LYNX
Triple X stood in front of the cold, white wall, staring intently at the red letters. It was the day before Unscripted, and he was getting ready to fly out to Toronto. Before that though, one last intent stare at the crimson emblazed upon the wall.
He looked around. The names of Constantine and Wren had all been struck through in black, symbolizing their removal from his path. A path that would lead him to his prize; the World Heavyweight Championship.
Then along came Lynx.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
Mr. Xander, your cab is here.
Thank you Andrey. Xs gaze didnt waver while he spoke. He took in the letters; their shaping, their meaning, and what they represented.
X left the apartment and made his way down the stairs with
Andrey. He reached the bottom, and took a deep breath of city air as he walked out the door, where a taxi was waiting. Andrey walked over and opened the door, but instead of following, X stopped and rooted around in his bag.
Everything okay, Xander?
Yeah, just
X finally pulled out a bunch of envelopes. Four, to be exact. He double checked the front of each of them, before walking over to a nearby mailbox, depositing the letters inside.
What are those?
Something I should have sent a while ago. X turned back and walked to Andrey, stepping in the taxi.
Come on. Waiting on you now.
Andrey couldnt help but smile, and walked round the other side of the car. He jumped in, and the taxi pulled away.
JFK, please.
You got it. The taxi driver responded.
X sat back, relaxed. Tomrorrow, hed be In the Ricoh Coliseum, standing opposite Lynx at Unscripted.
And he couldnt wait to tear him apart.
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CHAPTER THREE
CHOICES & CONSEQUENCES
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The Day After Ascension 122
A Hotel In Minnesota
Im such an ass.
No youre not.
Yeah, yeah I am.
No. I mean, you have a cute ass, but youre most definitely not an ass. Theres a real difference
Talia sat up and swung her arm out and playfully smacked X across the chest. The two were lying there, bed sheets covering them, content, with the Minnesota morning sun cascading through the window onto the bed.
Okay, youre an ass.
Guilty as charged.
Talia laid back on the mattress and rested her hand on her face.
I said I wasnt going to jump straight back in. I was determined to just take things slowly and see where things went.
X turned onto his side, facing her.
Do you regret it?
No. God no!
Youre just worried with what happened before. Me leaving. Right?
She turned her head, looking X in the eyes.
Is it wrong for me to say yes?
Not at all. I get it.
She smiled, before stroking his face.
Sometimes the universe has funny ways of working.
He leaned in and kissed her bare shoulder.
You think the universe planned on us banging?
Talia smiled before grabbing a pillow and hitting X in the face with it. He grabbed the pillow off of her as they play-wrestled, ending up on top of her, his breath taken by her overwhelming beauty.
God I love you.
She smiled.
No, you just love my ass.
She planted a kiss onto his lips, before a knock at the door interrupted. X sighed.
No rest for the wicked. He said, before rolling off to the side and grabbing a nearby pair of baggy shorts.
Talia smiled. She slid out of the bed, pulling on an old, long and baggy Slipknot t-shirt of Xs. He headed to the door, stopping before opening it.
I meant it, by the way.
Meant what?
I do love you.
She smiled back.
I love you too.
Youd better. Thats one of my favorite shirts.
He turned the handle and pulled the door open.
My favorite American!
Im the only one you
never mind. Hey Andrey.
How are we today?
Another day in paradise.
Ah, good, good
Andrey walked through to the main area of the hotel room, before spotting Talia sitting on the bed.
My goodness, I did not realise you had company.
No, no, its alright. Andrey, Id like you to meet Talia King. Talia, this is Andrey.
Its lovely to meet you.
No, the pleasure is mine madam. Xander has told me a great many things about you.
All good, I hope.
Mostly.
Mostly??
He jests, my dear. Nothing but good.
He took a seat on the armchair in the room.
Anyway, to business my friend.
Andrey pulled a tablet out of his messenger bag and began messing with it.
Unscripted?
All confirmed, with stipulations included.
X walked over and took the tablet.
Mr. Kovalenko,
We would like to inform you that at Unscripted 2017, your client Xander Knight (Triple X) will be competing.
This match will be contested under rules determined by a fan vote. The rules are
- Chairs Match
- Submission Match
- Falls Count Anywhere Match
His opponent will be Lynx.
We would like to ask you to remind Mr. Knight that interfering in other competitors matches is not the conduct we expect of WZCW superstars, and we ask that he speak to management should he desire a match against a particular opponent, rather than taking matters into his own hands.
We wish Mr. Knight the best in his upcoming bout.
Olivia
WZCW Talent Relations
What is it? Talia asked.
Lynx is confirmed and Xanders next opponent.
Great! Thats great news!
X looked up at Talia and smiled.
Not for Lynx it isnt.
Meltdown 145
WHO THE FUCK DOES HE THINK HE IS???
Triple X was storming down the corridor, still in his gear and with a furious look on his face, with Andrey following closely behind.
SERIOUSLY. WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS??
Xander, calm down.
ILL CALM DOWN WHEN LYNX DOESNT GET IN MY BUSINESS.
He stormed past the people in the corridor, including
Leon Kensworth and a cameraman, who had picked up Xs tirade down the hallway. X pushed past them into the locker room, and before the door had even closed, a load of loud crashes and bangs reverberated into the hallway. Andrey paused at the door, before opening it.
As he went through, he turned to Leon and the camera.
Triple X-
*SMASH*
Andrey winced at the loud noises, before turning back to the camera.
Im sorry. Triple X cannot be reached for comment at this time.
He slammed the door shut, leaving a confused Kensworth with the cameraman in the hall, accompanied only by the loud crashes behind the door of Xs fist hitting the lockers.
. . . . .
Ascension 112
X ran through the backstage area, tailed by some of WZCWs ever present yet ever-so-useless security staff. He dodged other superstars, even leapfrogging over Backstage Bob, ducking and weaving through the twisty corridors of the Target Centre. He rounded the corner near one of the fire exits
only to bump into
Becky Serra. He stopped immediately and held a hand up.
Morning.
Becky wasnt impressed.
What the hell are you doing, Xander?
Well youre a bit spicier than when I last saw you.
Cut the crap. Why are you interfering in my show?
Making a point. The footsteps down the corridor were growing louder and louder.
Now if youll excuse me, I have some security to run away from.
And with that, X made for the door, slamming it behind him. Moments later, the
security team finally appeared.
Miss Serra, are you okay?
It would be a little late if I wasnt, wouldnt it?
Yes
sorry maam. You three, check the garage-
No, that wont be necessary. Becky turned to the door and gave a short grin.
I think he got what he came for.
. . . . .
HOLY SHIT!
X slammed the car door and Andrey stepped on the gas. Within a few moments, they were out of the arena car park and onto the open road.
You know, I am a capable getaway driver but I feel it isnt in my job description.
Yeah, well, when Im World Champion, youll get a hefty bonus, dont you worry.
Assuming more people like Lynx do not step in your way.
Let them try. Theyve seen what happened to that asshole tonight.
Very deserved too. Costing you bounty on Meltdown was-
Ive told you before, Andrey. This isnt about the money.
That's why I'm here. You can give me money.
X smiled and leaned back in the seat.
You may be straight edge, Triple X, but you still have your vices. Adrenaline. That appears to be yours.
Nobodys perfect Andrey.
Still, you look very happy with yourself. Very different to Meltdown.
Yeah, well.. X stared at his fist. A small trickle of blood, not from any cut on his hand, was drying on his knuckle.
I think the whole roster just learned an important lesson.
. . . . .
The elevator door opened, and X exited onto the fifth floor of the hotel. The doors began to close as Andrey shouted out.
Ill knock for you in the morning, Xander.
See you then. Oh, and Andrey?
Andrey held the elevator door open as X shouted down the corridor.
Youre my favorite getaway driver.
Im youre only getaw
Ah! I see what you did there. Clever.
X laughed.
Night, buddy.
The lift door closed and X walked further down the corridor, turning left to the stretch where his room was.
Where someone was waiting outside.
Hey. Talia smiled as she spoke.
H-hey. X was surprised, but not in a bad way. In truth, he had thought of calling her once hed settled in for the evening.
But this was better.
What are you doing here?
Well, I wanted to see you. I felt bad at how last time left off. I just
What?
I needed to see you.
X smiled, and swiped his key in the lock of the door. He walked into the doorway of his room before turning back.
Come in.
Talia smiled and looked down.
I dont think thats a good idea.
Why?
You and me
hotel rooms
its usually pretty consistent what happens.
We can just talk.
Yeah
except
Talia threw her bag into the room.
Im not sure I want to.
Without hesitation, she jumped at him; legs wrapped around his waist, lips pressed together. X stood there for a moment, arms supporting her, before reaching out blindly for the door, slamming it to give the pair some much needed privacy.
Later That Day
This is good though, right?
What do you mean?
X looked to Talia as they both jogged around the streets by their hotel. X was in his baggy shorts and a Metallica shirt, while Talia was in her fitted running gear.
I mean, Lynx got in the way, but the more incidents like this that happen, the more prepared youll be when the time comes.
Yeah, I guess youre right. Hadnt really thought of it like that.
More than just a pretty face.
Youre a pretty everything.
Out of nowhere, X spotted the reflection of something catching his eye. He slowed and looked in its direction, and noticed a
guy hiding in a doorway, taking photos.
Whats up? Talia slowed with him.
Oh, fuck this.
X ran over to the man.
Hey. HEY!
Just doing my job, bro.
Do it somewhere else, asswipe.
X grabbed the camera out of the mans hand and smashed it against the wall.
HEY! The photographer scrambled around for the pieces that broke off.
Next time find someone else to spy on. Or better yet, get a life. Bro.
X turned and carried on jogging as if nothing happened. Talia looked back, before jogging back alongside him.
Was that necessary?
Probably not. X turned to Talia as they ran.
But you saw the look on his face, right?
Talia couldnt help but smile a little.
I suppose it was a little funny.
Im just fed up of people getting caught up in my business.
The two came across a park and stopped by a bench. Talia took a seat, as X rummaged around in his bag for a couple of sports bottles. He threw one to Talia, and took a quick swig of his own.
I just dont get it. Lynx is
good. Ive watched his stuff. When I knew I was coming back I did my research on everyone and hes fine, but
But
what?
Whats he accomplished? I mean, hes won one match on Pay Per View. Hes never been a Champion. Hes only been around for what? A handful shows and one Pay Per View? What has he done? What has he done that means he can poke his nose in my stuff?
Dont take him lightly.
X paused, before sighing and turning to Talia.
You're right. And Im not. In truth, hes made a pretty big impact since arriving on the scene. Id even say hes been impressive. Hes beaten some top competitors in his short time-
I sense a but coming
Hes never come up against anyone like me. And if he knew what was good for him, he wouldnt get involved.
I guess he didnt like you taking it to Constantine.
That had nothing to do with him.
Maybe, its he thinks hes a good guy trying to do the right thing.
Talia looked at X, who still looked mad about the whole thing. You really dont like him, do you?
Im just sick of people who have to hide behind things. I mean, Ill give it to him; he has the fans sold on his whole man out of time schtick. Hell, maybe he genuinely believes it. Maybe he is just a crazy person.
He turned and sat down next to Talia.
I destroyed Blade the last time I appeared at Unscripted. I intend that to be somewhat of a trend. And either way, one things for damn sure. I really dont care when he thinks hes from. Lynx will be getting his ass kicked in 2017.
Talia smiled.
Sounds good to me.
She paused for a moment, looking down, before looking back at Xander.
What about Vis Imperium?
What about them?
I mean, I know they dont like Constantine, but they seemed to be determined to influence you.
Theyre trying to play me.
yeah, pretty much.
That isnt lost on me, Tal. All Ive talked about since being back is the World Heavyweight Championship, and Justin Cooper holds that prize. Its no surprise theyd want me to do their dirty work for them. I meant what Ive said before though. I dont care if its Cooper, Constantine, hell it could even be Darren Bull with the biggest career turnaround in history. Whoever holds that championship needs to watch their back and I do not care who it is. Vis Imperium can try and buy people off all they want. Some things are worth more than money.
Talia smiled, before looking up. Come on, lets go.
X looked up too. A bunch of kids had formed in the play area opposite them, clearly recognising the Straight Edge Superstar.
Before you smash any more cameras.
The Day of Unscriped 2017
Two Hours Before The Show
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
The two men stepped out of the rented car and stared at the Ricoh Coliseum, taking in its vast, traditional-yet-modern appearance.
Lets do it, Xander.
They walked towards the performer entrance, where hundreds of WZCW fans had already gathered. Upon seeing the X-Rated Superstar, a roar of nose cascaded up from the crowd.
Triple X!
Hey!
You Suck!
Lynx is gonna kick your ass!
Asshole!
Go back to Scotsdale!
Im from Phoenix you idiot!
Xander, dont rise to it.
They eventually made it inside the building away from the hostile crowd. Xander put his gear bag down and looked back out and grinned.
I love a warm reception.
Yes, well love isnt a word I would associate with their feelings for you, my friend.
X shrugged, and looked around, before turning to the
staff at the door.
Hey, you dont happen to have a megaphone, do you?
Well, yeah-
Can I just have a look at one, please? I really like them.
Uh, sure. The man handed over one that was nearby.
Just be careful with it, please. The fire marshal uses it if theres an evacuation-
Okay, thanks. X grabbed it and headed towards the door.
Xander!
Dont worry, Im not rising to them. He turned back.
Theyre the ones who arent on my level.
He walked back through the door and stood up on the barricade, it took a moment for the fans immediately nearby to realise, before a roar of shock went around the crowd. Arena security surrounded the barrier as X lifted up the megaphone to his mouth.
Hey Canada! You want me? Here I am!
Another roar, mixed with shock and boos, reverberated around the horde of fans.
What? Dont tell me youre surprised to see me again so soon?
The fans booed even louder. A faint chant of
You suck had begun near the back and was rising louder and louder. X simply laughed into the speaker.
Like I give a fuck. You literally mean nothing to me. As a matter of fact, Im not out here for you.
X reached for his cell phone and held it up high.
I want you all to take your phones out. Phones, cameras, whatever. I have a message to send out and I need you to do the sending.
A large chunk of the fans actually complied. X laughed again.
You dumb motherfuckers, he thought.
X took a breath.
So who heres a Lynx fan?
A huge cheer from much of the crowd.
Predictable.
Good. Good for you. Supporting someone whos a loser just like you.
Another negative response rained down upon him.
Actually, Im being harsh. Lynx is good, right? Hes a good guy. Thats why he got stuck up in my business. Why he saved Constantine from early retirement. What a nice fella, right?
A small cheer, with many of the fans very unsure of where this was all going.
You know who else was a nice guy? Blade.
A cheer for the mention of a WZCW legend.
And three and a half years ago, I pushed his stretcher off a stage through a table, and sure, hes been seen since, but he has been far from the same. And he never will be. Because, ladies and gentlemen, if you cross me, and get in my way, that is exactly what will happen to each and every one of you and your disposable heroes.
A thunderous barrage of abuse rained down on X. He didnt care though. He simply smiled.
Lynx, I dont know if youll see this before tonight. I sure hope so, though, I really do. You, just like these people, are everything I cant stand, not just in wrestling but in this cesspit we call a world. You toy with peoples emotions and feelings. You use this façade of being a man out of time to get these people to cheer for you. X looked around at the crowd, pointing deliberately at as many as he possibly could.
You people are dumb enough to fall for it, in fact. And in a way, I applaud you Lynx. I applaud you for playing these people at their own game but in fact, youre playing yourself. And more to the point, theyre playing you. Just like they played me. Like they played Blade before I drove him through a table. Like they play every single person who enters that ring for their entertainment, and just like so many that came before you, at some point you will wake up. Youll be battered, and bruised. Bloody. Maybe it will even be after tonight. Youll wake up and question if everything was worth it. Because it wasnt. Not even close.
X lowered the megaphone and stretched his arm around. The crowd were not happy. Not at all. He felt a sense of pride in his ability to turn this crowd, so full of excitement and joy into a hostile, bitter mob of hatred.
You shouldnt have saved Constantine, Lynx. You shouldnt have gotten involved. Because now thats on you. And I have a lot of rage bottled up. And tonight, when you step in that ring, your once-promising career in this business will be nothing more than a faded memory. When you step in that ring, youll start to see these fans for what they are, and youll be nothing more than a footnote on my path to whats rightfully mine. When you step foot in that ring tonight Lynx, youll wish you could go back to the future.
X couldnt help at chuckle at his own bad joke. He looked around the crowd; a lot of their cell phones were still in the air. His expression turned deadly serious, as he focused into the camera of one phone, a few feet away from him. A fan was holding it, no older than twenty, wearing a slightly faded Strikeforce shirt.
Just pathetic. He crouched down and got as close as he could to the lens, as if it were the eyeballs of Lynx himself.
You chose this, Lynx. You chose this path. Be prepared to live with the consequences.
X threw the megaphone into the crowd and jumped down from the barricade. He walked past the guy hed borrowed the megaphone off, who looked incredibly confused.
I told you to look after it.
Oh, I didnt listen.
X grabbed his shoulders and spun him round to the crowd.
Its out there. Good luck. He said, slapping him on the back.
Andrey, who had waited on ahead, had his arms folded as X approached him.
Was that a smart move, X?
Necessary. It was necessary, Andrey. Very.
Why?
X grabbed the handle of the locker room door, pausing.
Because people need to learn not to stick their noses in my business. And if they do, they need to learn the consequences. Constantine was going to be that message on Meltdown. X pulled the door open.
Lynx now has that honour. And itll be a message nobody will ever forget.