Post by gothmother on Feb 13, 2022 8:35:02 GMT -5
KNOW YOUR ENEMY [KENNE DEINEN FEIND]
Not every change is good.
Not every change is bad.
But some changes are necessary. Elena DeDraca had gone through many changes in her life, some better than others. Never before though did she agree so much with something management did. For her. For them.
For over a year she had called Fallout her home without thinking twice. Not that she always felt appreciated for the things she did, but that was just like every other home. It wasn't always easy or going smoothly. But still, you looked forward to returning there. Unfortunately not everything lasts forever, right? She never was the type to sulk or complain, but swallowing her pride wasn't easy either. But she did. One too many times.
One night can change your whole life though. Everything needed was a powertrippin sociopath getting his nose in her business. Sending his puppets after her, making sure that she couldn’t get back on track. The struggle was real. The past months held a lot of ups but even more downs. So why keep trying? Why not pack your bags and go home, enjoying the well deserved retirement. Elena wasn't here for money or fame, she had enough of that. There was no need to earn her spot in this company.
You know exactly why, little one.
Anger. It seemed that this was the only accurate answer to all her questions. She was a reserved and laid back person. Most things going on in the company didn’t bother her in the slightest. She had been to too many places to know that this was the way things worked. Yet something inside of her had snapped. Laying flat inside the ring, while feeling a stinging pain inside her skull. It was one thing to stake your claim, but a totally different one to tickle someone you didn’t want anything to do with. There was Elena DeDraca that showed up to work and did her job. There was Elena DeDraca that did things that she didn’t agree with. But there was also Elena DeDraca that didn’t give a fuck.
What’s it gonna be, Elena?
No Holds Barred. There were those that only saw the brutality of a match like this, but never the beauty of it. The options were endless. That was if you knew how to get creative. And that was the key to all of this. Arik Holt decided to wear her down and then what? He let her fall like hot garbage. Too busy to play with the new shining toys he collected in her absence. He probably thought of himself as the light, but what did that make True Society? Moths? Probably.
After appearing on Proving Ground, for the very first time, she left the arena without answering any questions. Shaking hands with Adam Ekaterin everything was clear, at least from her perspective. For the first time since DeMarco, she sided with someone in management.
Let’s start over.
For now.
“Did you hear anything I just said, my love?”
Elena snapped out of her own thoughts looking slightly puzzled for a moment. She didn’t. Her mind was so busy going through different scenarios that there wasn't any space left. In an apologetic manner she looked at Mark. He wasn't mad. If anything he was used to all of this and loved her for everything she was or wasn't. He reached out and covered her hand with his own.
“I will not ask what is going on in the pretty head of yours. I am kinda sure it has everything to do with Arik Holt and little to nothing with you guys drinking tea. I am kinda surprised you remained civilized for so long, my heart.”
“Is that what you think? That I acted civilized?”
He smiled at her while rubbing her hands for just a few moments.
“What else is there to think? If anyone else did to you what this rat has done over the past months, we would read about him in the newspaper. He wouldn’t make it to the top story, but somewhere in the obituaries his name would be printed. I will never pretend I understand every decision you make, but I was surprised.”
She was ready to interrupt him, but Mark made a well known gesture. He wasn't finished.
“When you stood there at Proving Ground, side to side with Mister Ekaterin, I thought this would be the moment. That you run down this ramp and just move your hand inside his chest. Ripping out his heart and playing ball. But you didn’t. Instead you kept your beautiful eyes focused. I am not sure if that impresses me or scares the living hell out of me.”
Elena thought she had a great answer to this, but she didn’t. The truth was, all those thoughts had been there for months. She was ready to colour the ring with the guts of Arik Holt. But if you went to war with a sociopath or psychopath, you had to keep one thing in mind: He was no idiot.
“You should be impressed with my self control. Everyone knows that I can be rather impulsive, but I learnt my lessons over the past decades. Sure I could have snapped him right there, but where is the fun in that? It would be a high only lasting for a few minutes. I could also do it his way, attack him from behind. There were many chances to do so, but that isn’t my style. All my career I said the same thing. If I come for you, you will see my coming. I will come right to your face. And even though Arik Holt doesn’t show me any respect, I will stick to my own morals.”
The tone of her voice had immediately changed when speaking about Mister Holt. There was no lightness or carelessness in it anymore. She was focused. She was determined. And on a mission.
“It might sound stupid that I as your husband say that, but you have grown so much. I will never forget the first time I saw you inside a ring. Wild and untamed. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t say that you have lost this- but you embraced all your layers. Outgrowing your own imagination.”
He slowly brought her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. And just like every other time Elena blushed. She was immune to a lot of things, but not this. At least I can control my giggling, she thought to herself. For just a moment she rubbed over his cheek.
“It was a long way. Physically and mentally. At points I wasn't sure I would make it here, you know? I have lived through a lot of trauma, but different than some I don’t feel the need to share this with the world. I am not even sure why they do it. Sympathy. Loneliness. To me it is whatever. I am certain that Arik didn’t have it easy growing into an adult, so what? At a certain age you make your own decisions. And unfortunately he decided to be a dickless douchebag.”
“Misses DeDraca… “
“What? I tried to say that in the nicest way possible. The truth is that he is a lot more than that. Where there used to be his spine, there is nothing more than a stick. I found this whole stalker mentality adorable. Long before he revealed his face and stabbed Jason, I knew it was him. I once even mentioned it to DeMarco, but he couldn’t believe it. And here we are today. DeMarco somewhere in the carribeans having a cocktail and me? Still here, dealing with a butthurt little boy that never received the love he was looking for.”
She rolled her eyes in a manner that she was certain Mark could hear it. Like in one of those cartoons. Of course that was absolute nonsense, but at least it amused her.
“But what's the point? Life sucks and then you die. Easy and simple. It is tragic that people believe anyone owes them anything. But I don’t think anyone has sent that memo to young Arik. He thinks he has outsmarted the system. And to a degree that is the truth. Numbnuts fall for his ideals. They follow him blindly. But for how long?”
“Till his throne burns to the ground.”
“Exactly. And that realization will hit him way harder than I ever could. None of the little pissants being part of his group value him. They couldn’t care less about his destiny. They stick around because he has the power to give them things they want. But as intelligent as he is, he is blind to such things.”
He was still holding her hand but forced her to get up. Again she looked slightly confused but didn’t fight against it. A moment later she was resting on his lap, his arms gently wrapped around her.
“We have seen enough of them come and go. And many of them were more intelligent than what was good for them. But they all have the same weak spot. They grow an ego that can be seen from space. Maybe there was a chance for Arik, but I don’t think it is any longer.”
“There are a lot of maybes when it comes to him. And most of them I have erased already. There was a time when I would have felt bad going up against someone that isn’t on my level. And even though he tried to break me the past weeks, we both know he has not an inch of an idea when it comes to my potential. Or what happens when you really piss me off.”
“I do…”
“I know. To a degree I have to thank him though, you know? He reminded me of something that seemed like a distant memory. It doesn’t matter how many titles I have won, or how many people I have destroyed. Nothing is better than the next match. And for that I am thankful. He took everything I had, or thought I had, and left me with only one thing. Myself.”
“Which is all you need, darling.”
Elena heard the softness in his voice. No matter what happened in her life or career, she always had that place to return to. Not like Arik Holt. Not like half of the roster. She had a safe haven and that she appreciated more than she could ever put in words. This time it was her that leaned in kissing him. Softly but still with the right amount of pressure. When she broke the kiss and almost jumped off of his lap, Mark leaned back.
Without any verbal explanation she ran out of the room. He was watching the scene with some kind of amusement. He saw her sprint from one room to the other, or to be correct- he saw her silhouette.
“You're going on one of your trips, aren’t you?”
“What? I mean… what… yes.”
“You are impossible, DeDraca.”
In an almost innocent manner she smiled at him, then rushed out of the door. For a long while he just looked after her, still feeling the touch of her warm lips lingering on his own. Some would say that Elena DeDraca was hard to love, that there was always a certain distance- no matter how close you got. But Mark knew better. It was not hard to love her, but it was overwhelming if she loved you.
What’s it gonna be, boy?
Show no mercy to those that have shown no loyalty.
WHEN I COME AROUND [WENN ICH VORBEIKOMME]
Everyone had those odd but yet fascinating things in their life. Things they shouldn’t be attracted to, but that automatically draws them in. Even if most of them never had a chance or the guts to admit them. It either wasn't accepted by society or by the people surrounding them. Or, like in the case of Elena DeDraca, just didn’t suit the person she was. Dark, cold and merciless. But there was so much more to Elena than what she allowed people to see. Layers.
Like Shrek. But you smell better.
All her life she had been able to hide the things most important for her. Feeding the media with only so much information that they kept guessing. It wasn't anything she did to remain popular. Like some public people did, trying to get the press interested. For her it was more a matter of, not your damn business. For example, she had received hundreds of offers for a homestory. And while it was one thing filming promotional material there, it was a totally different one to open your gates to strangers.
There were things she was not willing to share, no matter how much they offered. It was no different with the place here. A hiding place. Somewhere that only two people knew about and one of them no longer was part of her life. She had to fly across the pond, rent a car and then walk for the past two hours. But all of this was worth it.
My safe haven.
In front of her rested, well hidden underneath extremely old oaks, a little chapel. If you didn’t know, you probably would have missed it. But it was as if she knew every step of the way without thinking twice. She took a deep breath before walking closer, a strange sensation filling her senses. With every step the excitement was growing. But on the outside Elena was as still as always. When she finally reached the massive wooden door, reaching out, her hand was slightly shaking.
Get a hold on yourself.
If things hadn’t changed all too drastic she knew that no one was here. The place was simply forgotten by all. She tried to move the door but was met with some kind of resistance. On the inside she was apologizing when using a little more pressure, but with a well known cracking noise it finally moved. A cloud of dust was greeting her, combined with scents she could hardly describe. Too sweet. Too much.
But none of this could have stopped her now that she had made it this far. Opening the door just enough for herself to slip in, she had to give her eyes just a moment to adapt. Considering the huge glass windows were still intact also meant that it wasn't all too light in here. Much to her surprise everything looked untouched, just the way she remembered it. The few benches still remained in the same position, even the little details were still there. The little red books. The paintings. The half burnt candles resting on the altar.
“Time didn’t do you any harm, darling.”
Of course she was mumbling to herself while her feet were already moving again. Down the hallway and nearer to what she found to be one of the most impressive buildings she had ever seen. The altar. Everything about it was handmade. And in her mind she started to believe that even when the world would go down, this stone would survive. Maybe that was too romantic a thought, but she had her moments.
Once more her shaking hand reached out feeling the cold, but well known, fabric of this monstrous thing. A slight shiver ran down her spine, but it also felt like coming home. She had spent many weekends here. All the times she ran away from the orphanage, not knowing where to go. It was a little sad that she never had the chance to see the chapel in its prime. But even back then she could imagine what it was like.
“Who would expect to find me in a place like this, huh? I am rumored to eat babies and drink the blood of my enemies. And while that all sounds very tempting, I wouldn’t go this far. Especially not when it comes to drinking the blood of my opponents. No offense but I don’t wanna catch whatever runs through their veins. I am not sure Project Honor is too strict with their health checks and such. If they were, someone like Arik Holt could never be in charge. I would say go see a doctor, but that train has left the station.”
There was an amused expression on Elena’s face. She was still standing still in front of the altar, slowly sliding out of her leather jacket. Underneath she was wearing a velvet red top with the HYDRA symbol on it.
“If anyone asked me today if I knew it would come down to this, I couldn’t answer. I will be honest with you, when all of this started I was willing to give you a chance. I thought maybe you would be the fresh start that Fallout needed. But that doesn’t mean that I ever trusted you, Arik. Considering I don’t put my trust in many people, you weren’t ever on that list. But you know all about the benefit of the doubt. Before I took my break, you at least seemed somewhat decent. Not bright, not at all, but decent. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to step away for some time, catching up with what I call my life. But what did I find when I stepped back? A big pile of shit. And on top of that a throne where you sat with that dislikable grin plastered all over your face.”
“And even then I didn’t have any hard feelings towards you. I always found your obsession with Savannah strange, but to each their own. If you like hollow people, she might be the queen of it. I kept warning Jason about that, but some lessons you have to learn on your own. Which leads back to you, Arik. You thought it was a clever idea to build yourself an army. Others did that before you and the outcome was always the same. A little high which was followed by the destruction of their kingdom. I am telling you this because I have a good heart. No wait, I had a good heart. Once upon a time.”
In an almost lazy manner Elena leaned against the altar, feeling the sensation of the cold stone.
“But people like you decided to stomp on me. And while they are long forgotten and nothing more than a footnote in history, I am still standing. The same will happen to you. Or to people like Havoc and Syndicate. No high is ever so great that it lasts forever. And you, my friend, sealed your fate when you decided it was a clever idea to piss in my cereals. I can tolerate bad decisions. We all have a long list of those. Some are worse than others. But even after you decided to book me in one stupid match after the other, I still was willing to see this as business. I thought to myself that things simply changed in my absence, no big deal. I told many of my opponents that this business holds more than wins or losses. Not every night can be your night, right?”
“That was until you sent your fleabags after me, interfering in my match. Then you became my business, Arik Holt. And that is something you really don’t want for yourself. Sure you are willing to sacrifice the bootlickers you call your puppets. Excuse me, True Society of course. But you are by no means ready for what is coming. You are good shouting commands and what not, but now it comes down to you and me. No way out. No one to save your pale arse. And that is where it becomes interesting for the both of us. I hungered for a chance to hug your throat with my hands. Watching the light fade from your eyes. You know what they say, right, good things come to those that wait. And I did. Allowing you to dictate my fate for the past months. Didn’t you ever ask yourself why I didn’t make a move? You have seen me on Fallout ever since this show started. You have witnessed the things I have put people through. So lean back and allow your clouded mind to clear. The answer was always there.”
Elena licked over her red coloured lips before rolling her neck several times. With a little afford she lifted her body on top of the altar.
“Because it wasn't on my terms. That is another thing I have told you in the past. When I come for you, you will not make the rules. Why? Because there are no rules when you make things personal with me. There is business and then there is a deathwish. Maybe in your schizophrenic and destroyed mind you were fully aware of that. But I kinda doubt that. You thought that I would obey, maybe even join the plans you had for this company. But that is what differs me and your leeches. I am no follower. I’m not a spineless little creep, nor am I boy that can’t land a date in real life, so he has to stalk a woman. I don’t wanna put my professors hat on, but your issues are too easy to pick on. Little Arik doesn’t get what he wants, so he decides to lose his shit.”
“Amusing. Even if just for a moment, but you tried your best. Some would say you had all of this planned out fantastically, but I can’t agree. You are still an amateur and on top of it might have dimmed your senses. That is the thing with men though. The moment they become powerful, they lose everything else. Do you think that in ten years from now anyone will remember who fucking Arik Holt was? No. You have done exactly nothing for this business and that is why they will forget you. I am not good with numbers, but I am sure that when we look it up- Fallout isn’t the number one show any longer. One, you book matches like a hamster on an acid trip. Two, and that will hurt mongrels like Havoc- I am no longer part of your roster. And I am sure there are more points, but let's go easy.”
Somewhere in the back she heard noises, but didn’t bother to even turn around. Probably some wild animals that found shelter in the chapel. For them she was the intruder.
“Never did I expect myself to say the things that will come out of my mouth now, but wait for it. Thank you Project Honor management. Not only did my reputation and talent get wasted there, but it also put a bad light on the company. I don’t say that I am god’s greatest gift to wrestling, but I know my worth. And you Arik, obviously, didn’t. Like they say, you made your bed- now sleep in it. The truth is this, I don’t hate you. I thought I would after the past months, but I don’t. If anything I feel sorry for you. Which is probably the worst thing a woman can say to a man. Followed by the phrase, let's be friends. Or, it isn’t you, it is me. Which is total fake bullshit, darling. Because it is all you. No one else to blame.”
“How does it feel though to know that you are alone in this? I always wondered how dictators felt when facing the penalty for their actions. You obviously thought that this ride would go forever - that no one would come and stand in your way. I know that some tried, but without too much success, because no matter what you always had an ace up your sleeve, mostly in the form of True Society. But not this time, unless some want out of their contracts - then feel free to help your boss. I invite you from the bottom of my heart, but there is one other thing you will have to remember - this time you won’t catch me alone. This worked once and I take the blame for it. When you attack this time you will be greeted by HYDRA. And there will be no prisoners.”
Obviously something crossed her mind in that moment, as Elena laughed out loud. It was as if the whole building was laughing with her. Nothing beats the acoustic of a chapel like this.
“I have swallowed my own pride for the past months, Arik. I have ignored who I truly am and that was for the benefit of this company. But I will no longer bend and break for something that isn’t worth it. Fallout wasn't worth it. You weren't worth it. And believe me, the LEGACY title wasn't worth it. Even when I beat whoever the fuck they put against me, you still tried to hold me down, don’t think I have forgotten about that. So whatever you think will happen at The Crowning II, forget about it. Imagine the worst thing and multiply it with the biggest number you can imagine. It is one thing to try and keep me down. Been there, done that. It is nothing new when people play the numbers game, I can get over that. But you darling, you bit off a lot more than you can chew- let alone swallow.”
“It is tragic that you haven’t taken more time to figure out who I am, but you were too busy trying to screw me over. Too busy to destroy all the things I have achieved in and for this company. Without rubbing my own ego, but before I signed my contract Project Honor was mediocre. That is not what I say, but float over social media and you will see. Look at the attention you received when my name was among the ranks. Therefore you are the one that bit the hand that feeds you, silly goose. And that is the moment where we stop living in the past and it won't be mentioned again. We shall move our focus towards the future. The very near future.”
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, still smiling.
“You will not face Elena DeDraca, the former LEGACY champion. You will not face Elena DeDraca, the British Raven. Or Elena DeDraca, the mother and wife. No. Just no Arik, all of this would be not enough for you. You will meet Elena DeDraca, the one that doesn’t give a shit. There are no rules. No consequences. No way out. I will take all of you. Everything you think you are and when that happens, I will form you after my own idea. I will allow the world to see what you truly are. A little boy that is scared that the world could reject him. But you know what? They already did. If it wasn't for your position, lovebug, no one would give a flying fuck about you. But you may consider yourself lucky, because in all of this you always have me. I will turn your world upside down and your guts inside out. You wanted to play games, yet you never asked who was willing to play. But since you are such a funny little maggot, I decided- why not?”
“It is no fun till someone cries, Arik. But crying on national television will be the least of your problems. I will make you a piece of art. And for that I don’t need anything more than a ring and the blood rushing through your veins. But that is the good news for you, I am not out there to end you. Where would be the fun in that? You will live on with the realization that I held your fate in my hand. And while some will think that my decision is weak or mistake it for mercy- it truly isn’t. This will be your personal walk of shame. And every day you will wake up with the same question on your mind: Why? And that, in my heart, is much worse than any end you have in mind for yourself.”
With a fluent move she got down from the altar. Another cloud of dust moving towards the ceiling. She grabbed her jacket when walking towards the exit. And even though her face still showed the hint of a smile, the mood had changed.
“You will pay for your sins, Arik. And it all begins with something they call a cleansing. Body and Soul.”
“It’s the end of House Holt.”
“You are welcome.”
[FIST OF HYDRA]
