Chicago EPILOGUE: House of Pain
Jan 11, 2024 14:54:13 GMT -6
Jason Anderson The Boss, Morgan Darkwater, and 1 more like this
Post by Jack Severn on Jan 11, 2024 14:54:13 GMT -6
THE FOLLOWING IS PREPTAPED, FROM CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
"What the Hell is going on here?"
Jack Severn barges through the doors of the All-Heart Dojo, which is currently in the process of being rebranded into a House Gym. Every old ring is being replaced, new workout equipment is being loaded in by workers, and old trophies and other memorabilia belonging to Nick Houston are being taken down and replaced with posters of members of The House. Justin Case, in the middle of a phone call, notices the angry Jack and walks towards him with open arms.
Justin: Jacky Iraqi, what's up! Lemme just finish talking to this client and-
Jack shoves Justin against the wall, causing him to drop his phone. He pins him there, holding him by his tie.
Jack: WHERE IS HE?!
Justin: Who, Alastor? He's in his office, man! What's your problem?!
Jack immediately lets go of Justin and marches towards what was formerly Nick Houston's office.
Justin: I think you broke my phone!
Jack: You'll live.
Jack reaches the office door.
Jack: And seriously, 'Jacky Iraqi???' Do you even know what that fucking means?
Justin shrugs as Jack heads into Alastor's office. Upon entering, Alastor takes his glasses off and stands up, smiling to greet Jack.
Alastor: So glad you could make your way out here, Jack! You a fan of what I've done with the place?
Jack: What the fuck, Al?! I told you to just leave Nick alone! He dropped the assault and vandalism charges against me, the least I can do is just let him live in peace while I-
Alastor: Peace? What makes you think he deserves peace? Because he let you off easy? This man has been trying to make you more like him since the day you met him. He's been trying to change the very fabric of who you are.
Alastor puts his hand on Jack's shoulder, but Jack pushes him away.
Alastor: He doesn't want you to be a star, Jack. He wants you to be a starving artist, like him. Don't you want to be a star? A champion?
Jack tries to respond, but simply falters. He looks down.
Alastor: I want everybody trained here to be a future champion. Everyone trained here deserves to know what it takes to get there. I made an offer to Mr. Houston that has allowed him to retire comfortably, after decades of giving his all to this industry. You should be happy for him and his students, if anything.
Alastor puts his hand on Jack's shoulder again, keeping it there this time.
Alastor: And you should be happy for The House. Your group will be gaining new soldiers thanks to this school. With House Party kicking off the year, 2024 is looking to be a very successful year for us, and part of it is thanks to you for helping me realize the potential this school had. When you visited here last Spring, Justin Case informed me of this place, and pitched quite a wonderful business proposition. The House That Jack Built... trains the future of The House in The House That Built Jack. Doesn't that sound like money?
Alastor opens the office door.
Alastor: Now I have a lot of paperwork to fill out, so if you don't mind, we can catch up later? Perhaps over dinner? Name the place. My treat.
Jack gives Alastor a brief nod as he walks out the door, staying completely silent.
Alastor: Oh, and Jack? Never barge into my office like that ever again. It's polite to knock.
Jack nods again and walks off, shoving past Justin Case as he leaves. Stepping outside, he notices the sign being taken down... Replaced by a House Gym logo.
Jack sighs.
"What the Hell is going on here?"
Jack Severn barges through the doors of the All-Heart Dojo, which is currently in the process of being rebranded into a House Gym. Every old ring is being replaced, new workout equipment is being loaded in by workers, and old trophies and other memorabilia belonging to Nick Houston are being taken down and replaced with posters of members of The House. Justin Case, in the middle of a phone call, notices the angry Jack and walks towards him with open arms.
Justin: Jacky Iraqi, what's up! Lemme just finish talking to this client and-
Jack shoves Justin against the wall, causing him to drop his phone. He pins him there, holding him by his tie.
Jack: WHERE IS HE?!
Justin: Who, Alastor? He's in his office, man! What's your problem?!
Jack immediately lets go of Justin and marches towards what was formerly Nick Houston's office.
Justin: I think you broke my phone!
Jack: You'll live.
Jack reaches the office door.
Jack: And seriously, 'Jacky Iraqi???' Do you even know what that fucking means?
Justin shrugs as Jack heads into Alastor's office. Upon entering, Alastor takes his glasses off and stands up, smiling to greet Jack.
Alastor: So glad you could make your way out here, Jack! You a fan of what I've done with the place?
Jack: What the fuck, Al?! I told you to just leave Nick alone! He dropped the assault and vandalism charges against me, the least I can do is just let him live in peace while I-
Alastor: Peace? What makes you think he deserves peace? Because he let you off easy? This man has been trying to make you more like him since the day you met him. He's been trying to change the very fabric of who you are.
Alastor puts his hand on Jack's shoulder, but Jack pushes him away.
Alastor: He doesn't want you to be a star, Jack. He wants you to be a starving artist, like him. Don't you want to be a star? A champion?
Jack tries to respond, but simply falters. He looks down.
Alastor: I want everybody trained here to be a future champion. Everyone trained here deserves to know what it takes to get there. I made an offer to Mr. Houston that has allowed him to retire comfortably, after decades of giving his all to this industry. You should be happy for him and his students, if anything.
Alastor puts his hand on Jack's shoulder again, keeping it there this time.
Alastor: And you should be happy for The House. Your group will be gaining new soldiers thanks to this school. With House Party kicking off the year, 2024 is looking to be a very successful year for us, and part of it is thanks to you for helping me realize the potential this school had. When you visited here last Spring, Justin Case informed me of this place, and pitched quite a wonderful business proposition. The House That Jack Built... trains the future of The House in The House That Built Jack. Doesn't that sound like money?
Alastor opens the office door.
Alastor: Now I have a lot of paperwork to fill out, so if you don't mind, we can catch up later? Perhaps over dinner? Name the place. My treat.
Jack gives Alastor a brief nod as he walks out the door, staying completely silent.
Alastor: Oh, and Jack? Never barge into my office like that ever again. It's polite to knock.
Jack nods again and walks off, shoving past Justin Case as he leaves. Stepping outside, he notices the sign being taken down... Replaced by a House Gym logo.
Jack sighs.
LATER...
Jack orders his fourth drink from a bar, and as he waits for it, he notices Nick Houston sitting at the other end, also drinking alone. He's also clearly quite a few drinks in. Jack hesitates... but then approaches. Nick greets him without even looking at him.
Nick: What do you want?
Jack: You seriously sold to Gray? You stupid fucking old man... The All-Heart Dojo was your everything! You can't just let him take it away like that!
Nick: He offered me a lot of money.
Jack: FUCK THE MONEY! You've always said the money ain't shit, and that you just love this business! What happened to that Nick Houston? The one who train-
Nick finally turns to face Jack, chuckling.
Nick: Since when have you cared about what I have to say? We both know my opinion hasn't meant shit to you since Tokyo.
Jack chokes up a bit, but stays silent.
Nick: What are you even doing here, Jack? Are you mad he's replacing the ring you got laid in?
Jack: ...I just want you to really consider this. Despite what I said last time we spoke, I still think you're valuable to the wrestling business and-
Nick scoffs.
Nick: Last time we spoke, you told me that you were beyond me. That you were a god. Do you really feel like a god, Jack? Because a god wouldn't be sucking my dick just because I kept him out of jail. And you can thank Rebecca for that, not me. I thought your ass could've used the humbling.
Jack: Hey, fuck you! I offered to help the dojo out, now look what happened! You don't even have it anymore!
Nick: Look, I really don't care, kid. The dojo? Professional wrestling? There's more important shit in life than that. I've seen it ruin too many lives to let it ruin mine. I've wasted away so many years... and this business... it ain't for nice people. I finally understand why you did the things you did, and why you went the direction you went, because you understand that better than anyone. The only way to the top, it's through being cutthroat. Heartless. Now, I paid my dues, and Gray finally gave me what's owed to me. A fat payday. We all sell our soul to the devil at some point... just took me a bit longer to catch up to you.
Nick takes a big swig of his drink.
Nick: Now just let me retire in peace.
Jack rolls his eyes and begins to walk off... but something within him just won't let it happen. He stops, turns back around, and tosses Nick's drink in his face!
Jack: You disgust me. Alastor was right. You don't deserve peace. You deserve to rot in this fucking bar, without a single claim to fame beyond being the one to train me. At least fight for what you love... This is just pathetic.
A gruff bouncer grabs Jack from behind.
Bouncer: Hey chuckle fuck, take it outside.
Jack shoves out of the bouncer's grip and begins to raise his fist, but Nick is now standing up and gripping Jack's arm. That strong grip sends chills down Jack's spine, remembering the days Nick would kick his ass in training.
Nick: You really don't want to do this, son.
Nick loosens his grip and Jack turns away.
Jack: Already on it.
Jack stares daggers at the sopping wet Nick as he storms out of the bar.
Jack orders his fourth drink from a bar, and as he waits for it, he notices Nick Houston sitting at the other end, also drinking alone. He's also clearly quite a few drinks in. Jack hesitates... but then approaches. Nick greets him without even looking at him.
Nick: What do you want?
Jack: You seriously sold to Gray? You stupid fucking old man... The All-Heart Dojo was your everything! You can't just let him take it away like that!
Nick: He offered me a lot of money.
Jack: FUCK THE MONEY! You've always said the money ain't shit, and that you just love this business! What happened to that Nick Houston? The one who train-
Nick finally turns to face Jack, chuckling.
Nick: Since when have you cared about what I have to say? We both know my opinion hasn't meant shit to you since Tokyo.
Jack chokes up a bit, but stays silent.
Nick: What are you even doing here, Jack? Are you mad he's replacing the ring you got laid in?
Jack: ...I just want you to really consider this. Despite what I said last time we spoke, I still think you're valuable to the wrestling business and-
Nick scoffs.
Nick: Last time we spoke, you told me that you were beyond me. That you were a god. Do you really feel like a god, Jack? Because a god wouldn't be sucking my dick just because I kept him out of jail. And you can thank Rebecca for that, not me. I thought your ass could've used the humbling.
Jack: Hey, fuck you! I offered to help the dojo out, now look what happened! You don't even have it anymore!
Nick: Look, I really don't care, kid. The dojo? Professional wrestling? There's more important shit in life than that. I've seen it ruin too many lives to let it ruin mine. I've wasted away so many years... and this business... it ain't for nice people. I finally understand why you did the things you did, and why you went the direction you went, because you understand that better than anyone. The only way to the top, it's through being cutthroat. Heartless. Now, I paid my dues, and Gray finally gave me what's owed to me. A fat payday. We all sell our soul to the devil at some point... just took me a bit longer to catch up to you.
Nick takes a big swig of his drink.
Nick: Now just let me retire in peace.
Jack rolls his eyes and begins to walk off... but something within him just won't let it happen. He stops, turns back around, and tosses Nick's drink in his face!
Jack: You disgust me. Alastor was right. You don't deserve peace. You deserve to rot in this fucking bar, without a single claim to fame beyond being the one to train me. At least fight for what you love... This is just pathetic.
A gruff bouncer grabs Jack from behind.
Bouncer: Hey chuckle fuck, take it outside.
Jack shoves out of the bouncer's grip and begins to raise his fist, but Nick is now standing up and gripping Jack's arm. That strong grip sends chills down Jack's spine, remembering the days Nick would kick his ass in training.
Nick: You really don't want to do this, son.
Nick loosens his grip and Jack turns away.
Jack: Already on it.
Jack stares daggers at the sopping wet Nick as he storms out of the bar.
LATER...
As Nick exits the bar and begins walking to the parking lot across the street, but of course, guess who's leaning against his car.
Jack: I'm not finished with you, old man.
Nick: Come on Jack, this is just fucking stupid now.
Jack's face grows red with anger and he storms right up to Nick, almost spitting in his face.
Jack: NO! What's fucking stupid is you throwing away everything you've built to become a disgraceful pushover nobody!
Jack shoves Nick to the ground.
Jack: So let's have this out, you and me. You wanted to put your hands on me in there? Well show me what you got! Show me you're not a nobody!
Nick struggles to get up, disoriented from his age and the amount he's been drinking.
Nick: I'm not gonna fight you, Jack... We aren't children. Just go home...
An enraged and a little drunk Jack punches Nick in the gut repeatedly, and then knees him against the car! He begins laughing to himself.
Jack: You still wanna treat me like I'm your student, huh?! You gonna press charges for this assault too?! Or are you gonna drop it because "I'm such a good man deep down?"
Nick begins to bleed from the mouth as Jack kicks him against the car.
Nick: James... Please...
Jack: Well NEWS FLASH! I'M NOT A GOOD MAN! THIS IS WHO I AM, NICK! WHO I'VE ALWAYS BEEN!
Jack lifts Nick up by the collar and continues punching him in the stomach. At this point, Nick is gasping and clutching his chest.
Jack: I'M JACK SEVERN, AND I AM A VERY BAD MAN!
Jack drops Nick back down, who immediately crumples to the ground, still gasping and clawing at his chest.
Jack: And I'm damn sure better than you.
Nick's gasps start to fade...
Jack: Oh please, really faking a heart attack? Oldest trick in the book for old farts like you. I saw Ric Flair do this last month!
Nick stops moving or making any sound.
Jack: Come on, stop it. This is low, even for you.
Jack kicks Nick a bit. He doesn't move.
Jack: Nick...?
Jack leans down and slaps Nick's face. Unresponsive.
James: No no no no... NO NO NO!
James Stevens starts just beating on Nick's chest.
James: Nick, just wake up! Please please please wake up...
Jack: I'm not finished with you, old man.
Nick: Come on Jack, this is just fucking stupid now.
Jack's face grows red with anger and he storms right up to Nick, almost spitting in his face.
Jack: NO! What's fucking stupid is you throwing away everything you've built to become a disgraceful pushover nobody!
Jack shoves Nick to the ground.
Jack: So let's have this out, you and me. You wanted to put your hands on me in there? Well show me what you got! Show me you're not a nobody!
Nick struggles to get up, disoriented from his age and the amount he's been drinking.
Nick: I'm not gonna fight you, Jack... We aren't children. Just go home...
An enraged and a little drunk Jack punches Nick in the gut repeatedly, and then knees him against the car! He begins laughing to himself.
Jack: You still wanna treat me like I'm your student, huh?! You gonna press charges for this assault too?! Or are you gonna drop it because "I'm such a good man deep down?"
Nick begins to bleed from the mouth as Jack kicks him against the car.
Nick: James... Please...
Jack: Well NEWS FLASH! I'M NOT A GOOD MAN! THIS IS WHO I AM, NICK! WHO I'VE ALWAYS BEEN!
Jack lifts Nick up by the collar and continues punching him in the stomach. At this point, Nick is gasping and clutching his chest.
Jack: I'M JACK SEVERN, AND I AM A VERY BAD MAN!
Jack drops Nick back down, who immediately crumples to the ground, still gasping and clawing at his chest.
Jack: And I'm damn sure better than you.
Nick's gasps start to fade...
Jack: Oh please, really faking a heart attack? Oldest trick in the book for old farts like you. I saw Ric Flair do this last month!
Nick stops moving or making any sound.
Jack: Come on, stop it. This is low, even for you.
Jack kicks Nick a bit. He doesn't move.
Jack: Nick...?
Jack leans down and slaps Nick's face. Unresponsive.
James: No no no no... NO NO NO!
James Stevens starts just beating on Nick's chest.
James: Nick, just wake up! Please please please wake up...
LATER...
Back in the All-Heart Dojo/House Gym, Jack is leaning against the wall, phone and earbuds in his lap. Justin Case walks over and squats down in front of him to get eye level.
Justin: Hey, Jack. How you holding up?
Jack doesn't answer.
Justin: Just remember what I told you, in case the police ever come a-knockin'.
Jack continues just staring into his lap. Justin lightly slaps his cheek.
Justin: Cheer up, champ. You're gonna get away with it. Maybe you should call JoJo up, ask for some tips? Share stories? I dunno. Might help.
Justin stands up.
Justin: Well, I gotta go make some more arrangements, but we should be looking good. 2-0 for getting away with murder within six months! I'm on a roll!
Justin walks off, still talking to himself.
Justin: Damn, I'm a good lawyer.
Jack puts his ear buds in and begins playing a song from his phone as he stands up and steps into one of the rings, the last one left from the old dojo that hasn't been replaced. He leans against the ropes and closes his eyes as the soothing guitar washes over him.
Back in the All-Heart Dojo/House Gym, Jack is leaning against the wall, phone and earbuds in his lap. Justin Case walks over and squats down in front of him to get eye level.
Justin: Hey, Jack. How you holding up?
Jack doesn't answer.
Justin: Just remember what I told you, in case the police ever come a-knockin'.
Jack continues just staring into his lap. Justin lightly slaps his cheek.
Justin: Cheer up, champ. You're gonna get away with it. Maybe you should call JoJo up, ask for some tips? Share stories? I dunno. Might help.
Justin stands up.
Justin: Well, I gotta go make some more arrangements, but we should be looking good. 2-0 for getting away with murder within six months! I'm on a roll!
Justin walks off, still talking to himself.
Justin: Damn, I'm a good lawyer.
Jack puts his ear buds in and begins playing a song from his phone as he stands up and steps into one of the rings, the last one left from the old dojo that hasn't been replaced. He leans against the ropes and closes his eyes as the soothing guitar washes over him.
A little past supper-time
I'm still out on the porch step sitting on my behind,
Waiting for you.
Wondering if everything is alright.
Momma said, "Come in boy, don't waste your time." I said, "I've got time.
Well, he'll be here soon."
I'm still out on the porch step sitting on my behind,
Waiting for you.
Wondering if everything is alright.
Momma said, "Come in boy, don't waste your time." I said, "I've got time.
Well, he'll be here soon."
With his eyes still closed, Jack begins to dance. His mind's eye fills with memories. At first, good ones, of training with Nick Houston... meeting Becky Monroe... kissing her... Nick being so proud of his student's fast rising in-ring prowess...
Five years old and talking to myself.
Where were you? Where'd you go?
Daddy, can't you tell?
Then the memories turn sour. Nick and Jack arguing... Jack purposely injuring Nick in a training match... Jack and Becky screaming at each other... Becky leaving their apartment...
I'm not trying to fake it
And I ain't the one to blame.
There's no one home
In my house of pain.
Jack remembers being booed by fans, even when he tried to do things the right way. Jack remembers getting frustrated and assaulting a fan in the parking lot. Jack remembers getting signed to EWC, and not trusting a soul in that locker room.
I didn't write these pages
And my script's been rearranged.
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
Jack remembers being approached by Dimitri Graves after his loss to Bosa in Tokyo. Jack remembers teaming with King Flip and finding a friend... only for that to all crumble apart. Jack remembers blaming Ace King and being so, so very angry.
The song hits its epic guitar riff as Jack remembers forming The House. Jack remembers being torn between Dimitri Graves and Alastor Gray. Jack remembers Dimitri's betrayal, and being cheered for once against him and KU.
Jack stares up at the ceiling, his eyes red and stinging with tears. Even with his eyes open, he can picture it. Jack remembers destroying his friendship with King Flip permanently. Jack remembers deleting Becky's number. Jack remembers losing to Mark Keaton. Jack remembers losing to Melody Malone. Jack remembers beating Ace King... but it feeling hollow after hearing the news about the All-Heart Dojo being bought.
Jack remembers killing Nick Houston.
The song hits its epic guitar riff as Jack remembers forming The House. Jack remembers being torn between Dimitri Graves and Alastor Gray. Jack remembers Dimitri's betrayal, and being cheered for once against him and KU.
I'm not trying to fake it
And I ain't the one to blame.
There's no one home
In my house of pain
Jack remembers continuing to lose, but Alastor always splurging money on him and treating him like a star. Jack remembers his return visit to Chicago, reuniting with Becky, and getting arrested. Jack begins to cry as he opens his eyes and collapses in the ring, taking a harsh back bump like he used to do in his training.
I didn't write these pages
And my script's been rearranged.
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
Jack stares up at the ceiling, his eyes red and stinging with tears. Even with his eyes open, he can picture it. Jack remembers destroying his friendship with King Flip permanently. Jack remembers deleting Becky's number. Jack remembers losing to Mark Keaton. Jack remembers losing to Melody Malone. Jack remembers beating Ace King... but it feeling hollow after hearing the news about the All-Heart Dojo being bought.
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
No, there's no one home
In my house of pain
Jack remembers killing Nick Houston.
And I'm alone again...
Jack sits up suddenly, gasping for air. Alastor Gray approaches the ring. Jack takes his earbuds out.
Alastor: Get your coat. I'm taking you out to that dinner I promised. I know I said I'd let you pick, but I know the best restaurant in town. They'll just love to have a celebrity of your caliber there. Come on.
Alastor leaves as Jack sits in the ring, sweating and trying to catch his breath. His hands tremble.
And he falls back again.
Staring up.
And his mind goes blank.
Alastor: Get your coat. I'm taking you out to that dinner I promised. I know I said I'd let you pick, but I know the best restaurant in town. They'll just love to have a celebrity of your caliber there. Come on.
Alastor leaves as Jack sits in the ring, sweating and trying to catch his breath. His hands tremble.
And he falls back again.
Staring up.
And his mind goes blank.
THE END.