over for anybody in my life. When producers wanted a fight, they got one. When other actors tried to steal the spot light, I shut them down. When I was told to stay quiet, I shouted my voice hoarse. I know Damien Pasnak was just doing his Job but no one commands me to come running back like some dog! So, it sort of became a rhythm after a while. Phone rings, reads “bitch-boy”, I reject the call…Ring, bitch-boy, reject, ring, bitch-boy, reject, ring, bitch-boy, reject, ring, unknown…hmmmm, I assumed it was Damien realizing he won’t get through to me with his phone and he is trying another one or I should answer this right now if I wanted to get back on track. I waited for a minute as it continued to ring. If it was Damien I could just hang up…I answer the call and hear an older voice on the other end. A sort of more gravelly voice with a presence but not the clear resonance that he seemed to be aiming for. At first he cleared his throat and asked me a question.
?.?.?.: How do you feel about Governor Grant Bryland?
Before I could even think of an answer, he hung up. Governor Grant Bryland was newly elected after the voters instituted a recall election after former Governor Frank D. Bont failed to respond in a timely fashion to the Bawkman incident. People looked at Bawkman as a dangerous psychopath without rhyme or reason and Grant Bryland was a vocal presence against the Bawkman, even was the main sponsor for the “Bawkman Laws” as they are now referred to as. His campaign slogan was “Turkeys are for Dinner and I’m for Winners”…He probably thought that was so fucking clever. He would talk on and on that heroes were made up for kids to help them sleep and that I was just merely a kid who was never taught the difference between reality and fiction. Funny, sometimes I think I am the only one who understands what is really going on. I kept Bawkman sort of suppressed lately ever since the last run. I always keep the suit near me and sometimes I get a strong urge to put it on and jump around the city, watching for the suspicious activity I should be following but I had to resist for the sake of restraint, priorities, and my own personal safety. It was tough at first but as time went on, I almost forgot about Bawkman…but then my mind would slip to John Down and I would want to throw on the suit and go out looking for his ass.
But even if I could go fight crime, all the issues I had forgotten would swirl around in my head. I only had two of the many psychos roaming around which Michael has only been lucky in holding off investigation because the cops have been too distracted with a terrorist like me. Even after I proved myself innocent of the whole charade, the people still refused to trust me because they claimed I was assisting the terrorists in their plots and that the ceremony was just a cover-up…It always works out better in the movies. So in the mean time since I couldn’t search through the night, I just beat up Alfred until I got answers. We had him tied up in the closet while we let Ivan help around the new office as Michael kept a close eye on them. I was worried that Michael was about to snap considering he has gotten less sleep than I have. He had maps out all around with pins in them marking significant events he thinks are connected to our guys. He would connect a gun store robbery with the appearance of a new drug on the street called “The Bird”, a U.S. Post Office burning down with and a stabbing next to City Hall. I was a bit paranoid myself but all these events being connected seemed a little farfetched to me while all I saw was a trail gone cold…So that is when I would open the closet door and see Alfred balancing on the back two legs of the chair he was tied to. He was always in such high spirits no matter the day or situation. It was like he failed to realize he was captured. He would look to me with a sardonic grin.
Alfred Dannon: Well, haven’t seen you in a while. Is the whole shebang over already?...haha, no you wouldn’t be here if it was all over. You would just have Mr. Estepp let me loose into the wild or hand me over to the cops. You must have met John Down, he’s an interesting man. I use to think this whole thing was my idea, that I was going to be the face of the revolution but after being stuck in here for so long I had time to think about it and I realize now I was just a puppet on strings. Mr. Down was filling my ears with words of praises as he convinced me his ideas were mine. What an asshole, right?
He cackled loud and lively as he tried to maintain balance on the tipping chair without using his legs. Eventually all legs dropped to the floor but as he pushed off, I walked around and kicked the back legs out from under him. He fell back and smacked his head on the carpeted ground.
Alfred Dannon: Hey now…You aren’t gonna get any information if I suffer from a concussion. Not a very smart move.
I kicked him right in the jaw as I circled around him more looking to beat the shit out of him than get any answers.
Alfred Dannon: Whoa! Thank you sir, may I have another? Haha…it’s funny, I thought the whole thing was about tearing down society but it was really about distractions. While people hate you and me for the time being, they can do what they want without so much as a shifting eye looking their way…I don’t have many details considering I was just as fooled as you were but if I were you, I would keep my enemies close and my critics closer…
Before I was about to lay my boot into his face again, I received yet another call. My muscles tensed as I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked who was calling…it was Randall Penn. I sighed because even though I didn’t like him, there were much worse people in the world. I was tempted to just let it ring but I have ignored enough calls today…
Randall Penn: Meet me by Jefferson Street and Placid Avenue; you’ll want to see this.
I arrived at the intersection where Randall was standing by a bench covered in graffiti. The snow was falling softly as the end of the day grew closer and the temperature dropped steadily. As I reached him, I saw that the bench was a political advertisement for Grant Bryland but it was covered in exclamation points and question marks and at the bottom it says “Name three crime fighting birds: Bawkman, the Triptavenger, and Gobble!” I didn’t know what to make from this…It could have been just some lousy hooligan just wanting to vandalize public property but the ‘Gobble’. This might be a calling card that I might want to listen to. I sent Randall of on some inane task so I could wait there myself. At first he put up a protest but with enough silence, he realized fighting it was going to be a waste of his energy.
I sat on the bench and watched the people pass by. I was public enemy number one and they all just walked by like I was nothing…I guess not much changes in the world of acting or heroism. I waited for an hour or two hoping that this could be a sign, hoping that if I sit here long enough all my trouble should be over. I was about to get up after the passing of the second hour and becoming quite chilly with the decent of the sun, when a familiar face sat down next to me. Good ol’ Jacky Barker, the senile game show host...Come to think of it, that old man on the phone did sound awfully like him.
We both stared out into the street as we watched the cars pass by and the sky filled with a purple haze from the pollution and the setting sun.
Jacky Barker: Did you know that Native Americans referred to bears as “The Beast that Walks Like Man”? They had very interesting perspectives on life. Some believed this isn’t even the real world, that this was just a dream and that when we dream is the only time we actually see reality for what it is. Can you imagine if all those horrible nightmares were supposed to be real? It would be awful! I would have been killed twenty times by a flying zebra demon by now. Luckily for us dreams are just illusions and Fraud would probably just analyze that I was gay or something. But I have a question for you…What do you think of Grant Bryland?
I peered at him for a second then continued looking forward at nothing.
Jacky Barker: I personally don’t like him. He’s a phoney and a turd. I truly don’t see him lasting as soon as this Bawkman thing is ever…It is going to end eventually, isn’t it?
Again I chose not to answer. He was an enemy even if he did come off as somewhat civil. He shrugged and slouched down on the bench.
Jacky Barker: Either way it doesn’t matter much. All things end whether we likeit or not and the thing about fighting it is you only fall further. That is what you and Mr. Down both have to learn. I know I don’t have much time left on this earth and maybe that’s why I fought who I was. I wanted to believe I would have more time if I pretended to be someone with a bit more life in him. You start to think if you can keep yourself busy then death won’t notice you but sadly Death didn’t get his job for being lazy so I’m merely faking until I have to hang it up and probably the scariest thing you can face isn’t death but facing death alone
He coughed up a lung almost immediately after the last word. He took a moment to regain his composure before he continued talking.
Jacky Barker: Now, I could tell you everything they’re planning and you could sweep in likea hero and soil it all, God knows I would love nothing more but a little vice of mine is the thrill of the game so if you could be so kind as to humor an old man with his delusions.
I turned to him to signify he had my full attention. I always respected the older actors because they still had the will to fight forward even though they were completely spent. So it was the least I could do. He thought for a moment as if searching for just the right words. The light of the sun was slowly diminishing and the streets emptied as people reached their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. Jacky’s eyes lit up as he finally thought of what he wanted to say.
Jacky Barker: Here is an easy one for ya, what movie was the first Oscar winner to mention a former Oscar Winner?
Oh shit, I know this one!
The old man patted me on the shoulder as stood up from the bench.
Jacky Barker: You don’t have to answer now. But please respect me enough to not use the internet…That blasted machine!
And with that said, he left me in the ever creeping night. After a little while of waiting for night to fall, I got to my feet and made my way down the sidewalk. Yet another holiday I would be spending by myself. Not that I minded all that much as far as I was concerned. Thanksgiving wasn’t a real holiday anyways. No one treated it as such since deals were starting as six and inevitable people will be beating the shit out of each other for an HD-TV.
As I ventured down the street, I saw a family hop out of the car. The two small children whining while a young teen boy complained about how he didn’t get what he wanted at Walmart. The parents tried to pull the bags out but a few fell to the ground as they yelled at their oldest to help them with “all this shit”. The teenager huffed then stomped as he picked up the fallen bag. The parents walked to their door but before they ascended the steps, they both were met with a patch of ice that sent their legs up into the air. The children continued to whine as the parents struggled to get to their feet. I shook my head as I continued down the street. The apartment lights lit up slowly across the city eliminating the pitch black darkness…The apartment lights…The Apartment!
Hit with this realization, I picked up speed and busted out into a full sprint. The snow whipped into my face causing me to squint as I ran. I was practically blind as I was assaulted with wind and frost. I felt my feet slip around under me, eventually sending me falling backwards, smacking the back of my head against the cold hard ground knocking me out.
When I awoke, I instantly noticed a jump in temperature which either meant I was taken to a hospital or I died and went to hell. I tried to get to up but I felt straps holding me down. A bright light was shining in my eyes and once they had adjusted, I saw John Down standing right next to it.
John Down: We must stop meeting like this.
He laughed as he moved passed the light, creating a prominent silhouette. I felt groggy and my head was suddenly invaded with a buzzing feeling. It wasn’t a concussion. In fact I had never felt this feeling before in my life.
John Down: You might be feeling unusual at the moment. Don’t worry, you aren’t dying…In fact, I think you will feel more alive than ever after this. I have been wanting to run a few experiments on this new substance I introduced into the city. I named it “The Bird” after a little Turkey fellow I know. You see, by itself the drug is just unpleasant, destroying your reaction time, making it impossible to concentrate and also throws off the balance. But the real fun begins when you introduce the electric shock which activates specific chemicals with in the drug sending the user into a vividly powerful nightmare. Why people would be into it is beyond me but whatever floats your boat I guess. But the interesting part is the drug lasts in your system for four months where it can activate at any moment causing you to fall unconscious into another nightmare. What’s a super hero story without some science fiction…
He stepped passed me and stood at the end of the steel table. I couldn’t see it but I felt him place something on the temples of my skull. I was about to protest but he shoved a bite guard into my mouth.
John Down: We don’t want you biting off that tongue.
He took a few steps back into the darkness.
John Down: It is quite simple…just relax and fall asleep.
I heard a switch click but the next bit is kind of blurry. I just remember convulsing for a few moments and then blackness. What followed next was absolutely horrifying. It all felt so real as if I were actually living it and I remembered every last bit of it. First it was just feelings…The feeling of being devoured and dissolved followed by a strong heat blasting up my back, scorching my spine leaving a sort of tingling decaying my torso. Then I saw shapeless living creatures fly at me in random bursts with outstretched claws and teeth but disappear just as quick but after a few a setting began to form around me. It was my old home before I moved to turkey, all the lights were off and the blinds were closed as I heard a pounding at the door. My heart filled with fear as the unknown attack continued to shake the frame. I crept to the door slowly but before I could reach the peep hole, it flung open with turkey after turkey spilling into the living room, slowly filling up the space like a leak in the boat until I was up to my eye balls in turkeys literally. The weight seemed to be crushing me as I tried to push through but without any actual progress. The claustrophobic nature sent a violent panic through my body as I was struggling to breathe. I closed my eyes hopefully to escape but it was no use because I only saw through them. I crouched down trying to cover my head and ignore the lack of room, but all I got in my ear was gobble gobble and bawk bawk…
I plugged my ears and tried to tune out the turkeys, ignoring their pecking and scratching as they spastically tore at my arms. But suddenly there were no turkeys and when I looked up I found myself in a small cell with a fool metal door with a eye slot near the top where the stray light entered. I heard footsteps and then the entering was interrupted by a dark figure with glowing eyes. The voice was slightly guttural but understandable as if a monster learned English.
The Eyes: Hey, shut up in there! How about I come in there and destroy you.
The eyes pushed through the hole and was followed by a dark strain. The eyes floated over to me and for some reason I had the urge to run anywhere I could in this small room. I got to my feet and headed for a wall but as soon as I made a run for it, the walls remained the same distance away from me. I would turn around to see the eyes getting closer as I was stuck in one spot. I tried to swat them but my arms felt like they were moving throw water making it impossible to land a strike.
The Eyes: That’s a funny swing you got there…need to work on your hook a bit.
The cell caught fire and I could feel the heat rising as the fire slowly filled the concrete room. The flames felt all too real. I kicked and screamed and begged to be let out but the eyes just laughed at me.
The Eyes: Well, that’s quite a pickle…I always wanted roast turkey. The flames engulfed me and filled my vision with a bright light…
I awoke on the floor with my heart pounding hard within my chest. I looked up to see a steel door but not like before. I tried to get to my feet but I would end up tumbling downwards with each pathetic attempt. Eventually the metal door opened and out came Jacky Barker in a funny red suit with a white tie. He squatted down next to me.
Jacky Barker: Ready to play?
To be concluded in...
THE BAWK KNIGHT RISES PART 2
John Gable: You want to know what I’m thankful for this holiday season? Not being dead. I don’t have many people to celebrate with and I don’t really like to speak of family so what I can truly say and what is the only glimmering light in this whole year was that I was alive. I don’t go out and go deal hunting, I don’t fight little old ladies for the last Garth Brooks CD and I don’t waste my time with all the festive mockery. You all want to make enemies during the holidays because it means less people at your table and you get to free yourselves from actually being held responsible.
I snorted…
John Gable: But I am not going to go on a rant about the obvious. I decided to break my silence another thanksgiving tradition…The turkey. All I hear about now-a-days is how much people preferred Gobble and how that is all my name means. Yes it was amusing at first and sure I was expecting jokes once Thanksgiving rolled around but honestly I am so much more than Gobble, I am so much more than a few gobbles and bukaws that you all seem so entertained by. God damn it, I am a performer and I tear my heart out for this shit hole and all I get in return is shit because I am no longer serving the laughs for you ungrateful twats. It’s my “I’m Rick James, bitch”. A sad overused punch-line that wasn’t the funny part of the joke. Did everyone miss the part where I beat the shit out of Cheetah fighter? I am guessing so since it had nothing to do with you assholes so it seemed like a proper time for a bath room break. What the hell do I have to do to keep people’s attention? Do I have to blow myself up? Fuck a portrait? Bang Rihanna? Do I have to make up a bunch of half-wit catch phrases and say them every fucking time for a cheap pop? Am I not commercial enough for you fuckers? Do I need to dumb it down?
I stepped backwards out of the spot light into the utter darkness.
John Gable: Do I have to disappear forever and comeback when I have been all but forgotten?
I walked back into the light with a white expressionless mask on my face.
John Gable: Do I have to create merchandise to be sold for all the little kids? I am really confused here because this seems to be the only sport in which the most talented wrestlers seemed to get fucked in the ass by cartoon characters. So, please tell me oh giant God of Sports Entertainment, tell me what I have to do to get these slack-jawed yokels to appreciate the REAL work I put out and not just some low brow joke they can’t seem to stop laughing at. Why should I even want to impress you assholes? That is a question I have been thinking a lot really. Why should I waste my energy on something that you all are going to dismiss because I am not the fucking poster child. And it isn’t just me. People actually built the sets, sewn the costumes and acted in as the extras. So when you scoff at me like you do and make those turkey jokes, you aren’t just insulting me, you are insulting a crew of people...Hell, you’re insulting my idols! You fucking mouth breathers!
I throw the mask to the side as I looked around into the darkness.
John Gable: It’s not enough we can’t get the week off for the holidays but S-PAC also has to go up against Jonny Fly and friends. I have never felt so unenthused in my life. I don’t know what it is but I really have no interest in going up against Jonny Fly or Steve Orbit or Jeff Purse because honestly there is nothing I can gain from it. There is no title on the line so I have nothing to aim for and we already lost previously in a similar team up so I really have no face to lose in this match, the only reason I am actually bothering to show up is because when I am told to do a job, I fucking do it. When I am told to play a character, I make sure I believe it and when I am told to fight, I throw punches, motherfucker. You want to mock me like everyone else and reduce me to nothing? Fine, then I have nothing to lose and all the world to gain. I am King FUCKING Leukemia and I won’t leave one left standing by the time you rip me out. So, with all that said, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving, because I know that is the only kind a world champion and his buddies can have, and be prepared because while your bellies are full with junk, my mind will be filled with nothing but loathing and that is all I need to run on, bitch!
I walked once again out of the light as the video fades to black.
~~~~~~~~~~~
When an old man sits next to you on a bench and asks you a question, you fucking answer it!
Let me back up. After last Sunday, I kept getting calls from Damien Pasnak saying I needed to get to Turkey right away or risk legal action. After the first one I didn’t bother answering because I wasn’t going back into my cell. I was playing ball for too long and that’s not who I was. I never rolled over for anybody in my life. When producers wanted a fight, they got one. When other actors tried to steal the spot light, I shut them down. When I was told to stay quiet, I shouted my voice hoarse. I know Damien Pasnak was just doing his Job but no one commands me to come running back like some dog! So, it sort of became a rhythm after a while. Phone rings, reads “bitch-boy”, I reject the call…Ring, bitch-boy, reject, ring, bitch-boy, reject, ring, bitch-boy, reject, ring, unknown…hmmmm, I assumed it was Damien realizing he won’t get through to me with his phone and he is trying another one or I should answer this right now if I wanted to get back on track. I waited for a minute as it continued to ring. If it was Damien I could just hang up…I answer the call and hear an older voice on the other end. A sort of more gravelly voice with a presence but not the clear resonance that he seemed to be aiming for. At first he cleared his throat and asked me a question.
?.?.?.: How do you feel about Governor Grant Bryland?
Before I could even think of an answer, he hung up. Governor Grant Bryland was newly elected after the voters instituted a recall election after former Governor Frank D. Bont failed to respond in a timely fashion to the Bawkman incident. People looked at Bawkman as a dangerous psychopath without rhyme or reason and Grant Bryland was a vocal presence against the Bawkman, even was the main sponsor for the “Bawkman Laws” as they are now referred to as. His campaign slogan was “Turkeys are for Dinner and I’m for Winners”…He probably thought that was so fucking clever. He would talk on and on that heroes were made up for kids to help them sleep and that I was just merely a kid who was never taught the difference between reality and fiction. Funny, sometimes I think I am the only one who understands what is really going on. I kept Bawkman sort of suppressed lately ever since the last run. I always keep the suit near me and sometimes I get a strong urge to put it on and jump around the city, watching for the suspicious activity I should be following but I had to resist for the sake of restraint, priorities, and my own personal safety. It was tough at first but as time went on, I almost forgot about Bawkman…but then my mind would slip to John Down and I would want to throw on the suit and go out looking for his ass.
But even if I could go fight crime, all the issues I had forgotten would swirl around in my head. I only had two of the many psychos roaming around which Michael has only been lucky in holding off investigation because the cops have been too distracted with a terrorist like me. Even after I proved myself innocent of the whole charade, the people still refused to trust me because they claimed I was assisting the terrorists in their plots and that the ceremony was just a cover-up…It always works out better in the movies. So in the mean time since I couldn’t search through the night, I just beat up Alfred until I got answers. We had him tied up in the closet while we let Ivan help around the new office as Michael kept a close eye on them. I was worried that Michael was about to snap considering he has gotten less sleep than I have. He had maps out all around with pins in them marking significant events he thinks are connected to our guys. He would connect a gun store robbery with the appearance of a new drug on the street called “The Bird”, a U.S. Post Office burning down with and a stabbing next to City Hall. I was a bit paranoid myself but all these events being connected seemed a little farfetched to me while all I saw was a trail gone cold…So that is when I would open the closet door and see Alfred balancing on the back two legs of the chair he was tied to. He was always in such high spirits no matter the day or situation. It was like he failed to realize he was captured. He would look to me with a sardonic grin.
Alfred Dannon: Well, haven’t seen you in a while. Is the whole shebang over already?...haha, no you wouldn’t be here if it was all over. You would just have Mr. Estepp let me loose into the wild or hand me over to the cops. You must have met John Down, he’s an interesting man. I use to think this whole thing was my idea, that I was going to be the face of the revolution but after being stuck in here for so long I had time to think about it and I realize now I was just a puppet on strings. Mr. Down was filling my ears with words of praises as he convinced me his ideas were mine. What an asshole, right?
He cackled loud and lively as he tried to maintain balance on the tipping chair without using his legs. Eventually all legs dropped to the floor but as he pushed off, I walked around and kicked the back legs out from under him. He fell back and smacked his head on the carpeted ground.
Alfred Dannon: Hey now…You aren’t gonna get any information if I suffer from a concussion. Not a very smart move.
I kicked him right in the jaw as I circled around him more looking to beat the shit out of him than get any answers.
Alfred Dannon: Whoa! Thank you sir, may I have another? Haha…it’s funny, I thought the whole thing was about tearing down society but it was really about distractions. While people hate you and me for the time being, they can do what they want without so much as a shifting eye looking their way…I don’t have many details considering I was just as fooled as you were but if I were you, I would keep my enemies close and my critics closer…
Before I was about to lay my boot into his face again, I received yet another call. My muscles tensed as I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked who was calling…it was Randall Penn. I sighed because even though I didn’t like him, there were much worse people in the world. I was tempted to just let it ring but I have ignored enough calls today…
Randall Penn: Meet me by Jefferson Street and Placid Avenue; you’ll want to see this.
I arrived at the intersection where Randall was standing by a bench covered in graffiti. The snow was falling softly as the end of the day grew closer and the temperature dropped steadily. As I reached him, I saw that the bench was a political advertisement for Grant Bryland but it was covered in exclamation points and question marks and at the bottom it says “Name three crime fighting birds: Bawkman, the Triptavenger, and Gobble!” I didn’t know what to make from this…It could have been just some lousy hooligan just wanting to vandalize public property but the ‘Gobble’. This might be a calling card that I might want to listen to. I sent Randall of on some inane task so I could wait there myself. At first he put up a protest but with enough silence, he realized fighting it was going to be a waste of his energy.
I sat on the bench and watched the people pass by. I was public enemy number one and they all just walked by like I was nothing…I guess not much changes in the world of acting or heroism. I waited for an hour or two hoping that this could be a sign, hoping that if I sit here long enough all my trouble should be over. I was about to get up after the passing of the second hour and becoming quite chilly with the decent of the sun, when a familiar face sat down next to me. Good ol’ Jacky Barker, the senile game show host...Come to think of it, that old man on the phone did sound awfully like him.
We both stared out into the street as we watched the cars pass by and the sky filled with a purple haze from the pollution and the setting sun.
Jacky Barker: Did you know that Native Americans referred to bears as “The Beast that Walks Like Man”? They had very interesting perspectives on life. Some believed this isn’t even the real world, that this was just a dream and that when we dream is the only time we actually see reality for what it is. Can you imagine if all those horrible nightmares were supposed to be real? It would be awful! I would have been killed twenty times by a flying zebra demon by now. Luckily for us dreams are just illusions and Fraud would probably just analyze that I was gay or something. But I have a question for you…What do you think of Grant Bryland?
I peered at him for a second then continued looking forward at nothing.
Jacky Barker: I personally don’t like him. He’s a phoney and a turd. I truly don’t see him lasting as soon as this Bawkman thing is ever…It is going to end eventually, isn’t it?
Again I chose not to answer. He was an enemy even if he did come off as somewhat civil. He shrugged and slouched down on the bench.
Jacky Barker: Either way it doesn’t matter much. All things end whether we likeit or not and the thing about fighting it is you only fall further. That is what you and Mr. Down both have to learn. I know I don’t have much time left on this earth and maybe that’s why I fought who I was. I wanted to believe I would have more time if I pretended to be someone with a bit more life in him. You start to think if you can keep yourself busy then death won’t notice you but sadly Death didn’t get his job for being lazy so I’m merely faking until I have to hang it up and probably the scariest thing you can face isn’t death but facing death alone
He coughed up a lung almost immediately after the last word. He took a moment to regain his composure before he continued talking.
Jacky Barker: Now, I could tell you everything they’re planning and you could sweep in likea hero and soil it all, God knows I would love nothing more but a little vice of mine is the thrill of the game so if you could be so kind as to humor an old man with his delusions.
I turned to him to signify he had my full attention. I always respected the older actors because they still had the will to fight forward even though they were completely spent. So it was the least I could do. He thought for a moment as if searching for just the right words. The light of the sun was slowly diminishing and the streets emptied as people reached their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. Jacky’s eyes lit up as he finally thought of what he wanted to say.
Jacky Barker: Here is an easy one for ya, what movie was the first Oscar winner to mention a former Oscar Winner?
Oh shit, I know this one!
The old man patted me on the shoulder as stood up from the bench.
Jacky Barker: You don’t have to answer now. But please respect me enough to not use the internet…That blasted machine!
And with that said, he left me in the ever creeping night. After a little while of waiting for night to fall, I got to my feet and made my way down the sidewalk. Yet another holiday I would be spending by myself. Not that I minded all that much as far as I was concerned. Thanksgiving wasn’t a real holiday anyways. No one treated it as such since deals were starting as six and inevitable people will be beating the shit out of each other for an HD-TV.
As I ventured down the street, I saw a family hop out of the car. The two small children whining while a young teen boy complained about how he didn’t get what he wanted at Walmart. The parents tried to pull the bags out but a few fell to the ground as they yelled at their oldest to help them with “all this shit”. The teenager huffed then stomped as he picked up the fallen bag. The parents walked to their door but before they ascended the steps, they both were met with a patch of ice that sent their legs up into the air. The children continued to whine as the parents struggled to get to their feet. I shook my head as I continued down the street. The apartment lights lit up slowly across the city eliminating the pitch black darkness…The apartment lights…The Apartment!
Hit with this realization, I picked up speed and busted out into a full sprint. The snow whipped into my face causing me to squint as I ran. I was practically blind as I was assaulted with wind and frost. I felt my feet slip around under me, eventually sending me falling backwards, smacking the back of my head against the cold hard ground knocking me out.
When I awoke, I instantly noticed a jump in temperature which either meant I was taken to a hospital or I died and went to hell. I tried to get to up but I felt straps holding me down. A bright light was shining in my eyes and once they had adjusted, I saw John Down standing right next to it.
John Down: We must stop meeting like this.
He laughed as he moved passed the light, creating a prominent silhouette. I felt groggy and my head was suddenly invaded with a buzzing feeling. It wasn’t a concussion. In fact I had never felt this feeling before in my life.
John Down: You might be feeling unusual at the moment. Don’t worry, you aren’t dying…In fact, I think you will feel more alive than ever after this. I have been wanting to run a few experiments on this new substance I introduced into the city. I named it “The Bird” after a little Turkey fellow I know. You see, by itself the drug is just unpleasant, destroying your reaction time, making it impossible to concentrate and also throws off the balance. But the real fun begins when you introduce the electric shock which activates specific chemicals with in the drug sending the user into a vividly powerful nightmare. Why people would be into it is beyond me but whatever floats your boat I guess. But the interesting part is the drug lasts in your system for four months where it can activate at any moment causing you to fall unconscious into another nightmare. What’s a super hero story without some science fiction…
He stepped passed me and stood at the end of the steel table. I couldn’t see it but I felt him place something on the temples of my skull. I was about to protest but he shoved a bite guard into my mouth.
John Down: We don’t want you biting off that tongue.
He took a few steps back into the darkness.
John Down: It is quite simple…just relax and fall asleep.
I heard a switch click but the next bit is kind of blurry. I just remember convulsing for a few moments and then blackness. What followed next was absolutely horrifying. It all felt so real as if I were actually living it and I remembered every last bit of it. First it was just feelings…The feeling of being devoured and dissolved followed by a strong heat blasting up my back, scorching my spine leaving a sort of tingling decaying my torso. Then I saw shapeless living creatures fly at me in random bursts with outstretched claws and teeth but disappear just as quick but after a few a setting began to form around me. It was my old home before I moved to turkey, all the lights were off and the blinds were closed as I heard a pounding at the door. My heart filled with fear as the unknown attack continued to shake the frame. I crept to the door slowly but before I could reach the peep hole, it flung open with turkey after turkey spilling into the living room, slowly filling up the space like a leak in the boat until I was up to my eye balls in turkeys literally. The weight seemed to be crushing me as I tried to push through but without any actual progress. The claustrophobic nature sent a violent panic through my body as I was struggling to breathe. I closed my eyes hopefully to escape but it was no use because I only saw through them. I crouched down trying to cover my head and ignore the lack of room, but all I got in my ear was gobble gobble and bawk bawk…
I plugged my ears and tried to tune out the turkeys, ignoring their pecking and scratching as they spastically tore at my arms. But suddenly there were no turkeys and when I looked up I found myself in a small cell with a fool metal door with a eye slot near the top where the stray light entered. I heard footsteps and then the entering was interrupted by a dark figure with glowing eyes. The voice was slightly guttural but understandable as if a monster learned English.
The Eyes: Hey, shut up in there! How about I come in there and destroy you.
The eyes pushed through the hole and was followed by a dark strain. The eyes floated over to me and for some reason I had the urge to run anywhere I could in this small room. I got to my feet and headed for a wall but as soon as I made a run for it, the walls remained the same distance away from me. I would turn around to see the eyes getting closer as I was stuck in one spot. I tried to swat them but my arms felt like they were moving throw water making it impossible to land a strike.
The Eyes: That’s a funny swing you got there…need to work on your hook a bit.
The cell caught fire and I could feel the heat rising as the fire slowly filled the concrete room. The flames felt all too real. I kicked and screamed and begged to be let out but the eyes just laughed at me.
The Eyes: Well, that’s quite a pickle…I always wanted roast turkey. The flames engulfed me and filled my vision with a bright light…
I awoke on the floor with my heart pounding hard within my chest. I looked up to see a steel door but not like before. I tried to get to my feet but I would end up tumbling downwards with each pathetic attempt. Eventually the metal door opened and out came Jacky Barker in a funny red suit with a white tie. He squatted down next to me.
Jacky Barker: Ready to play?
To be concluded in...
THE BAWK KNIGHT RISES PART 2
