Post by Gerard Angelo on Oct 21, 2019 22:49:45 GMT -5
Chapter 3
9/23/19
It was the night before Deadly Intentions, and Gerard tossed and turned in bed all night. He was haunted by dreams once again. This time they weren’t demons or him drowning. It was nightmares of Kara marrying Theo. Gerard was seated in one of the pews of the church, watching as a priest officiated the wedding. When he got to asking if anyone had objections, Gerard tried to speak up, yet couldn’t. Not because he couldn’t speak, but because his mouth was missing. Gerry tried to scream, but nothing came out. So he sat there sobbing silently as the love of his life married the wrong man.
I CAN PUT A STOP TO THIS, YOU KNOW…
Gerard stopped his sobbing as the voice talked to him. It was different this time. The voice seemed softer, more friendly to Gerard then his past interactions.
I CAN PUT A STOP TO EVERYTHING.
THE DREAMS…
THE MAGIC…
THE LOSING…
THE WEDDING…
The church melts away, leaving Gerard in just darkness. Gerard looks around for something, tensing, ready for a confrontation. Gerard hears the sound of a door creaking open and then shutting loudly. He spins around, fists clenched, ready to fight back for once. He hears the echoing clicks of footsteps in the darkness.
“Oh, relax, will you? I am not here for a fight.”
Gerry spins around and jumps backward as he’s greeted with the sight of a well dressed older man. He’s dressed in a suit and tie, his dark hair slicked back under his top hat. The man has a cane under his right arm, white gloves adorning his hands.
“Who are you?” Gerry asks, and once he does he realizes he has his mouth back. The sharply dressed man smiles at him.
“I have gone by many names over the years. Far too many for even I to remember.” The man in black says, a slight smirk on his face. He takes the can and plants it on the ground infant of him, leaning on it. “But my name currently is Ba’lal.”
Gerry stares at him for a few seconds before it dawns on him.
“It’s you,” Gerry says feeling the anger well up in him. “You’re the one that’s been tormenting me all this time!”
“Tormenting you?” Ba’lal asks, still smirking. “Or trying to help you?”
This causes Gerard to pause for a second before shaking his head.
“How was anything that happened you trying to help me?”
“Because you aren’t being true to yourself.”
Gerry gives him a quizzical look and Ba’lal continues.
“You are trying so hard to be someone you are not. Trying to be this great hero to everyone. Trying to be this shining example of a person, when you are not that.”
Gerard stares at him slightly dumbfounded, before shaking his head.
“I’m not a bad guy, though.”
“Exactly!” Ba’lal says excitedly, tapping his cane on the ground, the sound echoing in the darkness. “And look where it has gotten you. Your acting career is all but over. You are on the single worst stretch of your wrestling career. And the love of your life loves someone else.”
Gerry clenches his fists and looks down at the floor. Ba’lal was making sense but Gerard just shook his head.
“No, it’s just a bad stretch.” The Hollywood Hero spoke these words like he was trying to convince himself, not the entity in the suit. “I was just the World Champion not too long ago!”
“And now look at you, Gerard.” The entity says, pointing at him with his cane. “You are a joke now to fans and the other wrestlers alike. They snicker at you and make jokes about you behind your back.”
Gerard wants to argue but deep down he knows he can’t. Ba’lal smiles.
“But I can help you, Gerry. I can make it all stop. I can awaken that darkness that you and I both know that is still deep down inside of you.” He lifts his cane and pokes Gerry in the chest, right over his heart. “Bring back the Gerard Angelo that meant something.”
Gerard takes a step back from the cane and looks up at Ba’lal. Usually, his first thought would be to say something snarky and sarcastic before blowing him off. But all he could muster was a question.
“Why?”
Ba’lal smirks again.
“Just think of it as an investment. I am investing in you now, and I expect a return on it at a later date.”
“But why me?”
Ba’lal laughs like its a dumb question.
“Because you are an Electi, Gerard.” He says matter of factly. “And Electi are needed to fulfill my prophecy.”
Ba’lal mentioning Electi made Gerry think of Amanda and the DMP. He shook his head.
“No, I shouldn’t even be talking to you,” he said with a bit of anger in his voice, “The DMP told me that you were after me and you are dangerous.”
Ba’lal just laughs at that, nearly doubling over as he grabs his stomach.
“Of course they told you that!” The entity in the suit says, wiping a tear from his eye. “They do not want anyone to challenge their total control of the magic on this planet.”
“What?”
“Oh, did they not tell you the whole story?” Ba’lal asks. Gerry shakes his head. Ba’lal sighs and taps his cane on the ground twice. Two armchairs appear, facing one another. Ba’lal gestures to one and Gerard sits tentatively. Ba’lal sits down across from him. He lays his can across his lap and crosses his legs.
“I guess I should start from the beginning,” Ba’lal says, looking right at Gerard who sits uncomfortably across from the entity. “Waaaaaay back, before the beginning of time, the gods just all sat around doing nothing except arguing with each other about who was greater and more powerful. And this went on for eons.” Ba’lal waves his hand in the air exaggeratedly.
“That is until someone came up with the idea that we should create something to rule over like the majestic beings that we are,” Ba’lal smirks as he says this and Gerry has a realization.
“You?” asks the Hollywood Hero with slight disbelief in his voice. “Are you saying you’re a god?”
“I’m not a major one, per se, but I am a god.” He shrugs. “Demigod as you humans would say.”
Gerard leans back in the chair, his mind trying to process all the information. Even with all the things he’s seen over the past year, this was a completely different animal. Ba’lal watches him but continues/
“So we created the universe. The stars, the planets, everything.” He has a slight smile on his face as if remembering the good times. “Eventually we needed people to worship us because gods have massive egos. So we all created different beings and scattered them across the universe. Your earth became a hotbed due to humans and other creatures spreading like wildfire. Throughout human history, we all had different names in different mythologies. It was a great time.”
“The gods grew fat and happy off the worship and offerings of Earth. They were content to let the humans and magical creatures tend to themselves.” He raises a finger. “But then the worship started to slow. The offerings became scarce. Like the humans were starting to forget about us, like the no longer feared their makers. I told them they needed to be reminded of the proper order of things. The rest of the gods thought I was crazy.”
He frowns as Gerard leans forward in his chair, listening to the story.
“So I took it upon myself to show this world who was still in charge. Gods need worship to keep their power. I came and rained fire down on the world to put the fear of the gods back into the creatures of the earth. I didn’t do it to be selfish. I did it to help my kind. I would have done it too if it was for the formation of the Department of Magical Protection. They nearly turned the tide of the war back into earth’s favor.” Ba’lal scowls. “Nearly. Eventually, I was in a position to destroy them. But the gods got involved. My brethren, who I was fighting for, turned against me. They defeated my armies and locked me away in another plane of existence. The defeat wasn’t the worst part, it was the agony of betrayal.”
“So you’re back for revenge?” Gerard asks, still seated across from the demigod. Ba’lal smirks.
“Revenge is a great motivator. I know you know that. That’s why I’ve come to help you. We both want revenge on those who have wronged us. I can help you. And you can help me.”
“What can I do for you?” Gerry asks. “You’re a fucking god, man. I’m just a wrestler.”
Ba’lal laughs and wags his finger in the air.
“Not just a wrestler. You are Electi. You have more power then you know. The DMP tries to keep you in the dark about it because they don’t want anyone to stand against them. I’ll explain more about that at another time. But, I can help you unlock that power. Together we can get you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Suddenly Ba’lal appears behind Gerry’s chair, leaning over it, placing both hands on his shoulders.
“Money, power, success.”
He leans closer, whispering in Gerard’s ear.
“The PCW World Championship. The title that is rightfully yours.”
Gerard nods as Ba’lal says the things he wants to hear. He leans even closer to Gerard’s ear.
“Kara…”
Gerard’s eyes go wide and he stands up, facing the one offering him everything he’s ever wanted.
“And what do I have to do for you?”
Ba’lal smiles.
“Eventually I will rule this world. Humans are a messy species. Without order and control, they just destroy everything. They will kill this planet and in turn, start the slow death of me and my people. I will change all of that. All I ask in return is having a powerful Electi on my side. Because I’m going to need your help.”
Gerard rubs his chin, clearly torn.
“So what do you say, Gerard? Let’s help each other get everything we both have ever wanted.”
Gerard looks and then finally, nods. Ba’lal smiles wide again and extends his hand. Gerard reaches his out and the shake on it. Everything goes black.
Gerard awakes in his bed. He blinks his eyes as the sun shines in his room from the cracks in his blinds. He sits up in bed looking around. Gerry stretches and yawns, feeling the best he’s felt in months. As if he finally caught up on all the sleep he missed over the past year. He remembers his dream vividly, knowing he just made a deal that would change his life. For better or for worse, he did not know. He looks over at his phone, a feeling suddenly coming over him. Gerry grabs it and goes on to Twitter. He creates a group chat with two other accounts.
Hey. This might sound crazy, but I have an idea, hear me out, he types before sending it to both David Hunter and Holden Ross.
9/23/19
It was the night before Deadly Intentions, and Gerard tossed and turned in bed all night. He was haunted by dreams once again. This time they weren’t demons or him drowning. It was nightmares of Kara marrying Theo. Gerard was seated in one of the pews of the church, watching as a priest officiated the wedding. When he got to asking if anyone had objections, Gerard tried to speak up, yet couldn’t. Not because he couldn’t speak, but because his mouth was missing. Gerry tried to scream, but nothing came out. So he sat there sobbing silently as the love of his life married the wrong man.
I CAN PUT A STOP TO THIS, YOU KNOW…
Gerard stopped his sobbing as the voice talked to him. It was different this time. The voice seemed softer, more friendly to Gerard then his past interactions.
I CAN PUT A STOP TO EVERYTHING.
THE DREAMS…
THE MAGIC…
THE LOSING…
THE WEDDING…
The church melts away, leaving Gerard in just darkness. Gerard looks around for something, tensing, ready for a confrontation. Gerard hears the sound of a door creaking open and then shutting loudly. He spins around, fists clenched, ready to fight back for once. He hears the echoing clicks of footsteps in the darkness.
“Oh, relax, will you? I am not here for a fight.”
Gerry spins around and jumps backward as he’s greeted with the sight of a well dressed older man. He’s dressed in a suit and tie, his dark hair slicked back under his top hat. The man has a cane under his right arm, white gloves adorning his hands.
“Who are you?” Gerry asks, and once he does he realizes he has his mouth back. The sharply dressed man smiles at him.
“I have gone by many names over the years. Far too many for even I to remember.” The man in black says, a slight smirk on his face. He takes the can and plants it on the ground infant of him, leaning on it. “But my name currently is Ba’lal.”
Gerry stares at him for a few seconds before it dawns on him.
“It’s you,” Gerry says feeling the anger well up in him. “You’re the one that’s been tormenting me all this time!”
“Tormenting you?” Ba’lal asks, still smirking. “Or trying to help you?”
This causes Gerard to pause for a second before shaking his head.
“How was anything that happened you trying to help me?”
“Because you aren’t being true to yourself.”
Gerry gives him a quizzical look and Ba’lal continues.
“You are trying so hard to be someone you are not. Trying to be this great hero to everyone. Trying to be this shining example of a person, when you are not that.”
Gerard stares at him slightly dumbfounded, before shaking his head.
“I’m not a bad guy, though.”
“Exactly!” Ba’lal says excitedly, tapping his cane on the ground, the sound echoing in the darkness. “And look where it has gotten you. Your acting career is all but over. You are on the single worst stretch of your wrestling career. And the love of your life loves someone else.”
Gerry clenches his fists and looks down at the floor. Ba’lal was making sense but Gerard just shook his head.
“No, it’s just a bad stretch.” The Hollywood Hero spoke these words like he was trying to convince himself, not the entity in the suit. “I was just the World Champion not too long ago!”
“And now look at you, Gerard.” The entity says, pointing at him with his cane. “You are a joke now to fans and the other wrestlers alike. They snicker at you and make jokes about you behind your back.”
Gerard wants to argue but deep down he knows he can’t. Ba’lal smiles.
“But I can help you, Gerry. I can make it all stop. I can awaken that darkness that you and I both know that is still deep down inside of you.” He lifts his cane and pokes Gerry in the chest, right over his heart. “Bring back the Gerard Angelo that meant something.”
Gerard takes a step back from the cane and looks up at Ba’lal. Usually, his first thought would be to say something snarky and sarcastic before blowing him off. But all he could muster was a question.
“Why?”
Ba’lal smirks again.
“Just think of it as an investment. I am investing in you now, and I expect a return on it at a later date.”
“But why me?”
Ba’lal laughs like its a dumb question.
“Because you are an Electi, Gerard.” He says matter of factly. “And Electi are needed to fulfill my prophecy.”
Ba’lal mentioning Electi made Gerry think of Amanda and the DMP. He shook his head.
“No, I shouldn’t even be talking to you,” he said with a bit of anger in his voice, “The DMP told me that you were after me and you are dangerous.”
Ba’lal just laughs at that, nearly doubling over as he grabs his stomach.
“Of course they told you that!” The entity in the suit says, wiping a tear from his eye. “They do not want anyone to challenge their total control of the magic on this planet.”
“What?”
“Oh, did they not tell you the whole story?” Ba’lal asks. Gerry shakes his head. Ba’lal sighs and taps his cane on the ground twice. Two armchairs appear, facing one another. Ba’lal gestures to one and Gerard sits tentatively. Ba’lal sits down across from him. He lays his can across his lap and crosses his legs.
“I guess I should start from the beginning,” Ba’lal says, looking right at Gerard who sits uncomfortably across from the entity. “Waaaaaay back, before the beginning of time, the gods just all sat around doing nothing except arguing with each other about who was greater and more powerful. And this went on for eons.” Ba’lal waves his hand in the air exaggeratedly.
“That is until someone came up with the idea that we should create something to rule over like the majestic beings that we are,” Ba’lal smirks as he says this and Gerry has a realization.
“You?” asks the Hollywood Hero with slight disbelief in his voice. “Are you saying you’re a god?”
“I’m not a major one, per se, but I am a god.” He shrugs. “Demigod as you humans would say.”
Gerard leans back in the chair, his mind trying to process all the information. Even with all the things he’s seen over the past year, this was a completely different animal. Ba’lal watches him but continues/
“So we created the universe. The stars, the planets, everything.” He has a slight smile on his face as if remembering the good times. “Eventually we needed people to worship us because gods have massive egos. So we all created different beings and scattered them across the universe. Your earth became a hotbed due to humans and other creatures spreading like wildfire. Throughout human history, we all had different names in different mythologies. It was a great time.”
“The gods grew fat and happy off the worship and offerings of Earth. They were content to let the humans and magical creatures tend to themselves.” He raises a finger. “But then the worship started to slow. The offerings became scarce. Like the humans were starting to forget about us, like the no longer feared their makers. I told them they needed to be reminded of the proper order of things. The rest of the gods thought I was crazy.”
He frowns as Gerard leans forward in his chair, listening to the story.
“So I took it upon myself to show this world who was still in charge. Gods need worship to keep their power. I came and rained fire down on the world to put the fear of the gods back into the creatures of the earth. I didn’t do it to be selfish. I did it to help my kind. I would have done it too if it was for the formation of the Department of Magical Protection. They nearly turned the tide of the war back into earth’s favor.” Ba’lal scowls. “Nearly. Eventually, I was in a position to destroy them. But the gods got involved. My brethren, who I was fighting for, turned against me. They defeated my armies and locked me away in another plane of existence. The defeat wasn’t the worst part, it was the agony of betrayal.”
“So you’re back for revenge?” Gerard asks, still seated across from the demigod. Ba’lal smirks.
“Revenge is a great motivator. I know you know that. That’s why I’ve come to help you. We both want revenge on those who have wronged us. I can help you. And you can help me.”
“What can I do for you?” Gerry asks. “You’re a fucking god, man. I’m just a wrestler.”
Ba’lal laughs and wags his finger in the air.
“Not just a wrestler. You are Electi. You have more power then you know. The DMP tries to keep you in the dark about it because they don’t want anyone to stand against them. I’ll explain more about that at another time. But, I can help you unlock that power. Together we can get you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Suddenly Ba’lal appears behind Gerry’s chair, leaning over it, placing both hands on his shoulders.
“Money, power, success.”
He leans closer, whispering in Gerard’s ear.
“The PCW World Championship. The title that is rightfully yours.”
Gerard nods as Ba’lal says the things he wants to hear. He leans even closer to Gerard’s ear.
“Kara…”
Gerard’s eyes go wide and he stands up, facing the one offering him everything he’s ever wanted.
“And what do I have to do for you?”
Ba’lal smiles.
“Eventually I will rule this world. Humans are a messy species. Without order and control, they just destroy everything. They will kill this planet and in turn, start the slow death of me and my people. I will change all of that. All I ask in return is having a powerful Electi on my side. Because I’m going to need your help.”
Gerard rubs his chin, clearly torn.
“So what do you say, Gerard? Let’s help each other get everything we both have ever wanted.”
Gerard looks and then finally, nods. Ba’lal smiles wide again and extends his hand. Gerard reaches his out and the shake on it. Everything goes black.
Gerard awakes in his bed. He blinks his eyes as the sun shines in his room from the cracks in his blinds. He sits up in bed looking around. Gerry stretches and yawns, feeling the best he’s felt in months. As if he finally caught up on all the sleep he missed over the past year. He remembers his dream vividly, knowing he just made a deal that would change his life. For better or for worse, he did not know. He looks over at his phone, a feeling suddenly coming over him. Gerry grabs it and goes on to Twitter. He creates a group chat with two other accounts.
Hey. This might sound crazy, but I have an idea, hear me out, he types before sending it to both David Hunter and Holden Ross.