~Tales from the Dark Side~

[Adrian Taylor]

Chapter 1: Family Turmoil

Time: March 10th, 2011
Place: Adrian's Hotel Room
Location: Los Angeles, California

~Things haven't really... worked in his favor as of recently. Things were going great for a little while there. His enemies were due for their incoming eradication by his hands. Love seemed to be blooming on the battlefield with someone he had grown close to. He was receiving quite a large sum of money for his work. His 'roommates' were giving him some issues, but it wasn't anything that he couldn't handle. Then, he received that dreadful letter in the mail telling him that he no longer had a job. It wasn't his fault. Due to unforeseen circumstances in the company, the doors were going to have to be closed until a later date. It was a pain in the ass, but these were the cards he had been dealt. Adrian returned back to his hometown for the time being, until he can figure out what his next move will be. There was one thing that has been weighing on his mind recently. Guilt. He felt a heavy burden of guilt because he had feelings for another, but the mother of his child was somewhere out there. She had a right to know what was going on with him. He hadn't seen her in a couple of years now. Hell, he hadn't even seen what his own child looked like yet. This wasn't going to be easy, but he had to man up and bite the bullet. He could only hope that she wouldn't hate him for it.

Adrian found himself sitting in a chair inside of a hotel room he was currently staying in for the time being. He lifted a glass of Hennessy up to his lips to take a drink. A little bit of that liquid courage to work up the heart before she got here. He had called her and asked her to meet him at this hotel. He set the glass down on the table next to him. A knock at the door caught his attention. He drew a deep breath and exhaled a heavy sigh. It was time. Adrian stood up from his seat and slowly walked to his doom like a criminal heading for the gallows. He stopped at the door and leaned forward to look into the peephole. There she was with a two year old light skinned boy holding her hand and a smile on her face. Fuck. This was going to suck. He reached forward and grabbed the doorknob. He turned it and opened the door. With a fake smile on his face, he greets Kenisha...~

"Well, hello, hello, stranger."

Kenisha: "Hey Adrian."

"Come in."

~Adrian stepped aside and held the door open for Kenisha to walk in. His pale blue stare falling down to see the young boy following behind her. Ugh. Why did she bring him along? It's only going to make this harder than it already is. That's when...~

: "Don't forget about me, fam. Where you been?"

~...That voice. Fuck. Fuck me sideways. Another FAMiliar face from days past. Jayceon Williams, brother of Kenisha Williams, steps out from the side of the doorway with a smirk on his face. Better known to the world by his ring name, Jay Crack. Great. Just great. This is not going to end well.~

"Hey Jay. Long time, no see. Come in, come in."

~Once both Kenisha and Jayceon were inside his room, Adrian shut the door and headed in after them.~

Jay: "Where have you been? It's been awhile."

"Three years."

Jay: "Three years? That long? Damn. You keeping count?"

"Not really. I've just... been around, ya know. Doing my thing."

Jay: "I've heard you've been stilling doing it big in the wrestling business."

"Yeah. Something like that."

Jay: "Not so much as a phone call or a letter for the family, though? Right?"

"I've been busy."

Jay: "Too busy to holla at family? I mean, shit, your kid's almost three years old now."

"I've... had a lot of things going on in my life. Things have been a little hectic for me."

Jay: "I'm just say--"

Kenisha: "Enough Jay.

~After Kenisha chimed in, both men turned to look at her. The expression on her face told them she didn't want to see the two get into a fight. Adrian knew he didn't have much of an excuse for not even calling either of them in the past three years, but his own mental health has been wearing thin. It was no excuse though. He could have called. Sent a letter. Sent an e-mail. Something. He could have faked some form of communication with them instead of leaving them in the dark. There's only so much you can learn through the grapevine about someone. He could see Kenisha was hurt though and he could only assume it was his fault. Fuck assuming. It was his fault. She continued...~

Kenisha: "I don't want to see you two get into a fight. I'm sure Adrian has his reasons for why he didn't keep in touch. It's been a long time since we've all managed to be in the same room with one another. Can't we just enjoy it for a little bit?"

Jay: "I'm sorry. I guess I just feel some sort of way about the father of your child not really being there for his kid since they've been born. That's all."

"He's right... I have not been fair to you. I've been off living my life while you've had to raise this child by yourself. I can't forgive myself for that and I don't expect you to either... What's his name?"

Kenisha: "I named him Alex."

"Alex?!"

~The name she chose left Adrian with a look of complete disbelief. Alex. Why did the name she choose have to be Alex? God must hate Adrian. He wished he could just take the easy route and kill himself right here. If only he had a small Japanese sword on him, he'd commit hara kiri. It'd be better than what he had planned on doing tonight. He's come this far, though. He's got to finish this.~

Kenisha: "Yeah. Do you like it?"

"Yeah... I like it."

Kenisha: "I've missed you, Adrian."

"I've missed you too, but..."

Jay: "But? But what?"

~...Jay said, with an eyebrow cocked up as he looked at Adrian. It really was a shame that he could picture their friendship ending like this. They had been through so much together over the years. If he was to consider anyone to be his brother from another mother, he would name Jayceon Williams. Now, Adrian could see that link in the chain breaking by the second. He drew another breath and exhaled a sigh. Feeling like the energy was being drained from his body. He continued... ~

"Well... I'm sure you've heard the rumors, right?"

Kenisha: "What rumors?"

"The rumors in New York."

Jay: "Hold up. You mean to tell me... there's some truth to that? I mean, I know who were talking about... And let's face it... She's been linked to many different guys... But... You can't be fuckin' serious, Adrian?"

Kenisha: "What is he talking about?"

~...asked Kenisha, genuinely confused about what her brother was talking about. She must not be keeping tabs on the wrestling business like Jay had been. He must have kept that tidbit of information to himself because it was a rumor and there had been no actual proof of it. However, he could tell by Jay's expression on his face that he knew what Adrian was saying and was none too happy about it.~

"Ugh... Fuck... Well... I don't know how to say this... I can't blame you for hating me... But... Goddamn it... I've... I've got... I've got feelings for another..."

Kenisha: "What? What are you saying?"

"What I'm saying is... I'm--"

~...That's when Adrian felt gravity work it's magic when Jayceon's fist connected with his mouth and knocked him off of his feet. It looks like he couldn't bare to see his own flesh and blood be hurt by a man that he had held so near and dear to his heart. The back of Adrian's head bounced off of the hotel room floor when he landed. All he could think to himself was that he deserved that and more. God, that hurt like Hell. Jayceon may be shorter than him, but damn he can still knock your block off with his fist. Adrian began to roll over onto his side, but several kicks found themselves jabbing into his abdomen. The breath left his lungs with each blow, but Kenisha got up and pulled her brother off of him.~

Kenisha: "Jay! Stop! Stop! Stop!"

Jay: "What?! You want me to stop?! Are you serious?! Do you know what the fuck he has been doing?! You've been out here, all alone, raising his and your kid by yourself! What has he been doing? Living his life and running around with another fuckin' bitch on the side! And you want me to stop?!"

~Adrian finally managed to roll over onto his hands and knees. It hurt to breathe, but he deserved it. What kind of person does this to another? What kind of person would treat another human being like this? The fantasy of being alone was over. He couldn't do it anymore. He could hear his dark shadow chuckling deep in the recesses of his mind. The bastard was probably having a blast watching this go on. Adrian looked up at Kenisha. He could see the damage had been done and the pain he has caused in her big brown eyes. He wished he could just die right here.~

"He's right... *cough*...Just forget about me... Forget we've ever met... Forget you've ever known me... You deserve better than me... And you'll be better off without me..."

Jay: "Motherfucker... What about your son? You just going to forget he ever existed?"

"No... He's probably the one thing... The only thing... I've ever done right in my life... I'll be there to support him... And make sure all is good for him... But... Kenisha deserves someone who will love her and take care of her..."

Kenisha: "Adrian..."

Jay: "I can't fuckin' sit here and listen to this anymore. I thought we'd come here, have a heartfelt reunion, and trade war stories about what we've been doing. I'd bust your balls for being a damn recluse and see if what I've been hearing was false... But now? I can't even fuckin' look at you anymore without wanting to kick the shit out of you. Kenisha... Let's get the fuck out of here."

~Adrian watched at Jayceon started heading for the exit, waving for Kenisha to come along with him. She leaned down and picked up Alex who must have been oblivious to everything that was going on. He's only two years old. Adrian hoped the kid wouldn't remember any of this when he got older. The kid looked so much like Adrian, it hurt to see Kenisha follow her brother to the door with him. Kenisha stood there for a brief moment to look down at Adrian. Tears were beginning to swell up in her eyes, then she turned to follow her brother to the exit. Adrian felt like shit. The door slammed shut and now he was all alone with this hole in his heart. He'd hurt his childhood friend beyond belief, bastardized his son, and turned one of the closest people he's ever known against him. Kenisha and Jayceon were there for Adrian when he was black sheep'd from his family after his brother was killed. It feels like forever ago when they were just teenagers in high school. Now, he might as well be dead to them. What Adrian needed right now was another drink from his bottle of Hennessy. The good thing about pain was that it can't swim. Adrian would drown it all in a pool of alcohol.~

To be continued...

[Adrian Taylor]

Chapter 2: Family Reunion

Time: March 23rd, 2011
Place: Sunnyside Cemetary
Location: Long Beach, California

~It had been thirteen days since breaking Kenisha's heart and alienating himself from the Williams family as a whole. During those thirteen days, Adrian had proceeded to do what he does best when it came to dealing with pain. He'd drink himself silly and get himself involved in the local underground bare knuckle boxing clubs. You know. Those places we don't ever talk about because that's the first and second rule? They exist. Adrian took it upon himself to seek these places out and vent by slamming his fists into another guy's jaw. Sometimes he would claim a victory because he either outmatched his opponent or outlasted them. Sometimes he would wake up with the taste of blood in his mouth and his face covered in bruises. He didn't walk into these clubs expecting to win. He just wanted to lash out at something or someone. These places provided that for him without any consequences when it was all said and done. He'd fight. He'd shake hands. Then he would be off on his way. The most recent encounter was with some mechanic who must have been an ex-con because he was built like a fucking tank. It's unfortunate that Adrian can't say that he had the advantage in this situation and he was left walking away with a face that felt like putty. Fuck it. He'll heal soon enough. It was nothing. Even the Mona Lisa was falling apart, right? Adrian found himself stumbling across the grass at Sunnyside Cemetery in Long Beach with a half empty bottle of Olde English in his hand. He stopped for a moment to tip the bottle back and have a quick drink from it before proceeding. Why was he walking through a cemetery in the middle of the day while under the influence of alcohol?

This was a place he'd become all too familiar with. It was the anniversary of a death in his family. When he was out on the road, he would always find the time to come back to California and visit. They may have not wanted him around when they were alive, but he would continue to return after they were gone until he was placed right beside them.

He scanned the names on the tombstones as he passed them by. There were two names in particular that he was looking for. He'd been here before. Twice actually. One time eleven years ago, and a second time four years ago. They were funerals for people close to him, but he had to watch from afar. He wasn't exactly invited or accepted by the rest of the people who were in attendance on both occasions. He just wished he could remember where the Hell those names were here. Adrian paused again, taking a moment to sip from his liquor bottle. While he was drinking, he saw a mauve marble cross out of the corner of his eye. When he lowered the bottle, Adrian swallowed and said...~

"Bingo."

~Adrian walked across the grass and around to the front of the tombstone. He had found them. To his right was a tombstone with the name "Alex Taylor" etched into with the date 1993 - 2000 underneath it. To his left was the large cross with the name "Vanessa Taylor" etched into it with the date 1955 - 2007 under it. His brother and his mother's graves. He noticed the flowers on the ground had already died. Adrian looked around at the other graves until he found one with some fresh roses in front of them. He quickly walked over and plucked two from the dozen and rushed back. After clearing the dead flowers from his family's graves, he replaced them with one rose each. Call it disrespectful to steal flowers from other graves if you want, but he'd forgotten to bring his own. So, fuck it. He drew a deep breath and exhaled a heavy sigh. Then he began to speak...~

"I guess it's that time of the year again, huh? It's crazy how time flies. It feels like just yesterday I would be walking Alex to the bus stop in the morning. Had to make sure he got there before he was late. He'd probably be finished by now. Probably would be graduating sometime soon. We'd throw you a big celebration. How old are you? Eighteen? I think you'd be eighteen by now. You'd officially be legal. You'd almost be a man. Haha. Allison would eighteen now too, I believe. You guys were the same age, right? Twins, I think? It's been a long time and my memory is kind of fuzzy. Probably too many drinks or too many drops on my noggin. I need to take it easy. I still haven't seen Allison either in a long time either. If she ever comes to visit you guys, you let her know I said 'Hello.' Alright? I used to write to her when she was living at the aunt and uncle's house. She never wrote back. I don't know if she just didn't write back or if they didn't give her my letters. I know I fucked up, but I mean... That's my sister. It's not right if they don't even allow me to communicate with her. I don't know. I guess it's better off that way, right? I can't corrupt her. She can't get hurt if she doesn't know me. She's probably forgotten all about me. Maybe it's for the better. I don't know. I would like to think I'd be a better person if things turned out different. We'd all be one big, happy family. You two would be eighteen now. And here I would be, my old ass, trying to give you two pointers on what you guys should be doing with your lives. Probably would make sure you'd make the right decisions. Go to college. Make something out of yourselves. Not like me. I ain't really doing much. I'm unemployed, twenty nine years old, single, and I got a kid."

~Adrian paused for a moment and began to nod his head. Acting like there is someone there with him, holding this conversation with him, even though he's simply all alone in the cemetery.~

"Yeah. You heard me right. I'm single and I got a kid. Don't gimme that look mom. Sometimes that's just how things happen. I had a job. I was working. Then shit happened and now I'm not. I'll find something again. Maybe an independent show just to put some money back in my pocket. But yeah, I do have a kid now. Sometimes 'Fate' likes give us a strange hand in the game of life. You actually know the mother, though. It's with that girl from our neighborhood. You know the one I'm talking about. One of the Williams girls. Yeah. Kenisha's a sweet girl and all, but... I just don't feel for her like she does for me. Maybe I'm wrong or something. Maybe I gave off the wrong vibe. Maybe I just don't know what the Hell I'm doing out here anymore. Shit happens, y'know? It was a mistake. I mean, it was but it wasn't a mistake. If that makes any sense. The kid wasn't born out of some one night stand, but it wasn't exactly something I planned for either. It was with someone I know. That's got to count for something, right? Maybe it just makes things worse though. It's probably harder having a kid with someone you know than with someone you don't. It gets lonely out there in the world, and I can't say I'm the most popular guy or the easiest to get along with. You'll get a kick out of what she named him, though. She named him Alex. I know, right? I was shocked too. I know she named him that for me. He's like two or three or something. What? Why didn't I mention him before? Didn't I? I hadn't met the kid until just a couple weeks ago. I know, I know. I shouldn't let fame get in the way of family, but... you wouldn't understand."

~Adrian begins to roll his eyes and shake his head. You know how mothers like to preach to their kids and such. They always know best. She just wouldn't understand the type of life he leads or the kind of person he is. She would probably freak out if she knew the kinds people he hung out with.~

"I'll try to work it out with her, but there is another. Yes. Believe it or not, there is another. No. Not another child. Another woman. It's complicated. It's really complicated, but she can see the real me. I don't think Kenisha knows who I am. I mean, she knows who I am, but she must turn a blind eye to who I am because... I don't know. I don't even see what Kenisha sees in me. I'm not the kind of person someone like her should be with. All that's going to happen is a lot more heartache and more tears shed if she stays with me. This way... She can live on the safe side of the fence and I can stay on my side. What? Oh. The other woman? No. I'm not stringing her along. There's actually something there. I can feel it. I feel a spark between us, a connection. Like, I can see the real her... And she can see the real me... And she's not scared of me. She knows my history and the kind of person I am, and she doesn't shy away from it. She doesn't think I'm a monster or a horrible person. And she actually feels for me too. Which honestly... Shocks even me. I mean... It's just... It's compl--"

: "Talking to yourself again, are we?"

~That voice. His voice. His dark shadow. The mirror image of himself. He called himself 'Randy Lairota.' The dark shadow strolled up beside him and took a drag from a cigarette in his hand. Then he blew a plume of smoke from the side of his mouth and looked at Adrian. Then he said...~

Randy: "Am I interrupting something here?"

"What are you doing here?"

Randy: "What's wrong? Are you having a moment or something? Oh, right. The family. Mommy dearest and lil' brother. The big 'C' and a stray bullet, right? Damn shame. Tsk, tsk. Was wondering what the Hell you were doing out here. Figured I'd come check up on you."

"Did you need something?"

Randy: "Nah. It was just getting cramped in that cranium of yours."

"I see."

Randy: "You wanna grab a bite to eat? I'm fuckin' starving. And I know you ain't had shit to eat but that damn 40 ounce."

"I suppose."


Randy: "Cool. I'll letcha finish up here. I'll be waiting in the car."

~Adrian's dark shadow turned away from the tombstones and walked off. Leaving Adrian, alone again, with his deceased family. He looked back to his mother and his younger brother and nodded his head to them. Then he said...~

"Well... I guess I'll be going. Don't really need people freaking out because I'm out here talking to myself, right? I'll keep you guys updates if anything happens. I love you mom. Alex? Stay out of trouble. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Okay? Okay."

~Adrian nodded his head and lifted a hand up to the right side of his face. Wiping his cheek in case there was something there he was unaware of. Then he took another deep breath and exhaled a heavy sigh. These family reunions were always hard. He never wanted to leave. It was always difficult saying goodbye. He knew that he must though. He couldn't stand here all day. Adrian turned away from the tombstones and lifted the bottle of liquor to his lips again. Another drink was taken as he began to make his way toward the exit. He could see his dark shadow waiting in the passenger seat of the black Lincoln Continental he'd been driving around town. Here he goes again on his own, going down the only road he's ever known.~

To be continued...

[Adrian Taylor]

Chapter 3: Eh... What's Up, Doc?

Time: April 5th, 2011
Place: Dr. Wallace's Office
Location: Los Angeles, California

~One thing that Adrian felt like he needed more of was regular visitations with a local therapist to help his curb some of his... anger issues. Adrian had never been the most mentally stable person in the world. From a personal standpoint, he could see himself having some kind of psychopathy in his brain. Maybe even a little manic depressive considering the days he has his highs and his lows. He wasn't a genius who understood the human mind though. He just knew he had some issues he needed to work out and his support system was a little lacking right now. He had been visiting a new doctor for the past few weeks after being recommended by his previous one. Kind of pissed him off a little that they were just passing the buck, as it were. How do you get to know a person and try to figure out what makes them tick, only to turn around and refer them to someone else when they think they can't help? Might as well just flat out say you think the man is insane in the membrane and have him committed if they can't help him. Now, he found himself seeing this new therapist. Someone by the name of Dr. Eleanor Wallace. It's been taking some getting used to, but this was who he had to pick his brain. He found himself sitting on the red leather couch in her office with her sitting in a chair across the room from him. The dark shadow of his was looming behind him, with his eyes fixated on the doctor. And thus, this is how the session begins...~

Randy: "I don't like the looks of her. She seems like one of those uppity types who think they know everything. She's probably just going to dope you up on pills and call it a day."

~His dark shadow whispers to Adrian, keep both of their eyes on Dr. Wallace. Adrian said nothing because, well, the obvious reasons. He didn't want to tell her he sees people who aren't really there. How crazy would that sound? He'd just look like he was talking to himself.~

Dr. Wallace: "How are you doing today, Adrian?"

"I guess I'm doing fine. Can't really complain."

Dr. Wallace: "That's good. Is there anything you would like to focus on today?"

"I don't really know where to start, to be completely honest..."

Randy: "Now, we both know you're not being completely honest..."

Dr. Wallace: "Well, let's start with why you're here. You told me when we first started that you wanted to learn how to control your anger, correct?"

"Yes. That is correct."

Dr. Wallace: "What makes you angry, Adrian?"

"Lots of things. People, sounds, situations. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Dr. Wallace: "I see. And what do you do when you get angry?"

Randy: "Drink, shoot, stab, kill. Party, bullshit. Let 'em know whatchu do, Adrian."

"Normally, I just end up locking myself up at my place. I figure the further away from people I am, the less of a chance I have to lash out at people."

Randy: "For fucks sake..."

~The dark shadow loudly drew a breath and exhaled a heavy sigh. Making much noise to express how disappointed he was in Adrian's responses. This was the problem with the guy. He needed Randy Lairota to keep him honest, but honestly, it seems like he might need to give Adrian a push in the right direction.~

Dr. Wallace: "What do you think the root of your anger is, Adrian?"

Randy: "Easy. There's a lot of fuckin' idiots in the world and I'm the weedkiller to weed them out."

"I don't know. I've gone to anger management once before, but all it's managed to do was make me angrier."

Dr. Wallace: "I see. And why is that?"

"They just weren't helping. It wasn't for me."

Dr. Wallace: "How so?"

"It just wasn't. Okay? Nothing happened. Their methods didn't help me. That's all."

Randy: "Mmhmm. I'm sure that's what they'd say too."

Dr. Wallace: "Are you sure? Is there something you're not telling me? Something you're afraid of?"

~The dark shadow sat down on the couch beside Adrian. He had a smirk on his face as he looked at the man. He knew the answer to that question, but obviously Adrian wasn't going to delve into the darkness in his heart. Not with this fuckin' quack. She had no clue what she had on her hands. He just shook his head and said...~

Randy: "Yeah, doc. He's afraid he might like being the vicious son of a bitch he was born to be."

"I don't want to end up hurting anyone. I mean, I know my job requires me to beat people into submission or until they can't take anymore. But, what I mean, is I don't want to end up doing something I will regret later. You know what I mean?"

Randy: "Ugh. You're sounding like a real bitch right now. What the fuck happened to the guy I used to know who'd pistol whip a mothafucka on a whim? Or crash his whip into someone's limousine just to mirk them? Where's the guy I know who'd beat the bloody Hell out of a mothafucka in the ring, with no remorse? Fucking A."

Dr. Wallace: "Yeah. I know what you mean, Adrian."

~The dark shadow lifted a hand up to the side of his head with his index finger and thumb extended. Pointing it at his head like a gun and pretending to blow his brains out of the side of his scalp. He couldn't believe what the Hell he was hearing. He was going to need to intervene on Adrian's behalf in order to keep this bastard honest. Cue hostile takeover.~

Dr. Wallace: "What was your relationship with your parents like?"

"Well, my father was some punk bitch who tucked his tail between his legs and bailed on me before I was even born. So, I don't know who he is. And my mother wasn't exactly my biggest fan after some shit went down that was beyond my control. So, for the past eleven or twelve years now... I've been on my own trying to survive. That answer your questions?"

Dr. Wallace: " Uhh... Yeah... Yeah..."

"Oh? What? You at a loss for words? You thought that all my problems could be traced back to my family or some shit? Did Dr. Knightly tell you why she couldn't fix me? Was she scared by what she saw? Ha!"

Dr. Wallace: "Are you okay, Adrian?"

"Yeah. Are you deaf or something? Do I have to spell it out for you? You know what? I ain't gonna waste no more time sitting here and trying to explain to you what the Hell is going on. I got a plane to catch. So, ya know, cancel the rest of our appointments because I don't think I'ma need therapy anymore. Alright?"

Dr. Wallace: "But Adrian--"

"But nothing. This interview is over. I got places to go, people to see, shit to do. Don't have time wasting with shrinks trying to figure me out and figure out why I am the way I am."

~The dark shadow still in control, stands up with Adrian and walks past Dr. Wallace without even glancing down at her. If Adrian was going to fuck around and show weakness like this, he damn sure wasn't going to stand by and watch this travesty. This mothafucka done went soft. There's no way he is going to survive in this world if he just rolls over and lets himself die like this. He was going to need to pull Adrian out of this slump. One way or another, this mothafucka was going to get back to the old him.~

To be continued...

[Adrian Taylor]

Chapter 4: That's All These Bitches Screamin' That, 'Murda Back'

Time: April 20th, 2011
Place: The Asylum Arena
Location: Philadelpha, Pennsylvania

Out in the streets..
They call it Murdaaa...

~The sound of "Murda Murda" by Juelz Santana echoed in the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Adrian, dressed in his camouflage and red bandanna, stepped out from behind a black curtain to find wrestling fans screaming to his left and his right. The fast paced '1! 8! 7!' chants began to start up that he was accustomed to hearing whenever he stepped out onto a stage. He was at some independent wrestling event he signed up to appear on. It was a one night only thing and Adrian didn't even know who the Hell he was scheduled to face. His cold, pale blue stare shifted from the fans to the ring. What the fuck was this? They had him wrestling some kid? The guy didn't look a day over eighteen. He was probably still green when it came to getting in the ring. He didn't know what the guys name was anyway. He didn't care. He was just irritated that he wasn't facing someone with a little more experience. Hell, they couldn't have signed someone he actually knew to face him. How hard would that have been? These damn promoters ask him to show up to their event and they pit him against a fuckin' rookie? What for? To cash in on his name? Put 'Tha Infamous 187' on your match card and sell tickets? Ugh. This was some bullshit. Fuck it. He'd do the match, collect the check, and bail before the event ends. He just sighed and headed down the path toward the ring. He did his usual routine of giving that piercing glare to the crowd before heading toward the steel steps. After walking up onto the apron, he climbed in the ring and walked past both his opponent and the referee toward the turnbuckle. He climbed to the second rope and looked out to the fans. He could see the homemade signs they were shaking around showing their support. This was home. The ring. The crowds. His never ending supply of punching bags. The only therapy he needed was right here in this ring.

Adrian stepped down from the turnbuckle and backpedaled to the other side of the ring. His eyes focusing on his young opponent who is looking back at him. His theme song began to fade out and the two men were left with the cheers from the fans. Then something unexpected happened... instead of just jumping right into the match... Adrian's opponent reached over the ropes to acquire a microphone from someone on the floor. Adrian just stands there with an eyebrow arched up, waiting for what this kid has to say... ~

Indy Wrestler: "Well, look who we have here... If it isn't Tha Infamous One in the flesh... What hole did you crawl out of, huh?"

~Adrian just stood there silently. What nerve did this little bastard have to start trash talking? He couldn't blame his opponent for trying to provoke him. There needed to be some reason for these people to be excited besides his own presence in this ring. He still didn't say a word. He would just let the rookie keep running his mouth.~

Indy Wrestler: "What's wrong? Cats got your tongue? What happened to the vile, venomous words we know you're just dying to spew out at me? Well, let me tell you something here, pal... This ain't going to be no walk in the park for you. You see... I know who you are and what you're capable of. BUT... You've never had to face the likes of Travis Black... The future of wrestling."

~It seems like the victim has a name now. And apparently they are the future of wrestling... Like he hasn't heard that line a million times before. It didn't change the proper beat down that he was going to deliver to this kid. Adrian just waved for the guy to come on and face him already. The quicker he can get this over with, the sooner he could get the Hell out of here.~

Travis: "Oh? You're in that much of a hurry to lose? Alright, buddy. If that's the way you want to play the game... How about we make things a little interesting? What do you say we make this... a no disqualification match?"

~Oh boy. Why not just throw dirt on this kid's coffin already and call it a night? Adrian looked to the cheering fans. Obviously, it's been a long time since he's competed in a violent wrestling match but the fans knew that's what he did best. Of course they wanted to see this match go all out. Adrian just shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head. Why not. It's Black's funeral.~

Travis: "I guess that settles that. Ring the bell!"

~Travis passed the microphone to someone by ringside and the bell had rung. Finally, the match could start. The two men walk around in a circle in the ring, trying to anticipate the other's first move. The referee staying out of the way of the two competitors. Adrian waved for the guy to come on and walked forward. They locked up and struggled to over power one another. Adrian began to push Travis back against the ropes and the referee came to try and break it up. When Adrian began to loosen his grip to back away, Travis caught him across the cheek with a slap across the face. The fans booed at this display and Adrian was none too happy about it either. Did this bastard just slap him? Was he really that cocky that he thinks he can just get away with slapping him in the face? He must not know much about who he's face if he thinks he can slap Adrian and get away with it. Oh, this mothafucka was gonna get it.

When the referee backed away and they went back at it again. The two got into a tie up position again, but this time Adrian quickly snatched Travis into a headlock. However, Travis managed to squeeze his head out from under Adrian's arm. He grabbed Adrian from behind and send him running to the ropes with an Irish whip. Adrian came running at Travis full force and caught him across the throat with a hard clothesline. His opponent his the mat with a loud thud and Adrian was quick to react with his next move. He caught Travis again with another clothesline after they tried to get back up. Before Travis could get up again, Adrian ran and bounced off the ropes behind him before lifting an elbow up above his head. Adrian slammed his elbow down across the chest of his opponent to knock the wind out of him. While Adrian was pushing himself back to his feet, Travis had made a hasty retreat to the outside.

Again, the fans booed Adrian's opponent for his actions. Travis stood there outside and looked at Adrian. Then he knelt down on the floor and pulled the ring apron up. Was this kid honestly already looking to speed up the process of his impending doom? Adrian could feel the ice cold touch of his dark shadow beneath his skin. He knew whenever things got heated, his dark shadow loved to be present for the action. This could end both really well or really badly.

Travis Black pulled a trash can filled with other foreign objects from under the ring. He threw the can high into the air and it landed in the middle of the mat, spilling out the other weapons upon impact. The sight of the weapons caused the dark shadow to laugh in the recesses of Adrian's mind. Adrian knew why too. You don't toss the weapons into the ring with someone who knows how to hurt another human being pretty well without arming yourself first. Putting the weapons near someone like Adrian in the first place was a big mistake. The biggest mistake was asking for a no disqualification match, which left this poor rookie at his mercy. His opponent was in for a world of pain.

This was the moment that Adrian felt himself lose it. It happened so fast that the crowd almost went silent after it happened. Travis was getting ready to slide back into the ring to continue the match, but found himself meeting to tip of Adrian's boot before he could get onto his feet. Adrian had ran forward when he saw Travis getting back in the ring and kicked him square across the side of his head, punt-style. This left the poor rookie out cold face first on the mat, his body remaining motionless. Sure. It was a move he'd used in the past to end matches, but Adrian brought it to such a screeching halt without warning that it must have caught everyone off guard. This would usually be the moment that he'd flip the limp body of his fallen opponent and cover them for the three count, but Adrian had other plans in mind.

Adrian crouched down and grabbed Travis by his head and upper body. Then he forced the guy back onto his feet, with their head tucked under his arm like he was about to drill him into the mat with a DDT. Instead of doing that, Adrian threw Travis' arm over his head and grabbed onto his opponent's tights. Then he forced the man's body up into the air and planted them down into the mat with a brainbuster. This left Travis laid out in the middle of the ring, flat on his back. Adrian rolled over and got back to his feet. His eyes shifted to the trash can of goodies that his opponent was so generous to have supplied.

He walked over to the can and looked inside. Adrian reached inside and pulled a long steel chain from it. Then he headed over to Travis and knelt down to pick his head up. After forcing Travis to sit up, Adrian wrapped the steel chain around his knuckles and lifted it up in the air to show the audience. They didn't make much noise for the display. Fuck it. He wasn't doing this for them. He was doing this for himself. This was fuckin' therapeutic. He looked down at Travis, the man's eyes were glazed over like he didn't know what was going on right now. Adrian was going to give the man a wake up call. He slammed the chain down into his opponent's forehead. Then he lifted the chain up again, and slammed it down again. And again. And again. And again. Until there was a red stream forming from the forehead of Travis Black, Adrian assaulted him again with a final shot with the steel chain and pushed their body to the mat.

The referee stood there with a confused look on his face. It looked like the referee didn't know whether he should let Adrian continue his attack or if he should try to break it up. Was that fear Adrian smelled in the air? He saw the referee attempting to approach him, trying to talk him down...~

Referee: "Look pal, just ease up on him. Pin him and get it over wi--"

~...And the referee was cut off when Adrian's foot met their stomach with a swift kick. Then Adrian grabbed on of their arms and reached down to grab on of their legs too. He lifted the referee's body up onto his shoulders. Adrian twisted his body slightly and snapped forward. Throwing the referee's legs behind him, while still holding onto their head, Adrian performed a swing jawbreaker on the man. And that was the end of that little distraction. To put the cherry on this sundae, there was a reaction from the crowd this time. It wasn't the reaction he was expecting either. Were they actually... booing him? Were they not pleased with what he was doing? Was he taking this too far?

Should he stop...? Pfft. Fuck that.

Adrian looked over at his opponent, who was trying to escape under the bottom rope while leaving a trail of blood behind him. He walked over to the fallen Travis Black and grabbed him by both of his ankles. He dragged his opponent back into the middle of the ring and then delivered a hard stomp on the middle of their spine to knock the wind out of them again. Then Adrian turned to the trash can again and grabbed it from the mat. He dumped out whatever was inside, which was just a kendo stick, a crutch, and an acoustic guitar. He probably wasn't going to use them, but he could use this trash can. Adrian set the can down on it's side before turning his attention back to his opponent.

He reached down and grabbed Travis again by his head. To his surprise, Travis actually attempted to throw a weak punch to defend himself. It didn't do much to Adrian since there was hardly any force behind it. Didn't hurt to try though, but it wasn't enough to stop Adrian. When Travis swung a second time, Adrian blocked it with one forearm before reaching down to grab Travis by the throat. He forced the man to stand to his feet while also applying pressure to his opponent's neck, cutting off their air supply with his fingers. This mothafucka... Adrian spun Travis around and slipped his arms under theirs. His hands met behind Travis' neck and Adrian locked his fingers together, gripping them in a full nelson. He stepped over to make sure the trash can was positioned direction behind them. Then he leaned forward and pulled back, lifting Travis off of his feet in the process. Adrian dropped Travis square on his neck, on top of the trash can, with a dragon suplex. The result was one crumpled body and one crumpled trash can.

The boos continued from the crowd. Adrian just smirked. Then he rolled himself across the bloody mat and under the bottom ropes. He could hear the screams from fans, telling him to stop, insulting him. Some people had their phones and cameras out. They were recording this little incident. It would probably make it's way onto the internet after tonight. He didn't bother responding to them. He had his eyes on two black steel chairs and he grabbed both of them before returning back to the ring. He found Travis right where he left him. Face down on the mat, bleeding all over it, with the crushed trash can a few inches from his head. If the man wasn't unconscious yet, he was going to be after this.

He walked across the ring to where his opponent was laying. He dropped the chairs and knelt down to place a couple of fingers on his opponents neck. Checking to make sure the son of a bitch had a pulse still. Luckily, he still felt one. He bet Travis Black had no clue this was what his night was going to turn into when he came to the Asylum Arena tonight.

Adrian reached over to one of the chair he had and grabbed it. Then he placed it underneath Travis' face before grabbing the other one and standing up. He could see out of the corner of his eye that some of the security for this independent wrestling organization were hurrying down to the ring. They must have seen Adrian check for a pulse before positioning the chair. He could only assume that they thought he planned on killing this rookie in the middle of the ring with these steel chairs.

Well... They weren't that far off from the truth.

Before any of them could make it inside of the ring, Adrian lifted the chair high above his head and slammed it down across the back of Travis Black's skull with all his might. The next thing he knew, Adrian found himself swarmed by muscle bound meat heads in black and yellow security shirts. They forced him to drop the chair and back away from his opponent. The bell began to ring as the promoter must have forced the match to stop, knowing Adrian wasn't going to stop until someone made him. All Adrian could do was crack an sadistic looking grin and... laugh.

This... This was the most fun he has had in ages.~

To be continued...

[Adrian Taylor]

Chapter 5: Oh Radio, Tell Me Everything You Know

Time: June 1st, 2011
Place: The Airwaves
Location: On a phone, somewhere out there in the world

Remmy: "Ayo, it's that nyukka Jin mothafuggin' Remmy... And yer listening to HitEmRadio on HitEmUpRadio.com. And if you change the channel? I'ma come by yer place and give you a Reality Check, nyukka!"

~...says the voice of a long time friend of Adrian, through the speakers of whoever may have come across the site upon hearing about the Asylum Center Incident. Perhaps you've heard of it. That poor independent wrestler who ended up in critical condition at the hospital after the brief brutal beating given to him by the hands of Adrian. And you may have wanted to read up on it. You may have wanted to surf the web for any word from Adrian himself to speak on the incident. Look no further. You found the first interview given by Adrian since the incident. The recording that is about to play was a radio interview involving Jin Remmy, who took a step away from the ring to do the radio show, and his questions he had concerning the Asylum Center incident and more...~

Remmy: "Alright. Now, we've come to the big segment of tonight's show. Let me just press this little button right here and..."

~...RIIIIIING... RIIIIIING... RIIIIING... RIIII--~

"Hello?"

Remmy: "Yooooo nyukka! It's ya boy, Remmy!"

"Oh. Hey. That interview thing you wanted to do was tonight?"

Remmy: "Yeah. That cool with you?"

"Uhh... Sure. Yeah. I got some time to kill. What's up?"

Remmy: "'What's up?' What is up my nyukka is that people have been asking about what happened in Philadelphia. That is what is up."

"What's there to say about it? I came. I saw. I conquered. I got carried out by security. Just the usual day in the life of Adrian Taylor."

Remmy: "Well, we know that much already. What the people want to do is... What happened? Why did you go all psycho on that poor kid?"

"Go psycho? I didn't go psycho, Remmy. I was just being who I've always been. And what I've always been was a fuckin' animal. You see, that kid in Philadelphia deserved everything he got that night. You poke an vicious animal with a stick, don't be surprised when it mauls your ass. I left his ass FUBAR'D. Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition."

Remmy: "Well, you're not too far off from that. You left the little nyukka in a coma from that chair shot. People thought you planned on killing him."

"Killing him? No. Not at all. I wouldn't waste my time killing some little piss-ant trying to make a name for himself by messing with the big dogs in the yard. No. I was just making a point."

Remmy: "A point? Like what?"

"I'm just sick and tired, of being sick and tired, of being sick and tired of playing Mr. Nice Guy. You see, I went to this little no-name company and I agreed to do their little one time appearance... And then they throw this kid in the ring with me? Now, I'm all for helping the younger stars do their thing and get their names heard. But I will not be made a fool of. You know what I'm sayin'?"

Remmy: "I'm not quite sure I follow."

"It's quite simple. People think... Oh, look... It's Tha Infamous 187... He's this new generation's Austin. He's kicking ass and taking names. And he's got time on his hands to pander to the fans and it doesn't matter that no one gives anything back to him. No. It's cool. Let's keep taking advantage of him. He'll just smile, take it on the chin, and show up tomorrow for some more of the same old, same old. And personally... I'm quite fuckin' done with that."

Remmy: "You shouldn't let one bad experience dictate what you do for the rest of your caree--"

"No, Remmy. Just no. You see, I've been that guy in the past who let things go. I've been through a lot in my career. I've driven a vehicle into another and smashed someone in a limousine just for talking trash. I've pistol whipped a person in public, in broad daylight, for putting hands on my ex-girlfriend. I've gone to war with many of people in our business. I've bled people dry and I've given everything I had out there in the ring to entertain these people."

Remmy: "Wait. Ex-girlfriend?"

"Yes. You know who I'm talking about. Don't change the subject... I've spent years, literally, years giving it my all. I've done some very questionable things to other human beings for the sake of entertainment and I've put my own body through the ringer."

Remmy: "That's why people like you."

"No. That's why people feared me. They were afraid of getting in the ring with me. They were afraid of working with me. Sure. They wouldn't show it, but they know damn well in their hearts that they should've left this boy alone. I've had some time to think over the last few months and well... It dawned on me... Why? Why do I bust my ass for these fans? Why do I shed blood, sweat, and tears for a business that has offered me nothing in return? Who else holds more notoriety or can be considered as infamous as I am without having a million fuckin' titles attached to their resume? None. You can't name one single person who could walk through the door and drop a fuckin' atomic bomb on the roster, and half the entire locker room put prices on their head. Oh. You have your cheap little knock-offs who hop on the mic and claim to be as controversial as putting hardcore pornography on television, but actions speak louder than words. And I've proven that I'm just someone you should not fuck with... When they decided to stick this little rookie kid in the ring with me... And he decided he was a bad enough dude to take me on... I took him to the test. And look where it landed him."

Remmy: "This just isn't like you. I mean... What happened to the nyukka I used to know?"

"Are you serious? You're joking, right? Oh. My. Fuckin'. God. You should know better than a lot of people just who the fuck I am, Remmy. I haven't changed. I've always been the same person I was when I first stepped in this business in 2006. And even back then, I sent shock waves through the industry when I arrived. I stepped right off the bus and took a baseball bat to a mothafucka in a parking lot. And all his little friends got their panties in a bunch over what I did to him. I'm still the same Adrian Taylor I was when I came into this world. The only difference between now and then? Is that I've finally decided that I just don't give a fuck anymore. I'm being honest. I'm being completely honest. My eyes are open. I am being the real me, now. And I don't give a damn if the fans don't like it. I don't give a damn if any of my friends don't like it. I don't care if my enemies are grinding their teeth right now listening to me. The kid gloves are off now. I feel sorry for the next mothafucka who dares to step into the squared circle with me."

Remmy: "You can't possibly mean that."

"Yes. Yes, I do, Remmy. I'm done with the bullshit. And I'm done with this interview. Say hi to the guys for me. And be on the look out for the next crime scene in your neighborhood... I could be coming to a ring near you. I'm out. Later..."

~CLICK!~

Remmy: "Uh... Well... I guess... I guess there you have it folks... Can we go to commercials?"

~~~~~~~~Elsewhere~~~~~~~~~

Remmy: "Uh... Well... I guess... I guess there you have it folks... Can we go to commercials?"

~...Says that same voice, this time coming from the radio that was located on the night stand behind Adrian's hotel bed. He stood up from the bed and pulled his jeans up to his waist. Then, he proceeded to start tightening the belt to secure his pants. He heard a faint voice coming from behind him... A female voice...~

: "Mmm... Where are you going...?"

"Leaving."

~...said Adrian, without zero hesitation in his answer. He leaned forward and grabbed his t-shirt and jacket from off of the chair in the corner. Then he proceeded to put them back on while walking around the bed. Not once making eye contact with the tired woman beneath the sheets who was only half awake as it was. After he was now fully dressed, he noticed a picture that was lying on the floor. The picture on the floor was one of those nice, glossy photos you could purchase at an autograph signing stand if you failed to bring something of your own to sign. The picture was of Adrian in full ring gear and it was probably a few years old now. He looked younger in this shot. He just shook his head and sighed. Adrian noticed that he had yet to sign this photograph for the young woman in his bed. So, he reached in his pocket and found the black Sharpie marker he had been using to sign autographs just hours ago before coming to this hotel. And he placed the photo flat on the wall in front of him... Took the marker in his hand and wrote...

'To my #1 Fan Ashley,

Enjoy.

Adrian "187" Taylor'

Then he just pocketed the marker and flung the photo onto the bed. Adrian headed for the hotel room door and left without even saying goodbye to the woman in the bed. He told her he was leaving. If she didn't hear him in that half asleep daze she was in a moment ago, then she will be surprised to find he is nowhere to be found when she wakes up. And none of her friends will believe what they did this night.~

To be continued...

[Adrian Taylor]

Chapter 6: An Eye For Talent

Time: June 23rd, 2011
Place: The Murda Lair a.k.a. Adrian's Apartment
Location: Los Angeles, California

~Adrian was whistling a little tune while walking up the flight of stairs to the floor where his humble abode was. It has been a long time since he returned home. He let out a long yawn as he sluggishly moved one foot in front of the other up the steps. He hated jet-lag. It was always a pain in the ass after flying all damn day. He held a a stack of mail in his hands that he collected from his local post office. Adrian began to flip through the envelopes to see what had been piling up in his absence. It seemed like a bunch of damn junk mail. Most of it was from names he never heard of before from outside of Los Angeles. Must be the fan mail. Or more junk mail. Fan mail, junk mail. Meh, it was the same thing now. He'd have to have it forwarded to another address since he had no need for it now. Maybe to a tar pit? Or somewhere where they burn old tires? Or just take it all to the garbage dump? He'd think of something. He reached the door at the top of the stairs and pulled it to step into the hallway. Adrian turned and continued in the direction of his apartment. He looked up from the mail in his hand and saw one of his neighbors walking his way. He nodded to them, but they didn't return the gesture. Oh well. Fuck them. If they didn't return the gesture because of something unrelated to his recent activity in the word, well, still fuck them. That's just flat out rude. When Adrian looked forward down the hall and saw an unfamiliar person standing in front of his doorway. He lifted an eyebrow and said under his breath...~

"What the...?"

~...Who the Hell was this person? They were dressed like some kind of common pimp. Or at least, that's how they looked. You don't walk around in a suit in that kind of bright shade of purple for no reason. The suit had some golden colored fur on it. Yeah. That had to be some kind of pimp. What was a pimp doing outside of his apartment? Was that one night stand fan actually some kind of working girl? Was he here to collect? He didn't know. He didn't think that damn groupie was charging. Fuck it. If it wasn't a pimp, well... He didn't know what they were doing here or how long they had been waiting. The only way to find out was to confront the guy. Adrian walked up to the big purple bozo in the hallway and said...~

"You lost or something?"

[Freddy Jackson]

...The man that was in front of the door? That man happened to be the General Manager of the new wrestling promotion that had just opened up in Las Vegas. The promotion? It was Sin City Wrestling. If you haven't heard about it yet? You ain't been paying attention. God, this place was a dump. Why did Rouge have to send him to go find this guy? A big star like that? Still living in the ghettos of Compton? Come on, son! He expected some big freakin' mansion. Low riders parked outside in front of the garage. Liquor flowing out of a fountain in his front yard. What a guy like that was doing living in some crummy apartment building in a run down area like this was beyond him. He just hoped that he could get in contact with the man and get back to Las Vegas. ASAP. He was too damn pretty to be stuck in the hood. A person could get robbed in broad daylight and no one would lift a finger to help them. It's a damn shame. It's why he didn't have much faith in humanity. However, it seems like someone up there must have heard his prayers because his train of thought was broken by a voice that was addressing him. He looked up from the floor when he heard someone talking and his eyes lit up when he saw who it was. A big shit-eating grin stretched across his face from ear to ear. He pushed himself off of the wall and started walking toward Adrian with his arms open. He had found the man his boss had told him to track down at last. Freddy Jackson greeted him with...

"Haha! Just the man I've been lookin' for. Been wonderin' when you were goin' to get here. You and I? We've got some business to talk about, playa'. Mind if I come in? I've got a proposition for ya, my man."

THE END