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It's funny how the world works, ain't it J? I return against someone who was the gambling favorite and win, I have the crowd chanting my name, and I sign a fantastic deal, something on par with the mid card champions, you know? We're on the threshold of getting main event money, but I wonder why me of all people was given that deal? Am I supposedly something they could believe in? Something to take over the product?

Either way, I'm riding this out brother. Do or die, I refuse to just lie down like I have in the past. I refuse to give wins. This time, J, I'm going full speed ahead. Even if I have to go through you, I'll do it. That's fact.

--------Stay Gold RP: Pony Boy--------


-----The Tuesday After SuperBrawl X-----

Devilkiller closes the door on the Honda Civic as he nods towards the Uber Driver in the rearview mirror, throwing his earphones back in. Because of his concussion, he can't really listen to music loud as he gets an even worse headache, but he still has Slipknot "Wait And Bleed" playing through his ear holes as he replies to text messages on his phone.

For those reading that don't know, Devilkiller was involved in a very serious match at SuperBrawl X. The Creator of Hell vs Velocity Grrrl. They both gave their all, but Devilkiller took it a step further, and showed resilience that very few could. From that match, Devilkiller received 7 stitches on his forehead as a result of his head being a yo-yo and always coming back to the ring post, he also suffered a concussion from that whole ordeal, and bruised his flexor muscles, making it a bit hard to move or do anything. Thank God WFWF offers health insurance unlike some companies, Devilkiller couldn't have paid for all of this.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on the angle you look at this from, his time in the hospital was short lived. He went and stayed just overnight, leaving at 6 in the morning and being pushed onto a flight by 9 to get to WFWF head quarters by 5 to talk to them about a contract. It seems weird, right? They took Devilkiller to HQ to talk legal stuff even though he can't even think for himself considering his concussion? I don't know anymore. Anyway, he signed a deal, and for the people who want to know the details, its two years for $350,000 each year, with a $100,000 bonus if he wins a title and holds it longer than 3 months.

After that they sent Devilkiller to a hotel where he is told to rest for the night and they'll have a flight for him by the next day. Now that you're caught up, let's go back to him on his way home from the airport, after being sick, his head aching, and his stitches itching.

"So proud of you DK! Great match! Hope you're okay. Makes me excited to come back. Wish you had told me when we filmed that vignette you were coming back the next day! Make room for me, will you?"

Jayson Sykes, or for now on, J, is a protégée of Devilkiller. J had learned from him when he faced him at an Indy show way back in 2017, and the young J impressed Devilkiller. They became great friends who wanted to see who could hurt the other more. They went 3-3, and had the blow off match in New York in front of a representative from WFWF. Jayson had to almost literally beat Devilkiller down, begging him to stay down, and he wouldn't. Jayson hit 4 Syke Outs, a fancy kick to the side of the head, and after that fourth one Devilkiller was knocked out. Luckily no long term brain damage but for about 8 weeks he couldn't move his right arm, and had to do physical therapy for 12 weeks. That match is why Kaitlyn wants him to quit, but for some reason Devilkiller just cannot quit.

]"Thanks J. Sore and hurt. That hospital trip wasn't fun, when this egg goes down I have to go back to get these stitches removed and have new ones put in. Hopefully by the next show they're out. I'll save you a spot, J."

"Hey baby, just seeing where you were. Hope the nausea faded away."

Kaitlyn, Devilkiller's wife, is one of the few people he actually talked to after the match while he was in the hospital. He kept her updated on every little thing that was going on, if you can't tell she was pretty nervous, along with his mom. We'll get to that later.

They met some 12 years ago. They were both just young 15 year old kids. She had moved to Devilkiller's school and they had an on and off relationship for years. She was his manager in the backyard wrestling federation he was apart of, and they did this for two years, until Devilkiller moved towns to pursue wrestling. Little did the Creator of Hell know he was also a Creator of Life, as Kaitlyn later gave birth to Carter after he left. When he made it to WFWF when he was 21, Kaitlyn told Carter all about his father, and ever since then, Devilkiller's been apart of their lives. At first it was rocky like a lot of things are, but eventually he married her and took care of Carter in every way he could.

"I'm leaving the airport now. In the back of the uber. My head still rings but I can't just force it to stop. Otherwise I'm pretty fine. I'll be there in about 15. Love you."

"You feeling good buddy? I worried about you after you fell asleep last night. Has everything been okay today?"

The Creator of The Creator of Hell, his mother came back into his life just recently. She broke some bad habits she had when Devilkiller was growing up. He practically lived on his friends couches, Chris Barret in particular, because his mother was in and out of jail and cooking a batch of dope most nights. He remembers the stench of anhydrous from his childhood and how she left to go somewhere else to cook. Hell, while Devilkiller was National Champion she was in jail for paraphernalia.

But about 3 years ago she reached out to The Hardcore King and expressed a lot of regret and sorrow for a lot of the things she did. It wasn't an overnight change, but soon they started eating dinners together, then going shopping together, to where they are now. Carter goes to his grandmothers all the time and Logan always is at her house or bringing her over to his house on her birthday, holiday's, or just when they haven't talked in a while.

"Yeah mom I'm good. I forgot all about messaging you because Kaitlyn was so worried about everything. You know how she is. I'm actually on my way back home. Maybe later this week we'll do something. I don't know. Love ya."

With that he goes to twitter to see some of the reactions. He hasn't been able to be on much social media because he was in hospitals and was too busy updating his family. He goes through and laughs and watches some of the reactions. Some kind of mean, some saying "Thought you had died, guess you didn't." And many saying "What an entrance. Make @wfwf give him best entrance of the year." Implying probably half of the people tuned out after the entrance because the entrance was good enough for them. Or so Devilkiller assumes.

Devilkiller scrolls past multiple people tagging him in tweets.

"@official_Devilkiller what about Mesh? Why haven't you said anything about her? Get better soon @wfwf_mesh"

"Can't believe @official_Devilkiller is so self absorbed he hasn't said a word about @wfwf_mesh"

"Did @official_Devilkiller die, or does he live under a rock? @wfwf_mesh was practically slaughtered in front of the world"

Devilkiller gets a little red about this, in the few hours he knew her Devilkiller came to love Mesh, why would people think he wouldn't care? He obviously didn't get a chance to watch it right away, he was taken to a local walk in clinic for his concussion and stitches, all minor things in comparison.

Devilkiller goes to Mesh's twitter handle and looks through the thousands upon thousands of mentions she has, until finding a news article tagging her.

"WFWF Superstar @wfwf_mesh suffers serious head trauma following her match at @wfwf #SuperBrawlX!"

He clicks on it and sees the pictures. He sees everything. The bats, Daniel Knight, Ryan Payne, Mesh, and the gif. It's so much to make him sick even if he didn't have a concussion. The sight was to gruesome to bear and he hurries to throw the phone down. To bad he looks like an idiot in front of the driver because he's now at his home and has to pick up what he just threw. What's that saying, there's a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together? This was a time of utter stupidity.

He groans and moans as the driver mutters some kind of polite farewell as he struggles out of the car to a standing position, grabbing his bags from the trunk and watching the car drive off soon after. Devilkiller makes his way up the driveway and reaches the door and opens it, using the door as leverage for himself to walk inside without causing so much pain. Carter comes running from the living room to meet his dad in the foyer.

Dad! I'm so happy you're back!

Hey! No, no hug today Carter. My back hurts way too bad.

Carter's face drops a little bit, but he's still cheerful nonetheless as he grabs his dad's hand.

Come in here, I gotta show you something!

Devilkiller, leaving his luggage by the door and slowly removing his backpack from his shoulder, grabs Carter's outstretched hand and follows him into the living room, where everyone is sitting around in the furniture and in the dining room, very quietly saying "Surprise!" In what was possibly the most quiet surprise in history.

What's all this?

I thought it'd be nice for everyone to come see the beat up kid that made it on TV.

Her lips crack into a smile as everyone starts coming up to Devilkiller and shaking his hand or hugging him. First is a guy he's been hanging with lately after independent bookings, a young 17 year old that's barely six foot tall and weighs just a handful over 200 pounds named Nicky Lyles from Manville, New Jersey. In a sea full of big men that power house, he's a breath of fresh air when it comes to his aerobatics. His finisher, the Corkscrew 630, is a feat of phenomenal proportions that is hard for anyone to be able to follow. The Creator of Hell decided to take him under his wing after they worked on a show together and he saw the potential the future star had.

Great match brother. So glad me and some of the guys bought it because no one knew it was you man. You good bro? Need me to go or anything? Am I in the way of everyone here? Is it better off I leave?

His anxiety is always through the roof, how he handles working a crowd every weekend is beyond anyone's mind.

I'm fine. You don't need to go. Stay and have a drink with us. I'm sure since you don't live too far out it'll be okay. I'm glad you enjoyed the match brother.

His eyes light up as Devilkiller explains how he's not a nuisance. He smiles as he shakes his mentors hand before turning to walk back to his spot in the kitchen. Next is the omnipresent Jayson Sykes, who seems to be Devilkiller's shadow. It seems he trains some pretty good people considering how close of a rival J is.

So that's how you tell me? By making me see that damn video you post and me scrambling to buy the PPV? Really man?

J goes straight for a hug, careful not to squeeze too hard or to hurt Devilkiller. When he gets into the embrace, he has more to say in a hush whisper.

Don't f**king scare me like that again, DK. I honestly thought you were dead. She just kept f**king beating your head into that post and I thought you were more hurt than this. I'm really glad you're okay brother. I want you to know I was ready to jump and go down to Dallas for you if you had been anymore hurt. Stop doing that stupid stuff to yourself. Know your limits man. Please.

As they pull away, J wipes his eyes before straightening back up. Devilkiller just chuckles as he pats his best friend on the shoulder.

I know my limits. Glad I was able to pull you in with that video. I'm glad the match did its purpose. I'll talk to you more later brother.

Now hey, all I keep hearing is 'Brother this' and 'Brother that', when does mother get her turn with her son?

The Creator of the Creator smiles, her wrinkles pulling at the corners of her lips, her pearly plastic teeth somehow shining brighter than anyone else's in the room as she steps forward, her dark red hair up in a ponytail high on her head. No wonder Devilkiller has such long hair, hers is as healthy as they come, straight and frizz free.

I'm so glad you're okay boy. You don't understand how proud me and your papaw are. He was up all night that night, though that may be from his pain in his liver, he still was up all night and excited. Sunday night I was thanking God I watched you a few times in the backyard because if I hadn't I wouldn't be able to handle watching you that night. Luckily, I had seen worse.

But Logan, you're getting older. You're still in your prime, but try to push your prime out for as long as you can. You don't want it to last just a couple months do you? Or do you want to make it last for 10 years? It'd be nice to make the same paycheck you make today for 10 years right? Keep that in mind.

Logan, you were great in that there spectacle the other day.

Ah, good ol' Papaw. His voice raspy from smoking 3 packs of cigarettes a day and his body old and frail, was a staple of Logan's life. When his mom went on benders, he walked to his papaw's house who always watched WFWF when he was at home. His graying hair is worrisome for Devilkiller considering he never had a full set of gray hair even when he was in his 60's. Here he is 72 years old and fighting for his life with liver disease and fluid being pulled from his body every other week with grey hair and another variation of a plaid button down t-shirt. Somehow, he still found a way to be here for Devilkiller even though he can't feel good.

I'm glad you enjoyed it Papaw! I'm glad to see you here. It's been a few months since I've seen you. I'm sorry I have a cut on my head for this visit.

Well yeah! I helped get you into this I might as well see you steal the show.

Even though Papaw probably didn't watch the whole show and only watched Devilkiller's match, he's still grateful for the words said.

Thanks Papaw. It really means a lot to see you here. Mom, I'm fine. I know I'm not 15 anymore but I still have the same skills I had at 15. Thanks for watching and coming out guys.

They share a hug altogether, three generations under the same roof, unfortunate this could be one of the last times it ever happens and no one truly knows it. As the embrace is ended, Devilkiller smiles back at both of them before looking past them at Kaitlyn, her golden blonde hair up in a neat bun, a single strand of hair hanging loosely by the side of her face as she comes up to him and gives him a passionate kiss, a slow makeout, whatever helps you visualize a sensual 'hey I missed you moment' with no words.

Get a room, will ya? There are two kids present in here and an elderly man.

I don't know who you're calling elderly, I may be sick but I can still whip your little ass.

Devilkiller can't help but pull away from the sweet embrace laughing. The sarcasm and pure orneriness goes on for generations and even though he doesn't use it as often as his mother and Papaw, he could still out smart ass J.

J, I would just stop while you're somewhat ahead because I don't doubt that he would beat you up and down this whole house.

Really DK? Will you let a man dream for a moment?

As the room shares a light laugh, Kaitlyn goes to the kitchen and grabs wine glasses and puts out a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and starts pouring the guest a drink except for Papaw, he has to drink either water or something very similar. Unsweetened tea, unsweetened Kool-Aid, even I as an omnipresent writer of events that knows how everything ends doesn't understand how he is still alive.

Devilkiller grabs his glass and softly lifts it in the air towards everyone. Papaw is sitting by himself waiting for mom with his drink, J is off with Nicky talking about wrestling stuff, and Carter is playing with his action figures over in the corner of the room, out of everyone's way. So perfect, so innocent.

Logan, why did you do that? That match, that match was.. well great.. but you almost were really hurt. This is bad enough, but imagine if you had been put back in the hospital for a few weeks? Then what?

Devilkiller decides not to answer, instead just staring off at the small crowd gathered around in his home. Kaitlyn slowly and softly grazes her finger tips over his stitches, making herself wince in phantom pain.

Carter cried and was worried sick about you for about an hour until you finally called from the hospital. Even if you won he knew how you were. I don't mind you doing this again, but I have problems when you're not careful.

Devilkiller's head snaps towards her, I was careful Kaitlyn. I was as careful as I could be but when you're in the ring with someone that has some s**t to prove, who has beaten people that killed people, there's not a lot you can do when she's going at it. She gave me everything she had, and I know it was scary. Imagine me, getting my head bounced off the ring post a total of 17 times and trying not to pass out. Imagine being hit with the Liberty Cap and not only staying awake, but kicking out. I didn't want to end up not being able to use my right arm again. I knew as long as I stayed awake I would be okay, like I'm some kind of doctor.

Did you see me? Did you actually see me? How happy I was? How grateful I was? How much fun I had? Devilkiller takes a sip of the rich, red wine in hopes of killing the dryness in the back of his throat. Even if bloody, I loved every minute of that. You were completely right. I was scared of not being scared and I was able to beat her. I beat Penny F**king Shannon. No help, no cheating, nothing. It makes a statement. Plus it was so good seeing and meeting new and old faces. Talked with Ante Whitner about the National title for a minute. I met Mesh, and no that is not a character. She was full steam ahead the whole time, excitedly and a twinkle in her eyes. It was nice seeing someone somewhat excited to meet me. It's so.. unfortunate what happened to her. It's been a long time that someone inside the wrestling business has been excited to see me inside a locker room, and Mesh was so over the top enthusiastic that I couldn't help remember her. The Hardcore King looks off into space, focusing on nothing but everything at once, before snapping back to reality and looking back into his spouses eyes. No matter what, I'm grateful to be back. I may be broken, bruised and torn, but I'm grateful I'm back.

Devilkiller reaches his hand over to his wife's hand and gently squeezes it, taking another sip of the wine as he looks into her eyes.

I love the atmosphere I'm in Kaitlyn. I'm not leaving. There's gonna be more matches like that, believe me. There's something in the cards actually right now with a certain someone. Something I'm planning, atleast anyway. That match could be an absolute blood fest. There's always something around the corner.

It's do or die now baby. You just have to understand that.

Kaitlyn sighs and leans into Devilkiller, snuggling up to him as he puts his arm around her. She knows she can't control him. She knows he was meant to do this. She just wants him to remember her and Carter. They should always come first before anything else, and she fears they won't.

I love you, Logan.

I love you too honey.

With that, she kisses his cheek and gets up to mingle with her mother in law. Devilkiller slams the rest of his red wine as Jayson comes over to sit beside him.

So why put your body on the line like that?

Devilkiller softly chuckles as he pours a glass of wine from the fancy beautiful bottle and taking a big gulp from the glass.

Remember how I told you, after our first match, I shook your hand and told you I wanted you to be a WFWF Hall of Famer, right?

Yes, I do. I remember very specifically. I remember the crowd chanting for you. I remember feeling defeated. I remember envying you, and then in the same breath feeling so grateful for you taking me under your wing.

Devilkiller sighs as he downs the glass and spins around and pours himself more and spins back to face Jayson, looking into his eyes.

I'm sorry J. It's me. I'm not done yet.

What exactly do you mean?

I mean I'm not done. I am not Hall of Famer material. I'm going for gold.

Again, what do you mean DK? You had gold, you are there because of your time as champion, they can't take that from you.

No, no J. I mean I want THE gold. I want the World title.

Jayson is visibly taking aback. Last he talked to Devilkiller he was wanting to take it easy and have one last run. This is definitely a revelation, and one he wasn't expecting.

No. No DK you're out of your mind.

J I want this. I'm striving for this. I will-

Shut up Logan. You're not god. You're not even a god. You're a messenger. An angel of sorts. You're not close enough to the god level to destroy one. You got lucky with Penny Shannon, and you still almost got put back on the shelf indefinitely. But do you think you could beat people on the caliber of Drakz? Of Kyzer? Of Shawn Malakai? Phillip Schneider? People who have held that belt have committed suicide. People who have held that belt have killed other people. People who have held that belt have gone crazy and go on drug benders for weeks at a time. You don't want that, and you can't beat that. Sorry it's me that has to ground you but you can't.

Do you really want to take that bet? Do you really believe you could beat me? That 7 match series, you think that was real? I'm sorry to tell you, I laid down for you. I took all of those pins knowingly. The ONLY match you won against me was that last match where you had to concuss me. Every time I beat you? I did so easily. Simple roll ups you should look out for, dropping you on your head with the Devil's Coffin, just once. Not even twice.

But see, you believed you could. That last match? I gave it my all so they would want me back. Unfortunately I was injured by someone so I couldn't come back at that point in time. If you didn't keep giving me those kicks as hard as you could right into my f**king temple, I would've won that match. Then again, here I am working there and you're still waiting for that phone call that they need you.

It's funny how the world works, ain't it J? I return against someone who was the gambling favorite and win, I have the crowd chanting my name, and I sign a fantastic deal, something on par with the mid card champions, you know? We're on the threshold of getting main event money, but I wonder why me of all people was given that deal? Am I supposedly something they could believe in? Something to take over the product?

Either way, I'm riding this out brother. Do or die, I refuse to just lie down like I have in the past. I refuse to give wins. This time, J, I'm going full speed ahead. Even if I have to go through you, I'll do it. That's fact.

Jayson stares on in stunned silence. Devilkiller casually sips his wine and looks back at his prodigy. The truth hurts sometimes. Sometimes you have to tell the truth. Jayson just can't comprehend it though.

No, I'm not a murderer. No, I'm not suicidal. And no, I'm not going to go on a drug induced bender. Mark my words Jayson Sykes, I'm going to win the world title. Not now, I have to prove myself. I have time though. I have nothing but it. Devilkiller is going to bring home the WFWF world championship. No matter who I have to go through, no matter if they're new, if they're old, if they're part of the WFWF or not. I'm going through them and to the top.

Jayson still sits bewildered at his mentor. The Creator of Hell has just told him he would destroy him for his own gain. It's a wedge in the relationship that's for sure, but it's something Jayson can understand. He remembers hitting those Syke Outs back to back to back, hoping he would put Devilkiller out. Hoping to prove to WFWF he IS the s**t and CAN hang with anyone they throw at him.

I understand. I hope it doesn't come down to it, but if it does, understand I'm not backing down to you. You may have laid down for me but you admitted I put you out. Don't think I won't do it again. At the end of the day I love you like I know you love me, but it's WFWF. Only one of us can be the top man. If you make it, that's fine. I can handle the Vanguard title. I'll make sure I work circles around you.

----- 6 days later, 24 days until Stay Gold-----

The fans are on high and Devilkiller is sitting on his black leather couch wearing a set of basketball shorts and a cut off Avenged Sevenfold shirt from their "Hail To The King" tour. Carter darts around the home playing with a plushie of Frank Lynn, throwing him about the house and jumping on him with elbows and knees. Devilkiller, who's trying to watch something on TV, can't help but watch as the plushie is thrown around and slammed into the ground with such force he's surprised the stuffing stays inside the cheap toy.

Devilkiller snaps out of the world that is his son and reaches up with his sticky, clammy hands to his equally sweaty forehead and runs his finger tips over the place his stitches were. A small scab still remains but luckily the majority of the gash is gone, replaced by a mountain tacked onto his forehead. He thinks about the match, remembering each thought that went through his bruised mind as his head hit the ring post.

BAM!

This isn't for nothing.

BAM!

I can take my licks.

BAM!

Call me the whipping boy for all I care.

BAM!

This hefudache will stap soon.

BAM!

I wiys do wta I need do.

BAM!

I wuahw do good fpqw WFWF.

Unfortunately, it was after the next time his head was slammed into the post he couldn't collect his thoughts enough to even make a halfway coherent sentence.

The reminiscing reminds him he hasn't even watched the show back yet. He was too busy during the show to watch anyone else's matches. He was preparing for his match and then he ended up being in the hospital for the rest of the other matches. Devilkiller reaches for his TV remote, goes to his DVR section and scrolls through until he highlights "WFWF Presents: SuperBrawl X" and starts watching it from the beginning.

He watches Billy Broom versus Ryan "Needles" Payne, watching the two men trade blow for blow, watching how Needles mocks Mesh. Something kind of sickening about seeing him dance after he wins, it doesn't sit well in Devilkiller's stomach. It makes him light a cigarette to combat the urge to punch the tv screen.

One by one he watches the matches including his own, but one that he needed another cigarette for is the Mesh versus Anna Ahriman. The match itself was great, but then that Ryan "Needles" Payne comes out. . He absolutely beats down Mesh. Destroys her. Beats her within an inch of her life it seems like. Taking some very extreme liberties with her. Exactly like the gifs he saw in the uber. Daniel Knight exclaiming the prophecies he has in his mind about ridding the WFWF of people like Mesh is.. disgusting.

Watching this makes Devilkiller's stomach churn, his heart beat a little faster, his fist clenching. These guys are trying to make a name by taking out people who mean a lot to the fans. He wasn't even apart of this match but yet here he is making a foot print in SuperBrawl history on Mesh's behalf. They need to be knocked down a peg, or ten, little sons a bitches. Devilkiller's rage boils as he sees someone disrespecting the WFWF as bad as Needles is.

Devilkiller can't take it as he pauses the screen and sits up, grabbing the aluminum backed cell phone beside him and dialing a number he knows all too well.

Hi! This is The Devilkiller, Logan Pierce. I need to talk to Lila Sleater please, it's very important. I think I have a solution to one of her many problems.

Hi Mr. Pierce. Listen, I'm kinda busy right now. Mesh gone, Kyzer gone, and so many injuries piling up right now, and I'm just- I can't talk right now. I'm still scrabbling for something else. We have new blood coming in and people doing things they don't like doing and, it's just Hellacious to be frank.

Call me DK. Hate my real name. Anywhosy. I may be trying to cheer you up Ms. Sleater. I apologize for not watching SuperBrawl sooner but as you can imagine, being concussed and having stitches in your head, you really just want to sit in a dark, cool room with a cold rag over your eyes and sleep.

Noticed something. This Ryan "Needles" situation. Is it a thorn in your side?

Actually yes. Daniel Knight turning on everyone and being in cahoots with Ryan is a very big problem. That's the last thing to figure out until the card is completely done and we have the Stay Gold card posted and ready.

Good! Just what I wanted to hear! Would you be opposed to putting me across the ring from him? I believe he needs to be knocked down a peg, especially considering he's acting hardcore without consulting The Hardcore King.

... I think I can make that happen... Are you sure though, "DK"? Lila audibly cringes at not being a 100% professional, I mean, the guy has taken out people that could definitely hold their own. Did you see him at London Calling? He almost killed Chris Priceless. Let me rephrase, he technically is killing Chris Priceless. Did you see how bad of shape Mesh is in? They're honestly planning a funeral in case she doesn't come around. You think you can do this?

I want to do this.

Okay. I hope you can handle it, because if not, someone else is going to.

I got it Ms. Sleater.

With that, The Creator of Hell hangs up the phone and lays it back on the side table. By that time, a flying plushie smacks him in the face.

Sorry dad! I'm so sorry.

Devilkiller can't help but smile. It's okay buddy. Pretend you have a chair, and pretend it's this Ryan Payne guy. Here. Devilkiller throws the plushie toward his son, chuckling as he watches him grab a decorative pillow and hit the inanimate object hard across the head with it. An audible thud heard all throughout the house makes it even more real for little Carter.

After the symphony of creaking bones finish as Devilkiller stands up, he goes outside on the back patio and sits down at one of the chairs at the table and pulls out a Marlboro Red from the pack on the table and catches it aflame with a flick of a match. He draws long and hard, pulling away and sucking in the smoke more before letting it out slowly in an exaggerated sigh.

Could I beat this guy? I mean, I don't want to be a victim. He seems to have a motive. Seems to have something up his sleeve.

Or he's just like some other people around WFWF that just like to brutalize their opponents and do things just to spite. Maybe he doesn't want anything. Maybe what he wants is to have a "15 minutes of fame" so to say.

Maybe he wants to destroy people and make points. But what are the points? To keep them injured so eventually he's the only star left to hold championships? What's the goal of all of this?

Dad? What are you doing?

Devilkiller turns his head to see both Carter and Kaitlyn standing at the sliding door, eyebrows crooked and mouths agape.

What do you mean? His words stumble out as he looks back with the same confused face they're making.

Do you have a headset in or something? Where's your phone?

Devilkiller's face gets a little red as his voice raises; What do you mean? No I have no headset in and my phone is inside why are you guys still looking at me like that?

Dad you were talking.

The Hardcore King chuckles and cocks his head to the side, like a dogs curiosity. I was talking? Out loud? I think you guys may be hearing things.

Kaitlyn turns to Carter and whispers something to him, and he immediately runs back inside. Kaitlyn looks back up at her husband and smiles as big and bright as she can.

Okay sweetheart, you're right. I guess it was the TV too loud or something. Sorry about that honey. I'll go back in here and leave you alone.

With that she goes back inside and closes the sliding door, going back to whatever crosses her mind to do, and Devilkiller left to his own vices.

Time jumps for him, what seems like 10 minutes had been 10 hours as the sun makes a beeline behind the trees and the stars shoot out all across the sky. He looks around in amazement as he realizes all of his day has passed.

It's now 3 days before Stay Gold and he doesn't know how. He was just watching SuperBrawl and he was just talking to his family. What could make this happen? Is it something from the match? Is it stress?

Maybe it's time for another visit with the shrink.

Very quickly the day passes, the hugs from the family, the airport, and the plane ride all fade into a distant memory as the day of Stay Gold arrives and Devilkiller is in front of a mirror in a solitary bathroom putting on his face paint, adding the base layer and starting on other intricate designs, before a knock on the door.

Devilkiller lays his brush down and opens it to a man he's never seen before. He looks close to Devilkiller's age, but never before seen in WFWF. He's a lot shorter, but not as rough as some other people.

Hey, so Devilkiller right? Does that mean you're god sent? Wait nevermind. I'm Johnny Mason. Are you sure you know what you're getting into with Needles? After seeing what he did to Mesh... The guy takes a deep breath, looking down the hall, shaking his head at the memory. I just don't want to see the same thing happen to you, that's all.

The Hardcore King cocks his eyebrow at Johnny Mason as he is looking a bit anxious and nervous. Obviously not knowing who Devilkiller really is.

Am I sure? Of course I'm sure. I talked to Lila Sleater about this, because the dude needs some kind of social justice. I may not be Batman, but I can sure as Hell try. I appreciate your concern, Johnny. I apologize but I haven't seen your face around here before, safe to assume you're one of the new guys right?

Yes I was lucky enough to get signed not long ago. Got my first match tonight against Steve Stiletto and Luke Marshall. I've learned triple threats can be unpredictable. Have any advice you can give me?

Devilkiller chuckles, enthused at Johnny Mason's eagerness. Devilkiller looks both ways down the hallway, before stepping closer to Johnny and whispering Unless you can grow eyes in the back of your head, no I don't. It's do or die. Goodluck brother.

Mason furrows his brow, looking down and muttering a measly Umm, thanks I guess.

Devilkiller nods as he's about to step back into the bathroom but Johnny steps closer, putting his foot in the doorway to prevent it from closing. Hey listen, I've heard some rumblings of somebody returning, someone who goes by Jayson Sykes? He helped open the door for me here. Actually, he was my last match in the independents before coming here. Have you heard anything about it?

Eyebrow cocked again, Devilkiller turns his head like a curious pup.

Yeah, he's my friend. I opened the door for him here. You know him from, what? Your last indy match?

Yes sir, my last indy match. Unfortunately he beat me, that kick he's got is a nasty one. Let's just say I'm eager to work with him again, and wanna talk to him.

Well.. The Hardcore King sighs, looking the young lion up and down, before looking in his eyes. He makes the quick judgement call that he's no one to worry over, and that he'll be okay. Look, I'll tell Jayson to contact you. I'll see if he'll want you as a first match back. It'd be nice to be in the ring with someone you're familiar with. Maybe you'll help him shake the rust off.

Thank you. Goodluck in your match tonight. I hope that assh*le gets exactly what he deserves.

Johnny bears his teeth in a form of a smile as Devilkiller nods in thanks towards him.

Stay Gold, Ponyboy.



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A solitary red lightbulb illuminates the room as the camera focuses on the reflection of Devilkiller. His face now painted up in different shades of black, white, and blue. His hair tips are dyed a bright, almost fluorescent shade of blue. He looks up from his knees and looks into the dirty, dingy mirror.

These last few weeks have flown by. Since SuperBrawl I have been going slowly crazy. My head still hurts. I still hear that faint ringing everywhere I go. I still see double everytime I start concentrating really hard on something and I guess that's the price you pay of being a wrestler.

Now, Needles, what you did to Mesh was above and beyond more terrible of a thing that could've ever happened to me. I still get up to fight another day, while Mesh may never be able to get up another day period.

You and Daniel Knight thinking you can run the roost, be some type of savior, from what? From a girl who was a fan of this business? What is so fundamentally wrong with you boneheads to even fathom why this was so wrong? She loves this sport. She gave everyone in the audience a reason to believe in your dreams, and yet you take it all away from her. She literally, almost gave her life for this sport. You two make me sick.

Devilkiller spits, trying to keep himself from getting nauseous at the thought of seeing Mesh's limp body lying in the ring. You didn't have the balls to try anything to her before her match. Because you knew exactly what she was capable of. So you had to make sure there was as little of a fight as possible. Cowards!

Devilkiller stands up, and in one fluid motion grabs the chair with one hand and throws it hard into the sink in front of the mirror, crumbling the porcelain like a dried out cake. Devilkiller takes a deep breath, regaining composure before speaking again.

Tonight Ryan Payne I'm going to take you to your absolute limit. Tonight Ryan Payne I'm going to show you exactly what happens when you stick too many needles in your arm. You overdose. You go into shock. You puke your guts up trying to get the toxins out of your body then you die on your own vomit. Tonight, Ryan Payne, I'm gonna make you wish you were dead.

As for you, Daniel Knight, your words do not scare me, for you cannot scare fire. Your words can not harm me, as I am the one that burns. Daniel Knight, your best bet is to seatbelt yourself into your commentary chair and pray to whatever God you believe in that after I'm done with Ryan, I don't come for you.

You, Needles, are the least of my worries right now. I have a goal for something to happen in the future for myself. I have a goal to make myself rememberable. I, however, am going the noble way. I will not get my five minutes of fame like you. You will only be remembered as the stupid son of a bitch that had to have help from a commentator.

Tonight, Payne, Knight, I avenge a fallen friend. Tonight, I avenge the entire WFWF universe. Tonight, I end this before it gets worse. Tonight, I make you regret trying to be hardcore without talking to the Hardcore King.

Devilkiller rears back and punches the mirror as hard as he can, having the glass embed in his knuckles and the mirror shattering, leaving nothing but a sliver of mirror remaining. The camera focuses on the sliver and catches Devilkiller kicking open the door and storming out of the Redroom.