The CHIKARA Fanfiction
Chapter 17: Slight Delay
Note: The Tournament will continue in just a moment, until then...I have storyline to throw at you! I've just put it into one big chapter, and the Tournament will resume right after, and when this is done, the Tournament will have even more emotion behind it! So enjoy!
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*Upon learning of his wrongs with Obariyon and Kodama, Grim checks out something he did similarly to another group...looks over the crystals...and he groans...and thunks his head against the wall...cant be serious...and the irony makes it even worse...he sighs and pockets the crystals, and goes down, to get Della and the family's attention. Della makes an exasperated gesture, as if to say, "Now?" but he just nods wearily. Tom stands and follows. Della, after a moment of hesitation, also goes along, and Mikko follows, curious.*
*Vin meanwhile is in a secluded room backstage with Stigma and Colin* Ok Stigma, you know what Donst has done to you, rip him to shreds when you fight him *Stigma growls and nods, Gerard turns* Colin, you have Ophidian...so good luck *Colin nods grinning Yessir!
*Grim trudges in, followed by Tom, Della, and Mikko, swings his scythe* Dere, since ye bugged me about it the whole way here, I made a time pocket, Ill have all de time ta show ye this, and it'll be like a few seconds out dere *Della still frowns* What's this about, Grim? *Grim sighs* More a me bein' wrong I suppose... *Della sighs* You screwed up again? I guess that's no surprise. *Grim growls at her* Yer just lucky dat I'm ownin' up ta me mistakes! *Della sighs* Fine, do it then whatever it is...*Grim sighs, and walks toward Vin and the others.*
*Vin turns* Well look what the cat dragged in...its Grim...come to finally end it for me? *Grim just smacks a crstal onto Gerards head, then turns and does the same to Stigma and Delaney. Before any of them know it, the crystals glow, and they all collapse*
*Grim turns slowly to Tom, and advances, placing a Crystal on his head. Tom goes stock still, eyes widening, as his memories play out on the wall. Dellas eyes widen, looks to the Crystals, to the heads, to Grim, says quietly* ...You didnt...*Grim just points to the wall, and the memories start*
*WHACK*
*Tom cowers in the corner as the hand that struck him is quickly followed by a boot to his ribs. A much larger man stands over him. His eyes are focused, showing no signs of alcohol or drugs. He knows exactly what he's doing, and he has no regret in his eyes.* Stupid kid! Another mouth to feed, a useless one at that. It's all your fault, you know. Your mother left because of you! She left you here with me, stupid #$%#, didn't have the decency to leave you in a garbage can somewhere. Nooo, she had to name you, tell me you were mine, and THEN take off. *Kicks him hard*
*Tom endures, as he always does, silently. Any cries will only make it worse. Once his father has taken out his day's frustrations on him, he half-crawls half-drags himself out of the low-income housing they're in. He goes past several other doors in the apartment building, wondering, not for the first time, why someone hasn't done something. The walls are paper thin, it's not like they can't hear what's going on. But no police ever show up, no child protection services knock on his door. He's all alone. Della watches silently. He had of course...told her about this but...seeing it... she wraps her arms around Tom's arm tightly*
*Tom manages to drag himself into the alley behind the apartment. He has a little space he's fixed for himself, just behind the dumpster. It's where he does his classwork, and keeps the few toys he doesn't want his father to throw away or break. There's a sleeping bag hidden there too, for really bad days. And of course...a First Aid Kit...*
*There is a bit of a light crying a little away from him in the alley. Tom looks up. What is that? Is that another kid? Cautiously, he drags himself over* Hey... you okay? *Theres Vin Gerard, holding his Equinox mask close, sees Tom and turns away from him frowning* Im fine...*Tom stares...coughs a little, and drags himself over more. Grabs Vin's shoulder, looking at him, looking for any bruises or cuts, anything bad like he has. Gerard doesnt have any of that really, some welts and such, he was just through a match, the match that cost him everything, he speaks up* I said I-im fine...go away... *Tom tugs on his shoulder a little. Those welts can be taken care of. He has a sizeable first aid kit stashed as well, for fixing himself up, as well as a small hand-mirror to look at his face and fix that. Gerard still ignores him stubbornly* I dont...need anything Im fine... *Tom tugs on his shoulder harder. Gerard groans, why cant this kid just leave him alone...finally says* FINE...*sits up and slinks over with Tom* If that will get you to leave me alone, fine...
*Tom lifts a loose brick and feels underneath it, pulling out a large ziplock bag. Pours it out and rummages around. Takes out a tube of neosporin, smears it on the welts all over Gerard. Gerard winces...then stares*...Why do you have all this? what are you 5...6? *Tom doesn't answer. Averts his eyes and keeps applying the neosporin. Today's bruises are mostly around his ribs, under his shirt, so are harder to see. But there are cigarrette burns up and down his arms, old ones and new ones. Gerard isnt a complete non caring scumbag yet, so he takes his arm and asks* ...And you have burns on your arm beacause? *Tom doesn't look up, but tries to tug his arms away. Hasn't spoken one word yet.*
*Gerard frowns* ...Fine...dont talk to me...Ill just take myself and leave you alone...no skin off my nose...*Tom droops. Lifts up the tube of neosporin, as if for a farewell offering. Gerard pauses...asks*...I suppose you're used to being alone huh? *Tom nods a little. Gerard stares at him...then sighs sliumping down against the wall* Welcome to the club kid... *Tom blinks. He'd never been a part of any club before. Gerard sighs* I'm Vin Gerard...unwanted by everyone I guess...do you have a name or are you a mime? *Tom hesitates a moment*...Tom...
*Gerard nods* Pleasure I guess...so...I'll tell you what happened to me if you tell me what happened to you...* Tom looks down, clamping his mouth shut and shaking his head. An obvious fear settles over his posture. It's pretty obvious, just from his reactions, that if he even talks about it, whatever happened to him will worsen. Gerard sighs* I guess Ill be going first then,,,well...take a good look at me how old do you think I am? By my size and my looks...*Tom looks at him. Flashes both hands full of fingers twice, signaling 20. Gerard smirks* Huh...20's a good number...no kid...im much older...because Im not human...*Tom frowns. He hates being treated like a stupid kid, and he's sure this guy's pulling one over on him. Gerard looks to him* Dont believe me huh? *Tom shakes his head *Gerard nods* Ok..*gets up stretching, sniffles a bit, and leaps...and bounds between the house walls like a superball, easily, and then lands back down slumping against the wall. Tom stares eyes wide*
*Gerard looks to him* ...And now the verdict? *Tom stares...*nods slowly as a way of saying he believes him*... *leans forward, whispers*...Superman? *Gerard stares, half chuckles* No...no Im not superman...Im a demon...I used to be in a group of a bunch of them...almost like a Justice League if thats a way you'll get it...we were called the Technicos...yeah and we fought bad guys...the Rudos...*Tom looks down at his arms*... Stop... bad guys? *Gerard nods* Yeah...at least I did...until they kicked me out...*Tom looks up, confused*
*Gerard takes out the mask, explains* I used to be named Equinox...had this mask...and fought alongside all the technicos. But then I got unmasked and saw who I was...that I was a student who was failing, that made something of himself wth this mask, this identity, but they kicked me out when they discovered it. So here I am, with you by a dumpster...*Tom stares...asks* Still... stop bad guys? *Gerard pauses* I did...except now...Im fighting the technicos...and everyone else...on my own kid...*Tom sighs and lowers his head, nodding like he understands. Gerard loojs to him* ...I guess we're in the same boat arent we? Looks like you're all alone too...*Tom nods again. Starts putting away his first aid stuff. While bending over to do that, his shirt slips up a bit, revealing really bad, nasty bruises all over his ribs*
*Gerard sees that, instantly straightens*...Tom...who did this tto you? *Tom looks down, pulls his shirt down quickly, Gerard doesnt act like he didnt just see that* ...Tom Im not the most pleasent person by any means...but when I see something like that I might be the faintest curious as who would do that to a kid... *Tom is silent for awhile...then...almost a whisper* ...Daddy. *Gerard pauses*...Really? *Tom looks around, as if afraid his father will hear that he told someone. Gerard just leans back* Wow and I thought I had some problems... *Tom flinches* Don't tell... it'll be worse. *Gerard shrugs* Who am I going to tell? No one cares about me remember? Far as Im concered your secret is safe with me...
*Tom nods and sits down. Rummages around under the dumpster, and comes up with a small hunk of cheese and a half-eaten bag of bread he's saved. Offers some to Vin. He turns* Thanks...*takes some and eats it* So...I suppose this is what your secret sanctum from mean ol' daddy? *Tom nods, Gerard nods* Well...its an improvement from where I was...so how about I stay here? *Tom lights up a little, smiling. Points to the sleeping bag eagerly* *Gerard stares* Huh...you really got this place figured out dont you? Well ok then,,,so...I guess both of us are a little bit less alone huh? *Tom smiles a little. Gerard sighs* Yeah yeah sedimental crap...but being with someones better than being with a garbage can...*Tom nods, Gerard sighs* Well then...*Holds up bread* A toast to not being alone then...I guess...*Tom touches his piece of bread to Gerard's, and leans back against the wall.*
*Della is just staring. All this time... and Tom too? VIN? But why was Vin so bitter about being alone if he had Tom... unless her hunch was right... eyes dart darkly to Grim, who is pointedly ignoring her as the memories continue.*
*So as Vin promised, he's there everytime Tom comes, there are a few times when he isnt, but he explains that. He tells him more about the Technicos and the people he has to deal with, Mike Quackenbush, Shane Storm, Jigsaw, The Colony, and Rudos of course like Ultramantis Black. Tom eats it up. Mostly silently, but every now and then he says something. He sneaks food out to Vin, and manages a raggedy old towel, which is the best he can do for an extra blanket. Gerard manages to ask him soon after* So...why dont you say anyting? Or anyone else say anything about whats happening? *Tom looks down.*...I say something...gonna get hurt more... someone else...*pauses, then shrugs*... nobody cares. *Gerard nods* ...Huh...*shrugs*...and why do you stay? *Tom simply says*... nowhere else. *Gerard sighs* I guess...but I'd rather nowehere than getting hit every day like you have been...thats just me though...
*Tom looks down. He's only five, and this place is all he knows. If he leaves, he doesn't know where he'll get food, or clothes, or anything. Gerard shrugs* Well hey...you have this place but oh well. *feels he should change the subject* So...yeah as I said, alot of Technicos, alot of Rudos...it's a gaggle of laughs *Tom nods, only half listening now, trying to work out in his mind how he might survive away from his father. The idea had never occurred to him before...*
*There is a noise at the other end of an alley, noth Gerard and Tom look over. At other end of the alley is a small figure like Gerard, with a white head and yellow hair, yellow moustacge, sideburns, and mullett, and big white ears. He has a black shirt on with yellow caution tape zig zag designed on front with words in each, spelling 'That Japanese Move!'. His mouth is rowed with jagged messed up teeth, his eyes were offset a bit, and one was a bit different then the other in shape, he had black pupils, jeans, and tan boots, he groans leaning against the wall. Gerard watches, recognizes immediatly who it is*...Shane Storm?
*Tom looks at Vin in surprise. Shane Storm is one of the names Vin's told him about. A Technico, and a really big name. Tom looks over with wide eyes. Would... would this one stop the bad guys? Stop his Daddy? Gerard just stares* What the hell happened to him? *gets up* Come on lets go over...he doesnt look like hes in a fighting mood...*Tom gets up, wincing. His Dad had gone after his legs that day, he's not walking so well. Limps over with Gerard.*
*Storm groans liftig his head up* ...*turns it, frowns* Go away Gerard... *Gerard folds his arms* And I thought you liked me *Shane growls* Not in the mood...at all to talk to you... *Gerard quips* Looks like someone was...*Storm stays firm* It's none of your buisiness *Gerard cocks his head* You arent in any position to be telling anyone anything, so what went down with you? *Storm pauses...but whats the use, everyone else knows now*...I'm in a bad way with the technicos right now... *Gerard blinks* What? You? You're one of the biggest technicos... *Storm replies* Was...I hit a bad losing streak if you remember... *Gerard nods* Oh yeah...so? It happens to the best of us *Storm sighs* Well...I was losing my mind over it...so, I made a deal with someone to get my luck finally turned around... *Gerard blinks* What? Who? *Storm replies quietly* ...Ultramants Black... *Gerard pauses...replies* ...Are you as insane as you look? *Storm snaps* I WAS DESPERATE! *Tom' eyes widen. Why would Shane Storm, the hero, make a deal with Ultramantis Black? Again, his shoulders droop. This guy wouldn't stop his Dad. But he still looked like he needed help.*
*Gerard shrugs* Well...what was the deal? *Storm groans from a the pain, but then continues* ...A little bit back...Mantis wanted the counter to the incounterable CHIKARA Special, and he said if I taught him the counter, he would give me the win I needed to spark my winning again...so I taught him. I taught him how to apply it, and how to counter it...he didnt say anything, he just nodded and left. I got the victory over Hydra...since then I couldn't lose! *Gerard is silent for a few minutes...then he slaps him hard, Storm recoils* GUH! What was that for? *Gerard erupts* I WAS THE FIRST ONE TO BE COUNTERED! You...imbecile! Do you know what you did to me? *Storm stutters a minute, Gerard doesnt give him time to answer** You're the reason I lost! You're the reason I was unmasked! YOU''RE THE REASON IM HERE! *Storm pauses...replies* Well I didnt know that! How am I supposed to predict the future! *Gerard nearly pulls out his hair in anger. Della looks at Vin and Stigma...How are they still on speaking terms...*
*Gerard sighs regaining his composure* Ok then...cant change the past now can we? All we can do is...make with what we have in the future. You're paying for it now too, so thats something *Storm looks down* I didnt even mean to cause troube...I never wanted trouble, I just wanted one win I couldnt take it anymore! *Gerard replies* So...how'd you get here then? *Storm is silent...then says quietly* ...Me and Quack got three points...we could challenge for the tag belts, but...as we won our third match. Tim Donst snuck to the side of the ring and told Quack it was me. He wasted no time in kicking the crap out of me...but thats not what brought me here either. Not too long after that Quack challenged me to a match...and...it was brutal. He sinched the Special on me, and...it was so...tight, I knew he was tryijg to break something, I blacked out. I came too a few minutes after, the official said I won by DQ, because Quack wouldnt break the hold... *Tom listens silently, from everything Gerard had told him, Quack was the most level headed, kind guy on the team. He'd half killed Shane Storm? He shivered. Cautiously peeks at him to see if there are any welts or injuries he can take care of with his first aid kit. No thankfully there are no broken bones or severe bruises...hes just really sore, Storm sighs* And its not the half of it... *Gerard looks confused* What? What more can their be? *Storm leans against the wall, and responds* ...I have to have another match with Quack because of how that one ended... *Gerard muses* You look like you were hit by a truck already, and now you have to fight him again? *Storm groans* I know...*Tom goes back to where he was and digs around in his little stash. Grabs a powerbar, and comes back, offering it to Storm*
*Storm stares, Tom was so quiet he barely noticed him* ...Thanks...*eats it* ...I dont know what Im going to do... *Gerard rubs his chin* Looks like you need some help... *Storm looks up*...Huh? *Gerard shrugs* So you hate Quack, I hate Quack *Storm hesitates* I...dont hate Quack... *Gerard smirks* Well he hates you, and so does everyone else...and since you have to fight Quack looks like you need some help, doesnt it? *Storm pauses...then frowns* ...I wouldnt stoop so low as to get help from you Gerard... *Gerard fires back* But you stooped so low as to get help from Mantis didn't you? *Storm looks like he'll respond...then falls dead silent, Gerard speaks again* ...Shane...there comes a time, and that time is now for you...to ask yourself...*he takes out his Equinox mask, and says* I have lost everytthing...what else do I have to lose? *Storm is quiet...sort of...pondering that statement, Gerard walks away back to Toms little hideaway* Think about it big boy... *Tom sneaks into his house. His dad's asleep, sneaks out with another large, ragged towel. Offers it to Shane *Storm wraps it around himself, Gerard looks back over to him* So? How about it? *Storm is quie for a long time...then says almost inaudibly*...What do you have in mind? *Gerard smirks* Oh what dont I have in mind for this...
*Tom glances at Gerard. His friend usually only told him stories, what was he planning to do now? Gerard asks Whens the match? *Storm sighs* ...Soon... Gerard- Ok good...just leave everything to me... *turns* Hey Tom...you up for a trip in a few days? *Tom pauses his Dad surely wouldn't care if he didn't come home after school. Nods. Gerard nods back* Good...I guess you really dont have anything to pack so...just be ready...*Tom smiles, looking excited for the first time since Gerard met him.*
*The few days go by quickly, Gerard and Storm talking strategy. The day finally comes of the event, Tom trudges back from school. It's been a worse-than-usual day, even for Kindergarten. He'd managed to avoid the school bullies by ducking into the girl's bathroom, but got in trouble with the principal for that. He had to take a letter to his Dad and have his Dad sign it... maybe he could sign it himself and pretend. Meanwhile, the bullies had stolen his lunch and scattered it all across the playground, grinding most of it into the sand and dirt. On top of all that, he failed an assignment. He sighs as he trudges back to the dumpster and sets down his backpack. he's more than ready for a better afternoon. Incidentally...he might have saw some purple 'kids' with one of those bullies, giving him an ice cream bar, and for some reason they are speaking french for the rest of the day and everyone is laughing at him...another bully for some strange reason thought he was a mouse...huh...weird...except to Della...who smiles a little at that*
* Tom slings his backpack down and looks for Gerard and Storm. Vin is there with Storm waiting for him, Storm looks a still a little sore and unsure about this plan yet, but ready enough to try it. Gerard looks to Tom* So...ready? *Tom nods, Gerard turns to Storm* Go ahead Shane *Storm throws a ball and opens up a portal, for a moment it shows the blue CHIKARA symbol before swirling, Toms eyes widen in awe, Gerard motions to it* Come on its ok...just going to our destination...*Tom cautiously inches forward, sticking his fingers in it, it ripples, Gerard sighs* Come on, Ill go first *steps through, followed by Storm. Tom hops through after them*
*There in an arena now, screaming fans can be heard not too far away* Welcome to the arena in another fun dimension, where the CHIKARA event is taking place...*Tom's eyes light up, looking all around. He's never really been anywhere but his home and school before...*There are Technicos and Rudos prepariing for their respective matches, alot of them are ones Gerard mentioned. Tom is in absolute hero heaven. This is amazing, this is beyond amazing. A place like this? Maybe they could let him stay here, then he wouldn't even have to bother asking one of them to save him from his Daddy. Gerard then speaks up* Ok...I want you to sit quietly over here *sits him downin front of the curtain* Storm and I have to discuss his match more, make sure everythings according to plan, ok? *Tom nods, eyes already wandering around, looking for someone to ask about his father. Gerard adds* And dont talk to anybody...nobody around here likes me or Storm at the moment, so we dont want to attract any attention to our little plan... *Tom looks to him, slumps a little, but nods. He wants help, but he wants to keep his new friends even more. On the upsidde, the matches going on in the ring are amazing to watch for someone like him. He doesn't cheer, he doesn't make a peep. Times have taught him that making any kind of sound only attracts unwanted attention, but he's all but bursting with excitement at each match*
*The time for Storms match comes, and Quack goes by, his eyes look fixed on the ring and he calmly goes to it...but theres a storm brewing inside him you can tell. Tom absolutely recoils as he goes by. He knows that look, and he didn't think he'd see it on one of the hero's faces. Gerard then walks to the curtain with Storm, asks* Ready? *Storm nods* Ready... *Storm goes out there, he doestnt even make it to the ring Quack tope's right over the topes landing on him on the outside. Tom flinches. He'd just started getting to like Shane, he doesnt want to see him destroyed...*
*Its a brawl, Quack uses alot of moves on the outside in this one, Shanes not getting alot of fighting in at the moment, he might not even remember where he is after the Jig'n'Tonic on the floor...Tom leans forward, eyes wide, gripping the edge of his seat. After a few more minutes, Quack picks Shane up in the middle of the ring, crosses his legs around h is head, and does the cross legged tombstone piledriver...Quackendriver II...Tom flaps his arms uselessly. He can't stop it. Why isn't somebody stopping this slaughter?*
*Quack gets up, the official backs Quack up and checks on Shane in the corner, Quack's back is currently turned to the curtain, thats when Vin runs in, and bashes Quack over the back of the head with a pipe, Quack falls limp, and Vin runs back undetected by the official to loud boos from the crowd, Shane crawls desperatly to Quack rolls him ovr cover 1...2...3...Tom stares...blinks. Storm rolls out of the ring he doesnt seem like he knows where to go.,..Vin has to come back and pull him, gets Tom with the other and walks* We gotta go kid... *Tom hurries along with him. Vin... cheated? No. Shakes his head. He stopped Quack from hurting his friend. That's what he did. Somebody did something about it. Vin opens another portal and their back in the alleyway, Vin lays an all but knocked out storm on the wall, and sighs* Well...mission accomplised * Tom flaps his arms. He doesn't have much for falling unconscious, just a melted icepack he can never get frozen right. Carefullly rolls up his sleeping bag under Shane's head. Storm groans relaxing, everything hurts. Gerard looks down at him* He'll be fine kid..we're a bit more durable than humans... *Tom nods. Looks up at the sky... and gulps. It's no longer afternoon, it's night time. Looks like really, really late night too. Gerard looks to Tom* Whats wrong? ...worried about dear old dad? *Tom's hands are suddenly pretty shakey. Gerard shrugs* ...Just sleep here tonight, what does he care if yoiu arent home? *Tom is silent...then nods, trying to assure himself that that was right, Dad wouldn't care...*Gerard sighs* Come on...its been a long night get some rest *Tom nods, and lies down, trying very hard not to think about his Dad.*
*Morning comes along, Gerard wakes up, looks around for Tom...not there...must have went home for the morning, Gerard checks Shane, who groans in pain, when he wakes up...Gerard looks him over...now for the next step in this little transformation.*
*Tom, meanwhile, has gone to school. He's pulled aside by the principal, who asks for the signed note. Tom has completely forgotten it, and the Principal calls his father. His father immediately drives by and picks him up, taking him out of school because of a family emergency, he explains, and drives him straight home.*
*Meanwhile, Vin pushes Shane aaround* Theres one step left Shane, you need to renounce the inauthentic! Is this you? Is this your expression? Is this how you feel? Is this the pain you feel from all the hate, IS IT? *Shane is silent, feels his heaad and face, Vin growls* You need to do something Shane *shoves Shanes face hard* TRANSFORM SHANE! *Shane puts his hands over his ear, Vin shouts louder* TRANSFGORM! *Storm grabs his head, a dark aura overtaking him, Gerard shouts one more time* TRANSFORM SHANE! *Storm screams, an eletric black aura surrounds him swirling, Shane is enveloped by it...when it clears...there stands Stigma...stoically, as Della sees him today. Gerard smirks* Good...how do you feel? *Shane, now Stigma, just growls lowly, Gerard nods* And the name Shane Storm has some bad memories...how does Stigma sound? *Stigma just roars with his new dark rage, Gerard nods* Ill take that as a yes *Della looks, says softly*...Shane Storm, you idiot. Look what you did to yourself.
*Tom meanwhile, is up in the apartment, Tom's Dad goes all out. He pulls out the belt and whips Tom til he can't stand. then he kicks and punches and slams him against the wall, threatening that if he ever, ever pulls a stunt like that again, doesn't come home at night, he'll track him down and kill him. Leaves him in a semi-consciouis heap on the floor. Gerard looks around, noticing* ...Hmm...Toms been gone awhile, his house isnt too far away...lets go see whats going on *Stigma just grunts, they go to the room, doors open, they sneak in. Tom hasn't been able to even crawl. He's been slipping in and out of consciousness for a good two hours by now. Gerard stares* ...Tom! *goes over to check him, Stigma blinks...looking at Tom, and the shape he's in...Tom is out cold. HIs face is mangled. Several teeth have been knocked out, but since he's five and they're baby teeth, no big loss. Nose is broken. Bruises and welts all over his body, and when Gerard so much as touches him, he moans in pain, Gerard sighs* Stay still kid you're in a bad way...*God damn it...he doesnt even know if that first aid kit he has will be able to fix all this...*Tom is barely even aware of Gerard. One arm is bending at a funny angle. The door slams. Gerard just notices that when he hears the noise Sh-...Mrrgh! *drags Tom away quickly, he doesnt ccare where they go just not here* Stigma lets go! *Stigma does not move from his spot, Gerard shouts* Stigma!
*The Dad comes in, and stops dead, staring at Stigma* Who are you? Get the hell out of my house. Just because this is low income housing doesn't give you the right to invade my home! *Stigma just slowly turns his head...this was when he had the most rage build up from Quack, and everything...its all there...its like shaking a bottle of wine, that cork holding it all in is building...building. The Dad growls* Get out, I'll call the cops if you don't. After I teach you what breaking and entering means. Stigma just replies in a low voice* You beat up your son...Tom? *The Dad stops, gowls**...How dare you insinuate...I would never do that! *Stigma just looks to the blood stained corner Tom was justy laying, and looks back. The Dad stares* Where is he? *Eyes narrow* Where did you take him? *Stigma just replies*...Tell me...how familiar are you...with anatomy? *The Dad snaps back* What does that have to do with where the hell you took MY kid? *Stigma just says calmly*...Because...you're about to see what the inside of yourself looks like...*leaps at him, Gerard turns away, he doesnt even want to see whats about to happen, ignores the sounds and drags Tom out of the house and to the alley, where he begins fixing him. Tom is in agony most of the time Gerard is fixing him. he needs a hospital, unless Gerard knows how to set a broken arm and nose...and he doesnt, he groans* Damn it all...*he'll have to take him to a fast doctor, if he thinks what is happening is happening, they need to get out of here. Stigma meanwhile is standing over the now mangled dead mess that was Toms father...it did happen, Stigma is breathing, hands shaking. He looks at them, stained with blood, he looks...frightened that he just...killed someone...killed someone and doesnt even care he did it. His fists clench, he knwos he did the right thing...leaves back to them. Present day Tom is shaking at this memory. Della winds her arms around his waist and hugs him tightly. Tom never knew, even when he had these memories, he NEVER knew...this is the first time he's seeing it...seeing what really happened to his father...seeing that surprisingly, even to Della, that Hero he wanted would end up being Shane Storm. Tom's knees start to buckle. Della's wiry, but no way can she hold him up. Grim, fortunately, is a bit stronger, and helps her lower Tom to a sitting position on the ground*
*Stigma goes back, Gerard looks at his hands and looks down wordlessly* Open him up to a portal...he can pass as one of us with the size...we'll just tell the wrestling doctor it was a bad match *Stigma nods and opens a portal, going to the doctor to treat his wounds, Stigma cleaning off the blood quickly before the doctor can notice. When thats done, they leave, Stigma throwing Tom ovver his shoulder, opening another portal, getting out of the city, they need to...they know who probably got the call there. They are right, Grim, meanwhile, hovers over the remains of the father, frowning. This was not human work. this was most definitely demon work. And there'd been a close call nearby, but the trail had gone cold, and the air around the dead end smelled of a portal jump. Grim's eyes narrowed. He would stop this infernal demon interference if it was the last thing he did.*
*They head to another town, another alleyway, Vin had brought Toms first aid, his sleeping bag, etc. and lapsy him down in it to rest, sighing to Stigma* You had to do it didnt you? Now you know whos after us? *Stigma just growls* Gerard- *sighs* I shouldnt have pushed you to transform, because yo were too unstable as it is, and now you are even worse, and we are in a worse situation. Whatever...whats done is done. But when the kid wakes up...we have to make up a story. We cant tell him the truth, we need to keep him as stable as we can. I guess...we're going to have to look after him now huh? *Stigma fidgets a bit, does respond* Unless you want to get rid of him..and I dont think you do *Gerard groans...* Well...we've been through worse crap...*
*Tom finally wakes up, eventually. Blinks, trying to move, but he can't. Gerard stops him* Easy kid...you went through alot. You're in your sleeping bag *Tom winces, his whole body is in pain*...Hurts...*Gerard sighs* I know...just relax...we got you out of there... *Tom looks around*... Daddy? *Gerard pauses...then replies* ...We got you out of there and just ran...we're in a whole other town, away from your dad...for good... *Tom stares*... No more? Ever? *hope on his face, for the first time, Gerard nods* Ever...trust me on that *Stigma is a little bit away from them, Tom hasnt seen him yet in his new form. Tom pauses with this realization, then gets a big, huge smile, Gerard motions to Stigma* And hey take a look *brings Stigma over* Shane Storm got himself a makeover...he's going to go by Stigma now *Tom: looks to him, Stigma waves to him slightly, Tom replies*...Stig...ma... *uncertainly saying the name and looking at him. Thinks about it a minute. He liked Shane Storm better. He liked the goofy mask, and the friendly grin with the crooked teeth. This Stigma looked scarier... but sometimes looking scary didn't mean you were scary. He smiles* Hi. *Stigma nods to him* *Gerard sighs* So...looks like you'll be rolling with us for awhile kid... *Tom nods, smiles* Okay. I like vacation.
*Gerard nods* Yes...Vacations are nice, and hey...maybe we'll travel a little too, see some places. But for right now we'll be situated here...*Tom nods sleepily* Okay. *Gerard sighs* Alright get some rest...its been a long day... *Tom smiles, and dozes off*
*For next two weeks, Gerard keeps track of Toms healing progression as Stigma 'Finds' some fresh food...pizza, burgers, after enough of 'Finding' that food they would move and relocate to another town, so far it was working though. Tom is young, and heals pretty well. He talks funny for awhile cause of his loss of teeth, but he doesn't mind. Stigma and Gerard are his best friends, and he trusts them for everything. One night, Gerard, Stigma, and Tom are all just talking, and then they hear a faint moaning coming from the end of the alleyway they are residing. Tom looks up, says* Hear that? *Gerard shrugs* ...Sounds like a dying cat...
*Tom gets up and walks over. Still has a little limp, but his legs werent what was the most damaged. Theres Colin...practically dragging himself along the sidewalk, he's bruised up pretty badly. Tom right away kneels down by him and stops him from crawling.* Don't... hurt bad. *Colin flinches at being touched and yelps, Gerard sighs* Who is it this time? *looks...blinks* ...Colin Delaney? *Colin moans* Guuuh huh huh *he curls up, Gerard stares, turns to Tom. Figures since Colin is here he should fill Tom in* Colin here was a Technico that got a call to participate in a bigger demon league of fighting...and he took it even when Quack told him not to...looks like they forgot to tell him exactly what demons and what league though didnt they Colin? You look great by the way... *Colin growls through the pain* Shut up... Tom turns to Gerard, quietly says*...Help him...*Gerard folds his arms...but Tom gives him the eyes...he sighs* ...Fine...*lifts Colin to their little hideout and looks him over* Well...one plus is you dont have any broken bones... *Colin whines* They all feel broken... *Gerard replies* Well their not...anyway why are you here? *Colin is silent, then says sadly* ...I tried to go back to the technicos...because it was a stupid mistake going to that league, and...they refused me...because I went behind Quack and everyones back. They said I had to learn my mistake the hard way...OW! *Gerard frowns* You want these bruises fixed or not? *Tom looks sad. He knows what it is to hurt so bad that even touching hurts*
*Gerard turns to Tom( ...Tom you're a little bit better at this than me, feeling up for a little treatment? *Tom nods. Takes their first aid kit and starts treating his welts very carefully. Colin squirms but doesnt scream, makes conversation to take his mind off of it* So...Gerard...I see you're still as Vin Gerard as ever... *Gerard shrugs* I aim to please... *Colin turns* And...whos the evil looking guy that looks like Venom from spiderman? *Stigma stares...then smacks his heas against the wall annoyed, Tom answers* Stigma. *Keeps working* Not Shane Storm. Stigma. *Colin stares* ...Well you look different... *Stigma grunts, Colin quickly says* Oh no differensts...good I guess... *Stigma growls, Colin rephrases* Its really good I mean, really good! *Tom pats his shoulder gently* Stigma's good. *Can't do much beyond bandages and neosporin, but does his best and scoots back. Colin groans sitting up* Im good...Im a fast healer... *Tom nods* Gerard says you all heal fast an' take harder hits better. *Colin nods8...Yeah I do! *Gerard adds* Sort of...
*Tom sighs* Doesn't tell me why I can't go live with 'em though, other place is cooler. *Gerard sighs* ...Well...you see its a little complicated...but, since we wrestle there still, we're going to be making trips back. Im sure we'll find a spot for you to root for us... *Colin nods* Yeah...wait us? *Gerard nods* Everyone hates you, you have nowhere else to go, your slightly pathetic...welcome to this little gaggle of pals here...*Tom grins, Colin blinks*...Im part of a group...AWESOME! Ill have to teach you all the great stuff I know! *Stigma lets out a slight chuckle, first one since transforming, Gerard shrugs* Well you made stigma laugh maybe you can do something...*Tom laughs a little* Gonna do a fight? *Gerard thinks* Well...theirs four main levels of fight...singles...tag team...Trios...and an Atomico which is four on four...it can go higher but thas the four main...looks like we're a Trio now...we just need a name...
*Tom looks from Gerard, to Stigma, to Delaney. Silently says* ...UnStable. *Gerard pauses*...Huh...that actually sounds alright *Stigma nods, Colin grins* Yeah Unstable! And we're going to dominate! *Tom grins*
*So for a good two months, Unstable the new stable compete in singles, tag and trios matches, they even compete at that years King of Trios, and get to the Quarterfinals, but their having success is the main thing, not winning everything but...for some reason when they get back there and Tom just has all of the love and support for them in the world...losses dont feel as bad...being shunned doesnt feel as bad. Having each other seems...like enough to be...content*
*And then one day, as they're sleeping in an alley, a presence looms over them. Tom's eyes shoot open, and he shivers, without even knowing why. Grim resounds from the other end of the alley* So. I find ye here. *Eyes narrowed* *Colin shoots up* AH! THE BUTLER DID IT! Huh? Where who what? *Gerard groans turning over* Five more minutes Colin please...in no mood for one of your night spasms... *Grim continues* Despicable, de lot a' ye. Killin' dis boy's fa'der so you could steal away a human ta train fer yer dirty fights. *Gerard pauses...shoots up* Grim? ...Oh no...really? *Stigma shoots up growling angrily, Colin backs away* ...AH! IM SORRY FOR THE OTHER FALSE ALARMS I GAVE YOU GRIM! DONT KILL ME FOR REAL!
*Grim spits* Not a word. *Eyes are all but slits* You're de lowest of de low, killin' his only parent like dat. What's done can't be undone, but your part in it will be. *Kneels by Tom, and puts a hand on his head. Stimga swats... his hand off like a dog and slams Grim away before he can do it. Gerard grabs Tom* Tom we have to go now...*Tom scampers over behind Gerard, clinging to him. Grim's eyes flash* Bad move mun. *slams the end of his scythe into the ground. Everyone's feet sink about three inches into the concrete, trapping them in place. Stigma is powerful, and he literally rips them out of it, and pounds Colin and Gerard free, Gerard takes Tom and runs, Colin runs behind, Stigma brings up the rear, intent to slam Grim if he gets close again*
*Grim's eyes blaze. He swings his scythe, burying the tip in the ground. A crack runs all the way along the sidewalk and under their feet. Spectral hands reach out and sieze their ankles. Hundreds and hundreds of hands, Gerard yells* NO! *fights it trudging with Tom, clinging to him, Stimga is ripping them off, Colin is flailing. Grim first goes to Colin, drawing the memories out of him, and allowing him to be yanked into the underworld, Colin spazzes( Uuuh...*goes limp and gets dragged, a severed hand, Grims severed hand, is thrown right at Grims head, Stigma roars at him fighting. Grim catches his hand and reattaches it, then swings his scythe, slamming the blunt end right into Stigma's head to drain the memories. Stigma reels* Guh...*Goes limp and is dragged down, Gerard snaps bitterly* Leave it to you Grim...to jump to a conclusion. So...you're a great overseer of everything...this is Tom, he had a dad, how was dear old dad to Tom here? *Grim growls* He was his Da'. De only one 'e had. *Tom clings to Gerard with an iron grip. Words are stuck in his throat, building up, trapped in his mouth* An' you or one 'a yours went an' kilt' 'im. Enjoy yer little human slave? *Tom yells at Grim*... F.. Friend!
*Grim frowns*... Now dat's twisted. Ya fooled 'im inta thinkin' you were 'is friend. Dat deserves de worst of de t'ree punishments. *Hand closes like a vise on Gerard's head* You'll remember nothin', but you'll feel like you're missin' somethin' always. Ill be kind and let ye keep yer memories of bein a wrestler, and yer two bit friends, but you'll always feel like ye lost. You'll never be able to find it again, an' you'll know dat, an' it'll drive ye mad. *Gerard stares at him coldly* Thats of course how you see it...you never see anything importiant do you? So you'll just take away everything of mine again...you'll take away the closest thing Ive had to happyness since Ive been kicked out by the Technicos, and leave me an even more broken shell that I was...and Tom...you'll leave him all alone. I hope you're real happy with yourself...*Grim bashes the side of Gerard's head, Gerard reels, but he gets up and stares at Grim hard* You'll get yours Grim...I cant wait to see the emotional turmoil you go through when you finally figure out you're wrong...maybe Ill smile... *Grim puts a hand on Gerard head and removes the memories, Gerards eyes roll back and the hands drag Gerard down. Grim grabs Tom and breaks his hold, dragging him up. Tom reaches down toward Gerard, mouth wide open as the crack closes*
*Grim sets Tom down* Sorry all dis happened, chile, but it canna be undone. Forget all dis, an' live a normal life. *Starts to walk off, doing what he did to Della. Then...all the words come bursting out of Tom* No! *Grim halts* No! No! I won't forget! I won't forget! They... they were my family! I won't forget, I won't! Not ever! Not as long as I live! *Grim is silent...turns and walks back to him. Tom stands there, unflinching, staring Death in the face *Grim sighs* Ya got spunk kid. But ye should'na hafta remember dis. *Reaches down and puts a hand on his head, and everything goes black. When he wakes up, he's in a foster care home, with no memory beyond a fuzzy recollection after the fact that his father died, and he has no mother.*
*Unstable are all dragged down into a prison they'll eventually escape...with the missing memories of Tom, the Unstable have a bit of trouble emotionally, having communication issues, things are jumbled...thats what makes them break up...they're all missing soemthing and they dont know what it is. That night Gerard was half crying in Dellas window...was the recollection and turmoil of loss Vins had not just from losing the Technico friends he had, and the Unstable friends he had...but another painful stabbing notion, that something else was lost...that he cant remember...and he just saw Della go through it and for some reason...felt sorry for her but just didnt have an idea why*
*The memories end...and Grim sighs as Della gives him the look of...well death, Grim just motions to the three and Tom, their more importiant then her anger*
*Colin is the first to jolt up* YAHTZZE! I GOT YAHTZEE! *Gerard groans, gets up half alsep and smasks Colin, sending him falling to the ground, Colin groans* OW... *Grim takes the crystal off Tom's head and the others. Tom is pouring sweat at this point and still trembling like a leaf, half conscious, gripping to Della almost painfully tight, like she's his lifeline. Grim just turns and walks out, he's done his job...but he now owes this familt DOUBLE...*
*Colin groans getting up, smacks Vin* Dont hit me! *Gerard replies annoyed* Then dont wake me up... *Colin argues* Ill wake up who I want to wake up *Gerard growls* Well you wont wake me up! *Colin argues* Yes I will! *Gerard argues* No you wont... *Colin* Yes I will! *Gerard* No you- UMPH! *Colin gags* OOF! *both being hit by Stigma, then he lays back down. Della in their spat is losing oxygen. Calls raspily* Shan-Stigma... would really appreciate... if you could... please loosen... Tom's arms...* Stigma murmers sleepily* Rggh...Tom...*eyes snap open* TOM! *Gerard blinks* Tom?...Tom! *Colin blinks* Tom, Toms in my head again! ...Where'd he go before? *Stigma goes over and pries Della out. Colin turns calmly, and realizes...that Tom is in the room, and realizes something else*...Tom turned into TOMZILLA! *Della gasps in air* Thank...you... I take back... stupid...*Stigma nods. Gerard gets up wobbly, he wont let this head injury keep him down for this...he calls* Tom... *Colin just stares in awe* Its like Tom became the Incredible Hulk...
*Tom is still half-out of it. Della grabs a towel and starts wiping off the sweat, Gerard shrugs* I guess its that thing where memories are kind of still loading...*slumps down* Ok then, happy happy sunshine reunion waits...*Colin nods* Thats fine...I think he'd snap me in half now... *Gerard looks to him* Stigma could even snap you in half *Colin shakes his head( No he couldnt *Stigma growls* Would you like a DEMONSTRATION? *Colin spazzes* NO NO...Ok you could! *Stigma grunts dismissively. Mikko directs a cloud over Tom, and a gentle rain falls. Not too much, just enough to wake him up, then it stops. Tom's eyes open*
*And theres all of them as he remembered, nothing changed one bit about them. Colin not noticing yet, like all three, starts a random conversation to pass time* ...So you were a crossing guard? *Stigma stares at him...frowns* *Colin asks* ...What street did you even- *Gerard cuts him off* Its better not to know...trust me...Ive never asked...I dont want to ask *Stigma nods* ...Listen to Vin Colin...*Colin blinks* ...I just cant imagine a crosswalk and- *Stigma growls* LISTEN. TO. VIN. *Colin sighs* ...Fine...how do you think I'd do as a crossing guard? *Stigma pauses...looks at him...looks up and down* Two weeks... *Colin blinks* ...then I'd be fired? *Stigma shakes his head* Then you'd get smacked by a Car... *Colin frowns. Stigma sighs* You'd live *Colin relaxes* Oh...ok...
*Tom stares...hes having a hard time forming the words to get their attention...to Stigma* It... was... you... you were the... hero...*All of them do chorus head turn, Stigma pauses...realizes now that Toms back...not just their memories restored...his memories too...Stigma looks away a bit. Tom stares...stands up, walks over, and kneels, hugging Stigma. Not too tightly, now that he's awake and in control of himself*... I was looking... every time we went to a match, at the Technicos...wondering if one of them would save me from the bad guy...hoping one of them was my hero, but all this time... it was you. *Stigma blinks shocked...hugs back, Tom nods to him*... Thank you... you saved me from the bad guy... *Lets go*
*Gerard looks Tom over* ...Soooo...you went and got yourself a weight set...*Tom turns to Gerard, and hugs him too* You were my first friend... you stayed with me and took care of me... *Gerard shrugs* Of course I guess...it worked out like...that...just had head injury man...mrrrgggh...*Tom lets go, chuckles a little* Sorry *Gerard sighs* Its fine...*Tom turns to Delaney now, and goes for a hug, Colin yells* AH! DONT KILL ME! *Its gentle...and he relaxes* Sorry...its just...you all there with the...biceps... *Della sighs* If you're a friend, he'd never hurt you. He's what you call a gentle giant. Most of the time. *Colin looks him over* ...How did all of this...even happen? I mean...jeeze... *Tom shrugs*... I grew up. I married Della. We adopted two kids. She's pregnent...and CHIKARA...thats it. I don't remember my Dad... was he big? *Colin shrugs* ...Well I wasnt there *Gerard nods* Yes...he was *Tom nods*... well... usually means the kid has a good chance 'a bein' big too. *Colin nods* ...That makes sense...hey maybe my dad was big *Stigma snorts*
*Tom blinks* But how'd we get our memories back? *Della replies* Same way I did. Grim. *Gerard speaks up* And look at this happy couple we have here, our Tom married the green trios Della...weird thing that fate. I guess this also means I will have double the no say in how I do things...maybe with Tom the way he looks...triple...*Mikko looks to them...asks*... I g-got uncles? *Tom glances at the UnStable, raising an eyebrow questioningly, as if asking if they're up for it, Della frowns...but Tom gives her an assuring look...Gerard sighs* who am I to break someones dreams... *Colin blinks* ...The same person you always are? *Gerard growls* Shut up Colin...well...we're all one big happy family aint we Della? You know she was really warming up to me... *Della nods* That's me, hell in a handbasket and happy to meet you next minute. *sighs* Sure, if Tom trusts you...I trust you. *Mikko smiles at them waving* S-sorry Tiana's not here... d-don't know where. *Colin shrugs* Oh well we'll meet her later I guess *Stigma grunts, speaks up* We still have matches *Colin nods* Riiiight...I wonder against who... *Gerard sighs* whoever it is...bob and weave Colin...*Colin nods* Duely noted
*The time cloak falls, the fourth match in the Tournament is about ready to get underway!*
*Stigma and Colin sit up, Colin yelps* We better get back, we can be called at any time! *Stigma nods, and they run, Gerard sighs, Tom puts a hand on his shoulder* ...You know we got some open seats...if you want to join us. I know it aint the same as competing...but at least you can see your friends wrestle up front *Gerard sighs* ...I guess...Im not doing anything better...*Tom nods, and he goes back with Gerard, he smiles...looks like he isnt as out of the loop of CHIKARA as he thought...and now he can cheer even harder out there with Della, because he has friends to cheer for.*
...
Note: LONG Chapter done, and now, we get back to the Tournament! Who will be the next matchup? You'll have to read on and find out!