Post by Syn on Sept 11, 2013 22:58:31 GMT -5
It was all a lie.
That was the single, solitary thought that continued to pass through my mind as I stalked backstage after the most recent episode of Saturday Night Rapture had drawn to a close. My grip on my cane tightened as I limped in the direction of my Locker Room, ignoring the stagehands and ring technicians along my way. So many thoughts and emotions flowed through my mind at this very moment: Fury, rage, bitterness. All of it swirled about within my mind, and was brought about by what had happened earlier in the show.
Syn: [Growling slightly] Morgan…
As I continued to limp about, I kept replaying all that I’ve seen and heard in my mind over and over again, down to the last detail. Morgan Simmons, in her infinite wisdom, decided to do away with me in the middle of the ring and had set Mrs. Lopez up as the fall woman for her own misdeeds. I won’t delude myself into saying I never saw it coming or suspected it. While Danielle Lopez still very much had a hand and more in this, I’ve long since come to the conclusion that she wouldn’t go through the act of intentionally killing me on her own. While she has gone to amusingly absurd lengths to absolve herself of the guilt she does share in this situation, doesn’t have the stomach to go through with doing the act of deliberately taking the life of another. She’s just recently begun toying with a very crude version of torture, but that’s as far as she has come.
Syn: [Softly] And there is her…
Morgan, on the other hand, was devious. She was capable of holding a grudge, and it is no secret that she has all the reason in the world to have me so violently taken out of the equation. As devious as Morgan is, she is not very subtle in her actions. From the moment that awoke a few days after The Slamathon Pay-Per-View I kept some tabs on the on goings in The Wonderful World of Premium, as well as every single action Morgan made in regards to me. From booking a rematch knowing that my health would be very questionable, to all but bullying the company doctor to clear me despite my poor health. Oh yes, seeing the very concrete proof I needed to verify every single suspicion that I had was merely a formality at this point. Her guilt was already proven the moment she made this match….
Syn: Then why am I not as upset about this as I should be…?
The question caused me to pause just right outside of the hallway that lead to my locker room. While I was enraged and furious at this, there was not as much of this feeling, this outright fury towards Morgan as I expected there to be. Perhaps it’s because I knew the lows she was willing to sink to without truly knowing. I absentmindedly recalled the very last confrontation that she and I had face to face, the night our two year partnership came crashing down around her as I revealed my true reasons for having her, as well as the night she wished death upon me.
It was several weeks before The Battle Finale III Event. Although our Relationship had long since ended by that point, we still had some form of a partnership with our two groups; a partnership that our two sides have had for the better part of the last two years at that time, and was very close to the breaking point. The conversation, to say the least, was not a very pleasant one for either of us. She was incensed that I allowed Kai to take sides over her with Baker, instead of having him take part on her team as she previously wanted. I simply told her that I’m his brother, not his master. I will not have him do my bidding like some common grunt. That answer was not what she wished to hear, and a long, heated argument ensued between us, ranging from business to very personal matters.
I tried to remain calm as best as I could, but then she took it upon herself to make it even more of a personal matter by bringing Brytain into the argument. At the time, while the relationship between Brytain and I was still relatively new, my feelings for her then were just as strong as they were now. With all that in mind, I decided to sever any relationship, business or otherwise, between myself and Morgan, and hurt her. Hurt her in one of the most incisive ways I could imagine by telling her exactly what this entire relationship was between she and I: I told her that it was a farce. That this was nothing more than a sham on my part, and that I had been using her the entire time. From the outset, I viewed her as nothing more than a tool that I could use to gain entry into PWW as well as aid my Wayward Protégé, Alisyn, in furthering her training. The look on her face, one of the cold realization and abject horror at what I said, was one I’ll not forget anytime soon.
: [Monotoned] Lost in your thoughts again, Brother?
I snapped out of the memories of that night at the sound of the voice and looked behind me, towards the source of the voice. There, leaning against a wall not too far from where I was standing, was Alex and Alisyn. Both of them looked a little worse for wear following the Brawl that has just taken place, but otherwise seemed to be fine. Alex was staring at me curiously as I shook my head.
Syn: Just reflecting on things My Dear Brother, nothing more. Are the two of you well after what happened?
Alex gave a grunt, a small frown of annoyance making itself known on his features as he spoke.
Kai: Tch, as if any backwater fool that considers themselves in Morgan’s favor could do anything that can harm me. Even Alisyn could handle them with minimal effort.
I chuckle softly at the indignant look that Alisyn gives him, before Kai turns his eyes towards me once more.
Kai: And what about you?
I pause, before my expression turns deadly serious. Noticing this, both Alisyn and Kai unconsciously school their features to show no outward emotion. I honestly did not know how to answer this question truthfully, without causing either to worry unnecessarily about my condition. I was damaged, that much was fairly well known and expected. I’ve essentially been forced to return to action several months before I was to be cleared. But I actually feel worse off now than I did than when I awoke after the injury first occurred. Straightening myself up slightly I looked over at Alex, who was still awaiting an answer to his question.
Syn: [Quietly] I’m fine, Little Brother.
Without a word further, I calmly motion for the two of them to follow as I slowly limp into the hallway, before making it to the door of our Locker Room. We all go inside, and I limp over to the nearest seat and sit down, my cane in front of me as I observed both Alex and Alisyn. Kai had yet to take his eyes off of me as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. Alisyn seemed to be in deep thought as she sat down, a small frown on her face. I continued to watch her for a few moments, and noticed something peculiar about her actions. She was making an effort to look anywhere but directly at me. It was an odd action for someone. It was as if she was nervous about something. My thoughts suddenly went into a direction I did not want to consider. Looking up at her, my eyes harden slightly as I decide to see if my suspicions are valid.
Syn: [Softly] Alison.
She paused at the use of her given name on my part, before slowly looking up at me. Her light blue eyes shows her confusion as clear as day as she stared at me. I leaned forward slightly, both hands resting upon my cane as I spoke.
Syn: Did you have any knowledge of what it was she was planning to do to me before hand?
I remained stoic as her eyes widened in shock, almost as if silently asking how I could come to such a conclusion. Alexander’s eyes widened a small fraction as the question caught him off guard, but I could also see the curiosity as well. He too wished to know her role in this. A very small part of me wanted to laugh bitterly at the absurdity of it all, questioning the young woman in front of in such a blunt and open manner. It was very far from my usual ways…but I felt I had to ask this. While Alisyn is indeed my Protégé, she was also a member of Toxic for going on a year and a half before deciding to remain at my side, and was still considered a member when the incident happened. After a few moments of silence passed, I decided to speak once more.
Syn: Did you or did you not have any prior knowledge of her plans that involved me in any way, Alisyn?
Almost immediately, she began trying to convince me that she had nothing to do with this.
Alisyn: Syn….I swear on my soul. I swear to every deity in existence that I didn’t know what was going to happen to you. She was angry about you allowing Kai to wrestle on Team Baker, but that is as much as she would tell anyone in Toxic besides Jimmy….
She paused, as if remembering something, before she looked down and spoke quietly.
Alisyn: But…she was acting strange throughout the entire thing. Like she expected it to happen to you, and she seemed disappointed when you pulled through. After that, she kept asking me why I continued to stand by you when you’ve all but forgotten about me, in her words. After a while, she and Jimmy both began trying to recruit me into Toxic on a more permanent basis. That’s all I know, I swear it.
I held up a hand, silencing her for the time being as I closed my eyes.
Syn: Are you telling me everything you know, Alisyn? Everything?
She shook her head no, before looking away from me once more.
Alisyn: ….No. No, I’m not. On the day it happened, I…I overheard her telling Jack Payne to let the match go no matter what happens. To not stop it under any circumstances and that there must be a winner. I blame myself for all of this; if I had told you sooner, if I had figured out what she was planning…you wouldn’t have…
Ah, I see now. She feels guilty for all of this.
Syn: Alisyn, I don't-
Whatever I was about to say came to a sudden halt as I stopped and broke out into a small coughing fit, leaning against my cane for support as the coughing seemingly becomes more violent. I couldn’t see them, but I could feel both of their eyes on me at the moment. Neither of them have ever seen me in the condition that I am in, so broken down and worn. I finally stop after a few moments and close my eyes, and bite back a small groan of pain as I lean into my cane.
Alisyn: [Concerned] Syn… are you sure you are alright?
I opened up my eyes slowly and looked up at Alisyn, before I painted on a polite smile, masking whatever I was feeling at the moment.
Syn: I’m sure. I’m fine, I promise you.
Kai: Stop that.
I looked up, and saw Alex wearing a very familiar look to me. His Jade-Green eyes seemed to blaze as his lips pursed into a very thin line. I looked wearily at him, waiting for him to continue speaking.
Kai: You’re not fine, Michael. You’re far from it. In the last two and a half months you had your eye ruptured within your skull, went into shock and died from the shock and blood loss that you suffered due to that injury, and you’ve had to wrestle several main event caliber matches just weeks after all of that. And look at the state that all of this has left you in. You’re small and gaunt, deathly pale to the point where you resemble more of a walking corpse than anything, and you need the aid of a damned cane to be able to move around because your body is in such poor health. Yet you’re unwilling to sit by and allow us to handle it for you, allowing yourself to be pulled into a battle like this and thinking that you HAVE to do this. Brother, you can walk away from at any time. You, for all intent and purposes, took on death and WON, Michael. You don’t have anything to prove to anyone…
Alex trailed off as he looked away, his jet black hair covering most of his face as his voice lowered considerably.
Kai: [Softly]….No one would think any less of you if you walked away from this for now and allowed yourself to heal, Brother. You could always leave it to us, or your “Pet’s” in Project Venom…but nobody would think less of you if you walked away.
The room became uncomfortably silent after his little outburst. He was right, as much as I did not wish to admit it. The very fact that I was up and walking, let alone putting myself through hell and back again was a miracle in itself, but one that was taking a very large toll on me physically. I should not be competing, but I am. And I couldn't just bow out at the moment, no matter how much of a smart decision that it would be for me in the long run. Not after what Morgan has done to me.
Syn: Kai….Alexander…
He didn't say anything for a few moments, before he sighed and slowly turned to look over at me.
Syn: I honestly wish it were as simple as walking away and not risking my health like this. I wish that I could just walk away, allow myself to recover and that would be the end of it. But it isn’t. I more or less was brought back while I was still at death’s door, and I had to compete under Morgan’s terms because she held all the cards. Now…now she has nothing. She has been exposed in front of the world, and is going to be even less inclined to be subtle or patient, if what we saw out there was any indication.
Alex’s jaw was set and he seemed to be fixing me with a very hard stare as I softly continued.
Syn: I can force her to do this on my terms, Little Brother. But I obviously cannot do it without a bit of assistance.
The room was silent after a few moments, with none of us moving an inch as my statement hung in the air. My multicolored eyes stared into Alex’s Jade Green for what seemed like an eternity, with Alisyn looking between the two of us in silence. Finally, after a few tense moments, he looked away and gave a soft sigh.
Kai: Then I suppose I’ll have to make sure that you don’t do anything foolish, won’t I?
I chuckled slightly at that, but said nothing. No words were needed at the moment as the three of us stood there. The scene ended with the three of us coming together, plotting what my next move against Morgan shall be, and how it will be carried out.
For what seemed like the thousandth time in as many hours since we have been here I found myself standing in front of the balcony window of the hotel room I shared with Brytain, staring out into the night sky as several thoughts continue to run through my mind. My mind refused to rest as multiple things passed through my thoughts, all of which having to do with my immediate future: My plans involving Morgan, my wedding to Brytain in a little over three months time, my match against Danielle Lopez.
Under normal circumstances, I’d not give most of these topics aside from the wedding a second thought and do what came naturally when opportunity presented itself. But I couldn’t, not this time. Not when I stood to lose as much as I gain with every action that I make. I continue to ponder my thoughts for a few more moments, before I notice that I am no longer alone in the room. I turned around, and my eyes locked onto the pair of bright blue eyes that I’ve come to love so dearly.
Brytain: [Softly] Hey you…
She was standing in the doorway of the hotel room, holding a small cup of tea in her hand as she looked at me. I attempt to give her a small smile as I return the greeting.
Syn: [Softly] ‘Lo, Britain…
I turned to look back out of the window after speaking, once again delving back into my thoughts.
Brytain: You’re a million miles away right now, Love.
I give a small shrug in response to that.
Syn: I suppose I am, for the night. There is very little rest for the mind these days.
She walked over and handed me a cup of tea. I took it and gave her a grateful smile, before taking a small sip of the drink as she gave me a concerned look.
Brytain: Tell me what’s on your mind?
I give a small, somewhat mirthless chuckle at the question.
Syn: I think the easier question that I could answer is what isn’t on my mind at this time, Brytain. Morgan’s treachery, our wedding, and a myriad of other things seem to be making themselves known at the forefront of my thoughts.
She gave a slow nod of understanding at hearing all of that.
Brytain: Yeah... could try talking to me about a few of those things...
I slowly walked over to the bed and sat down next to her, sipping the tea lightly as I gave her curious look.
Syn: Which do you wish to hear first?
Brytain: [Softly] Whatever subject is weighing on your mind the most.
I gave a small sigh as I looked down into my cup of tea, as if the answers to all of my thoughts lay within in.
Syn: I'm wondering if I'll be a suitable husband for you, wondering what depths I'll have to go to in order to absolve myself of Morgan once and for all....and what it will cost me in the end if I can.
She reached over and gently runs a hand through my hair, more than likely attempting to calm me before I begin to dwell upon this subject.
Brytain: And you're worried that these depths you have to go to will cost you my love.
I gave a faint nod as I leaned into her touch slightly while she continued to run her hand through my hair.
Syn: You know what I have to do in order to get what I want from her. You've said in the past that the man in the ring and the man I am now are hard to place as being the same person for you...
I felt her stiffen slightly at the mention of the words she had said to me in the past, before she sighed softly.
Brytain: Yes. Yes, I did say that... but that was before I watched you die. Before I had my heart ripped out of my chest and destroyed in front of me. And that's... changed my views a little bit.
Syn: How so?
She glances down for a few moments and goes silent, thinking about how to go about answering that. After a moment, she finally spoke up again.
Brytain: ...I want to see everyone who had anything to do with it suffer. I want them to suffer as much as you did, and as much as I did.
Syn: Even if it means knowing I must go to a place that I've not been in quite some time. Knowing that once I go there, there is a chance I'll enjoy every single act I commit from that point on even more so than I do now?
Another sigh escaped her lips as her bright pink hair fell down around her face.
Brytain:...That's complicated. It's a selfish reason, but I'm more afraid of losing the man I've come to love than anything else.
Hearing her speak like this….hearing the genuine fear in her voice that she may indeed lose me to this monster of my own creation due to Morgan’s games, it bothered me. It affected me more than I imagined it would have.
Syn: Hey.
She looked back up at me.
Brytain: Yeah…?
I reached a hand out, gently placing it on her cheek as I spoke.
Syn: Not now, not ever will you lose me. No matter what I become.
She leans into my touch absentmindedly, taking some comfort in the familiar gesture as she speaks.
Brytain: You can't promise that. And I don't want you to suffer by becoming that person again... I don't-
I continued to caress her cheek as she trailed off slightly. This subject was hard for the both of us, for a multitude of reasons. For me to walk down this road again, after coming this far, would be resorting to desperate measures. I’ve never hid the fact that I’m a very depraved individual at heart, that much has always been a given. I enjoy most of what I’ve done, and likely will do. That likely will never change. But I won’t throw away this….I won’t thrown away this relationship that we have spent so much time building for revenge. I absently traced her cheek, before reaching down to take her hand into mine and brushed my thumb over her knuckles.
Syn: [Softly] I can promise that.
Brytain:...What if I told you that I didn't want you to do this..?
I paused, before turning fully to look at her.
Syn: [Softly] I would ask if it was because of this road that I may walk down, or if there was something more?
Brytain: [Softly] That... and something else.
She looked up at me, right into my eyes as she continued to speak.
Brytain: Michael...you can get angry with me again if you want, but you and I both know that you're not anywhere near ready to do this. You're still healing. You're not even close to being ready to be in the ring, let alone doing the things you've been doing…or will do. You can let Kai or Project Venom do this. If you say the word, you know they will. Fuck, if you say the word /I/ would do it.
She stopped speaking and trailed off, averting her gaze from my eyes as she left her statement at that. But she didn’t need to finish speaking for me to understand what she wished to tell me. I knew what she wanted to tell me, yet held back from doing so in order to avoid an argument.
Syn: So you're of the mindset that I should walk away as well?
She gave a slow, deliberate nod.
Brytain: ....Yes. Yes I am.
Syn: [Softly] I'm not upset, or going to yell, Love.
Brytain: [Sighs softly] But you're also not going to listen.
Syn: By not listen, you mean am I still going to compete on Saturday, then yes. But otherwise....I'm not going to be handling the physical aspects of what it is that I'm planning. I know I'm still very much barely a step above a cripple, Love. I'm not as blind to my physical limitations as you all think. But at the same time, I'm not going to have anyone fight a battle intended for me.
She stands up and goes over to the window, crossing her arms over her chest as she gazed out into the city.
Brytain: [Sighs again] Yes, that's exactly what I mean...
I stand up slowly and sat my cup down on the nightstand on the bed, before I slowly walked over to her. I stood directly behind her, before slowly wrapping my arms around her waist and hugging her slightly. She leaned back against my chest slightly, taking comfort in the gesture.
Brytain: I just can't lose you again, Michael... I still don't think you honestly understand what that did to me...
I sighed at that, and placed my head on her shoulder as I continued to hold her close, my index finger tracing the back of her hand slightly as we both looked out the window.
Syn: [Softly] You won't lose me....not now. Not after all we've been through, and all that we have planned.
Brytain: [Softly] ...The wedding.
I gave a soft nod at that.
Syn: Only three more months.
Brytain: ...You don't really think you won't be a suitable husband for me, do you?
I unconsciously hug her closer to me.
Syn: I just...have doubts.
Brytain: [Softly] Such as…?
Syn: If your faith in me is warranted....I don't exactly have a very flattering record in the way of being a very good husband...
Brytain: [Arches an eyebrow] Michael... this is different.
I stayed silent, not entirely believing her as I looked down. It wasn’t entirely different, when it seemed that all are convinced your intentions are less pure, and everyone was of the mindset that you have some devious, ulterior motive in mind. Gently, she reached a hand out and placed it on mine, causing me to look back up, and I found myself staring into her eyes as she spoke.
Brytain: [Softly] I'm not stupid... or naive. I've listened to all of the bullshit people have fed me about how you're going to use me, hurt me, destroy me... and I don't believe a word of it. Because I know that you love me. You're hell bent on making this wedding everything you think I deserve. We're not running off to Vegas to do it quick and dirty in a drive thru chapel somewhere.
Her hand reached out to mine and held it up near her face, before she gently kissed the tattoo on my ring finger.
Brytain: You put my name on your body permanently with this tattoo.
She then slowly removes her hand from my own, and reaches up to touch her necklace gently. The golden anatomical heart necklace I had given her a little under a week ago, to commemorate our being together for six full months.
Brytain: [Softly] You gave me your heart and you even came back from death for me, Michael. You are already my husband in every single way but name. The only thing that's missing is the piece of paper that makes it legal. And you've been more than just "suitable" for me.
I gently reaches out and caresses her cheek, peering deeply into her eyes.
Syn: And if I have my way, I'll do everything I can to continue to be a suitable husband to you, Brytain. I love you too much to not do this for the woman that has become my wife in all but name.
Syn: I love you, Brytain Montgomery....forever and always.
She looked back up into my eyes and smiled softly, before she leaned up towards me, and took my lips with hers for a very soft kiss. I returned the action in kind and allowed her to turn around to face me as I wrapped an arm around her, before we pulled apart a few moments later. She smiled at me fondly, before she responded.
Brytain: And I love you more, Michael Rollins...Always and Forever. So stop worrying about that at least.
I smiled, before I leaned down and kissed her again. While many of my thoughts from earlier were still somewhere within my mind, I at least had the comfort of knowing that I’ll not face them down alone if needed be. This feeling….this reassurance that she has given me over the last six months; I will not take it for granted.
She’s put her faith in me and has proven she will be there for me, no matter what dark and twisted path that I may choose to follow. And I love her for it.
(?): It’s an odd thing, just how damaging one little action can be to all involved, and all who aren’t involved.
The voice was a soft, silky one that echoed throughout the run downed warehouse, seemingly coming from the darkness itself. It sounded polite but there was a very sinister undertone to it, almost. The camera scene then changed from the long hallway into what seemed to be the center of the warehouse. The room was large, displaying Person was Syn, sitting in a makeshift throne in the middle of the room, surrounded by dozens and dozens of his clowns. Syn was dressed to compete, trench-coat and all, as he sat in the throne with his hair down covering his face. Project Venom, the three clowns that Syn seems to call upon the most, were surrounding the throne as well. One of Syn’s eyes peaked through his long, light blonde hair as he continued to speak.
Syn: All it takes is one decision. One decision made by one individual to create a storm capable of destroying everything someone holds near and dear. All it took was one choice to turn PCW into a madhouse, and force it to begin crumbling at the very foundations. Morgan Simmons…apparently made those very decisions, if what was shown to the entire world on the past episode of Rapture holds any merit. All the lies that she has told, and the lives she has so viciously decided to attempt to ruin have finally caught up with her, and she is now paying a very large price for all she has done.
The world was watching as throughout the entire broadcast, from the beginning where her sins were shown to the world, until the end where her little soldiers made the mistake of interfering in a match that they had no part in, it seemed that the World That Morgan Simmons has spent the better part of the last 5 months building. Every lie that she has told, every choice she has made, unravel and crumble around her. And unfortunately for her, it will not end there. That would be too short a punishment for her, considering all she’s done. I care not about what she’s done to Team Lethality, and on some level a bit of it was deserved. But I will not just sit by and allow her peace after what she has done to me.
But…fortunately for her, she is not the only person who has my attention.
You see, there’s a large difference between doing something like this because it is right…and doing it only because it benefits you. In the eyes of many what Danielle did was the right thing when she disclosed the depths of Morgan’s treachery, and I’m inclined to agree to an extent. The very fact that you used it as an attempted threat instead of airing it, however, makes this all very odd. The question that begs to be answered and the question that I’m sure she has a response to is this: If you’ve had this evidence as long as you claim to have had it….why wait until the moment you were scorned to show it? Would it have not been the honorable…and wise thing, for someone in your position, to have aired this sooner? While it would not have taken my attention off of you by a large margin, it would have at the very least allowed me to vent my frustration upon the mastermind instead of the one intended to take the fall for her misdeeds.
Syn rose his head slightly, allowing his face to be seen. His face was covered by a very familiar object to those who have seen him in past battles: It was the leather, Hannibal Lector like mask, covering most of the lower part of his face. Syn’s multicolored eyes gave off a very dark look as he stared ahead into the camera, with all three members of Project Venom still at his side as he continued to speak.
Syn: Make no mistake Danielle, you and I will settle whatever grievances we have with one another in due time, Because for you and I it goes a bit beyond just The World Heavyweight Title, some ill conceived illusions of a gang war between The Disciples of Syn and Team Lethality, or some contrived little notion of Good and Evil. For the two of us, this match goes MUCH further beyond all of that. But I don’t want you to concern yourself with it now. It’s unimportant until you and I finally meet inside of that very ring. So until then, I want you to enjoy the little forced vacation that you have been dealt. I want you to take the time and attempt to scout me, as you’ve tried so many times to do in the past. I want you to lay awake in wonder every single night between now and the night of Anarchy, constantly reviewing every single thing that happens and quietly wonder to yourself exactly what it is you’re going up against. What will this man attempt to put me through, and how will he do it?
The answer to that question is a surprisingly simple one: I’m going to put you through hell.
But I suppose I’ve spoken enough about my future opponents for the moment. Allow me to switch my focus back to the present, and my opponent for the upcoming addition of Saturday Night Rapture. My opponent is a Young Man who has made a great deal of improvement and has gone greatly beyond what has been expected of him…
Syn clicks his tongue lightly behind the leather, Lector-like mask that he wore on his face. While it could not be seen due to the mask, the somewhat dark amusement was clear in his eyes and in his tone as he continued to speak.
Syn: …Despite the somewhat unsavory company he has decided to keep. The Self Proclaimed “God Of War”, Brian Stryker. But before I begin, allow me to commend you on how far you have come over the last year, Mr. Stryker. You've more than proven yourself to be one of the more deserving members of The PCW Roster, and you only continue to improve as you've made your desire to move up in the rankings know. That is all well and good, My Dear Boy.
But...you've had the unfortunate luck of the draw in having me as your opponent for the evening.
You see, I've had a bit of a need to break something over the last several weeks, due in part to all that our..."Illustrious" General Manager has done. And you're in the very unlucky position of being in my sights for the time being. But while this may be a chance to vent for me, this match is a little more than just a match for you, isn't it? For the last several weeks, you have stated on numerous occasions that you have a desire to go beyond where you are now, to prove your worth in the eyes of the Wonderful World Of Premium. You had a glimmer of a chance against The Former Sickboy, Curtis Wilkes, and you came up just a tad bit short. Now? Now you're getting a chance to show what you are made of in perhaps the biggest one of your young career, but allow me to give you just a bit of fair warning on exactly what it is you can expect in that very ring.
Syn steeples his hands in his lap, his head tilting slightly as he continued.
Syn: You won't be facing the run of the mill competitor, or a Hall Of Famer who has fallen upon desperate times. You're facing the person who at the moment has gone beyond the norm. I'm no longer on top of the mountain, and I'm no longer the man who's making the mountain bigger. I AM the mountain, Mr. Stryker. I'm not my wife, I'm not Mr. Wilkes, and I'm not Draven. And in just a few days time, you'll face a not a man, but the devil himself.
Welcome to The Age of Armageddon Mr. Stryker. There will BE no survivors.
That was the single, solitary thought that continued to pass through my mind as I stalked backstage after the most recent episode of Saturday Night Rapture had drawn to a close. My grip on my cane tightened as I limped in the direction of my Locker Room, ignoring the stagehands and ring technicians along my way. So many thoughts and emotions flowed through my mind at this very moment: Fury, rage, bitterness. All of it swirled about within my mind, and was brought about by what had happened earlier in the show.
Syn: [Growling slightly] Morgan…
As I continued to limp about, I kept replaying all that I’ve seen and heard in my mind over and over again, down to the last detail. Morgan Simmons, in her infinite wisdom, decided to do away with me in the middle of the ring and had set Mrs. Lopez up as the fall woman for her own misdeeds. I won’t delude myself into saying I never saw it coming or suspected it. While Danielle Lopez still very much had a hand and more in this, I’ve long since come to the conclusion that she wouldn’t go through the act of intentionally killing me on her own. While she has gone to amusingly absurd lengths to absolve herself of the guilt she does share in this situation, doesn’t have the stomach to go through with doing the act of deliberately taking the life of another. She’s just recently begun toying with a very crude version of torture, but that’s as far as she has come.
Syn: [Softly] And there is her…
Morgan, on the other hand, was devious. She was capable of holding a grudge, and it is no secret that she has all the reason in the world to have me so violently taken out of the equation. As devious as Morgan is, she is not very subtle in her actions. From the moment that awoke a few days after The Slamathon Pay-Per-View I kept some tabs on the on goings in The Wonderful World of Premium, as well as every single action Morgan made in regards to me. From booking a rematch knowing that my health would be very questionable, to all but bullying the company doctor to clear me despite my poor health. Oh yes, seeing the very concrete proof I needed to verify every single suspicion that I had was merely a formality at this point. Her guilt was already proven the moment she made this match….
Syn: Then why am I not as upset about this as I should be…?
The question caused me to pause just right outside of the hallway that lead to my locker room. While I was enraged and furious at this, there was not as much of this feeling, this outright fury towards Morgan as I expected there to be. Perhaps it’s because I knew the lows she was willing to sink to without truly knowing. I absentmindedly recalled the very last confrontation that she and I had face to face, the night our two year partnership came crashing down around her as I revealed my true reasons for having her, as well as the night she wished death upon me.
It was several weeks before The Battle Finale III Event. Although our Relationship had long since ended by that point, we still had some form of a partnership with our two groups; a partnership that our two sides have had for the better part of the last two years at that time, and was very close to the breaking point. The conversation, to say the least, was not a very pleasant one for either of us. She was incensed that I allowed Kai to take sides over her with Baker, instead of having him take part on her team as she previously wanted. I simply told her that I’m his brother, not his master. I will not have him do my bidding like some common grunt. That answer was not what she wished to hear, and a long, heated argument ensued between us, ranging from business to very personal matters.
I tried to remain calm as best as I could, but then she took it upon herself to make it even more of a personal matter by bringing Brytain into the argument. At the time, while the relationship between Brytain and I was still relatively new, my feelings for her then were just as strong as they were now. With all that in mind, I decided to sever any relationship, business or otherwise, between myself and Morgan, and hurt her. Hurt her in one of the most incisive ways I could imagine by telling her exactly what this entire relationship was between she and I: I told her that it was a farce. That this was nothing more than a sham on my part, and that I had been using her the entire time. From the outset, I viewed her as nothing more than a tool that I could use to gain entry into PWW as well as aid my Wayward Protégé, Alisyn, in furthering her training. The look on her face, one of the cold realization and abject horror at what I said, was one I’ll not forget anytime soon.
: [Monotoned] Lost in your thoughts again, Brother?
I snapped out of the memories of that night at the sound of the voice and looked behind me, towards the source of the voice. There, leaning against a wall not too far from where I was standing, was Alex and Alisyn. Both of them looked a little worse for wear following the Brawl that has just taken place, but otherwise seemed to be fine. Alex was staring at me curiously as I shook my head.
Syn: Just reflecting on things My Dear Brother, nothing more. Are the two of you well after what happened?
Alex gave a grunt, a small frown of annoyance making itself known on his features as he spoke.
Kai: Tch, as if any backwater fool that considers themselves in Morgan’s favor could do anything that can harm me. Even Alisyn could handle them with minimal effort.
I chuckle softly at the indignant look that Alisyn gives him, before Kai turns his eyes towards me once more.
Kai: And what about you?
I pause, before my expression turns deadly serious. Noticing this, both Alisyn and Kai unconsciously school their features to show no outward emotion. I honestly did not know how to answer this question truthfully, without causing either to worry unnecessarily about my condition. I was damaged, that much was fairly well known and expected. I’ve essentially been forced to return to action several months before I was to be cleared. But I actually feel worse off now than I did than when I awoke after the injury first occurred. Straightening myself up slightly I looked over at Alex, who was still awaiting an answer to his question.
Syn: [Quietly] I’m fine, Little Brother.
Without a word further, I calmly motion for the two of them to follow as I slowly limp into the hallway, before making it to the door of our Locker Room. We all go inside, and I limp over to the nearest seat and sit down, my cane in front of me as I observed both Alex and Alisyn. Kai had yet to take his eyes off of me as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. Alisyn seemed to be in deep thought as she sat down, a small frown on her face. I continued to watch her for a few moments, and noticed something peculiar about her actions. She was making an effort to look anywhere but directly at me. It was an odd action for someone. It was as if she was nervous about something. My thoughts suddenly went into a direction I did not want to consider. Looking up at her, my eyes harden slightly as I decide to see if my suspicions are valid.
Syn: [Softly] Alison.
She paused at the use of her given name on my part, before slowly looking up at me. Her light blue eyes shows her confusion as clear as day as she stared at me. I leaned forward slightly, both hands resting upon my cane as I spoke.
Syn: Did you have any knowledge of what it was she was planning to do to me before hand?
I remained stoic as her eyes widened in shock, almost as if silently asking how I could come to such a conclusion. Alexander’s eyes widened a small fraction as the question caught him off guard, but I could also see the curiosity as well. He too wished to know her role in this. A very small part of me wanted to laugh bitterly at the absurdity of it all, questioning the young woman in front of in such a blunt and open manner. It was very far from my usual ways…but I felt I had to ask this. While Alisyn is indeed my Protégé, she was also a member of Toxic for going on a year and a half before deciding to remain at my side, and was still considered a member when the incident happened. After a few moments of silence passed, I decided to speak once more.
Syn: Did you or did you not have any prior knowledge of her plans that involved me in any way, Alisyn?
Almost immediately, she began trying to convince me that she had nothing to do with this.
Alisyn: Syn….I swear on my soul. I swear to every deity in existence that I didn’t know what was going to happen to you. She was angry about you allowing Kai to wrestle on Team Baker, but that is as much as she would tell anyone in Toxic besides Jimmy….
She paused, as if remembering something, before she looked down and spoke quietly.
Alisyn: But…she was acting strange throughout the entire thing. Like she expected it to happen to you, and she seemed disappointed when you pulled through. After that, she kept asking me why I continued to stand by you when you’ve all but forgotten about me, in her words. After a while, she and Jimmy both began trying to recruit me into Toxic on a more permanent basis. That’s all I know, I swear it.
I held up a hand, silencing her for the time being as I closed my eyes.
Syn: Are you telling me everything you know, Alisyn? Everything?
She shook her head no, before looking away from me once more.
Alisyn: ….No. No, I’m not. On the day it happened, I…I overheard her telling Jack Payne to let the match go no matter what happens. To not stop it under any circumstances and that there must be a winner. I blame myself for all of this; if I had told you sooner, if I had figured out what she was planning…you wouldn’t have…
Ah, I see now. She feels guilty for all of this.
Syn: Alisyn, I don't-
Whatever I was about to say came to a sudden halt as I stopped and broke out into a small coughing fit, leaning against my cane for support as the coughing seemingly becomes more violent. I couldn’t see them, but I could feel both of their eyes on me at the moment. Neither of them have ever seen me in the condition that I am in, so broken down and worn. I finally stop after a few moments and close my eyes, and bite back a small groan of pain as I lean into my cane.
Alisyn: [Concerned] Syn… are you sure you are alright?
I opened up my eyes slowly and looked up at Alisyn, before I painted on a polite smile, masking whatever I was feeling at the moment.
Syn: I’m sure. I’m fine, I promise you.
Kai: Stop that.
I looked up, and saw Alex wearing a very familiar look to me. His Jade-Green eyes seemed to blaze as his lips pursed into a very thin line. I looked wearily at him, waiting for him to continue speaking.
Kai: You’re not fine, Michael. You’re far from it. In the last two and a half months you had your eye ruptured within your skull, went into shock and died from the shock and blood loss that you suffered due to that injury, and you’ve had to wrestle several main event caliber matches just weeks after all of that. And look at the state that all of this has left you in. You’re small and gaunt, deathly pale to the point where you resemble more of a walking corpse than anything, and you need the aid of a damned cane to be able to move around because your body is in such poor health. Yet you’re unwilling to sit by and allow us to handle it for you, allowing yourself to be pulled into a battle like this and thinking that you HAVE to do this. Brother, you can walk away from at any time. You, for all intent and purposes, took on death and WON, Michael. You don’t have anything to prove to anyone…
Alex trailed off as he looked away, his jet black hair covering most of his face as his voice lowered considerably.
Kai: [Softly]….No one would think any less of you if you walked away from this for now and allowed yourself to heal, Brother. You could always leave it to us, or your “Pet’s” in Project Venom…but nobody would think less of you if you walked away.
The room became uncomfortably silent after his little outburst. He was right, as much as I did not wish to admit it. The very fact that I was up and walking, let alone putting myself through hell and back again was a miracle in itself, but one that was taking a very large toll on me physically. I should not be competing, but I am. And I couldn't just bow out at the moment, no matter how much of a smart decision that it would be for me in the long run. Not after what Morgan has done to me.
Syn: Kai….Alexander…
He didn't say anything for a few moments, before he sighed and slowly turned to look over at me.
Syn: I honestly wish it were as simple as walking away and not risking my health like this. I wish that I could just walk away, allow myself to recover and that would be the end of it. But it isn’t. I more or less was brought back while I was still at death’s door, and I had to compete under Morgan’s terms because she held all the cards. Now…now she has nothing. She has been exposed in front of the world, and is going to be even less inclined to be subtle or patient, if what we saw out there was any indication.
Alex’s jaw was set and he seemed to be fixing me with a very hard stare as I softly continued.
Syn: I can force her to do this on my terms, Little Brother. But I obviously cannot do it without a bit of assistance.
The room was silent after a few moments, with none of us moving an inch as my statement hung in the air. My multicolored eyes stared into Alex’s Jade Green for what seemed like an eternity, with Alisyn looking between the two of us in silence. Finally, after a few tense moments, he looked away and gave a soft sigh.
Kai: Then I suppose I’ll have to make sure that you don’t do anything foolish, won’t I?
I chuckled slightly at that, but said nothing. No words were needed at the moment as the three of us stood there. The scene ended with the three of us coming together, plotting what my next move against Morgan shall be, and how it will be carried out.
For what seemed like the thousandth time in as many hours since we have been here I found myself standing in front of the balcony window of the hotel room I shared with Brytain, staring out into the night sky as several thoughts continue to run through my mind. My mind refused to rest as multiple things passed through my thoughts, all of which having to do with my immediate future: My plans involving Morgan, my wedding to Brytain in a little over three months time, my match against Danielle Lopez.
Under normal circumstances, I’d not give most of these topics aside from the wedding a second thought and do what came naturally when opportunity presented itself. But I couldn’t, not this time. Not when I stood to lose as much as I gain with every action that I make. I continue to ponder my thoughts for a few more moments, before I notice that I am no longer alone in the room. I turned around, and my eyes locked onto the pair of bright blue eyes that I’ve come to love so dearly.
Brytain: [Softly] Hey you…
She was standing in the doorway of the hotel room, holding a small cup of tea in her hand as she looked at me. I attempt to give her a small smile as I return the greeting.
Syn: [Softly] ‘Lo, Britain…
I turned to look back out of the window after speaking, once again delving back into my thoughts.
Brytain: You’re a million miles away right now, Love.
I give a small shrug in response to that.
Syn: I suppose I am, for the night. There is very little rest for the mind these days.
She walked over and handed me a cup of tea. I took it and gave her a grateful smile, before taking a small sip of the drink as she gave me a concerned look.
Brytain: Tell me what’s on your mind?
I give a small, somewhat mirthless chuckle at the question.
Syn: I think the easier question that I could answer is what isn’t on my mind at this time, Brytain. Morgan’s treachery, our wedding, and a myriad of other things seem to be making themselves known at the forefront of my thoughts.
She gave a slow nod of understanding at hearing all of that.
Brytain: Yeah... could try talking to me about a few of those things...
I slowly walked over to the bed and sat down next to her, sipping the tea lightly as I gave her curious look.
Syn: Which do you wish to hear first?
Brytain: [Softly] Whatever subject is weighing on your mind the most.
I gave a small sigh as I looked down into my cup of tea, as if the answers to all of my thoughts lay within in.
Syn: I'm wondering if I'll be a suitable husband for you, wondering what depths I'll have to go to in order to absolve myself of Morgan once and for all....and what it will cost me in the end if I can.
She reached over and gently runs a hand through my hair, more than likely attempting to calm me before I begin to dwell upon this subject.
Brytain: And you're worried that these depths you have to go to will cost you my love.
I gave a faint nod as I leaned into her touch slightly while she continued to run her hand through my hair.
Syn: You know what I have to do in order to get what I want from her. You've said in the past that the man in the ring and the man I am now are hard to place as being the same person for you...
I felt her stiffen slightly at the mention of the words she had said to me in the past, before she sighed softly.
Brytain: Yes. Yes, I did say that... but that was before I watched you die. Before I had my heart ripped out of my chest and destroyed in front of me. And that's... changed my views a little bit.
Syn: How so?
She glances down for a few moments and goes silent, thinking about how to go about answering that. After a moment, she finally spoke up again.
Brytain: ...I want to see everyone who had anything to do with it suffer. I want them to suffer as much as you did, and as much as I did.
Syn: Even if it means knowing I must go to a place that I've not been in quite some time. Knowing that once I go there, there is a chance I'll enjoy every single act I commit from that point on even more so than I do now?
Another sigh escaped her lips as her bright pink hair fell down around her face.
Brytain:...That's complicated. It's a selfish reason, but I'm more afraid of losing the man I've come to love than anything else.
Hearing her speak like this….hearing the genuine fear in her voice that she may indeed lose me to this monster of my own creation due to Morgan’s games, it bothered me. It affected me more than I imagined it would have.
Syn: Hey.
She looked back up at me.
Brytain: Yeah…?
I reached a hand out, gently placing it on her cheek as I spoke.
Syn: Not now, not ever will you lose me. No matter what I become.
She leans into my touch absentmindedly, taking some comfort in the familiar gesture as she speaks.
Brytain: You can't promise that. And I don't want you to suffer by becoming that person again... I don't-
I continued to caress her cheek as she trailed off slightly. This subject was hard for the both of us, for a multitude of reasons. For me to walk down this road again, after coming this far, would be resorting to desperate measures. I’ve never hid the fact that I’m a very depraved individual at heart, that much has always been a given. I enjoy most of what I’ve done, and likely will do. That likely will never change. But I won’t throw away this….I won’t thrown away this relationship that we have spent so much time building for revenge. I absently traced her cheek, before reaching down to take her hand into mine and brushed my thumb over her knuckles.
Syn: [Softly] I can promise that.
Brytain:...What if I told you that I didn't want you to do this..?
I paused, before turning fully to look at her.
Syn: [Softly] I would ask if it was because of this road that I may walk down, or if there was something more?
Brytain: [Softly] That... and something else.
She looked up at me, right into my eyes as she continued to speak.
Brytain: Michael...you can get angry with me again if you want, but you and I both know that you're not anywhere near ready to do this. You're still healing. You're not even close to being ready to be in the ring, let alone doing the things you've been doing…or will do. You can let Kai or Project Venom do this. If you say the word, you know they will. Fuck, if you say the word /I/ would do it.
She stopped speaking and trailed off, averting her gaze from my eyes as she left her statement at that. But she didn’t need to finish speaking for me to understand what she wished to tell me. I knew what she wanted to tell me, yet held back from doing so in order to avoid an argument.
Syn: So you're of the mindset that I should walk away as well?
She gave a slow, deliberate nod.
Brytain: ....Yes. Yes I am.
Syn: [Softly] I'm not upset, or going to yell, Love.
Brytain: [Sighs softly] But you're also not going to listen.
Syn: By not listen, you mean am I still going to compete on Saturday, then yes. But otherwise....I'm not going to be handling the physical aspects of what it is that I'm planning. I know I'm still very much barely a step above a cripple, Love. I'm not as blind to my physical limitations as you all think. But at the same time, I'm not going to have anyone fight a battle intended for me.
She stands up and goes over to the window, crossing her arms over her chest as she gazed out into the city.
Brytain: [Sighs again] Yes, that's exactly what I mean...
I stand up slowly and sat my cup down on the nightstand on the bed, before I slowly walked over to her. I stood directly behind her, before slowly wrapping my arms around her waist and hugging her slightly. She leaned back against my chest slightly, taking comfort in the gesture.
Brytain: I just can't lose you again, Michael... I still don't think you honestly understand what that did to me...
I sighed at that, and placed my head on her shoulder as I continued to hold her close, my index finger tracing the back of her hand slightly as we both looked out the window.
Syn: [Softly] You won't lose me....not now. Not after all we've been through, and all that we have planned.
Brytain: [Softly] ...The wedding.
I gave a soft nod at that.
Syn: Only three more months.
Brytain: ...You don't really think you won't be a suitable husband for me, do you?
I unconsciously hug her closer to me.
Syn: I just...have doubts.
Brytain: [Softly] Such as…?
Syn: If your faith in me is warranted....I don't exactly have a very flattering record in the way of being a very good husband...
Brytain: [Arches an eyebrow] Michael... this is different.
I stayed silent, not entirely believing her as I looked down. It wasn’t entirely different, when it seemed that all are convinced your intentions are less pure, and everyone was of the mindset that you have some devious, ulterior motive in mind. Gently, she reached a hand out and placed it on mine, causing me to look back up, and I found myself staring into her eyes as she spoke.
Brytain: [Softly] I'm not stupid... or naive. I've listened to all of the bullshit people have fed me about how you're going to use me, hurt me, destroy me... and I don't believe a word of it. Because I know that you love me. You're hell bent on making this wedding everything you think I deserve. We're not running off to Vegas to do it quick and dirty in a drive thru chapel somewhere.
Her hand reached out to mine and held it up near her face, before she gently kissed the tattoo on my ring finger.
Brytain: You put my name on your body permanently with this tattoo.
She then slowly removes her hand from my own, and reaches up to touch her necklace gently. The golden anatomical heart necklace I had given her a little under a week ago, to commemorate our being together for six full months.
Brytain: [Softly] You gave me your heart and you even came back from death for me, Michael. You are already my husband in every single way but name. The only thing that's missing is the piece of paper that makes it legal. And you've been more than just "suitable" for me.
I gently reaches out and caresses her cheek, peering deeply into her eyes.
Syn: And if I have my way, I'll do everything I can to continue to be a suitable husband to you, Brytain. I love you too much to not do this for the woman that has become my wife in all but name.
Syn: I love you, Brytain Montgomery....forever and always.
She looked back up into my eyes and smiled softly, before she leaned up towards me, and took my lips with hers for a very soft kiss. I returned the action in kind and allowed her to turn around to face me as I wrapped an arm around her, before we pulled apart a few moments later. She smiled at me fondly, before she responded.
Brytain: And I love you more, Michael Rollins...Always and Forever. So stop worrying about that at least.
I smiled, before I leaned down and kissed her again. While many of my thoughts from earlier were still somewhere within my mind, I at least had the comfort of knowing that I’ll not face them down alone if needed be. This feeling….this reassurance that she has given me over the last six months; I will not take it for granted.
She’s put her faith in me and has proven she will be there for me, no matter what dark and twisted path that I may choose to follow. And I love her for it.
(?): It’s an odd thing, just how damaging one little action can be to all involved, and all who aren’t involved.
The voice was a soft, silky one that echoed throughout the run downed warehouse, seemingly coming from the darkness itself. It sounded polite but there was a very sinister undertone to it, almost. The camera scene then changed from the long hallway into what seemed to be the center of the warehouse. The room was large, displaying Person was Syn, sitting in a makeshift throne in the middle of the room, surrounded by dozens and dozens of his clowns. Syn was dressed to compete, trench-coat and all, as he sat in the throne with his hair down covering his face. Project Venom, the three clowns that Syn seems to call upon the most, were surrounding the throne as well. One of Syn’s eyes peaked through his long, light blonde hair as he continued to speak.
Syn: All it takes is one decision. One decision made by one individual to create a storm capable of destroying everything someone holds near and dear. All it took was one choice to turn PCW into a madhouse, and force it to begin crumbling at the very foundations. Morgan Simmons…apparently made those very decisions, if what was shown to the entire world on the past episode of Rapture holds any merit. All the lies that she has told, and the lives she has so viciously decided to attempt to ruin have finally caught up with her, and she is now paying a very large price for all she has done.
The world was watching as throughout the entire broadcast, from the beginning where her sins were shown to the world, until the end where her little soldiers made the mistake of interfering in a match that they had no part in, it seemed that the World That Morgan Simmons has spent the better part of the last 5 months building. Every lie that she has told, every choice she has made, unravel and crumble around her. And unfortunately for her, it will not end there. That would be too short a punishment for her, considering all she’s done. I care not about what she’s done to Team Lethality, and on some level a bit of it was deserved. But I will not just sit by and allow her peace after what she has done to me.
But…fortunately for her, she is not the only person who has my attention.
You see, there’s a large difference between doing something like this because it is right…and doing it only because it benefits you. In the eyes of many what Danielle did was the right thing when she disclosed the depths of Morgan’s treachery, and I’m inclined to agree to an extent. The very fact that you used it as an attempted threat instead of airing it, however, makes this all very odd. The question that begs to be answered and the question that I’m sure she has a response to is this: If you’ve had this evidence as long as you claim to have had it….why wait until the moment you were scorned to show it? Would it have not been the honorable…and wise thing, for someone in your position, to have aired this sooner? While it would not have taken my attention off of you by a large margin, it would have at the very least allowed me to vent my frustration upon the mastermind instead of the one intended to take the fall for her misdeeds.
Syn rose his head slightly, allowing his face to be seen. His face was covered by a very familiar object to those who have seen him in past battles: It was the leather, Hannibal Lector like mask, covering most of the lower part of his face. Syn’s multicolored eyes gave off a very dark look as he stared ahead into the camera, with all three members of Project Venom still at his side as he continued to speak.
Syn: Make no mistake Danielle, you and I will settle whatever grievances we have with one another in due time, Because for you and I it goes a bit beyond just The World Heavyweight Title, some ill conceived illusions of a gang war between The Disciples of Syn and Team Lethality, or some contrived little notion of Good and Evil. For the two of us, this match goes MUCH further beyond all of that. But I don’t want you to concern yourself with it now. It’s unimportant until you and I finally meet inside of that very ring. So until then, I want you to enjoy the little forced vacation that you have been dealt. I want you to take the time and attempt to scout me, as you’ve tried so many times to do in the past. I want you to lay awake in wonder every single night between now and the night of Anarchy, constantly reviewing every single thing that happens and quietly wonder to yourself exactly what it is you’re going up against. What will this man attempt to put me through, and how will he do it?
The answer to that question is a surprisingly simple one: I’m going to put you through hell.
But I suppose I’ve spoken enough about my future opponents for the moment. Allow me to switch my focus back to the present, and my opponent for the upcoming addition of Saturday Night Rapture. My opponent is a Young Man who has made a great deal of improvement and has gone greatly beyond what has been expected of him…
Syn clicks his tongue lightly behind the leather, Lector-like mask that he wore on his face. While it could not be seen due to the mask, the somewhat dark amusement was clear in his eyes and in his tone as he continued to speak.
Syn: …Despite the somewhat unsavory company he has decided to keep. The Self Proclaimed “God Of War”, Brian Stryker. But before I begin, allow me to commend you on how far you have come over the last year, Mr. Stryker. You've more than proven yourself to be one of the more deserving members of The PCW Roster, and you only continue to improve as you've made your desire to move up in the rankings know. That is all well and good, My Dear Boy.
But...you've had the unfortunate luck of the draw in having me as your opponent for the evening.
You see, I've had a bit of a need to break something over the last several weeks, due in part to all that our..."Illustrious" General Manager has done. And you're in the very unlucky position of being in my sights for the time being. But while this may be a chance to vent for me, this match is a little more than just a match for you, isn't it? For the last several weeks, you have stated on numerous occasions that you have a desire to go beyond where you are now, to prove your worth in the eyes of the Wonderful World Of Premium. You had a glimmer of a chance against The Former Sickboy, Curtis Wilkes, and you came up just a tad bit short. Now? Now you're getting a chance to show what you are made of in perhaps the biggest one of your young career, but allow me to give you just a bit of fair warning on exactly what it is you can expect in that very ring.
Syn steeples his hands in his lap, his head tilting slightly as he continued.
Syn: You won't be facing the run of the mill competitor, or a Hall Of Famer who has fallen upon desperate times. You're facing the person who at the moment has gone beyond the norm. I'm no longer on top of the mountain, and I'm no longer the man who's making the mountain bigger. I AM the mountain, Mr. Stryker. I'm not my wife, I'm not Mr. Wilkes, and I'm not Draven. And in just a few days time, you'll face a not a man, but the devil himself.
Welcome to The Age of Armageddon Mr. Stryker. There will BE no survivors.