Three Years Ago
Hang on, hang on!! Frank, can you get the door?
Yep. One second!
The bell kept on going as the door opened, and
Frank, wearing a frilly apron and a pair of oven gloves, was greeted by a
girl in her late twenties with long, crimson-red hair. Her eyes were red, sore, and she had a desperate look on her face.
Has Xander called here?
Sorry, but who-
Has Xander called here?? Please??
Heather, the mother of Triple X, suddenly came to the door. She took a moment to recognise the girl, but recognise her she did.
Talia, right?
Mrs Knight, has Xander contacted you recently?
I
no, I havent seen him in two months. He made his feelings perfectly clear then though-
Before she could finish, Talias desperate demeanour broke away to tears. She sunk down to the front step, sobbing uncontrollably. Heather crouched down, embracing her.
What? Hey, hey, come on. What's wrong, dear?
X-Xander. He left in t-the middle of the night. I t-thought he might have come here, but-
But what?
I
I dont know where he is!
She continued sobbing in Heathers arms. Frank came over, helping her up by the arm.
Come inside, dear. Come on.
They ushered into the house, into the kitchen, where they sat her down. Heather sat down next to her, holding her hand, while Frank was dialling into the phone.
H-he wont answer.
Frank slammed the phone down.
His damn cellphones disconnected...
He grabbed his coat.
What are you doing?
Im going out there. Im gonna find him.
You c-cant.
Why not?
Talia steadied herself as best as she could.
Wed gone to Europe. To get away from everything. Just us. I knew he wasnt right but, I thought he just needed more time but, one morning he was just
Youre saying he disappeared Europe. He could still be there?
She nodded, welling up again. She pulled a crinkled-up note out of her pocket and showed it to Frank.
Come here, sweetheart. Heather pulled her in close, embracing her. She looked up at Frank, who looked shell-shocked.
Her boy was gone, and she didnt know where. Or why.
CHAPTER FOUR
REALLIGNMENT
The Day After Unscripted 2017
Triple X sat back in his seat, as the plane began to settle into its flight. Everything stabilized, the seatbelt sign switched off, and he took in a deep breath. It was the day after his loss to Lynx at Unscripted, and yet, such an event hadnt affected him the way he thought it would.
In truth, he was rather relaxed about it.
Want to talk, Xander?
X turned his head.
Andrey had his head buried in an in-flight magazine, but the words definitely came from him.
What makes you think I do?
Youre quiet. Too quiet.
Maybe I just want some peace.
No, usually you blast rock music out in that case. Now it seems more to me you have something on your mind.
Same as always, Andrey. Nothing but the goal.
Andrey closed the magazine and tossed it onto the tray in front of him.
Really? You lose against Lynx and you feel nothing?
I wouldnt say that. X stretched his arms up. In truth, his arm felt much better than the day before but the pain was still there. A receipt from his match.
And I guarantee Lynxs neck will be feeling a hell of a lot worse.
Well I imagine the victory will make him feel better. Andrey turns to X, almost frustrated.
Its as if you dont care about loss.
Of course I do! X didnt mean for his statement to be a yell, but he could tell from the people around him staring that it had clearly morphed into one. He turned to Andrey.
Nothing pisses me off more than knowing that asshole got the jump on me. In my first Pay Per View match back, no less. That and the referee didnt call for a damn rope break when he should have.
Well, no, it was a falls count anywhere match-
X shot Andrey a sharp stare.
The match rules were pretty clear-
Ive seen loads of falls count anywhere matches where rope breaks have counted.
Any of those in WZCW?
Okay, look. Forget about the rope break. Youre right, and it doesnt matter anyway.
Why though? I do not understand. Why does everything else matter a lot and this not matter to you?
Because, my friend, this was a distraction.
The stewardess started to go by with the refreshments trolley before Xander stopped her.
Two Cokes please.
One with Vodka.
Sir, its 10:30 in the morning-
Hes kidding. Thank you.
X took the cans and passed one over.
In Russia, this is not a true drink.
Im not even convinced you use Vodka just as a drink. I swear Ive seen you use it as a mouthwash.
Only once. Wouldnt want to waste it like that too often.
X smiles, before taking a sip.
Lynx got in my way. He was a distraction, nothing more. This loss doesnt derail me any more than him getting involved in my business does. If anything, it helps me.
How so?
I am no longer under the illusion of being untouchable. If I let my guard down, even just a little bit, therell be a horde of others just waiting to jump ahead. When I went in there with Lynx, I still had one eye on the World Championship.
Ah yes, the belt your dear friend John won.
The mention of Costantine irked Xander to no end. He clenched the can so hard it actually crumpled a little, sending some of the drink onto the tray.
John Constantine, both the man and his reign, are on borrowed time. Youve beaten him already in your short time back. Comprehensively too. Nothing has changed now, except for the fact he has more to lose.
That changes everything, Andrey. X turned back to face him.
When all you hold is on the line, youll do anything to hold on to it, and that feeling gives you a few extra gears.
Yes, but next time you two face off, you will have more to gain. And more gears as result.
X smiled.
Well, I figure Im owed another match against him seeing as I was the last man to beat the bastard.
And who knows, you may even find the opportunity come sooner than you think.
You think during the Roulette shows?
Why not? Lady luck has funny way of showing her hand. Sometimes she plays you right into the hand you want. Sometimes she makes you wait. Who knows? But It could happen.
X sneered at the notion.
Yeah. Why not.'
'Xander, you must learn how to focus fully on two targets. What lies in front of you, and what lies ahead. Lynx was in front of you, but you looked ahead to the World Heavyweight Championship. One thing at a time, both inside and out of the ring, and all will fall into place. So, my question to you is this; what's in front of you now, Xander?
X looked out of the window, down below to the earth where Canada was crawling along by, soon giving way again to the United States.
A chance to realign things.
A Few Days Later
Phoenix, Arizona
So, what do we think?
Frank poured himself a coffee before taking a seat back at the table. He lifted up the envelope, before throwing it into the middle of the table with the two others.
What do you mean?
David Red Redfield leaned back into his chair, fingers interlocked.
I mean, do we think hes
different...from before?
You mean is he no longer an arse, right?
He looked over to the right of him where Xanders mother Heather sat. She had her elbows on the table, resting her head on her hands.
No offence meant.
None taken.
Well
yes, for a lack of a better term.
Ive said it before; Xander changes once he has a goal. He becomes determined, and he becomes aggressive, and he doesnt always stop to think about how it affects those around him. Its part of what makes him so damn good at it.
Frank took a swig of coffee, pondering.
And he definitely hasnt contacted you since before he left?
No. The letter was the first thing Id heard, just like you.
Why now??' Heather asked.
Why has he waited until now to say something?
I dunno. Shame maybe?
She turned to Frank.
You think hes ashamed?
Wouldnt you be?
Well, yeah
The question is, would he be?
The answers yes.
X's voice came from down the hallway, before he finally appeared before them. He looked around the kitchen, soaking it in for the first time in over three years. Behind him, Talia stood back, allowing X to have this moment. He looked upon the three people in the room who had always constituted his family. Alongside Talia, they were everything to him.
Xander
his mothers voice quivered as she spoke. She went to stand, but X held a hand up, as if to ask her to remain where she was.
Please, dont get up. I want you guys to hear what I have to say. After that, you can do what you like.
X took a deep breath, before continuing.
I guess you all read the letters.
Youre damn right we did. Russia?? Why the hell didnt you reach out?
Frank-
No, sorry Dave, but he could have. Why didnt you? You let me and your mother worry something had happened to you. The only reason we even knew something was wrong was because Talia came and showed us your note and let us know what had happened.
X looked to Talia.
You did what?
I
I didnt know what else to do. I hoped youd have come to your senses and come back here.
I
Its okay. It doesnt matter now.
X gritted his teeth, so much so that they hurt. He ran his tongue along them; the replacements of the ones lost, both to wrestling and in Russia, before continuing.
I should have contacted you.
Mate, what happened? Why go there? Why
put yourself through that?
X took another deep breath, and looked down to the ground.
Because I deserved it.
Silence from the three at the table. They all looked on, confused.
I treated you all in the worst way. I blamed you all for my failings. And that was wrong. I
I only cared about two things. Revenge, and being the best. And when I lost at All or Nothing, I
Christ, you honestly think we gave a damn about that??
You may not have, but I did! X stopped for a moment, composing himself.
I still do. And I thought I needed to get away from everything. Everything that connected me with who I am. And I did. And it took a long time, but, I finally realised that was a mistake.
X walked over to the table, and took a seat.
I owe you all one hell of an apology.
Alex-
No, mom. No. You didnt deserve to be treated the way I treated you. Even before I left, I was a ghost. You had to come see me, only for me to scream in your face. And you guys. He looked up at Frank and Red.
Youve been my rocks. The people I turn to when Ive needed advice. I pushed you all away.
Yeah, mate. You did.
And for that Im sorry. But
X looked again at Talia, who smiled and nodded at him.
Im not sorry for who I am. Whether its who Ive always been deep down or who Ive become. This is me. Im going to mess up. Ive always been great at that. But I cant change who I am. And who I am is someone who is obsessed with being the best. For that I make no apology. But I do for thinking I could do it without any of you.
Silence. Nothing but silence amongst the group, for what felt like an age.
Ill go. None of you need this-
Now wait just one minute. Frank stood up. X looked his father figure in the eye for the first time in what seemed like forever.
You think we care just how badly you screw up? We all have, good lord. And you know about my mistakes more than most. We make them, but whats important is how we deal with them afterward. Sometimes we know what to do right away. Sometimes
it can take some time.
X laughed, not derisively, but simply because he wasnt sure of what he was hearing.
You still want to be there for me, even after everything?
Mate, thats never been in doubt. Reds voice was soft, softer than X had ever heard.
'Yes, okay, youve pushed us away, and dropped off of the face of the Earth. And theres some trust that needs to be built back up, for sure. But weve always been here, Xander. Always. And I for one arent going anywhere. Well, maybe Japan, Ive got a run of six months booked over there but, you get what I mean.
Alex. His mother reached out and grabbed his hand.
Youre here. Nothing else in the world matters to me. Whatever else has happened is in the past. You are my son and nothing will change that. Not one thing.
She smiled at him, and reached in to hug him. Frank walked around the table, as did Red, and the four all embraced in the middle of the Knight family kitchen. Talia watched on, tears silently rolling down her cheek, smiling.
Red turned to her.
Dont think youre not involved, love. Get in here.
Her smile widened, and she joined the group. A family reunited.
. . . . . .
Shes a lovely girl.
Frank drank his coffee as X sat back. The two of them, along with Red, were in the garden, as the sun was beginning to set. Through the window, they could see Talia and Xs mother, talking, laughing, getting to know one another whilst cooking.
She really is. X had often worried about how Frank, his mom, hell, even Red, would take to Talia, but every single one of them saw in her what he did. And he couldnt be prouder.
Yep, youre batting way above your average there.
X laughed at Reds comment.
You dont need to remind me.'
no, Im pretty sure thats my job, if Im honest.
He laughed again, and smiled.
Ive missed you guys.
Weve missed you. We all have.
Not all.
Frank and Red looked at each other, puzzled, before coming to the same conclusion.
You sent one to Faith didnt you?
X looked back down, nodding.
Dude, in all honesty, I havent seen her in
a long time.
I havent seen her since before you left.
Its fine. I didnt figure even you all would be here.
She probably just needs more time.
Yeah. X looked down to the ground.
A silence fell between the three men for a few moments. X knew Faith. Even with everything that had changed, he still knew how she thought. He knew she would be ashamed of him. But not for how hed not talked to anyone, or let anyone know he was okay. No, shed be mad for before.
FOUR YEARS AGO...
Xander
Faith turns me around, her hand now touching the side she hit moments ago.
what happened to you?
I take her hand and remove it from my face. Her eyes have gone from hate-filled to remorseful in moments, but I can tell she is confused by my cold, dark expression.
I finally grew up.
Thats not what Id call it.
I knew you wouldnt understand.
Youre damn right, I dont. youve turned your back on everyone who cared about you. Who still cares about you.
Faith, Im doing what I have to. Ive been used for years by wrestling fans all around the world. They pick me up, and throw me away when they get bored. And then, just for the fun of it, they rinse and repeat. Im not taking it any more.
What, so the solution is to throw a finger up at them.
Hey, I might do that on Meltdown
Im serious.
And so am I. You have no idea what its like. Trying to be the good guy. The hero. Then I came to realise the truth.
And whats that?
That theres no such thing as heroes. Or villains. There are only those who believe they are right. None of us benefit from playing good vs evil, and the fans get to sit back and watch us beat each other up for false satisfaction. Except now I know Ive got the true satisfaction every time I go out there and beat one of their flavours of the month, because I get to rub it in their face.
She stands there for a moment, her eyes fixed on me, before a look of disappointment creeps up upon her face.
You need to get your head out of your ass, X.
You sound just like them.
And theres your problem. Faith walks past me and opens the door, holding it open. I wasnt on about the fans. I was on about us. Me, Red, Frank, and your mother, all of whom you ignored when you took off.
My confident demeanour evaporates instantly. Mom. Frank. All of these people I care about; I was so wrapped up in everything, I hadnt even stopped to think. I look back up at Faith, and walk back out of her apartment. I climb into the car and stop to think for a moment.
Im angry. Very angry.
X?
Xander snapped out of his daydream.
Sorry, yeah?
I asked how its been. WZCW. Put in a good word yet for you ol buddy Red?
X laughed.
Dude, Im not sure you want in at the moment-
Im just joking. But in all seriousness, hows it been?
Yeah
its
X struggled to find the right words for a moment.
It fits a purpose. Besides, I have unfinished business there. I dont owe them a damn thing, but they owe me a Championship. One Ill take gladly when the opportunity arises.
X turned to Frank, with an almost reluctant smile on his face.
You disapprove already, right?
Frank smiled.
Xander, whether I do or not, you arent going to listen to me. Wrestlings your passion. Your life. Just
dont neglect the rest of your life to serve it.
Dont worry. I wont be the one serving. WZCW will be serving my will before too long.
Yeah. Big man heres gonna be the Champion.
Thats the plan.
Well, speaking of plans, you ready for the roulette rounds?
X took a deep breath, and smiled.
Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Its tough, not knowing who your opponent will be, but you forget that your opponent is in the same situation. Hell, I could come up against Constantine, and, well. We all saw what happened after I last faced him.
X looked over to Frank, who had a somewhat vacant expression.
I beat him.
Oh?
Yeah, Clean as a whistle-
Hey, come on
.
Close enough, alright?
Wow. And hes Champion now, right?
Yup.
I see. Frank stood up.
Well, I for one, think youd make a great Champion.
X smiled.
Im not going after this to be a role model. Im going after it because its rightfully mine.'
I know, but even so. Let an old man dream, Xander. He walked over and placed his hand on his shoulder.
I dont think youre as bitter about things as youve convinced yourself. And Id like to think the time will come where youll look back on all this and see the good you can provide, beyond serving your personal goals. He carried on walking.
But for now, earn your glory and bask in it. Lord knows youve earned it.
The door opened, with Talia leaning out.
Boys, foods up!
About time!
Red and Frank both went inside, leaving X and Talia there for a moment of privacy.
You okay?
He smiled.
Yeah. Yeah, I think I am.
She wrapped her arms around him.
Good.
She let go, and as she walked back in, Xs mother came out to greet her boy.
Shes a really lovely girl.
You have no idea. X sat on the steps leading down to the garden.
Shes been the best thing thats happened to me for a long time.
I can tell. She leaned down, kissing him on top of his head.
You seem more at peace when shes around.
The two stood there for a moment, as day began to fully form into night.
I am proud of everything youve done, Alex. Mistakes or no mistakes, you learn from each one and never make them again. You learn, you grow, and you get better at what you do.
Youre damn wise, you know that?
Of course I am, Im your mother. Now get in and eat!
She patted him on the shoulder, before turning and heading in. X watched her walk in, before staring back up to the sky.
You learn, you grow, and get better, huh?
Then John Constantine, or anyone else who gets put in front of me, better watch their fucking back.