*** Adrian Caine drives down the streets of Greenport, NY in his new 2003 MazdaSpeed Protege. He's blasting "Orchids" by Stone Sour, and despite the Oakleys covering his eyes, you can tell he's pissed off. He rounds a corner, and pulls into an empty curbside parking spot. He gets out, closes the door, and pushes a button on a keychain. A clunk is heard as the doors lock, followed by a chirp as the alarm arms itself. Adrian drops a few quarters in the meter, and walks toward a familar building ***
Riley's Gym
"Best on Long Island"
*** Adrian walks through the front door, and heads over toward the weight machines. He pulls off his hooded Etnies sweatshirt, revealing a plain white wifebeater under it. He tosses the hoodie into his duffle bag, and pulls out a towel. He tucks the wifebeater into his grey Old Navy wind pants with orange stripes down the sides, and tightens the laces on his Etnies sneakers. Adrian puts the towel down on top of the duffle bag, and sits down at one of the machines. Just then, Adrian's old trainer, coach, and friend, Riley, spots him from the other side of the gym. Riley tells the young man he's working with to keep working the speed bag, and walks over to Adrian ***
Riley - Adrian! Hey kid, how's it goin'?
Adrian - I've been better.
Riley - Why's that?
Adrian - Did you watch Tuesday?
Riley - Yeah, o' course!
*** Adrian gets a look of excitement on his face ***
Adrian - Did you see my big Heat debut?
Riley - Um...no, I didn't.
Adrian - EXACTLY.
*** With that, Adrian starts working the machine with purpose and anger ***
Riley - Did I miss something...?
Adrian - No. I did. I was all set for a match with Lucas Balkan. I went to great lengths to ensure that I GOT that match with Lucas Balkan. And then what happens? That little bitch runs away at the last minute. He had "personal issues" to deal with. Do you believe that?!
Riley - Well hey, these things happen...things come up. But what's the big deal? There are other matches.
Adrian - It wasn't just a match, Riley. Why do you think I wanted it so bad? I had the EWA Underground Title won at "Rage In A Cage 4", and Lucas Balkan SCREWED ME. I eliminated his sorry ass fair and square, and he couldn't leave well enough alone! He came back, he dropped me on my fucking nuts, and Borden nailed me with a Superplex! Was that fair? Was that a clean finish? HELL NO. THAT'S why I wanted Balkan in the ring one-on-one. It wasn't about getting a mark in the win column, it was about getting him back for what he did to me!
Riley - I understand, Adrian. A man's gotta' stand up for himself. But you've gotta' move on. Let it go.
*** Adrian lets go of the pull-down bar he's using, and the weights attached to the cable drop down behind him with a loud "clang" ***
Adrian - I will move on, Riley. I'm not one to spin my wheels. But I will NOT let this go. I will hold onto this and never forget it, and someday Lucas Balkan will be back. And as soon as he IS back, I'm going straight for him. You have my guarantee on that. As of now, I have to focus on Jacques Killmore.
Riley - Who Whatmore?
Adrian - Jacques Killmore. I have a match with him this Tuesday. He's no pushover, though he's not much compared to me. I mean, no one is, but this guy's not much of a threat. Point is, I can't be thinking about anything else. I have to be focused on Killmore, and that won't be possible if I'm still pissed about Balkan when I get in that ring. So I came here to work out some of my aggression and try to get my mind clear and focused.
Riley - You've come a long way.
Adrian - What does that mean?
Riley - A few years ago, you never would have thought like this. You just would have dwelled on your anger and let it cloud your mind. You would have gotten in the ring still angry, even after three weeks.
Adrian - Well yeah, I'm a little older and a little more mature.
Riley - Emphasis on the "little" part.
*** Adrian chuckles, sighs, and takes a deep breath. He then resumes his work on the machine ***
Adrian - Thanks for making me laugh, Riley.
Riley - Hey, no problem kid. So tell me about this "Killmore" jerk.
Adrian - There's not much to tell, I guess. He's some dirty French Nomad-wannabe.
Riley - Ohhh boy. Don't go there, Adrian.
Adrian - I'm not, I'm serious! He's all "gothic" and "disturbed". There's not much to him, and not much of a threat, either.
Riley - He got the moves?
Adrian - His finisher is some sort of modified katahajime. Taz should sue.
Riley - Ha. That move is cake to get out of. Remember?
Adrian - Yeah, I know. Break the grip of his right hand, and drop straight down or slide out. Spin right into a front waistlock so he can't put it back on you.
Riley - That's right. Anything else to watch out for?
Adrian - A pretty mean hangman's DDT, but that's easy. If he ever gets me in place for that, I'll just tuck my head instead of looking down.
Riley - Good call. That whole move relies on your opponent looking down once you've got them hanging upside-down. I guess you have this guy scouted pretty good.
Adrian - It's not like it was hard. He's tough...but not for me. Then again, who is?
Riley - You're good, Adrian, but don't go getting cocky.
Adrian - Riley, please.
*** Adrian sighs, lowers the weights, and gets up from the weight machine. He wipes his face and neck with his towel, then tucks it back into his duffle. He pulls out his Etnies hoodie, and slips it on ***
Riley - Good luck with this guy, kid.
Adrian - Thanks, but you know I don't need it.
*** Riley rolls his eyes as Adrian slings the duffle bag over his shoulder. Both men shake hands, and Adrian walks out of the gym. He goes back to his car, gets in, and drives away ***
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