"Bad things happen when good people pretend nothing is wrong."
- Corey Taylor



8.31.14
2 A.M.
Columbus, Ohio

The bright lights of the city is the first Ben has seen in a couple of hours. He rubs his eyes vigerously as they adjust to what seems like a new day. As if he's just awoke from a deep sleep. He looks into the mirror and the dark circle around his eyes have disappeared. His clothes were cleaned and seemed brand new. His transparent memory of the three days doesn't tell him much. He remembers driving and talking very much with the man next to him. The Doctor sits beside him smoking his cigar. Ben coughs at the smoke.


Ben- Doc?

Doctor D'Ville- Hello, Benjamin.

Ben- ... where are we?

Doctor D'Ville- Cheer up, Benjamin. Our journey to Madness is over, my friend. How do you feel?

Ben- Doc, am I dead?

The Doctor laughs.

Doctor D'Ville- What an answer. Is that how you feel, my friend? Do you feel dead?

Ben- Well, no. A little sick maybe, but--

Doctor D'Ville- But, why the long face, Benjamin? This is a conerstone to our work! Why did you come find me?

Ben feels his abdomen. Everything still in place. No bruises, scratches, or bleeding... No cuts, no broken bones. What the hell happened to me, he thought.

Doctor D'Ville- Because you knew you were sick, correct? You knew that I could help you.

Ben nods.

Ben- It almost felt like something was pulling me every step I took. My mind is totally diluted. It just seemed like one long nightmare. I just have some really bad thoughts, Doc... They feel like, memories.

Doctor D'Ville- You feel sluggish because you have been under intense therapy, Benjamin. And fear not, your memory will return in time. As for these illusions and nightmares you've been having, they're just side effects of your treatment, my friend. All the hate and all the anger is being pushed out of your mind. Soon, your thoughts will be free.

Ben can't fight off the feeling of extreme discomfort. This is the first time he's been totally coherent since he can last remember, which was days ago. And those days seemed weeks apart.

Ben- I don't understand, Doc. If I've been undergoing therapy... And if I can't remember anything! How did I drive us to Columbus? How did I live through all of those horrible things that happened?

Doctor D'Ville- Benjamin, slow down. Tell me, where are you right now?


The fireplace flickers from across the room and shines a dim light onto the couch. The Doctor sits behind his desk, a cigar burning and a drink lie beside him. Ben stirs around a bit on the couch and speaks softly.

Ben- Driving through Columbus, Doc. We've been on the road for days. No sleep. No rest. No--

The Doctor stands up and walks over to the couch. Standing over his patient he takes a drink.

Doctor D'Ville- Welcome to my alternate universe, Chris Fame. The way you mock my practice shows me you are hiding something. Is it hiding it in that large tour bus fit for a rockstar? Or perhaps under that chip on your shoulder? Your experience that dated before the XWF is of no concern to me, nor do I care, my friend. Your ignornance has intrigued me and throwing you aside this Monday is no disregard to the treatments you need. You're hopeless attempts to revive your renown is entertaining and I laugh as you try to analyze what is ahead of you. Sit back and let the miles pass behind you, my friend, the Doctor is waiting.

The Doctor turns his back and peers around the room. He sets his glass down on the table beside the couch and throws his cigar in the watered down glass.

Doctor D'Ville- Take a look at my patient here.

Ben sleeps soundly on the couch in from of the Doctor.

Doctor D'Ville- Does this look like a man in distress? Does this look like a man in suffering? The accusations from a few of my patients have caused myself a bit of distress. Mr. Harrison it seems you have been a bit misguided a bit, my friend. Your disbelief is obviously just a show of cowardess. My treatments are going to change you my friend, just as it has Benjamin here.


Doctor D'Ville- Wake up, Benjamin.

Ben opens his eyes and leans up on the couch.

Ben- Doc. . .?

Doctor D'Ville- Hello, my friend.

Ben puts his feet to the floor and rubs his eyes. Looking at the Doctor, he smiles.

Ben- Hello, Doc.

Doctor D'Ville- Benjamin, tell me, how do you feel?

Ben stretches his arms out and yawns.

Ben- Pretty refreshed. What... What happened?

Doctor D'Ville- A breakthrough, my friend. You've done well and our time together grows short.

The Doctor begins to pace around the room once more, lighting another cigar.

Doctor D'Ville- As time grows short for everyone joining me this Monday. My friends, I have told you during our journey that although my treatments are inevitable, they are necessary. A few of you have chosen to make yourselves present just in time. You're struggles in life are no stranger to me, Ivan Vaust. Nor are the demons you have sided with. Speaking of alternate universes, you my friend, have taking the concept to a new level. Not only do you poison your body, but you've poisoned your mind. Surrounding yourself with the makings of self destruction, it is no wonder you've come to the XWF for my treatment. Soon enough, friend, soon enough. I know you've all been waiting and your chance comes at sundown. Prove me wrong. Prove my treatments are a hoax. Seeing is believing, my friends.

The Doctor makes his way back around behind his desk and pours another drink. Ben remains on the couch watch the Doctor with a look of enlightment. Tonight, the opening match of Monday Night Madness will be the second coming of Doctor Louis D'Ville. As all of his patients flood to the city in search for his treatments, he waits. Tuesday morning turns another page in the XWF world. Tomorrow belongs to the Doctor. In the words of Malcom X; "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today."

Doctor D'Ville- Good luck, my friends.