Post by Dean Harper on Nov 23, 2017 7:04:23 GMT
Camera comes on to Dean standing in the compound’s work out room. He’s wearing the Man of Steel belt and standing near the punching bag.
“Hey IWF. Enjoy watching me beat Nighthawk last survival? I know I enjoyed doing it.”
Dean stretches.
“On the Extinction Event I will be defending my title for the first time. I can’t think of a better time or place to really do it. I will be standing there with Maxine and Rowan as they defend their titles. Maxine will have her second title defense and Rowan will have another opportunity to show the Diamond’s division they should have bent the knee ages ago.”
Dean punches the bag next to him which groans.
“I’d be remiss to say that was all that is going to happen that night. Caleb and Brooklyn will be in matches too. Caleb gets to take the student where he defeated the teacher. Brooklyn gets to continue to make an example of Kate Steel. I couldn’t be prouder. I couldn’t be happier for both of them. The Pack is going to come out of next week victorious because the strong always beat the weak.”
Dean stops the swinging with one hand.
“Their challengers will be Shae, continuing to try to prove she has something sort of way to stop my Lady’s power. She failed before and she’ll fail again. Nothing can stop Rowan. We all know that’s who Shae is going to be gunning for. You may have pinned My Lady once but you’d have to pull some really heavy hitting wonder to do it again. Rowan is stronger each and every match. You know that. Everyone knows that. You have no hope of beating her but you sure do love to try.”
Dean chuckles shaking his head.
“Which leaves the Cinnamon roll to try for Maxine’s belt. That will be interesting to watch from the sidelines. Third times the charm, huh, cupcake? How will things go this time? Will believing in love, truth and justice really get you anywhere? Has it worked so far? Laughable efforts all around.”
Dean cracks his knuckles.
“Even our allies—and I do use that term loosely—have a strong hold on their belts. I’ve made my feelings on the bland action hero that is AJ perfectly clear. You can’t argue with his results though, can you? He’s lost what? One match in close to eight months? He wants that belt until someone pries that from his cold head hands. I doubt anyone on the other side can get that out of his hands. Most of them have already tried, haven’t they? He’ll be a team player as long as he guarantees his own ascension.”
Dean pauses a moment.
“Jayson Mathews is the wild card I suppose. He’s close to breaking the record for holding the belt. I’m sure he wants to keep holding out for just a little bit longer. It’s with in his best interests to ensure our side wins. There is a whole barrel of bananas with his name on it if he keeps to the party line.”
Dean had grabbed all the dishes from their impromptu family dinner. The Thralls had handled their own dishes and were off to sleep. There was something peaceful about The Compound’s kitchen when there was no one around. There was a peaceful silence Dean could sort of get lost in. He wasn’t sure he wanted it right now. Something She had said hung in the air. He didn’t like it.
“I’ve always made it clear you could talk to me.”
Dean nearly dropped the plate in his hands. He didn’t need to look behind him to know she was sitting on the kitchen stool.
“You have.” Dean set the plate back into the soapy water and turned to look at her, His God wrapped in the package of the body she was wearing. “Are you planning on leaving?”
Rowan tilted her head, sizing him up. “I want to ensure this family will survive regardless of whatever comes.”
The coiled thing in the dark flinched back from her stare. It didn’t like that anymore then Dean did.
“Caleb is committed to the family. Brooklyn accepts us. Maxine is with us. We have more and more thralls every day.”
“They all relay on you. Even the thralls now.”
“I try to be there for all of them but it’s nothing compared to what you are to all of us.”
“And what am I Dean Harper?”
“Everything. We wouldn’t be here without you. I wouldn’t be here with out you. You showed those of us who truly believe the truth. We—”
“You treat them like a family.”
“Because we are. I mean, Max is different. That’s okay, right? Me and Max?”
Rowan rolled her eyes slightly. “You’re the glue that keeps them together.”
“I wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for you.” Dean hesitated a moment. “Don’t leave. Not again. I barely handled it as a child I sure as fuck can’t handle it now.”
“I did not do so willingly, Dean.” Rowan tapped his nose with one single finger. “But sometimes things are beyond our control.”
“Then we’ll make it within our control.”
“I trust you to.”
“Which really brings me to the male part of Team Challengers. Most of them had to go through some very tough matches to get the chance to try to stand tall against us. Well…. Most of them. In fact it’s funny how only one of the people coming into this event don’t really deserve the chance to be here, isn’t it? Even Shae at least earned her place here by holding the Shield Maiden and defending it as often as she had. But one didn’t earn it did he? That must be a troubling team mate to have.”
Dean chuckles darkly.
“Ryan Shane had to get his Lady to pull some major strings to be forced into the event. This is the second time we’ve been in a big battle event together. At least last time you earned being in Heir to the Throne. You dismissed me out of hand back then. I beat Ulf but you got the win. Told you to give me a call when you were ready to get rid of the Man of Steel belt.”
Dean caresses the belt with his left hand.
“Don’t worry Shane. I’ve been taking good care of it.”
Dean smirked.
“It’s funny you even entered the Heir to the Throne event to be completely honest with you Shane. I mean, you bitched and moaned about having to give the Man of Steel belt up in order to get your ass handed to you by Andrew. You said Dev and I weren’t worthy of fighting over this belt. And what happened to you after Andrew beat you? You disappeared for a while, didn’t you?”
Dean rolls his eyes.
“That’s sort of your MO Ryan. You don’t really think through shit do you? You don’t take responsibility for your actions, that’s for damn sure. It’s always someone else’s fault. You made a play to get the ‘better’ title and you cocked it up. You had to give up the Man of Steel title and like a bad blow job, you choked.”
Dean laughs.
“You likely convinced Laura Howlett to get you into this match, right? Try to get her meal ticket back some of that old glory? Get into the match with the guys who earned their place and sneak in like the ringer you are. After months of vacation you get to come in with only one match under your belt.”
Dean slow claps.
“She should really work on filling up that house of hers up with some better talent so she doesn’t have to keep relaying on you for it.”
Dean puts a finger up.
“And, Ryan, before you go on that little rant about how I didn’t earn this belt—shut the fuck up. I had to fight more guys at Heir to the Throne to basically come in second. I had to go up against Dev, and he can likely attest beating him wasn’t a walk through Disneyland.”
Dean’s eyes flash for a moment.
“And don’t you fucking dare talk down Devlin. I know you took the belt off of him once but he has put way more effort these last few months then your pathetic two cent Detroit export ass has even put in to convincing this company you deserve to be in this fucking match. No matter how you try to argue it, you’re nothing more than a mass of wasted opportunities, never managing to make something good of your career no matter how many people invest in you. Just. Like. Detroit.”
Dean takes a moment to breathe before smiling at the camera, eyes normal.
“Up next we have Spike mother fucking Kane. Hi there. On the one hand part of me feels like you might be aiming for your boy AJ again. After all you two seem to keep ending up in the same place over and over again. But I’d be a fool not to see the writing on the wall. Sooner or later you’re coming for us, right?”
Dean wiggles his eyebrows slightly.
“You don’t like what we’re doing. As much as you and AJ have been doing your little tango I think even he knows where your head is this week. My, my it seems my dance card is getting full. What makes you want to break me, Spike? It has likely been on your mind for a while, right? Was it before or after Rowan set your blue haired girl on fire on live TV?”
Dean leans against the punching bag slightly.
“There was a time I didn’t like even working near you, back before. But now I got to be honest. I admire your work. It’s wonderful to watch you just unleash all that pent-up darkness when you enter a ring. Is it hard to try to pretend not to be that all the time? Has to be exhausting.”
Dean smirks.
“Don’t feel the need to pretend with me, sweetheart. I want to see the monster. Can you pull it out anywhere or does he only make special appearances in the ring? I don’t doubt when you come for me it will be full of all the darkness and anger. All the rage and violence you can’t aim at Rowan. I have no problem taking all that punishment. Please, feel free to come at me full hog. I’ve been broken and rebuilt in her image. I don’t fear anything you can unleash on me.”
Dean winks.
“You’re trying to be a better person, I appreciate that. Put all the darkness behind you. Was it for her or because you feared for that brief moment you were going to be shuffled off the mortal coil by over active cells?”
Dean shrugs.
“I don’t really care about whether you’re on the good side or the bad side. I don’t care if your Spike Kane or The Blood God in that ring. You come for me and I will put you down.”
Dean looks down at his nails.
“I am My Lady’s Most Loyal. I am her right hand. Every achievement I do brings her glory. Every failure is a lesson. But you? I have to put you down regardless. It is the sacred duty to My Lady, Rowan, as Her Most Loyal to punish the nonbeliever, the heretic… and the false god. I so rarely get to do that last bit. I’ll enjoy it to. All bloody hail.”
Dean licks his teeth.
“Which brings me to Dev.”
Dean sighs happily.
“Oh Dev. Have you missed me? I’ve missed you.”
Dean is practically giddy.
“How’s Kate? Xander enjoying the little gift I left for him? Did you find it before he did? I have so many questions. How has your time off been? I hear you’ve been making new friends. So have I.”
Dean pushes a way from the punching bag.
“I was so pleased you won your fatal four way to be in the ring with me again. You are my favorite after all. Cross isn’t as much fun anymore but I’ve been working through my disappointment. I hope this means you’re not giving up on me. I haven’t given up on you.”
Dean taps the belt with a smile.
“Are you hoping that this is another march once more to the breach to come and get back this little old thing? Or is it beyond the little scrap of metal and it’s super personal now? Have I crossed the line of acceptable behavior? You understand me in ways no one outside The Pack does. Through a mirror darkly and all that. With each step I take on Her Path does it unnerve you more or less?”
Dean chuckles again.
“I admit since our last match I’ve tried replacing you. Andrew hits hard but he’s not as fun to play with. Caleb wont let me fully play with Nighthawk. I honestly think there wont be anyone else who is as fun prey as you in this company right now. I hope you’re coming for me. I hope you don’t try for Andrew or Jayson. I want this to keep going forever, babe.”
Dean motions at himself.
“You asked last time if I do things because Rowan tells me to. I’ll be honest. After last time, after how I beat you, She told me to let this go. Not to keep playing with my food. But, fuck me, Dev I can’t seem to quit you. I felt the same about Cross. But he’s all worked out of my system. Truly. Wonder if it would take the same to get you out? What do you think, honey bunches of oats?”
Dean’s eyes take on the glow.
“Seems you can’t quit me either. I do say we are destined to keep doing this forever, don’t you? I hope you don’t let Spike or Ryan come at me. I hope you keep hunting me back. Truly. I have to personally congratulate you for sharing the location of our home. The amount of thralls who’ve made their way to us because of you is really a huge help.”
Dean smiles with teeth too sharp.
“I look forward to Survival of the Fittest. I look forward to watching those who stand against us being crushed in defeat. Can’t wait.”
“Hey IWF. Enjoy watching me beat Nighthawk last survival? I know I enjoyed doing it.”
Dean stretches.
“On the Extinction Event I will be defending my title for the first time. I can’t think of a better time or place to really do it. I will be standing there with Maxine and Rowan as they defend their titles. Maxine will have her second title defense and Rowan will have another opportunity to show the Diamond’s division they should have bent the knee ages ago.”
Dean punches the bag next to him which groans.
“I’d be remiss to say that was all that is going to happen that night. Caleb and Brooklyn will be in matches too. Caleb gets to take the student where he defeated the teacher. Brooklyn gets to continue to make an example of Kate Steel. I couldn’t be prouder. I couldn’t be happier for both of them. The Pack is going to come out of next week victorious because the strong always beat the weak.”
Dean stops the swinging with one hand.
“Their challengers will be Shae, continuing to try to prove she has something sort of way to stop my Lady’s power. She failed before and she’ll fail again. Nothing can stop Rowan. We all know that’s who Shae is going to be gunning for. You may have pinned My Lady once but you’d have to pull some really heavy hitting wonder to do it again. Rowan is stronger each and every match. You know that. Everyone knows that. You have no hope of beating her but you sure do love to try.”
Dean chuckles shaking his head.
“Which leaves the Cinnamon roll to try for Maxine’s belt. That will be interesting to watch from the sidelines. Third times the charm, huh, cupcake? How will things go this time? Will believing in love, truth and justice really get you anywhere? Has it worked so far? Laughable efforts all around.”
Dean cracks his knuckles.
“Even our allies—and I do use that term loosely—have a strong hold on their belts. I’ve made my feelings on the bland action hero that is AJ perfectly clear. You can’t argue with his results though, can you? He’s lost what? One match in close to eight months? He wants that belt until someone pries that from his cold head hands. I doubt anyone on the other side can get that out of his hands. Most of them have already tried, haven’t they? He’ll be a team player as long as he guarantees his own ascension.”
Dean pauses a moment.
“Jayson Mathews is the wild card I suppose. He’s close to breaking the record for holding the belt. I’m sure he wants to keep holding out for just a little bit longer. It’s with in his best interests to ensure our side wins. There is a whole barrel of bananas with his name on it if he keeps to the party line.”
Dean had grabbed all the dishes from their impromptu family dinner. The Thralls had handled their own dishes and were off to sleep. There was something peaceful about The Compound’s kitchen when there was no one around. There was a peaceful silence Dean could sort of get lost in. He wasn’t sure he wanted it right now. Something She had said hung in the air. He didn’t like it.
“I’ve always made it clear you could talk to me.”
Dean nearly dropped the plate in his hands. He didn’t need to look behind him to know she was sitting on the kitchen stool.
“You have.” Dean set the plate back into the soapy water and turned to look at her, His God wrapped in the package of the body she was wearing. “Are you planning on leaving?”
Rowan tilted her head, sizing him up. “I want to ensure this family will survive regardless of whatever comes.”
The coiled thing in the dark flinched back from her stare. It didn’t like that anymore then Dean did.
“Caleb is committed to the family. Brooklyn accepts us. Maxine is with us. We have more and more thralls every day.”
“They all relay on you. Even the thralls now.”
“I try to be there for all of them but it’s nothing compared to what you are to all of us.”
“And what am I Dean Harper?”
“Everything. We wouldn’t be here without you. I wouldn’t be here with out you. You showed those of us who truly believe the truth. We—”
“You treat them like a family.”
“Because we are. I mean, Max is different. That’s okay, right? Me and Max?”
Rowan rolled her eyes slightly. “You’re the glue that keeps them together.”
“I wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for you.” Dean hesitated a moment. “Don’t leave. Not again. I barely handled it as a child I sure as fuck can’t handle it now.”
“I did not do so willingly, Dean.” Rowan tapped his nose with one single finger. “But sometimes things are beyond our control.”
“Then we’ll make it within our control.”
“I trust you to.”
“Which really brings me to the male part of Team Challengers. Most of them had to go through some very tough matches to get the chance to try to stand tall against us. Well…. Most of them. In fact it’s funny how only one of the people coming into this event don’t really deserve the chance to be here, isn’t it? Even Shae at least earned her place here by holding the Shield Maiden and defending it as often as she had. But one didn’t earn it did he? That must be a troubling team mate to have.”
Dean chuckles darkly.
“Ryan Shane had to get his Lady to pull some major strings to be forced into the event. This is the second time we’ve been in a big battle event together. At least last time you earned being in Heir to the Throne. You dismissed me out of hand back then. I beat Ulf but you got the win. Told you to give me a call when you were ready to get rid of the Man of Steel belt.”
Dean caresses the belt with his left hand.
“Don’t worry Shane. I’ve been taking good care of it.”
Dean smirked.
“It’s funny you even entered the Heir to the Throne event to be completely honest with you Shane. I mean, you bitched and moaned about having to give the Man of Steel belt up in order to get your ass handed to you by Andrew. You said Dev and I weren’t worthy of fighting over this belt. And what happened to you after Andrew beat you? You disappeared for a while, didn’t you?”
Dean rolls his eyes.
“That’s sort of your MO Ryan. You don’t really think through shit do you? You don’t take responsibility for your actions, that’s for damn sure. It’s always someone else’s fault. You made a play to get the ‘better’ title and you cocked it up. You had to give up the Man of Steel title and like a bad blow job, you choked.”
Dean laughs.
“You likely convinced Laura Howlett to get you into this match, right? Try to get her meal ticket back some of that old glory? Get into the match with the guys who earned their place and sneak in like the ringer you are. After months of vacation you get to come in with only one match under your belt.”
Dean slow claps.
“She should really work on filling up that house of hers up with some better talent so she doesn’t have to keep relaying on you for it.”
Dean puts a finger up.
“And, Ryan, before you go on that little rant about how I didn’t earn this belt—shut the fuck up. I had to fight more guys at Heir to the Throne to basically come in second. I had to go up against Dev, and he can likely attest beating him wasn’t a walk through Disneyland.”
Dean’s eyes flash for a moment.
“And don’t you fucking dare talk down Devlin. I know you took the belt off of him once but he has put way more effort these last few months then your pathetic two cent Detroit export ass has even put in to convincing this company you deserve to be in this fucking match. No matter how you try to argue it, you’re nothing more than a mass of wasted opportunities, never managing to make something good of your career no matter how many people invest in you. Just. Like. Detroit.”
Dean takes a moment to breathe before smiling at the camera, eyes normal.
“Up next we have Spike mother fucking Kane. Hi there. On the one hand part of me feels like you might be aiming for your boy AJ again. After all you two seem to keep ending up in the same place over and over again. But I’d be a fool not to see the writing on the wall. Sooner or later you’re coming for us, right?”
Dean wiggles his eyebrows slightly.
“You don’t like what we’re doing. As much as you and AJ have been doing your little tango I think even he knows where your head is this week. My, my it seems my dance card is getting full. What makes you want to break me, Spike? It has likely been on your mind for a while, right? Was it before or after Rowan set your blue haired girl on fire on live TV?”
Dean leans against the punching bag slightly.
“There was a time I didn’t like even working near you, back before. But now I got to be honest. I admire your work. It’s wonderful to watch you just unleash all that pent-up darkness when you enter a ring. Is it hard to try to pretend not to be that all the time? Has to be exhausting.”
Dean smirks.
“Don’t feel the need to pretend with me, sweetheart. I want to see the monster. Can you pull it out anywhere or does he only make special appearances in the ring? I don’t doubt when you come for me it will be full of all the darkness and anger. All the rage and violence you can’t aim at Rowan. I have no problem taking all that punishment. Please, feel free to come at me full hog. I’ve been broken and rebuilt in her image. I don’t fear anything you can unleash on me.”
Dean winks.
“You’re trying to be a better person, I appreciate that. Put all the darkness behind you. Was it for her or because you feared for that brief moment you were going to be shuffled off the mortal coil by over active cells?”
Dean shrugs.
“I don’t really care about whether you’re on the good side or the bad side. I don’t care if your Spike Kane or The Blood God in that ring. You come for me and I will put you down.”
Dean looks down at his nails.
“I am My Lady’s Most Loyal. I am her right hand. Every achievement I do brings her glory. Every failure is a lesson. But you? I have to put you down regardless. It is the sacred duty to My Lady, Rowan, as Her Most Loyal to punish the nonbeliever, the heretic… and the false god. I so rarely get to do that last bit. I’ll enjoy it to. All bloody hail.”
Dean licks his teeth.
“Which brings me to Dev.”
Dean sighs happily.
“Oh Dev. Have you missed me? I’ve missed you.”
Dean is practically giddy.
“How’s Kate? Xander enjoying the little gift I left for him? Did you find it before he did? I have so many questions. How has your time off been? I hear you’ve been making new friends. So have I.”
Dean pushes a way from the punching bag.
“I was so pleased you won your fatal four way to be in the ring with me again. You are my favorite after all. Cross isn’t as much fun anymore but I’ve been working through my disappointment. I hope this means you’re not giving up on me. I haven’t given up on you.”
Dean taps the belt with a smile.
“Are you hoping that this is another march once more to the breach to come and get back this little old thing? Or is it beyond the little scrap of metal and it’s super personal now? Have I crossed the line of acceptable behavior? You understand me in ways no one outside The Pack does. Through a mirror darkly and all that. With each step I take on Her Path does it unnerve you more or less?”
Dean chuckles again.
“I admit since our last match I’ve tried replacing you. Andrew hits hard but he’s not as fun to play with. Caleb wont let me fully play with Nighthawk. I honestly think there wont be anyone else who is as fun prey as you in this company right now. I hope you’re coming for me. I hope you don’t try for Andrew or Jayson. I want this to keep going forever, babe.”
Dean motions at himself.
“You asked last time if I do things because Rowan tells me to. I’ll be honest. After last time, after how I beat you, She told me to let this go. Not to keep playing with my food. But, fuck me, Dev I can’t seem to quit you. I felt the same about Cross. But he’s all worked out of my system. Truly. Wonder if it would take the same to get you out? What do you think, honey bunches of oats?”
Dean’s eyes take on the glow.
“Seems you can’t quit me either. I do say we are destined to keep doing this forever, don’t you? I hope you don’t let Spike or Ryan come at me. I hope you keep hunting me back. Truly. I have to personally congratulate you for sharing the location of our home. The amount of thralls who’ve made their way to us because of you is really a huge help.”
Dean smiles with teeth too sharp.
“I look forward to Survival of the Fittest. I look forward to watching those who stand against us being crushed in defeat. Can’t wait.”
Well howdy there pardner.