Post by Xavier Cross on Aug 9, 2017 5:49:00 GMT
Keeping the light going, Sepharian stayed between Link and Xavier, they moved closer to one another. The monsters hadn't attacked since the ambush, it was curious and the thoughts of preparing for another ambush was well on the three heroes minds. Link took point, clutching his large sword ready to strike out at anything that would attack in the darkness. Cross's eyes had extinguished a bit, a soft green glow in them. The sword glowing lightly in his hand, he felt stronger than ever.
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "Cross, you using your demon powers as fuel for the bracelet...it won't drain your life force, but I can't promise that you'll get expected results..."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "Demon power? What do you mean expected results?"
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "You're able to summon Durandal... It's a holy sword, but I'm able to power it with your demon blood. You may be able to summon a different weapon...."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "A different weapon?"
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "The demon's voice of weapon...it varies from blood to blood, you have a few options since I am the Lord of Demons..."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "Joy...Let's see what I can do..."
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "I warn you Cross, you may lose control..."
Xavier looks up as the voice in his head fades away, Link stalks forward staying alert, Sepharian is clutching a dagger in one hand, his flute in the other keeping the light bright.
Sepharian: "So...what's up with this dragon? And your eyes man..."
Xavier Cross: "Short story version...my mother was a demon, and the traits got passed down to me. I was able to connect with this legendary dragon at the depths of the cave."
Link Jacobs: "A demon? My liege..."
Xavier Cross: "Yeah...I know how you probably feel about that, and if I get all evil or blood lusting...take my head off."
Sepharian: "It would be an honor..."
Link Jacobs: "More importantly...this dragon, if it reached out to you...it may have alerted those monsters to its location..."
Sepharian: "Just what we need, rock monsters controlling a dragon..."
Xavier Cross: "Then we won't let them...let's move...quickly!"
The three men pick up their pace, heading down the corridor, eventually they are stopped as they hear the sound of rocks being broken from a distance. Link holds up his hand, as Sepharian slowly fades the light to a small glint. Taking a deep breath, Cross climbs up a rock facing, to get a better vantage point. His eyes ignite a little more, as he begins noticing more and more of the creatures, of various sizes trying to break through a rock facing. A green aura behind the rocks catches Xavier's attention.
Xavier Cross: "We need to move...they're getting close...behind there she is waiting..."
Link Jacobs: "What's the plan?"
Cross bites his lip, as he slides down next to Link and Sepharian, eyeing the enemies through the darkness.
Xavier Cross: "Sepharian...I want you to produce the light again, but I want you to max it out, to almost blinding levels. From there...Link I want you to start from the far left and work your way to the center. Break them down...I'll head for the center and stop them from approaching the weak point. It seems the soul focus is to break through...if we stop that, we should be able to pick them off one by one..."
Link Jacobs: "You're making large assumptions Cross..."
Xavier Cross: "When they ambushed us, it wasn't like they acted as a unit...they were feral beasts just trying to kill...they seem like a one track minion...just...keep your eyes out for something more dangerous."
Sepharian: "Yeah, because at this point I've seen tons of things that are more dangerous than those assholes..."
Xavier Cross: "Sarcasm noted...Sepharian, I want you to produce a blinding light, we need to surprise them...even if they're simple minded creatures, we need all the advantages we can take...After that I want you to fall back, and use your support abilities on Link. Keep him going."
Sepharian: "Of course, I'd love to work with the big guy."
Link Jacobs: "You expect me to trust this worm?"
Sepharian: "Wow...my feelings..."
Cross sighs a bit, before looking up, the three can hear the rock getting weak. Motioning to the two men, Cross closes his eyes, as does Link. Sepharian steps forward as he holds his flute out, his voice murmurs a few lines, before taking the instrument to his lips. In a brief moment, a ball of light appears at the center of the cave, before exploding in a blinding flash. Cross charges forward, Durandal glowing bright once more as he slashes through the center of the group. He finds himself against the broken rock wall quickly as he begins fighting the forces backward. Link uses an incredible amount of agility as he charges, bringing his sword down on the top of the head of the furthest left creature, it is split in half before falling to its death. Link proceeds to attack the creatures along the wall. Sepharian rolls over to the left, he keeps playing his flute a different tune. The large sword that Link wields begins to glow with a soft white light.
Nyx (Inner Voice): "Xavier...please...."
******
Present Day
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
Sitting on a hospital bed, in a small quiet room is Xavier Cross. His eyes locked on his hands, shaking softly, he bites down on his lip. The door slowly opens, a man clad in white holding a binder of paperwork. He looks at Cross, an unknown look in his eyes. Walking over, the Doctor pulls a seat up, opening the folder he lays the documents out before turning to Xavier.
Doctor Sloan: "Your test results are back, you must understand..."
Xavier Cross: "It's my brain isn't it..."
Doctor Sloan: "Yes, the scans are showing you have the early stages of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy."
Xavier Cross: "The football player thing?"
Doctor Sloan: "It's a serious issue in all contact sports Mr. Cross, especially yours...no matter how fake it is, those blows you take are real...how many times have you been dumped on your head?"
Xavier Cross: "Just this week? Or my entire life? Because my mom dropped me when I was like a month old..."
Doctor Sloan: "This is a serious issue Mr. Cross, I'd advise a second opinion if you wish, but mine is that your career is going to end soon. If you retire now, you might have a shot at fighting this."
Xavier Cross: "Retire?"
Doctor Sloan: "You're still young, but the damage to your brain cannot be undone. You've noticed your hands are constantly shaking now, sometimes the quakes are gentle now, and sometimes they're severe to the point you can't hold anything."
Xavier Cross: "Yeah, but what does that have to do with..."
Doctor Sloan: "There was also your attempt at taking your own life. Mentally you check out on the standards, but this deterioration of your brain could be causing the severe depression."
Xavier Cross: "I just...I drank too much and may have taken a few pills...it wasn't."
Doctor Sloan: "When you were abroad, the Japanese doctor you saw...he told me you have a seizure as well..."
Xavier Cross: "Yeah, I just took a bad bump...nothing serious, those guys overseas, they don't pull punches..."
Doctor Sloan: "I cannot force you into anything, and you can keep competing, but you have a life ahead of you after this sport...There are things you can do to try to help yourself now...but leaving this business may be the best for you."
Xavier Cross: "Well, I don't plan on leaving anytime soon, so what are my options..."
Doctor Sloan: "Right now, the leading researchers are at the Concussion Legacy Foundation, in Boston...They will tell you the same thing I am..."
Xavier Cross: "How long do I have?"
Doctor Sloan: "If you quit now, and undergo experimental treatments, you may live a full life to be an old man, with a few deficits. If you keep going, one more concussion could unravel your entire life."
Xavier goes to respond, but no words are coming out. Doctor Sloan stands up, putting his hand on Cross's shoulder.
Doctor Sloan: "It's ultimately your choice to make..."
He turns, leaving Cross to his thoughts, the color has drained from his face as he just stares at the paperwork, then back to his hands, that is still clearly shaking.
******
The Council reigns supreme, week after week. We prove ourselves over and over. The steel becoming sharper, the blade becoming deadlier. But a weapon is just a piece of scrap without a capable warrior. Idiots behind the curtain think we're just a flavor of the month, that we can't hang with past stables. But look around you, this business is founded on something I've been preaching since day one.
What have you done for me lately?
The Council has, is, and will continue to do so. You think any of you are capable of stopping us? Roberto Verona saw exactly what we were, and he took the cowards way out. It leaves a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths. I was enjoying the destruction of the top of the mountain, but a win, is a win right? Now the bossman sees it fit to punish him because I asked for a little justice for my former enemy Cable Arcane?
The guy is a warrior, I may not agree with his fundamentals and reasons, and for that, he will burn with the rest of the sinners. However, I would be lying to you people if I didn't get a little stiff at the idea of Cable wrapping those hands around Verona's throat, and choking the life out of that expensive suit wearing cunt. Alas, the past is the past now. Those three witnessed the power that is The Council, and will forever cry in the hallowed hallways of arenas that The Council has sold out that our win was tainted.
But if you were all truly so great, wouldn't you be able to overcome such odds? Or was the deck stacked in your favor...up until now? Now, the regime of The Council, this era of fire. Where warriors will test their might against one another has begun. An era, where the weak will obey the strong, and only the best will rise to the top.
So I am being punished, given the lack of talent in this match. I hope that my opponents don't bore the crowd into the concession stands, however, if they do, you know like every person who is cool out there, will be buying a Council t-shirt. I mean, have you see the figures? We are the greatest thing since Joe Everyman left. What a day that was.
But this punishment, giving two of your sacrificial bottom of the barrel lambs to be burned at the pyre of the Council. I look at these two men as pathetic, weak links of wrestling, just numbers to be added to my total leading into the Heir to the Throne tournament. You are trying to punish me, then why are you handing me the chance to end your company with a simple slice of the throat by giving me such pathetic peons to conquer?
Sweet, sweet Dre Cutler, you have all the talent in the world, but what do you do with it. Nothing from what I've seen, and if you think I care enough about you, or your stupid haircut to research who exactly you are, I'd be remiss in the waste of time. You see, Dre is the kind of kid who has the talent, but no drive, unlike my little brother, Ulf, who has stormed the gates and with his youth has spit in the eye of those who stand guard at the top of the mountain.
I remember when you let Mason down Dre, I just hope you don't let me down. I want to feel how hard you can fight, I want to break your knuckles on my jaw. I want to laugh at your pathetic attempts at becoming some kind of wrestling legend. Because at the end of the day, you will be nothing but ash at the bottom of my boots. I believe the world wouldn't care if you didn't show up for this Dre, so maybe it would be in your best interest to just...leave. Avoid what could be the last match you ever step in, come back next week. Avoid me like the plague, because the violence I will inflict will carry through The Cutler family tree. Back to when your ancestors wore nothing but chains and obeyed like good little dogs. I spit in your face and everything you stand for Dre.
But the question is, will you even stand for yourself?
Of course, there is the most exciting man in sports entertainment, in his own mind of course. I mean, the drugs you must be on to think that you still have a place in this business Derek...It is almost astounding if I didn't find you utterly useless. I mean, what is it like in that sweet idiotic brain of yours? Just sunshine, butterflies, and a live microphone. The simple fact that we put you on television week in and week out must mean that we are founding members of trying to get a mentally disabled person over with the fans.
However you cannot awake the masses, Derek, you are just a snooze button slap away, when they begin to hear you drone on about this, and that. Tell us how great you are Derek, tell us more and more about how you are the best.
The best at what? What do you even stand for? Your ego? Is that enough for you to get out of bed, and carry on such a pathetic existence? I fear that you may be the greatest con man since Jesus Christ himself because you tricked yourself into believing that you actually matter.
I'm sure you have a family that cares about you. They don't want to see you hurt yourself, big guy. Just go get a job working on a daytime soap, or a mediocre prime time crime drama. Your work here is deployable by the simplest standards, and what you attempt at doing week in and week out is a disgrace. You will just be another pile of ashes in my golden ascension to the top.
Dre. Derek. If you do both decide to show up, please, for my sake of being a competitor, team up, I want to test my might against a simple handicapped match. It will be fun trying to take on two men at once, sounds real dirty right?
I just wished Verona would think a little more highly of me and step into the ring himself. I haven't ever beaten the boss man, I'd love to let my blade drink his blood. It probably tastes bitter, full of anger. Wishing, praying.....hoping for a sign of relevance once more in an age of warriors that is surely just passing him by.
I accept this challenge, though I fear that word may not be being used correctly.
******
Breathing heavily, Cross looks about, seeing Link with Sepharian at his side. Ruins of the enemy laid at their feet, as Cross turns his attention to the broken pieces of rock. A deep sense of energy exploding into his palm seeming only a breath away. Suddenly a sense of pressure if felt, that sends a shiver down the three men's spine. A deep laughter is heard, followed by clapping as a twisted version of man and rock, glowing red eyes appear from the darkness. Different from the rest of the monsters.
Domimon: "You have fought well brave warriors, alas your efforts will be in vain."
Link Jacobs: "Your forces are depleted, we shall end you here!"
Domimon: "Fool, you have stepped on ants, I look upon you as though you are flies...you want to test that blade. Come here, and try..."
The twisted creature holds his large rock arm up, it begins glowing red as he prepares himself.
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "That...Cross, you need to get out of here now, that is a demon!"
Link charges forward, as he swings his blade, Domimon meets it with a punch. The impact sends a shockwave through the caverns, as Link is sent flying backward crashing into the wall. Sepharian's face grows pale as Domimon begins charging. Cross steps in the way, his holy blade Durandal blocking the attack.
Xavier Cross: "Seph! Get to Jacobs, and get him out of here! I'll hold him off, gather the army and march them down here! I want a full assault!"
Sepharian: "Running? You don't have to tell me twice..."
A flash of light speeds past Sepharian, as Link is back on his feet, swinging his sword low at Domimon's feet, the creature shows ridiculous agility as it leaps over the blade, pushing Cross backwards as he swings downwards at Link, who barely rolls out of the way.
Xavier Cross: "Link you cannot win this fight! Retreat, I can hold him..."
Link laughs a bit, spitting blood out of his mouth, clutching his large sword.
Link Jacobs: "If I ran now...I would disgrace the King I acknowledge, and the Lord of Light I serve...I will vanquish this monster in the name of Faith!"
Digging his feet in, a flash of gold is seen in Link's eyes, as his blade ignites in a blinding light. The power of Durandal is slowly drained, like a wisp of fog into the blade of Link Jacobs until the holy sword is no longer in Xavier's hand. Looking a bit shocked, Cross holds out his arm trying to summon anything at this point.
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "He...he is no simple paladin it seems...Cross trust the power of Durandal to him....and trust your body to me..."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "If you can promise the safety of my men, then I will give you anything..."
The bracelet on Cross's wrist explodes in a green fire, it begins to consume his body until it's nothing but a fireball. Sepharian staggers back into the wall shocked, Link tilts his head, now imbued with the power of light, can see exactly what is going on.
Cross was changing into something darker, a demon form taking hold of his mortal body. His skin was being burned away until a blue tint was raised. Carvings more than tattoos ran across his arms and chest. His bones broke and grew larger. Letting out a scream, his voice was no longer his. Clutching his head, horns exploded from his forehead. The fire begins to die down as Ikkilo stands in his place, holding out his wrist, he looks at the once metallic bracelet, replaced by a series of blade chains.
Ikkilo: "This...will do..."
He flicks his wrist, as the fire explodes in his hand, taking the shape of a glaive. Glancing over at Link for a moment.
Ikkilo: "This creature holds a power that you have never seen. Strike strong, strike fast, and aim to kill."
Link Jacobs: "I take no orders from a hellspawn!"
Ikkilo: "Fool...I am your King..."
Ikkilo licks his lips, as Jacobs clutches the blade tighter. Domimon stands steady for a moment, before clenching his fist. The rocks on his arm begin to cover his entire body until he becomes a giant. The spaces between the rocks, fill with a deep red glow, almost like magma.
Ikkilo: "I look forward to ending your life Domimon...It has been long since I slain a demon..."
Domimon: "Ah...the traitor has awoken from his sleep, I look forward to dragging your corpse back to the Queen..."
Ikkilo snarls a bit, as he lunges forward aiming a strike. Link charges in from the left as Domimon holds his arms out ready to counter.
Sepharian: "The fuck...did I get myself into..."
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "Cross, you using your demon powers as fuel for the bracelet...it won't drain your life force, but I can't promise that you'll get expected results..."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "Demon power? What do you mean expected results?"
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "You're able to summon Durandal... It's a holy sword, but I'm able to power it with your demon blood. You may be able to summon a different weapon...."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "A different weapon?"
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "The demon's voice of weapon...it varies from blood to blood, you have a few options since I am the Lord of Demons..."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "Joy...Let's see what I can do..."
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "I warn you Cross, you may lose control..."
Xavier looks up as the voice in his head fades away, Link stalks forward staying alert, Sepharian is clutching a dagger in one hand, his flute in the other keeping the light bright.
Sepharian: "So...what's up with this dragon? And your eyes man..."
Xavier Cross: "Short story version...my mother was a demon, and the traits got passed down to me. I was able to connect with this legendary dragon at the depths of the cave."
Link Jacobs: "A demon? My liege..."
Xavier Cross: "Yeah...I know how you probably feel about that, and if I get all evil or blood lusting...take my head off."
Sepharian: "It would be an honor..."
Link Jacobs: "More importantly...this dragon, if it reached out to you...it may have alerted those monsters to its location..."
Sepharian: "Just what we need, rock monsters controlling a dragon..."
Xavier Cross: "Then we won't let them...let's move...quickly!"
The three men pick up their pace, heading down the corridor, eventually they are stopped as they hear the sound of rocks being broken from a distance. Link holds up his hand, as Sepharian slowly fades the light to a small glint. Taking a deep breath, Cross climbs up a rock facing, to get a better vantage point. His eyes ignite a little more, as he begins noticing more and more of the creatures, of various sizes trying to break through a rock facing. A green aura behind the rocks catches Xavier's attention.
Xavier Cross: "We need to move...they're getting close...behind there she is waiting..."
Link Jacobs: "What's the plan?"
Cross bites his lip, as he slides down next to Link and Sepharian, eyeing the enemies through the darkness.
Xavier Cross: "Sepharian...I want you to produce the light again, but I want you to max it out, to almost blinding levels. From there...Link I want you to start from the far left and work your way to the center. Break them down...I'll head for the center and stop them from approaching the weak point. It seems the soul focus is to break through...if we stop that, we should be able to pick them off one by one..."
Link Jacobs: "You're making large assumptions Cross..."
Xavier Cross: "When they ambushed us, it wasn't like they acted as a unit...they were feral beasts just trying to kill...they seem like a one track minion...just...keep your eyes out for something more dangerous."
Sepharian: "Yeah, because at this point I've seen tons of things that are more dangerous than those assholes..."
Xavier Cross: "Sarcasm noted...Sepharian, I want you to produce a blinding light, we need to surprise them...even if they're simple minded creatures, we need all the advantages we can take...After that I want you to fall back, and use your support abilities on Link. Keep him going."
Sepharian: "Of course, I'd love to work with the big guy."
Link Jacobs: "You expect me to trust this worm?"
Sepharian: "Wow...my feelings..."
Cross sighs a bit, before looking up, the three can hear the rock getting weak. Motioning to the two men, Cross closes his eyes, as does Link. Sepharian steps forward as he holds his flute out, his voice murmurs a few lines, before taking the instrument to his lips. In a brief moment, a ball of light appears at the center of the cave, before exploding in a blinding flash. Cross charges forward, Durandal glowing bright once more as he slashes through the center of the group. He finds himself against the broken rock wall quickly as he begins fighting the forces backward. Link uses an incredible amount of agility as he charges, bringing his sword down on the top of the head of the furthest left creature, it is split in half before falling to its death. Link proceeds to attack the creatures along the wall. Sepharian rolls over to the left, he keeps playing his flute a different tune. The large sword that Link wields begins to glow with a soft white light.
Nyx (Inner Voice): "Xavier...please...."
******
Present Day
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
Sitting on a hospital bed, in a small quiet room is Xavier Cross. His eyes locked on his hands, shaking softly, he bites down on his lip. The door slowly opens, a man clad in white holding a binder of paperwork. He looks at Cross, an unknown look in his eyes. Walking over, the Doctor pulls a seat up, opening the folder he lays the documents out before turning to Xavier.
Doctor Sloan: "Your test results are back, you must understand..."
Xavier Cross: "It's my brain isn't it..."
Doctor Sloan: "Yes, the scans are showing you have the early stages of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy."
Xavier Cross: "The football player thing?"
Doctor Sloan: "It's a serious issue in all contact sports Mr. Cross, especially yours...no matter how fake it is, those blows you take are real...how many times have you been dumped on your head?"
Xavier Cross: "Just this week? Or my entire life? Because my mom dropped me when I was like a month old..."
Doctor Sloan: "This is a serious issue Mr. Cross, I'd advise a second opinion if you wish, but mine is that your career is going to end soon. If you retire now, you might have a shot at fighting this."
Xavier Cross: "Retire?"
Doctor Sloan: "You're still young, but the damage to your brain cannot be undone. You've noticed your hands are constantly shaking now, sometimes the quakes are gentle now, and sometimes they're severe to the point you can't hold anything."
Xavier Cross: "Yeah, but what does that have to do with..."
Doctor Sloan: "There was also your attempt at taking your own life. Mentally you check out on the standards, but this deterioration of your brain could be causing the severe depression."
Xavier Cross: "I just...I drank too much and may have taken a few pills...it wasn't."
Doctor Sloan: "When you were abroad, the Japanese doctor you saw...he told me you have a seizure as well..."
Xavier Cross: "Yeah, I just took a bad bump...nothing serious, those guys overseas, they don't pull punches..."
Doctor Sloan: "I cannot force you into anything, and you can keep competing, but you have a life ahead of you after this sport...There are things you can do to try to help yourself now...but leaving this business may be the best for you."
Xavier Cross: "Well, I don't plan on leaving anytime soon, so what are my options..."
Doctor Sloan: "Right now, the leading researchers are at the Concussion Legacy Foundation, in Boston...They will tell you the same thing I am..."
Xavier Cross: "How long do I have?"
Doctor Sloan: "If you quit now, and undergo experimental treatments, you may live a full life to be an old man, with a few deficits. If you keep going, one more concussion could unravel your entire life."
Xavier goes to respond, but no words are coming out. Doctor Sloan stands up, putting his hand on Cross's shoulder.
Doctor Sloan: "It's ultimately your choice to make..."
He turns, leaving Cross to his thoughts, the color has drained from his face as he just stares at the paperwork, then back to his hands, that is still clearly shaking.
******
The Council reigns supreme, week after week. We prove ourselves over and over. The steel becoming sharper, the blade becoming deadlier. But a weapon is just a piece of scrap without a capable warrior. Idiots behind the curtain think we're just a flavor of the month, that we can't hang with past stables. But look around you, this business is founded on something I've been preaching since day one.
What have you done for me lately?
The Council has, is, and will continue to do so. You think any of you are capable of stopping us? Roberto Verona saw exactly what we were, and he took the cowards way out. It leaves a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths. I was enjoying the destruction of the top of the mountain, but a win, is a win right? Now the bossman sees it fit to punish him because I asked for a little justice for my former enemy Cable Arcane?
The guy is a warrior, I may not agree with his fundamentals and reasons, and for that, he will burn with the rest of the sinners. However, I would be lying to you people if I didn't get a little stiff at the idea of Cable wrapping those hands around Verona's throat, and choking the life out of that expensive suit wearing cunt. Alas, the past is the past now. Those three witnessed the power that is The Council, and will forever cry in the hallowed hallways of arenas that The Council has sold out that our win was tainted.
But if you were all truly so great, wouldn't you be able to overcome such odds? Or was the deck stacked in your favor...up until now? Now, the regime of The Council, this era of fire. Where warriors will test their might against one another has begun. An era, where the weak will obey the strong, and only the best will rise to the top.
So I am being punished, given the lack of talent in this match. I hope that my opponents don't bore the crowd into the concession stands, however, if they do, you know like every person who is cool out there, will be buying a Council t-shirt. I mean, have you see the figures? We are the greatest thing since Joe Everyman left. What a day that was.
But this punishment, giving two of your sacrificial bottom of the barrel lambs to be burned at the pyre of the Council. I look at these two men as pathetic, weak links of wrestling, just numbers to be added to my total leading into the Heir to the Throne tournament. You are trying to punish me, then why are you handing me the chance to end your company with a simple slice of the throat by giving me such pathetic peons to conquer?
Sweet, sweet Dre Cutler, you have all the talent in the world, but what do you do with it. Nothing from what I've seen, and if you think I care enough about you, or your stupid haircut to research who exactly you are, I'd be remiss in the waste of time. You see, Dre is the kind of kid who has the talent, but no drive, unlike my little brother, Ulf, who has stormed the gates and with his youth has spit in the eye of those who stand guard at the top of the mountain.
I remember when you let Mason down Dre, I just hope you don't let me down. I want to feel how hard you can fight, I want to break your knuckles on my jaw. I want to laugh at your pathetic attempts at becoming some kind of wrestling legend. Because at the end of the day, you will be nothing but ash at the bottom of my boots. I believe the world wouldn't care if you didn't show up for this Dre, so maybe it would be in your best interest to just...leave. Avoid what could be the last match you ever step in, come back next week. Avoid me like the plague, because the violence I will inflict will carry through The Cutler family tree. Back to when your ancestors wore nothing but chains and obeyed like good little dogs. I spit in your face and everything you stand for Dre.
But the question is, will you even stand for yourself?
Of course, there is the most exciting man in sports entertainment, in his own mind of course. I mean, the drugs you must be on to think that you still have a place in this business Derek...It is almost astounding if I didn't find you utterly useless. I mean, what is it like in that sweet idiotic brain of yours? Just sunshine, butterflies, and a live microphone. The simple fact that we put you on television week in and week out must mean that we are founding members of trying to get a mentally disabled person over with the fans.
However you cannot awake the masses, Derek, you are just a snooze button slap away, when they begin to hear you drone on about this, and that. Tell us how great you are Derek, tell us more and more about how you are the best.
The best at what? What do you even stand for? Your ego? Is that enough for you to get out of bed, and carry on such a pathetic existence? I fear that you may be the greatest con man since Jesus Christ himself because you tricked yourself into believing that you actually matter.
I'm sure you have a family that cares about you. They don't want to see you hurt yourself, big guy. Just go get a job working on a daytime soap, or a mediocre prime time crime drama. Your work here is deployable by the simplest standards, and what you attempt at doing week in and week out is a disgrace. You will just be another pile of ashes in my golden ascension to the top.
Dre. Derek. If you do both decide to show up, please, for my sake of being a competitor, team up, I want to test my might against a simple handicapped match. It will be fun trying to take on two men at once, sounds real dirty right?
I just wished Verona would think a little more highly of me and step into the ring himself. I haven't ever beaten the boss man, I'd love to let my blade drink his blood. It probably tastes bitter, full of anger. Wishing, praying.....hoping for a sign of relevance once more in an age of warriors that is surely just passing him by.
I accept this challenge, though I fear that word may not be being used correctly.
******
Breathing heavily, Cross looks about, seeing Link with Sepharian at his side. Ruins of the enemy laid at their feet, as Cross turns his attention to the broken pieces of rock. A deep sense of energy exploding into his palm seeming only a breath away. Suddenly a sense of pressure if felt, that sends a shiver down the three men's spine. A deep laughter is heard, followed by clapping as a twisted version of man and rock, glowing red eyes appear from the darkness. Different from the rest of the monsters.
Domimon: "You have fought well brave warriors, alas your efforts will be in vain."
Link Jacobs: "Your forces are depleted, we shall end you here!"
Domimon: "Fool, you have stepped on ants, I look upon you as though you are flies...you want to test that blade. Come here, and try..."
The twisted creature holds his large rock arm up, it begins glowing red as he prepares himself.
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "That...Cross, you need to get out of here now, that is a demon!"
Link charges forward, as he swings his blade, Domimon meets it with a punch. The impact sends a shockwave through the caverns, as Link is sent flying backward crashing into the wall. Sepharian's face grows pale as Domimon begins charging. Cross steps in the way, his holy blade Durandal blocking the attack.
Xavier Cross: "Seph! Get to Jacobs, and get him out of here! I'll hold him off, gather the army and march them down here! I want a full assault!"
Sepharian: "Running? You don't have to tell me twice..."
A flash of light speeds past Sepharian, as Link is back on his feet, swinging his sword low at Domimon's feet, the creature shows ridiculous agility as it leaps over the blade, pushing Cross backwards as he swings downwards at Link, who barely rolls out of the way.
Xavier Cross: "Link you cannot win this fight! Retreat, I can hold him..."
Link laughs a bit, spitting blood out of his mouth, clutching his large sword.
Link Jacobs: "If I ran now...I would disgrace the King I acknowledge, and the Lord of Light I serve...I will vanquish this monster in the name of Faith!"
Digging his feet in, a flash of gold is seen in Link's eyes, as his blade ignites in a blinding light. The power of Durandal is slowly drained, like a wisp of fog into the blade of Link Jacobs until the holy sword is no longer in Xavier's hand. Looking a bit shocked, Cross holds out his arm trying to summon anything at this point.
Ikkilo (Inner Voice): "He...he is no simple paladin it seems...Cross trust the power of Durandal to him....and trust your body to me..."
Xavier Cross (Inner Voice): "If you can promise the safety of my men, then I will give you anything..."
The bracelet on Cross's wrist explodes in a green fire, it begins to consume his body until it's nothing but a fireball. Sepharian staggers back into the wall shocked, Link tilts his head, now imbued with the power of light, can see exactly what is going on.
Cross was changing into something darker, a demon form taking hold of his mortal body. His skin was being burned away until a blue tint was raised. Carvings more than tattoos ran across his arms and chest. His bones broke and grew larger. Letting out a scream, his voice was no longer his. Clutching his head, horns exploded from his forehead. The fire begins to die down as Ikkilo stands in his place, holding out his wrist, he looks at the once metallic bracelet, replaced by a series of blade chains.
Ikkilo: "This...will do..."
He flicks his wrist, as the fire explodes in his hand, taking the shape of a glaive. Glancing over at Link for a moment.
Ikkilo: "This creature holds a power that you have never seen. Strike strong, strike fast, and aim to kill."
Link Jacobs: "I take no orders from a hellspawn!"
Ikkilo: "Fool...I am your King..."
Ikkilo licks his lips, as Jacobs clutches the blade tighter. Domimon stands steady for a moment, before clenching his fist. The rocks on his arm begin to cover his entire body until he becomes a giant. The spaces between the rocks, fill with a deep red glow, almost like magma.
Ikkilo: "I look forward to ending your life Domimon...It has been long since I slain a demon..."
Domimon: "Ah...the traitor has awoken from his sleep, I look forward to dragging your corpse back to the Queen..."
Ikkilo snarls a bit, as he lunges forward aiming a strike. Link charges in from the left as Domimon holds his arms out ready to counter.
Sepharian: "The fuck...did I get myself into..."
Well howdy there pardner.