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Cadryn Tiberius · **05-08-2017, 07:45 AM**

11:33 pm - 05-03-17 - Hospital Room Monologue

Hindsight..

“My mind is but a shell of the formidable steel trap it used to be. I never in all my years would have believed that someone like Barney Green could do the amount of damage he did in just a short amount of time. In hindsight, I probably should have taken his threats a little more seriously. But, in typical form, I decided to rush headlong into a situation I obviously knew nothing about. I mean, yeah, they called him a legend, and all of that. Chris Chaos called himself a legend too, and I didn’t have nearly as many problems with him as I had with Barney Green. Hell, that man is the reason I am still laying in this hospital bed. Half of my face is missing, and I have thumb tack holes, cuts, bruises, you name it all over my body. I feel like Michael Graves at the moment with this stupid bandage mask across the lower portion of my face. But, it is what it is.”

“In the long run it was worth it. I managed to pull out the win, and I managed to break a losing streak that reminded me too much of the Zirado lineage. The upward climb begins once more, to the dislike of most of our roster. They laugh and they poke fun at me because I aligned myself with The Kings™. Jokes on them, honestly. Wait until I become a prince in the King's™ court, while the peasants flock to the crumbs left on the ground as we stroll by. That is the end game, after all. Being a Jester has it’s perks. The protection is the biggest one, but the more I show them what I am capable of, the more chances I have of actually becoming a prince. Seeing as my father never won a match, and he’s still somehow going strong, I’m sure I can turn things around after a few losses.”

“Speaking of my father, he is here right now, rambling off some type of typical Darren Zirado gibberish to Natalie. Part of me feels bad, but I did what I had to do. I never like bad mouthing my father, he did the best he could and he’s always been there for me when I’ve needed him the most. But in order to keep my heritage a secret, I had to lie about a few things. Mainly the fact that he was in my barn beating his dick and getting drunk. The last drink that I can remember the man having was when him, Graves, and I went to Disneyworld. You know, I despise Graves, with a seething passion. But there is a small part of me that misses the friendship. I don’t miss the fake gay undertone, or the abuse. I miss the moments that never made it to camera. Regardless, though, that man is gone. We’ll never have the friendship we once had, and because of that I am once again forced to endure the world alone. My wife, she takes care of me. She’s the light of my life, and when things get to be too much to handle, she is there to take some of the weight from my shoulders. Situations like this, you know, being admitted in a hospital after a match, they make her worry. And I honestly can’t blame her. Roles reversed, I’d be the same way. She’s never came out and asked, or said anything, but I know she’d rather I retire and spend my days working on our land than to spend them getting my ass hurt everytime I turn around.”

“But, I digress. It’s almost time for medication once more, the pain I feel is nothing compared to the pain I’ve felt. That’s not to say it isn’t agonizing, but I’ve been in pain all my life, if it hasn’t killed me, it ain’t that bad…”

9:33 pm 05-07-17 - United Airlines Flight 57- Prior to takeoff

Cadryn has officially been released from the hospital and allowed to resume an active position with the XWF on 05-17-17. Which is convenient, considering his next scheduled match is for the same day against a dedicated and talented newcomer, Jack Cain. As the plane readies for takeoff, the passengers begin seating themselves, stowing luggage, etc. Cadryn, Natalie, and Darren all have seats side by side in the same block. As the three of them sit down and prepare for takeoff, Cadryn’s conversation with his wife and father is interrupted by his phone ringing. The caller ID on the phone displays a familiar, yet surprising name.

“Theo Pryce”

Cadryn stalls for a minute, unsure if he should answer the call. Cadryn lets out a sigh and slides the button to the right, answering the call. Cadryn puts the phone up to his ear.

“Well, howdy, there Theo.This is quite unexpected. I assume you heard I was released from the hospital and called to check up on me?”

Theo laughs in to the phone, loud enough that Natalie and Darren hear and begin to give Cadryn questionable looks.

“I didn’t even know you were injured. What happened? Did the string on your tampon break, Sally?”

Cadryn lets out a long winded sigh before replying.

“No Theo. Barney Green tore my ass up, and I mean like bad. I just spend days in the hospital. To the point that I honestly don’t know how I’m going to pay the damn bill, because our insurance is trash. But, regardless, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You know, maybe if you didn’t spend all your time hiding behind me, you’d be able to get out and actually make a little bit of money for yourself. Look, I’ve got so much money that I could piss on ¾ of it, burn it, and still have too much money. I’ll write you a check for your hospital bill. But trust me when I say this, it isn’t free money. You will earn every cent of it.”

Cadryn is the happiest, saddest person you’ve ever seen, right now. He looks like a guy who might have had an orgasm and accidentally shit on the bed at the same time.

“What do you want me to do, Theo? I’m still on leave technically, and I’m slightly restricted.”

“You’re in luck, fool. I’m having a party for a few of my closest friends and I want you to be there. Not because we’re friends, or because I even like you that much. But admittedly, your Jester act gives me a giggle. So with that being said, you come Jester this party, and I’ll take care of those medical bills.”

“I’m on a plane just about to leave Columbus. You want me to fly all the way back to Texas, and then to wherever you are having this party? Do I look like I can afford that?”

Theo laughs again at the thought of not being able to afford something.

“I’ll come and get you in my personal jet. And no, you can’t bring your wife or that idiot father of yours either. You and you alone. See you when you land.”

And with that, the line goes dead from Theo’s end. Cadryn ends the call, and places his phone on the tray table in front of him.

“Why ya got that sad look on ya face, son?”

“No reason, dad. I will be leaving the moment we get back to the house. Theo will be picking me up in his jet, and we have something we have to do.”

Natalie obviously upset by this chimes in.

“What do you mean you’re leaving?! You just got out of the hospital, Cadryn. You’re in no shape to do anything, and especially not with Theo Pryce.”

Cadryn is obviously as upset as Natalie is, but he has to be strong. She has no idea that he is only doing this to pay the medical bills he racked up being in the hospital.

“You’re right, sweetheart. But, it should only be for a day or two. He has asked me to entertain a party, and I can’t really say know considering my agreement with The Kings™.”

Cadryn hates the idea of lying to Natalie. He has built his entire life and marriage upon the foundation of truth. Sadly, this is the best way to avoid confrontation.

“I hate them so much, I don’t understand why you even need to mess around with them in the first place. Hell, I think Graves was right when he said that you’re like the

kid that feels cool because the cool kids let him “hang” out with them. You and I both know they will kick you to the curb after they are done with you.”

Natalie's words pierce Cadryn like a knife. Knowing that she is disappointed in him, or doesn’t get behind a decision he has made effects Cadryn like nothing else could. It’s always a shot to his self-esteem and his feelings get hurt very easily when it comes to Natalie.

“I know how you feel about the situation, but for now this is for the best. I don’t like it anymore than you do, but I also don’t want to be hospitalized again by Ax3. The King's™ provide a service to me, and I am obligated to honor our agreement and to provide the service I specifically agreed that I would. I love you more than life itself, Natalie. You know that and I know that. I am your knight in shining armor, who’ll eventually whisk you away to your castle made of sand and glitter, via Roseanna. But for now, I need you to trust me. This is no easier on me, despite what you may think. And it gets twice as hard when you don’t support me.”

Natalie obviously feels a little bad for treating Cadryn the way she has about the situation. Yet, she is a strong woman who stands her ground when it is necessary.

“Babe, I love you too. And I want you to succeed and for us to better ourselves, that’s the goal here, as it always has been. I will support you in whatever you do, I just have my concerns as you can understand, I imagine.”

Cadryn smiles at Natalie. He does his best to see things from her point of view, but sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side, and the shoe doesn’t always fit.

“I know. Let’s just get it over with, and hopefully they won’t call upon me for a while.”

Darren has been patient and quiet this whole time, waiting his turn to talk. As Cadryn and Natalie sit back in their seats, Darren sits forward a little bit and begins to speak.

“Why do you hang out with them hooligans, son? You know they ain’t right with the Lord..”

Cadryn sits back up in his seat, disgruntled, not in the mood to talk to his father, obviously.

“Dad, it’s fine. I don’t care about their religious preference, that has no bearing on any business that the The Kings™ and I are involved in. So just relax, and let’s just try to enjoy ourselves as much as possible before we get home.”

Darren is doing his best to protect his son from the business, being in the business himself. But Cadryn has made a name for himself in the XWF, and the second generation superstar isn’t going to listen to reason. He has a focus and a goal, and he’s not going to stop until that goal is accomplished. Committed, passionate, sacrificing. Those are words we could use to describe Cadryn’s current mood.

“Whatever you say boy, all I’m saying is that, they’d better hope I ain’t gotta get in that ring and give em’ what for, you don’t mess with my blood.”

Cadryn is beginning to get extremely irritated with his father. Whether it’s the fact that he won’t be bothered to listen to reason, or the fact that he’s never won a match and couldn't do a damn thing to help his son. Regardless, Cadryn gives him a tongue lashing for his troubles.

“Seriously dad? You have never won a damn match, don’t talk to me about giving anyone what for. I thought my blood was cursed until I actually started winning again. I’m only going to say this once, dad. Mind your own business, I can handle myself. I don’t mean to sound like a dick, but you have to understand. Although I know you have my best interest in mind, in order to be a man, I need to make my own decisions and stand on my own two feet. If anyone should appreciate that, it’s you, dad.”

Darren looks to Cadryn with a slight smile.

“You’re right, boy. You’re a man now, and you have a family. You do what it is that you need to do, and I’ll be here waiting with open arms as I always am..”

01:17 am 05-08-17 - United Airlines Flight 57- ETA = 1 hour to destination - Inner Monologue

“As I’ve said before, I understand that my family is just trying to look out for my best interest, and I appreciate that. But, while they seem to be overly focused on my business, I’m very much concerned with Jack Cain. This man has done nothing but impress, and I’m not just saying that. It’s a shame that I’m going to have to be the one to put an end to his carnage. I get it Jack, you’re the big and scary tough guy from New York who came here to find himself or whatever the hell it is you think you’re going to do while you’re here. Well, pal, I’ve got some news for you. The train of confidence you seem to be riding through the XWF is going to quickly derail come Warfare. The Essence Of Excellence is in no way, shape, or form in the market for another loss. So, whether you're cocking your guns, in an attempt to look like some comic book badass, or just trying to intimidate people, it’s not going to work. I’m not Thomas Nixon, I’m not Danny Imperial, I’m Cadryn Tiberius. And, I know damn you’ve never been in the ring with a man of my caliber yet. I’ve been following your career since it began a short time ago here in the XWF. And on paper you look like a promising signee. So, hey, kudos to you, my friend. But, this isn’t paper, and the only promise you’re being made here is that you’re going to lose. Like I said, I hate for it to go down this way, but it is what it is. You think you mistakenly took Nixon lightly or Imperial? Well you’re in for a rude awakening then, bud. Because on their best day, they can’t compete with The Oncoming Storm, Cadryn Tiberius. Do you realize what you’ve gotten yourself into? Did you happen to catch my last match? Can you see the bandages on my face, and the bruises on my body? Barney Green and I went the distance, and I sacrificed my body and what could have been my life for a victory. And that’s the gist of it, Jack. I’ll always do what is necessary to pull out the win. I’ll sacrifice my body, my mind, and hell, my soul. What I’ve given up in my life, what I’ve put on the line time and time again, you can’t even comprehend. You seem to like referencing that note that your wife, girlfriend, hooker, whatever, gave you. It’s cute, Jack. You ever think she left because you’re just not quite the man you thought you were? Maybe she wanted someone more like The Epitome Of Manliness, Cadryn Tiberius. Or maybe it’s just because you’re a piece of shit. You talk about being in the armed services, and you talk so highly of your “skill” with weaponry. It doesn’t take a man to fire a gun, pussy. It takes a man to walk directly through the fires of hell and yell to the heavens above that he will not quit, he will not surrender, and that he will not go quietly into the night. And that’s me, Jack. I don’t need to move you, oh no, no. Because I can go right through you. I’ll absorb your fuckin’ powers, and exemplify excellence all while giving you a lesson in humility and loss. That tough guy bullshit doesn’t scare me, dude. You can tell me 1000 stories of your relentless killing spree in foreign countries, congratulations. You managed to take the life of a fellow human being, because your crooked, money grubbing, government told you to. It’s easy to be a soldier, Jack. It ain’t so easy to win the war. Which is what it will be. It’ll be a war fought not in foreign countries, but in the middle of the squared circle with yours truly. I’m like General Patton and you’re like Gomer Pyle, big, slow, and ignorant. Strategy is my strong suit, Jack. A master tactician with the tools necessary to get the job done everytime. I applaud your attempt at being a vigilante, or trying to administer your brand of justice, or whatever the hell you want to call it. You wanna kill a couple of disgusting ass pedophiles? I’m on board, give me a call. In Fact, you ever heard of Michael Graves? He seems to fit the profile of your typical criminal victim. But that hero bullshit is for fairy tales, son. It ain’t gonna get you anywhere here in the XWF. I’ve already vowed to make a difference here, and to right the wrongs! I’d suggest you find a different approach to this war, fuckin fake Frank Castle. As it’s just about time to land, I’ll leave you with this. I know that you think you have a shot at glory here, but I assure you, that isn’t true. When it comes to the two of us, Jack, this is how it is. You my friend are like space shuttle Columbia. You’re old, relatable, and can still go when necessary. And that’s all well and good, but I’m the piece of debris that broke off and caused the horrendous explosion in the sky that day. While you may have the size advantage, I have the intelligence advantage. Best of luck to you, Jack, you’re going to need it…

As the captain announces the final approach, Cadryn lays his head back, closes his eyes, and begins to try to nap for as long as possible.

(To Be Continued..)

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