It Begins, Again

[Xavier Cross]

"It begins at Sacrifice... It begins with the simplest of sinners. I have vowed to destroy this company, it's too far gone to try to change or lead. Ashes to ashes my flock. It has been all too long since I've stepped inside this ring, there was a point in my life where I would have been excited, even nervous. Now I just feel like an executioner sharpening his blade, waiting for the guilty to be brought to the stockade. The destruction I will bring to the squared circle will be a spectacle. It's the least I can do, to repay those who have filled the zeroes in on my paycheck. I will pay my debts to fate when I am done, and I will take responsibility for my actions, every drop of blood I spill, and every soul I reap. There is no happy ending here, just an ending.  

I must say, it's been a lot relaxing since I've been home. Europe is a trash hole of an area. It's one thing to compete for a bunch of rabid Neanderthals, but it's one thing to take a bump, roll over on your back and glance out into the crowd. I've made the assumption the Nurseries are kept in the woods, seeing as children are beaten with ugly branches before given back to their horror movie of a mother. However, I learned a lot there. The guys you step into the ring with are underpaid, but the passion there...it's enlightening. They wrestle a very strong style, most days you leave with more bruises than you can bother counting. Which explains why most of those idiots are ugly as sin. 

Now...Japan...well good golly, that is a story for another time. But I guess we have to address the elephant in the room. Imagine this, someone with amazing physical prowess, with charisma and sharp wit. Sounds pretty dangerous right? Now imagine wasting it all away with nothing but cheap flash, and shit catch phrases. This is one of the issues I take offense within this company, guys like Derek Brooks. Never pushed to new limits, just the same mediocrity you fans have settled for, that the upper crust that runs this shit stain of an empire, settle for. Everyone had a toy, where you pull a string or push a button and it spits out a catchphrase. That's my opponent this week. After dishing on whatever he wants for a few moments, he'll get ramped out and spit out something that he normally does. Just like everyone else in this god forsaken company.... 

It's just the same old shit. 

So I hook Brooks rattles those rocks he has inside his head and squeezes out a few good ideas. The best idea that meathead could figure out, would be to step away from this business. He'd be better making action flicks, stealing sequels away from other actors, or just remaking old television shows for a cheap buck on the big screen.  

But if I was a betting man, I'd gather that no good ideas will come from you this week. You'll spill the say garbled mess that only a stroke patient would spit out. Flex those store-bought muscles, prance around like you've actually done shit. You know what you've done?  

Shit. 

This is the beginning of the end, and it starts with Derek Brooks.  

******** 

The mist of the sea rises, as the ocean crashes against the cliffside below. Standing atop of a lush green peak is a middle-aged man, stares off into the oceans. Looking across the ocean front, he turns his back to the sea.



Xavier Cross: "I will return home, my revenge will be slow, and they will suffer."



With each word, a vicious spit is sent from his lips. Tapping the blade on his hip, he hurries back to his new home. Cast away from the homelands after the failed rebellion. It was anything to retreat to fight another day. He had his supporters across the sea, away from enemy reaches. It was time to reevaluate his goals and strategy. The largest world bank supported his cause, economically he was better for the kingdom. But money doesn't matter when blades cross, and you're outnumbered. But not this time...not again.



The iron gates of a large stone castle rose, as Cross is met with a small garrison of soldiers. Many of the peasants, going about their tasks stopped to bow their heads for a moment as their king had arrived. Standing at the gates was a slender man, a simple smile across his face.



Antonio Braxton: "My grace. You arrival brings us much joy, however, your council has assembled and is waiting on your voice."



Xaver Cross: "Excellent. It has been a long trip, has the servants bring something strong, something to warm my bones."



Antonio bows in acknowledgment as he steps away to attend to Cross's wishes. Xavier steps forward and is led by a young woman up a staircase. He pauses for a moment, looking around at the main house of the castle. His temporary home, it was a beautiful stone, wooden furniture adorned the corners. A crackling fire in the well-crafted fireplace. Animal hides adorned the floors, and walls as decorations. A smirk crosses his face, as the young woman opens the door. A few men sat at a round table, a large world map laid across it. Various pieces, like chess, sat on various regions. They rose quickly at the view of Xavier Cross, raising his hand.



Xavier Cross: "Sit. How are you, my friends?"



An older man takes a few steps forward as the rest sit down, his gruff, filled with scars.



Dana Hunero: "My king...welcome...I take your trip was good?"



Xavier Cross: "Fleeing from my rightful home, having to run away from those...savages..."



Dana Hunero: "A step back isn't a complete loss, we have been planning moves out since we heard of your coming across the sea. The Bank is ready to back you, we still have holds with strong families across the sea. Now it's up to you to make connections...."



Xavier Cross: "And what of my children?"



Dana Hunero: "By accepting Exile, your children were taken to stay with House Washington, they're safe and sound. Now we have to focus on the task at hand. We have money, we have plans, but we need soldiers. Your army was crushed at the Battle of Bornhemme, however looking at our current troop count. Our combined might is just over a few thousand..."



Xavier Cross: "And the King's men stand at an easy hundred thousand...what is the solution there?"



Dana Hunero: "You rise to power in this Kingdom, gain more followers. You have the support of people who want to watch the game play out, you have gold. Rise up, and gain more followers in this Kingdom, and you'll be a juggernaut crossing the sea to take that throne. "



Cross nods a bit, scratching his chin for a moment as he moves past Dana and sits at the head of the table. His eyes fixate on the map for a moment, his index finger rests atop of the piece that represents him. A smile crosses his face.



Xavier Cross: "The journey begins here...let's hear what your ideas are gentlemen..."



Leaning back in his chair, folding his arms. His eyes move across to each man, his interest peaking by the second.

****** 

The house was empty, it had been months since I had stepped foot here. The maid kept everything in check pretty well. It's hard to believe I'm back home, though it felt as the time was right to return. Finally, my head was screwed on right, and everything just seemed to be falling in place. The kids were at their grandparents, doing pretty good at school. It just seemed like a calm river for once instead of the twisting rapids of life.  

It feels like I can finally breathe. But of course, it's only for a moment. I have to get back into the groove of Imperial Wrestling Federation. My overseas tours were a lot easier. Do a couple of dates a week, have a week off. Now it was pay per views, Sacrifice, house shows, and appearances. There was a reason this was a big time.  

It just felt right, for the first time. I lace up my boots and I don't feel an overwhelming pressure. The first time, I can sit down and plan my career out, and it doesn't feel like I'm scrambling to put pieces together. It's like when you hit that sweet spot under a blanket, and then just drift off to sleep...so peaceful. 

But peace is a false ideal. This is war, and chaos will rain like a storm. I am the Bringer of Fire, and I will burn this company to the ground. Some may think this is a plot of revenge or the fact that I could never be the it-factor of a guy. It's not, forest fires are as natural as a newborn calf. In the ashes, the plants grow stronger, grow taller...I will burn this company to the ground, and from the ashes will rise the true potential.  

Not just in this company, but the guys in the back, the fans in the crowd. You will be reborn, motivated and better than ever. But first...I'm going to have to hurt you....