Rolling with the Punches

[Drago Cesar]

It is a bit of a somber scene at the Cesar Dojo. Drago is seen staring outside the front window while his sister Dragana is seated at the couch with her hands clasped on her face, quietly sobbing. Sitting right next to her is Terra Daturas, gently patting her on the back.

 

Terra: I know…

 

Drago scratches the back of his ear, awkwardly looking for the right words to say.

 

Drago: When you in this business, no matter who you are, you have target on your back. That target also extend to your family. Too many times people hurt my family.

 

He turns around to face the pair.

 

Drago: I’m try to tell my sister not to be part of this so she not get hurt.

 

Dragana lifts her head for a moment.

 

Drago: But she no listen. Maybe because this the dream for her like me you know? She had her dream taken away from her. Not have many friends. I should’ve been there more for her. But like me, she come to this country to take her dream back.

 

He has himself a seat across from the pair on a wooden chair.

 

Drago: Maybe Elsa rethinking her dream. Or maybe her dream is OCW and she just need little break. I’m think she come back one day. Just need time for herself a little bit. Is not easy when you have people breathing down neck all the time.

 

Terra: Mr. Drago, have any of your friends left you?

 

Drago peeks out of the corner of his eye to see an old photo of him serving in the military.

 

He doesn’t answer.

 

Terra: Mr. Drago…?

 

Terra notices the photo as well and stands for a moment, hugging Drago Cesar, which takes him by surprise.

 

Terra: Sometimes, I think we all must find ourselves. I used to think that being alone was always a bad thing, but I do not think that way anymore. We have to love ourselves before others can love us… Even if it means making the difficult decision like Elsa did. I miss her already.

 

Terra walks back to the couch and sits next to Dragana as her eyes well up as well.

 

Drago: I’m sure if she come back, she’ll be stronger than ever.

 

A grunt can be heard from the opposite side of the room, followed by another. The series of grunts become almost rhythmic. Finally Bubba appears rolling like a log, letting out a grunt with each full rotation, likely his form of exercise. The big cat stops in front of Dragana, laying on his back, looking at her while upside down. He reaches out with his paws.

 

Dragana smiles and reaches out with her hands to squeeze his paws. Terra gets on a knee and scratches the cat’s tumtum.

 

Terra: There’s a good lesson to be learned here from Bubba; keep rolling onward even when the going is tough!

 

Terra turns toward Drago again.

 

Terra: Mr. Drago, that was a splendid performance at Wrestlution. Do you plan to compete again?

 

Drago: Uh….After all those universes and galaxy I’m save….

 

He takes a moment to think, then lets out a smile.

 

Drago: If I am needed!