Post by gothmother on Apr 4, 2021 8:18:02 GMT -5
SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE [THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO SAY]
[Garrison, New York]
All good things come to an end.
It was hard to argue with that statement, and she wouldn’t. Elena DeDraca was tired of so many things, arguing was only one of them. Probably not even the main thing. There were plenty of things left unsaid. Things that needed correcting, but she wouldn’t be the one correcting them. It was one thing to fight a match against a family member, but another to watch them lose their mask. Elena was a lot of things, but dumb wasn't among them. There was no way for peace or an easy fix, and at the end of the day she didn’t ask for either. Or need it.
Right after the Wired Consequences events she left the arena. She didn’t wait for anyone, or grant the fans to get her autograph. Instead she asked Mark to please have the private jet ready, flying them directly back to New York. No need for any more statements or anything to add to the list of insults she had heard over the past days. If being emotionally done was a feeling, then this was what Elena DeDraca felt. The bruises and cuts on her body didn’t matter, they were just a reminder of her doing her job. There was a time in her life where she would have felt sorry for all of this, but the real world was a dirty bitch. And to speak the truth, there was nothing to feel sorry about in the first place. She had a job. And she finished it. Successful.
This changes everything.
No. Everything has changed a long time ago.
The pain medication finally kicked in, which allowed her to sleep for more than 5 hours. Although when opening her eyes she realised that she once again hadn’t made it towards the huge bedroom. She was resting on the Ottomane that Mark once bought for her in Paris. Something that no one needed, but Elena had a liking when it came to pretty things. Maybe it was the colours she thought to herself when trying to stretch, feeling every bone in her body crack. It stood there in an anthrazit grey combined with some purple. Her colours.
So another night in the library, huh? It was one of the places she used when wanting to be on her own, allowing the world to doom her existence. She had hardly been up for ten minutes when she heard the gentle knock at the door. Three times. Knowing exactly who was out there, a small grin would spread on her face. When her husband slipped through the dark, wooden door he held two cups of coffee in his hands. Obviously he had been up way longer as he was already dressed and smelled like his usual cologne. With a few well measured steps he had reached her, placing the coffee on the small table. He gave her another three seconds before wrapping his arms around her, kissing the side of her head.
“You know love, I begin to take this personal. You have replaced me with the library and this uncomfortable object from hell.”
He tried to sound light and cheerful, but she knew better. He was worried about everything- but mostly about her. For a way too short moment he held her like this, before stepping back. His steel blue eyes searching for eye contact.
“You could have just woken me, you know?”
“Do I look insane, Elena? When you finally sleep, wherever that may be, I will be the last person to wake you up. And since that one time you punched me in the reflex when I tried to carry you- nope. I learned my lesson.”
Another smile. His eyes scanned over the library once more, looking at all the open boxes standing around. And the pictures she had taken off the wall. It was obvious that he tried to find a way to address this, but Mark Kristianson was rather diplomatic. At least when it came to her. He would try to get comfortable on one of the chairs, waiting for her to do the same. Eventually the smell of fresh brewed coffee would do this job. They sat only inches away from each other.
“What have you planned for today, love?”
“Finish the mess that I started here. You know, pack things up- throw things away.”
“Some things you should keep though. I mean, some of the things are irreplaceable once you throw them away. And then you might miss them.”
She looked at him with an intensity that made him feel uncomfortable. Of course she saw right through his act. Again. But much to his surprise, she didn’t throw anything at him. Instead she sat there, so still that one could have mistaken her for a mannequin. The only thing that gave her away was the necklace that rested on her chest. Moving whenever she inhaled or exhaled. Her green eyes are a few nuances darker than usually, kinda less colourless than what he was used to.
“Sometimes you have to let go of things that are broken, Mark. It doesn’t matter who broke them. Or who tried to glue them back together. But let's not talk in metaphors, shall we? Especially when we both know what led to this and how it all ended. I am not willing to buckle down just because a kid is throwing a tantrum. I wouldn’t do it for Isabella, nor for him.”
Careful, Mark! Walking on thin ice.
“I wouldn’t expect you to do that. And I don’t think it is your time to go for that either. I just say, sometimes things need time to heal. And sometimes things are broken long before we even realise it. But just like the hurt didn’t grow overnight, the healing can’t take place that quickly.”
He reached over the small table to grab her hand. In a gentle manner he squeezed it, still looking for any kind of reaction.
“I will not say that I understand everything, but you know the kind of trouble I have been through with my family. And you always got me to talk to, when you feel like it.”
“Talk about what though, Mark? Hasn’t there been enough talking in the past weeks or even months? I said from the beginning on that there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed, right? I am far from perfect and I never pretend to be. But I know that there are boundaries when it comes to personal matters. So no, there is nothing to talk about anymore. I have seen and memorized every single word and I will make my peace with it. But I will not put on a fake smile or extend my hand ever again. I have been in this business for way too long and have been labeled a lot of things. None of them ever mattered… .”
“But this was Dimitri.”
The expression on her face changed immediately. It was hard to describe, but if there had been any softness- it was gone. The small wrinkle between her eyebrows became more present.
“He went to war with me, but didn’t think of the consequences. This could have been a match for the books, but I don’t eat his petty shit. And that is exactly what this was. He doesn’t wanna talk to me ever again? So be it. At the end of the day it is what it is. Everyone, especially someone like him, knows for fact that I am not very forgiving. I don’t hold grudges either, but I am pretty good at moving on without people. I have done this more than once. The one thing that changed though? For the first time Elena DeDraca will look out for herself. And only herself.”
Her small hand was still resting in his, so it was hard to miss the tension that ran through her body. If there was one thing that he knew better than anyone, she didn’t make such decisions lighthearted.
“I think the problem wasn't really with you though, Elena. A lot of things have gone south for the kid as of late. I don’t say it was fair or good what he said, but I don’t believe he meant half of them.”
“He didn’t? You sure? Is that why he keeps acting like a little bitch on social media? No grace, no respect- no nothing. Just a whiny, little boy that didn’t get his way. Again. I stick with what I said before the match. Talent alone will not be enough if you can’t handle yourself with respect and care.”
In a slow manner she removed her hand from his and rose from a sitting position. She hadn’t touched her coffee yet, maybe it was long forgotten. In a rather graceful manner she walked towards the boxes, looking inside of them. A lot of pictures and memories collected. For just a moment she allowed one specific emotion to rise inside of her, but only to be swallowed down the next moment. She closed the box, before sealing it with tape.
“I spent so many days putting every bit of blame on myself, I don’t do that anymore. I can’t do that anymore. There is a reason they say, you made your bed- now sleep in it. Do you realise how much hard work it was to always try to do what is best for the family? To constantly walk on eggshells because someone's feelings could get hurt? I invite each of them to walk a mile in my shoes, then we talk. ‘Till then, there is nothing to fix. There is nothing to talk about. Maybe it is time to live up to the assumptions people make about me, that he made about me.”
“What do you mean, love?”
He asked although he was fully aware of how his wife felt. But maybe for once he had to hear it.
“Maybe it is time to be selfish and cruel. Or reveal the fact that I truly don’t care about half the roster, but why would I? Who are they to me? No one. They don’t fight my battles, neither did he. Ever. So maybe I am hard headed and should know better, but I will remain with what I’ve always said: Life is what you make it. And I am too old to settle for anything less than I deserve.”
She took the box and brought it to the door, but not before she wrote on it with a permanent marker. A few more boxes would follow, all of them reading the same. It was Mark who brought them out of the library, but not without looking at her one last time.
“Where do you want me to bring them, love?”
Elena walked towards him and pointed at the word plastered over the brown cardboard. In big letters it read, TRASH. Of course he wouldn’t throw them away- but store them somewhere safe. But that was a talk for another time. It was the last time this day that he walked into this room, hearing loud music blast through the massive door.
So it begins. Or ends.
RED LIGHTS [IT PROBABLY WON’T KILL ME]
[Rades, Tunisia]
Don’t look back, darling. This is not where you going.
How true this was. It comes at a certain point that people realise they spend way too much time lingering in the past. No matter if for the good or the bad times. Elena DeDraca was no exception to the rules. Often enough she caught herself thinking of a time that was long gone, and often for the better. But just like everything else this had to do with growing up. Looking at yourself from a distance, being more critical. No one was free of flaws, but you had to make the time and work on them. No one else would. All the outside world would do was point them out, trying to wear you down.
She hadn’t tried to keep count on where she was booked this week. Not that she understood the booking in the first place, but that was nothing she worried about. She was booked. She did what she was paid for. Easy as that. It's nothing you need a doctor title for. Although some people still did understand the ethic of this business. They sat there and thought because they had one or two good matches, their career was safe.
Everyone is replaceable.
Zack Tyler. Did the dude have one good day in his life? Wrong question, did he have one good match since entering Project Honor? Even though Elena had been pretty occupied with her own stuff, that didn’t go unnoticed. The boy had his head up his arse, and had a problem with delivering. Inside the ring. What else? Oh yeah, cults. It was hard to say how many of those she had seen come and go. Was this still the 90’s? Did people still not manage to have a mind on their own? Too many questions and never enough time.
For a long week Elena DeDraca had decided to go on radio silence. At the point that happened, there was too much to say. But none of it seemed right. Her body and mind were tired, drained even. She tried to be the better person once again, and maybe she had failed. But going back to her roots, opened her eyes. Finally she felt the pride of what she had achieved over the past months. She. Not anyone else.
Bitter pill to swallow, huh?
She had made it down to the hotel lobby, sitting somewhere as far as possible from other people. Currently working on new designs for her fashion line, enjoying the sun on her skin. It was an odd feeling. Everything, despite Tunisia being a loud place, seemed so peaceful at this moment. Keep up the facade.
After another few minutes she put everything back into her portfolio and her pens in a small back. She checked her watch another time, wondering when the perfect moment was. Her eyes observed the lobby once more before she stood up. A few eyes were already set on her, even before crossed the long room- jumping on the reception. The man behind the desk looked up at her, puzzled. She winked at him before finally raising her voice.
“Aslema! May I ask your attention for a moment?”
Elena was fully aware it was risky to pull this act, especially as females still didn’t have many rights in Tunisia. Thankfully all of this was cleared with management before, so she wasn't really in danger. But nonetheless, there was this little uneasy feeling in her stomach. Spotting several wrestling fans in the back, she felt a little more comfortable.
“Most of you probably don’t know me, but my name is Elena DeDraca. I am a professional wrestler and the company I work for holds a show in your area. I have been sitting over there for several hours, looking at people come and go. So you could call this a spontaneous act of reaching the public eye. Also, I am facing off against a guy that believes being in a cult is something special. And what is the purpose of a cult? Reach lots of people and manipulate them into your beliefs. Something you people probably are pretty familiar with. But that is a story for a time when I am ready to go into jail in your beautiful land. So not today. Zack Tyler. I am not sure where you are or what you are doing right now, but you might wanna put everything to rest and listen. You are screwed.”
Some of the fans in the back clapped their hands. Elena slightly bowed to them before returning to her speech.
“I am not so sure what you have done to management but you must have fucked up greatly. I mean, I get the leftovers of someone like Kasey. She got you good, huh? And while I could feel insultes, I think of this in a different way. They want me to take the trash out, easy and simple. You came to Project Honor with so many dreams inside that pretty head. You think of yourself as someone superior- someone that is meant to rule this industry. But love, how did that work for you so far? All I have seen is people smack you left and right. I am not sure what your cult friends think of this, but I sense them being disappointed. I have just stepped out, victorious, of what people would call an epic battle. And while my body might not be a hundred percent healed up, it will be good enough to go against you. I say that without a hint of arrogance, but we have to be realistic. While I believe that everyone can beat everyone, I am way out of your league. Take that however you want, I am just giving you a piece of my mind. I don’t care one bit about your plans for this match, it will be a dance where I will lead. And you will follow.”
“Another thing you are pretty familiar with, right? Follow like a sheep to the slaughterhouse. If anyone ever asked me to join a cult, I would probably never be member of the month. I have huge problems following orders, leave alone turning off my free will. But to each their own, right? If that is what fulfills you, then more power to you. Just be aware that this is not another season of American Horror Story. There is no script, just two people meeting inside of a ring. And just like always there can only be one winner. And now think about it yourself, do you really think you are the one? Do you think you are better than Shawn Warstein or Drago Santiago? I don’t. Those men gave me a run for my money, but still they couldn’t put me down. They gave it their very best, but I was the one standing over them at the end of the match. So whatever you think will happen, I will be there to shit on your parade. Because that is what I do, love. There is a reason why I am the Legacy Champion and not anyone else. Does that make sense? Or do I have to spell it out for you?”
From a distance she spotted people whispering to each other, hotel staff getting slightly nervous. But so far no one interrupted her.
“There is a time for everything, Zack. I spent too much time being modest about my talent and achievements. But there was always that thought in the back of my head that I deserved more. And now I finally took exactly that. My spot. Some would say my throne. But definitely my title. I had this one goal when I stepped out of retirement and here I am. What is your goal, Zacky? I mean apart from winning a match. Or people knowing who the fuck Zack Tyler even is. Oh wait, you wanna inflict pain. Wasn't it something like that? Then I have terrible news for you, because that was already the plan of Drago. He tried twice to put me out of my misery. And while he didn’t succeed, I felt every bit of it. But the outcome was still the same. The biggest problem your type faces when it comes to me? I live off of pain. It motivates me to go even harder on my opponents. And that is when it becomes tricky. Because what else do you have to offer? Anything?”
“Radio silence, just like expected. People for once have to understand that not everyone is made for this industry. Some get by for a few years, but they will never have their breakthrough moment. It is sad, but it’s also reality. Like I could never be a ballet dancer, but do you see me cry? Just think about it, Elena DeDraca in a pink tutu. That would be worth a picture. The first step into the right direction is to figure out what you are good at. And I am not sure you went through this. Someone told you it would be cool to be a wrestler and here you are. Where is the passion? Where the heart? Even if I say you are somewhat decent as a competitor, that won’t help you on your way. I have spent too much energy, left too many things broken to bow down to you. There are no more distractions in my life. I walk this path for me, step by step. How long? I don’t know. But certainly until I am done to move in another direction.”
It was then that the doors of the hotel got kicked open, military men stepping in. The uneasy feeling now became reality, but she wasn't ready to go down without a fight.
“I wasn't raised to hold my tongue. Well, I mostly raised myself but you get the idea. No one knows what tomorrow brings, Zack. But I can tell you what will happen on the 8th. You will walk down the ramp, all confident in yourself- thinking of yourself as something special. But just like the hundreds before you, you will realise that you are just another footnote in my story. The audience will not remember you, because that is the cruelty of this business. It takes more than a big mouth to establish yourself. It also needs more than a title win, which I kept telling everyone on this roster- or the roster before. A list of achievements will not secure you a spot at the adult table. The only thing that will lead you there is hard work combined with tears, blood and defeat. If you want the quick glory, you might as well become an Instagram model. Or Influencer. I am not even sure what we call them these days.”
The men began to step closer. Neither of them looked too friendly.
“Last but not least, I will make you a promise. Despite what I truly think about you, I will give you my very best come Fallout. Just like I have given every other opponent my best. This is how Elena DeDraca functions, much to the dismay to those that have fallen at my feet. Some learned a good lesson when facing off against me, others obviously are resilient when it comes to getting better. The list is long, but hardly worth bothering with. The ball is in your field now, Zacky. Make the best of it or remain mediocre for the rest of your life. But be aware, people like you are not meant to lead. You will always just follow.”
The moment she had said her last word the military had reached her, shouting something in a language she didn’t speak. They removed her from the reception, where the boy tried to explain that this was with agreement of hotel management. But neither of them seemed to care. With one man at each side Elena DeDraca was escorted out of the hotel, a devilish smile still on her face.
“I got one call, right?”
[Garrison, New York]
All good things come to an end.
It was hard to argue with that statement, and she wouldn’t. Elena DeDraca was tired of so many things, arguing was only one of them. Probably not even the main thing. There were plenty of things left unsaid. Things that needed correcting, but she wouldn’t be the one correcting them. It was one thing to fight a match against a family member, but another to watch them lose their mask. Elena was a lot of things, but dumb wasn't among them. There was no way for peace or an easy fix, and at the end of the day she didn’t ask for either. Or need it.
Right after the Wired Consequences events she left the arena. She didn’t wait for anyone, or grant the fans to get her autograph. Instead she asked Mark to please have the private jet ready, flying them directly back to New York. No need for any more statements or anything to add to the list of insults she had heard over the past days. If being emotionally done was a feeling, then this was what Elena DeDraca felt. The bruises and cuts on her body didn’t matter, they were just a reminder of her doing her job. There was a time in her life where she would have felt sorry for all of this, but the real world was a dirty bitch. And to speak the truth, there was nothing to feel sorry about in the first place. She had a job. And she finished it. Successful.
This changes everything.
No. Everything has changed a long time ago.
The pain medication finally kicked in, which allowed her to sleep for more than 5 hours. Although when opening her eyes she realised that she once again hadn’t made it towards the huge bedroom. She was resting on the Ottomane that Mark once bought for her in Paris. Something that no one needed, but Elena had a liking when it came to pretty things. Maybe it was the colours she thought to herself when trying to stretch, feeling every bone in her body crack. It stood there in an anthrazit grey combined with some purple. Her colours.
So another night in the library, huh? It was one of the places she used when wanting to be on her own, allowing the world to doom her existence. She had hardly been up for ten minutes when she heard the gentle knock at the door. Three times. Knowing exactly who was out there, a small grin would spread on her face. When her husband slipped through the dark, wooden door he held two cups of coffee in his hands. Obviously he had been up way longer as he was already dressed and smelled like his usual cologne. With a few well measured steps he had reached her, placing the coffee on the small table. He gave her another three seconds before wrapping his arms around her, kissing the side of her head.
“You know love, I begin to take this personal. You have replaced me with the library and this uncomfortable object from hell.”
He tried to sound light and cheerful, but she knew better. He was worried about everything- but mostly about her. For a way too short moment he held her like this, before stepping back. His steel blue eyes searching for eye contact.
“You could have just woken me, you know?”
“Do I look insane, Elena? When you finally sleep, wherever that may be, I will be the last person to wake you up. And since that one time you punched me in the reflex when I tried to carry you- nope. I learned my lesson.”
Another smile. His eyes scanned over the library once more, looking at all the open boxes standing around. And the pictures she had taken off the wall. It was obvious that he tried to find a way to address this, but Mark Kristianson was rather diplomatic. At least when it came to her. He would try to get comfortable on one of the chairs, waiting for her to do the same. Eventually the smell of fresh brewed coffee would do this job. They sat only inches away from each other.
“What have you planned for today, love?”
“Finish the mess that I started here. You know, pack things up- throw things away.”
“Some things you should keep though. I mean, some of the things are irreplaceable once you throw them away. And then you might miss them.”
She looked at him with an intensity that made him feel uncomfortable. Of course she saw right through his act. Again. But much to his surprise, she didn’t throw anything at him. Instead she sat there, so still that one could have mistaken her for a mannequin. The only thing that gave her away was the necklace that rested on her chest. Moving whenever she inhaled or exhaled. Her green eyes are a few nuances darker than usually, kinda less colourless than what he was used to.
“Sometimes you have to let go of things that are broken, Mark. It doesn’t matter who broke them. Or who tried to glue them back together. But let's not talk in metaphors, shall we? Especially when we both know what led to this and how it all ended. I am not willing to buckle down just because a kid is throwing a tantrum. I wouldn’t do it for Isabella, nor for him.”
Careful, Mark! Walking on thin ice.
“I wouldn’t expect you to do that. And I don’t think it is your time to go for that either. I just say, sometimes things need time to heal. And sometimes things are broken long before we even realise it. But just like the hurt didn’t grow overnight, the healing can’t take place that quickly.”
He reached over the small table to grab her hand. In a gentle manner he squeezed it, still looking for any kind of reaction.
“I will not say that I understand everything, but you know the kind of trouble I have been through with my family. And you always got me to talk to, when you feel like it.”
“Talk about what though, Mark? Hasn’t there been enough talking in the past weeks or even months? I said from the beginning on that there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed, right? I am far from perfect and I never pretend to be. But I know that there are boundaries when it comes to personal matters. So no, there is nothing to talk about anymore. I have seen and memorized every single word and I will make my peace with it. But I will not put on a fake smile or extend my hand ever again. I have been in this business for way too long and have been labeled a lot of things. None of them ever mattered… .”
“But this was Dimitri.”
The expression on her face changed immediately. It was hard to describe, but if there had been any softness- it was gone. The small wrinkle between her eyebrows became more present.
“He went to war with me, but didn’t think of the consequences. This could have been a match for the books, but I don’t eat his petty shit. And that is exactly what this was. He doesn’t wanna talk to me ever again? So be it. At the end of the day it is what it is. Everyone, especially someone like him, knows for fact that I am not very forgiving. I don’t hold grudges either, but I am pretty good at moving on without people. I have done this more than once. The one thing that changed though? For the first time Elena DeDraca will look out for herself. And only herself.”
Her small hand was still resting in his, so it was hard to miss the tension that ran through her body. If there was one thing that he knew better than anyone, she didn’t make such decisions lighthearted.
“I think the problem wasn't really with you though, Elena. A lot of things have gone south for the kid as of late. I don’t say it was fair or good what he said, but I don’t believe he meant half of them.”
“He didn’t? You sure? Is that why he keeps acting like a little bitch on social media? No grace, no respect- no nothing. Just a whiny, little boy that didn’t get his way. Again. I stick with what I said before the match. Talent alone will not be enough if you can’t handle yourself with respect and care.”
In a slow manner she removed her hand from his and rose from a sitting position. She hadn’t touched her coffee yet, maybe it was long forgotten. In a rather graceful manner she walked towards the boxes, looking inside of them. A lot of pictures and memories collected. For just a moment she allowed one specific emotion to rise inside of her, but only to be swallowed down the next moment. She closed the box, before sealing it with tape.
“I spent so many days putting every bit of blame on myself, I don’t do that anymore. I can’t do that anymore. There is a reason they say, you made your bed- now sleep in it. Do you realise how much hard work it was to always try to do what is best for the family? To constantly walk on eggshells because someone's feelings could get hurt? I invite each of them to walk a mile in my shoes, then we talk. ‘Till then, there is nothing to fix. There is nothing to talk about. Maybe it is time to live up to the assumptions people make about me, that he made about me.”
“What do you mean, love?”
He asked although he was fully aware of how his wife felt. But maybe for once he had to hear it.
“Maybe it is time to be selfish and cruel. Or reveal the fact that I truly don’t care about half the roster, but why would I? Who are they to me? No one. They don’t fight my battles, neither did he. Ever. So maybe I am hard headed and should know better, but I will remain with what I’ve always said: Life is what you make it. And I am too old to settle for anything less than I deserve.”
She took the box and brought it to the door, but not before she wrote on it with a permanent marker. A few more boxes would follow, all of them reading the same. It was Mark who brought them out of the library, but not without looking at her one last time.
“Where do you want me to bring them, love?”
Elena walked towards him and pointed at the word plastered over the brown cardboard. In big letters it read, TRASH. Of course he wouldn’t throw them away- but store them somewhere safe. But that was a talk for another time. It was the last time this day that he walked into this room, hearing loud music blast through the massive door.
So it begins. Or ends.
RED LIGHTS [IT PROBABLY WON’T KILL ME]
[Rades, Tunisia]
Don’t look back, darling. This is not where you going.
How true this was. It comes at a certain point that people realise they spend way too much time lingering in the past. No matter if for the good or the bad times. Elena DeDraca was no exception to the rules. Often enough she caught herself thinking of a time that was long gone, and often for the better. But just like everything else this had to do with growing up. Looking at yourself from a distance, being more critical. No one was free of flaws, but you had to make the time and work on them. No one else would. All the outside world would do was point them out, trying to wear you down.
She hadn’t tried to keep count on where she was booked this week. Not that she understood the booking in the first place, but that was nothing she worried about. She was booked. She did what she was paid for. Easy as that. It's nothing you need a doctor title for. Although some people still did understand the ethic of this business. They sat there and thought because they had one or two good matches, their career was safe.
Everyone is replaceable.
Zack Tyler. Did the dude have one good day in his life? Wrong question, did he have one good match since entering Project Honor? Even though Elena had been pretty occupied with her own stuff, that didn’t go unnoticed. The boy had his head up his arse, and had a problem with delivering. Inside the ring. What else? Oh yeah, cults. It was hard to say how many of those she had seen come and go. Was this still the 90’s? Did people still not manage to have a mind on their own? Too many questions and never enough time.
For a long week Elena DeDraca had decided to go on radio silence. At the point that happened, there was too much to say. But none of it seemed right. Her body and mind were tired, drained even. She tried to be the better person once again, and maybe she had failed. But going back to her roots, opened her eyes. Finally she felt the pride of what she had achieved over the past months. She. Not anyone else.
Bitter pill to swallow, huh?
She had made it down to the hotel lobby, sitting somewhere as far as possible from other people. Currently working on new designs for her fashion line, enjoying the sun on her skin. It was an odd feeling. Everything, despite Tunisia being a loud place, seemed so peaceful at this moment. Keep up the facade.
After another few minutes she put everything back into her portfolio and her pens in a small back. She checked her watch another time, wondering when the perfect moment was. Her eyes observed the lobby once more before she stood up. A few eyes were already set on her, even before crossed the long room- jumping on the reception. The man behind the desk looked up at her, puzzled. She winked at him before finally raising her voice.
“Aslema! May I ask your attention for a moment?”
Elena was fully aware it was risky to pull this act, especially as females still didn’t have many rights in Tunisia. Thankfully all of this was cleared with management before, so she wasn't really in danger. But nonetheless, there was this little uneasy feeling in her stomach. Spotting several wrestling fans in the back, she felt a little more comfortable.
“Most of you probably don’t know me, but my name is Elena DeDraca. I am a professional wrestler and the company I work for holds a show in your area. I have been sitting over there for several hours, looking at people come and go. So you could call this a spontaneous act of reaching the public eye. Also, I am facing off against a guy that believes being in a cult is something special. And what is the purpose of a cult? Reach lots of people and manipulate them into your beliefs. Something you people probably are pretty familiar with. But that is a story for a time when I am ready to go into jail in your beautiful land. So not today. Zack Tyler. I am not sure where you are or what you are doing right now, but you might wanna put everything to rest and listen. You are screwed.”
Some of the fans in the back clapped their hands. Elena slightly bowed to them before returning to her speech.
“I am not so sure what you have done to management but you must have fucked up greatly. I mean, I get the leftovers of someone like Kasey. She got you good, huh? And while I could feel insultes, I think of this in a different way. They want me to take the trash out, easy and simple. You came to Project Honor with so many dreams inside that pretty head. You think of yourself as someone superior- someone that is meant to rule this industry. But love, how did that work for you so far? All I have seen is people smack you left and right. I am not sure what your cult friends think of this, but I sense them being disappointed. I have just stepped out, victorious, of what people would call an epic battle. And while my body might not be a hundred percent healed up, it will be good enough to go against you. I say that without a hint of arrogance, but we have to be realistic. While I believe that everyone can beat everyone, I am way out of your league. Take that however you want, I am just giving you a piece of my mind. I don’t care one bit about your plans for this match, it will be a dance where I will lead. And you will follow.”
“Another thing you are pretty familiar with, right? Follow like a sheep to the slaughterhouse. If anyone ever asked me to join a cult, I would probably never be member of the month. I have huge problems following orders, leave alone turning off my free will. But to each their own, right? If that is what fulfills you, then more power to you. Just be aware that this is not another season of American Horror Story. There is no script, just two people meeting inside of a ring. And just like always there can only be one winner. And now think about it yourself, do you really think you are the one? Do you think you are better than Shawn Warstein or Drago Santiago? I don’t. Those men gave me a run for my money, but still they couldn’t put me down. They gave it their very best, but I was the one standing over them at the end of the match. So whatever you think will happen, I will be there to shit on your parade. Because that is what I do, love. There is a reason why I am the Legacy Champion and not anyone else. Does that make sense? Or do I have to spell it out for you?”
From a distance she spotted people whispering to each other, hotel staff getting slightly nervous. But so far no one interrupted her.
“There is a time for everything, Zack. I spent too much time being modest about my talent and achievements. But there was always that thought in the back of my head that I deserved more. And now I finally took exactly that. My spot. Some would say my throne. But definitely my title. I had this one goal when I stepped out of retirement and here I am. What is your goal, Zacky? I mean apart from winning a match. Or people knowing who the fuck Zack Tyler even is. Oh wait, you wanna inflict pain. Wasn't it something like that? Then I have terrible news for you, because that was already the plan of Drago. He tried twice to put me out of my misery. And while he didn’t succeed, I felt every bit of it. But the outcome was still the same. The biggest problem your type faces when it comes to me? I live off of pain. It motivates me to go even harder on my opponents. And that is when it becomes tricky. Because what else do you have to offer? Anything?”
“Radio silence, just like expected. People for once have to understand that not everyone is made for this industry. Some get by for a few years, but they will never have their breakthrough moment. It is sad, but it’s also reality. Like I could never be a ballet dancer, but do you see me cry? Just think about it, Elena DeDraca in a pink tutu. That would be worth a picture. The first step into the right direction is to figure out what you are good at. And I am not sure you went through this. Someone told you it would be cool to be a wrestler and here you are. Where is the passion? Where the heart? Even if I say you are somewhat decent as a competitor, that won’t help you on your way. I have spent too much energy, left too many things broken to bow down to you. There are no more distractions in my life. I walk this path for me, step by step. How long? I don’t know. But certainly until I am done to move in another direction.”
It was then that the doors of the hotel got kicked open, military men stepping in. The uneasy feeling now became reality, but she wasn't ready to go down without a fight.
“I wasn't raised to hold my tongue. Well, I mostly raised myself but you get the idea. No one knows what tomorrow brings, Zack. But I can tell you what will happen on the 8th. You will walk down the ramp, all confident in yourself- thinking of yourself as something special. But just like the hundreds before you, you will realise that you are just another footnote in my story. The audience will not remember you, because that is the cruelty of this business. It takes more than a big mouth to establish yourself. It also needs more than a title win, which I kept telling everyone on this roster- or the roster before. A list of achievements will not secure you a spot at the adult table. The only thing that will lead you there is hard work combined with tears, blood and defeat. If you want the quick glory, you might as well become an Instagram model. Or Influencer. I am not even sure what we call them these days.”
The men began to step closer. Neither of them looked too friendly.
“Last but not least, I will make you a promise. Despite what I truly think about you, I will give you my very best come Fallout. Just like I have given every other opponent my best. This is how Elena DeDraca functions, much to the dismay to those that have fallen at my feet. Some learned a good lesson when facing off against me, others obviously are resilient when it comes to getting better. The list is long, but hardly worth bothering with. The ball is in your field now, Zacky. Make the best of it or remain mediocre for the rest of your life. But be aware, people like you are not meant to lead. You will always just follow.”
The moment she had said her last word the military had reached her, shouting something in a language she didn’t speak. They removed her from the reception, where the boy tried to explain that this was with agreement of hotel management. But neither of them seemed to care. With one man at each side Elena DeDraca was escorted out of the hotel, a devilish smile still on her face.
“I got one call, right?”
