Post by capello on Jun 21, 2024 0:30:53 GMT -5
The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the room as Dr. Emily Carter approached the hospital bed. Samuel Baker lay there, barely recognizable under the swell of bruises and bandages. His face was a tapestry of black and blue, eyes swollen shut, breaths coming in ragged gasps.
She turned to the officer standing nearby. “What kind of animal did this to him?” she asked, unable to hide her disbelief.
Officer Davis shook his head, his expression grim. “He wasn’t attacked by an animal, Doctor. It was a woman.”
Dr. Carter’s eyes widened. “A woman did all this?”
She glanced at her notes and began reading off the litany of injuries. “Patient Samuel Baker, 32-year-old male, presents with extensive trauma indicative of severe physical assault. Injuries include multiple contusions on the scalp, significant periorbital ecchymosis, mild concussion. Rib fractures, a fractured right clavicle….”
She looked back at the officer, disbelief etched across her face.
“All this…by just some woman? And EVEN if that is the full story…how is he even alive?”
Officer Davis sighed heavily. “He’s lucky to be alive, Doctor. Very lucky….at least that's what I’m gonna tell myself….”
As Dr. Carter and Officer Davis exchanged troubled looks, a single tear rolled down Samuel Baker’s battered face. It cut a clean path through the dirt and dried blood that streaked his cheeks, leaving a stark reminder of his pain. His trembling hand reached for the blanket that barely covered his mangled body, revealing more of the damage inflicted upon him.
Deep, jagged bruises marred his chest and arms, overlapping like a grotesque map of agony. Every movement sent waves of pain through his fractured ribs, each breath a struggle against the pressure in his chest. The skin around his ribs was swollen and discolored, evidence of the force with which they had been broken.
His right arm lay motionless by his side, encased in a cast that extended from his shattered wrist to his elbow. Even in its stillness, it betrayed the trauma that had rendered it useless. Fingers peeked out from the bandages at odd angles, distorted by fractures that would take weeks to heal, if they ever did.
Samuel’s eyes, swollen nearly shut, flickered open briefly to meet Dr. Carter’s gaze. In their puffy depths, she glimpsed a mixture of pain, fear, and a question that begged to be answered: Why?
**24 Hours Prior**
Samuel “Sam” Baker sighed in quiet contemplation as he blinked awake from his sleep.The large windows poured in the gray light of early morning, the clock next to him read 3:40 AM.
Perfection.
He smiles to himself as he gently rolls over to look at his still sleeping wife Abigail. Farming hours never suited her but she came from the big city to be with him when he got done in the Army, so he wouldn’t take her beauty sleep away.
Sliding out of bed, Sam moved quietly through the house, careful not to wake anyone. In the kitchen, he brewed a pot of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air as he poured himself a cup. He sipped it slowly, savoring the moment of solitude before the day’s work began.
Dressed and ready, Sam stepped out into the cool morning air. The first light of dawn was just beginning to creep over the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields. He loved this time of day, when the world was still and quiet, and he felt a deep connection to the land he worked.
He started by checking on the livestock. The cows were still sleepy, their breath forming misty clouds in the chilly air. He fed them and made sure their water troughs were full, then moved on to the chicken coop, collecting eggs as the hens clucked softly around him.
As the sky began to lighten, Sam turned his attention to the fields. There was always something to be done, whether it was mending fences, checking irrigation lines, or tending to the crops. He worked methodically, his hands moving with the practiced ease of someone who had done this a thousand times before.
The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Sam heard the sound of the back door opening. He looked up to see Abigail stepping out onto the porch, their young daughter Lily at her side. Abigail waved, a smile spreading across her face as she called out to him.
“Sam, breakfast is ready! Come on in and eat before you collapse out there!”
Lily echoed her mother, her small voice piping up cheerfully. “Daddy, come eat!”
Sam smiled and waved back, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the rising sun. He finished up the task at hand and headed back toward the house, his heart light despite the early hour and hard work.
Inside, the kitchen was filled with the delicious smells of a hearty breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs were laid out on the table, and Sam’s stomach growled in anticipation. He washed up quickly and joined his family at the table, grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and the company of his two favorite girls.
“Daddy, you gonna do wrestling soon?” Lilly asked, her small hands gripping her fork as she looked at him with wide, expectant eyes an a big smile.
Sam chuckled, setting his fork down. “You mean my wrestling matches, Lily?”
Lily nodded vigorously, her blonde curls bouncing. “Yeah! When you gonna do the big fight? You gonna win, right?”
Abigail smiled, shaking her head slightly. “She’s been asking about it all morning. I think someone’s excited to see her daddy in the ring.”
Sam reached over to ruffle Lily’s hair. “Well, sweetheart, I have a match tomorrow night. If you and Mommy want, you can come watch me. How does that sound?”
Lily’s face lit up with excitement. “Yay! I wanna see you do the flips and the big jumps!” she exclaimed, her little fists pumping in the air in imitation of his wrestling moves.
Abigail laughed. “I think we can make that happen. Just promise me you’ll be careful, Sam. I know you love it , but I don’t want you getting hurt.”
Sam nodded, his expression serious for a moment. “I promise, Abi. It’s just a bit of fun on the side, you know that. And besides, I have my biggest fans cheering me on.” He winked at Lily, who giggled bacon crumbs covering her face.
“And that was Miley Cyrus with ‘Party in the USA,’ a perfect tune to get your spirits up on this sunny afternoon! You’re listening to K-Country 98.7, the heart of all your favorite country hits.
Now folks, we’ve got some exciting news for all you wrestling fans out there. The Big Bash Wrestling Extravaganza is coming up, and they’re still looking for a few more mystery entrants to join the fun. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the ring, now’s your chance!
And get this—the grand prize for the champion is a brand-new Chevy Impala! That’s right, you could drive away in style if you’ve got what it takes to win.
So, if you’re ready to rumble, make sure to head over to the community center to sign up or visit our website for more details. This could be your shot at glory and that sweet, sweet Chevy Impala.
Alright, K-Country 98.7, bringing you the best in country and beyond! Up next, we’ve got some Luke Bryan coming your way, so don’t go anywhere!”
Sam surprisingly finds himself tapping his fingers on the steering wheel of his Ford Maverick, the bubbly if not so country track resonating with him. It was good ole USA, the same country he had happily served for 18 years as a member of the army. Now he served in another way as a farmer and volunteer firefighter.
As the sun kept shining, casting a golden hue over the fields, Sam’s attention was caught by something unusual up ahead. On the side of the road, an abandoned Honda Accord sat with Uber stickers on its windows. The sight was out of place, jarring against the peaceful morning scene.
Sam slowed down, curiosity piqued, but he didn’t stop. The car looked like it had been there for a while, dew glistening on its windows. The driver’s door was slightly ajar, giving it an eerie, unsettling feel. He glanced around, half-expecting to see someone walking nearby, but the road was empty and silent.
As he drove past, Sam couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine. A few miles further down the road, his gaze was drawn to another unusual sight. A woman was walking along the shoulder, a large duffle bag slung over her shoulder. She moved with a determined pace, but there was something about her that seemed out of place. Her disheveled appearance and the intense look in her eyes gave off an aura of danger.
Sam slowed his truck as he approached, his instincts on high alert. The woman glanced at him as he passed, her eyes sharp and piercing, filled with a mix of desperation and defiance. For a moment, their gazes locked, and Sam felt a chill run down his spine. There was something in her look that made him uneasy, as if she carried a burden far heavier than the duffle bag on her shoulder.
He drove on, casting frequent glances in his rearview mirror. The woman’s figure grew smaller and smaller until she was just a dot on the horizon. Sam couldn’t shake the feeling that he had stumbled upon something much bigger and more dangerous than a simple abandoned car and a lone traveler.
Sam kept on his way the odd encounter still in the back of his head as he pulled into the community center gym. It was the newest building in the little town but it was already looking well used with the weekly wrestling shows bringing in folks from all over. The sign out front of the building calling any hopeful to win the car.
After an intense multi-hour workout session that included weightlifting, conditioning, and ring training, Sam felt the familiar satisfaction of pushing his limits. He showered and changed back into his clothes, ready to head home.
As he was about to leave, the gym owner and wrestling organization head, Tony Martinez, called him over. Tony was a burly man in his late forties, with a no-nonsense demeanor and a keen eye for talent.
“Sam, hold up a minute,” Tony said, motioning him to his office.
Tony shut the door behind them and leaned against his desk. “Something happened while you were working out. A woman wandered in, looking to enter the competition. She looked and smelled feral, like she’s been through hell. I let her use the shower to clean up.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “And you think she’s trouble?”
Tony nodded. “She gave off a strange vibe. I don’t know who she is, but I want yah to be careful. She might be more dangerous than she looks.”
Sam felt a twinge of pride and confidence swell within him. “Tony, I appreciate the concern, but I’m not scared of some random drifter. I’ve dealt with a lot worse in the army.”
A voice from behind him interrupted. “Is that so?”
Sam turned to see the woman standing there, freshly showered but still exuding a raw malevolence giving him pause.
“What is your name?” She asked, her tone challenging.
“Sam Baker,” he replied, straightening up. “And you are?”
She smirked slightly. “Baphomet.”
With that, she turned and walked out of Tony’s office, her presence lingering like a dark cloud. She closed the door behind her with a finality that sent a shiver down Sam’s spine.
As the door clicked shut, Sam felt a renewed sense of determination. It was time to prove himself once again.
FIN
The camera fades in to show Alessia Capello sitting on the hood of her Impala, the night sky looming ominously behind her. She stares into the camera with an intense, unwavering gaze.
Why is it that so many fresh faced bastards say they are ready to do whatever it takes to win?
They don’t even know what whatever entails…
Sarah Hendricks….your just another one of the dirty masses.
You see, Sarah, you’ve had your share of victories. You’ve earned your stripes. But none of that matters when you step into the ring with me. This isn’t about your past accomplishments or your ‘veteran’ status. This is about survival. This is about proving who can endure the brutality, who can walk away when the dust settles.
Im sure you’ve done all the shit they show in the war movies…following orders…maybe leading your men with the tactics your superiors taught you…
But when we step into that ring, there are no orders.
There’s only survival.
And that’s where you’ll falter, Sarah. You’ve been conditioned to play by the rules, to adhere to some code of honor. But here, in my world, there’s no room for honor.
I revel in the violence, the chaos, because in this ring, there are no consequences. There’s only the thrill of inflicting pain.
You see I decided to walk part of the way here….and find the first all American playing at wrestler…..someone just like you…..and fucking break them….it was easier than I thought..hell it got me this sweet fucking ride.”
She pauses, letting her words sink in.
“Here’s a piece of advice, Sarah. When you’re lying in that ring, gasping for air, drowning in the agony I’ll inflict upon you, remember this moment. Remember that I warned you. And when the nightmares come, when the PTSD kicks in, don’t blame me. Blame yourself for thinking you could step into my world and survive unscathed.”
She would lean into the camera, her eyes glinting with malice.
“And think about this ... .you'll be seeing me every.single.week so make sure you’re ready to stare into the abyss, because it’s staring right back at you.”
Alessia would stand tall and rest her left hand over her heart.
“On behalf of the darkness.”
She turned to the officer standing nearby. “What kind of animal did this to him?” she asked, unable to hide her disbelief.
Officer Davis shook his head, his expression grim. “He wasn’t attacked by an animal, Doctor. It was a woman.”
Dr. Carter’s eyes widened. “A woman did all this?”
She glanced at her notes and began reading off the litany of injuries. “Patient Samuel Baker, 32-year-old male, presents with extensive trauma indicative of severe physical assault. Injuries include multiple contusions on the scalp, significant periorbital ecchymosis, mild concussion. Rib fractures, a fractured right clavicle….”
She looked back at the officer, disbelief etched across her face.
“All this…by just some woman? And EVEN if that is the full story…how is he even alive?”
Officer Davis sighed heavily. “He’s lucky to be alive, Doctor. Very lucky….at least that's what I’m gonna tell myself….”
As Dr. Carter and Officer Davis exchanged troubled looks, a single tear rolled down Samuel Baker’s battered face. It cut a clean path through the dirt and dried blood that streaked his cheeks, leaving a stark reminder of his pain. His trembling hand reached for the blanket that barely covered his mangled body, revealing more of the damage inflicted upon him.
Deep, jagged bruises marred his chest and arms, overlapping like a grotesque map of agony. Every movement sent waves of pain through his fractured ribs, each breath a struggle against the pressure in his chest. The skin around his ribs was swollen and discolored, evidence of the force with which they had been broken.
His right arm lay motionless by his side, encased in a cast that extended from his shattered wrist to his elbow. Even in its stillness, it betrayed the trauma that had rendered it useless. Fingers peeked out from the bandages at odd angles, distorted by fractures that would take weeks to heal, if they ever did.
Samuel’s eyes, swollen nearly shut, flickered open briefly to meet Dr. Carter’s gaze. In their puffy depths, she glimpsed a mixture of pain, fear, and a question that begged to be answered: Why?
**24 Hours Prior**
Samuel “Sam” Baker sighed in quiet contemplation as he blinked awake from his sleep.The large windows poured in the gray light of early morning, the clock next to him read 3:40 AM.
Perfection.
He smiles to himself as he gently rolls over to look at his still sleeping wife Abigail. Farming hours never suited her but she came from the big city to be with him when he got done in the Army, so he wouldn’t take her beauty sleep away.
Sliding out of bed, Sam moved quietly through the house, careful not to wake anyone. In the kitchen, he brewed a pot of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air as he poured himself a cup. He sipped it slowly, savoring the moment of solitude before the day’s work began.
Dressed and ready, Sam stepped out into the cool morning air. The first light of dawn was just beginning to creep over the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields. He loved this time of day, when the world was still and quiet, and he felt a deep connection to the land he worked.
He started by checking on the livestock. The cows were still sleepy, their breath forming misty clouds in the chilly air. He fed them and made sure their water troughs were full, then moved on to the chicken coop, collecting eggs as the hens clucked softly around him.
As the sky began to lighten, Sam turned his attention to the fields. There was always something to be done, whether it was mending fences, checking irrigation lines, or tending to the crops. He worked methodically, his hands moving with the practiced ease of someone who had done this a thousand times before.
The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Sam heard the sound of the back door opening. He looked up to see Abigail stepping out onto the porch, their young daughter Lily at her side. Abigail waved, a smile spreading across her face as she called out to him.
“Sam, breakfast is ready! Come on in and eat before you collapse out there!”
Lily echoed her mother, her small voice piping up cheerfully. “Daddy, come eat!”
Sam smiled and waved back, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the rising sun. He finished up the task at hand and headed back toward the house, his heart light despite the early hour and hard work.
Inside, the kitchen was filled with the delicious smells of a hearty breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs were laid out on the table, and Sam’s stomach growled in anticipation. He washed up quickly and joined his family at the table, grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and the company of his two favorite girls.
“Daddy, you gonna do wrestling soon?” Lilly asked, her small hands gripping her fork as she looked at him with wide, expectant eyes an a big smile.
Sam chuckled, setting his fork down. “You mean my wrestling matches, Lily?”
Lily nodded vigorously, her blonde curls bouncing. “Yeah! When you gonna do the big fight? You gonna win, right?”
Abigail smiled, shaking her head slightly. “She’s been asking about it all morning. I think someone’s excited to see her daddy in the ring.”
Sam reached over to ruffle Lily’s hair. “Well, sweetheart, I have a match tomorrow night. If you and Mommy want, you can come watch me. How does that sound?”
Lily’s face lit up with excitement. “Yay! I wanna see you do the flips and the big jumps!” she exclaimed, her little fists pumping in the air in imitation of his wrestling moves.
Abigail laughed. “I think we can make that happen. Just promise me you’ll be careful, Sam. I know you love it , but I don’t want you getting hurt.”
Sam nodded, his expression serious for a moment. “I promise, Abi. It’s just a bit of fun on the side, you know that. And besides, I have my biggest fans cheering me on.” He winked at Lily, who giggled bacon crumbs covering her face.
“And that was Miley Cyrus with ‘Party in the USA,’ a perfect tune to get your spirits up on this sunny afternoon! You’re listening to K-Country 98.7, the heart of all your favorite country hits.
Now folks, we’ve got some exciting news for all you wrestling fans out there. The Big Bash Wrestling Extravaganza is coming up, and they’re still looking for a few more mystery entrants to join the fun. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the ring, now’s your chance!
And get this—the grand prize for the champion is a brand-new Chevy Impala! That’s right, you could drive away in style if you’ve got what it takes to win.
So, if you’re ready to rumble, make sure to head over to the community center to sign up or visit our website for more details. This could be your shot at glory and that sweet, sweet Chevy Impala.
Alright, K-Country 98.7, bringing you the best in country and beyond! Up next, we’ve got some Luke Bryan coming your way, so don’t go anywhere!”
Sam surprisingly finds himself tapping his fingers on the steering wheel of his Ford Maverick, the bubbly if not so country track resonating with him. It was good ole USA, the same country he had happily served for 18 years as a member of the army. Now he served in another way as a farmer and volunteer firefighter.
As the sun kept shining, casting a golden hue over the fields, Sam’s attention was caught by something unusual up ahead. On the side of the road, an abandoned Honda Accord sat with Uber stickers on its windows. The sight was out of place, jarring against the peaceful morning scene.
Sam slowed down, curiosity piqued, but he didn’t stop. The car looked like it had been there for a while, dew glistening on its windows. The driver’s door was slightly ajar, giving it an eerie, unsettling feel. He glanced around, half-expecting to see someone walking nearby, but the road was empty and silent.
As he drove past, Sam couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine. A few miles further down the road, his gaze was drawn to another unusual sight. A woman was walking along the shoulder, a large duffle bag slung over her shoulder. She moved with a determined pace, but there was something about her that seemed out of place. Her disheveled appearance and the intense look in her eyes gave off an aura of danger.
Sam slowed his truck as he approached, his instincts on high alert. The woman glanced at him as he passed, her eyes sharp and piercing, filled with a mix of desperation and defiance. For a moment, their gazes locked, and Sam felt a chill run down his spine. There was something in her look that made him uneasy, as if she carried a burden far heavier than the duffle bag on her shoulder.
He drove on, casting frequent glances in his rearview mirror. The woman’s figure grew smaller and smaller until she was just a dot on the horizon. Sam couldn’t shake the feeling that he had stumbled upon something much bigger and more dangerous than a simple abandoned car and a lone traveler.
Sam kept on his way the odd encounter still in the back of his head as he pulled into the community center gym. It was the newest building in the little town but it was already looking well used with the weekly wrestling shows bringing in folks from all over. The sign out front of the building calling any hopeful to win the car.
After an intense multi-hour workout session that included weightlifting, conditioning, and ring training, Sam felt the familiar satisfaction of pushing his limits. He showered and changed back into his clothes, ready to head home.
As he was about to leave, the gym owner and wrestling organization head, Tony Martinez, called him over. Tony was a burly man in his late forties, with a no-nonsense demeanor and a keen eye for talent.
“Sam, hold up a minute,” Tony said, motioning him to his office.
Tony shut the door behind them and leaned against his desk. “Something happened while you were working out. A woman wandered in, looking to enter the competition. She looked and smelled feral, like she’s been through hell. I let her use the shower to clean up.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “And you think she’s trouble?”
Tony nodded. “She gave off a strange vibe. I don’t know who she is, but I want yah to be careful. She might be more dangerous than she looks.”
Sam felt a twinge of pride and confidence swell within him. “Tony, I appreciate the concern, but I’m not scared of some random drifter. I’ve dealt with a lot worse in the army.”
A voice from behind him interrupted. “Is that so?”
Sam turned to see the woman standing there, freshly showered but still exuding a raw malevolence giving him pause.
“What is your name?” She asked, her tone challenging.
“Sam Baker,” he replied, straightening up. “And you are?”
She smirked slightly. “Baphomet.”
With that, she turned and walked out of Tony’s office, her presence lingering like a dark cloud. She closed the door behind her with a finality that sent a shiver down Sam’s spine.
As the door clicked shut, Sam felt a renewed sense of determination. It was time to prove himself once again.
FIN
The camera fades in to show Alessia Capello sitting on the hood of her Impala, the night sky looming ominously behind her. She stares into the camera with an intense, unwavering gaze.
Why is it that so many fresh faced bastards say they are ready to do whatever it takes to win?
They don’t even know what whatever entails…
Sarah Hendricks….your just another one of the dirty masses.
You see, Sarah, you’ve had your share of victories. You’ve earned your stripes. But none of that matters when you step into the ring with me. This isn’t about your past accomplishments or your ‘veteran’ status. This is about survival. This is about proving who can endure the brutality, who can walk away when the dust settles.
Im sure you’ve done all the shit they show in the war movies…following orders…maybe leading your men with the tactics your superiors taught you…
But when we step into that ring, there are no orders.
There’s only survival.
And that’s where you’ll falter, Sarah. You’ve been conditioned to play by the rules, to adhere to some code of honor. But here, in my world, there’s no room for honor.
I revel in the violence, the chaos, because in this ring, there are no consequences. There’s only the thrill of inflicting pain.
You see I decided to walk part of the way here….and find the first all American playing at wrestler…..someone just like you…..and fucking break them….it was easier than I thought..hell it got me this sweet fucking ride.”
She pauses, letting her words sink in.
“Here’s a piece of advice, Sarah. When you’re lying in that ring, gasping for air, drowning in the agony I’ll inflict upon you, remember this moment. Remember that I warned you. And when the nightmares come, when the PTSD kicks in, don’t blame me. Blame yourself for thinking you could step into my world and survive unscathed.”
She would lean into the camera, her eyes glinting with malice.
“And think about this ... .you'll be seeing me every.single.week so make sure you’re ready to stare into the abyss, because it’s staring right back at you.”
Alessia would stand tall and rest her left hand over her heart.
“On behalf of the darkness.”