Post by Dean Harper on May 25, 2018 2:16:45 GMT
The camera comes on to Dean sitting comfortably once again upon Rowan’s throne.
“Night of the Immortals.”
Dean tapped the arm of the throne with his right hand.
“The biggest show of the year. The highlight of everyone’s hard work paying off. We have every belt being defended. Both Brooklyn and Caleb defending their belts from those who would take it. I know my brother will tear the new man who calls himself King from the pedestal he has been placed upon. Brooklyn will deal with Dawn Kane. I have every faith my family will leave Night of the Immortals with the same belts we entered with. The Pack has never been without a belt and we never will be without one.”
Dean smiles.
“I will get the special honor of refereeing the match between Bob and Mike to decide who is worthy of holding The Strong Style belt. I will be taking that very seriously. I’m sure the belt misses me, and it deserves to get a bloody match to earn it.”
Dean winks at the camera.
“Beyond the matches that include my family, there are, of course, other highlights. The Open Weight, snore fest that it is, will be defended. The Tag Team world cup finale where the jumped up Saints will face the Age of Gods. Even if I was not able to destroy them myself I will take a small amount of pleasure watching them get deconstructed. Cross will be having a little match to solve his personal problems. Nighthawk will try to reach out to Jayson, who is too far gone to be pulled back. You can’t turn a son against his father and expect the results to turn out the way you want. Speaking of, the match for the World title where God and Saint Michael will be doing battle for the belt. I look forward to seeing how that plays out.”
Dean taps a finger against his lip.
“And there is, of course, the match I am actually in.”
Dean smirked.
“The Joker in the Pack.”
Dean lets out a low whistle.
“Warren and Devlin have both won this match in the past. Last year at this time Devlin cashed in on Pet while he was fighting Warren and took the Man of Steel belt from him. I was still fresh in My Lady’s service when that happened but I cannot describe the joy I got from watching that. It was perfect. It was glorious to watch.”
Dean leans forward in the throne looking giddy.
“Am I surprised by the choice of those who have been entered into this little match? No. There are familiar faces I am just overjoyed to get the chance to play with again.”
Dean traces his finger over his bottom lip.
“Six of us enter. Six of us all trying to win this match for the chance to put one of the champions on notice. For the chance to pick a title match without having to wade through the red tape, without challenging at open fight night. The ability to descend on a champion at their weakest and pick the bones clean. I have to say I am very, very tempted by that idea.”
Dean chuckles.
“I haven’t had a belt since Danger zone. Makes a boy feel unwanted. I had my shot at the roulette. I outlasted almost everyone to get the second place there. I have beat men to the point of disappearing from the company. I left a bloody wake behind me when I had the Man of Steel. I look forward to what I will do when I win this match and get to pick my favorite child on which champion I want to play with. All I have to do is finish the people in this match.”
“So how is the special project going?” Maxine leaned against the doorway.
“Sara’s made some wonderful progress with her.” Dean tilted the girls head to survey the damage. “How long ago did she pass out?”
“Maybe an hour ago,” Sara replied.
“Perfect.” Dean stood up stretching.
“I love watching you work.” Maxine had a smile in her voice. “Or do you need this to be alone?”
“I’ve found one on one works best.” Dean gave her an apologetic smile. “After I’ll give you all the details.”
“You better.”
“Do you need me to go too?” Sara asked.
“I have some food set aside for you in the kitchen. Go eat.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dean waited a moment for the door to close to be sure they were gone. Dean rubbed his hands together and took a deep breath. He leaned forward and snapped his fingers in front of her face for the girl to jump awake. The fear clear in her eyes as she looked around.
“Morning, duckling, the world says hello.” Dean smiled at her.
“Why?” She was crying. “Why are you doing this? I’ve never done anything to you? Why do you hate me?”
“Aw, Duckling, I don’t hate you. If I hated you I would throw you in a lake and watch you drown.”
“Why?"
“To help you.”
She stared at him. “Help?”
“Gaze into the abyss. Suffer. Break. Put yourself back together from the pieces as something beautiful. Something stronger. Something new. Redeemed through the pain. Through all the suffering you will be cleansed. You will come out the other side better than you were. Look at everyone we’ve touched.” Dean motioned around. “We have helped them. The same way I am helping you.”
“Why?”
“Do you not view yourself worth redemption? Does your pain not bring you clarity?” Dean smiled, “Don’t you want a life free of the burdens you currently carry? Don’t you want a life where you can put your life to a better purpose? You are turning from satin to steel with each passing day, don’t you think?”
She was quiet a long moment. “He-He’ll come for me…”
“Or he has had the clarity that your pain means nothing to him.” Dean shrugs his shoulders. “I want to help you. I don’t hurt you because I hate you. You are being cleansed. You are so close to the tipping point.”
“…I am?”
“But maybe you just need a little bit more pain first.” Dean picked up the hammer off the tray. “What do you think?”
“Andrew, Pax, Thaddeus, Puppy, and Cross. My, this will be something for the highlight reel, don’t you think?”
Dean nods to himself.
“I don’t underestimate anyone in this match. I am firmly aware that anyone in this match could be a threat to my plans. It’s even possible there might be some double-dealing in order to ensure I am not the one to climb that ladder. You might not like me, you might even hate me but you have to see me for the threat I am. Understand that. Embrace that fear. Might help you survive.”
Dean leans back in the throne.
“Where to start with my rivals for this chance at power…Where to start…”
Dean taps his chin in thought.
“I suppose I should start with the only person in this match I haven’t had the pleasure of facing before. Captain Thaddeus, was it? You’re a time-traveling imperialist if I’m understanding this right.”
Dean seems to pause in thought.
“Peaches, I don’t really understand you. I don’t get it. If you could go anywhere why are you here? Are we all just drawn to this company? Is there something about this company that draws us all in like a moth to a flame? So do you travel to see how this all turns out? Do you take a peek at the possibilities or do you just go in and out of different time periods having a laugh? I am honestly curious about that.”
Dean shrugs.
“I might not understand you but I know you can bleed. If you can bleed I can put you down. I don’t underestimate you. You eliminated yourself from the roulette, I have no doubt there is some kind of scientific hijinks that you plan on bring to bear, but I am going to break you before you get that chance.”
Dean taps the arm of the throne again.
“Pax, darling, it’s been a bit hasn’t it? The Roulette, before that the tag match we had, wasn’t it? How have things been for you since flirting with the big time? You’ve lost your manager to Pet’s interference. You’ve had some losses and some wins.”
Dean crosses his legs.
“Darling, you really have been growing into yourself, haven’t you? That pride, darling that pride is really starting to show just how much you’ve been coming to view yourself. It would be the underdog story, wouldn’t it? Your name in lights as you climb the ladder and get your prize. Who would you pick, darling? Would you go after the villains or go after Bob again? Would you even know who to select? Would the shock of the win be too much and you’d die of it?”
Dean grins.
“You view yourself so highly, I look forward to throwing you down from the ladder to where you belong. I know you could be a threat. I know you have the skills but in a match like this? With the men in this match does your pride recognize that the chance you getting to the top of that ladder is slim? Darling, in any other line up you, might have a chance, but not here. Not against me. I’ll crush you.”
Dean brings his hands together and leans on them.
“Puppy. Here we are again. Tag Team world cup did not go the way we hoped but I suppose this is as good an avenue to release some of the tension as any. Being so close to my darkness made you reevaluate all your life choices, didn’t it? Light and the dark can’t be that close for long, can it?”
Dean tsks, shaking his head.
“You looked into the darkness that laid ahead of you if you really gave into your darker impulses and you pulled back. Puppy, you were so close to really becoming the best you could but it was too much for you, wasn’t it? Does your heathen army need a new home? We could take them off your hands, no longer have to feel like you have a bunch of faceless goons at your beck and call. We are always looking for new Thralls. I’m sure there are a few that could fit in nicely.”
Dean smirks.
“You’re a Viking, aren’t you Puppy? Aren’t you all about marching in pillaging and burning all those who oppose you? I was hoping you’d be different then Astrid who made her stand against Maxine with her weak code of conduct. But you are so similar to her, aren’t you? I’m bored. Puppy, for all you talk about bringing the hammer down you pull back before going all the way, don’t you?”
Dean laughs.
“You embrace your lone wolf image. Spoiler, puppy, the lone wolf dies and The Pack survives. Even if you reunite with your council friends it won’t matter. You’ve gone head to head before. I’ve beaten you every time.”
Dean leans forward in the throne, uncrossing his legs.
“Xavier, long time no spoon. Miss me? Oh, I know you have.”
Dean winks at the camera.
“You seem to have really rebuilt yourself on your time away. Suffering tempers the steel of the soul, I thought our time together had been for nothing, you were a sad broken little toy unable to function. Did you finally heal all the cracks from when you were my favorite plaything? You are the only one who has ever bounced back from me breaking you, baby. Only one to leave the compound once we’ve taken you there. I want to see if you can do it twice. I still have your room set aside, just in case.”
Dean bites his lip.
“What did you feel when that announcement went up? Bet you were excited. The chance to finally get your hands on a belt? A chance to get your hands on me again? Which one excites you more? You promised to break this dick holster I call a mouth once, I’m still waiting for you to carry that out.”
Dean traces a finger over his bottom lip.
“We’ve done this dance a couple times. Each time we’re in the ring together it ends the exact same way. With my name being called and you left in a heap. Think it’ll be different this time? You certainly seemed sure you could take me out when you were pumping yourself up to face Warren. You have always been my special circumstance. Hurting you always brings a smile to my face. I am pleased management has given me the opportunity to break you again.”
Dean blinks and his eyes glow pale green.
“You are calling yourself Prometheus these days, right? This must be quiet the thrilling turn of events for you. A chance to grab the win and get your choice of belts, to maybe point at whoever wins in the main event and take out a god? Has to make you all tingly. If you have the stamina to go twice in one night that is. Do you? Should I ask your new lady friend?”
Dean smiles wide.
“AJ, darling, how are you doing? Oh, we all know what title you’d be aiming for. One can only assume you’d running straight towards the main event and cashing in on Spike or God. Someone might assume you wouldn’t, that it wouldn’t be the heroic thing to do, but I know you, sweetheart. I know heroic doesn’t matter when you are in a war. And that’s what it is to you. War.”
Dean licks his teeth.
“God and Spike took your shiny candy. It doesn’t matter you dominated the main event scene last year. Doesn’t matter you were splashed across every Pay Per View from Night of the Immortals until Danger Zone. You want that belt back more than anything else in your life. For a chance to hold that belt again you would sell your soul. You can deny it all you want, but deep down you know I’m right. That belt made you feel vindicated. Made you feel the hero. Made all the blood sweat and tears you shed worth it.”
Dean shakes his head.
“You’re body went through wear and tear last year. You threw everything you had into keeping that belt. You set the record. You even during the extinction event sided with Pet, your enemy, to cause a distraction to be able to exorcise My Lady.”
Dean has a deathly serious look in his eyes.
“You thought I forgot. You thought I had let that pass without mention. I am aware of you being the patsy in that event. I’m away you were likely led astray by the idea that Pet would not be the one coming for your belt. I don’t care what promises were made to you. I will put your throat under my boot. I will find the flaws in your body from the last year and exploit them until you are nothing but a bleeding mess on the mat who has to be taken out of the ring by medical personnel. Promises were made about what would happen to those who betrayed us, Sweetheart, and I am coming for you.”
Dean looks off camera before looking back.
“Yes, you beat me once. But that’s before. When you had the belt.”
Dean rolls his eyes.
“You haven’t been the same since you lost it. You have been weaker. Unstable. You used to dominate and you have barely won a match that hasn’t had interference since Danger Zone. God and Pet have been playing with you and Nighthawk, knocking you around like you were children on the playground. Nighthawk for all his faults has at least been vocal in his displeasure. But you? No, not the record holder for the Imperial belt. Still not saying anything until it’s safe to.”
Dean blinks away the shine.
“The bland prepackaged hero worked last year, sweetheart but now? Now it’s boring. No one is scared of you. Even the other faces mock you. You’re predictable. You’ve lost your touch. Maybe it’s time to do that retirement gig. Start a wrestling school, do some signings at fan events, revisit some of the highlights of your career, and have a couple kids. You lost the magic, sweetheart. Time to accept that. You don’t want to be Steve Awesome who keeps acting like he’s relevant to the company after being less than mediocre for years, do you? Retire when people still think of you in a positive light.”
Dean cracks his knuckles.
“So let me assist in this retirement plan by destroying what’s left of your body. I’m sure your new wife will thank me.”
Dean gestures around him.
“That’s what makes this match so interesting. I am the only monster here. We have heroes, antiheroes, and one villain but only one monster. I am a monster. I have ended careers. I have left men in pools of their own blood. I have no moral compass holding me back. I have nothing holding me back from fucking each and every one of you up.”
Dean points to himself
“Which is why I am going to win. I will go further and farther than any of you would dare to. You could all team together to take me out but I’ll withstand regardless. Because none of you can go as dark as I can. None of you can go as hard as I can.”
Dean crosses his arms and leans back in the throne.
“See you in the rings, boys. It’ll be fun.”
Dean sat cross-legged front of the TV with the remote sitting lose in his hand. Leviathan was against watching it, so he had waited until after Leviathan went into slumber after converting thralls. He had tried watching the tape multiple times. He had never stayed for the whole thing. He was too fidgety. He didn’t like watching it, didn’t like seeing her, and didn’t like hearing her.
Rowan had sent him out of the room the first time. Max had sensed his discomfort and stopped it. Warren kept saying he didn’t need to see it.
But Dean did. It was weak, but it was like a scab he couldn’t keep from touching. He barely had the energy to move from the building Rowan was living in now. Leviathan’s slumber weighed hard on him, so he had to struggle to keep upright as he pressed play.
The tape started with a woman who had his eyes, his cheekbones and long hair in an overlarge green sweater trying to hide the bump. She fiddled with the camera, clearly trying to get it to stay but it tilted left anyways.
“Dear Baby…No. No, I shouldn’t record this for you. You won’t like this. I—” The tape went to static like she tried to rewind but clearly hadn’t done it enough before starting to record again.
“Hi…My name is Violet Harper. I was the girl at the… I guessed your drink order before you placed it...”
She winced.
“I know I’m not memorable. You likely don’t remember me. We didn’t really spend a whole lot of time getting to know each other before… I didn’t want to send this to you. I was going to handle this on my own. If I’d gone to you…I don’t think you would have handled it well. But I know I have to record this. I know I need to tell you. I don’t want to. I don’t even…but you’ll get the tape when you need it. I know you will. I’m sorry.”
She presses her lips together and takes a deep breath.
“I don’t want money. I hold no ill will towards you. You’ll have more than enough of that by the time you see this, anyway. It only took a taste, and despite everything, I don’t regret it. I wish this cup would be taken from me. I wish...”
She puts her hands over her face and seems to silently sob for a moment. “God I…No, no, I’m not doing that.”
She takes her hands down from her face. “I don’t want him to see this. I’d rather he didn’t know. Maybe if he didn’t know I could protect him from this but… I think the path is set and I can’t get off it. I’m sorry. I’m trying but…The flesh is weak though the spirit is willing.”
“There’s something wrong with the baby.” She said looking at her stomach. “The nightmares I’m having… They keep getting worse. I can’t seem to stop them. The doctor’s say its normal, but I don’t think it’s normal. I keep seeing this place, this place so full of evil it makes my stomach turn. I keep seeing him tempted by evil and saying yes to it. He’ll do terrible things….”
“I tried going to a clinic. I got as far as the parking lot before I started to feel ill. I…I think something else wants the baby born. Something dark. Yellow eyes. Smoke…. She wants our son.” She bites her lip. “I know it’s a boy. I can feel it in my bones. They say it’s too early to know but I know.”
She closes her eyes. “I know it sounds crazy. I know I sound crazy. The apocalypse? I’ve had dreams before. Stupid dreams. Like conversation in kitchens that happen a week later. Seeing you and knowing you were interested in me. But this…I don’t like this. I don’t want it. I want it to stop. I prayed, first time in years but I don’t think God hears me. Maybe my mother was right. Maybe I am damned.”
“Dean Harper.”
Dean jumped, and turned around looking behind him. The video had been on low volume, he’d shut the door to her room securely. But the door was ajar, the light was on.
Panic ripped through him. Had he upset her? Was he breaking the rules? He ducked his head and made his way to her, kneeling before her couch. Leviathan was stirring but nowhere near awake enough to be of any use.
“Yes?” Dean asked.
“You still cling to the past.”
“I don’t.” Dean kept his eyes down. “I don’t want it to control me.”
“Then why do you waste your time with a woman who didn’t love you? Who would have ended you if she’d had the strength?” Rowan tapped his chin making him look her in the eyes, she was still sprawled like a stoned cat on the couch where he had left her after his latest attempt to heal her.
“I know.”
“You are a gift to the world, Dean Harper. A gift that has not been valued. You can do so much if you let go of those human impulses seeking affection from those who cannot give it to you.” She took her hand back. “Your blood family cannot give you the family I have, can they?”
She was disappointed in him and he felt his stomach clench in fear.
“I’m sorry.”
“Leviathan?”
Dean felt his world tilt slightly, “Yes?”
“Get rid of the tape. It is a temptation.”
“At once, Abaddon.”
“Night of the Immortals.”
Dean tapped the arm of the throne with his right hand.
“The biggest show of the year. The highlight of everyone’s hard work paying off. We have every belt being defended. Both Brooklyn and Caleb defending their belts from those who would take it. I know my brother will tear the new man who calls himself King from the pedestal he has been placed upon. Brooklyn will deal with Dawn Kane. I have every faith my family will leave Night of the Immortals with the same belts we entered with. The Pack has never been without a belt and we never will be without one.”
Dean smiles.
“I will get the special honor of refereeing the match between Bob and Mike to decide who is worthy of holding The Strong Style belt. I will be taking that very seriously. I’m sure the belt misses me, and it deserves to get a bloody match to earn it.”
Dean winks at the camera.
“Beyond the matches that include my family, there are, of course, other highlights. The Open Weight, snore fest that it is, will be defended. The Tag Team world cup finale where the jumped up Saints will face the Age of Gods. Even if I was not able to destroy them myself I will take a small amount of pleasure watching them get deconstructed. Cross will be having a little match to solve his personal problems. Nighthawk will try to reach out to Jayson, who is too far gone to be pulled back. You can’t turn a son against his father and expect the results to turn out the way you want. Speaking of, the match for the World title where God and Saint Michael will be doing battle for the belt. I look forward to seeing how that plays out.”
Dean taps a finger against his lip.
“And there is, of course, the match I am actually in.”
Dean smirked.
“The Joker in the Pack.”
Dean lets out a low whistle.
“Warren and Devlin have both won this match in the past. Last year at this time Devlin cashed in on Pet while he was fighting Warren and took the Man of Steel belt from him. I was still fresh in My Lady’s service when that happened but I cannot describe the joy I got from watching that. It was perfect. It was glorious to watch.”
Dean leans forward in the throne looking giddy.
“Am I surprised by the choice of those who have been entered into this little match? No. There are familiar faces I am just overjoyed to get the chance to play with again.”
Dean traces his finger over his bottom lip.
“Six of us enter. Six of us all trying to win this match for the chance to put one of the champions on notice. For the chance to pick a title match without having to wade through the red tape, without challenging at open fight night. The ability to descend on a champion at their weakest and pick the bones clean. I have to say I am very, very tempted by that idea.”
Dean chuckles.
“I haven’t had a belt since Danger zone. Makes a boy feel unwanted. I had my shot at the roulette. I outlasted almost everyone to get the second place there. I have beat men to the point of disappearing from the company. I left a bloody wake behind me when I had the Man of Steel. I look forward to what I will do when I win this match and get to pick my favorite child on which champion I want to play with. All I have to do is finish the people in this match.”
“So how is the special project going?” Maxine leaned against the doorway.
“Sara’s made some wonderful progress with her.” Dean tilted the girls head to survey the damage. “How long ago did she pass out?”
“Maybe an hour ago,” Sara replied.
“Perfect.” Dean stood up stretching.
“I love watching you work.” Maxine had a smile in her voice. “Or do you need this to be alone?”
“I’ve found one on one works best.” Dean gave her an apologetic smile. “After I’ll give you all the details.”
“You better.”
“Do you need me to go too?” Sara asked.
“I have some food set aside for you in the kitchen. Go eat.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dean waited a moment for the door to close to be sure they were gone. Dean rubbed his hands together and took a deep breath. He leaned forward and snapped his fingers in front of her face for the girl to jump awake. The fear clear in her eyes as she looked around.
“Morning, duckling, the world says hello.” Dean smiled at her.
“Why?” She was crying. “Why are you doing this? I’ve never done anything to you? Why do you hate me?”
“Aw, Duckling, I don’t hate you. If I hated you I would throw you in a lake and watch you drown.”
“Why?"
“To help you.”
She stared at him. “Help?”
“Gaze into the abyss. Suffer. Break. Put yourself back together from the pieces as something beautiful. Something stronger. Something new. Redeemed through the pain. Through all the suffering you will be cleansed. You will come out the other side better than you were. Look at everyone we’ve touched.” Dean motioned around. “We have helped them. The same way I am helping you.”
“Why?”
“Do you not view yourself worth redemption? Does your pain not bring you clarity?” Dean smiled, “Don’t you want a life free of the burdens you currently carry? Don’t you want a life where you can put your life to a better purpose? You are turning from satin to steel with each passing day, don’t you think?”
She was quiet a long moment. “He-He’ll come for me…”
“Or he has had the clarity that your pain means nothing to him.” Dean shrugs his shoulders. “I want to help you. I don’t hurt you because I hate you. You are being cleansed. You are so close to the tipping point.”
“…I am?”
“But maybe you just need a little bit more pain first.” Dean picked up the hammer off the tray. “What do you think?”
“Andrew, Pax, Thaddeus, Puppy, and Cross. My, this will be something for the highlight reel, don’t you think?”
Dean nods to himself.
“I don’t underestimate anyone in this match. I am firmly aware that anyone in this match could be a threat to my plans. It’s even possible there might be some double-dealing in order to ensure I am not the one to climb that ladder. You might not like me, you might even hate me but you have to see me for the threat I am. Understand that. Embrace that fear. Might help you survive.”
Dean leans back in the throne.
“Where to start with my rivals for this chance at power…Where to start…”
Dean taps his chin in thought.
“I suppose I should start with the only person in this match I haven’t had the pleasure of facing before. Captain Thaddeus, was it? You’re a time-traveling imperialist if I’m understanding this right.”
Dean seems to pause in thought.
“Peaches, I don’t really understand you. I don’t get it. If you could go anywhere why are you here? Are we all just drawn to this company? Is there something about this company that draws us all in like a moth to a flame? So do you travel to see how this all turns out? Do you take a peek at the possibilities or do you just go in and out of different time periods having a laugh? I am honestly curious about that.”
Dean shrugs.
“I might not understand you but I know you can bleed. If you can bleed I can put you down. I don’t underestimate you. You eliminated yourself from the roulette, I have no doubt there is some kind of scientific hijinks that you plan on bring to bear, but I am going to break you before you get that chance.”
Dean taps the arm of the throne again.
“Pax, darling, it’s been a bit hasn’t it? The Roulette, before that the tag match we had, wasn’t it? How have things been for you since flirting with the big time? You’ve lost your manager to Pet’s interference. You’ve had some losses and some wins.”
Dean crosses his legs.
“Darling, you really have been growing into yourself, haven’t you? That pride, darling that pride is really starting to show just how much you’ve been coming to view yourself. It would be the underdog story, wouldn’t it? Your name in lights as you climb the ladder and get your prize. Who would you pick, darling? Would you go after the villains or go after Bob again? Would you even know who to select? Would the shock of the win be too much and you’d die of it?”
Dean grins.
“You view yourself so highly, I look forward to throwing you down from the ladder to where you belong. I know you could be a threat. I know you have the skills but in a match like this? With the men in this match does your pride recognize that the chance you getting to the top of that ladder is slim? Darling, in any other line up you, might have a chance, but not here. Not against me. I’ll crush you.”
Dean brings his hands together and leans on them.
“Puppy. Here we are again. Tag Team world cup did not go the way we hoped but I suppose this is as good an avenue to release some of the tension as any. Being so close to my darkness made you reevaluate all your life choices, didn’t it? Light and the dark can’t be that close for long, can it?”
Dean tsks, shaking his head.
“You looked into the darkness that laid ahead of you if you really gave into your darker impulses and you pulled back. Puppy, you were so close to really becoming the best you could but it was too much for you, wasn’t it? Does your heathen army need a new home? We could take them off your hands, no longer have to feel like you have a bunch of faceless goons at your beck and call. We are always looking for new Thralls. I’m sure there are a few that could fit in nicely.”
Dean smirks.
“You’re a Viking, aren’t you Puppy? Aren’t you all about marching in pillaging and burning all those who oppose you? I was hoping you’d be different then Astrid who made her stand against Maxine with her weak code of conduct. But you are so similar to her, aren’t you? I’m bored. Puppy, for all you talk about bringing the hammer down you pull back before going all the way, don’t you?”
Dean laughs.
“You embrace your lone wolf image. Spoiler, puppy, the lone wolf dies and The Pack survives. Even if you reunite with your council friends it won’t matter. You’ve gone head to head before. I’ve beaten you every time.”
Dean leans forward in the throne, uncrossing his legs.
“Xavier, long time no spoon. Miss me? Oh, I know you have.”
Dean winks at the camera.
“You seem to have really rebuilt yourself on your time away. Suffering tempers the steel of the soul, I thought our time together had been for nothing, you were a sad broken little toy unable to function. Did you finally heal all the cracks from when you were my favorite plaything? You are the only one who has ever bounced back from me breaking you, baby. Only one to leave the compound once we’ve taken you there. I want to see if you can do it twice. I still have your room set aside, just in case.”
Dean bites his lip.
“What did you feel when that announcement went up? Bet you were excited. The chance to finally get your hands on a belt? A chance to get your hands on me again? Which one excites you more? You promised to break this dick holster I call a mouth once, I’m still waiting for you to carry that out.”
Dean traces a finger over his bottom lip.
“We’ve done this dance a couple times. Each time we’re in the ring together it ends the exact same way. With my name being called and you left in a heap. Think it’ll be different this time? You certainly seemed sure you could take me out when you were pumping yourself up to face Warren. You have always been my special circumstance. Hurting you always brings a smile to my face. I am pleased management has given me the opportunity to break you again.”
Dean blinks and his eyes glow pale green.
“You are calling yourself Prometheus these days, right? This must be quiet the thrilling turn of events for you. A chance to grab the win and get your choice of belts, to maybe point at whoever wins in the main event and take out a god? Has to make you all tingly. If you have the stamina to go twice in one night that is. Do you? Should I ask your new lady friend?”
Dean smiles wide.
“AJ, darling, how are you doing? Oh, we all know what title you’d be aiming for. One can only assume you’d running straight towards the main event and cashing in on Spike or God. Someone might assume you wouldn’t, that it wouldn’t be the heroic thing to do, but I know you, sweetheart. I know heroic doesn’t matter when you are in a war. And that’s what it is to you. War.”
Dean licks his teeth.
“God and Spike took your shiny candy. It doesn’t matter you dominated the main event scene last year. Doesn’t matter you were splashed across every Pay Per View from Night of the Immortals until Danger Zone. You want that belt back more than anything else in your life. For a chance to hold that belt again you would sell your soul. You can deny it all you want, but deep down you know I’m right. That belt made you feel vindicated. Made you feel the hero. Made all the blood sweat and tears you shed worth it.”
Dean shakes his head.
“You’re body went through wear and tear last year. You threw everything you had into keeping that belt. You set the record. You even during the extinction event sided with Pet, your enemy, to cause a distraction to be able to exorcise My Lady.”
Dean has a deathly serious look in his eyes.
“You thought I forgot. You thought I had let that pass without mention. I am aware of you being the patsy in that event. I’m away you were likely led astray by the idea that Pet would not be the one coming for your belt. I don’t care what promises were made to you. I will put your throat under my boot. I will find the flaws in your body from the last year and exploit them until you are nothing but a bleeding mess on the mat who has to be taken out of the ring by medical personnel. Promises were made about what would happen to those who betrayed us, Sweetheart, and I am coming for you.”
Dean looks off camera before looking back.
“Yes, you beat me once. But that’s before. When you had the belt.”
Dean rolls his eyes.
“You haven’t been the same since you lost it. You have been weaker. Unstable. You used to dominate and you have barely won a match that hasn’t had interference since Danger Zone. God and Pet have been playing with you and Nighthawk, knocking you around like you were children on the playground. Nighthawk for all his faults has at least been vocal in his displeasure. But you? No, not the record holder for the Imperial belt. Still not saying anything until it’s safe to.”
Dean blinks away the shine.
“The bland prepackaged hero worked last year, sweetheart but now? Now it’s boring. No one is scared of you. Even the other faces mock you. You’re predictable. You’ve lost your touch. Maybe it’s time to do that retirement gig. Start a wrestling school, do some signings at fan events, revisit some of the highlights of your career, and have a couple kids. You lost the magic, sweetheart. Time to accept that. You don’t want to be Steve Awesome who keeps acting like he’s relevant to the company after being less than mediocre for years, do you? Retire when people still think of you in a positive light.”
Dean cracks his knuckles.
“So let me assist in this retirement plan by destroying what’s left of your body. I’m sure your new wife will thank me.”
Dean gestures around him.
“That’s what makes this match so interesting. I am the only monster here. We have heroes, antiheroes, and one villain but only one monster. I am a monster. I have ended careers. I have left men in pools of their own blood. I have no moral compass holding me back. I have nothing holding me back from fucking each and every one of you up.”
Dean points to himself
“Which is why I am going to win. I will go further and farther than any of you would dare to. You could all team together to take me out but I’ll withstand regardless. Because none of you can go as dark as I can. None of you can go as hard as I can.”
Dean crosses his arms and leans back in the throne.
“See you in the rings, boys. It’ll be fun.”
Dean sat cross-legged front of the TV with the remote sitting lose in his hand. Leviathan was against watching it, so he had waited until after Leviathan went into slumber after converting thralls. He had tried watching the tape multiple times. He had never stayed for the whole thing. He was too fidgety. He didn’t like watching it, didn’t like seeing her, and didn’t like hearing her.
Rowan had sent him out of the room the first time. Max had sensed his discomfort and stopped it. Warren kept saying he didn’t need to see it.
But Dean did. It was weak, but it was like a scab he couldn’t keep from touching. He barely had the energy to move from the building Rowan was living in now. Leviathan’s slumber weighed hard on him, so he had to struggle to keep upright as he pressed play.
The tape started with a woman who had his eyes, his cheekbones and long hair in an overlarge green sweater trying to hide the bump. She fiddled with the camera, clearly trying to get it to stay but it tilted left anyways.
“Dear Baby…No. No, I shouldn’t record this for you. You won’t like this. I—” The tape went to static like she tried to rewind but clearly hadn’t done it enough before starting to record again.
“Hi…My name is Violet Harper. I was the girl at the… I guessed your drink order before you placed it...”
She winced.
“I know I’m not memorable. You likely don’t remember me. We didn’t really spend a whole lot of time getting to know each other before… I didn’t want to send this to you. I was going to handle this on my own. If I’d gone to you…I don’t think you would have handled it well. But I know I have to record this. I know I need to tell you. I don’t want to. I don’t even…but you’ll get the tape when you need it. I know you will. I’m sorry.”
She presses her lips together and takes a deep breath.
“I don’t want money. I hold no ill will towards you. You’ll have more than enough of that by the time you see this, anyway. It only took a taste, and despite everything, I don’t regret it. I wish this cup would be taken from me. I wish...”
She puts her hands over her face and seems to silently sob for a moment. “God I…No, no, I’m not doing that.”
She takes her hands down from her face. “I don’t want him to see this. I’d rather he didn’t know. Maybe if he didn’t know I could protect him from this but… I think the path is set and I can’t get off it. I’m sorry. I’m trying but…The flesh is weak though the spirit is willing.”
“There’s something wrong with the baby.” She said looking at her stomach. “The nightmares I’m having… They keep getting worse. I can’t seem to stop them. The doctor’s say its normal, but I don’t think it’s normal. I keep seeing this place, this place so full of evil it makes my stomach turn. I keep seeing him tempted by evil and saying yes to it. He’ll do terrible things….”
“I tried going to a clinic. I got as far as the parking lot before I started to feel ill. I…I think something else wants the baby born. Something dark. Yellow eyes. Smoke…. She wants our son.” She bites her lip. “I know it’s a boy. I can feel it in my bones. They say it’s too early to know but I know.”
She closes her eyes. “I know it sounds crazy. I know I sound crazy. The apocalypse? I’ve had dreams before. Stupid dreams. Like conversation in kitchens that happen a week later. Seeing you and knowing you were interested in me. But this…I don’t like this. I don’t want it. I want it to stop. I prayed, first time in years but I don’t think God hears me. Maybe my mother was right. Maybe I am damned.”
“Dean Harper.”
Dean jumped, and turned around looking behind him. The video had been on low volume, he’d shut the door to her room securely. But the door was ajar, the light was on.
Panic ripped through him. Had he upset her? Was he breaking the rules? He ducked his head and made his way to her, kneeling before her couch. Leviathan was stirring but nowhere near awake enough to be of any use.
“Yes?” Dean asked.
“You still cling to the past.”
“I don’t.” Dean kept his eyes down. “I don’t want it to control me.”
“Then why do you waste your time with a woman who didn’t love you? Who would have ended you if she’d had the strength?” Rowan tapped his chin making him look her in the eyes, she was still sprawled like a stoned cat on the couch where he had left her after his latest attempt to heal her.
“I know.”
“You are a gift to the world, Dean Harper. A gift that has not been valued. You can do so much if you let go of those human impulses seeking affection from those who cannot give it to you.” She took her hand back. “Your blood family cannot give you the family I have, can they?”
She was disappointed in him and he felt his stomach clench in fear.
“I’m sorry.”
“Leviathan?”
Dean felt his world tilt slightly, “Yes?”
“Get rid of the tape. It is a temptation.”
“At once, Abaddon.”
Well howdy there pardner.