Mason: A Signet Classic
Dramatis Personae
Joe Mason- our main character and hero
David Richman- Oil baron, manager of Mason
Tony- The stuffed tiger
Rose- the maid
ACT I
[Scene is set at the home of David Richman, where Joe Mason has slumbered for a time in the guest room. Mason is currently in his bed, asleep, where maid Rose and Richman wait. Tony is shown on a nightstand nearby, seeming to watch Mason.]
Has this one awakened as of yet?
Nay, my lord; he hath slept the entire time he hath been here.
[Sighs] Well, it is my hope that soon he awakens. He need not miss another match.
[Exit David Richman and Rose. The scenery then changes to Joes slumber, in which he dreams. Joe is adjusting the antennae to his television, desperately looking for a TV show to watch. It is 10 P.M., and his mother and stepfather at this time are at a drug house in a nearby neighborhood. Finally, after fiddling with the antennae to the television for some time, he finds a local channel, showing an amateur wrestling tournament taking place at the New Orleans Arena. Mason is content with this channel, and goes into his bedroom and grabs his stuffed tiger, which he has named Tony and has dubbed his best friend, and settles back down on the couch to watch.]
This doth seem to be an interesting show to watch, right, Tony?
Wrestling doth peak my interest, friend.
[The pair continues to watch until it ends; Joe is absolutely mesmerized by the tournament, wishing to himself he could wrestle in that arena one day. Just as it goes off the air, the sound of a jalopy pulling up by the mobile home resounds throughout the area. Panicked, Joe quickly turns off the television, but it is too late as two figures appear. Mason expects his mother and stepfather; however, he instead looks into the face of David Richman in the place of Dougs face, and his mothers face replaced with a skull. Joe Mason screams and awakens, reality returning, as he finds himself in the bed.]
What is my location? Is anyone there? Somebody, speak unto me!
[Enter Rose and Richman.]
You are awakened! Happy am I!
It is a wonderful thing that you have returned to us. We had thought for a time we had lost you.
Lost me? How could I be lost? What hath happened that I should be? And why do we speak in this tongue?
This tongue of old? I havent the slightest idea- perhaps a figment of your imagination, I presume.
We talked in such a manner when I was a child.
[Joe and David simultaneously look at Rose in befuddled manners. Exit Rose.]
Well, here am I to bring you good tidings of great joy- you have a match on the twelfth of Aftershock.
Glad I am, but my question remains unanswered. Why do I be bed-ridden?
I only know what I saw, my young friend
Aftershock 11 said:
We see that someone is calling out for help as Johnny Scumm and Joe Mason are unconscious with Barbosa sitting in-between the two with his back against the wall and his legs out-stretched with a blank look on his face. More people arrive on the scene to help the two competitors with one of the referees going up to Barbosa.
Did you do this?
Barbosa has an emotionless expression on his face and does not respond. The referee keeps watch on Barbosa as everyone else tends to Scumm and Mason.
Barbosa hath done this cruel thing? Blasphemy! An outrage! Bad, even! This man should not present himself to WZCW!
Yes, it is a terrible thing indeed, but let us not forget Scumm.
I care not for Johnny Scumm. At least he will be missed, as I doubt I have been.
What do you go on about? The crowd knows not well who you are, as you are a fresh talent of sorts!
Fresh talent? These people saw well who I am when I faced the one called Derek Jacobs! Cheered me on, that they did. I see not your point, as it is moot. All those know who I am, and yet they care not! Who has longed for my return? Name me even one person!
I have missed you, friend.
[Joe looks over to Tony, who is still on the nightstand, staring longingly at Joe. In the midst of his complete frustration, Mason grabs Tony, opens the guest bedroom window, and tosses him out.]
Why have you done this?
Stand aside- I must face my next opponent on my own.
Yet you know not who your opponent is.
Then who is he?
The one they call Darren Bull.
Bull. [Masons eyes light up like a fire, raging with bitter hatred.]
The one that cost me my chance at the Mayhem title. Justice will be served. I will destroy every atom of his person! He will succumb unto my submission!
You must calm down, Joe.
I need not calming! I need vengeance! And after this
a new start. I will begin a new era. I will find someone to assist me in my times of need, one who is better than thee.
Then why do you say you must face-
SILENCE! [Richman backs down in fear.]
I dont need you any longer. Good day, my former friend.
[Mason walks out of the room and out of the house, leaving Richman alone in the bedroom.]
Good day, my stepson.
[Exeunt.]