The dressing room is quiet
Lars and Tarja are looking on the screen. They are watching the end of the KFAD match. As the three count is made, Lars bows his head, and stares at the floor. Tarja goes to put her hand across his shoulder and he pushes it away.
She looks mildly concerned at the rejection of the gesture, but instead flicks the screen to show the WZCW.com show preview site.
Tarja: So its not all bad news. At least youre still in the main event of Meltdown. With two world champions and the number one contend-
Lars interrupts her with a withering look. When he speaks, his voice is a menacing whisper, hissing the words in disgust.
Lars: Do I look like being in the main event is even close to being acceptable. It should be ME thats on the other side, with a chance to destroy that parasite Burna once and for all.
I mean what IDIOT destroys his own chance to win to make a scene, taking mine with him.
His voice drops to a mutter, and it is unsure what he is saying, other than the fact it is nothing positive about his teammate.
Tarja: Well Everest-
Lars: Everest can do whatever the hell he wishes. The last time he met, the son of a bitch buried me and left me for dead. Im not going to spite myself by refusing to let him take a beating, but Im not going to pretend I want him as a partner.
Silence. Tarja is clearly itching to say something, but knows in the mood he is in, Lars wont appreciate it.
Tarja: Per... perhaps I should go and convince your other partner to play nice for one night.
Lars looks up from the floor, as if pondering exactly what to do.
...
He nods towards the door, and she leaves, the door closing softly behind her, leaving him alone with the light of the computer.
The door knocks
Lars: Tarja, use your initiative for a change
As he flings the door open, he stops mid-sentence, as the camera swings around to reveal not Tarja, but Serafina.
Lars shoots her a furious look, with a little confusion mixed in.
Lars: So... the mighty master of Ouija shows not only stupidity, but now hes a coward as well.
Serafina: Charmer as always, Lars. Incidentally, I saw Tarja was asking where to find Ty in the hallways, so Im guessing youre not being a man about it either. Well are you going to ask me to come in, or shall I just shout from the hallway.
Lars, grudgingly, steps aside, closing the door behind them, and there is an awkward silence, before Serafina clears her throat.
Serafina: Look Lars, I freely admit, I don't like you, I don't fear you, and after the way Ty threw you around in that cell, I definately don't respect you.
That being said, we can both posture about who is the greater, or we can collaborate on this match and get something we both want.
Lars, still weighing up the small girl stood in front of him, still stares straight through her. To her credit, she meets his stare, until he begins to speak, starting softly, with a gradual crescendo until he is almost screaming
Lars: I don't think you realise just how much I loathe Burna, and all he stands for. For two years, I have been second best inside that steel monster, and I am more than a little irritated that Ty was responsible for PAYNE pinning me and costing me another shot at Titus' belt.
He stops, Serafina still holding her gaze, unfazed
However, what's done is done, and there are ways to get back what is rightfully mine. I have to team with him, so be it. But don't think me stupid! He stabbed Payne in the back and I destroyed his knee as a result, and I will not let the same happen to me.
Serafina is nodding
So, go back and tell your lover, friend, whatever he is, that tonight his boards, his prophecies mean nothing. Tonight, we share a common goal. And we will have our vengeance!
Two champions will take notice, and Payne's KFAD will mean nothing in his hospital bed as surgeon's piece his leg together.
Serafina holds up one finger, stopping him.
Serafina: There is one more thing. You see, Ty has pointed out that it might be possible to overturn the pinfall.
A glimer in Lars' eyes show his interest.
Serafina: Do you remember the interview Payne gave before KFAD? Where he bragged about his ability to compete?
Hmmm, interesting that you're not wise enough to see it., when Ty saw it quite quickly
Lars: I suggest I've been very patient with you so far, and that patience is quickly abating. Speak!
Serafina: Who's to say that Corey wasn't given something to unfairly boost his chances? Ty thinks...
Lars: Speaking of Ty... Aren't you even slightly curious as to what I could have sent Tarja to see him for? Maybe to... tire him out a little before the match?
Serafina's gaze darkens, as anger flashes in her eyes
Lars: Don't think just because his only joy in life comes from his Ouija, that he is above temptation.
If he's convinced that we can have a shot at getting the match thrown out, tell him by all means to talk to me himself.
As for us, we're done. I have a match to prepare for, and I need time to myself.
Serafina moves to the door, still furious at the suggestion Tarja was seducing Ty. She steps out and the door slams, barely avoiding her, and knocking a picture off the wall in the dressing room.
Lars turns off the light, his angry breathing audible in the dark room, lit only by the computer in the corner.
A black and white screen saver is on, counting down towards a date. The night after the PPV