Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2013 19:53:50 GMT -6
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: 2011
Paradise. The type of heaven men long for. The sun-scorched End of the World Bar sat proudly on the soft sand. There were all types of people inside. Losers, winners, downers, uppers and everything in between; a cocktail far stronger than any of the bartenders could concoct.
The Man Who Was Not Yet Orange was also inside.
He was somewhere between five and six. The booze was practically seeping from his sockets. The stool beneath him had become something of a constant, dedicated companion. They had only become acquainted a few weeks ago, but the relationship looked like it was going to last. A true love story if there ever had been one.
“Another?” Lou, the longsuffering barkeep, said.
The Man looked up from his near depleted drink and gave a weary nod.
Lou prepared the drink and sat it down. “When do you start drinking Evan Williams, kid?”
The Man looked up again. This time there were tears threatening to escape.
Lou gave a gentle nod and left well enough alone.
The Man tormented his nerves and took a big gulp.
Flash.
Juliana had been waiting all afternoon for his arrival. Dinner was on the table, the house was clean. Her domestication had been fueled by her undying love for her man and the budding family they were trying to have.
He walked into their house with fresh bruises and cuts and a tough story. It was always the same. Juliana walked up to him and greeted him with a loving kiss.
“Are you ok?” She asked as her fingers swept his battered cheek softly.
His reply was cliché, but honest. “Now I am.”
Now I am…
Flash.
“Leave him be. He’s a regular.” Lou said to an overzealous tourist.
“But I know who he is!” The tourist with a Magnum PI mustache exclaimed. We’ll call him Higgins.
“He’s not that guy anymore. Just have a drink and move on, sir.”
“Hey!” Higgins said. “You’re a fucking star, man. What are you doing in a place like this? *****, I’m your biggest fan!”
The Man looked up from his whiskey and smiled. He even offered a thumbs up.
“Fuck yeah, man. When are you getting back in the ring?”
“Ring?” The Man questioned.
Flash.
“That’s the one.” He said to the Chinese jeweler.
“You make good choice, yeah! She love it, huh?” The Chinese woman with too much makeup said.
“I hope so. I’m kind of nervous! I’ve never asked anyone to marry me before.”
“For this, even I marry you!” She laughed. She then handed over the diamond ring.
He took it in his hand and smiled.
Flash.
“You know, bust some people’s asses!” Higgins said. He then threw a few wild punches for visual effect.
“I don’t do that anymore.”
“Why not? You were really coming into your own. I think you’re the best of the bunch.”
“Of what bunch?”
“All of them! You are the cream.”
The Man finished the rest of his glass and beckoned for another.
“You don’t know this but I was in Boston that night. I saw what you did at Wonderland.”
Flash.
Creep kept cutting him. Creep was practically slicing and dicing into his flesh. The villain was unforgiving and cruel. It hurt so bad and there was blood everywhere. But throughout all the pain, all he could think about was Juliana.
Don’t cut me anymore, please.
Creep twisted a barb.
I’ve got to make it home.
Creep ripped into his face. His cheek was almost taken off.
She’s waiting on me.
He was stuck. He was now a pin cushion for the sharp points.
Please don’t cut me anymore.
Creep faltered. He took advantage. He fought like a man with everything to lose. Because he was.
I’ve got to make it home.
Flash.
“That was a long time ago.”
“You still were the shit.” Higgins said.
“I’m not the shit, man. I’m just shit.” The Man raised his arm and let his smelly armpit breathe.
“You could come back.”
“I don’t want to.”
“But it’s so boring without you.”
The Man shook his head. “Leave me alone, man. I just came in here to drink.”
“Let me get your autograph.”
“Fuck off.”
Higgins was shocked. He tilted his head and balled a fist. There was no excuse for that type of treatment. “You shouldn’t talk to me like that. I’m a fan.”
“I don’t want any fans.”
Lou stepped in. He had been listening idly the entire time. “Leave the man alone like I said.”
But Higgins persisted. He pushed and knocked The Man right off his wooden lover.
The Man got up and took Higgins down by his legs. He shuffled on top of him and pounded away. Lou scrambled for the phone.
The Man spent the night in jail. Higgins spent the night in a Bahamian hospital with no sanitizer.
The Apartment
La Jolla, California
2013
Nobody was home. The Orange Octopus was sitting on the couch and staring blankly at the television screen. The sleek, snug luchador mask was his only garment. He was literally butt-ass naked on the leather.
The screen was playing a match from a foreign promotion. People were jumping around and doing ridiculous stunts. Wrestlers were setting each other on fire and swinging chairs like madmen. The brutality was immense and jumped off the screen.
Orange Octopus found himself stroking his stirring cock.
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: 2012 (Summer)
A year had come and gone. The Man Who Was Not Yet Orange was still in a committed relationship with the stool. They were going to make it. He had been in the bar every day except for one Sunday in December when they were closed. It was very low key for the most part. Every once in a while a fan would come and snap a picture, but it was never as extreme as the Higgins ordeal.
Sally, the new bartender, looked over from her vantage point near a fuzzy TV. “Are you ok, sir?”
The Man lifted his head and looked over with a buzzed expression. His head then yielded a nod.
“You’ve been hitting it hard for a while now. Maybe you should go home.”
Flash.
He loved their home in Seattle. The lawn was always cut and well maintained. White picket fence, labrador playing with a tennis ball. The American Dream personified. He had finally realized it. It had been everything he had ever wanted. Seattle was home. The travels to Japan, Italy and everywhere in between were nothing in comparison. This was the only place he ever wanted to be.
Juliana smiled and wiped her hands clean on her blue apron. “How do you like it, sweetheart?”
He lifted his head from his plate and smiled. There was only thing he could say about her casserole. “It sucks, baby!”
She squealed out in laughter and charged him. They wrestle to the floor lovingly. Juliana was on top and holding his wrists down. He always let her win. “How bad does it suck now, tough guy?”
It sucks real bad now, baby.
Flash.
“This is home.” The Man said quietly.
“I see people come in here and take pictures of you. Who are you?” Sally asked.
“Nobody.”
“You must’ve been somebody once.”
“A long time ago I was a clown. I got fired by The Circus.”
She bit her bottom lip. “How about one on the house?”
He toasted the idea with his empty glass.
A couple of hours later, they were in the backseat of a ‘91Thunderbird. Her long legs were way up and The Man’s bare, bouncing derriere was between them. When they were finished, he got off her and lit up a smoke.
“That was good.” She blurted out in between raspy breaths.
He didn’t say much. He just handed her the joint and leaned back.
“What a gentleman!”
The Apartment
La Jolla, California
2013
The Orange Octopus was eating a bowl of Cheerios quietly. Silver Squid was on the phone and talking to their contact. Octopus always admired how Squid could work a phone, work people. He was a master at it. Octopus had no doubt that Squid would rise again and be the brightest star in the sky.
There was too much darkness in him for that ever to be his destiny.
Squid hung up the phone. “He said everything is going well. He wasn’t too happy about us taking the last show off, but understands. March of War is key.”
Octopus was looking right at Squid. But he hadn’t heard a word.
“Where are you, Octopus?”
Octopus swallowed a spoon full and said nothing.
“Are you going to be ok?” Squid asked.
Octopus nodded.
“I need you, crazy or not.”
“Need me for what?” Octopus asked.
“To be my brother.” Squid said. “I can’t do this alone.”
“Don’t worry, Squid. I’m going to be in the best physical shape ever.”
“I’m not worried about the physical. What about this?” Silver tapped his enormous silver head.
“I’ll be ready. We’ve been running gauntlets all our lives. One more is no problem.”
“There’s going to be a lot of bodies.”
“Then there will be a lot of losers.”
Squid nodded and decided to leave well enough alone. Octopus went back to where things made sense, back to his Cheerios.
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: 2012 (Winter)
North Bimini was still beautiful this time of year. Most places in the world were being bombarded by snow, but not here. It was still in pristine condition with the type of atmosphere that couldn’t be duplicated. The Man Who Was Not Yet Orange was also there, but definitely not in pristine condition.
Far from it.
“You must be the heavyweight champion of drinking.” Rawls, the latest bartender, said with a toothy grin.
“It’s good to be champion of something.”
Rawls shook his dreads. “Tough life, man?”
“The toughest.”
Rawls poured a double of Williams and pushed it towards him. “You look like it.”
The Man cracked a smile. It must have been the first smile to find his face in a year.
“I know who you are.” Rawls said with another toothy grin.
“Yeah?”
“You’re a drunk.”
They shared a big laugh. Rawls went on to another customer.
The Man looked around his surroundings. He saw a goofy tourist in a white shirt with SMACK written across the chest.
Flash.
He was wearing that exact shirt.
“That’s such a dumb shirt, baby.” Juliana said with a sigh.
“But I smack things! And it’s in all caps! That’s all the rage.”
“Stop, *****. You don’t have to.”
“Don’t have to what?”
“Be a clown. I love you for who you are.”
He was taken back completely. She noticed that and gave him a kiss. Their embrace was long and the kiss seemed to take on a life of its own.
He finally pulled away. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Flash.
The tourist got up and left. He was heading for another beach bar. The Man shook his head, but quickly stopped because it hurt. “Hey Rawls.”
“Yeah?” Rawls said, looking up from his counter wiping.
“What month is it?”
“October.”
“Thanks.”
“Any time.” Rawls said.
The Man lowered his head and went back to his drink.
“You look awful, dude.” A new voice exclaimed. That voice was familiar.
The Man looked up and had his hunch confirmed. The Man Who Was Not Yet Silver stood. We’ll call him Silver Man.
“How’d you find me?” Orange Man said.
“You called me last week and told me you were here.” Silver Man replied.
“Did I really?” Orange said. He honestly couldn’t remember.
“Yes.” Silver walked up and took the stool beside him.
“How can I help you?”
“You can take a bath for one. You smell like a pile of assholes.”
Another smile. It must have been the end of the world. Oh, it was.
“I got a call.”
“Good for you.”
“It was from somebody important. Somebody I’ve never really met, but I have heard of. You’ve heard of him too.”
“Have I?”
“Yes. You’ve definitely heard of his family.”
“That’s great.”
“Stop being a dick. I need you.”
“I don’t swing that way. Besides, I think that type of action is illegal.”
Silver placed a hand on Orange’s shoulder.
Flash.
Silver had his hand on that exact same spot on Orange’s shoulder.
“Please don’t let this kill you.” Silver said.
Orange looked beyond gone. The cemetery was quiet and empty. The mourners were long gone. Even the gravediggers had done their job hours ago and were home enjoying dinner with their own families. Orange had stood in the same spot the entire time. It must have been twelve hours.
“She loved you, dude.” Squid said.
Orange didn’t say anything. He couldn’t find the words.
“Don’t go off the deep end. It would break her heart.”
“She’s dead.” Orange blurted out.
“I know. But that doesn’t mean you have to die with her.”
“She was so pretty. I miss her so much.” Orange choked up and broke down.
Squid latched onto Orange quickly in a tight hug. “You just let it out, man.”
“I was supposed to take care of her. Now she’s gone. She’s fucking gone. “
“She didn’t feel any pain. It was quick. If it had be, I would rather it be that way than something painful for her.”
“NOW IT’S PAINFUL FOR ME.” Orange screamed.
Squid watched Orange writhe and jerk wildly in his arms. Squid could even feel his own tears burning to get free. He pushed Orange backwards.
“Wha?” Orange questioned.
He never saw the punch coming. Silver drilled him.
They wrestled. They fought like lions. It was a brief, yet violent encounter. When it was over, they were sat side by side.
“Thank you.” Orange said and spit out his bottom tooth.
“No, thank you.” Squid said as he wiped his own bloody nose.
“For what?”
“Being more of a man than even I could have been.”
“I’m not going to let this break me.” He lied.
And they both knew it.
Flash.
Orange glanced at the hand. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to get you.”
Orange’s arms fell to his sides and then lifted. “Well, here I am.”
“Just come with me for a second. I want to show you something.”
A few minutes later. They stood at the back of a car. Silver popped the trunk.
“Is that an octopus costume?”
The Apartment
La Jolla, California
2013
Orange Octopus felt the warm water hit his body and closed his eyes. He stood for a long time. The water washed away all the dirt and grime. All the pain and hurt. There was nothing better than a shower. It was almost a free chance to forget.
Until the water stopped.
And it did. Orange Octopus killed the supply and got out of the tub. He wrapped himself in a towel and headed to the bedroom. He was surprised to see Squid standing there with a phone held outward.
“He wants to talk to you.”
“Ok.”
The exchange was made. Octopus held the phone to his ear and spoke. “Hey.”
“You sound better.” The voice on the other line said.
“I’m trying.” Octopus said.
“You gonna be ready?”
“Yup.”
“I need you turn it up on these fools.”
“Way ahead of you.”
“You can go far.”
“That’s what ya’ll keep telling me.”
“Just listen to Squid. He’ll take care of everything.”
“Alright. Just one thing.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m doing this for me. Not you.”
Click.
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: Present Day
The bar was quiet. It had seen better days. The names crudely autographed on the many boards were being sanded off. Renovation was in full swing.
Needless to say, The Man Who Was Now Orange was surprised. The Octopus walked inside and found only Rawls behind the bar. Rawls didn’t know who it was.
“Can I help you, masked dude?” Rawls asked.
“It’s me, Rawls.”
“*****! What’s up, man? What are you doing in that getup?”
“Livin’ life, I guess.”
The two friends shared a laugh. Octopus then walked to the bar and took a spot on his familiar stool.
“The usual?”
Pause.
“No. I think I’ll have a glass of milk instead.”
Rawls was shocked. But he couldn’t help but to smile. A knowing nod was given and the milk was quickly poured.
Nothing else was spoken. Nothing else needed to be said.
Flash.
She was dying.
The life was slowly draining from her green eyes. He cradled her tight in his arms. She could smell the whiskey on his breath, but said nothing.
“Just hold me.” She said weakly.
He held her tight. His back was towards the wrecked BMW. The luxury sedan had torpedoed itself into a utility pole.
“I’m so sor—“
“Please don’t.”
He grazed Juliana’s face with his fingertips. She offered a smile and could feel the tug. She was close. Rain poured from the heavens. It kept washing away the bloody excess from his cut.
“Stay with me, baby. Just stay with me.”
She tried to speak, but a wad of blood came up instead. Her eyes rolled backwards and she went limp. He just squeezed and cried like a little boy.
Flash.
Taped Vignette
RIMAC Arena
La Jolla, California
The Orange Octopus sits. He’s looking directly at the camera. His usual wrestling attire on. Those blue eyes peaked stoically from the orange mask. The Octopus is sat somewhere in the eighth row.
“March of War is coming up. Everybody will be talking about it. A plethora of promos are going to hit the airwaves shortly. Your orange pal here, well, he’s going to go ahead and lead the charge. He’s not a coward. He’s not waiting in the wings and hoping to get every advantage he can. The Octopus gets by on his talents and strengths, not sneaky opportunity.”
He reclines some. His feet kicked up on the chair in front.
“We have been waiting for this moment from the very first day we walked into this place. There’s nothing else we’ve strived for. The championships have always been the goal. And at March of War, we will accomplish our sole goal by fearlessly running the gauntlet.”
Octopus places his hands behind his head to get even more comfortable.
“Don’t let my lazy position fool you. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy task. It’s going to be hard for me to wade through the “I’m going to kick your ass!”, “Your mom is fat!” and “I’m the best wrestler in the world!” crap that’s undoubtedly going to spew by our competition.”
A laugh comes free.
“None of you are the greatest. We are. That’s a given.”
Octopus stands now. He walks right towards the camera and takes up the entire frame.
“Alex Brooks can make all the Disney movies he wants. But he’s not going to waltz his tiny self into my division and try to get over. It’s just not happening. I don’t care what loser you’re bringing with you. You’re a loser. You’re a whiny, tiny little weed. And I’m going to get you by the roots and pull you out once and for all.”
Octopus makes a pulling motion with his hands.
“To all of the tag teams that have been unfairly given this opportunity and thrown into this match, fuck ya’ll. You deserve this opportunity like Alex Brooks deserves to get laid. None of you are anything special. I don’t care what promotion you’ve crawled out of or how many times you held a secondary title that nobody cares about. You’re all garbage. And I’m going to put you all where you belong.”
Octopus lifts the camera up to his face.
“February 10th, 2013. My aquatic companion and I are going to walk in here and become the world’s tag team champions. It’s written in the stars. I look forward to crushing all of your dreams.”
Octopus lifts his fist to his face.
“I won’t be throwing D at March of War. I’ll be throwing this instead.”
He shakes that fist and gives a stern look.
Trev Inn
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: Present Day
A Bahamian owned and operated hotel. The Man Who Was Now Orange had made it back there late in the evening. The room was modest. Nothing too special. A bed, a couch and shower. The bare essentials.
The Man couldn't help but to smile at the sight on his couch. Greg had made the trip with him and was fast asleep on the arm. He walked over and took a seat at the other end. The waves were audible and danced in the distant. Moonlight poured into the tiny room.
Greg stirred and readjusted himself. He turned all the way around and laid his head in Orange’s lap. Orange lifted his hand to pull Greg’s hair and get him off. All the rage was building inside.
But he didn't.
Instead Orange lightly patted Greg’s head and let him sleep.
and so we sing jump around sweet mary
you know we all have to move along
you never know what you've got in this cruel world
until you realize it’s gone
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: 2011
Paradise. The type of heaven men long for. The sun-scorched End of the World Bar sat proudly on the soft sand. There were all types of people inside. Losers, winners, downers, uppers and everything in between; a cocktail far stronger than any of the bartenders could concoct.
The Man Who Was Not Yet Orange was also inside.
He was somewhere between five and six. The booze was practically seeping from his sockets. The stool beneath him had become something of a constant, dedicated companion. They had only become acquainted a few weeks ago, but the relationship looked like it was going to last. A true love story if there ever had been one.
“Another?” Lou, the longsuffering barkeep, said.
The Man looked up from his near depleted drink and gave a weary nod.
Lou prepared the drink and sat it down. “When do you start drinking Evan Williams, kid?”
The Man looked up again. This time there were tears threatening to escape.
Lou gave a gentle nod and left well enough alone.
The Man tormented his nerves and took a big gulp.
Flash.
Juliana had been waiting all afternoon for his arrival. Dinner was on the table, the house was clean. Her domestication had been fueled by her undying love for her man and the budding family they were trying to have.
He walked into their house with fresh bruises and cuts and a tough story. It was always the same. Juliana walked up to him and greeted him with a loving kiss.
“Are you ok?” She asked as her fingers swept his battered cheek softly.
His reply was cliché, but honest. “Now I am.”
Now I am…
Flash.
“Leave him be. He’s a regular.” Lou said to an overzealous tourist.
“But I know who he is!” The tourist with a Magnum PI mustache exclaimed. We’ll call him Higgins.
“He’s not that guy anymore. Just have a drink and move on, sir.”
“Hey!” Higgins said. “You’re a fucking star, man. What are you doing in a place like this? *****, I’m your biggest fan!”
The Man looked up from his whiskey and smiled. He even offered a thumbs up.
“Fuck yeah, man. When are you getting back in the ring?”
“Ring?” The Man questioned.
Flash.
“That’s the one.” He said to the Chinese jeweler.
“You make good choice, yeah! She love it, huh?” The Chinese woman with too much makeup said.
“I hope so. I’m kind of nervous! I’ve never asked anyone to marry me before.”
“For this, even I marry you!” She laughed. She then handed over the diamond ring.
He took it in his hand and smiled.
Flash.
“You know, bust some people’s asses!” Higgins said. He then threw a few wild punches for visual effect.
“I don’t do that anymore.”
“Why not? You were really coming into your own. I think you’re the best of the bunch.”
“Of what bunch?”
“All of them! You are the cream.”
The Man finished the rest of his glass and beckoned for another.
“You don’t know this but I was in Boston that night. I saw what you did at Wonderland.”
Flash.
Creep kept cutting him. Creep was practically slicing and dicing into his flesh. The villain was unforgiving and cruel. It hurt so bad and there was blood everywhere. But throughout all the pain, all he could think about was Juliana.
Don’t cut me anymore, please.
Creep twisted a barb.
I’ve got to make it home.
Creep ripped into his face. His cheek was almost taken off.
She’s waiting on me.
He was stuck. He was now a pin cushion for the sharp points.
Please don’t cut me anymore.
Creep faltered. He took advantage. He fought like a man with everything to lose. Because he was.
I’ve got to make it home.
Flash.
“That was a long time ago.”
“You still were the shit.” Higgins said.
“I’m not the shit, man. I’m just shit.” The Man raised his arm and let his smelly armpit breathe.
“You could come back.”
“I don’t want to.”
“But it’s so boring without you.”
The Man shook his head. “Leave me alone, man. I just came in here to drink.”
“Let me get your autograph.”
“Fuck off.”
Higgins was shocked. He tilted his head and balled a fist. There was no excuse for that type of treatment. “You shouldn’t talk to me like that. I’m a fan.”
“I don’t want any fans.”
Lou stepped in. He had been listening idly the entire time. “Leave the man alone like I said.”
But Higgins persisted. He pushed and knocked The Man right off his wooden lover.
The Man got up and took Higgins down by his legs. He shuffled on top of him and pounded away. Lou scrambled for the phone.
The Man spent the night in jail. Higgins spent the night in a Bahamian hospital with no sanitizer.
The Apartment
La Jolla, California
2013
Nobody was home. The Orange Octopus was sitting on the couch and staring blankly at the television screen. The sleek, snug luchador mask was his only garment. He was literally butt-ass naked on the leather.
The screen was playing a match from a foreign promotion. People were jumping around and doing ridiculous stunts. Wrestlers were setting each other on fire and swinging chairs like madmen. The brutality was immense and jumped off the screen.
Orange Octopus found himself stroking his stirring cock.
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: 2012 (Summer)
A year had come and gone. The Man Who Was Not Yet Orange was still in a committed relationship with the stool. They were going to make it. He had been in the bar every day except for one Sunday in December when they were closed. It was very low key for the most part. Every once in a while a fan would come and snap a picture, but it was never as extreme as the Higgins ordeal.
Sally, the new bartender, looked over from her vantage point near a fuzzy TV. “Are you ok, sir?”
The Man lifted his head and looked over with a buzzed expression. His head then yielded a nod.
“You’ve been hitting it hard for a while now. Maybe you should go home.”
Flash.
He loved their home in Seattle. The lawn was always cut and well maintained. White picket fence, labrador playing with a tennis ball. The American Dream personified. He had finally realized it. It had been everything he had ever wanted. Seattle was home. The travels to Japan, Italy and everywhere in between were nothing in comparison. This was the only place he ever wanted to be.
Juliana smiled and wiped her hands clean on her blue apron. “How do you like it, sweetheart?”
He lifted his head from his plate and smiled. There was only thing he could say about her casserole. “It sucks, baby!”
She squealed out in laughter and charged him. They wrestle to the floor lovingly. Juliana was on top and holding his wrists down. He always let her win. “How bad does it suck now, tough guy?”
It sucks real bad now, baby.
Flash.
“This is home.” The Man said quietly.
“I see people come in here and take pictures of you. Who are you?” Sally asked.
“Nobody.”
“You must’ve been somebody once.”
“A long time ago I was a clown. I got fired by The Circus.”
She bit her bottom lip. “How about one on the house?”
He toasted the idea with his empty glass.
A couple of hours later, they were in the backseat of a ‘91Thunderbird. Her long legs were way up and The Man’s bare, bouncing derriere was between them. When they were finished, he got off her and lit up a smoke.
“That was good.” She blurted out in between raspy breaths.
He didn’t say much. He just handed her the joint and leaned back.
“What a gentleman!”
The Apartment
La Jolla, California
2013
The Orange Octopus was eating a bowl of Cheerios quietly. Silver Squid was on the phone and talking to their contact. Octopus always admired how Squid could work a phone, work people. He was a master at it. Octopus had no doubt that Squid would rise again and be the brightest star in the sky.
There was too much darkness in him for that ever to be his destiny.
Squid hung up the phone. “He said everything is going well. He wasn’t too happy about us taking the last show off, but understands. March of War is key.”
Octopus was looking right at Squid. But he hadn’t heard a word.
“Where are you, Octopus?”
Octopus swallowed a spoon full and said nothing.
“Are you going to be ok?” Squid asked.
Octopus nodded.
“I need you, crazy or not.”
“Need me for what?” Octopus asked.
“To be my brother.” Squid said. “I can’t do this alone.”
“Don’t worry, Squid. I’m going to be in the best physical shape ever.”
“I’m not worried about the physical. What about this?” Silver tapped his enormous silver head.
“I’ll be ready. We’ve been running gauntlets all our lives. One more is no problem.”
“There’s going to be a lot of bodies.”
“Then there will be a lot of losers.”
Squid nodded and decided to leave well enough alone. Octopus went back to where things made sense, back to his Cheerios.
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: 2012 (Winter)
North Bimini was still beautiful this time of year. Most places in the world were being bombarded by snow, but not here. It was still in pristine condition with the type of atmosphere that couldn’t be duplicated. The Man Who Was Not Yet Orange was also there, but definitely not in pristine condition.
Far from it.
“You must be the heavyweight champion of drinking.” Rawls, the latest bartender, said with a toothy grin.
“It’s good to be champion of something.”
Rawls shook his dreads. “Tough life, man?”
“The toughest.”
Rawls poured a double of Williams and pushed it towards him. “You look like it.”
The Man cracked a smile. It must have been the first smile to find his face in a year.
“I know who you are.” Rawls said with another toothy grin.
“Yeah?”
“You’re a drunk.”
They shared a big laugh. Rawls went on to another customer.
The Man looked around his surroundings. He saw a goofy tourist in a white shirt with SMACK written across the chest.
Flash.
He was wearing that exact shirt.
“That’s such a dumb shirt, baby.” Juliana said with a sigh.
“But I smack things! And it’s in all caps! That’s all the rage.”
“Stop, *****. You don’t have to.”
“Don’t have to what?”
“Be a clown. I love you for who you are.”
He was taken back completely. She noticed that and gave him a kiss. Their embrace was long and the kiss seemed to take on a life of its own.
He finally pulled away. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Flash.
The tourist got up and left. He was heading for another beach bar. The Man shook his head, but quickly stopped because it hurt. “Hey Rawls.”
“Yeah?” Rawls said, looking up from his counter wiping.
“What month is it?”
“October.”
“Thanks.”
“Any time.” Rawls said.
The Man lowered his head and went back to his drink.
“You look awful, dude.” A new voice exclaimed. That voice was familiar.
The Man looked up and had his hunch confirmed. The Man Who Was Not Yet Silver stood. We’ll call him Silver Man.
“How’d you find me?” Orange Man said.
“You called me last week and told me you were here.” Silver Man replied.
“Did I really?” Orange said. He honestly couldn’t remember.
“Yes.” Silver walked up and took the stool beside him.
“How can I help you?”
“You can take a bath for one. You smell like a pile of assholes.”
Another smile. It must have been the end of the world. Oh, it was.
“I got a call.”
“Good for you.”
“It was from somebody important. Somebody I’ve never really met, but I have heard of. You’ve heard of him too.”
“Have I?”
“Yes. You’ve definitely heard of his family.”
“That’s great.”
“Stop being a dick. I need you.”
“I don’t swing that way. Besides, I think that type of action is illegal.”
Silver placed a hand on Orange’s shoulder.
Flash.
Silver had his hand on that exact same spot on Orange’s shoulder.
“Please don’t let this kill you.” Silver said.
Orange looked beyond gone. The cemetery was quiet and empty. The mourners were long gone. Even the gravediggers had done their job hours ago and were home enjoying dinner with their own families. Orange had stood in the same spot the entire time. It must have been twelve hours.
“She loved you, dude.” Squid said.
Orange didn’t say anything. He couldn’t find the words.
“Don’t go off the deep end. It would break her heart.”
“She’s dead.” Orange blurted out.
“I know. But that doesn’t mean you have to die with her.”
“She was so pretty. I miss her so much.” Orange choked up and broke down.
Squid latched onto Orange quickly in a tight hug. “You just let it out, man.”
“I was supposed to take care of her. Now she’s gone. She’s fucking gone. “
“She didn’t feel any pain. It was quick. If it had be, I would rather it be that way than something painful for her.”
“NOW IT’S PAINFUL FOR ME.” Orange screamed.
Squid watched Orange writhe and jerk wildly in his arms. Squid could even feel his own tears burning to get free. He pushed Orange backwards.
“Wha?” Orange questioned.
He never saw the punch coming. Silver drilled him.
They wrestled. They fought like lions. It was a brief, yet violent encounter. When it was over, they were sat side by side.
“Thank you.” Orange said and spit out his bottom tooth.
“No, thank you.” Squid said as he wiped his own bloody nose.
“For what?”
“Being more of a man than even I could have been.”
“I’m not going to let this break me.” He lied.
And they both knew it.
Flash.
Orange glanced at the hand. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to get you.”
Orange’s arms fell to his sides and then lifted. “Well, here I am.”
“Just come with me for a second. I want to show you something.”
A few minutes later. They stood at the back of a car. Silver popped the trunk.
“Is that an octopus costume?”
The Apartment
La Jolla, California
2013
Orange Octopus felt the warm water hit his body and closed his eyes. He stood for a long time. The water washed away all the dirt and grime. All the pain and hurt. There was nothing better than a shower. It was almost a free chance to forget.
Until the water stopped.
And it did. Orange Octopus killed the supply and got out of the tub. He wrapped himself in a towel and headed to the bedroom. He was surprised to see Squid standing there with a phone held outward.
“He wants to talk to you.”
“Ok.”
The exchange was made. Octopus held the phone to his ear and spoke. “Hey.”
“You sound better.” The voice on the other line said.
“I’m trying.” Octopus said.
“You gonna be ready?”
“Yup.”
“I need you turn it up on these fools.”
“Way ahead of you.”
“You can go far.”
“That’s what ya’ll keep telling me.”
“Just listen to Squid. He’ll take care of everything.”
“Alright. Just one thing.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m doing this for me. Not you.”
Click.
End of the World Bar
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: Present Day
The bar was quiet. It had seen better days. The names crudely autographed on the many boards were being sanded off. Renovation was in full swing.
Needless to say, The Man Who Was Now Orange was surprised. The Octopus walked inside and found only Rawls behind the bar. Rawls didn’t know who it was.
“Can I help you, masked dude?” Rawls asked.
“It’s me, Rawls.”
“*****! What’s up, man? What are you doing in that getup?”
“Livin’ life, I guess.”
The two friends shared a laugh. Octopus then walked to the bar and took a spot on his familiar stool.
“The usual?”
Pause.
“No. I think I’ll have a glass of milk instead.”
Rawls was shocked. But he couldn’t help but to smile. A knowing nod was given and the milk was quickly poured.
Nothing else was spoken. Nothing else needed to be said.
Flash.
She was dying.
The life was slowly draining from her green eyes. He cradled her tight in his arms. She could smell the whiskey on his breath, but said nothing.
“Just hold me.” She said weakly.
He held her tight. His back was towards the wrecked BMW. The luxury sedan had torpedoed itself into a utility pole.
“I’m so sor—“
“Please don’t.”
He grazed Juliana’s face with his fingertips. She offered a smile and could feel the tug. She was close. Rain poured from the heavens. It kept washing away the bloody excess from his cut.
“Stay with me, baby. Just stay with me.”
She tried to speak, but a wad of blood came up instead. Her eyes rolled backwards and she went limp. He just squeezed and cried like a little boy.
Flash.
Taped Vignette
RIMAC Arena
La Jolla, California
The Orange Octopus sits. He’s looking directly at the camera. His usual wrestling attire on. Those blue eyes peaked stoically from the orange mask. The Octopus is sat somewhere in the eighth row.
“March of War is coming up. Everybody will be talking about it. A plethora of promos are going to hit the airwaves shortly. Your orange pal here, well, he’s going to go ahead and lead the charge. He’s not a coward. He’s not waiting in the wings and hoping to get every advantage he can. The Octopus gets by on his talents and strengths, not sneaky opportunity.”
He reclines some. His feet kicked up on the chair in front.
“We have been waiting for this moment from the very first day we walked into this place. There’s nothing else we’ve strived for. The championships have always been the goal. And at March of War, we will accomplish our sole goal by fearlessly running the gauntlet.”
Octopus places his hands behind his head to get even more comfortable.
“Don’t let my lazy position fool you. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy task. It’s going to be hard for me to wade through the “I’m going to kick your ass!”, “Your mom is fat!” and “I’m the best wrestler in the world!” crap that’s undoubtedly going to spew by our competition.”
A laugh comes free.
“None of you are the greatest. We are. That’s a given.”
Octopus stands now. He walks right towards the camera and takes up the entire frame.
“Alex Brooks can make all the Disney movies he wants. But he’s not going to waltz his tiny self into my division and try to get over. It’s just not happening. I don’t care what loser you’re bringing with you. You’re a loser. You’re a whiny, tiny little weed. And I’m going to get you by the roots and pull you out once and for all.”
Octopus makes a pulling motion with his hands.
“To all of the tag teams that have been unfairly given this opportunity and thrown into this match, fuck ya’ll. You deserve this opportunity like Alex Brooks deserves to get laid. None of you are anything special. I don’t care what promotion you’ve crawled out of or how many times you held a secondary title that nobody cares about. You’re all garbage. And I’m going to put you all where you belong.”
Octopus lifts the camera up to his face.
“February 10th, 2013. My aquatic companion and I are going to walk in here and become the world’s tag team champions. It’s written in the stars. I look forward to crushing all of your dreams.”
Octopus lifts his fist to his face.
“I won’t be throwing D at March of War. I’ll be throwing this instead.”
He shakes that fist and gives a stern look.
Trev Inn
North Bimini, Bahamas
Alice Town: Present Day
A Bahamian owned and operated hotel. The Man Who Was Now Orange had made it back there late in the evening. The room was modest. Nothing too special. A bed, a couch and shower. The bare essentials.
The Man couldn't help but to smile at the sight on his couch. Greg had made the trip with him and was fast asleep on the arm. He walked over and took a seat at the other end. The waves were audible and danced in the distant. Moonlight poured into the tiny room.
Greg stirred and readjusted himself. He turned all the way around and laid his head in Orange’s lap. Orange lifted his hand to pull Greg’s hair and get him off. All the rage was building inside.
But he didn't.
Instead Orange lightly patted Greg’s head and let him sleep.
and so we sing jump around sweet mary
you know we all have to move along
you never know what you've got in this cruel world
until you realize it’s gone