Post by Storm on May 25, 2016 10:13:44 GMT -5
Note: The following roleplays date back to last year.
"You ever been in love, Rick?" Mark said, in a soulless tone.
He laid on his back on his couch, looking up at the ceiling with a vacant look in his eyes whilst his companion, Rick The Ruler, sat on his armchair, merely observing the actions of his patient Mark Storm.
"I think I'm in love Rick. Do you believe in love at first sight?" Mark questioned, repositioning himself.
Mark was now sat up straight looking directly at his dear friend who was writing on his clipboard before looking up at Mark, nodding his head approvingly. The two were situated in a room of reasonable size, not big however nor was it small. Behind Mark was a large bookshelf, filled with numerous novels on one side & a range of biographies on the other. Art pieces hung from either side of the bookshelf, both pieces resembling Mark back in his day as an independent wrestler. Storm sat uncontrollably, moving backwards and forwards in excitement as he continued to spout his feelings.
"I feel happy, y'know? Like.. this is the happiest I've felt in a long time. God Rick, you should see her! With great big beautiful eyes - and a compelling smile to match. God, she's a real beauty!"
He paused, his eyes drifting away from Rick as he pictured the girl of his dreams in his head. Mark was dressed in an all black attire - looking as grungy as they come. Black converses on his feet, black biker jeans, and a long black turtle neck. Whilst Rick on the other-hand was dressed formally in a dark Grey suit.
"She's so goddamn pretty Rick.. I don't think I've ever met somebody so damn beautiful.. she's not one of those stuck up dumb bitches from high school.. she's real. She's weird. Almost as weird as me, y'know? It's crazy Rick.. only a few days ago I was preaching to you that this world we live in is goddamn filthy, with people who don't care about you or anyone but themselves.. y'know? But now that I've met her.. it's all changed, y'know? She's different. I like that. With all the piss and shit and hatred and anger in this world, she's like this beautiful angelic dove - if that's even possible."
Once again he paused, clasping his hands together as he leaned forwards - his thoughts now becoming deeper as he looked at Rick, who glared back - indicating that he should continue.
"And with all that's been happening over the last year.. she's like the light I've been telling you about. The light at the end of the tunnel. And in that tunnel I feel alone.. the tunnel is just like a never ending darkness of pain and bullshit and anger and hatred.. but there is an end to the tunnel. I've just found that out. At the end of the tunnel there's light. And the light is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!"
With a smile embedded on his face, Mark retreated back to his old position - laying his back on the couch as he looked up at the ceiling smiling to himself. Rick shuffled into his pockets, pulling out a packet of cigarette as he placed his clipboard on the table beside him. With a cigarette clenched between his fingers in one hand and a lighter in another - Rick placed the cigarette in-between his lips whilst he ignited it with a flame from his lighter.
Inhale. Exhale.
The stress reliever made Rick more relaxed as he leaned back deeper in the armchair, almost sinking as he took another drag of his cigarette.
"Sounds like you've fallen hard for this girl." Rick said, in his German accent.
He took another drag of his cigarette before continuing.
"I was in love one time but that was years ago now. Almost like it was in another lifetime.. but it doesn't matter now."
Mark once again repositioned himself, sitting up straight as he was intrigued by the topic.
He posed the question "Really, what happened?" like a schoolboy looking for answers.
"What always happens - life. I had to work a lot and I didn't have enough time on my hands for her. It's a shame but thats what happens. Thats the strange thing about life Mark, when things are going so good and you think that life is on your side - it ends up fucking you over."
There was a brief pause as Rick looked on at Mark who looked down at the wooden floor. It was like Mark had heard that story before - however not from Ricks life, but from someone else. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. He recomposed himself and looked up at Rick, a look of solemn on his face.
"Sorry Rick. Sounds awful..."
"Its fine - now please, continue."
"Y'know how I told you the other day that I signed a contract for Extreme Wrestling Corporation... well, guess who's my first opponent? The girl, I have a freakin' crush on. That's who my first opponent is Rick.. I don't wanna hurt her Rick."
Worryingly Mark paused waiting for a reply from Rick.
"I see your conundrum. Well Mark, you know you're going to have to compete to the best of your ability, You can't just just compete because you have some crush over some girl."
"She's not just some girl Rick." Mark said, protectively "She's not just some girl, she's special man. I've only just met her, goddammit! Look at me.. jesus. Yeah, you're right. I know I gotta perform to the best of my ability.."
"You gotta remember Mark you have a career. Your health comes first, then your happiness then your career. You told me just the other day that you wanna be someone over in EWC, am I correct?"
"Yeah.. sure."
"Then you've got to focus. You've got to focus on the goal. From what I recall you said that you wanna eventually hold a title over in the EWC.. well my friend, the only way you're going to be able to do that is through hard work and focus."
"I've been training everyday y'know. Getting better and trying to master my craft. You're right, totally right - I gotta focus.."
Without any hesitation, he continued. "She thinks I'm a good person, Rick. She actually thinks I'm a good person, can you believe that?" Mark laughed at himself, his face of laughter turning into a face of dismay.
"I think you're a good person." Rick replied, taking another drag afterwards.
"You don't count Rick, you're paid to say that... it's crazy Rick. For the first time in a long time, someone thinks I'm - well, normal."
After finishing his sentence Rick went back to work, putting down his cigarette by the table beside him, picking up the clipboard and began writing once again whilst Storm looked on.
"I'm not a good person Rick. I've done bad things, a lot of bad things. But I don't wanna be this way, y'know. I don't want the voices to speak to me anymore. I don't want to be schizophrenic. I don't wanna be mad. I don't wanna be that guy anymore. Why can't I just get better Rick?"
Rick stopped writing and looked up at the distressed Mark, who looked back at him - searching for answers from his friend and advisor.
"Mark. Things are going to get bad before they get good. All of this Mark - it will subside. I promise you that you will get better and through my help, the voices that you claim you hear - they will disappear. But you have to believe they will Mark. I believe they will. Just look at where you were a few months ago and look at where you are now. A few months ago you were broke, needing help and was lost in this world. And now you've found some sort of direction. You've returned to the ring, you've now got a house.. thing's always get better.
Jesus Mark, you're signed with the EWC - one of the biggest federations in the world. They looked beyond your mental health and saw something in you. They saw a superstar. They saw the potential that you hold and you should be stoked about that. If you ask me Mark - you're pretty much a few weeks or months away from full mental recovery. This could make medical history Mark, you were a paranoid schizophrenic and now you're a rising star overcoming his demons. If anything Mark, you're a hero. You're a good man."
Mark smiled at the comments of Rick who retreated to his earlier task and continued writing whilst Mark got up from his feet and walked over to the fire place - where above a mirror was situated. He looked at himself for a good two minutes. He ran his fingers through his blond bleach hair with both hands - smiling as he thought that maybe he was getting better. Maybe he was finally finding his path.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I am getting better."
He turned around and Rick was gone. Confused he rushed out of the room, yelling Rick's name. To no reply. He then rushed out of the house, searching for the vehicle that he thought Rick had traveled to the house to. But it was gone. Perhaps, it was never there.
"They never gave a fuck about you, Mark. Look at them. You say one thing - and suddenly everybody just starts to give a fuck. Everybody starts to care. All the fan boys. All the fan girls. They're all ignorant pigs who leach off those they admire."
Plagued with emotions. Mark sat quietly looking at his computer screen, watching before him his twitter page explode with a barrel of abuse aimed towards him. By this time, trending worldwide #MarkIsABitch, sat seventh on the list. And with his reputation almost tarnished, Mark sank into his seat - his eyes restless as he scrolled down the page, reading the abuse given whilst Rick The Ruler stood behind him.
"They make me sick.. but then again, its typical - huh, Americans. Always jumping onto the bandwagon and not caring about the consequences. And they want to try pin this on you. They want to try make YOU seem like the bad guy. You're not the bad guy. You simply began to catch feelings and you can't help that. You can't help that at all but these fickle minded teenage imbeciles wouldn't understand. For a matter of fact. NO ONE UNDERSTANDS. No one understands, but me."
Mark continued to stare hard into the screen, his eyes beginning to flood with tears however with a quick brush of his sweater they were gone. Whilst the nonchalant rain well from the heavens above outside, the weather coincidentally matched the atmosphere of the room. Cold. Dark. Depressing. His eyes were still fixated on the screen whilst Rick moved forwards trying to catch his attention by waving his hand in front of him. He then moved over to his side - crouching slightly and looking into his eyes.
"Really? You're gonna cry about it?"
No reply. Mark, who was obviously in distress, continued to look at the screen.
"You're gonna let them defeat you? You're going to let them win? Jesus Christ. You're an embarrassment. You hear me?! You're an embarrassment!"
"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?! I don't know what I'm supposed to do?!"
Mark got up from his seat, throwing it backwards as he stood up straight - his eyes flooded with tears as he looked at Rick, who laughed at him.
"You're weak." Rick replied, walking over to the window.
"You're supposed to help me! You're supposed to guide me through the process, goddammit! I didn't hire you to mock me - "
"You still don't get it, do you? You didn't hire me at all. I'm not your therapist. I'm not a psychologist. I'm not even real. I'm just a figment of your imagination. And do you really wanna know what I think of you? I think you're weak."
Silence exasperated the room once Rick finished his sentence. Mark looked at him - his tears left stranded on his cheeks whilst his eyes remained fixated on Rick. He closed his eyes before opening them once again. Rick still remained standing by the window, looking out at the rain. Mark once again tried to close and open his eyes, but still Rick remained.
"Get out of my head. Get out of my head. Get out of my head."
Storm repeated to himself, with his eyes closed - he opened and still Rick remained standing there however this time looking at Storm. Storm charged over to Rick, grabbing him by his collar and pinning him by the window - yelling...
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" he pleaded.
Opening his eyes, Rick had vanished - and he fell to his knees, crying as questions ran through his mind. His sanity was being put to the test as he curled up into a ball, seated in the corner of the room with his head low and cries beginning to murmur.
"You can't get rid of me. I am you. And now, I'm going to tell you what you're going to do."
Mark looked up, his eyes bewildered as Rick crouched in front of him - a smile implanted on his smug face as he took off his glasses, cleaning them before putting them back on.
"You're gonna stop crying. You're gonna stop looking like a goddamn baby. You're gonna get up and you're going to turn that dammed computer off. And after that, you're going to forget about her. You're going to forget about Mac. You're going to forget about all those idiotic fans who are trying to make a fool out of you. You're going to forget about it. You're gonna leave this house for an hour or two, go to the gym or whatever... And I'll tell you what you're going to do on Monday the 9th of February, you're going to beat Madison Mitchell."
And with that said, Rick once again vanished from the scene. Mark began to help himself up to his feet - wiping his tears away he walked over to the computer screen, with not even one glance on his twitter feed he turned off his computer. He looked at his own reflection through the computer screen - contemplating the options he has, before wondering if he had lost his sanity.
"Welcome to Stormtropolis."
The recognizable gruff voice of Mark Storm reverberated through the room, which was engulfed in darkness, as the cameras faded into the scene. A constant flicker of light from the light bulb began to give the room a little life and made the viewers a little more aware of what was happening and where Storm was located. Situated on a rocking chair, Storm rocked himself backwards and forwards as the flickers of lights began to shine upon him. With a smile on his face he looked directly at the camera, the flickering of the lights suddenly stopping - and now a spotlight shone from directly above him, emphasizing that he was in control. His restless eyes fixated on the camera, his long sleeve t-shirt read "normal people scare me", and the smile on his face emphasized that this man was not normal. He ran his fingers through his bleach blonde hair, licking his dry lips before recomposing and gazing hard into the camera, in the other hand was a microphone which he brought closer to his moisturized lips and started to preach.
"You see ladies and gentlemen, I regard the darkness as a friend of mine. Because the darkness is really the only thing I know, it's the only thing that knows me. I don't hide in the darkness. I'm not afraid of the light. I've been led astray down this path, which has seen me experience a lot of things. A lot of things that a lot of you would not have to experience. I was led down a path of evil from a young age. Growing up in New York Brooklyn, you have to grow up from a pretty young age - thats what I had to do. I had to be a fighter. Because if I wasn't, I was going to get eaten alive and I wasn't going to let that happen. I wasn't going to be pushed around and punished by anyone. A kid growing up in the meanest streets in America, I had to be strong.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - some of you may of heard of me. Some of you, may not know who the fuck I am and don't care to be quite frank. Despite your views and whether you've heard of me or not, I'm going to introduce myself to you anyway. My name, is Mark Storm - I'm from New York Brooklyn, weighing in a two hundred and nine pounds - I'm six foot three and I know I'm pretty lean - but that doesn't stop me from being one of the best."
He paused, clearing his throat once and allowing time for himself to recover from his first introductory speech. He ran his fingers through his long blond hair once again, looking directly at the cameras as he brought the microphone closer to his lips; he was in his element!
"I'm what some people call, broken. With a lifetime of mishaps and negativity - I transform these emotions and these past experiences and I generate that to something beautiful. I generate that through the art of wrestling, the most beautiful sport this world will ever know. Y'see ladies and gents, wrestling is my salvation, my escape from the reality of life - its almost like a rehabilitation. Its what wakes me up at 3AM in the morning. Its what keeps me awake. Its what keeps me partly sane.
I've been gone for far too long but now.. I'm back. And I'm ready, I'm ready to show the world what Mark Storm can bring. And I'm sure, you're all ready to watch me. Now I'm not asking you to like me or even respect. All I'm asking for is understanding. I want you to understand that I will go to the depths" of hell, to get what I want. I want you to understand that I don't give a damn whether you like me or whether you hate me. I want you to understand that I'm lost. And I'm trying to find my direction - and it starts here, in Extreme Wrestling Corporation. This is where it'll begin!"
He took a quick breather, before continuing.
"You're probably sitting there right now, sipping out of your coffee mugs - thinking to yourself whats so special about this kid. What the hell is this kid trying to sell to me? First of all, there is nothing special about me - thats straight up honesty right there! I mean I could say that I have schizophrenia but thats nothing special, if anything it's a curse that I have been plagued with. I acknowledge that outside the ring, I'm a piece of garbage that has extensive emotional problems but as soon as I get in that ring, I'm a somebody. I mean something. I become A SOMEBODY!
And recently, I've been beginning to contemplate whether all this time I've been wrestling, I haven't been challenging myself. I haven't been pushing myself to the depths I know I can reach. I've been far to complacent and content with being at these mediocre federations. But now, I've come to the big leagues! The EWC has a rich history that dates back to 1996 when President Mac and a collective of creative mind first opened this company. The EWC have made legends of the wrestling sport like the Shadow Man or Hurricane Jeff. I want to be able to say that I reached that caliber. I want to be able to tell my future kids that yeah, your daddy was able to say he made it."
Once again he paused, before continuing.
"My journey to the top of this federation starts on February 9th, the return of Monday Night Brawl. Where I will take on a close friend of mine, who I care for a lot - Madison Mitchell. Despite only meeting her recently, the two of us have bonded well and have been interacting, talking about our forthcoming match. Mitchell is a beautiful woman, a close friend and a true sweetheart - but I WON'T be letting my emotions get the better of me. I WON'T let that happen.
I have an understanding of you and you have an understanding of me. I know what you can do to beat me and you know what I can do to beat you. I know you're quick on your feet and love to run circles around your opponent. I've seen you train - I'm aware of your execution. But despite that this will be your first professional wrestling match and everything you've been training will be put to the test. And I've gotta say, I'm no easy opponent to face.
And on February 9th in Winnipeg - LIVE FROM THE EWC STADIUM, when I take on Madison Mitchell in my debut match here in EWC, not only will we both put one hell of a match on but I will also make a statement to the EWC roster. A storm is coming.
A storm is coming to Extreme Wrestling Corporation."
The camera fades to black.
Welcome to Stormtropolis - 1
The Beginning of a Storm
St Louis, Missouri
The Home of Mark Storm
Beacon of Hope
30th January, 2015
"You ever been in love, Rick?" Mark said, in a soulless tone.
He laid on his back on his couch, looking up at the ceiling with a vacant look in his eyes whilst his companion, Rick The Ruler, sat on his armchair, merely observing the actions of his patient Mark Storm.
"I think I'm in love Rick. Do you believe in love at first sight?" Mark questioned, repositioning himself.
Mark was now sat up straight looking directly at his dear friend who was writing on his clipboard before looking up at Mark, nodding his head approvingly. The two were situated in a room of reasonable size, not big however nor was it small. Behind Mark was a large bookshelf, filled with numerous novels on one side & a range of biographies on the other. Art pieces hung from either side of the bookshelf, both pieces resembling Mark back in his day as an independent wrestler. Storm sat uncontrollably, moving backwards and forwards in excitement as he continued to spout his feelings.
"I feel happy, y'know? Like.. this is the happiest I've felt in a long time. God Rick, you should see her! With great big beautiful eyes - and a compelling smile to match. God, she's a real beauty!"
He paused, his eyes drifting away from Rick as he pictured the girl of his dreams in his head. Mark was dressed in an all black attire - looking as grungy as they come. Black converses on his feet, black biker jeans, and a long black turtle neck. Whilst Rick on the other-hand was dressed formally in a dark Grey suit.
"She's so goddamn pretty Rick.. I don't think I've ever met somebody so damn beautiful.. she's not one of those stuck up dumb bitches from high school.. she's real. She's weird. Almost as weird as me, y'know? It's crazy Rick.. only a few days ago I was preaching to you that this world we live in is goddamn filthy, with people who don't care about you or anyone but themselves.. y'know? But now that I've met her.. it's all changed, y'know? She's different. I like that. With all the piss and shit and hatred and anger in this world, she's like this beautiful angelic dove - if that's even possible."
Once again he paused, clasping his hands together as he leaned forwards - his thoughts now becoming deeper as he looked at Rick, who glared back - indicating that he should continue.
"And with all that's been happening over the last year.. she's like the light I've been telling you about. The light at the end of the tunnel. And in that tunnel I feel alone.. the tunnel is just like a never ending darkness of pain and bullshit and anger and hatred.. but there is an end to the tunnel. I've just found that out. At the end of the tunnel there's light. And the light is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!"
With a smile embedded on his face, Mark retreated back to his old position - laying his back on the couch as he looked up at the ceiling smiling to himself. Rick shuffled into his pockets, pulling out a packet of cigarette as he placed his clipboard on the table beside him. With a cigarette clenched between his fingers in one hand and a lighter in another - Rick placed the cigarette in-between his lips whilst he ignited it with a flame from his lighter.
Inhale. Exhale.
The stress reliever made Rick more relaxed as he leaned back deeper in the armchair, almost sinking as he took another drag of his cigarette.
"Sounds like you've fallen hard for this girl." Rick said, in his German accent.
He took another drag of his cigarette before continuing.
"I was in love one time but that was years ago now. Almost like it was in another lifetime.. but it doesn't matter now."
Mark once again repositioned himself, sitting up straight as he was intrigued by the topic.
He posed the question "Really, what happened?" like a schoolboy looking for answers.
"What always happens - life. I had to work a lot and I didn't have enough time on my hands for her. It's a shame but thats what happens. Thats the strange thing about life Mark, when things are going so good and you think that life is on your side - it ends up fucking you over."
There was a brief pause as Rick looked on at Mark who looked down at the wooden floor. It was like Mark had heard that story before - however not from Ricks life, but from someone else. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. He recomposed himself and looked up at Rick, a look of solemn on his face.
"Sorry Rick. Sounds awful..."
"Its fine - now please, continue."
"Y'know how I told you the other day that I signed a contract for Extreme Wrestling Corporation... well, guess who's my first opponent? The girl, I have a freakin' crush on. That's who my first opponent is Rick.. I don't wanna hurt her Rick."
Worryingly Mark paused waiting for a reply from Rick.
"I see your conundrum. Well Mark, you know you're going to have to compete to the best of your ability, You can't just just compete because you have some crush over some girl."
"She's not just some girl Rick." Mark said, protectively "She's not just some girl, she's special man. I've only just met her, goddammit! Look at me.. jesus. Yeah, you're right. I know I gotta perform to the best of my ability.."
"You gotta remember Mark you have a career. Your health comes first, then your happiness then your career. You told me just the other day that you wanna be someone over in EWC, am I correct?"
"Yeah.. sure."
"Then you've got to focus. You've got to focus on the goal. From what I recall you said that you wanna eventually hold a title over in the EWC.. well my friend, the only way you're going to be able to do that is through hard work and focus."
"I've been training everyday y'know. Getting better and trying to master my craft. You're right, totally right - I gotta focus.."
Without any hesitation, he continued. "She thinks I'm a good person, Rick. She actually thinks I'm a good person, can you believe that?" Mark laughed at himself, his face of laughter turning into a face of dismay.
"I think you're a good person." Rick replied, taking another drag afterwards.
"You don't count Rick, you're paid to say that... it's crazy Rick. For the first time in a long time, someone thinks I'm - well, normal."
After finishing his sentence Rick went back to work, putting down his cigarette by the table beside him, picking up the clipboard and began writing once again whilst Storm looked on.
"I'm not a good person Rick. I've done bad things, a lot of bad things. But I don't wanna be this way, y'know. I don't want the voices to speak to me anymore. I don't want to be schizophrenic. I don't wanna be mad. I don't wanna be that guy anymore. Why can't I just get better Rick?"
Rick stopped writing and looked up at the distressed Mark, who looked back at him - searching for answers from his friend and advisor.
"Mark. Things are going to get bad before they get good. All of this Mark - it will subside. I promise you that you will get better and through my help, the voices that you claim you hear - they will disappear. But you have to believe they will Mark. I believe they will. Just look at where you were a few months ago and look at where you are now. A few months ago you were broke, needing help and was lost in this world. And now you've found some sort of direction. You've returned to the ring, you've now got a house.. thing's always get better.
Jesus Mark, you're signed with the EWC - one of the biggest federations in the world. They looked beyond your mental health and saw something in you. They saw a superstar. They saw the potential that you hold and you should be stoked about that. If you ask me Mark - you're pretty much a few weeks or months away from full mental recovery. This could make medical history Mark, you were a paranoid schizophrenic and now you're a rising star overcoming his demons. If anything Mark, you're a hero. You're a good man."
Mark smiled at the comments of Rick who retreated to his earlier task and continued writing whilst Mark got up from his feet and walked over to the fire place - where above a mirror was situated. He looked at himself for a good two minutes. He ran his fingers through his blond bleach hair with both hands - smiling as he thought that maybe he was getting better. Maybe he was finally finding his path.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I am getting better."
He turned around and Rick was gone. Confused he rushed out of the room, yelling Rick's name. To no reply. He then rushed out of the house, searching for the vehicle that he thought Rick had traveled to the house to. But it was gone. Perhaps, it was never there.
The Beginning of a Storm
Part Two
February 3rd, 2015
"They never gave a fuck about you, Mark. Look at them. You say one thing - and suddenly everybody just starts to give a fuck. Everybody starts to care. All the fan boys. All the fan girls. They're all ignorant pigs who leach off those they admire."
Plagued with emotions. Mark sat quietly looking at his computer screen, watching before him his twitter page explode with a barrel of abuse aimed towards him. By this time, trending worldwide #MarkIsABitch, sat seventh on the list. And with his reputation almost tarnished, Mark sank into his seat - his eyes restless as he scrolled down the page, reading the abuse given whilst Rick The Ruler stood behind him.
"They make me sick.. but then again, its typical - huh, Americans. Always jumping onto the bandwagon and not caring about the consequences. And they want to try pin this on you. They want to try make YOU seem like the bad guy. You're not the bad guy. You simply began to catch feelings and you can't help that. You can't help that at all but these fickle minded teenage imbeciles wouldn't understand. For a matter of fact. NO ONE UNDERSTANDS. No one understands, but me."
Mark continued to stare hard into the screen, his eyes beginning to flood with tears however with a quick brush of his sweater they were gone. Whilst the nonchalant rain well from the heavens above outside, the weather coincidentally matched the atmosphere of the room. Cold. Dark. Depressing. His eyes were still fixated on the screen whilst Rick moved forwards trying to catch his attention by waving his hand in front of him. He then moved over to his side - crouching slightly and looking into his eyes.
"Really? You're gonna cry about it?"
No reply. Mark, who was obviously in distress, continued to look at the screen.
"You're gonna let them defeat you? You're going to let them win? Jesus Christ. You're an embarrassment. You hear me?! You're an embarrassment!"
"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?! I don't know what I'm supposed to do?!"
Mark got up from his seat, throwing it backwards as he stood up straight - his eyes flooded with tears as he looked at Rick, who laughed at him.
"You're weak." Rick replied, walking over to the window.
"You're supposed to help me! You're supposed to guide me through the process, goddammit! I didn't hire you to mock me - "
"You still don't get it, do you? You didn't hire me at all. I'm not your therapist. I'm not a psychologist. I'm not even real. I'm just a figment of your imagination. And do you really wanna know what I think of you? I think you're weak."
Silence exasperated the room once Rick finished his sentence. Mark looked at him - his tears left stranded on his cheeks whilst his eyes remained fixated on Rick. He closed his eyes before opening them once again. Rick still remained standing by the window, looking out at the rain. Mark once again tried to close and open his eyes, but still Rick remained.
"Get out of my head. Get out of my head. Get out of my head."
Storm repeated to himself, with his eyes closed - he opened and still Rick remained standing there however this time looking at Storm. Storm charged over to Rick, grabbing him by his collar and pinning him by the window - yelling...
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" he pleaded.
Opening his eyes, Rick had vanished - and he fell to his knees, crying as questions ran through his mind. His sanity was being put to the test as he curled up into a ball, seated in the corner of the room with his head low and cries beginning to murmur.
"You can't get rid of me. I am you. And now, I'm going to tell you what you're going to do."
Mark looked up, his eyes bewildered as Rick crouched in front of him - a smile implanted on his smug face as he took off his glasses, cleaning them before putting them back on.
"You're gonna stop crying. You're gonna stop looking like a goddamn baby. You're gonna get up and you're going to turn that dammed computer off. And after that, you're going to forget about her. You're going to forget about Mac. You're going to forget about all those idiotic fans who are trying to make a fool out of you. You're going to forget about it. You're gonna leave this house for an hour or two, go to the gym or whatever... And I'll tell you what you're going to do on Monday the 9th of February, you're going to beat Madison Mitchell."
And with that said, Rick once again vanished from the scene. Mark began to help himself up to his feet - wiping his tears away he walked over to the computer screen, with not even one glance on his twitter feed he turned off his computer. He looked at his own reflection through the computer screen - contemplating the options he has, before wondering if he had lost his sanity.
The Shoot
"Welcome to Stormtropolis."
The recognizable gruff voice of Mark Storm reverberated through the room, which was engulfed in darkness, as the cameras faded into the scene. A constant flicker of light from the light bulb began to give the room a little life and made the viewers a little more aware of what was happening and where Storm was located. Situated on a rocking chair, Storm rocked himself backwards and forwards as the flickers of lights began to shine upon him. With a smile on his face he looked directly at the camera, the flickering of the lights suddenly stopping - and now a spotlight shone from directly above him, emphasizing that he was in control. His restless eyes fixated on the camera, his long sleeve t-shirt read "normal people scare me", and the smile on his face emphasized that this man was not normal. He ran his fingers through his bleach blonde hair, licking his dry lips before recomposing and gazing hard into the camera, in the other hand was a microphone which he brought closer to his moisturized lips and started to preach.
"You see ladies and gentlemen, I regard the darkness as a friend of mine. Because the darkness is really the only thing I know, it's the only thing that knows me. I don't hide in the darkness. I'm not afraid of the light. I've been led astray down this path, which has seen me experience a lot of things. A lot of things that a lot of you would not have to experience. I was led down a path of evil from a young age. Growing up in New York Brooklyn, you have to grow up from a pretty young age - thats what I had to do. I had to be a fighter. Because if I wasn't, I was going to get eaten alive and I wasn't going to let that happen. I wasn't going to be pushed around and punished by anyone. A kid growing up in the meanest streets in America, I had to be strong.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - some of you may of heard of me. Some of you, may not know who the fuck I am and don't care to be quite frank. Despite your views and whether you've heard of me or not, I'm going to introduce myself to you anyway. My name, is Mark Storm - I'm from New York Brooklyn, weighing in a two hundred and nine pounds - I'm six foot three and I know I'm pretty lean - but that doesn't stop me from being one of the best."
He paused, clearing his throat once and allowing time for himself to recover from his first introductory speech. He ran his fingers through his long blond hair once again, looking directly at the cameras as he brought the microphone closer to his lips; he was in his element!
"I'm what some people call, broken. With a lifetime of mishaps and negativity - I transform these emotions and these past experiences and I generate that to something beautiful. I generate that through the art of wrestling, the most beautiful sport this world will ever know. Y'see ladies and gents, wrestling is my salvation, my escape from the reality of life - its almost like a rehabilitation. Its what wakes me up at 3AM in the morning. Its what keeps me awake. Its what keeps me partly sane.
I've been gone for far too long but now.. I'm back. And I'm ready, I'm ready to show the world what Mark Storm can bring. And I'm sure, you're all ready to watch me. Now I'm not asking you to like me or even respect. All I'm asking for is understanding. I want you to understand that I will go to the depths" of hell, to get what I want. I want you to understand that I don't give a damn whether you like me or whether you hate me. I want you to understand that I'm lost. And I'm trying to find my direction - and it starts here, in Extreme Wrestling Corporation. This is where it'll begin!"
He took a quick breather, before continuing.
"You're probably sitting there right now, sipping out of your coffee mugs - thinking to yourself whats so special about this kid. What the hell is this kid trying to sell to me? First of all, there is nothing special about me - thats straight up honesty right there! I mean I could say that I have schizophrenia but thats nothing special, if anything it's a curse that I have been plagued with. I acknowledge that outside the ring, I'm a piece of garbage that has extensive emotional problems but as soon as I get in that ring, I'm a somebody. I mean something. I become A SOMEBODY!
And recently, I've been beginning to contemplate whether all this time I've been wrestling, I haven't been challenging myself. I haven't been pushing myself to the depths I know I can reach. I've been far to complacent and content with being at these mediocre federations. But now, I've come to the big leagues! The EWC has a rich history that dates back to 1996 when President Mac and a collective of creative mind first opened this company. The EWC have made legends of the wrestling sport like the Shadow Man or Hurricane Jeff. I want to be able to say that I reached that caliber. I want to be able to tell my future kids that yeah, your daddy was able to say he made it."
Once again he paused, before continuing.
"My journey to the top of this federation starts on February 9th, the return of Monday Night Brawl. Where I will take on a close friend of mine, who I care for a lot - Madison Mitchell. Despite only meeting her recently, the two of us have bonded well and have been interacting, talking about our forthcoming match. Mitchell is a beautiful woman, a close friend and a true sweetheart - but I WON'T be letting my emotions get the better of me. I WON'T let that happen.
I have an understanding of you and you have an understanding of me. I know what you can do to beat me and you know what I can do to beat you. I know you're quick on your feet and love to run circles around your opponent. I've seen you train - I'm aware of your execution. But despite that this will be your first professional wrestling match and everything you've been training will be put to the test. And I've gotta say, I'm no easy opponent to face.
And on February 9th in Winnipeg - LIVE FROM THE EWC STADIUM, when I take on Madison Mitchell in my debut match here in EWC, not only will we both put one hell of a match on but I will also make a statement to the EWC roster. A storm is coming.
A storm is coming to Extreme Wrestling Corporation."
The camera fades to black.