Post by Xavier Cross on Jul 5, 2017 2:12:02 GMT
{Our scene opens to Xavier Cross, in the real world this promo around. Sitting at a table, Cross lazily turns the pages in a book. Licking the tip of his finger, he turns another page, before letting out a soft yawn. The clanking of dishes is heard behind him, accompanied by the soft sprinkling of running water. His only daughter, Isabella, now thirteen years old was carefully washing the dishes from the remains of breakfast. A few feet away, in the living room, the youngest son, James staring ever so blankly into the Television. Xavier wondered where the boy's mind was from time to time, he was a nonverbal autism. For the longest time. the door opens, as Cross's head picks up. Landon comes in, a few beads of sweat dripping down his face after having finished taking out the trash and walking the dog.}
Xavier Cross: "So whaddya kids wanna do today? The fair is in town, should be having some fireworks tonight..."
{Isabella tilts her head back, glancing at her father, as Landon speaks up.}
Landon Cross: "Well, I was going to ask if you could drop me off, but if we're turning it into a family affair..."
Isabella Cross: "That does sound like fun, you think James will be okay around fireworks?"
{Xavier scratches his chin, realizing they hadn't really celebrated the Fourth of July in a while, he knew how James got with thunderstorms, but fireworks were different. But it was an experience worth discovering.}
Xavier Cross: "I don't see why not, I mean...Sweet Jesus!"
{Cross cuts himself off midway, as he looks under the table, seeing the middle aged chocolate lab and James Cross sitting under the table poking at his feet, having scared his father. James looks up with his same blank expression. Landon and Isabella begin laughing at their father.}
Xavier Cross: "Jesus kid...y'know, one day you're gonna give me a heart attack, and then well, I don't know what happens after that."
Isabella Cross: "We get to live with Uncle Will?"
Landon Cross: "We cash your life insurance policy and buy a bigger house?"
James Cross: "....Dad..."
{Cross looks down, a bit surprised as he picks up James, sitting him on his lap. For a nine-year-old, James was very small, and pale. Cross rests the boy against his chest, smiling softly.}
Xavier Cross: "Don't worry kiddo, Daddy's here."
Emmigosa: "M'lord, they bring word that the castle holds a Shrine Maiden, a priestess of the Old Gods, their healing magic is said to be the best in all the lands."
Xavier Cross: "A shrine maiden? In my lands, they called them witches...You send me a hag to help fix my arm?"
Emmigosa: "They are not witches...they do not require sacrifices, only their faith. They are very rare in these parts, but it seems the warlord believed in the Old ways and kept her around in case of situations like this."
Xavier Cross: "Well...if the old man believed in magic, then what do I have to lose..."
{Cross takes a deep breath, leaning closer to the young man, whispering softly.}
Xavier Cross: "Emmigosa...I don't believe in Old gods, or new...but can this woman kill me in my state?"
Emmigosa: "Shrine Maidens take a vow of peace, if they take a life, then their mortal soul is condemned to the depths of hell...She cannot hurt you..."
{Cross breathes a sigh of relief...Looking around a bit, he straightens up, trying to move his arm he grunts in agony.}
Xavier Cross: "Then to my new chambers, send her there..."
Emmigosa: "She awaits you there already M'lord."
Xavier Cross: "Your people work quickly, I'll make sure you're paid extra if you keep up that kind of work ethic."
{Emmigosa blushes a bit, helping her Lord up a flight up steps as they arrive at a large oak door, Emmigosa pushes it open. The sight the receive as the door swings open, causes both of them to blush heavily. A woman, in her late twenties, hair as dark as a starless sky. Her skin was soft, white, her eyes a deep green color. Her robes were at her shoulders, her very large chest exposed nipples hidden by the cloth. She looks up, a soft almost sleepy expression on her face as she bows. Glancing up, at the very red face of Xavier Cross.}
Shrine Maiden: "My king....are you alright? Your face looks a bit flushed..."
{Before Cross can respond, she steps towards him, stumbling a bit she trips over her own feet. Cross tries to catch her, but the two of them fall backwards onto the ground. She lands ontop of Xavier, as he winches in pain his shoulder hitting the cold stone ground. She lets out a soft sigh, as Cross opens his eyes. Realizing his good hand was clutching her breast. She lets out a soft breath as she looks down at him.}
Shrine Maiden: "You are very straight forward my king..."
Xavier Cross: "I...wait...oh..."
{Emmigosa stands, his mouth wide open eyes just as wide staring at the two. Biting his lip, he looks visibly upset at the two. Before composing himself, helping Cross and the Maiden up.}
Emmigosa: "That is no way for a king to behave!"
{Emmigosa scolds his King, his face still flustered. The maiden gestures to the bed.}
Shrine Maiden: "You are hurt my King...please, lay down, relax...but also, remove your clothes."
Emmigosa: "Remove his what?!"
{Cross looks more confused than ever now, looking at Emmigosa, and back at the Maiden. Xavier sighs a bit, before removing his shirt, he shutters a bit trying to lift his arm up. Emmigosa rushes to his side, touching his bare chest. Emmigosa blushes at the contact, as Cross looks down at him.}
Xavier Cross: "It's fine...Emmigosa, go get me a full report on the Old Man, make sure he survives...then gather the council in whatever the chambers are here. I will join them when I am done here..."
{Emmigosa still blushing, now looked a bit annoyed as he found himself staring into Xavier's eyes for a brief moment, before turning and storming out. Cross lets out a slightly annoyed sigh, as he turns his attention to the Shrine Maiden.}
Xavier Cross: "What is your name girl?"
{The Maiden looks a bit surprised, despite her sleepy expression as she begins helping Xavier strip.}
Shrine Maiden: "Not many...no one asks my name, only for my services..."
Xavier Cross: "You'll come to find out, that I am not like anyone else..."
Shrine Maiden: "My name is Sanctum, given to me by the Mother Maidens..."
Xavier Cross: "Sanctum...I like it..."
{He pats the top of her head, as her sleepy eyes finally awaken a bit. Her face turns a soft red, as she smiles up at Cross. Moving him towards the bed, she lays him down. Cross looks up, a bit confused but watching her moves closely. Sanctum slowly begins removing her rope, letting it fall to the ground as she stands on the cold floor, nude. She slowly climbs ontop of Xavier, a supernatural warmth was coming off her skin, as she rested her head under his chin. He could feel his body relaxing, truly relaxing for the first time in years. Sanctum moves her head a bit, resting her lips on the injured shoulder. A soft golden light appears around her lips, as she kisses his skin. Trying to fight it, his eyes slowly close, and he feels himself drifting off into a trance like state.}
Sanctum: "Can you hear me, my lord? You are in the realm of the Old Gods now..."
Xavier Cross: "I...cannot see, anything...where are we..."
Sanctum: "You have no faith, in any of the ways...Of course, you only see darkness...this is the world where your spirit can rest for a moment while I heal your body..."
Xavier Cross: "I...I'm more confused then anything right now, but it feels warm..."
Sanctum: "You haven't truly had a moment of rest, you fight many battles, suffer many losses...Rest my lord..."
Xavier Cross: "It appears I have no domain here...please, I'll rest...but call me Xavier..."
Sanctum: "Yes...Xavier..."
{Her voice fades off, as the darkness envelopes the area. Cross tries to move around, but his body is frozen in place. Taking a deep breath, he relaxes a bit. A green light ignites the darkness, as Cross's eyes leap open.}
A Voice: "Well...it seems you found the delights of this new land...A shrine maiden...such a lovely thing she is..."
Xavier Cross: "Who...who are you?"
A Voice: "Simply put, I am you...the side of you, you don't want to admit belongs to you...Y'know, your mother's side..."
{A rip in the darkness is torn, stepping through a hooved foot, standing at least ten feet tall, with a cold dead blue tint to his skin, stood a large demon, curled horns bigger than any rams sat atop his head. Green eyes, leaking fire from the pupils. Red tribal markings crossed his chest. He begins laughing at the frozen Cross.}
Xavier Cross: "...What do you mean? My mother?"
A Voice: "You never met her, she was from a clan from these lands, a demon clan. Your father traveled her in his youth, they fell in love and...well it's boring...but you boy...you got stuck with me..."
Xavier Cross: "What do you mean? You speak in circles demon!"
Demon: "When you were fighting that old warrior...You felt something inside you, a surge of energy when he was about to split you in half. You haven't faced many situations where you can't handle yourself, and since we're closer to my home...I was able to give you some of my power."
Xavier Cross: "Ridiculous, this is all a fever dream of whatever is going on!"
Demon: "Believe what you want, but simply put if you die, I die, and I don't plan on spending my eternity in hell. We have ourselves a destiny to achieve boy, and you will help me."
Xavier Cross: "Of course I have a destiny, I am going to raise an unbeatable army, conquer these lands, and return home to take the throne that is rightfully mine!"
Demon: "You truly think that is your destiny, then you have a very short sight. Plus, who wants to rule a throne of ash and destruction?"
Xavier Cross: "Ash?...destruction?"
Demon: "A great evil is slumbering, but soon it will awake ready to destroy this world. You have the power to fight it, but the way we are now...we can't beat it...However, it seems our time is drawing to a close for now. We will meet again, and next time you will refer to me by my title. Ikkilo..."
{The demon begins to fade into the darkness, the green fire is the last bit to fade. Cross doesn't have time to collect his thoughts, as a rush of warm air, his body feels like it's falling through the darkness. His ears filled with the sounds of Sanctum's moans. He closes his eyes as he feels like an impact is about to cum, then like his body just melted into a bath of warm water, he opened his eyes back to reality. Sanctum was atop of him, panting softly, her body shaking. Realizing what exactly had happened, and how the healing process worked. Cross smiled as he might have found something to believe in. Yet a cold feeling rested at the base of his spine, he didn't know what to make heads or tails of this Ikkilo demon, but he knew it was too real to be a fever dream. Collapsing next to him is Sanctum, who's eyes were sleepier than ever.}
Sanctum: "Move your arm, Xavier..."
{Cross slowly lifts his arm, expecting it to hurt, but it moves as fluid as ever. In fact, he felt a rush of energy as his body felt better than it ever had, he felt almost like a teenager again.}
Xavier Cross: "Lady Sanctum....you may have made a believer out of me..."
Sanctum: "You're a man who appreciates results, and indulges in lust...I don't want you to kill yourself, but...I wouldn't mind healing you as much as you want..."
Xavier Cross: "Will you join my army?"
Sanctum: "I am no soldier my lord, I cannot take lives."
Xavier Cross: "I have much bigger plans than ever making you kill."
Xavier Cross: "Damn...you kids are growing up way too fast...I wish your mom was here to see this.."
{Biting down on his lip, he can feel himself getting choked up. A soft vibration catches his attention, Cross reaches into his pocket pulling out his phone. Glancing down at the screen, he looks a little surprised, but a smile Cross's his lips none the less.}
Xavier Cross(on the phone): "Hey...didn't think you'd call me back. Happy fourth...Yep...Murcia...You okay? Hold up...yeah, let me drop the kids off at their grandparents and I'll be there....well, it might be a little longer. I think Landon is about to kiss this girl....Yeah, no...c'mon man they're thirteen, that isn't legal....Oh ha ha....Yeah, I'll get there as soon as I can..."
{Cross hangs up the phone, sighing a bit, as he strokes his youngest sons hair once more, as his eyes turn back to the sky watching the fireworks.}
Xavier Cross: "So whaddya kids wanna do today? The fair is in town, should be having some fireworks tonight..."
{Isabella tilts her head back, glancing at her father, as Landon speaks up.}
Landon Cross: "Well, I was going to ask if you could drop me off, but if we're turning it into a family affair..."
Isabella Cross: "That does sound like fun, you think James will be okay around fireworks?"
{Xavier scratches his chin, realizing they hadn't really celebrated the Fourth of July in a while, he knew how James got with thunderstorms, but fireworks were different. But it was an experience worth discovering.}
Xavier Cross: "I don't see why not, I mean...Sweet Jesus!"
{Cross cuts himself off midway, as he looks under the table, seeing the middle aged chocolate lab and James Cross sitting under the table poking at his feet, having scared his father. James looks up with his same blank expression. Landon and Isabella begin laughing at their father.}
Xavier Cross: "Jesus kid...y'know, one day you're gonna give me a heart attack, and then well, I don't know what happens after that."
Isabella Cross: "We get to live with Uncle Will?"
Landon Cross: "We cash your life insurance policy and buy a bigger house?"
James Cross: "....Dad..."
{Cross looks down, a bit surprised as he picks up James, sitting him on his lap. For a nine-year-old, James was very small, and pale. Cross rests the boy against his chest, smiling softly.}
Xavier Cross: "Don't worry kiddo, Daddy's here."
************
The path is become more and more clear, with each step we take forward. I find myself curious about how this drama will all play out, but now, in front of me, in front of us. IN FRONT OF THE COUNCIL. Stands three men, armed to the teeth ready for war. In our corner, myself, Kole Kaos, and Ulf Hednir.
The most receive question I have from fans now is how is Ulf such a good guy, pairing up with such bad guys. Well, I have to answer this in multiple parts.
People, namely our lovely opponents are using the propaganda machine to portray us as villains, and I've seen kids on the internet saying we're the revolutionary heroes of a new era. I thnk they're both wrong, I mean, I'm not here to be a bad guy, or a good guy. I'm just here to destroy the machine.
But then, you have to look at our methods. What we did at B.A. and then what we did to Mr. Happy...Cable calls it being a thug, I say its Guerilla warfare, but words will twist by whoever is telling the story. I understand that, and I hope you do too.
More so, we may be doing terrible things, but history is full of great men who did terrible things. I mean, you wanna know what Abe Lincoln and Adolf Hitler have in common? Look up, Camp Douglas. Sometimes, men have to dig into the darkest parts of their soul to find the light.
I mean, look what at all the good Winston Churchill has done in history, you know what else he did, he single-handedly gave the order to divert ships to supply the British stronghold against Nazi Germany. You know where those ships were headed, to deliver food to help counteract the Bengal Famine, about one to three million Indian people could not have starved to death. Long live the Empire.
The simple fact is, these men had victory fall on their side. So these heinous acts, desperate acts...They are perceived as good, just, and needed to be done. So when it's said and done, the world will perceive the council one of two ways. The great heroes, or the worst villains.
But I have brothers on my side, in a short period of time, I brought together three talents, from different corners of the world, backgrounds, and abilities. In my career, I've never been the biggest team player, but our goals are similar. It's time to shake things up. It's time for a change of the guard, something I've been saying for a long time...Only this time I have the army to back these ideals.
I've heard from many people, aligning myself with Kole Kaos is a variety of dangerous, the simple answer to any of those questions is this. He is a human weapon, a barbarian, more so there is no containing or controlling Kaos. Something I have never had the idea of doing, I've only offered Kole a chance to destroy valuable targets, and not have to worry about protecting his own back. Kole Kaos is a man who can walk the walk, and talk the talk, with equal parts charisma and power, he is the true force in Imperial to reckon with.
Then, of course, we have Jason Sandman, which according to my Twitter DMs, was the biggest question mark. Sandman is a guy I've never had the pleasure of working with until I came back to IWF. He has something about him, an aura, a feel that just draws you to him. But to say that he has the greatest mental game, well that's the biggest what if. More so, Jason Sandman presents a wild card, a man willing to do anything and everything to inflict pain and destroy opponents. Right now he is a shotgun of talent, but my goal is when the dust settles, he will become the deadliest of Sniper Rifles.
Of course, my personal favorite is Ulf...this kid has all the raw talent, it's like going out to kill a groundhog, and your little twenty-two caliber rifle hits the ground, and boost. Oil. When I met this kid, I knew he had it factor, and it would be neglectful to not try to help that talent grow. But any and all the mentors in the world can't do a damn thing with the way this company is run. Ulf is a man of honor, and it sometimes surprises me just how good this kid is at his core. Ulf, if you're listening. Men and women will come to you, telling you how bad I am. The truth is, I am a bad man Ulf, and one day you'll become a bigger, and better talent than you are now. I will offer you one chance, to strike me down...If you really see that I am pure evil, DO NOT LISTEN TO THOSE PEOPLE ULF. You come to me, and I will tell you the truth. I am not an evil man, I am a man willing to do whatever it takes to change this world. I will sacrifice my light to end this darkness so that one day you can have the chance to compete solely based on your talent alone, you won't have to kiss ass and shine boots of the top of the ladder just for scraps.
The Imperial I believe in is something the four men who stand in that ring forgot along time ago. There was a time where Roberto Verona was the most dangerous man in the world, and he didn't need a pen and contract, a few dollar bills, or an executive suite. Now that is not to say he has lost his edge, no, but I do think he has watered down that fire....I do believe that Roberto Verona still has that same fire he had once before...Many think I want to end his career, or even kill him...Good god no, no...I want to burn that expensive suit and bring back the Roberto Verona who could hang and bang with the best of 'em. I want the Verona who can compete week in and out, I want that man back so bad, I'm willing to hurt people like Mr. Happy, I willing to be a 'Thug' in the famous words of Cable Arcane...I'm willing to burn the entire arena to the ground, if I can spark that wildfire that is Roberto Verona...so why don't you prove to be...Boss, that I bit off more than I can chew?"
********
{Back in our fantasy world, King Xavier Cross, and his army march upon the new city that has come under his crown. The former Lord was already receiving medical help, as Cross and his gang quickly entered the castle to make themselves at home. Emmigosa stayed close to his side, worried about her new King, and his injury. He had dislocated his arm, in the previous one on one battle to determine who would be the new Lord. But unlike most men, Cross spared his opponent, realizing his talent was too great to be killed on that battlefield. More so, he needed the army of this land, to back his colors, or else he might find himself in the middle of a rebellion of the people. Quickly, his smaller forces had spread out, giving aid to the smallfolk, helping rebuild homes, getting food to those who need it, medical assistance to those in need. Cross had wagons of aid, ready for the end of the fight to march with them. It may have been a bit presumptuous to bring them along, but he believed in himself, but more so after the fight. His soldiers, his newly bought mercenaries believed in him.}
Emmigosa: "M'lord, they bring word that the castle holds a Shrine Maiden, a priestess of the Old Gods, their healing magic is said to be the best in all the lands."
Xavier Cross: "A shrine maiden? In my lands, they called them witches...You send me a hag to help fix my arm?"
Emmigosa: "They are not witches...they do not require sacrifices, only their faith. They are very rare in these parts, but it seems the warlord believed in the Old ways and kept her around in case of situations like this."
Xavier Cross: "Well...if the old man believed in magic, then what do I have to lose..."
{Cross takes a deep breath, leaning closer to the young man, whispering softly.}
Xavier Cross: "Emmigosa...I don't believe in Old gods, or new...but can this woman kill me in my state?"
Emmigosa: "Shrine Maidens take a vow of peace, if they take a life, then their mortal soul is condemned to the depths of hell...She cannot hurt you..."
{Cross breathes a sigh of relief...Looking around a bit, he straightens up, trying to move his arm he grunts in agony.}
Xavier Cross: "Then to my new chambers, send her there..."
Emmigosa: "She awaits you there already M'lord."
Xavier Cross: "Your people work quickly, I'll make sure you're paid extra if you keep up that kind of work ethic."
{Emmigosa blushes a bit, helping her Lord up a flight up steps as they arrive at a large oak door, Emmigosa pushes it open. The sight the receive as the door swings open, causes both of them to blush heavily. A woman, in her late twenties, hair as dark as a starless sky. Her skin was soft, white, her eyes a deep green color. Her robes were at her shoulders, her very large chest exposed nipples hidden by the cloth. She looks up, a soft almost sleepy expression on her face as she bows. Glancing up, at the very red face of Xavier Cross.}
Shrine Maiden: "My king....are you alright? Your face looks a bit flushed..."
{Before Cross can respond, she steps towards him, stumbling a bit she trips over her own feet. Cross tries to catch her, but the two of them fall backwards onto the ground. She lands ontop of Xavier, as he winches in pain his shoulder hitting the cold stone ground. She lets out a soft sigh, as Cross opens his eyes. Realizing his good hand was clutching her breast. She lets out a soft breath as she looks down at him.}
Shrine Maiden: "You are very straight forward my king..."
Xavier Cross: "I...wait...oh..."
{Emmigosa stands, his mouth wide open eyes just as wide staring at the two. Biting his lip, he looks visibly upset at the two. Before composing himself, helping Cross and the Maiden up.}
Emmigosa: "That is no way for a king to behave!"
{Emmigosa scolds his King, his face still flustered. The maiden gestures to the bed.}
Shrine Maiden: "You are hurt my King...please, lay down, relax...but also, remove your clothes."
Emmigosa: "Remove his what?!"
{Cross looks more confused than ever now, looking at Emmigosa, and back at the Maiden. Xavier sighs a bit, before removing his shirt, he shutters a bit trying to lift his arm up. Emmigosa rushes to his side, touching his bare chest. Emmigosa blushes at the contact, as Cross looks down at him.}
Xavier Cross: "It's fine...Emmigosa, go get me a full report on the Old Man, make sure he survives...then gather the council in whatever the chambers are here. I will join them when I am done here..."
{Emmigosa still blushing, now looked a bit annoyed as he found himself staring into Xavier's eyes for a brief moment, before turning and storming out. Cross lets out a slightly annoyed sigh, as he turns his attention to the Shrine Maiden.}
Xavier Cross: "What is your name girl?"
{The Maiden looks a bit surprised, despite her sleepy expression as she begins helping Xavier strip.}
Shrine Maiden: "Not many...no one asks my name, only for my services..."
Xavier Cross: "You'll come to find out, that I am not like anyone else..."
Shrine Maiden: "My name is Sanctum, given to me by the Mother Maidens..."
Xavier Cross: "Sanctum...I like it..."
{He pats the top of her head, as her sleepy eyes finally awaken a bit. Her face turns a soft red, as she smiles up at Cross. Moving him towards the bed, she lays him down. Cross looks up, a bit confused but watching her moves closely. Sanctum slowly begins removing her rope, letting it fall to the ground as she stands on the cold floor, nude. She slowly climbs ontop of Xavier, a supernatural warmth was coming off her skin, as she rested her head under his chin. He could feel his body relaxing, truly relaxing for the first time in years. Sanctum moves her head a bit, resting her lips on the injured shoulder. A soft golden light appears around her lips, as she kisses his skin. Trying to fight it, his eyes slowly close, and he feels himself drifting off into a trance like state.}
Sanctum: "Can you hear me, my lord? You are in the realm of the Old Gods now..."
Xavier Cross: "I...cannot see, anything...where are we..."
Sanctum: "You have no faith, in any of the ways...Of course, you only see darkness...this is the world where your spirit can rest for a moment while I heal your body..."
Xavier Cross: "I...I'm more confused then anything right now, but it feels warm..."
Sanctum: "You haven't truly had a moment of rest, you fight many battles, suffer many losses...Rest my lord..."
Xavier Cross: "It appears I have no domain here...please, I'll rest...but call me Xavier..."
Sanctum: "Yes...Xavier..."
{Her voice fades off, as the darkness envelopes the area. Cross tries to move around, but his body is frozen in place. Taking a deep breath, he relaxes a bit. A green light ignites the darkness, as Cross's eyes leap open.}
A Voice: "Well...it seems you found the delights of this new land...A shrine maiden...such a lovely thing she is..."
Xavier Cross: "Who...who are you?"
A Voice: "Simply put, I am you...the side of you, you don't want to admit belongs to you...Y'know, your mother's side..."
{A rip in the darkness is torn, stepping through a hooved foot, standing at least ten feet tall, with a cold dead blue tint to his skin, stood a large demon, curled horns bigger than any rams sat atop his head. Green eyes, leaking fire from the pupils. Red tribal markings crossed his chest. He begins laughing at the frozen Cross.}
Xavier Cross: "...What do you mean? My mother?"
A Voice: "You never met her, she was from a clan from these lands, a demon clan. Your father traveled her in his youth, they fell in love and...well it's boring...but you boy...you got stuck with me..."
Xavier Cross: "What do you mean? You speak in circles demon!"
Demon: "When you were fighting that old warrior...You felt something inside you, a surge of energy when he was about to split you in half. You haven't faced many situations where you can't handle yourself, and since we're closer to my home...I was able to give you some of my power."
Xavier Cross: "Ridiculous, this is all a fever dream of whatever is going on!"
Demon: "Believe what you want, but simply put if you die, I die, and I don't plan on spending my eternity in hell. We have ourselves a destiny to achieve boy, and you will help me."
Xavier Cross: "Of course I have a destiny, I am going to raise an unbeatable army, conquer these lands, and return home to take the throne that is rightfully mine!"
Demon: "You truly think that is your destiny, then you have a very short sight. Plus, who wants to rule a throne of ash and destruction?"
Xavier Cross: "Ash?...destruction?"
Demon: "A great evil is slumbering, but soon it will awake ready to destroy this world. You have the power to fight it, but the way we are now...we can't beat it...However, it seems our time is drawing to a close for now. We will meet again, and next time you will refer to me by my title. Ikkilo..."
{The demon begins to fade into the darkness, the green fire is the last bit to fade. Cross doesn't have time to collect his thoughts, as a rush of warm air, his body feels like it's falling through the darkness. His ears filled with the sounds of Sanctum's moans. He closes his eyes as he feels like an impact is about to cum, then like his body just melted into a bath of warm water, he opened his eyes back to reality. Sanctum was atop of him, panting softly, her body shaking. Realizing what exactly had happened, and how the healing process worked. Cross smiled as he might have found something to believe in. Yet a cold feeling rested at the base of his spine, he didn't know what to make heads or tails of this Ikkilo demon, but he knew it was too real to be a fever dream. Collapsing next to him is Sanctum, who's eyes were sleepier than ever.}
Sanctum: "Move your arm, Xavier..."
{Cross slowly lifts his arm, expecting it to hurt, but it moves as fluid as ever. In fact, he felt a rush of energy as his body felt better than it ever had, he felt almost like a teenager again.}
Xavier Cross: "Lady Sanctum....you may have made a believer out of me..."
Sanctum: "You're a man who appreciates results, and indulges in lust...I don't want you to kill yourself, but...I wouldn't mind healing you as much as you want..."
Xavier Cross: "Will you join my army?"
Sanctum: "I am no soldier my lord, I cannot take lives."
Xavier Cross: "I have much bigger plans than ever making you kill."
********
You know, if there is one man I felt sorry for in this whole situation, it's probably Mike Laszlo...He has talent, but who appreciates him. No one...The dude gets shit out on the promos, all the way to the backstage. I was walking through catering the other day, and heard a subway guy clowning on him. It's gotten to the point, where I would just pile on, but now...I kind of just feel bad, I pity Mike because his talents will always be overshadowed.
Do you hear me, Mike?
All you do for this company, day in and out. Everything you do behind the scenes for this place, and what do you get. Nothing. You never get the respect you deserve. You're furious at us for beating you up, interfering in your match. But you need to look at the people you're aligned with, go on IWF.com and look at the people who run this place. That is who you should be mad at Mike.
You're as much of the problem as any of them because you don't do anything. I will be the example of the man who is going to do something, or anything to just fight against the current. Everything you've accomplished you did on your own merit Mike, but what respect do you get for it? But yet, you let these things keep happening, you align yourself with this kind of scum.
If you're okay with this Mike, then my pity evaporates now, and you become nothing but an obstacle for the Council to remove from this. But maybe, just maybe when we square off in the ring, you will realize what you can do what you have done is great. That the fire inside you will ignite, and you will tear down this corporation to it's bare bones.
I'm not asking you to join us, Mike, I just want you to realize...you are so much more than they give you credit for, and I am grateful for everything you do Mike...don't make the mistake standing behind those who mock you, those who disrespect you, those who hate you. Stand on your own two feet, and fight against those who seek to bury the future.
Or bare witness to the slaughter of the Mount Rushmore of Imperial Wrestling.
Now...now...let's move on to the most dangerous man in this match, yes you know exactly who I'm talking about. A man with a great history of being a top competitor, who has taken down some of the greats, in a long history of this sport. A man, who despite being at odds with at this moment, and who I have never cared for to the extent I bare hatred for. Many may confuse this with jealously, but I have everything I want and need baby....Of course, I am talking about Cable Arcane.
What?
You thought I was talking about Spike, weren't you? Nah...I'm saving Father of the Year for the end of this.
Cable Arcane, a man who has accomplished so much in what seems like the little time. The ultimate competitor, who you could say was just a wrong place, wrong time kind of guy. Cable is an ultimate competitor, never backing down from a challenge. Heck, he was the one who got put through a table of fire, and he was the first person to want some revenge.
You have to respect that. For most men, you'd think it was just idiotic pride. But when Cable says he wanted us, The Council, four on one, he meant it. Of course, it's pretty easy to make such bold statements knowing that you have three other egos who are gonna want some. Everyone acts like a big dog in the yard when they got people standing behind 'em.
Oh, wait that's what I'm doing right? Ha...
No...no no....You see no one stands behind me, while these Mount Rushmore of Wrestling is pushing each other out of the way to see who has the bigger cock, which for the record, I think is probably Laszlo, The Council stand arm to arm, warriors in this great battle. We are a force.
You are just four men, grasping at a reason to remain relevant, using your list of accolades as reasons to stand atop of the mountain. But Cable, we all know this is a what have you done for me lately kind of fanbase right?
But your biggest sin Cable is what are you doing with this. I came into this business over fifteen years ago, and it was the same kind of egos, on a smaller pay scale. This business rarely changes, but I promised myself one thing, when I would leave this business, I'd leave this world better than what I came into.
Anyone can claim, just being able to step into that ring is an accomplishment of its own, but that's the lies you feed to kids, kids like Ulf, that's how you bait 'em in. You promise them the world, and some are able to suck their way to the top, and then you have the fighting hope, Andrew Jacobsen....
That boy did everything on his own, never kissed an ass to get there. You have to respect that. But Cable, you did it your own way, you never kissed ass to get there. I can respect that, I have the stains of asses on my lips because I thought that was how this business worked.
I'm the one who fucked Zelda Knite because I confused love and success up, and look what that did to NCW. I fucked an entire history up because I thought it could get me somewhere. You know what it got me. Nothing but a failed relationship, and a lot of men who still hold grudges.
What I'm trying to say, is I know how fucked this world is, and I have fallen victim to my own ego. But if this is truly my swan song, if at the end of this I retire, or I am forced to retire, I WILL LEAVE THIS WORLD BETTER THAN I CAME INTO IT!
I will leave this world where hard work matters, it isn't just the rare and few that can bust their ass. I will make this the land of opportunity, where if you come to work, bust your ass you can do it. Not just more of the same old bullshit, that you four represent.
********
{The echoes of booming rage in the sky above, resting his head in his father's lap. James Cross is sleeping soundly, as cheers and woos of the crowd look up into the sky. The celebration of freedom in the air. A few yards away, Isabella Cross was sitting with a group of girls of her age range, taking selfies with the explosions in the sky. Cross smile a bit, as he stroked the hair of his youngest son. Glancing over, he sees Landon standing next to a girl, blonde hair. The two of them were holding hands, and Cross shook his head.}
Xavier Cross: "Damn...you kids are growing up way too fast...I wish your mom was here to see this.."
{Biting down on his lip, he can feel himself getting choked up. A soft vibration catches his attention, Cross reaches into his pocket pulling out his phone. Glancing down at the screen, he looks a little surprised, but a smile Cross's his lips none the less.}
Xavier Cross(on the phone): "Hey...didn't think you'd call me back. Happy fourth...Yep...Murcia...You okay? Hold up...yeah, let me drop the kids off at their grandparents and I'll be there....well, it might be a little longer. I think Landon is about to kiss this girl....Yeah, no...c'mon man they're thirteen, that isn't legal....Oh ha ha....Yeah, I'll get there as soon as I can..."
{Cross hangs up the phone, sighing a bit, as he strokes his youngest sons hair once more, as his eyes turn back to the sky watching the fireworks.}
*******
Oh, these hands of mine, they've bled, they've broken...you've nailed them to wood. You've tried to break me, but unlike Nighthawk, I am not rotting away at some rehab clinic, God helps you when that guy comes back.... Oh, no...no Spike, I'm here, and I'm going to make your life a living hell. You see, you're the kind of scum that I hate the most, pond scum. All you do is float at the top, doing what? You pick off these weaklings, who should never be in that spot, they're not ready, they aren't completely trained. Then you break 'em, you hurt 'em, and you pad your ego with these wins.
But I see right through you Spike...I have for the longest time. You're afraid, afraid of change in the world, because you lose that comfy chair you've sat in, and claimed it to be a throne.
The God of Xtreme! All praise be to the Lord! But in your years gone by, how many people are still worshiping you? You've lied and sneaked your way into remaining relevant. You're just kind of pathetic.
You know, when I heard about your kid dying. I felt bad, I wanted to reach out. But how do you reach out to a man who is such a pile of shit, you can't help but think that something like this is Karma? I mean, the kid will be missed, and I feel bad for his family.
But not you daddy-o...oh God, not you, I wish you many more tragedies and suffering in this world. I hope many come by my own hands Spike, but I may not be so lucky. But I will relish every moment of this. Because when it comes to you, it's two birds with one stone.
You are the definition of what makes this business shit, you are the same kind of man that holds people down, just dressed in a different skin, wearing a different name tag. So cling to what you have done Spike, cling to the sweet memory of putting those nails through my hands...
Because one day, I will cling to the terrible things I will do to you from here on out.
Well howdy there pardner.