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No Exit Final
Start reading the history books, Babe. See, when you were still wetting the bed, I was running the show, changing the game for the better. I started stables, I trained future champions, and I demolished legends. You’re a piece of shit compared to them. You stole my style, my swagger, and you’re trying to run with it. It’s not working out bro. You’re neither edgy, nor cool. The Immortal talk, the Sickest Bitch of em all, I get it; I see what you’re trying to accomplish. Thanks for the flattery Thanks but no thanks. But, I will admit, you made some valid points. I’m not what I used to be. I’m not connecting on both ends like before; I’m a bit confused. I don’t know if I want to do this anymore. I’m tired of the training, the performing, everything. I’m bored. But look at you, full of life; fresh. I remember that. I can remember many of things that I’ve accomplished. But I think it’s time to let them go. That’s the past right? I’m washed up, trying to catch my reality here. I’m losing time, right babe? I’m not sure. New chapter, fresh start. I’ve tried this before; We’ll give it one last run. What’d you think? I’ll show you why I’ve done what I’ve done. The things you heard about me… I fucking earned them, babe. - - - Flashing lights. The loud cracks and screeches. Smiles and laughter. I like this atmosphere. In times of suffering and deaths, people can still find it in their hearts to enjoy themselves. Sometimes I need a reminder that there is still happiness in the world, at least today there is. Maybe that’s the best message to spread, that there is still hope no matter how grim the future looks. Hm, maybe all I needed was a reminder. The taxi glides down the street as Johnny sits in the backseat, head rested against the seat as he glances out the window. There is a couple setting off random Thanksgiving signs in the street. SB focuses his attention on the ceiling now, shifting his body straight forward now. Wearing a pair of Timberlands, faded denim jeans and tight gray v-neck shirt with a flannel jacket over that, he isn’t exactly prepared for cold weather but then again, to him the weather right now feels great. Taxi Driver: You alright, man? Yeah I’m fine, why do you ask? Taxi Driver: Just look like you gotta lot on your mind is all. He suddenly sits up and flashes a smile on his face, although they both know its nothing but a façade. SB wasn’t fooling anyone. It’s that obvious, huh? Taxi Driver: Listen, I see a lot of fares step into this cab and to be honest, I don’t think I remember any of ‘em. You can tell me what’s on your mind if ya want, I mean its kind of a long drive. If I could be honest, I don’t even know what’s bothering me. Taxi Driver: Okay, I can take a hint. Well, besides the fact that I have a fight coming up and my pending retirement just a few months away. Taxi Driver: Fight? What’re you, like a boxer or something? I’m a professional wrestler actually. Taxi Driver: That’s where I remember you from! I knew I recognized you. I guess I can throw anonymity out the window at this point. You would think that you get used to being noticed after being featured on television for years but it still surprises me to this day. Taxi Driver: Yeah you’re Johnny Styles from HIW, right? That’d be me. Taxi Driver: You were one of my favs, You're retiring? Yea...Have to...It's my time...Its kind of a long story, I don’t know if you wanna hear it. Taxi Driver: It’s kind of a long drive The guy’s persistant but I suppose he is trying to get my mind off of the match I have at No Exit. While I know his intentions are good, my past is a topic I haven’t thought about in a long time… and for good reason. I think I would rather talk about my fight, haha. Taxi Driver: Hey you never know, maybe you secretly have something to get off your chest that you don’t even know about. Johnny Styles takes a moment to think to himself a bit. He thought to himself that he should know himself better than a stranger but he couldn’t help but think over his last statement. The cab pulls up to the front of the hotel and SB steps out from the backseat. Its not some time in the evening. He gently shuts the door behind him and the driver pops his head out the window, peering back at Johnny Taxi Driver: Go ahead get your stuff, I popped the trunk for ya. Thanks Joe. Johnny heads to the rear of the taxi and opens the trunk lid, pulling out his two suitcases before shutting the trunk. He steps back onto the sidewalk and sets down his gear near the driver’s side door. Taxi Driver: Ya know, you’re a lot cooler than you seemed on TV. You used to be kind of an asshole, haha. Yeah I did some things in the past I’m not too proud of. But that’s the old me, I’m a different person now. Johnny reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet. He pulls out some cash and hands it to the driver. Here you go, thanks for the ride. Taxi Driver: Whoa… you don’t gotta give me that much. Nah, keep it. You can use it to take a look around the city a bit. Taxi Driver: Thanks man, take it easy. I’ll try. Styles grabs his suitcases and turns towards the entrance of the hotel. As the taxi pulls away, he heads inside. The hotel was luxurious, inside and out. This is definitely one thing he missed about working for HIW, the great opportunities and experiences the company offers in return for you sweat, tears and occasionally blood. She wanted to be me. She had to. She studied my style, my composure. She’s been sneaking in as many glances as possible. She loved my swagger, as much to make it her own. Why not? It looked so fucking good. I’m not sure what to think. I’m a bit irritated but the poor kid is star struck. She needs this for herself. I’d been there, Christ, for first timers I look like junk. I’m not as eager as I once was. I’m uncomfortable, that’s perfect. But she’s seen me succeed; she’s been a fan from the beginning. She’s caught that sense of self-worth I ooze. I’m happy she caught her stride, but why was it mine? Why is it someone else jumping on to coattails? I’m tired of watching looping timelines. I was once King here. Now I’m struggling, trying to keep pace with the fresh faces. I feel old, but it’s not possible, I’m not even 30 yet. Maybe it’s something I’ve done wrong? I’ve relied too much on other people lately? Nope, I think it’s the fact that I could give two shits if this sank or floated. She wears her pride on her sleeve, the confidence leaked from her pores. Her designer suits matched her composure; they flaunted her god-given sense of style. She's trying to quit smoking, trying to get over whatever mother issues she has I’ve made a name for myself here, because I’ve done legendary things. I’ve made the dream come true. Now I’m just lingering around, hoping for a handout. I’m gonna try something else. I’m going to switch directions. Congratulations on being the female cut of myself. Thank you for making an attempt at trying a day in my shoes. But lets face the facts here babe, it doesn’t look good for you. I’ve seen you before, too many times. I’ve watched the likes of you try to run with the big dogs. Hyped up on whatever they had done prior. You got it, babe. I’ve done this long enough where this can be the last run. Win or lose with you, and I CAN forecast that W, I’m finishing my career. So you want to be that stepping stone, it’s fine with me. We’ll make this quick, and hopefully painful. But I’m sure you already know what’s coming. You seem very comfortable quoting me, and looking up everything in my past. You certainly did your homework didn’t you? You’ve ridden your cloud far enough Babe, times are about to change. - - - FIN - - - |