(November 17th, 2021; 2 weeks before NXT WarGames and 4 days before Survivor Series.)

It was a rather seasonably warm November day, 68 degrees to be exact with nothing but the rare cloud to block out the sun. With Thanksgiving week on the approach, traffic as per usual during the holidays was going to be at an all-time high, some decided to get a jump on their plans almost immediately. One of the some would be none other than Brianna Coda, Cora Jade to her peers who had been in the process of packing bags as she along with a few others got the nod to watch Survivor Series live and in person at the Barclays Center. And to say she was shitting bricks would be an MASSIVE understatment. She was in the process of packing and repacking her bags for the fourth time. You heard that right a FOURTH time.

Brianna: Alright. Electric toothbrush, perfume, lipsticks. Boots both stylish and comfortable. Plenty of clothes changes, I'd rather be struck down by God himself before I wear clothes I've sported already beforehand

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Brianna: Hmm. I wonder who that might be as if I didn't invite them earlier.

She walked out of her bedroom and straight to the front door... to find her two best friends Caleb and Carla, better known on the independent scene as ROK-C awaiting to come inside her apartment.

Caleb: You mind letting us in? Oh, Carla y'know Bri, Bri, Carla.

He allowed himself as he then saw the two ladies staring at him in amusement and then Brianna for some unexplained reason ran up on him and squeezed his buttocks, causing him roar in surprise and disapproval.

Caleb: OY, OY, OY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, CODA?!

Brianna: Just doing what the sign said, Harper. You're telling me you didn't feel anyone stick something on your back?

Caleb, feeling up his back indeed felt a slip of paper and sure it read "Grab my cheeks, if you dare." He crumpled the note, then effortlessly tossing it into a trash can as he looked at the young indie sensation.

Caleb: You were the only who I've hugged today, Carla. 'Fess up now and I'll show a little mercy on the way to the airport to you.

It was then Brianna realized what he may have been inferring to and shook her female best friend by the shoulders.

Brianna: Please Carla if you care about yourself at any point, you'll tell the truth. Believe Caleb when he says he can be the passenger from hell.

The indie sensation looked between the two Midwestern natives as she sighed, pulling out a notepad with her best friend's slash roommates name on it.

Carla: It wasn't me so much as it was my roommate when you picked me up earlier. Said he wanted to play a prank on you.

Caleb: Remind me to beat his ass like he stole some candy from the gas station.

Brianna: Caleb... what did we say about battering people who play harmless pranks on us?

Caleb: Ugh... hear their side of it and give them a scare if anything. Never let the good hands commence unless it's a sactioned match. You don't make this fun at all, Brianna.

Brianna: Well. Someone's gotta make sure you don't catch a felony battery charge because you got 'pranked'. Fortunately, I'm up to the task of limiting any chaos you may cause. The world has enough vagabonds and hellraisers as is.

Caleb: Alright, alright. No assaulting Gonzalez's roommate got it. Where are your bags so I can put them in my car?

Brianna: In my room. I'll bring them out, stay right there.

She departed for the master bedroom while the other two wrestling stars examined her living room just as Caleb's eyes landed on several pictures spread across her entertainment system. He picked up that showed a younger Brianna with her parents and his parents at a Mizzou football game he was slated to participate in that had taken place not even two years ago.

Caleb: Heh, I remember this.

Carla: That's right I forgot you used to play football. Wasn't this the annual season opener your freshman year?

Caleb: Homecoming against Ole Miss my sophomore year. I actually helped turn the tide with a 27-yard gain on a third down that eventually got us the W. I, however caught an injury shortly into the fourth quarter and couldn't play after that. Coda and her family had field passes and got to see the team walk and storm out onto the field.

He set the picture back down where it was originally planted as he examined more pictures until another caught his eyes.

Carla: No freaking way...

Caleb: It's Bri... and Natalya?! Is it me or does that Hart never age?

Brianna: She definitely doesn't age.

Both got jump-scared as Caleb flung the picture in the air and after stumbling with the laminated photo he was able to grab it before it shattered on the ground.

Brianna: I'm ready whenever you two are, let's take over Brooklyn!

Caleb: ALRIGHT!

(1 Hour Later... Orlando International Airport)

The three arrived at the worst possible time. The former Air Force Base like all other airports had been experiencing its most busy, jam-packed and overall chaotic time of the year not named Christmas. Shuttle buses were back as far as the main terminal's entrance and people had to take the shuttle bus parking garage from across the way. Caleb, realizing his car wouldn't stand a chance in a lot like that, mainly because he'd get it lost like a needle in a haystack, opted for the airport garage. After finally acquiring a spot on the second level, the wrestlers quickly made their way to the entrance to see other flight-goers heading either towards TSA and screening customs or straight to their gates. Brianna looked at the screen's flight itienary and witnessed their flight take centerstage.

Carla: What time was our flight for?

Caleb pulled the sleeve of his dark green shirt, revealing an Apple Watch with the precise time down to the seconds.

Caleb: It's only 12:45. Our flight isn't due for another hour or so we're actually on good timing. It's always important to get this type of shit sorted away so you can just hand your ticket towards an easy flight. Follow me.

All three young adults approached the counter where baggage check had been hard at work already.

Baggage Checker: How's your guys' day?

Caleb: It's alright, long day for you?

Baggage Checker: You have no idea. Let me tell you all, before you three came up here, we had a family of five with over stuffed luggage, and I'm not just talking about the parents.

Brianna: What would possess parents to cram all their possessions for what? An at best three week trip?

Caleb: You underestimate the love most parents have for their kids. If they enjoy the vacation, the 'rents will have an easier time.

Brianna: I get the love part, but is that last person even remotely true.

Carla: Absolutely not.

Caleb: Carla's right, I just like bullshitting you Coda.

Brianna was about to open her mouth as she playfully punched his arm earning a yelp from her state neighbor.

Carla: You two go back and forth with each other like a married couple.

Caleb: I- you don't know what you're talking-

Brianna who stuttered all the way through her sentence shared the exact same sentiment her best friend did.

Brianna: Like the sheer audacity to think I'd date Caleb. Is sheer lunacy!

Caleb: She just got out of a relationship! The woman needs time to heal and be with herself at that!

Brianna: I should knock some sense into you for that stupid ass comment Carla. I really should, but I won't because-

Carla: I'm faster not to mention more agile than you?

Brianna: No because I don't want to catch a battery charge, and in turn possibly get fired from my dream job.

Caleb: Umm guys?

The two women continued to banter with one another when Caleb pulled out an air horn from his luggage and not being able to get their attention after a few minutes, he pressed down on the button, the horn expelling a loud, thunderous honk as if a car accident had occurred within the confines of the airport.

Carla: WHAT THE HELL?!

Caleb: Now that that's handled, I was going to say you can go because you two are holding the line. My bags are already on their way to the rest of the luggage.

Brianna and Carla looked at the people behind, laughing sheepishly at the embarrassing moment they were now apart of. With now having gotten their luggage through check-in and getting through the rigorous process of TSA, they then made their way onto their flight with whatever carry-on they had on their person. Carla opted to take a seat across from Bri and Caleb, the former taking the window seat as the latter was still putting his luggage away.

Caleb: Seriously, Coda? Just like that?

Brianna: Gotta be quicker than me, Steel Buns.

He shuddered after getting a new nickname placed onto him by his female best friend.

Caleb: You can have the window seat, so long as you NEVER call me that again.

Brianna: I get to call you a different one and I won't bother you until the show.

Caleb: I'm going to hate my new nickname a lot more, aren't I?

Brianna: Mmm.... Yes.

Caleb: I've given you too much power, haven't I?

Brianna: Yes.. you indeed gave me too much power and control. Now... there's *yawn* nothing you can do about it.

Caleb pulled his earbuds out and tapped her shoulder.

Caleb: Yo, don't fall asleep on me now, who's gonna watch this movie I'm purchasing?

Brianna: Not me sorr-

Caleb: It's Maleficent.

Brianna: Damn it you win; But I warn you, I'm going to fall asleep within the first the 25 minutes of this damn thing. You're lucky I'm a sucker for anything Disney.

Caleb stuck his tongue out.

Caleb: Just shut up and enjoy the film.

Pilot: Ladies and Gentlemen; This is your captain speaking, I want to, on behalf on my co-pilot wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving as you make the trip to see your families. We are on a round trip from Orlando, Florida to Brooklyn, New York. But before we take off, I ask you direct your attention-

Caleb: Lawd help me.

(Some hours later...)

After the plane had landed, passengers left and right were making their way to baggage claim to procure their luggage, the three wrestlers, bags and suitcases in hand walked out of the terminal as a paid driver from WWE awaited them. They all arrived at the hotel where most the WWE employees were staying over the weekend. Brianna walked towards the concierge to get the key cards as Carla and Caleb looked around the atmosphere of people walking all over the place.

Carla: This is absolutely crazy, isn't it Caleb?

Caleb: Hmm? Oh yeah, yeah. Sorry if I'm distracted, there's just a lot on my mind right now.

Brianna returned to her closest friends with three keycards in hand with her bags on a roller.

Caleb: Thanks Bri. Appreciate it but I think I'm gonna shower, order some room service and get ready for Saturday. You both can have the other room.

He hugged Brianna, dapping up the Booker-T trained star on the rise as he grabbed his three bags, heading towards the elevator.

Brianna: What's up with Caleb? Is he still pissed about the whole note prank before we took off, I would've apologized instantly.

Carla: It's not that, at least not from what I saw out of him. It looked to be something way more serious if he's taking off like that. You have any idea what it could be?

Brianna: I think I might, he and I tell each other almost everything... but I can never really tell with him. I'll ask him first chance I get. But come on, I hear there's a marathon of The Simpsons calling our name!

Carla threw her luggage upon her besties', jumping onto the front end of it the carrier as they laughed all the way towards their room.

(Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York; Night of Survivor Series, T-Minus 1 1/2 hours to showtime.)

As an unlimited number fans began truly pouring into the home of the Brooklyn Nets, getting whatever gear they could for themselves or their kids, popcorn and other concessions were selling like hotcakes. Stars were roaming around getting last minute adjustments such as gear done, prayers for a safe night and other things. Carla, Caleb and Brianna were witnessing the chaos backstage.

Brianna: This is absolutely insane. It's never this crowded back at the PC.

Caleb: It's one of the biggest events of the entire calendar year. With it being Thanksgiving, everyone wants to put on a show to remember and get back to the holidays. I really don't blame them. I still don't see the reason why the boss man invited us. If it has nothing to do with a call-up, I lowkey don't wanna hear it. But I do have some business to attend, so I'm going to try to make the most of this time-

?: Oh my god, Caleb... is that you?!

The three young wrestling prodigies turned around to see a streak of blonde blitz past the two ladies and wrap around the young Missourian with bone crushing intensity.

Caleb: HFFF! It's very nice to see you too Gionna, but you squeeze any harder and I might not able to see you or my cousin compete tonight from lack of oxygen.

Brianna: In that case... squeeze him a bit harder, I owe him for stealing my pancake earlier today.

Carla punched her arm, earning a yelp from the Chicago-based star as the WWE superstar known as the otherwise bubbly spitfire Liv Morgan continued to hug the NXT star finally breaking the show of affection after some time.

Gionna: I thought I had heard rumors of you and a couple other NXT pooled talent coming around here. You're not trying to take my spot, are you three?

Caleb: Please, I would never. I've appreciated you for the longest. Sticking your neck out for me, your spot is secure with me. I wouldn't about these two however.

Brianna: Sellout.

Gionna: And this spunky little darling with the purple streaks must be... Brianna.

She gulped as the diminutive yet 'athletically... fit' star as she was wearing an ensemble to hug her curves.

Caleb: You haven't happened to see Kai around, have you Gigi? I've been wanting to talk to him and get some things off my chest.

Kai: Talk about what?

Brianna, scared out of her wits jumped into his awaiting arms as Caleb's older cousin had finished taping his wrists. Gionna laughed at the interaction, sauntering over to her boyfriend of three years and giving him a sweet kiss.

Kai: Hey little cuzzo. You must be Brianna... I knew you looked familiar. Cora Jade, you're the gem of a star NXT has been building. Big fan, can't wait to see what you further. And ROK-C, you cannot fool me. I am familiar with your game. Hopefully Hunter can work his magic and get you here sooner rather than later.

Carla: That means a lot, coming from you Mr. Butler.

Kai: Please, Kai'll do. Now then, you wanted to talk about something Caleb?

Caleb: Yeah but in private... no offense ladies but this sort of family-related.

Kai saw the underlying tension with his blood relative, understood the assignment slinking an arm around his shoulder as he looked back towards his significant other and other beautiful ladies.

Kai: You guys go on ahead, this shouldn't take too long. It's about time woadie 'nem and I chopped it up since we rarely see each other. Best of luck, sugar cookie.

He winked at Gionna before tipping his imaginary hat towards the younger, prospective stars of the wrestling world, leaving them to discuss things even further. Whatever it had to possibly be, Brianna would have to find some way to pry it out. Now just wasn't the time.

(NXT WarGames; December 5, 2021)

The event was set to begin shortly with Odyssey Jones and Andre Chase getting the NXT Universe wet with anticipation for undoubtedly the most violent and stomach-churning event of the entire WWE calendar year. Caleb, gear already suited up in the visage of a fallen angel, black and what appeared to be fake blood smeared on his cape. He was set to run with Team Black and Gold comprised of himself, Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano and previously Pete Dunne who had gotten injured who was now replaced by a returning LA Knight who had a bone to pick with Grayson Waller for... petty reasons let's be for real. Caleb, in the process of chewing a stick of 5 gum waiting for his match, the main event to start warming up but instead of watching Jones and Chase have a sneakily good match, he had his eyes glued to the imposing structure above them. It was at this very moment, Brianna snuck up on him hoping she had the drop on her male best friend.

Brianna: Hey there, Caleb!

Caleb: Brianna, hey girl. You ready for... wait for it, I gotta hit the perfect intensity and tone.. WARGAMES?!

She rubbed her ear that he comedically screamed into.

Brianna: Aside from you trying to make me half-deaf in one ear, I am indeed excited to risk my career in a match that's literally Hell in Cell on a weight loss journey.

Caleb: That's... gotta be the most unique description I've ever heard someone use for WarGames. You on first?

Brianna: Yup... and I've chosen to spend possibly my last moments with my favorite individual not named Stitch.

Caleb for a minute felt his cheeks turn red but thankfully to him, his complexion hid the flushed appearance after Brianna's words hit him.

Caleb: How is that little furball doing anyway? I imagine he's still getting used to his new surroundings and bearings.

Brianna: Something like that. He wasn't having his momma leave him all alone, the thing is, I've got so many treats on deck, he didn't pay much mind as soon as the door closed.

Caleb: I dread the day I actually get a dog. All the spots they can leave a 'little surprise' for you. The barking at night, knowing there's nothing out there. Yeah dog dad life sounds terrific, Bri, real convincing.

Brianna: Oh you'd make a great dog dad...but hey I've been wanting to ask you-

Just before she could heap more praise onto him, WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels the head of creative and talent development in NXT was doing the rounds making sure all superstars were accounted for and ready to roll.

Shawn: Alright, alright no lollygagging you two! Jade, you and the ladies are up. Steal the show as you're capable of.

Caleb: What am I, chopped liver?

Shawn: Kid, I've seen you wrestle. You're great if not better than your cousin.

Caleb: Yeah.... I'm definitely not gonna hang that over his head next chance I get.

Both Hall of Famer and young star shook their head as she went to grab her skateboard, she looked at Caleb, wanting to say whatever was on her mind but she smiled instead knowing both were about to endure egregious amounts of hell.

Brianna: See you on the other side?

Caleb returned the smile, as he clasped her hand with his, putting his other hand on top of the ball.

Caleb: Most definitely just don't try to kill yourself putting one of those gals through a table.

Brianna: Mmmm... we'll see.

And with that, WARGAMES was officially underway.

END OF CHAPTER FIVE! JESUS I'M BACK, AND WE'VE GOT THE FIRST OF LONG OVERDUE UPDATES AND THE FIRST IS TWISTED DRAGONS. I'LL BE ON HERE A LOT MORE FREQUENTLY AS MY SEMESTER IS WRAPPING UP. The one regret I have however is that won't be able to get that damn ServSafe exam, the bain of my existence LMAO. But nah going back to college has been refreshing to say the least, I do however go back in early January so let's try to enjoy the time we got right Savages. I'll be releasing The Heart of the Champion later today, probably before Thursday Night Football whereupon I'm still grinding through a new Liv or Let Die chapter, The long and strenous finale of Goddess of Football and then we have the fast approaching sequel of that story. Until then, run these views and votes for the Twisted Dragons and I'll see yall soon.