Post by Deleted on May 17, 2015 15:33:21 GMT -5
Isaiah slowly opens his eyes, a wave of confusion washing over him. His bed is gone. His entire house is gone. He lays in the dirt, patches of dying grass surrounding him. He shoots up to a sitting position, and what he sees sends panic shooting down his spine. All around, dilapidated carnival tents sit in the oppressive sun. Their canvas coverings are torn and the wooden beams are mostly rotted away. It’s a wonder how they stay upright.
Isaiah:No...no no no no no. This isn’t happening!
He pushes himself backwards across the ground, and backs into an old, rickety fence. He watches as a group of people shamble past, their paranoid eyes darting all around as they move. Isaiah shakes his head back and forth, dread washing over him in waves. There are no birds, no trees, there doesn’t even seem to be any wind. Isaiah pulls his knees to his chest and buries his face.
Isaiah:NO! Fuck this! I’m not doin’ this shit again! I got out!
Chavis doesn’t have long to panic. Quiet calliope music begins to play. His eyes dart up, and he immediately scrambles across the dirt. He dives into a tent, which somehow plunges him into total darkness. Watching the skies, his whole body shakes. For a moment he holds out hope that things have changed, but his heart drops to his stomach when he see’s the green and purple box appear in the sky. It slowly lowers to the ground. Once it hits the dirt, Isaiah slides further inside of the tent and closes his eyes. The sounds still filter in. The box plays its eerie tune, and Isaiah doesn’t have to look. He sees it in his mind as vividly as if he were watching it again for the first time.
His body jumps violently as he hears the box pop open, followed by the screams of the unwitting victims who stayed outside. The hiss of the rotting lizard creature, the shrieking high pitched voice as it makes its judgements, the wet crunch of bones and skin between teeth, and mob of people climbing over one another to flee from the wrath of the creature in the box. When it is done feeding, the music stops, and the box ascends as quickly as it appeared. Isaiah refuses to move. He only sits in silent darkness for a moment before letting a loud string of swear words explode from his mouth. As soon as he is finished, he hears a high pitched giggle from somewhere else in the room.
Isaiah:What the fuck! Who the hell’s in here?!
Samantha:You don’t have to be scared. We’re already dead.
Isaiah tries to get his eyes to adjust, but this isn’t that kind of darkness.
Isaiah:Who the fuck are you?
Samantha:Someone who’s been here way longer than you. Now shut up, the patrols will be out. You definitely don’t want them seeing you.
She didn’t have to tell Isaiah. He inched back to his original spot to get a look outside. Sure enough, the grotesque creatures known as the patrol were already making their way through the carnival. Isaiah could still smell the first one he saw. That wasn’t the worst of it though, nor were the sharp teeth. The worst part was their dead, yellow eyes. Never blinking, never really seeing. Isaiah watches as one of them slides inside of a tent. A shrill scream is immediately heard as the creature carries a young woman from the tent. She punches and kicks with all her might, but the patrol is not phased in the slightest. Her screams get quieter and quieter as the thing takes her away, eventually dying altogether.
Samantha:You act like you’ve never seen a culling before.
Isaiah lightly smacks his head against the post he’s leaning on.
Isaiah:It’s been a while.
Samantha:What do you mean?
Isaiah:I thought I’d escaped.
The young woman giggles, and Isaiah can feel her crawl closer.
Samantha:Nobody escapes from the Dark Carnival. It sounds like a beautiful dream though.
Isaiah:Well then where are the people I met last time? They were talking about figuring out a way to kill the patrol. I need to talk to them!
Samantha:They’re most likely gone. Nobody avoids judgement forever.
Isaiah’s jaw hangs open with the realization of a fact that the back of his mind already knew. He doesn’t have long to mourn before a flash of green light outside draws his attention. Once the flash has abated, Isaiah sees a tall young man laying on the ground. His head jerks back and forth, having no idea what’s going on. Isaiah moves forward, but Samantha puts her hand out to stop him.
Isaiah:The patrol’s out there! He’s gonna get caught!
Samantha:That’s his shitty luck.
Isaiah pushes her out of the way, and steps to the door of the tent. He peeks back and forth to make sure no patrol are watching, before sprinting out into the middle of the open field. Chavis grabs the kid under the arms and starts dragging him back.
Isaiah:RUN, STUPID!
They make it halfway back to the tent before the young man gets his feet under him. Isaiah tosses him inside, and dives on him, covering his mouth to keep him silent. After several minutes, Isaiah peaks out the door again. When he sees that the patrols have seemingly left, he removes his hand from the young man’s mouth.
Chad:What the fuck?!
Samantha:That’s what they all say.
Isaiah:Hey, chill your shit dude. You’re alright. What’s your name?
For some reason these words calm the panicked man. His voice cracks as he replies.
Chad:Ch-Chad. My name is Chad. Seriously though… what the fuck?!
Isaiah chuckles, and move toward the entrance to the tent, he steps out, and when he’s sure the coast is clear, he signals that it is safe for the other two to step out. Samantha is first, her blue hair shining almost neon in the sunlight. She looks at Isaiah with a wide smile.
Samantha:You’re cute, but if you ever risk my life for some fucking rando again, I’ll reach down your throat and rip your testicles out, got me?
Isaiah:You’re cute too, but don’t get excited. You’re not my type.
Samantha:LYeah? Well what is your type?
Isaiah:Let’s just say my type usually has at least one more penis than you do. Hey Chad! It’s cool, you can come out.
The frightened looking man steps out of the carnival tent, adjusting the thick rimmed glasses on his nose. When he steps out and unfolds himself, Isaiah sees that he’s at least six inches taller than either of them, but skinny as a rail. His whole body trembles as his eyes dart back and forth searching for imminent danger.
Samantha:Aw fuck. You’re gonna last like a day.
Chad doesn’t seem to hear her.
Chad:I’m gonna ask one more time… what… the… fuck.
Isaiah:That’s a loaded question Chad. I think I know what you mean though. You’re at the dark carnival.
Isaiah watches Chad’s expression go from confusion, to comprehension, t terror, and back to confusion again before he even says a word.
Chad:I thought that was just some stupid shit Violent J made up.
Isaiah:Nope. This is where Juggalos go when we die… I guess.
Chad:What do you mean you guess?
Isaiah:Well, it’s either that, or this is all some ridiculous dream I’m having.
Chad:Reassuring.
Samantha rolls her eyes and steps forward.
Samantha:This isn’t a dream, and we’re all fucked. It’s just a matter of time. Does that cover it for you?
Samantha starts walking away, but Chad quickly follows, and Isaiah struggles to keep up.
Chad:Not really actually. Why are we fucked? What’s gonna happen? Isn’t there some way we can get out.
With an annoyed glare, Samantha stops in her tracks and spins around.
Samantha:Not a single question you asked matters. You’re dead. If there was something you coulda done, you would done it before you got here. Now it’s just a matter of how long you can avoid judgement, and where you go once you’re eventually caught.
Chad:What do you mean? Where would we go?
Isaiah grabs Chad’s arm.
Isaiah:Chad, that’s enough exposition for now. Samantha, last time I was here there was a rumor going around about a way to kill the patrol. I assume it didn’t go much farther than talk.
She gives him a confused look, before a realization comes over her. It’s replaced by a sarcastic smirk.
Samantha:You mean the holy Faygo thing? As dumb as it sounds, it’s legit.
Isaiah:That’s great! Why aren’t we getting some right now?
Samantha:Do you have any idea how many Juggalos become priests?
Isaiah:Judgin’ by your tone, I got a feeling it’s not a big number.
Samantha:Sweetie, it’s not even a medium number. Good fucking luck finding one at the dark carnival.
Isaiah’s shoulders drop, but he quickly puffs his chest out and clenches his fists.
Isaiah:It’s simple then. All we gotta do is find a priest.
__ _ _ _ _ ______ __
Isaiah shoots straight up in bed, rivers of sweat running down his body. The sheets beneath him are soaked.
Isaiah:Find a priest!
He looks around frantically, and it takes him a solid minute to realize where he is. Early morning light filters in through the open blinds, causing him to squint. He turns and sets his feet on the shag carpet, wiggling his toes with a smile. Last night’s dream quickly becomes nothing more than a shadow of a wisp as he stands to his feet and stretches out his arms. He lets out a loud yawn, and scarcely has time to collect himself before there’s a loud knock at the door.
Isaiah:Jesus Christ. Can I get a minute? One second!
Chavis quickly grabs a pair of gray sweat pants and yanks them up over his legs. He steps out into the living room and opens the door. He lets out an exhausted sigh as Aisha’s smiling face comes bounding in from outside.
Aisha:Hey girl! You’re up early.
Isaiah grumbles an unhappy answer, before shutting the door and taking a seat on the couch.
Aisha:Jeez. You’re in a good mood. Here, maybe this will help. I went and saw my mom yesterday and she sent this back for you.
Aisha sets her giant black purse on the coffee table and digs through it a bit before withdrawing a small loaf of banana bread. Isaiah’s mood immediately brightens as he takes the bread.
Isaiah:Aw fuck yeah! Love me some banana bread!
Aisha chuckles as Chavis rips a chunk off of the loaf and begins to eat. Another knock at the door causes him to roll his eyes and stand to his feet. Before he can even get to the door, the heavy Italian accent coming from the other side makes him shudder.
Vinny:My gigolo friend! It is time to rise and be shiny! The winner is always the one who trains while his opponent sleeps.
Isaiah opens the door and takes another bite of the banana bread.
Isaiah:Got any more Maddenisms you wanna pass off as bullshit personal trainer sayings?
Vinny brushes off Isaiah’s jab, instead glaring at the piece of bread in his hand.
Vinny:And what is this?
Isaiah:Fuckin’ awesome banana bread, want some?
Vinny ignores the offer and begins to berate the wrestler.
Vinny:Is this the food of a champion? Do you think the Natural Ice man eats the banana bread and lazes about all morning? Hmm?
Isaiah:Alright you WOP mother fucker, I’ll take about anything your ass can do to me, but you try to take my banana bread, I’ll cut your balls off and shove them down your throat! You hear me?
Vinny puts his hands up, and steps inside the trailer. Isaiah’s phone goes off before anyone can say anything else.
Isaiah:Jesus fuck, doesn’t anyone sleep?
Isaiah’s face goes from grouchy to a stupid smile as soon as he sees the text message.
Aisha:Oooooh, I’ll bet that’s from William!
Vinny:William? Who is this William?
Aisha:Isaiah’s new booooyfriiiiend!
Isaiah:Wow, could you turn six? ...Oh my god…
Aisha:Huh?
Isaiah:He wants to go out.
Aisha:So? You guys met weeks ago.
Isaiah:Yeah, but we just been texting. Now he wants us to actually meet up. You remember how I was dressed when we met. He’s a nice guy. I don’t want him thinkin’ he’s gettin’ someone with taste, and then seeing my scrubby as show up in a jersey and jeans.
Aisha:Aww. I forgot how cute you are when you’re into someone. It’s fucking adorable.
Vinny:Vincenzo Bellini does not have time for this silliness! If we wish to win, we must train! Come gigolo!
Isaiah rolls his eyes and tosses his phone on the couch.
Isaiah:Alright, let me get dressed.
Aisha:Well I should probably get go-
Isaiah:Nuh uh! You grab the camera. I got job for you.
__ _ _ _ _ ______ _ __ __
The mid-morning sun rises high above the treetops, bathing the world in orange light. The temperature is already unseasonably high, and will only get worse as the day goes on. Isaiah’s lawn is littered with different workout equipment from the back of Vinny’s van. Chavis is dressed in a pair of black shorts, and the weighted vest. Vinny follows him around the yard as he lifts a set of weight, and the grabs onto a pull up bar, lifting his weight several times in rapid succession. As sweat drips down his nose, he speaks, never stopping his movements.
Isaiah:I’m done… I’m beyond done with this fuckin’ losing streak! I ain’t won shit since I damn near killed Chelsea. I could blame shitty partners, or the distractions with ICE, but if I was good enough, I coulda overcome all that. I wasn’t. I thought I could waltz right in and kick the shit outta everybody. I was stupid. I ain’t makin’ that mistake no more though. That’s why I lost to Kaz Mazy last time that much I know.
Isaiah drops down, and immediately starts doing push ups, as Vinny yells in his ear. The camera drops down as Isaiah continues talking, never losing pace.
Isaiah:I underestimated your ass last time buddy. That ain’t happenin’ again. I know you a little bit better, and I know that my usual ain’t gonna cut it. The Isaiah that fought you last time ain’t good enough to get the job done. I had to learn that the hard way. This ain’t the Isaiah you faced before though. This is a whole ‘nother animal. One you ain’t even close to prepared for! You know, the more I watch, the more I like you. You make me laugh. That don’t matter though. I got a job to do, and the new Isaiah Chavis ain’t gonna stop ‘til the job is done. You can bank on that, mother fucker.
Chavis pops up, and immediately high steps his way through some tires. Vinny hits a button on his stopwatch, and Isaiah comes to a stop. He has a seat on his front steps and takes a swig from a water bottle. He takes off the weighted vest before continuing.
Isaiah:Then we got Bobby Cairo. This is a guy I used to have a lot of respect for. He’s one of the best the business has ever seen. Everyone knows that though. I know something they don’t though. I know why you joined Kaz. I know why you joined Imperium. You knew you were getting older. You could feel your body not doing what it used to, your mind not bein’ as quick as normal. You should have just walked away, but your ass couldn’t do that, could it? Nah. You were too addicted to the fame, the applause, the money. So what did you do? You found a group of wrestler that could carry your ass. You’re nothin’ anymore, and this Sunday, not even Kaz is gonna be able to protect you. The Juggalo Warrior’s gonna stomp your face in so deep you can kiss your own spine, bitch.
Vinny:One more minute, then we continue.
Isaiah:Fuck off for a minute, would ya? I’m on a roll.
Vincenzo rolls his eyes and walks away, resetting the equipment.
Isaiah:Just like my last three matches though, I got a fuckin’ wildcard to deal with. Management, in their infinite fucking wisdom, teamed me up with Dune, a dude who ended the show last week by gettin’ involved in my business. Now, that was a mistake, and I’ll deal with it later. For now, we need to be on the same page. Dune, we can beat each other’s brains in as soon as that bell rings, but if you fuck up this match for me, I swear on everything that’s holy, I’ll rip your goddamn face off and wear it as my new mask. And if you think I’m kidding, I dare you to try me. I promise it ain’t gonna end well for you.
Isaiah runs his fingers through his hair, and wipes the sweat from his unpainted brow. He leans back against the steps, and finally begins to catch his breath.
Isaiah:I ain’t been back long, but I been back long enough to know I’m sick of losing. I’m sick of not bein’ on top when that bell rings, and it ends this week. Me and Dune are gonna patch things up for just long enough to show the Saints, and the rest of their douchebag Imperium buddies that we ain’t nothin’ to fuck with. In fact, I really hope the rest of them pay close attention, especially ICE. Watch what we can do, and be afraid for that pretty little title of yours, because you know deep down one of us is gonna take it, and honestly, I’d like it to be me, but it doesn’t matter much as long as it ain’t you. ICE, I wanna cause you as much pain as I possibly can. I wanna show every fuckin’ person in that locker room exactly what happens when you fuck with Isaiah Chavis.
Isaiah stands up, takes another swing of water, and tosses the bottle away. He concludes his speech as he walks to the front of Vinny’s obstacle course.
Isaiah:The Poondock Saints talk a lot of shit… I mean a LOT of shit. That don’t matter though. All the shit talkin’ in the world doesn’t mean a god damn thing when that bell rings. That’s when I really turn on. That’s when the Juggalo Warrior goes to work. There’s somethin’ about being between those ropes that just sets me off. The spirit of the carnival overtakes me, and I have what can only be described as a religious experience. Then, when it’s all over, I’m standing over a broken opponent, and my music is playing. I miss that feeling, and I’ll do whatever the fuck it takes to get it back. Saints, that means runnin’ through you like a couple paper walls. That’s how Sunday ends. Get to Vegas and place your bets now. You’re gonna need the money.
Isaiah gets set at the starting line of Vinny’s course, and preps himself. The trainer raises his starting gun, and sets a loud bang echoing through the trailer park. Isaiah takes off, and the camera fades out.
Isaiah:No...no no no no no. This isn’t happening!
He pushes himself backwards across the ground, and backs into an old, rickety fence. He watches as a group of people shamble past, their paranoid eyes darting all around as they move. Isaiah shakes his head back and forth, dread washing over him in waves. There are no birds, no trees, there doesn’t even seem to be any wind. Isaiah pulls his knees to his chest and buries his face.
Isaiah:NO! Fuck this! I’m not doin’ this shit again! I got out!
Chavis doesn’t have long to panic. Quiet calliope music begins to play. His eyes dart up, and he immediately scrambles across the dirt. He dives into a tent, which somehow plunges him into total darkness. Watching the skies, his whole body shakes. For a moment he holds out hope that things have changed, but his heart drops to his stomach when he see’s the green and purple box appear in the sky. It slowly lowers to the ground. Once it hits the dirt, Isaiah slides further inside of the tent and closes his eyes. The sounds still filter in. The box plays its eerie tune, and Isaiah doesn’t have to look. He sees it in his mind as vividly as if he were watching it again for the first time.
His body jumps violently as he hears the box pop open, followed by the screams of the unwitting victims who stayed outside. The hiss of the rotting lizard creature, the shrieking high pitched voice as it makes its judgements, the wet crunch of bones and skin between teeth, and mob of people climbing over one another to flee from the wrath of the creature in the box. When it is done feeding, the music stops, and the box ascends as quickly as it appeared. Isaiah refuses to move. He only sits in silent darkness for a moment before letting a loud string of swear words explode from his mouth. As soon as he is finished, he hears a high pitched giggle from somewhere else in the room.
Isaiah:What the fuck! Who the hell’s in here?!
Samantha:You don’t have to be scared. We’re already dead.
Isaiah tries to get his eyes to adjust, but this isn’t that kind of darkness.
Isaiah:Who the fuck are you?
Samantha:Someone who’s been here way longer than you. Now shut up, the patrols will be out. You definitely don’t want them seeing you.
She didn’t have to tell Isaiah. He inched back to his original spot to get a look outside. Sure enough, the grotesque creatures known as the patrol were already making their way through the carnival. Isaiah could still smell the first one he saw. That wasn’t the worst of it though, nor were the sharp teeth. The worst part was their dead, yellow eyes. Never blinking, never really seeing. Isaiah watches as one of them slides inside of a tent. A shrill scream is immediately heard as the creature carries a young woman from the tent. She punches and kicks with all her might, but the patrol is not phased in the slightest. Her screams get quieter and quieter as the thing takes her away, eventually dying altogether.
Samantha:You act like you’ve never seen a culling before.
Isaiah lightly smacks his head against the post he’s leaning on.
Isaiah:It’s been a while.
Samantha:What do you mean?
Isaiah:I thought I’d escaped.
The young woman giggles, and Isaiah can feel her crawl closer.
Samantha:Nobody escapes from the Dark Carnival. It sounds like a beautiful dream though.
Isaiah:Well then where are the people I met last time? They were talking about figuring out a way to kill the patrol. I need to talk to them!
Samantha:They’re most likely gone. Nobody avoids judgement forever.
Isaiah’s jaw hangs open with the realization of a fact that the back of his mind already knew. He doesn’t have long to mourn before a flash of green light outside draws his attention. Once the flash has abated, Isaiah sees a tall young man laying on the ground. His head jerks back and forth, having no idea what’s going on. Isaiah moves forward, but Samantha puts her hand out to stop him.
Isaiah:The patrol’s out there! He’s gonna get caught!
Samantha:That’s his shitty luck.
Isaiah pushes her out of the way, and steps to the door of the tent. He peeks back and forth to make sure no patrol are watching, before sprinting out into the middle of the open field. Chavis grabs the kid under the arms and starts dragging him back.
Isaiah:RUN, STUPID!
They make it halfway back to the tent before the young man gets his feet under him. Isaiah tosses him inside, and dives on him, covering his mouth to keep him silent. After several minutes, Isaiah peaks out the door again. When he sees that the patrols have seemingly left, he removes his hand from the young man’s mouth.
Chad:What the fuck?!
Samantha:That’s what they all say.
Isaiah:Hey, chill your shit dude. You’re alright. What’s your name?
For some reason these words calm the panicked man. His voice cracks as he replies.
Chad:Ch-Chad. My name is Chad. Seriously though… what the fuck?!
Isaiah chuckles, and move toward the entrance to the tent, he steps out, and when he’s sure the coast is clear, he signals that it is safe for the other two to step out. Samantha is first, her blue hair shining almost neon in the sunlight. She looks at Isaiah with a wide smile.
Samantha:You’re cute, but if you ever risk my life for some fucking rando again, I’ll reach down your throat and rip your testicles out, got me?
Isaiah:You’re cute too, but don’t get excited. You’re not my type.
Samantha:LYeah? Well what is your type?
Isaiah:Let’s just say my type usually has at least one more penis than you do. Hey Chad! It’s cool, you can come out.
The frightened looking man steps out of the carnival tent, adjusting the thick rimmed glasses on his nose. When he steps out and unfolds himself, Isaiah sees that he’s at least six inches taller than either of them, but skinny as a rail. His whole body trembles as his eyes dart back and forth searching for imminent danger.
Samantha:Aw fuck. You’re gonna last like a day.
Chad doesn’t seem to hear her.
Chad:I’m gonna ask one more time… what… the… fuck.
Isaiah:That’s a loaded question Chad. I think I know what you mean though. You’re at the dark carnival.
Isaiah watches Chad’s expression go from confusion, to comprehension, t terror, and back to confusion again before he even says a word.
Chad:I thought that was just some stupid shit Violent J made up.
Isaiah:Nope. This is where Juggalos go when we die… I guess.
Chad:What do you mean you guess?
Isaiah:Well, it’s either that, or this is all some ridiculous dream I’m having.
Chad:Reassuring.
Samantha rolls her eyes and steps forward.
Samantha:This isn’t a dream, and we’re all fucked. It’s just a matter of time. Does that cover it for you?
Samantha starts walking away, but Chad quickly follows, and Isaiah struggles to keep up.
Chad:Not really actually. Why are we fucked? What’s gonna happen? Isn’t there some way we can get out.
With an annoyed glare, Samantha stops in her tracks and spins around.
Samantha:Not a single question you asked matters. You’re dead. If there was something you coulda done, you would done it before you got here. Now it’s just a matter of how long you can avoid judgement, and where you go once you’re eventually caught.
Chad:What do you mean? Where would we go?
Isaiah grabs Chad’s arm.
Isaiah:Chad, that’s enough exposition for now. Samantha, last time I was here there was a rumor going around about a way to kill the patrol. I assume it didn’t go much farther than talk.
She gives him a confused look, before a realization comes over her. It’s replaced by a sarcastic smirk.
Samantha:You mean the holy Faygo thing? As dumb as it sounds, it’s legit.
Isaiah:That’s great! Why aren’t we getting some right now?
Samantha:Do you have any idea how many Juggalos become priests?
Isaiah:Judgin’ by your tone, I got a feeling it’s not a big number.
Samantha:Sweetie, it’s not even a medium number. Good fucking luck finding one at the dark carnival.
Isaiah’s shoulders drop, but he quickly puffs his chest out and clenches his fists.
Isaiah:It’s simple then. All we gotta do is find a priest.
__ _ _ _ _ ______ __
Isaiah shoots straight up in bed, rivers of sweat running down his body. The sheets beneath him are soaked.
Isaiah:Find a priest!
He looks around frantically, and it takes him a solid minute to realize where he is. Early morning light filters in through the open blinds, causing him to squint. He turns and sets his feet on the shag carpet, wiggling his toes with a smile. Last night’s dream quickly becomes nothing more than a shadow of a wisp as he stands to his feet and stretches out his arms. He lets out a loud yawn, and scarcely has time to collect himself before there’s a loud knock at the door.
Isaiah:Jesus Christ. Can I get a minute? One second!
Chavis quickly grabs a pair of gray sweat pants and yanks them up over his legs. He steps out into the living room and opens the door. He lets out an exhausted sigh as Aisha’s smiling face comes bounding in from outside.
Aisha:Hey girl! You’re up early.
Isaiah grumbles an unhappy answer, before shutting the door and taking a seat on the couch.
Aisha:Jeez. You’re in a good mood. Here, maybe this will help. I went and saw my mom yesterday and she sent this back for you.
Aisha sets her giant black purse on the coffee table and digs through it a bit before withdrawing a small loaf of banana bread. Isaiah’s mood immediately brightens as he takes the bread.
Isaiah:Aw fuck yeah! Love me some banana bread!
Aisha chuckles as Chavis rips a chunk off of the loaf and begins to eat. Another knock at the door causes him to roll his eyes and stand to his feet. Before he can even get to the door, the heavy Italian accent coming from the other side makes him shudder.
Vinny:My gigolo friend! It is time to rise and be shiny! The winner is always the one who trains while his opponent sleeps.
Isaiah opens the door and takes another bite of the banana bread.
Isaiah:Got any more Maddenisms you wanna pass off as bullshit personal trainer sayings?
Vinny brushes off Isaiah’s jab, instead glaring at the piece of bread in his hand.
Vinny:And what is this?
Isaiah:Fuckin’ awesome banana bread, want some?
Vinny ignores the offer and begins to berate the wrestler.
Vinny:Is this the food of a champion? Do you think the Natural Ice man eats the banana bread and lazes about all morning? Hmm?
Isaiah:Alright you WOP mother fucker, I’ll take about anything your ass can do to me, but you try to take my banana bread, I’ll cut your balls off and shove them down your throat! You hear me?
Vinny puts his hands up, and steps inside the trailer. Isaiah’s phone goes off before anyone can say anything else.
Isaiah:Jesus fuck, doesn’t anyone sleep?
Isaiah’s face goes from grouchy to a stupid smile as soon as he sees the text message.
Aisha:Oooooh, I’ll bet that’s from William!
Vinny:William? Who is this William?
Aisha:Isaiah’s new booooyfriiiiend!
Isaiah:Wow, could you turn six? ...Oh my god…
Aisha:Huh?
Isaiah:He wants to go out.
Aisha:So? You guys met weeks ago.
Isaiah:Yeah, but we just been texting. Now he wants us to actually meet up. You remember how I was dressed when we met. He’s a nice guy. I don’t want him thinkin’ he’s gettin’ someone with taste, and then seeing my scrubby as show up in a jersey and jeans.
Aisha:Aww. I forgot how cute you are when you’re into someone. It’s fucking adorable.
Vinny:Vincenzo Bellini does not have time for this silliness! If we wish to win, we must train! Come gigolo!
Isaiah rolls his eyes and tosses his phone on the couch.
Isaiah:Alright, let me get dressed.
Aisha:Well I should probably get go-
Isaiah:Nuh uh! You grab the camera. I got job for you.
__ _ _ _ _ ______ _ __ __
The mid-morning sun rises high above the treetops, bathing the world in orange light. The temperature is already unseasonably high, and will only get worse as the day goes on. Isaiah’s lawn is littered with different workout equipment from the back of Vinny’s van. Chavis is dressed in a pair of black shorts, and the weighted vest. Vinny follows him around the yard as he lifts a set of weight, and the grabs onto a pull up bar, lifting his weight several times in rapid succession. As sweat drips down his nose, he speaks, never stopping his movements.
Isaiah:I’m done… I’m beyond done with this fuckin’ losing streak! I ain’t won shit since I damn near killed Chelsea. I could blame shitty partners, or the distractions with ICE, but if I was good enough, I coulda overcome all that. I wasn’t. I thought I could waltz right in and kick the shit outta everybody. I was stupid. I ain’t makin’ that mistake no more though. That’s why I lost to Kaz Mazy last time that much I know.
Isaiah drops down, and immediately starts doing push ups, as Vinny yells in his ear. The camera drops down as Isaiah continues talking, never losing pace.
Isaiah:I underestimated your ass last time buddy. That ain’t happenin’ again. I know you a little bit better, and I know that my usual ain’t gonna cut it. The Isaiah that fought you last time ain’t good enough to get the job done. I had to learn that the hard way. This ain’t the Isaiah you faced before though. This is a whole ‘nother animal. One you ain’t even close to prepared for! You know, the more I watch, the more I like you. You make me laugh. That don’t matter though. I got a job to do, and the new Isaiah Chavis ain’t gonna stop ‘til the job is done. You can bank on that, mother fucker.
Chavis pops up, and immediately high steps his way through some tires. Vinny hits a button on his stopwatch, and Isaiah comes to a stop. He has a seat on his front steps and takes a swig from a water bottle. He takes off the weighted vest before continuing.
Isaiah:Then we got Bobby Cairo. This is a guy I used to have a lot of respect for. He’s one of the best the business has ever seen. Everyone knows that though. I know something they don’t though. I know why you joined Kaz. I know why you joined Imperium. You knew you were getting older. You could feel your body not doing what it used to, your mind not bein’ as quick as normal. You should have just walked away, but your ass couldn’t do that, could it? Nah. You were too addicted to the fame, the applause, the money. So what did you do? You found a group of wrestler that could carry your ass. You’re nothin’ anymore, and this Sunday, not even Kaz is gonna be able to protect you. The Juggalo Warrior’s gonna stomp your face in so deep you can kiss your own spine, bitch.
Vinny:One more minute, then we continue.
Isaiah:Fuck off for a minute, would ya? I’m on a roll.
Vincenzo rolls his eyes and walks away, resetting the equipment.
Isaiah:Just like my last three matches though, I got a fuckin’ wildcard to deal with. Management, in their infinite fucking wisdom, teamed me up with Dune, a dude who ended the show last week by gettin’ involved in my business. Now, that was a mistake, and I’ll deal with it later. For now, we need to be on the same page. Dune, we can beat each other’s brains in as soon as that bell rings, but if you fuck up this match for me, I swear on everything that’s holy, I’ll rip your goddamn face off and wear it as my new mask. And if you think I’m kidding, I dare you to try me. I promise it ain’t gonna end well for you.
Isaiah runs his fingers through his hair, and wipes the sweat from his unpainted brow. He leans back against the steps, and finally begins to catch his breath.
Isaiah:I ain’t been back long, but I been back long enough to know I’m sick of losing. I’m sick of not bein’ on top when that bell rings, and it ends this week. Me and Dune are gonna patch things up for just long enough to show the Saints, and the rest of their douchebag Imperium buddies that we ain’t nothin’ to fuck with. In fact, I really hope the rest of them pay close attention, especially ICE. Watch what we can do, and be afraid for that pretty little title of yours, because you know deep down one of us is gonna take it, and honestly, I’d like it to be me, but it doesn’t matter much as long as it ain’t you. ICE, I wanna cause you as much pain as I possibly can. I wanna show every fuckin’ person in that locker room exactly what happens when you fuck with Isaiah Chavis.
Isaiah stands up, takes another swing of water, and tosses the bottle away. He concludes his speech as he walks to the front of Vinny’s obstacle course.
Isaiah:The Poondock Saints talk a lot of shit… I mean a LOT of shit. That don’t matter though. All the shit talkin’ in the world doesn’t mean a god damn thing when that bell rings. That’s when I really turn on. That’s when the Juggalo Warrior goes to work. There’s somethin’ about being between those ropes that just sets me off. The spirit of the carnival overtakes me, and I have what can only be described as a religious experience. Then, when it’s all over, I’m standing over a broken opponent, and my music is playing. I miss that feeling, and I’ll do whatever the fuck it takes to get it back. Saints, that means runnin’ through you like a couple paper walls. That’s how Sunday ends. Get to Vegas and place your bets now. You’re gonna need the money.
Isaiah gets set at the starting line of Vinny’s course, and preps himself. The trainer raises his starting gun, and sets a loud bang echoing through the trailer park. Isaiah takes off, and the camera fades out.