RIOT 640; The Aftermath

[Quartz]

Saturday, June 14th, 1:52am | Mount Sinai Hospital | New York, NY

 

The ominous bustling of foot traffic and light breathy conversations fill a very bright hallway. Sporadic beeping can be heard to break up the lingering softness in the air. 

 

The view pans upwards to a door, “Room 12”.

 

After a few moments, the door creaks open. Walking out is the wide figure of former CCW World Champion Inness Quartz. He takes one last look into the room and nods. 

 

Just behind his left ear, a gym bag and several organza pieces of wrestling gear are tossed on, blood stains visible on the top.

 

Quartz steps out of the room and shuts the door behind him. Quartz hangs his head, standing in front of the door for a few minutes before a voice breaks him from his trance.

 

???: How he doing?

 

Quartz snaps his head to the side, seeing the Cesar siblings, Drago and Dragana, standing just a few steps away. Quartz seems surprised to see the two of them. Dragana offers him a smile and wave. 

 

Quartz: Nothing a little time off won’t fix. You know how it is.

 

The champ hangs his head again and starts to step towards the seat in front of the door. 

 

Drago: …How you doing, bubba?

 

The Crimson Sentinel shakes his head, not offering a verbal response. 

 

Drago and Dragana walk to sit with Quartz. The bags under his eyes are more pronounced than usual. His expression is one of unfiltered guilt about the situation that unfolded on RIOT 640 just hours earlier.

 

Quartz: I couldn’t stop her.

 

Dragana’s smile fades as she tries to console her fellow OCW veteran.

 

Quartz: I thought -- “Tonight… Tonight is the time we finally gain some ground in this whole thing.”

 

Quartz: “Tonight I’m the one that’s 10 steps ahead…”

 

Quartz: Everyone around me... Every week... I have to watch them punished, knowing I'm the reason why. Now Mugen, even after everything I did earlier this year-

 

The conflicted Quartz buries his head in his palms for a few moments before firmly rubbing his face and taking a deep breath.

 

Drago: Larry is strong, is not your fault.

 

Drago: This little thing? Is nothing compared to crazy wars he been in before. He back on his feet in no time.

 

The COO’s upbeat tone shifts slightly as he takes a deep breath himself.

 

Drago: I’m be honest. I’m wasn’t sure when you attack Bingo, I’m no understand why.

 

Drago: I know that not you. I know it. Mugen, I know he not himself the last few years either… But the Mugen I know was out there tonight, standing by your side… I see it now.

 

Drago: We--uh…

 

Drago rubs his temples in slight frustration. Dragana looks down.

 

Drago: …we try not to get involved with EMP or Mr. Sensation, don’t want to upset the delicate balance you know.

 

Quartz peers up from his sulking position to listen closely to the calm, but pointed delivery in the COO’s voice. 

 

Drago: I’m always think everything work out in the end, you know?

 

Dragana nods her head, looking up at her brother as well.

 

Drago: ...but this not fair. Not fair to you, to our fans, to anyone. Is my job to be COO for OCW… Is the responsibility I assumed when I beat Nate Ortiz.

 

Before he continues, he looks down at Dragana who is furiously tapping on her phone. He smiles as she lifts it up and from the speaker:

 

Speaker: Again.

 

Dragana’s contagious smile eases the tension as her brother scratches his head before he continues.

 

Drago: Is not much, but I think there is something I’m can do for you. 

 

Drago takes a few steps towards the door to Room 12, as Dragana stands up and walks alongside him. 

 

Before they open the door to visit their old friend, he turns his head to Quartz.

 

Drago: I talk to Dupree. I talk to production… You do the rest at Summercide, okay? Hang in there, bubba… Everything always work out in the end, you know?

 

Quartz’s eyes stay locked on Drago for a few moments before he gives a subtle nod. The Cesars nod back before entering Mugen’s hospital room. 

 

We fade out as Quartz takes labored steps towards the elevator at the end of the hallway.