Forward

After years of what most call 'retirement', Nikki has returned to the business. Looking to get her husband out of the psych ward, she's focused on backing him in his new venture as a member of his roster, and will let nobody stand in her way on her path to the top.

Breakout Star of the Year?

The scene opens up on the inpatient center of the Bowen Center in Warsaw, Indiana. Two doctors are observing the patients scattered about. While both are handsome in their own regards, the older one seems to be directing the younger one how to administer medication.

DOCTOR ONE: Now remember, Doctor Thurkear, the main element we're looking for is a behavior that is outside the normal lines of thinking. That's when we need to up the dosage.

DOCTOR TWO: I understand that, Doctor Corinamos, but there are some cases where that's a lot more obvious than others.

DR. CORINAMOS: Very true. Take that one over there, for example.

Doctor Corinamos points to the spikey-haired man in the straightjacket in the corner of the room.

DR. CORINAMOS: That one has started ten fights since he got here seventy-two hours ago, and that's with the straightjacket still on.

DR. THURKEAR: Must've lost them all.

DR. CORINAMOS: Actually, he's been WINNING most of them.

DR. THURKEAR: (in shock) You're kidding...while still in the straightjacket?

DR. CORINAMOS: He managed to get it loose all but one time...still trying to figure out how he won that one.

DR. THURKEAR: How high a dose is he on?

DR. CORINAMOS: One hundred sixty milligrams of Ziprasidone twice a day.

DR. THURKEAR: That's double the amount of a standard dose!

DR. CORINAMOS: I'm aware of that, Levex. But that's all we can do. Until his legal guardian can get here to advise us of what to do, all we can do is pump meds into the guy.

As they discuss the finer points of medication and seditation, a nurse comes up behind them and gets thier attention.

NURSE: You may not have to wait for long, Doctor. His wife is here, and she's expressed that she'd like to see him. Should I allow her in?

DR. THURKEAR: It's your call, Salem. You're the senior doc.

DR. CORINAMOS: Well, we do need to talk to her...although it's weird, the notes don't say anything about him being married...go ahead and send her in. We'll sort it out from there.

NURSE: (nods) Yes sir.

She leaves the room, returning after a few moments with a tall, shapely redhead. The woman's pale blue eyes scan the room until she finds who she's looking for. Starting forward, she deliberately ignores the doctors, breezing right by them as she makes a beeline for the person she's here to see. Kneeling by the man, she puts a gentle hand on his shoulder, much like a little girl soothing a large dog.

WOMAN: James? James, it's Nikki. I know you're in there somewhere..

She looks to the doctors, her eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

WOMAN: How long has he been like this? What's his status? And don't try to talk over my head. I know more than you think.

DR. THURKEAR: Easy...My name is Levex Thurkear, and this is Salem Corinamos. We've been attending to this man since he was admitted three days ago. The way it was described, he's been unstable for some--

DR. CORINAMOS: Look, we have some questions that need to be answered in order to better understand his condition, the first of which being who exactly you are.

NIKKI: (Smirks) Well that's also easy. I'm Nicole Starr-Cornett, and I'm his wife. I have been for many years, and in addition to that, I'm often called his sanity.. and that includes his daughters Lindsay and Destiny. (Smiles) I honestly could've sworn the nurse just told you that.

She was quite the smartass when dealing with those who opposed her, especially in matters concerning her family. She had always had problems with authority figures, much like her husband, and that included medical staff.

NIKKI: As for unstable.. (She gave a slight laugh.) ..that's quite the understatement. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have as long as you answer mine. Good enough?

DR. THURKEAR: Well forgive us for asking, but when we got him, the person who admitted Mr...Cornett, you said? They never mentioned he had a wife or any other family.

DR. CORINAMOS: In fact, the man was very specific about the man's legal rights...the way he talked, you'd think the guy was a lawyer.

NIKKI: (She laughed again.) The man you're talking about I also know.. and he IS a lawyer. A damn good one. The man invents loopholes if there aren't any. His name is Drake Askari, and I'm not at all surprised he's got James on lockdown. He probably has a whole deck of cards up his sleeve, including the Ace. (She nodded.) He has two daughters and myself, among other various adopted family members. Don't expect them to come see him, though. Me, his kids, Drake, and another man named Auron will be the only ones.. I'm rather sure of it.

She stood, walking over to the doctors.

NIKKI: You have my apologies for how I've treated you. Our family has never taken kindly to authority types, especially medical staff. You're more than welcome to ask anything you need to know. I'll answer them to the best of my knowledge.

DR. THURKEAR: Then if you don't mind, how is it that you're just now showing up?

DR. CORINAMOS: Forgive my colleague, he's a bit fresh on the job. What he meant to say is, where were you exactly when Mr. Cornett was hospitalized? We were given the impression that he lived alone based on what your lawyer friend said.

NIKKI: (She gets a confused look.) No, that's not it at all. I went on a trip with the girls - our daughters - and yes, he was home alone, but we live with him. We always have.

Her face becomes rather quizzical. Why in the world would Drake say James lived by himself? That was odd, even for Drake.

DR. THURKEAR: Do you happen to know that the word "Angelfire" means? That's all he's been saying since he got here, when he hasn't been kicking everyone's ass, that is.

DR. CORINAMOS: Yeah, it seems he's gotten into ten fights since he got here, and in all but one he's managed to get his straighjacket undone. I'm still trying to figure out how he does it...is he a stage magician or something?

NIKKI: (Laughs) Nonono, he's no magician. Angelfire is my former ring name. We're both professional wrestlers. He was trying to say he wanted me here. Like I said.. his daughters and I are his sanity. Literally. Without us, he has nobody to focus on.. thus, he loses any and all control of himself mentally and physically. (Grins) So he kicked your asses, huh? (She looks back at him, still smiling.) I'm not at all surprised. (She looks back at the doctors, her expression showing pride in him.) He's rarely been one to lose his touch outside the ring.. even like this. Especially like this.

DR. THURKEAR: Wait...that's THE JMC?! I don't know why I didn't recognize him before! I saw the match where he and Brandon Kraus teamed up to win the EWA Tag Team Championships...I hope they get to do that again, that was the coolest moment in EWA history.

Nikki smiles, knowing she's finally got them on her side.

DR. CORINAMOS: Now all we have to figure out is why he was off his Geodon.

THAT throws Nikki for a loop; the last she was aware, James wasn't on any medication for any reason whatsoever. Hell, he was such a lightweight, a half teaspoon of cough syrup was enough to get him in the mood!

NIKKI: Wait, wait.. hold the phone. Geodon? What the hell is that? He's never taken any sort of meds. Hell, cough syrup throws him for a loop. Any chance you can tell me what that's for?

DR. CORINAMOS: Well, Geodon is the brand name for Ziprasidone, usually prescribed for schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. According to the lawyer, your husband had been taking them for his Dissociative Identity Disorder.

The DID Nikki could believe. Without her and the girls around, James' alter-ego, Shadow Chaos, had a tendency to take over his mind and cause horrific things to happen. But if the doctors were telling the truth...

DR. THURKEAR: So you're saying that he was never prescribed this medication?

NIKKI: (Shakes her head) No, not that I'm aware of. I knew about the DID.. or rather, I had some idea he had it.. but there was never any medication involved. Do you have any record of when he was given the meds or who prescribed them?

DR. THURKEAR: We can only account for the time he's been here, which he's been given about seven days' worth of it over a course of seventy-two hours. And trust, after this whole mix-up, you're not going to have to pay a dime of it, we'll make sure of that.

DR. CORINAMOS: The lawyer brought in a bottle of the Geodon with the patient's name on it. That's how we assumed he'd been prescribed it. Looking back, we should have known something was wrong when his toxicology report showed negative for any prescription drugs. In fact, the only thing he tested positive for was weed...

NIKKI: Another no. James has never touched drugs.. in any form. What did you assume when I said that cough syrup throws him for a loop? That's he's perfectly alright with it? NO. He acts like he's a complete drunk. If I offered it, I doubt he'd even take an asprin. (She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose.) I'm sorry.. it's just that all of this is a complete surprise to me right now, and it seems like Drake is the eye of the whole damn storm. I'll definitely have to have a talk with that man. (She looks at them again.) What would happen if he's given meds he's not supposed to be on? What's the worst situation?

DR. CORINAMOS: Well, the most common effects of Ziprasidone are sleepiness and nausea...however, there have been cases of neck muscle spasms, convulsions, difficulty swallowing...there have even been symptoms related to Parkinson's related to Ziprasidone. The only side effect we've noticed on our watch is that he seems unable to remain in a seated position, which is one of the common side effects, but it's nothing compared to what it could be. We do need to stop the treatment, though; if your husband's had any sort of brain trauma, these symptoms could strike at any time. Until the meds are out of his system, he's going to have to be watched constantly, and that should take twenty-four, maybe forty-eight hours tops.

NIKKI: (Sarcastically) Well all of that sounds rather lovely.. (Frowns) As far as I know, he hasn't had any recent brain trauma, but his career has been.. for lack of a better word.. chaotic, not to mention his personal life. I don't know or remember every little detail of his medical history, but I'm almost certain he's never had any sort of brain trauma. (Pauses) Is it alright if I come to visit him in the meantime? With him off of his meds, he should be able to focus more. When he does, he'll hopefully be able to tell you what's gone on.

JAMES: Angelfire?

All three turn to JMC, who is now looking at his wife with a smile.

DR. THURKEAR: Now that's the first sign of improvement I've seen in the guy all week. I'd still keep him out of the ring for at least the next few weeks, just to make sure those symptoms don't show up. However, if it's okay with Dr. Corinamos, I don't see the harm in letting him go today.

NIKKI: (Nods) Of course. I'll make sure to keep him under control as well as I can. (Smiles) Thank you both for doing what you can.. even if the information was the worst I've heard in years. (She goes over to James and kneels down beside him again.) Yeah, it's me, baby. Don't worry. We'll fix this.. while I have it out with Drake. (Mutters) I'm beginning to think the man's crazier than you are.

JAMES: What happened, baby? I tried to call you, I tried using your credit card records to find you, but they were both canceled. I was starting to...to...

NIKKI: What? Canceled? Last time I checked, they were fine. (Frowns and mutters) Probably another of Drake's ingenious ideas. (She latches on to the last of his sentence.) To.. worry? (Smiles) You were worried about me and the girls?

JAMES: Yeah...he started coming out...wanting to mess up a new fed...please, don't leave me again, Nikki...I can't afford to lose you and our girls, not after everything we've already been through...

NIKKI: No, baby.. I'm not leaving again, I promise. I'm staying right here.

She gets a worried look, glancing off to the side. The girls.. they'd gone missing during the trip, and she had no idea where they were. She had always kept a close eye on them, knowing they had a penchant for getting into trouble like thier father. She just didn't want to tell him this.. not now. She knew she'd be blamed for losing them by someone, if not everyone, and she couldn't handle that. She already felt guilty enough.

NIKKI: I have good news, though. The doctors say you can go home today if you want. I'm sure you're more than ready to get out of here, right?

JAMES: Yeah...and baby...don't worry...Lindsay and Destiny can take care of themselves. (as Nikki's mouth drops) I figured there was a reason you hadn't tried using the payphone...and the girls were probably why. Lindsay's graduated from college already, and Destiny's probably crashing with her for a while. They need the sister time. (winks at her)

NIKKI: You.. you knew? (Smiles and playfully smacks his shoulder) Our girls went missing, I was worried to death, and you knew! Sometimes I wonder how you know what I'm thinking.. you wouldn't happen to have ESP, would you? (Winks)

JAMES: (shakes his head) No, I just know my soulmate. The only reason you don't call me when your cellphone's not working is because something's up with the girls. Now...let's get home. It sounds like I've got a lawyer to fire...at least in a few weeks. As much as my blood pressure's been up because of this new job, and now this, I need a breather already.

NIKKI: (Laughs) I don't blame you.. and I have a few words for Drake myself. Considering what he's told these people, he could've very well put your life in danger.. and you know I don't like it when someone screws with my family. (Looks over at the doctors) Can I take him out of this thing myself or do I need a.. (She made air quotes.) "medical professional"?

DR. CORINAMOS: Quite honestly, I'm a little surprised he hasn't gotten loose again. Seriously, do you remember anythng over the last few weeks?

JAMES: (waving his hand around) The last thing I recall was arguing with my reflection in the mirror. I...the last few days have been a blur, really...(looks at his hand, then to the doctors) Oh, you're good.

NIKKI: (Laughs) Yeah, they're a real brain trust. They say you've gotten out of this thing a number of times since you've been here, kicking nearly everyone's asses before they got you back in. Apparently they don't know what they're doing since you keep escaping. (She looks at the doctors.) Really, guys.. our daughters could've done a better job when they were six. I think you guys need to revisit a few classes.

JAMES: You'd think I'd remember a good ass kicking....

DR. THURKEAR: Again, Mrs. Cornett, we do apologize for the severe miscommunication. You and your husband won't be charged a cent as a result.

NIKKI: Oh, I'm aware you're sorry.. and I know I won't be.. but I still meant it. You guys act like you just got out of medical school.. with the exception of you.. (She nodded towards Doctor Thurkear.) ..since you actually did. It's rather pathetic to say the least. (She looks at James and stands.) When you get out of that, we'll go take care of the paperwork. I'm sure it won't take you long.

JAMES: You aren't lying there. The sooner I'm out of this place, the better.

NIKKI: Yeah, I imagined that. (Smiles) I'll be waiting at the front desk for you, okay? And try not to take everyone out.. one last round can only hurt them, not you.

JAMES: No...I'm not letting you out of my sight...after what's happened since I tried for my job at TEW, I can't afford to be without you.

James wraps his arms around his wife and kisses her with intense passion, as if they had just gotten together for the first time. Breaking the kiss, she laughs, resting her forehead on his shoulder before lifting her head to look at him again.

NIKKI: Alright, alright. I'll stay. All you had to do was ask. Did you have any personal items.. your wallet, your keys, whatever.. that you have to get from lockup?

JAMES: You got me...far as I know, I've been in this straightjacket for a while now.

DR. CORINAMOS: I can answer that one. You came here in the exact clothes you're wearing now, which means that the people who brought you here from the ambulance made sure to get all your personal belongings off of you.

JAMES: Well at least they did SOMETHING right...

NIKKI: Let's see.. Drake's availed himself of your new position, your things, your freedom, your health, and possibly more things than we're aware of.. (Sarcastically) ..you don't think he has an agenda, do you?

James began to think about everything that had happened over the last week.

JAMES: It wouldn't surprise me. Drake is the kind of person that would manipulate a kitten into a crododile hole if it meant getting him a new briefcase. Still, for him to do this to me, of all people...he's been up to something for a while. I just don't know what it is.

NIKKI: Knowing him, it could be anything. We just have to figure it out. That's something we can do on the drive back to the headquarters. Right now.. we have to get back and keep him from running it into the ground.

DR. CORINAMOS: Hold on...even with the drugs out of his system, James won't be able to do any strenuous activity for a while because there might still be some of the Ziprasidone that would fire off in his fat cells. In order to make sure there's no actual side effects, he's going to have to wait on physical activity for a while. At least six weeks, tops.

JAMES: (getting irate) Wait just a minute...you mean to tell me I gotta skip the first three cards of TEW because of you fuckheads giving me prescriptions that I wasn't even supposed to have? (Nikki puts a hand on his shoulder, calming him down) I can't afford to sit by and watch this guy ruin my life, not to mention what he could potentially do to everyone else. There's gotta be a way to do this.

NIKKI: Blame Drake.. and try to keep calm. I know it's hard, but you need to.. for your own sake. I'll be here if you need my help.. you know that. I just don't see how Drake managed to get a prescription for Geodon when you were never formally diagnosed.

JAMES: We're talking about a guy that managed to get a death-row inmate out of jail at the last minute due to a mistrial. But I've got a feeling I know where he got that damn prescription. Right now, I just want to go home and be with you, my love.

NIKKI: (Smiles) Consider it done. Let's go get the paperwork and get the hell out of here already. I'm sure you'll be more comfortable there, anyway. Your own bed, a shower, a clean change of clothes.. me. (Winks)

JAMES: I don't know...can I at least keep the straightjacket? This could end up being fun down the line. (smiles cheesily)

NIKKI: (Laughs) Only you could turn that into a toy. I'm sure after you've stretched it out and been in it for three days with no shower, nobody's gonna want it.

HOME SWEET HOME?

Scene fades out and back in, the new location assumed to be the Cornett household. The front door opens, allowing Nikki and James entry. The two begin making out almost instantly, having not seen each other for some time. A voice from the living room stops them dead in their tracks.

TEENAGER: Um, ew? Could you at least wait till I'm at school?

The two turn to find their daughter, Destiny Jayden Cornett, sitting on the couch with a smile. James sees her and immediately rushes to hug her.

NIKKI: (Turns to watch the reunion, smiling) Hey, baby girl. Don't mind your father. He's had a bad week so far.. and it seems like it's only gonna get worse. He's being all protective til it's over with.

D.J.: I can tell, Mom... (looking at the straightjacket) What happened?

JAMES: It's a long story, D.J. Where's your sister at?

D.J.: She dropped me off about an hour ago saying something about going to North Manchester. Spring Break apparently started at IPFW a little earlier than normal.

NIKKI: (Jokingly) Yep, she's definitely your kid, baby. (Grins and points at the straightjacket) Drake's done a whammy on your father this go round. Gave him meds he shouldn't have, taken over his new job, and put him in the nuthouse.. where I just got done helping him get out of. Needless to say, we have a few choice words for him as soon as your father's system is clear of meds.. which should be about a month and a half from now, much to his dismay.

D.J.: What?! Wait...why would Drake do something like that? Daddy's been his best client for as long as I've been alive.

JAMES: I don't know, that's what's throwing me about this whole thing. Drake has to have been planning this for some time. Apparently at one point your mom's phone and credit card were also disconnected.

D.J.: WHAT?! (her eyes get wide) OH! So THAT'S why we weren't able to get tickets to get back home. (turns to Nikki) Ya know, the more I hear about this guy, the more I'm not liking him.

NIKKI: You're not the only one, honey. I thought he was our friend, but apparently all he wanted was the power your father was gaining by the truckloads. I'm rather surprised he hasn't begun draining our bank accounts.. but I wouldn't put it past him to consider it.

D.J. starts hesitating for a moment, then gets a quixotic look on her face.

D.J.: I think he already has. That's part of why Linz had to go back to North Manchester--her bank account started saying she was overdrawing when she had gone grocery shopping.

JAMES: (with a dark glare in his eyes) That's it...I'm calling Charity. I'm not about to--

D.J.: Wait..as in Charity Donimari? You always said never to trust them.

JAMES: Right now, I don't have a choice. Twisted Elegance Wrestling is in trouble so long as Drake's in charge, and--

James suddenly notices that Nikki has a weird look upon the mention of TEW.

JAMES: Baby, what's wrong?

NIKKI: There's nothing I can do from where I'm at, then. I can back you, but.. as part of the roster, I have no power over him.. and I won't have any over you when you return, either. Not that I want to, mind you.

JAMES: Wait, wait...you joined TEW? (smirks) Wait a minute, the sun is coming up....this is perfect! Drake may still have power, but you at least can state your opinion to the roster and let them know through physicality that we mean business!

D.J.: Whoa...Mom back in the ring? What, is the entire family a wrestling group or something?

NIKKI: (Looks confused) Entire family? What do you mean? As far as I know, it's only been myself and your dad. Who else is in this?

James looks toward D.J. scrunching her face and frowns.

JAMES: It's Lindsay, isn't it?

D.J.: That's the other reason she went to North Manchester. We didn't know about what Drake was doing, so she's been training with a few guys from Fort Wayne, and she went to Charity earlier this week for a contract.

JAMES AND NIKKI: (in a rare moment of dual panic) SHE WHAT?!?

D.J.: I tried to tell her it wasn't a good idea, but Lindsay was too headstrong about it. She said she wasn't going to wait for Drake to become available.

JAMES: Well if she was going to join, she made the smartest move I've heard of all Frankie-J day!

NIKKI: Let me guess.. you're gonna have her send a few messages, too? (Grins, teasingly) What do we look like, your little minions?

JAMES: No, I'm gonna ground that little girl! The whole reason we sent her to college was so she could get away from this business, not follow in my footsteps! I just...she is way stubborn sometimes...

NIKKI: Then I'm not about to stand in your way. She needs to learn a bit of restraint. She may be your daughter through and through, but even you have a cap on your actions. I'll let you do what you think is best.. I'll do my best to make sure everything else is taken care of.

JAMES: I doubt she's going to listen to me. I swear, she's too much like her mom sometimes... (takes a deep breath) You might want to head over to find out what's going on in TEW. I'll stay here and make sure no one messes with D.J. (look to his daughter) No offense, hun, but I'm not risking it.

NIKKI: Des, in return, you watch after your father. He was told no in-ring action and to stay as calm as possible for the next six weeks. Any stress could release what's left of the meds in his system and do some damage. I know it's a big job, but I know you can do it. I trust you.

D.J.: Then I'll avoid talking about my new boyfriend.

JAMES: Excuse me?

Nikki quickly kisses James and heads out the door as D.J. tries to explain that she was just kidding to her dad.

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