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When Jake left the hospital, before heading to Apocalypse, the last image in his mind was of the doctors beginning to assess the status of his friend, Brandon Evans. Brandon, for the first time since being found in a state of anaphylactic shock, showed signs of life by opening and closing his hand, and doing so in front of his friends. Since that moment, Shawn has been by Brandon's side the whole time, knowing that Jake would be there if he wasn't having to deal with commitments to SCW.
Shawn's job has been simple, let Jake know the most up to the minute status of his friend, whether it's good or bad. As much as Jake expects something negative to happen, as has been the norm for when he's "away," this time has been much different. Things have not gone south, but shown serious signs of improvement. Brandon has made numerous strides in his progression back to being healthy, and has given doctors enough faith in his recovery to continue to disable more and more machines that have been, effectively, keeping him alive. Unfortunately for Brandon, however, he does still have a tracheotomy assisting his lungs with his breathing. Doctors are not quite ready to put his body through the rigors of having to breathe on its own, on top of everything else it is now having to take over as well. This tracheotomy is impeding his ability to communicate, as it restricts air from coming out of his mouth. He is able to move his lips visibly enough to communicate in short one or two word bursts. In communicating with Brandon, Shawn has been really selective about what he tells Brandon about what happened. He feels that it would probably be better suited coming from Jake or his physician. Even though Brandon is still in a daze and relatively high from the medication, he continues to ask why he's there. After returning from Apocalypse, Jake dropped his bags at his house, and made a B-line for the hospital. He quickly parks and heads inside. He checks in, and is given the OK to enter the ICU unit. He walks through the hallway, coming to Brandon's room, and slowly walking in. Brandon is slowly opening and closing his eyes, almost looking like he's drifting in and out of consciousness, but actually just resting. Shawn has the TV on, and is simply relaxing and hanging out with his friend. Shawn sees the door slowly opening, and looks up to see Jake walk in. Knowing Brandon is resting or sleeping, Shawn stands up and walks over to Jake, and whispers to talk. Shawn Wright: Hey man... Jake Starr: Hey... How's he doing? Shawn Wright: He's doing alright... Hey congrats, by the way... Jake Starr: Thanks... But that's not important right now... Shawn Wright: Never thought I'd hear you say that about a win, ha ha... Jake Starr: Priorities on what's important, I guess? Shawn Wright: He'd beg to differ on importance... He had me stream it for him, so he could watch. I swear he almost got excited... Jake smirks.
Jake Starr: Heh... Almost, huh? Shawn Wright: Yeah... For one, he is usually high as a kite... But at the same time as your match was going on, that smoking hot nurse came in, and magically he was in pain, again! Jake chuckles, again, before shifting the focus back to Brandon.
Jake Starr: So he's doing better? Brandon, actually listening all along, lifts his hand a little, giving him a thumbs up. Jake sees this and smiles before looking back at Shawn.
Jake Starr: Do you mind if I chat with him, a little, for a bit? Shawn Wright: Sounds intimate! Jake smirks.
Jake Starr: Let me tell ya... Shawn Wright: Of course, man... It's no problem... I could use something to eat, myself... Shawn pats Jake on the shoulder, and heads down to the cafeteria to grab some food. Jake goes and sits down next to Brandon, and begins to make idle chit chat with him for a bit.
Jake Starr: So, how you feeling, man? Brandon shrugs.
Jake Starr: ... That good, huh? Brandon mouths his short sentences at Jake.
Brandon Evans: Peachy... Jake Starr: They treating you ok? Brandon Evans: Yeah... Nurse is hot... Jake Starr: I'm glad you approve, man... If it's too much work to reply, you don't have to, man... Brandon Evans: Meh... I'll live... Jake lets out a chuckle, and then there is an awkward silence that lasts for, what seems like forever. After several moment, Jake looks over at Brandon, and even Brandon sees the sincerity in his eyes.
Jake Starr: ... You know, I didn't think we would ever get the opportunity to talk again... Brandon's response, this time, isn't with mouthed words, but rather by lifting his hand slightly, and pointing to himself. He then uses the same hand to hold two fingers up in the air. This gesture, Jake accurately interprets, as "me too." Jake then takes a big gulp of saliva before continuing the conversation with his friend.
Jake Starr: ... You know, man, I really do owe you a massive apology... The tube in Brandon's throat restricts much of the movement he has in his neck, so he's only able to turn in Jake's direction slightly. He has a really confused look in his face, that Jake is able to discern without any confusion on his part.
Jake Starr: ... No really... I do. I really do... The fact is, I didn't believe in you. I thought that we were headed down the same road we had been down before, and I thought you were out there trying to overdose on us again. Brandon nods a little.
Jake Starr: ... I mean, I was so convinced that you had relapsed, I couldn't have even remotely considered that it wasn't something you did intentionally... Brandon Evans: It's ok, Jake... Jake shakes his head, vehemently.
Jake Starr: No... Really... It's not ok, man... After the first time this happened, you promised me that you would be able to change. You told me that kind of thing wouldn't happen again, and if you ever felt yourself getting to that point, you'd tell me. And you know, I really believed that you had changed... Or I thought I believed it... But when I saw you on the floor, in my bathroom, convulsing again, I realized I never gave you the credit you deserved because I thought you had done it again. I just thought you were suicidal, all over again. And then after that, we were all in the waiting room, and people started suggesting that it was possibly some kind of accident, I told them they were all full of shit. All over again, it was all your fault, man... I mean, look at me, I can't even put my faith in the hands of my friends and family because I don't trust them... Brandon tries to reassure Jake.
Brandon Evans: Seriously... It's ok... Jake continues to fight the notion.
Jake Starr: But it isn't, man... I should have been able to give you the benefit of the doubt. I should have been able to trust that the one episode we went through because of that would be the last, and your word meant something. But I didn't... I didn't do it at all, man... Jake's eyes begin to well up. Brandon sees this, and chimes in the only way he knows how.
Brandon Evans: Stop whining... Jake wipes his eyes, then looks back at Brandon, who tries to help Jake come to grips with everything.
Brandon Evans: I'd have done the same... Jake looks off to the side, and takes a deep breath that is choppy, and signals he's still fighting the difficulties. He looks back and continues.
Jake Starr: ... I just feel awful, man... I mean... I'm sorry... It wasn't intentional, man... I know, now, it wasn't you trying to escape pain... I know it was just because of some dip you ate... Brandon, remembering much of what happened before he actually went into shock, begins to think back to that day. He then turns toward Jake, again.
Brandon Evans: ... Thoren? All Jake can do is nod. Brandon's inquiries continue.
Brandon Evans: ... On purpose? This question makes Jake sigh. He looks down, then back up.
Jake Starr: You know, everyone else doesn't seem to think so... I'm at that point in this whole situation where I don't know what to think anymore. I mean, he did so much to try and get me all to himself, and pick my brain for his own gain. So it just seems like this was a prime chance for him to have you out of his way, and get what he wants. Brandon shakes his head, slightly, in disagreement, before replying.
Brandon Evans: That's not Thoren... Jake sighs again.
Jake Starr: Well, I guess you think like everyone else... But his history sure makes me think otherwise... Brandon tries to reason with Jake with three simple words.
Brandon Evans: So did mine... Jake realizes that what Brandon just said is a very valid point, and one that really makes him rethink how he frames his point of view. It also makes him realize his own hypocrisy. His head slumps down, into his hands, then back up as he "wipes" his face.
Jake Starr: Man... I just don't know what is even real anymore... As Jake says these words, Shawn walks back into the room. He had returned because he had gotten all of the way to the cafeteria when he realized that he had forgotten his wallet back in Brandon's room. He hears Jake say this, as he walks back in, he realizes he cannot help but to add his two cents into the conversation, assuming he knows where this is all stemming from.
Shawn Wright: You need to start believing what is actually happening around you, rather than always assuming that you know better. When it comes to situations like this, you have to figure out how to be as objective as you can... That's what I'm doing, here, and I can say with 100% certainty that if I didn't, I would probably be like you, and believe Thoren was out to isolate you again. But the fact is, when I walked in here and saw Thoren BEGGING Brandon for forgiveness, and Brandon was unconscious, but he was here anyway, it made me start to think otherwise... Brandon looks over in Shawn's direction.
Brandon Evans: He was here?! Shawn nods.
Shawn Wright: Yeah... He was here that day when you started to wake back up... Brandon nods, as if to say "oh," and shrugs, showing he wasn't aware. Shawn looks over at Jake, to address him again.
Shawn Wright: Jake... The ultimate fact of the matter is simple... Brandon's here... He's alive... And he's awake... Is the situation perfect yet? Not in the least... But it is definitely is a hell of a lot better than it was. And let's face it, Brandon's got another set of battles ahead of him once they are really ready for him to start keeping himself alive, again... Brandon raises a finger in the air and spins it around, as if to say "whoopee!" Jake's head, in response to Shawn's commentary, slumps again. Shawn walks over, and puts his hand on his friend's shoulder.
Shawn Wright: It's alright, dude... Remember, man... Brandon is still alive, here. And the whole situation with Thoren, that's one thing that we will get ironed out when it is the right time. Every one of us will be able to sit down, together, and have our chance to understand one another. Right now, that's not our focus, though. Right now, we have to focus on this guy getting better. Brandon points at himself and nods slightly, and Shawn chuckles.
Shawn Wright: ... You see? Even he is saying that all we need to focus on is his ass, right now... Jake smirks.
Jake Starr: As if we weren't focusing on him already? I mean, he IS the only one of the three of us here, who is in a hospital bed, and who has tried to die multiple times. Brandon raises his hand, again, and flips Jake off, which makes the other two chuckle. Shawn and Jake mutually decide this is the time to try and put the pause on the "dramatic" discussions, let Brandon rest, and simply enjoy some semblance of normalcy as a trio. To start, Jake and Shawn make their way down to the cafeteria for some quick food, and allow Brandon to have a little quiet time. They figure they'll chit chat a little more with him, after they eat, then head out for the night. The level of relaxation has grown inside both men, as they can now see their friend actually showing signs of recovery. They realize he has his toughest battle in front of him, but still understand that these steps made in recent days is a massive step forward.
For Jake, the realization of his hypocrisy between his willingness to admit his faults in doubting Brandon, while still casting doubt on Thoren's motive, is something he knows he needs to think about. He knows this will eventually come to a head that he must face, but for now, is simply trying to understand that it is a reality, but put it aside to simply enjoy his best friend's company once again. Jake Starr: Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to my humble abode, where I stand at my rightful place amongst the SCW elite, once again. Ok so maybe not QUITE amongst them, yet. But nevertheless, I'm close enough. I am here after a match at Apocalypse that, honestly, nobody thought I would emerge from victorious. Why, you ask? Well it's simple, and yes, it does revolve around the notion that nobody believes I am capable of the "big win" anymore. I won't go into too many "HA HA, I TOLD YOU SO," type of bragging moments, but so I don't explode... Jake screams, and points at the camera with a lot of "piss and vinegar."
EAT SHIT FUCKERS! I'M THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP! Jake's mood slowly calms back down, and he takes a deep breath, and slowly exhales.
Ok... Much better! I went out there at Apocalypse and made a statement to everyone. I made sure everyone realized that my rhetoric, stating that I still have what it takes to be THE MAN, isn't just all talk. I made sure I put SCW on notice that the "Phoenix" is truly rising from his own ashes. Yeah... For a long time, I stood back and I enjoyed my role as one of the masses. I hung around, as an A+ player, in a crowd full of D- talent. I was meaningless to this industry. I knew I was capable of more, but I didn't do what I needed to do to prove it. I expected everyone to just listen to my words, and accept it as fact. Apocalypse was my chance to silence critics by ACTIONS. I had Kelcey Wallace's BITCH and Blake Mason BOTH staring me down, like they were going to prove something. And what was that, you ask again? They wanted to prove they could take me out, and make it about THEMSELVES! See, Blake came out, and interjected himself into the match to begin with, without even being invited. This complete lack of an invitation really annoyed me from the start. I mean, I went out there to call Cannon out, and then Blake just waltzes in like he owns the place. Yeah, that wasn't the "right foot" for us to be starting off on. But Cannon seemed to like it, and they tried to make the match all about themselves. It was cute... The two of them KNEW they had to get me out of the way, but without Kelcey there to ensure their success, guess what, it didn't work. They even had the audacity to try and use me as their foil for winning... Again... Cute... But the reality is I was never out of it enough to NOT know what was happening around me. I was never out of it enough to not realize everything that was going on, and that's why I opted to let them have their little fun, at the end. I wanted them to believe it was a two horse race. I wanted them to believe they had succeeded in eliminating Jake Starr. I wanted them to believe that, just like everyone else in the world, they had gotten rid of me in the limelight. Then, as Blake did the dirty work for me, I kicked him in his precious little gonads, and I took the victory that was RIGHTFULLY mine from the get-go! I pinned Cannon, and with that pinfall, secured my right to say that I am just as much of a force in SCW as I have ever been. Now, did I "steal" the victory, oh sure, you could say that. I consider it being smart. I consider it being wise. I consider it knowing how to take advantage of a situation. So I did just that... I went out there, and I took advantage of the situation, and I took care of business. I don't care if it was by hook or crook, I won. I'm the guy who gets a shot at becoming the United States Champion, again, and not those two. And this time, when I win that championship, it won't be about proving anything... Or having a milestone in my career... Or even putting another title notch in my belt... It'll simply be because I'm better! I'm done trying to convince people of my greatness because if they can't see it by now, they're more idiotic than I could have even imagined from the start. This time around, it's simply me being better than everyone else. I mean, face it, people are going to make excuses for my wins, no matter what I do. I put Greg's career in its damn grave, and people thought it was fluky. So why should I even care what their opinions are when I win the United States Championship? Why should it matter to me, if they think it was legit or not? Once that belt is around my waist, it'll be as legitimate as it needs to be because I'll have it, and I'll be the one who gets to call himself the CHAMPION! And that's all I care about. All I care about is winning, and if others don't like it, I don't particularly care. It doesn't really keep me up at night anymore. It used to... I used to care if people believed in me... But now, why bother? Why should I care if anyone else on the roster actually THINKS I deserve something? If I think I deserve it, I KNOW I deserve it... Jake looks to the side, and smirks, before turning back toward the camera.
But before any of that happens, it's time for a little payback... Redemption, if you will... The righting of wrongs... The destruction of one, Ace Marshall! You see, before walking into Apocalypse, Ace and I got into a little bit of a tussle. We didn't really decide to go easy on one another, and we fought. The world watched with baited breath, and then, their dreams were answered as the mighty, aging, wannabe, porn star beat the true STARR of the industry. The prayers were answered. The momentum was stopped. Jesus came down and... ... Oh wait, I ended up winning at Apocalypse, and forgetting anything happened... Jake smirks.
Nevertheless, Ace got the best of me before MY NIGHT, and subsequently went on to Apocalypse to squander a great moment to shine in order to roll around in the ring with another person of questionable sexual orientation, Regan Street. Sure, sure, she jumped in and attacked him, but nevertheless, nobody remembers that he COULD have beaten Ravyn Taylor. Nobody remembers that he COULD have done something to show the world that losing to James Evans isn't all he's good for. But instead, he decided to ignore all of that, and simply play handsies with Regan. I swear, if you're a man in SCW, your job is to play handsies with this bitch... Now don't get me wrong... Ace, in his entire wrestling career, has created a mastery at being a playboy. He's been with Greaternity who, even in their advancing ages, decided to try and continue to be party boys. But now, he's just that guy. He's a lot like me, in that regard, although I would suggest he's "that guy who actually got some attention from the suits." So I guess having your lips around someone else's turgid sexual devices does pay off, huh? In all seriousness, however, Ace beat me and I know that's something he's going to hang his hat on. He's going to make sure he tries to remind me of that one moment, and forget about the others. And yes, it probably is slightly similar to when I, single handedly, ended the happy times of David Helms and sent him into obscurity, but the difference is simple... I'm not trying to ride off into the sunset like I'm in some stupid, cheesy, Western movie, and want everyone to give me my praise for it. It was a loss. Deep down, Ace knows it's just one time, and it's the ONLY time. I don't care how much he makes a big deal about it because, in the end, and unlike with Helms, I have my shot to make things RIGHT. I don't have to let that be the moment they remember me for, unlike with Ace who, right now, is STILL the guy who couldn't beat James Evans, and has thus led us to yet another reign of Syren... If you ask me, that's a sin even Jesus would have problems forgiving! Now having said all this, let me make it clear I'm not second-guessing Ace's abilities. Yeah... He's a former World Champion... No matter how much I dog him for being a LOSER to "The Consummate LOOK AT ME Guy" James Evans, and a LUCKY son of a bitch who beat me, he still did both of those things. He still did won. He still gets to hang his hat on these accomplishments, and he should. He should have his balls jiggled a little for winning the World Title. He should run his mouth about beating a Supreme Champion, like myself. But he should also now know what it means to be hunted. See, Ace couldn't handle that pressure. Ace had never gotten to truly be the hunted before. He's always been a hunter. Sure, Greaternity was a group that everyone wanted to topple, but let's be real now... Who was everyone TRULY wanting to take out? Was it Ace Marshall? Short answer... NO! People seem to forget that Ace road the coattails of Shawn Winters as long as I can remember, and as long as I knew of Greaternity. Ace was that "Samwise Gamgee" to Shawn's "Frodo..." Or "Barf" to Shawn's "Lone Starr..." I don't care if he's emerged from Shawn's shadow, he's still the SAME GUY who was sent after me to PROTECT Winters, when I came back. Yeah, the difference is he's beaten me once. But the bigger difference, I get the chance to set the record STRAIGHT. Everyone is going to see me go out there, not as a guy trying to hold his head higher than the sea of mediocrity he's been swimming in, but as a guy who finally climbed out of that shit-pile and finally made it to shore. It's one of those moments where, honestly, a lot will begin to wonder, "what just happened?!" And that's how I like it! Like I've said... For too long, this has been a mission to PROVE myself. Now I'm simply out to do my thing, and my thing is far superior to anything those nobodies have ever even DREAMED about. So while they probably will still revel in the happiness that Ace brought them, by beating me at a previous Breakdown, he won't be able to get under my skin, like I do Helms. See, every time I bring his name up, it PISSES him off. It IRRITATES him. It ANNOYS him. He doesn't think he is fair game anymore. But it also pisses his FANS off. It's enjoyable to me, to see their anger and animosity. So when they see me take Ace's little "trump card" of a win, which they'll try to gallivant in front of my face, and I tear it to shreds by proving how LUCKY he was, that same pissiness, irritation and annoyance will happen all over again. The disdain of Ace and his followers who probably play "52 Card Pick Up," will be my enjoyment! Face it, assholes... I'm not a nobody anymore. I'm not the guy whose career everyone thought was dead. No... I'm Jake Starr. I am the NUMBER ONE CONTENDER for the SCW United States Championship. I am the guy who will be THE GUY again. I am the one who will DEFEAT a former World Champion, and show why he's lucky he didn't have a title around his waist when he crossed my path. More importantly, I'll show why lightning NEVER strikes twice against me. Face it, Ace... In this game of cards, it'll be my house... My rules... And there's only one... I WIN! Fin |
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