When does the price get too much to pay? 2
When does the time say 'I give up, I have failed I can not pay this price anymore'. 3
In the end we have our friends and family, and those we fall in love with, these who we wish to protect does the price ever get that high, you can not pay it for these who mean the world to you?.....4
He looked at the X-rays again and shook his head, 45 years old and this guy had already had 3 major reconstruction surgeries on his knee shoulder and elbow, and his most dangerous hobby "dancing", the doctor shook his head once more5
"So whats the Verdict Doc?" 6
"I'm sorry Mr Becala I must concur with your company's doctor your knee could collapse at any time, another concussion or blow to your head and you could suffer intense brain damage, even die, added to your other injuries with your shoulder and elbow, and the work you do, at best I'd say you could do a job where you are on your feet for 4 hrs a day tops, I advise taking their offer of redundancy"7
The doctor watched as his patient visibly drooped in his seat sighing8
"Even with extensive Physio you will still walk with a heavy limp Mr Becala.."9
Craig stood wincing taking most of his weight on his right leg offering his hand,10
"okay Doc, thanks for your time"11
Craig limped to his beat up Mardi Gra and shook his head, he missed riding his Honda Fireblade but with his knee he could no longer handle the bikes, couldn't even handle a simple 50cc scooter soon he would have to sell it. Craig sighed and opened the door to his lil peugout 106, and slowly levered his way inside wincing trying to hold his leg straight, he sat staring out the windscreen, his mind drifting back remembering one of the many times he'd been injured.12
He was eighteen, and drunk so drunk the world was spinning but he was still standing, eyes burning with unshed tears. His friend had been dead three weeks, he'd died after taking a spiked pill. He'd been given it on purpose by Michael, the local dealer. Craig had pissed off by beating the shit out of him. Walking along, remembering choices Craig remembered how this had all came about. 13
Craig had been seen talking to Micheal's girl soon she dumped his ass for cheating on her. Micheal blamed Craig, and had tried to "sort him out" Micheal and two of his friends had turned up while Craig was out in the pub with his friend, after she had dumped Micheal he had threatened to break her arm if she didn't get back with him, this pissed Craig off to high heaven. 14
Micheal's first mistake. 15
He had walked in and sat down and starting talking to Leanne, and then he started insulting her. 16
Second Mistake. 17
Then Craig asked him politely to leave, where Micheal made his third and final mistake, 18
"What's it got to do with you Fat Boi" Micheal said, each word punctuated with a poke to the chest. 19
His third mistake. 20
"She is my friend, that's what it has to do with me. do not poke me." Craig replied his bluish grey eyes frosting over.21
"Why what you gonna do about it" Micheal smirked22
"I'll break it" Craig growled23
"You and who's army Fat Boi?"24
"I don't need one, I just need me" Craig became calmer and calmer as he became angrier and angrier25
"Wanna take it outside you fat cunt?"26
"Whatever dude, its your face"27
Craig strode outside his anger burning, unfortunately for these guys, Craig has a well of anger that burns deep inside, this well blocks out everything, pain, fear, and replaces it with pure strength and determination. 28
It had won Craig fights where he should have lost many many times. This time was one of those times, leaving three unconscious bodies he returned to his friend, and they left. 29
That had been three months ago, 2 months later, a guy had given John, Craig's mate, some pills. 30
They killed him. 31
They'd been mixed with arsenic and John didn't stand a chance. 32
One week before the funeral, Craig had seen Micheal in the street, prepared himself for a fight. He hadn't been prepared for what Micheal said,33
"John was a warning your next you fat fuck"34
Craig stood frozen with shock, couldn't move, all he could think about were the words rebounding around his head. 35
"John was a warning, John's death is my fault.. mine"36
Crunch...37
Craig had came back to himself, some one had stood on broken glass, he peered around the darkness trying to focus but he was way way too drunk.38
"Micheal says Hi" 39
A voice rang out from the blurred darkness before he felt something slam into the back of his head, falling forward his head bounced off a wall, yelling in pain Craig turned his alcohol blurred eyes dimming, 4 shapes in the darkness came at him all holding weapons, another 40
explosion of pain across the side of his head and he was falling. 41
beep.beep.beep 42
Sounds, a beeping in his ear. Groaning slightly he tried to 43
focus while trying to open his eyes.44
"If he wakes up he is gonna be a vegetable with the damage to his brain" A voice said45
"who's g.g.g.g.g.gonna b.b.b.b.b.b.be a veget.t.t.t.t.table?" Craig rasped. 46
'Why am i stammering? I don't have a stammer' Craig wondered. 47
Doctors rushed around him, prodded and asked questions, police came and went. He'd broken three ribs, and had major bruises across his arms and legs, and suffered major head injuries. 48
Craig had been in a coma for three days. But the worst news was Craig couldn't remember anything other than that night. The doctors told him his memory should come back, and over the next couple of days some things did, like where he lived, who he was, some times looking at things would spark his memory into remembering stuff. 49
Six months and Craig had most of his memory back, but now any time he came under emotional stress he would now find himself stammering, shaking. 50
Craig shook his head returned to the present,51
"too many fights. Too many injuries.. Too many regrets." he murmured softly looking in the mirror. 52
Craig started his car and put it into gear, and slowly started his journey home, he finally remembered to put his glasses on. 53
Fishing the case out of his pocket he noticed a drunk staggering along the road his shoulder started to throb and he rubbed it softly.54
He was twenty one years old, and drunk, he'd staggered off from his mates some guy had elbowed him in the head in the club and he felt like shit, still he'd damn near got a kiss from Jodie's new girl Joanne, Craig chuckled softly and carried on his swaying stagger along the streets 55
"only a few more miles to go" he thought laughing out loud.56
Unbeknown to Craig, he was being followed, the potential thief chuckled softly at his target, obviously drunk, fat, easy target. He climbed onto his bike and picked up his bat before starting to pedal slowly and following this easy mark. Craig spun laughing and singing out loud,at the last second he caught a glance of this guy coming at him on a bike waving a baseball bat, before his shoulder exploded in pain. Dropping his coat he clutched at his arm teeth gritting together biting back the pain, he looked up and the guy had turned and was peddling back, Craig stood still, at the last second he ducked under the bat and slammed his arm into the guy's midriff, he bounced off the bike gasping for breath, Craig leaned against a wall holding his throbbing shoulder, his fingers started twitching and Craig tried to focus and get his fingers to stop twitching when he heard a yell, looking up he saw the would be robber charging again bat swinging. Craig tried to raise his arm to block the blow coming but his whole arm felt slugish and slow, his fingers still twitching uncontrollably, the bat bounced off his elbow and he screamed in pain, the man grinned sardonically. 57
Anger burned through Craig's veins like molten lava his pain forgotten, as the bat raised again he stepped in his uninjured arm swinging hard the guys face turned from glee to shock in under two seconds. Craig fell on top of the falling thief and they scuffled, his superior strength and weight helped, but the he couldn't move his left arm correctly, which evened the score. Finally as the scuffle ended, Craig slowly stood up, arm aching head pounding, soberish. 58
He looked down at the would be thief unconscious on the floor and couldn't be bothered to call the police,59
"probably charge me for assault" he thought angrily, wasn't till he got back to his mum's place, and had climbed into bed in the caravan, he looked for his glasses and found them lost.60
"Damnit!"61
Craig shook his head softly and re-concentrated on the road, his shoulder throbbed with remembered pain. Not the first time he had been hurt and not the last through the past twenty nine years. Craig finally pulled up to his flat and parked outside. 62
He'd lived here twenty seven years, bought it off his dad at twenty five, nearly moved out three times, all for women, but the relationships ended, tears formed in the corner of Craig's eyes and he blinked them back rapidly. 63
He climbed out of his car wincing as his leg took his weight. Limping heavily he walked to the front door, grabbed his mail and stared at the stairs. 64
He looked around the dingy walls and sighed,65
"I guess I'm gonna have to give up this place too" he murmured softly before making the painful climb to his third floor flat.66
Few hours later and he was drunk. No doubt about it. He was flat out on the couch, the room was spinning faster than a twister, music playing outta his stereo, TV blaring some forgotten movie, but the only sound Craig could hear was silence. 67
The silence of being alone.68
No kids.69
No wife. 70
No girlfriend. He wanted to talk, needed to hear a human voice snd maybe stop this melancholy that was threatening to engulf him. With trembling fingers he dialed her number.71
"Hello?"72
"lisa?"73
"Craig! How are you? have you had your doctor's appointment yet? sorry I couldn't talk long last time but I had to look in on Jay he wasn't feeling well"74
"That's okay hun, hows Jay? Chris?" the names of her kids flowed from his lips easily but her husbands still came hard, even though he had lost her 22 years ago, she still held his heart and mind every time he called,75
" John?"76
"They are okay, John's working hard, Chris has taken up Soccer pretty good too, being scouted already" Lisa laughed softly, 77
"Wants to make his 'Uncle Craig' proud" tears formed and flowed freely, silently but even through the tears Craig smiled,78
"Now how was your doctor's appointment Craig?" Lisa's voice took on a worried tone.79
"I was advised to take the money, and find a job I wouldn't be on my feet for more than four hours a day and another blow to my head could kill me" He sighed softly wiping his silently cried tears80
"Oh My god Craig.. I'm.. I'm so sorry"81
"I'll survive.. I always do" Craig hiccuped82
"Have you been drinking?" Lisa's brow crinkled83
"A lil..."84
"how much is a Little Craig?"85
"Couple of bottles..."86
"Bottles of what?" her tone frosted slightly as Craig tried to avoid the questions87
"whiskey"88
"Craig... your gonna end up an alcoholic" Lisa sighed biting her lip89
"No I wont, I'll never need drink" Craig said firmly 90
"Lisa? Movie is about to start!" John's voice rang out in the background, 91
"Craig.. I gotta go" Lisa said sadness tinging her voice, 92
"Talk to you some other time?"93
"Yeah... Have fun lisa I l.. call you again soon" 94
The phone clicks and Craig swore at himself, he'd nearly said I love you. Even after twenty two years he still slipped sometimes. He knew she probably caught it, was surprised she still put up with him. 95
Craig climbed to his unsteady feet and staggered to his bed and collapsed passing out.96
"RingRing....RingRing....RingRing" Craig groaned softly, his phone was ringing and he wanted it to stop. His sledgehammer pounding head wanted it to stop. His arm reached for the phone, like some scene from a b-movie horror flick a zombie's arm rising from the crypt to grab the phone,97
"hello" He gasped,98
"CRAIG!" It was Mark his best bud, but his exclaimed yell echoed around Craig's skull99
"ow....." Craig whimpered,100
"Not so loud bud.. I got major hangover here"101
"Oh well how'd your Appointment go?"102
"Shit... I gotta give up work and take the package they offered, try and pick up a part time job where i don't haveta be on my feet to long."103
"Damn dude I'm sorry.. Erm mate I need to.." Spikes of pain exploded across Craig's body104
"oh shit Mark I gotta go I feel like shit I'm hung over as fuck"105
"Dude, I need to talk to you about something" Craig grit his teeth hard106
"okay mate call me later.. alright that okay?"107
"Yeah.. Yeah that would be okay." Mark sounded worried about something but right now Craig was more worried about the spikes of pain erupting across his body108
"catch you later Mark"109
"later Craig"110
Craig's arm scrambled for the cabinet by his bed, pulled out a bottle of pills and swallowed three straight no water and waited. His knee's and back were spikes of pain shooting out and up and down his body, as the pain killers slowly embraced his body the pain faded like a soft cooling breeze on a sunburn and the pain faded, but the knowledge it would be back played across the back of Craig's mind. 111
Finally twenty minutes later the pain had subsided enough that he could get up from bed, limping to the kitchen he poured a drink of orange juice and downed it, 112
"At least my tongue don't feel like I been eating shit all night now" He chuckled to himself before he started cooking himself breakfast. An hour later belly full he was flicking through T.V channels thinking over his situation, he hadn't been out of work for more than a month in 29 years and here he was unemployed, 113
"At least I had some money coming my way to keep me going for awhile otherwise I'd be totally screwed" 114
Craig thought miserably looking over at the black cabinet and there stood the half finished bottle of whiskey he hadn't finished yesterday night. He looked at his watch and saw it was only 2pm in the afternoon but Craig thought fuck it and poured himself a full glass of whiskey dropped in a few chips of ice and sat down. 115
Craig slowly sipped his drink and turned off the television and switched on his stereo, six hundred thousand songs all saved and collected through the past 27 years, hitting random Craig sat back down and sipped his whiskey slowly, taking it easy but still aiming to get drunk, when a song from his past blared out of the speakers.116
"I'm in the mood, for dancing Romancing I'm giving it all tonight..." I'm In The Mood For Dancing, The Nolans, one of his dad's favourite songs especially when drunk.117
Craig was dancing on the dance floor trying to get his nerves under control and try and talk to this blonde girl before him who was out of this world attractive, and yet she was still dancing with him, then She turned and started dancing with Rob, his friend, his dad's girlfriend's son, he knew he'd missed his chance this time,118
"Oh well" Craig smiled and smiled and looked over at his Dad, 119
"Come on Dad dance!" His Dad laughed,120
"I don't dance" he continued laughing when the song changed,121
"I'm in the mood for dancing, romancing" Craig nearly fell over 122
laughing as his Dad stood up and started dancing, spinning, back dropping, Craig was astounded his dad had some decent moves.123
Craig smiled softly at the memory,124
"I Miss you old man" 125
Craig slowly played with his Celtic ring, hadn't been taken off ever since it was given to him twenty two years earlier after Craig had returned from his failed attempt at meeting Lisa. She'd dumped Craig a month before his flight to meet her. He'd got home from his trip and his dad had given him the ring a beautiful Celtic design. 126
The first ring Craig would ever wear. 127
It still hurt knowing his Dad wasn't around any more. 128
He always had advice about any situation, money if he needed it and as he finished off his whiskey, he remembered it was his dad that turned him into a hard core whiskey drinker. 129
Tears began to burn Craig's eyes and he headed back to the cabinet and poured himself another whiskey, when Luthor Vandross 'Dance With my Gather' and Craig's eyes closed burning.130
Craig sat at the table sipping a drink looking around at all the sad faces. He knew this isn't what his dad would have wanted. The funeral was nice and as the coffin headed into the fires, Bonnie Tyler Holding Out for a Hero played just like his dad had asked for so many times. 131
Craig finished off his drink and looked over at his brother Mark, His two boys were running around and trying to climb over him as he tried to talk to his wife Louise, when Mark looked up, their eyes locked and Mark nodded once.132
"Hun I have to go, me and Craig gotta do some stuff together."133
"okay.. What you gotta do?" Louise enquired puzzled.134
"Well, Dad's final wishes to be honest" Mark smiled softly looked up at his older brother and nodded again. Twenty minutes later they'd showered and changed and were in a pub drinking heavily laughing, joking and remembering their father the good times, the bad times, and even the funny times. They continue drinking and partying hard celebrating their dad's long life, instead of mourning his death, just like they had promised their dad years before, just like he'd taught them.135
The song finished and Craig blinked back tears smiling at the memories, swirling his drink in his glass he limped to another dresser opened the cupboard and took out the book that was in there. 136
Glass of whiskey in one hand, big book in the other Craig limped back to his seat, set his glass down. 137
Then sat down and opened the book, it was a photo album. His memory messed up since the night he had been jumped, Craig started hoarding pictures, finding that they helped to keep his memories. Helped him to remember his friends, and those he loved. 138
At one time it sickened him he had to use pictures thus, but he came to realise that better to remember in any way possible rather than lose those precious moments that all people have, and yet people forget them so easily some times. 139
Craig fingered each picture some from friends long gone some from people who no longer called themselves friends. 140
Tears fell memories were recalled and music played. He fingered a picture of Lisa and sighed, he loved her she had got into his blood like only true love can, but even though she held his heart she broke it deciding he wasn't the one she wanted.141
"Craig, I've met some one else."142
"Oh.." His heart stopped, his breath caught in his throat,143
"But..But..But.. What about us what about our plans?" Craig was reeling his mind awash with sadness and pain, trying to figure out how he could fight for this girl he loved,144
"I'm sorry, I didn't plan this but he makes me happy and he is here. I gotta go.. Bye Craig. I'll get a calling card so i can call you cause I don't wanna lose your friendship. and wanna know how you are n stuff."145
"Okay.. Bye Lisa" 146
He had been numb for a long time afterwards he remembered talking to people he remembered talking to Dawn the only thing that kept him from killing himself. 147
He also remembered drinking two bottles of whiskey so he could sleep without dreams for they were plagued with Lisa and it hurt too much to dream of her.148
Craig sighed softly and turned the page tears slowly falling down his cheek like a small stream winding around a mountain top, though still 149
friends he had never gotten over Lisa and only one other girl had fired his blood and surged his heart with love, Dawn. 150
He continued fingering more and more pictures turning the pages when he came to pictures of Dawn. 151
He smiled softly his sadness momentarily forgotten. 152
The second girl he had fallen in love with so badly that she was still in his heart.153
He still compared girls to her and lisa equally. He'd met her while dating Lisa but didn't let anything happen as he was with Lisa. 154
It had confused and hurt him because he loved both girls equally, if he had met them at the same time he woulda walked away from both of them because he wouldn't have been able to choose, but as he was with Lisa, he didn't have to choose, for he wasn't someone who would cheat. 155
After Lisa had dumped him Dawn helped keep him together so instead of falling apart he continued living, they started dating when she felt he was finally over Lisa and he was happy. He would fly over for weekends and book week holiday here, a week holiday there to be with her and they were very happy.156
But after dating for three years it had got too much for her. She had decided a long time ago she couldn't leave her family even though she loved Craig. 157
She also decided she wouldn't let him leave England for her and so she had told him one winter's day, as the ice and snow blew noisily outside.158
"Craig, I have something to tell you.." 159
Dawn murmured softly as they snuggled on the couch.160
Craig's heart stopped, the tone of voice all too familiar even after these past years. 161
The same tone of voice Lisa had used when she had broken his heart. He tried to keep his tone of voice upbeat as tears sprang to his eyes.162
"Whats up hun?"163
"We can't keep going on like this Craig. I love you to pieces but.. I can't live without my family, and I can't let you leave everything you have worked for, just for me. I'm not worth it. So I think we should call it a day"164
"But you are to me" 165
Craig rolled her over so she was facing him and she could see the tears in his eyes,166
" Dawn I love you to pieces.I want you to be my wife I've told you that countless times. And I'll do anything to make that true." 167
She shook her head softly,168
"You'll meet some one else Craig your a great catch. But I really can't let you leave all you have worked for, your flat, your job,your life. Just for me." 169
She kissed him softly and some how the knife the he felt in his heart twisted further,170
"So it's time we called it a day. After this trip I think you shouldn't visit me.. For a while at least." 171
He had cried and she held him, when he stopped they made love, a last good bye, and then he left. 172
He had only visited once since even though he had made plans to but always something came up or he had bottle out the pain too much to bare knowing she wasn't his anymore. 173
Few years later she had met some one else and married him. That was when the hope for her had finally he went to their wedding and had cried tears of loneliness and longing before drying his eyes and placing a mask of happiness on and congratulating them both. He never visited again he kept in contact as he had promised to so she knew he was still living and still breathing. 174
Craig continued to drink replenishing his glass every time it was empty. Memories swirling regrets pressing Craig broke down in tears, fingering pictures of lost lovers lost friends, teardrops slowly dripping onto the pages. 175
He realised that no one would ever meet up to the standards he had all based on the two loves of his life and that was reason he was alone. He'd never truly gotten over either of them, they each held equal parts of his heart so no other could replace them and he cried further. For all the loneliness buried deep in his soul rippled forth. Suddenly the phone started to ring, and broke him from his memories and his pain.176
"Hello" Craig sniffed wiping his eyes177
"Craig, its Mark" Craig looked at the clock and realised it was later than he thought he looked at the whiskey bottle which was now just a drop left178
"whats up mate?"179
"Craig... I.. I need a favor.. a Craig special" Mark replied hesitantly180
'A Craig Special', a favor requiring me to protect some one, with everything I got, But what Have I got left Craig wondered silently, 181
"What's up mate?"182
"It's Nicole, her new guy wont let her out of the house n shit, I need help sorting him out, and watching my back"183
"Dude.. I don't think I can do it mate.. I..I ain't got anything left in the tank anymore bud.. Doc says I could be punching out if I get hit in the head one more time.. at best i could be severely brain damaged.. and I ain't talking the good kind bud.. I just ain't strong enough any more bud."184
"I understand mate, I'm sure i can rustle up some help, just wanted the best with me a."185
"But I ain't the best any more Mark." Craig interrupted186
"Dude, You were always the best, you just never let yourself believe or see it, I got some phone calls to make bud, catch you around"187
"Laters Mark." 188
Craig hung up sadness filling him further and anger burning, for the first time in forty five years. Craig had let down a friend when he needed him. Craig frowned crying with frustration, anger and pain. 189
He headed over to his game system set up for virtual fighting. He plugged in looking around as the game started a fist sailed from his side. He spun away and smiled, a great way to work out and get rid of any latent aggression.190
Plus it meant he could move like he used to instead of how he moved now, his injuries non-existent in this virtual world. Meant he moved, ran and kicked like he could when he was younger, and not broken down with life. 191
He shifted and moved from building to building in the game taking out enemies one by one his mind focused he passed the earlier rounds easily enough, the harder characters finding it nigh on impossible upon this day to catch Craig unawares, even the other human players were sending congratulatory messages to him as he defeated them one by one192
"Wow what a fight, your on fire BrokenKnight"193
"Damn Knight, nice fight Hope to have a rematch sometime"194
"YOU MOTHERFUCKIGNSONOFABITCH"195
Craig laughed as he received the last message, he felt alive again for here he didn't feel crippled. 196
A fist sailed outta no where bringing him out of his reverie and Craig only barely swayed out of the way in time. The name of the character flashed green telling him it was a human player and not a AI controlled player, another fist shot out faster than a bullet and Craig watched as it just clipped him, and his energy bar dropped like a stone.197
"Damn. What boosts this guy got? What fucking level is this guy?" Craig wondered dodging, ducking using buildings as shields, not even being able to mount an attack as the buildings exploded around him.198
A loud bell like a cathedral bell striking sounded indicating a fight between the world champion and another human player was going on. 199
"Fuck me, I'm fighting this guy and someone else is having an even worse fight" 200
Another fist sailed out, but it was a dummy and his opponent's leg shot out faster than lightening slammed straight into his stomach, his energy bar dropped to almost zero as Craig hit the floor. Craig rolled back onto his feet and jumped out of the way of another blow,201
"Fuck this" 202
Craig stepped in as another fist sailed out as it came within an inch of his face he rolled around and slammed his elbow into the back of his opponent's head, as he stumbled forward Craig spun and slammed a kick into his back. 203
His opponent slammed to the ground rolled and flipped on to his feet with cat like grace and lightening fast. Charging he attacked Craig. 204
Craig ducked under the fist and slammed his head into the opponent's stomach as he doubled over he flipped his head up his opponent's head whipped back and Craig grabbed his head and flipped throwing his opponent through the air, a light tinkling sound announced a special attack had been dropped and Craig looked around quickly as his opponent began getting up. 205
He checked the energy bars. 206
His opponent had about a third left of his energy, one hit and Craig's game would be over.207
"THERE!" 208
Craig finally saw the sparkle of the special attack, but it was too high to grab with his current character's attributes and he swore loudly,209
"SHIT!" 210
Looking back he saw his opponent running and closing the distance between them and he knew within a split second he would get to him, when a flash of inspiration hit him. He charged but at the last possible second as the guy threw a punch he jumped, landed on the guy's shoulders and jumped again, kicking him in the back of the head as he took off. 211
With the extra height Craig was able to grab the special attack, landing he rolled and turned. His opponent was already baring down fast, Craig activated his special attack hoping he would have enough time to pull it off. 212
As his character in game built up power his opponent got closer and closer, a punch flew out, 213
"BAM!" 214
Explosions rained across Craig's vision when it cleared, he'd won. The special attack hitting a split second before his opponent's punch could land.215
"Wow. Well fought congratulations Knight" 216
Message flashed up on his vision from JTFighter24,217
"Your the World Champion!" 218
Craig sent back shocked, split second later an alarm rang out and a message flashed up on his screen219
"JTFighter24 defeated by BrokenKnight. BrokenKnight's new rankings. Crossbar66 No 1 BrokenKnight No2 JTFighter24 No3...." 220
The rankings continued as the game paused so no one would be attacked while watching the rankings,221
"*laughs* You didn't know? You were rising the rankings so fast today I noticed you and figured I'd try you out.
Didn't expect my ass handed to me on a plate.. Have to give me a rematch sometime 
maybe catch you in the world championships next week, you get a free entry now your in top 20" JTFighter24 messaged Craig,222"No.. I.. I Didn't realise at all you nearly had me no wonder your attacks are so strong. and me in the world championships next week?! you kidding? I don't have the character stats to do it.. " 223
Craig sent back224
"It's not all about stats and boosts, you proved it today knight. Plus you got nothing to lose. and a top ten finish = top money prizes" JTFigther24 sent back225
"Meh maybe I'll see you there then" 226
Craig's screen flashed twice indicating he had a game message 227
"Well Nice fight and hope to have a rematch soon
well maybe not with your boosts "228"don't be so sure
" 229JTFighter replied before Craig signed out the game and into the game message server and found he had 4 messages230
"Welcome worthy player, congratulations on making the top 50 ranks for your efforts and triumphs you receive 20% Stat bonus please apply speed/attack/defence/stamina?" 231
Craig applied to stamina and watched his energy bar increase and smiled, before reading his other messages232
"Welcome worthy player, congratulations on making the top 30 ranks for your efforts and triumphs you receive 25% Stat bonus please apply speed/attack/defence/stamina?" 233
Craig's eyebrow raised, and applied his bonus to defence figuring that better defence, less getting hurt can fight longer, use his brain to outwit and out fight his opponents. He then clicked next message.234
"Welcome worthy player, congratulations on making the top 20 ranks for your efforts and triumphs you receive 30% Stat bonus please apply speed/attack/defence/stamina?" 235
Craig applied this to his character's attack and watched his attack strength grow, before realising he'd already grown 30 levels from today's playing and his skill levels were very good, better than he thought, 236
"Maybe I really will hit the world Championships, cause looking at these stats.. I got a small chance." 237
Craig clicked his final message,238
"Welcome worthy player, and congratulations on making it to the top ten, where only a few have ventured many having failed at the attempt. For your efforts and triumphs you receive 35% Stat bonus please apply speed/attack/defence/stamina? please apply" 239
The cursor flashed waiting for his response, Craig applied it to speed, quickening his character's reflexes once applied the message continued, 240
"As you have reached the dizzying heights of the top five ranks, you also receive a choice of booster, Speed, Attack or armour for defence please apply" 241
Craig picked armour and watched his defence rating jump and whistled realising the kind of stats he must have beaten when he beat the world champion JTFighter,242
"Please note, as you have reached the No2 rank in the world, you also receive a bonus booster, please choose now. " 243
Craig took a speed booster, 244
"And also We would like to offer you a free place in the upcoming world championships, where the top prize is a guaranteed 10 million Dollars, this free place must be claimed by the first of April, 2027 Good Luck oh mighty warrior" 245
After Craig had finished reading his game messages he purchased a refill to his energy maximising it once more from one of the powerup shops using the spoils he had won, before signing off the game. 246
Craig blinked and rubbed his eyes and slowly adjusted to the real world, shooting pains started from his knee and shoulder he limped to his medicine cabinet and pulled out his painkillers and swallowed a couple before limping back into his living room. 247
His music was still playing softly he sat back down and poured himself another drink as he sat down and looked around his empty flat, the feelings of triumph and accomplishment dying away slowly, leaving him feeling lonely once more and angry at how he couldn't help his friend how he had helped him years before. 248
Craig moved to the bedroom, he murmured 'off' the command turning off his music instantly, his body and mind tired, he lay down and fell asleep.249
It was night time Craig and his friends were hanging out on the green his mates had brought their girlfriends along and were gonna get stoned but Craig wasn't interested in drugs and even worse Craig was depressed and feeling alone. 250
He was laying on the grass listening to the music that was playing, all the while echoing the music within his soul. Looking around and watching his friends laugh and joke with their girlfriends and looking at himself, his life, and total and utter lack of getting any where with girls always hearing how he was "too nice" "rather just be friends". 251
Craig's eyes closed as tears started to form, 252
"Your a fucking loser Craig. A Fat Ugly loser. and your gonna 253
Die alone... So whats the point of continuing?" 254
Craig reached for his bike chain and lock, undid the lock and wrapped the chain tighter and tighter around his neck, then locked it in place.255
He couldn't breathe at all. 256
He then threw away the key to his lock.257
"Craig.. What you doing bud?" Mark asked trying to focus.258
"Forget about it bud.. have fun..." Craig gasped softly, as the music played259
"Craig.. your face is going purple whats going on?"260
"Just strangling myself. Don't worry about it"261
Mark shook his head trying to clear the buzz going on in his head and he stumbled over to Craig tried to pull the chain from around Craig's neck. When the chain didn't move he pulled again before he noticed the lock,262
"where's the key Craig?"263
Craig's eyes slowly closed as he felt sleepier and sleepier he barely heard the question and threw his hand out pointing in the general direction he had thrown the keys. 264
Mark watched as Craig's eyes slowly closed and then his arm flung pointing out into the darkness. Mark stumbled around on his hands and knees frantically looking for the keys. 265
Finally, some how he found them. Moved to Craig's side and unlocked the lock and untwisted the chain from his neck and as he gasped for breath Mark slapped him around the back of his head,266
"Stop being stupid dude"267
Craig Awoke with a start coughing and spluttering tugging at his neck as if something was choking him, before he realised it was just a dream. 268
He slowly sat up and turned his feet on the floor sitting on the bed, head held in between his hands. Guilt burning through him followed closely by disgust. 269
He'd dreamed of that night twenty six years ago, when Mark, his friend, had saved his life. Although Craig had repaid that debt countless times, he knew the debt would never be fully paid. Sighing he stood up and limped to the bathroom. The silence in his house was deafening louder than any rock concert he had ever attended270
"Music On, Volume 19, Random Track" 271
The stereo system jumped on and a random song started blasted the silence away in a barrage of sound. 272
Craig washed his face then brushed his teeth then sprayed some shaving gel into his hand spread it over his face until he had a good lather of shaving foam on his face and then looked in the mirror. 273
His disgust and pain looked back at him and he turned his eyes down not meeting his reflection's eyes as he shaved for the first time in a couple of days halfway through shaving the phone rang picking up the extension he answered it,274
"Hello?"275
"Craig, its Charlie.. You need to help Mark." 276
Charlie, Mark's wife, 277
"You have to help him Craig, Mark couldn't get any help. He rang 278
around all night and couldn't find any, and no one wanted a one day bodyguard job. Please Craig.. Please help him, These guys are dangerous, 279
they run outta the Old Pit Bull. They are really dangerous Craig you gotta help him please!" 280
She was crying now, and it broke Craig's heart but the doctor's warnings and his own pain spoke for him,281
"I can't Charlie, I'm spent.. Call the police and let them handle it.. I'm sorry I can't help. I'm not good enough anymore" 282
Tears falling Craig hung up the phone hands gripping the sink he bent over the basin tears flowing slowly and silently at last he picked up his razor blade and started shaving again. 283
He looked into his reflection's eyes by accident and the pain there made him jump. His razor sliced over his skin and he yelped in pain dropping the razor.284
"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!" Craig yelled at his reflection. 285
"I Can't do it anymore. I'M A FUCKING JOKE!" 286
he gripped the basin again and cried blood and tears dripping slowly into the water. 287
Finally composing himself again he finished shaving and then he walked into the bedroom and dressed faded denim jeans a loose fitting t-shirt. 288
He looked in the mirror refusing to meet his own eyes looking at his scruffy hair he shook his head deciding not to bother sorting it out today then moved into the living room and sat down. 289
He looked around the room and sighed and then, for the first time. He listened to the song playing290
"She Said I seen you in here before, 291
I said I been here a time or two, 292
she said hello my name is Bobby-Jo 293
meet my twin sister Betty-Lou 294
we're both feeling kinda wild tonight, 295
and your the only cowboy in this place, 296
so if your up for a rodeo, 297
I'll put a big texan smile on your face, 298
I said Girls..." 299
Toby Keith singing As Good as I once Was, first time Craig had heard it was when he was in Canada. On his failed attempt at meeting Lisa, somewhere deep inside the words and music were striking chords of his soul, 300
"I still hang out with my best friend Dave, 301
I've known him since we were kids at school, 302
Last night he had a few shots, 303
got in a tight spot, 304
hustling a game of pool, 305
with a couple of redneck boys, 306
one great big bad biker man, 307
I heard Dave yell across the room 308
hey buddy how bout a helpin hand, 309
I said Dave..... 310
I ain't as good as I once was, 311
My how the years have flown, 312
but there was a time back in my prime 313
I could really hold my own, 314
But if you wanna fight tonight 315
I guess those guys don't look all that tough, 316
I ain't as good as I once was, 317
but I was good once, as I ever was" 318
The song fell away from Craig's ears as he remembered all the tight spots he and Mark had been in throughout the years and smiled, 319
"fuck it." 320
Craig limped into a run, grabbing his keys and leather jacket. He stopped at the door he grinned, picked up his dad's old cowboy hat and put it on. Catching a look in mirror on the way out he grinned,321
"Damn I still look good in it"322
"One last time bud, One last Time."323
He took the stairs two at a time in a limping run hurtled outside before skidding to a halt. His battered car sat in its parking spot, but just behind it his Honda Fireblade and Craig grinned took out the keys carefully wheeled it past his car swung a leg over, bit back the yell of pain as his knee screamed its defiance at what he was doing, started up the engine, rev'd the engine grinning as it roared to life. Craig grinned before dropping the clutch, the wheels squealed as he shot out of his driveway324
Mark hung between the two men blood dripping from a cut above his eye. He hadn't got near his daughter Nicole. After he had tried to talk it out the brief fight ended hard. Now the pain was about to begin, he was screwed. 325
He wished he'd called the police and let them sort it out. Mentally he shook his head, no he wished Craig was here, by his side, then this wouldn't have happened. 326
Mark looked up into the eyes of the guy striking him. Chris, he'd trap his daughter and wouldn't let her go that's why he was here. As his fist came down again Mark felt his nose break and bit lip to stop himself from yelling out in pain,327
"I'll teach you to fuck with me" 328
Chris yelled as he moved to strike Mark again329
"Bring it" Mark gasped, 330
but as Chris's fist descended lower and lower the pubs front doors suddenly exploded in glass and wood, causing everyone to dive out of the way leaving Mark laying on the floor. 331
Mark coughed and choked as dust floated around. Looking up there was a Fireblade in the middle of the room and a man with a cowboy hat,332
"What the fuck?"333
"Hows it going Mark?" Craig said with a grin, 334
"Figured you could use a hand"335
Craig blazed along at 110mph down the motorway dodging traffic. Kicking the bike around corners but the only thing he could feel was the thrill of the speed as he dodged the traffic. 336
Threading his way through town he finally screeched to a halt outside the old pit bull. 337
It was a bar that hadn't changed much in the last 30 years still as shitty as the day he first saw it. 338
Two guys were leaning on a car just outside the pub but neither seemed to be doing anything other than watch the door. Craig tried to get off his bike and winced leaning back up he watched for awhile longer. Looked down at his bike and grinned, 339
"Fuck it if I'm gonna be stupid" 340
Craig rev'd the engine hard, pulled a half doughnut, and headed down a side street. Braked turned around again and rev'd the engines hard, dropping the clutch and sped towards the pub changing up the gears as quickly as he could. 341
The two guys heard the screaming bike and stood in shock as what looked like a cowboy came at them hurtling along on a motorbike all they could do was yell in fear and dive out of the way. 342
Craig leaned back and lifted the front wheel and crashed through the door then hit the back and front brakes hard the front wheel slammed down as the back brake locked. 343
Then the back wheel threw itself up. Craig leaned back dropping all his weight over the back wheel the bike slammed down hard and he grunted as his knee took the bounce of the bike. 344
He swung his leg off the bike quickly and stood gritting his teeth in pain, looking over he noticed Mark looking beat up on the floor345
"What the fuck?" Mark said.346
"Hows it going Mark?" Craig said with a grin, 347
"Figured you could use a hand" 348
Craig heard some groaning turning he noticed seven guys scattered around the room,349
"Mark, Find Nicole and go."350
Mark nodded, scrambled to his feet and headed for a door behind the bar. Craig turned around and stared straight into the path of 7 barrels, the guy Craig took to be the leader growled,351
"Your a long way from Texas cowboy,"352
Craig smirked,353
"Kids nowadays can't take care of their own shit, have to resort to guns, fuck me. kids today are pussies"354
Craig watched as six fingers twitched on triggers, eyes locked on the leader of the bunch. Craig didn't flinch. The leader's eyes tightened,355
"I want this fuck alive so I can really fuck him up, get him"356
"But boss what about the other one" 357
Before anyone could move Craig vaulted the bar and kicked shut the door, locked it and then broke the door handle off so the door couldn't be opened easily,358
"GET HIM!" The leader yelled359
Mark took the stairs two at a time yelling his daughter's name,360
"NICOLE! Where are you Nicole?"361
"DAD! I'M UP HERE!" 362
Mark heard his daughter scream from up the stairs. Mark carried on climbing at the top of the stairs one of Chris's henchmen stood shocked at the top of the stairs.363
Mark kicked out quickly his foot slamming into the guy's kneecap which snapped under the force. The nameless guy screamed in pain as his kneecap shattered under Mark's kick. 364
Mark shoved the guy out the way and moved to the door and rattled the handle,365
"Nicole?"366
"DAD, I'm locked in!"367
"Move away from the door Nicole" 368
Mark waited as he heard footsteps move away from the door then rammed his shoulder into the door. The door rattled in its frame and Mark clutched his shoulder groaning in pain,369
"fucking movies," 370
Mark grumbled as he stood back then kicked the door just above the lock, the door shuddered and Mark kicked again. 371
The frame splintered slightly but the door didn't quite open. 372
He slammed his foot into the door once more and the door frame splintered the door swinging open. Mark looked into the room, it was a mess of broken furniture and rumpled sheets. His daughter stood by a broken dresser looking ragged. 373
She ran up to him and enveloped him in a hug crying. Mark gently stroked her back trying too soothe her,374
"Come on its okay. I'm here shhh.shhhh. its okay I'm here"375
As her sobbing stopped Mark steered her over the body of the whimpering man Mark had felled, then climbed down the stairs.376
Mark heard the sounds of a huge commotion coming from the bar, and wondered how well Craig was faring. 377
As soon as the guy had yelled get him Craig vaulted the bar top grunting as his feet hit the ground and his knee yelled its objection. He ducked under a wild swing slammed his fist into the guys stomach and carried on moving heading for the pool table.378
Some one grabbed his jacket and yanked him back. Craig swung his leg back and kicked the guy in the balls. 379
With a scream of pain the guy let go of the jacket. Craig spun and let rip with a straight the guy's head snapped back and he crumpled. 380
A bottle sailed through the air Craig sidestepped it turning to face another oncoming guy, when something smashed into the back of his head. Dropping to a knee Craig's vision blurred shaking his head he looked up and someone was about to try and hit him with a pool cue again. 381
Craig rammed his fist into the guy's groin and the guy screamed in agony. Craig grabbed and stood grabbing the guy's shirt and quickly spinning Craig heaved with everything he had. 382
The guy sailed through the air like a javelin and slammed into the bar, bottles smashing everywhere. 383
Before Craig could move someone grabbed him from behind and something smashed him over the head. By the sound of smashing glass Craig guessed at a bottle. Groaning in pain his vision blurred so bad he could barely make out shapes he shook his head. Trying to clear his mind enough to think. For a long time ago he learned early that even when you were down, as long as you could think, you weren't out.384
"Your good cowboy, But not good enough" 385
Craig looked up vision blurred barely recognising the voice of the leader of this motley crew,386
"Meh figured I'd give you boys a rest for a second" 387
Craig grinned, and then wish he hadn't what felt like a baseball bat slammed into his side and broke at least one rib. Craig bit his lip stopping himself from screaming out in pain looking up again for a split second his vision cleared and he looked deep into the man's eyes before him. 388
Craig saw fear and pleasure at the pain he was causing. 389
Chris looked down at the guy at his feet and grinned, and slammed the bat into his side again, 390
"Feel that cowboy? hehehe" 391
He chuckled softly.392
Craig felt the bat hit him again and he gritted his teeth feeling at least one more rib break. He didn't hear Chris's words but he decided he needed to do some thing before he was beat to fuck and couldn't move. Craig waited until Chris took his bat back to swing again and rammed his head into the guy behind him. 393
The grip on his jacket loosened and he yanked sideways. Chris's bat slammed into the guy behind him. Kicking out Craig aimed to take Chris at the knee hoping to break it. Chris fell to the ground screaming in pain clutching his knee. 394
Someone grabbed Craig before he could pick himself up so he grabbed the guy's hand and forced his finger into a little known pressure point in between the knuckles. 395
The guy yelped in pain dropping Craig to the ground. Craig rolled backwards slamming his feet into the guy's chin, rolling backward he stood up grunted in pain as his knee spasmed and grinned looking around slowly he turned. His pains fading away. He heard a crunch of breaking glass behind him spinning on his heel his fist shot out. The guy's jaw broke under Craig's hand, as he felt it break he snapped out a kick. As the man dropped he heard a guy trying to rush him from behind he snapped out another kick to the guy's gut. Turning he followed up the attack with a straight kick snapping the guy's head back. Craig faster than lightening he threw another punch and the guy dropped like a stone. 396
And then Craig made a mistake, he relaxed. He'd counted 7 men down and out, forgetting the two outside. Some thing hard slammed into Craig's weak knee and he screamed in agony collapsing clutching his knee. 397
The two guys that had rushed in started kicking him in the head and Craig's head became a football to them. 398
Some how Craig kicked out his toe catching a shin. The guy clutched his shin hopping away the other guy laughed and Craig bit his ankle trying to give himself some time to recover his wits. 399
Climbing to his knees he shook his head trying to clear his vision and the cobwebs. 400
A foot slammed into his ribs and Craig screamed in pain and as the foot drew back again Craig spun grabbing the ankle twisting violently sending the guy spinning through the air. Getting his feet under himself Craig clambered onto his unsteady feet. He nearly collapsed as soon as any weight anchored onto his weak knee. Craig sensed more than saw something swinging through the air at him swaying back he staggered nearly collapsing his knee unable to bare his fully weight. 401
Swaying forward Craig's arm came up blocking a blow the spinning on his heel yelling in pain as his knee twisted he slammed his elbow into the guy's throat. The guy dropped chocking clutching his throat. 402
A gunshot rang out and Craig expected an explosion of pain. Dropping he dived skidding over the top off a pool table grabbed a couple of pool balls and slid over the table ducking behind it. 403
Three more gunshots rang out and Craig peeked over the top of the pool table. Chris had stood up and drew his gun. Craig dived and threw a pool ball with all his strength in his arm and crashed behind an over turned table Screaming in pain as his injuries all tried to gain his attention. Craig rolled out from behind the table and threw his remaining pool ball watched as it bounced off of Chris's head. One of the guys Craig had downed earlier charged Craig drawing a knife. Craig stood his ground leaning his weight more on his good leg. As the guy drew closer Craig sidestepped grabbed the thrusting hand around the wrist, twisted sending the arm up the mans back twisting it further Craig heard the snap. At that moment Craig heard the sound of a gun arming, catching the knife as it fell from twitching fingers he thrust the guy forward hard. 404
His face rammed into the floor and then Craig spun and underhand threw the knife, Chris fired but missed, the knife slammed into his side and he cried out in pain. Craig erupted from the ground and slammed a fist into Chris's jaw and then a another and another, as he began to sag Craig grabbed his shirt an groin and heaved throwing him against the back wall behind the bar. Craig slumped on top of the bar top, twisted and slid down the bar his knee no longer being able to hold him at all, his body a mass of pain and injuries. 405
Mark had driven like a mad man getting his daughter home as soon as she was safe, he flew back into his car and pushed it as hard as he could getting back to the pub to check on his friend Craig. 406
His wheels screeching loudly, dived out the car and slammed through the pub doors and scanned around looking for Craig. 407
As soon as he saw Craig's collapsed form against the bar, he rushed over and lightly shook Craig, 408
"Hey, Craig.. you okay? Bud?" 409
Craig stirred and groaned his back was screaming for his attention. Mark helped him to his feet and he bit back a cry of pain as his knee took his weight. Craig looked at Mark and blinked a few times his vision blurry and he found it hard to focus,410
"Yeah bud... I'm breathing" 411
Craig chuckled and winced clutching his side. Mark watched Craig wince and tried to take his weight on his shoulders, but Craig just shrugged him off, stood up and started to limp out the bar. Mark started to follow him when a sound from behind him made him turn,412
"We ain't finished" 413
Chris was holding his side, his head was split open and bleeding freely. His left hand held a small pistol.414
"Dude. I let you live. Fuck with Mark, his daughter, or me again. I'll kill you. I know your carrying right now. But you ain't fast enough Bub" Craig didn't even turn, his voice ice cold. 415
Mark gulped at Craig's words ready to dive out of Chris's way, when Chris slumped back against the wall behind him and slid to the floor letting the gun drop from his hand. Fear emanating from his eyes clearly. Mark turned hairs on the back of his neck rising, and followed Craig out of the pub and stood at his side as he stood on the sidewalk,416
"Come on bud my car is this way" 417
Mark pointed to where he had parked his car and looked at Craig, who shook his head softly,418
"It's okay bud I know a girl that lives around here, she lives nearby I'll give her a call see if she is free, maybe get a last dance" 419
Craig looked at Mark smiling, he could barely pick Mark out.420
"Okay bud, but what about your bike?"421
"leave it.. I won't get to ride it again with this knee, and its probably fucked anyways."422
"okay bud. take care mate, and I'll see you later yeah?"423
"Yes mate"424
Craig started limping away down the road heading for the river, raised one painful arm into the air, two middle fingers clenched, little finger, forefinger and thumb outstretched and waved goodbye his way. 425
Mark climbed into his car and watched Craig walking away, for one split second he wondered if he was lying, then smiled realising Craig would never lie to him. 426
Turned the key in the ignition and headed home back to his wife and kids. 427
Craig carried on limping down the road finally catching the river turn off. He stumbled down the path catching himself and carried on walking, his vision misting over further and further limping more and more heavily he carried on walking along the river his mind slowly drifting, and before his eyes a women appeared, held out her hands as if to slow dance. 428
Craig smiled not recognising her but shrugging he took her hands slipping an arm around her waist and danced turning slowly the pains in his body fading away. 429
Craig didn't feel the ground as his head struck it once last time, and as he danced in his mind. His heart beat slower, and slower. 430
And then it stopped.431
Mark stood at the pulpit and stared out across the filled church and smiled,432
"See mate.. You packed the house, just like I always said you would" he thought before clearing his throat. 433
The room was filled with friends from around the world, holographic representations for those who couldn't make the travel. In the front sat Craig's Mom and three brothers, and the two loves of his live Lisa and Dawn.434
"I have known Craig for 30 odd years, and he is the only person I've known not to change as much as the rest of the world seems to. Always living to his own personal code of honor, living to find love, his soul mate. Living to enjoy music." 435
Mark smiled,436
"And enjoying to dance, and ride at speed, be it car or bike. Craig may not leave behind a family of his own, but to me he was a brother I could always count on, and he leaves behind a mother he loved, and three brothers and their families, all of whom meant more to Craig than he could ever describe. Craig had a warrior poet's soul, mixing a love for words and poetry, and a, will to do what ever was right. 437
Like Knights of old, and strove to protect his friends with ever fiber of his being. I was in Craig's flat trying to figure out what I would say and accidentally turned on his stereo. The first song that played I had to smile, because he reminded me of Craig, it was a song called As Good As I Once Was by a country singer called Toby Keith, but then a second song played, and I shall play it now as It struck me that it was very fitting." 438
Mark turned and turned on the small player he had set up, and as the soft melodies began to play, few knew the song playing. It was Somebody's Someone by Lonestar. 439
Mark looked out into the crowd and saw confusion when they listened to the words until the Chorus,440
"He was, somebody's some one, a neighbour a husband, A brother a Father, and a mother's only sun" 441
As the words of the chorus played, A mother cried remembering the scruffy son who still made good. Three brothers remembered their older brother, who was there for them, with advice, cash whenever they needed him, and his clumsy accidents that were always good for a life. 442
Which gave sad smiles to them all.443
"He was an, Uncle or cousin, somebody's best friend" 444
Mark closed his eyes as tears welled up and he remembered his lost friend. His lost brother in life.445
"and I'm sure at times, a shoulder to lean onn, he was somebody's someone" 446
with the last line of the chorus, the whole room remembered him, remembering the good times, remembering the bad. 447
Remembering his self sacrificing nature, and wishing he hadn't left their lives so early. 448
Wishing he hadn't been taken from them.449
Some where, a man dances with the girl of his dreams, a soft smile playing across his lips, dancing one last dance. 450
That may never end.451
Adding your comment:
Josephine.
just not the surgeries though i been told if im not carefull I could end up in with problems later life..
