Trinity Burning, Part IV

Trinity Burning: Part IV

December 16th, 2019

New York City, New York

Abel charged after Charles, finding the man standing against a rundown lamp post, as he lit up a cigarette. “Want one?” He asked. Abel shook his head. “Looks like you’ve made a decision. Worried about James finding out?”

“I’m giving you a chance.” Abel stated. “I’m willing to hear you out, but I wouldn’t go about thinking we’re friends or anything of the sort. Understand?”

Holding the cigarette between his lips, Charles threw his hands up. “Hey, no worries. All is well, Abel. All is well. Its just nice seeing you on your own. I’m sure it’s a good feeling.” Abel stood firm, knowing it was a good feeling, but it wasn’t something he wanted to admit. Charles continued, after taking a drag. “So, you’ve been cut loose. Seems you have fun when you’re in charge. I have to admit I like your style. Always have.” He said, taking another drag.

“You spoke of a mission.” Abel stated, cutting to the chase. Those words hit him like a ton of bricks, for reasons he didn’t quite understand at first. “You said you were a soldier.”

Charles brought the smoke from his lips, flicking the ashes as he scoffed. “Yes, I was. It was something that never really left me.”

“Is that your way of trying to justify being a piece of shit to your family?” Abel asked.

“I’m not justifying anything. When you take a life…when you’re in a situation where it truly is kill or be killed…” Charles shook his head before taking another drag. “It changes you. For better or for worse, it changes you. Permanently.”

“Just as what you did to James…” Abel began, stepping closer. “Changed him. Permanently.”

“I can’t take back what I did. Nothing will ever erase that.”

“You seem okay with it.”

“I have to be.”

“James only remembers you as a piece of shit. There aren’t many good memories.”

“That’s all he needs to remember me as. But like I said, I’m not here for him. I’m here for you. I want to help you.”

“Or, so you say.” Abel replied.

Charles finished his cigarette and tossed it away. “You’re here, aren’t you?”

“Say your piece.”

He grinned. “Seems that you and James have had some common enemies. Enemies that he just wanted to fight, while you wanted to take them out.”

“Syren and Sienna.”

Charles nodded. “Yes. You want the prize Sienna has, correct?”

“I want to win it for James.”

“No!” Charles growled. “This isn’t about James. Forget about James. This needs to be about you. He gave you permission to do your thing.”

“He did.”

“And didn’t he…when you took matters into your own hands…. scold you for doing so?”

Abel recalled tampering with the Chamber, and how Syren was injured. Just as he recalled James being highly upset with him. How he wished Abel had done things differently. The right way. The James way. Abel just looked at Charles, saying nothing.

James’ father nodded. “That’s what I thought. That is why I said forget about him. These two you want to hurt so badly, that you want rid of…” He exhaled deeply. “You will have to go to war with them. I’ve seen the hold they have on SCW.”

“I’m not some general. I’m not going to build an army.” Abel replied.

Charles shook his head once more. “You don’t need to. You can do it on your own. Going that route just makes for a lot of unnecessary bullshit.”

“I’m not some soldier.”

“But you are.”

“I don’t know where you get that idea. James has never been…”

“Stop bringing him up!” Charles shouted, before turning and shaking his head. Abel heard him exhale once again. “James was a survivor.” Charles said, as they locked eyes. “James was a survivor. And how did he survive? Because of you.” He said, pointing at Abel. “You took the hits for him. It seems you always have, and always will.”

Abel went to speak, but Charles continued. “That makes you more than some soldier. That boy has been involved with some sort of war for his entire fucking life.”

“Because of you.”

“So be it.” Charles sighed. “That is all he’s known. And you’ve been the one going to war for him. You’ve been the one fighting his battles. I think its time you go to war for yourself. It is time to fight your own battles. James allowed himself to be a victim most of the time. You, on the other hand…” He scoffed. “You’re a fighter, Abel. You know what it takes in order to survive, and to win the fight. By any means necessary.”

“That’s something you instilled in James.” Abel stated, recalling the memory of the baseball James’ father called the “Great Equalizer.”

“I tried to. It seemed it remained with you, instead of him. He’s wanted to do things the right way. The honorable way. When it comes to a fight, or a war…” Charles shook his head. “There is no such thing as honor. It is survival of the fittest as well as the smartest. You have those qualities that my son never had.”

“Do you think it’s the fact that you never gave James enough credit? The man is, and always has been, a lot stronger than anyone has given him credit for. Including you. One of the few people who should have been there, to love and care for him.” Abel said, grinding his teeth as he felt his hands clenched into fists.

Charles seemed to notice. “There it is!” He said, pointing at Abel’s fists. “You are always ready to fight. Ready to strike. James never showed that side of himself. Like he was ready to step up to the plate and swing with everything he had.”

Abel sighed heavily. “You never knew your son. You never took the time to do so.”

“Do you honestly think it would have mattered?”

He sighed again. “Maybe. Maybe not. You could have tried at least.”

Charles lit another cigarette, and took a puff, shaking his head. “Look at this place. This world he built for you.” He said, spreading his arms out, as if he were putting their surroundings on full display. “It isn’t beautiful and elegant like his home. I’ve told you to stop defending him, but you continue to do so.”

“And why shouldn’t I defend him?”

“If you’re preparing for war, which it seems you’re on the verge of, then defending him will be nothing more than a weakness. Letting him in the driver’s seat the other night made you two weak. You were attacked and left lying.” Abel stood silent, remembering how Giovanni Aries attacked them from behind when James was challenging Syren and the rest of Infamous.

“But I told him I would do things his way. That I wouldn’t…”

Charles cut Abel off once more. “You don’t owe him anything else. Don’t you get that?”

“He’s kept me around.”

“Yes, he has. He’s kept you around, and you’ve been on your best fucking behavior. Look at this as a reward. A gift. I mean…the way I see it…” He stated, taking another drag off his cigarette. “James letting you do this…it shows that he trusts you. Finally.”

Abel stood there, silent once more. He looked around at the world James had built. Taking in the grey of it all. The coldness of it. How it looked nothing like his world, for when he was in the driver’s seat. He had sunshine, and pretty things. He had Kelly. He had Braelynn. Abel had nothing of the sort.

“You know, not too long ago…I resented James for making this place for me. But…” Abel paused, looking away from the grey, locking eyes with Charles, as he continued. “I’m beginning to see things a little different.”

“Do tell.”

“You said James survived so much because of me. He put me here. I’m sure it was as punishment at first, but now, I believe I’m here, because he knows I can take it. That I belong in the trenches. The trenches I was born and molded for.” He said, taking another look around. “I’ve survived those trenches for so long. He knows I can survive on my own. I did it when he had me leave him behind in Trinity.” Abel scoffed. “Maybe you’re right after all. Maybe he does trust me to take care of things. He deserves to be with his family.”

“Just as you deserve to live life your own way, when you’re able to do so. And in saying that,” Charles said, stepping closer, putting a hand on Abel’s shoulder. He didn’t know how to take such a thing, as all the memories he had were of Charles hurting people, especially James. “You need to figure out exactly what it is you want to do.”

Abel remembered all the things James had wanted to do in SCW. He thought about all he wanted to do as well, reminding himself of the common ground that he and James shared in terms of their goals. “I want to initiate change.”

“Change?”

“Yes.” Abel nodded. “I don’t think it will happen without a war, however.” He said, looking down. As the next few words formed in his mouth, he locked eyes with Charles. “Tell me. Tell me everything you know about war.”

________________________________________________

Some Time Ago

They weren’t her parents, or any members of her foster families but they were still ghosts from her past. They welcomed her with wild eyes and toothless grins. Psychotics of the worst kind. They welcomed her with open arms, reaching out to Amelia as she was led over the rusted grates. The Nosferatu like fingernails, or lack thereof, extended out to her, wanting to pull her in, to bring her back into the abyss she thought she left behind, the madness she thought she had escaped.

Trinity.

The only place that ever felt like home, and she hated it. The orderly named Jeffrey, with his dark framed glasses, and hair going in all different directions, led her as her arms were gripped at the elbow by two other orderlies. She didn’t remember them. Things, especially the people…from the patients to the staff…seemed very different.

The only thing that hadn’t changed was X-6. It was every bit as much Hell on Earth as it was the first time she arrived. She was pushed into her cell, the sound of the cell door closing sent shockwaves throughout her body. Amelia took a deep breath before turning and facing Jeffrey. “Why am I here?”

Jeffrey grinned. He replied, his voice still soft spoken, despite his slightly more menacing demeanor. “Dr. McIntosh wanted you back. And to be honest Amelia…” He said, with a sigh. “You needed to be back here.”

“No. I don’t. What does he want with me?” She asked, her arms folding over her chest.

“You will find out…”

She cut him off before he could finish his statement. She already knew what he was going to say. “I’ve heard it all before, Jeffrey! Tell me where he is! Tell me why I’m here!” She shouted, throwing her arms down, her hands balled into fists. She felt anger coursing through her, a voice telling her to attack, but she knew better. She knew not to attack.

Especially not at Trinity.

But its hard to tune the voice out.

“You know you want to hurt them. You know you need to hurt them.” It said.

Keeping her eyes on the orderlies, trying to control her body’s movements, to relax her muscles, Amelia closed her eyes. “No. No. No. You know what they will do to us if we try to hurt them. You know what they made us do to get out of here, last time.”

“That was someone else! Another patient!” The voice shouted. “You could attack them. Get those keys. Get out of here. We have to get out of here!”

She wanted to listen. She knew if she let the voice take over, as it had done in the past, then things would get violent. People would get hurt. She was in scrubs, without her backpack, where she carried her means of protecting herself. She’d have to make due with anything she could get her hands on. But the voice knew the way. She knew it would know what to do.

Amelia sighed, however. “We can’t…Ivy…” As the name ran through her mind, she opened her eyes. Jeffrey and the orderlies were still standing before her. “I want to see him.”

“And you will.” Jeffrey said, before giving her a nod, and walking away. She stood in the center of her cell, pulling her arms in like she was hugging herself. During her time in Trinity before, X-6 was the only place she feared. And that fear was returning a lot quicker than she imagined.

“I don’t want to be here.” She whispered to herself.

She heard Ivy’s voice in return. “I told you what we needed to do, but you refused to do it. Now, we’re stuck here.”

She looked up, locking eyes with Ivy. Ivy’s face was caked with make-up. She looked like one of those Annabelle dolls Amelia’s grandmother always brought her when she’d receive visitation. Her father ruined her very first one. Her first one that she named Ivy. She always felt safe with that doll.

“How did we end up here, anyways?” Ivy asked, dropping down to one knee, as Amelia sat on both of hers.

Amelia remembered him. The liar. She wanted to see him again. If she did, she knew she would Ivy loose on her. The bastard had to pay. He was the reasons he was there.

“It was a guy, wasn’t it?” Ivy asked, bringing her back to her unpleasant reality. She didn’t answer. She only looked down in shame. Ivy spoke again. “I fucking knew it! How did you let this happen? We weren’t supposed to end up here again.”

“And you weren’t supposed to come back either!” Amelia shouted, mockingly.

Ivy rolled her eyes. “Stop with the tough girl talk. The only reason I’m here is because you don’t feel safe. You always bring me back to fucking protect you. The best way to put it is to say that this is all your fault, Amelia.”

“I don’t need your shit, Ivy. I already know I fucked up. I fucked up bad.” She said, lowering her gaze, as she sat down, pulling her knees to her chest, and burying her face against her forearms. She wanted to cry, but she knew Ivy would mock her for that as well, so she didn’t. “I mean, look around.” She stated, as she lifted her head, her eyes locking in on all the other patients around her. Their cells above and below her, to the left and to the right.

“What do you think he wants?”

“Who?” She asked, already knowing who Ivy was referring to. She was just glutton for punishment.

“McIntosh!” Ivy groaned, rolling her eyes as she stood to her feet and turned away, shaking her head in annoyance. She was always stronger than Amelia, and she wasn’t afraid to show it.

“I knew who you meant. I just wanted to know if hearing his name made me as afraid as it used to.”

“So, you’ve not seen him yet?”

Amelia shook her head. “No. I thought I did. But it was just a hallucination.” She said, recalling bits and pieces from her memory of her first night back. She was brought to X-6 once she was fully awake and more coherent. “I’m guessing I was drugged by the guy I met.” The liar, she told herself, clenching her teeth together out of anger.

“You guess? It sure as fuck seems like that is exactly what happened. I don’t understand how you could be so stupid.”

Amelia finally broke, trying to keep her sobs as quiet as possible, as she glared at Ivy through her tears. “Because I was fucking vulnerable. I was lonely and I thought he was someone else. He said he was Donnie…”

“Donnie…”

“Yes…you remember Donnie…”

“The little fucker that tried to replace me…”

“Yes.” Amelia said, drawing in a deep breath as she tried to calm herself. “He said he was Donnie. It had been so long since I had seen him…and you weren’t around…”

“Because you tried to bury me, Amelia!” Ivy shouted, slamming her fist into one of the bars. “You came here to get rid of me the first time. It worked.”

“And I shouldn’t have.” Amelia cried. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too.”

Amelia looked at Ivy, puzzled. “You’re sorry? What are you sorry for?”

“For what’s about to happen.”

That was when she heard it. Her cell door being opened. She turned and saw Jeffrey standing there. The two orderlies from earlier, were with him. “Going to need to you to take it easy, Amelia.”

“Why? What for? What’s going on?” She asked, rising to her feet, and cowering in the corner.

“Just take it easy.” He repeated, as they stepped into the cell, pulling the door closed, locking it. When she heard that sound, Amelia felt a deep sinking feeling of sickness in her stomach. She started to cry louder now.

“Don’t worry, Amelia…” Ivy’s voice rang in her eyes. “I’ll protect you. Just close your eyes.” And she did, taking herself away from whatever Hell was going to occur in that cell.

________________________________________________

December 18th, 2019

Los Angeles, California

Breakdown

Abel sat in James’ locker room, watching from the TV set placed against the side wall. He watched, listening to Syren and Giovanni Aries exchange words. They were doing exactly what he wanted, as Abel had a plan.

He knew it was going to go against everything he and Dr. Williamson had talked about a few weeks prior. As he sat there, the memory began to play out. He sat in her office. James was not in the driver’s seat. It felt like his existence was becoming less and less, especially after the events of Clarity.

“How are you, Abel?” Williamson asked.

He sighed. “I’m managing.”

“You seem troubled.”

Abel shrugged. “You could say that.”

“I did. But I guess the bigger question is whether or not you agree.” She replied, some fire in her tone.

“I do agree.” He said, with another sigh. “I’m troubled about a lot. Especially with James.”

She repositioned herself in her seat, her eyes growing wide at the mention of James. “And what is troubling you when it comes to him?”

“He’s becoming more distant than he did before. He doesn’t seem motivated when it comes to anything. Not wrestling. Not this deal with McIntosh and Trinity.”

“And you want him to be involved with all that?”

He nodded. “Yes. I feel he needs to be. More so with Trinity and bringing that piece of shit down.”

“Has something happened that made you feel this way?”

Another sigh. “He lost a match recently. I tried to talk to him about. I tried to motivate him for another match, for another shot at the World title in our company, but he seemed nothing short of disinterested. We returned to the locker room, eventually. His wife was there, and he wanted me gone. He wanted to be alone with her.”

“And you feel short sighted by that?”

Abel shook his head. “I’m not sure if I’d call it that. I get that he wants to be with his family. I just want to know if he’s involved with everything concerning us.”

“Well, Abel…” She began. “It is always possible that James doesn’t want to get involved in the same things as you. He did say he wanted you to co-exist, but there’s nothing wrong with the two of you having your own separate lives. Within the right means, of course.”

“I don’t know how to feel about that, doc.”

She sighed, nodding as well. “Remember when I wanted to help you learn, and understand, what it meant to be human?” He nodded before she continued. “You could say that I was preparing for something like this in a way. I saw it as a way to help bring James back, but to teach you that you can rely on yourself. That you don’t have to be so dependent on James. And you seemed to do well, don’t you agree?”

“Minus the hiccup with the father from the camp James’ daughter went to, yeah.” He said with a nod, telling himself he needed to be able to give himself some credit. “I did the best with what I could. I’ll be honest and say that I wish I had more time by myself now that I think about it. I think I was only getting started.”

“I can understand that.” Williamson stated. “But James is back. In saying that, if he does withdrawal…if he is keen on spending more time alone with his family, then you’re in the driver’s seat, I’d suggest that you try to find a life for yourself, away from him. Does that make sense?”

“I think so.”

“If you have any questions, or need guidance, you know to use me as a resource, correct?” He nodded once again. “Okay good. I’d like to speak to James before our session ends. But Abel, before you go, I want you to know I mean what I said. I think it’d be good for you to have your own life. Just stay out of trouble.”

The memory faded but Abel remembered her last statement. She said it playfully, but he couldn’t help but sense there was some seriousness to it. He didn’t feel he was going to able to follow her advice, however, especially after his conversation with Charles.

The conversation, his words of war, inspired Abel to leave his locker room and attack CHBK, not once but twice that night. Leaving the old gimp lying in a broken heap, Abel left the arena, Charles’ words still lingering in his mind.

“I went to basic training before James was born.” He had said, as they walked through the grey. “I excelled there and was called upon to join a special forces unit. I was trained to get in and get out, undetected. The things they put in your head…” He said, with a slight shudder before continuing. “You can’t just switch off or get rid of. If someone has figured out a way, I wish they would have let me know.”

“Sort of like the things that were put in James’ head. The things he can’t unsee. The things I can’t forget or let go of. The anger. The rage. It remains within. I see it all, over and over. Memories of you. Memories that came to light about his mother. Not to mention shit with McIntosh.” Abel stated.

“Precisely.” Charles replied. “I saw things I should have never seen. Things no one should ever see.”

Abel nodded. “Like the story you had told James when he was a child.”

“I know I said to stop bringing him up, but I’m curious. Which one?”

“You told him a story of going out with your friend after a mission. You didn’t go into details about the mission. You had only told him it was ugly. You and your friend went to a bar, having a few drinks, and talking with some girls. Your friend started dancing with one of the women, getting a little too friendly, when her husband showed up.” Charles grew silent, Abel noticed, before he continued. “There was an argument. The girl left with her husband, before you and your friend went back to your hotel. It lingered with your friend, to the point that he went back to the bar. He needed a drink. He left while you were in the shower, despite telling him to wait up. By the time you got there, he was gone.”

Charles finally spoke, finishing the story. “The husband had waited for my friend. Blew his brains out all over the parking lot.”

“Why did you tell James that?”

Charles shrugged. “I’d say I needed him to realize the world was an ugly place. It was ugly, just like every mission was ugly. That will be the same for you.”

Abel nodded.

“Every mission will be ugly. There will be casualties. You will experience loss along the way. That is where you truly learn. Your losses will drive you, and even if you feel like giving up, you must stay the course. Your victories, you cannot let them go to your head.”

“And why is that?”

“It’s simple really. If you get to confident, you will lose sight of the goal. Of the endgame. You do that, then there is no coming back. You will falter and that will be all she wrote.”

“So, where do I start?” Abel asked.

Charles grinned. “Your enemies…you attack their heart. The one thing that brings them all together. You do that, and it burns through the glue holding them close. They may regroup, but you’ll be in their head.”

And that was what Abel did. He attacked the heart of Infamous. CHBK kept everyone going. He kept them together, and they left him out in the open, allowing Abel to move in for the kill. Not just once, but twice.

Abel returned to his hotel room, finding Charles on the outside balcony. He joined him, as he heard Charles speak. “LA…I hate this city.”

“I used to feel that way. Not just about here, but this entire world.”

“Its still a shit show.”

“I’m sure it always will be.” Abel replied.

Silence fell over them for a few minutes, before Charles spoke once again. “You did well tonight.”

“I thought so, too.”

They locked eyes. “Remember, you can’t get too cocky or confident. You don’t want to falter already. We’re only in the beginning stages.”

“My mind is still on the goal. The endgame.” Abel stated.

“Good.”

They broke eye contact, as they returned to staring down at the City of Angels. The very concept of angels caused Abel to grind his teeth, as he couldn’t help but think of Sienna Swann. He felt the way Charles did. It all needed to be burned down. Sienna, especially.

“You’re going to have to get violent. Amp it up. Be smart about it however. No more tampering with cages or any of that shit.” Charles commanded. “Make sure everyone sees you coming. Always stand your ground.

Abel looked at him. “Is violence the right way?”

Charles looked back at him. “It’s the only way.”

________________________________________________

Some Time Ago

“How are you feeling?”

The voice echoed in her head, causing Amelia’s eyes to shoot open so fast it felt like they were about to pop out of her skull. Her skull was on fire. Everything throbbed and ached, to the point she wanted to cry. She craved death.

“I asked…how are you feeling?”

The voice rang through once again, feeling like she had taken an axe to the center of her brain. Amelia cried out, before turning to her right, as sickness and bile escaped the depths of abdomen. She couldn’t stop it. It seemed to be a never-ending flow. Minutes passed before she could catch her breath. When she did, everything became clear.

She felt she had locked eyes with the Devil himself.

“McIntosh…” She said, the man’s name came out as a whisper.

She realized she was strapped to a chair by her wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. But she couldn’t take her eyes off him, as he smiled.

“Hello, Amelia. Or am I talking to…what was her name?” He asked, still smiling, giving a slight chuckle before he continued. “Oh, that’s right.” He stated, snapping his fingers. “Ivy. Am I talking to Ivy?”

“Ivy’s not here.” She said, grinding her teeth together, feeling like she wanted to claw his eyes out.

“Well, that is a tragedy. Jeffrey said he saw you talking to yourself…well, you were talking to Ivy. So,” He paused, as he leaned forward in his seat, removing the black-framed glasses from his face. “Why isn’t she here now?”

“I don’t want her to come out. She doesn’t need to be here. Neither do I.” Amelia exclaimed, trying not to come off as helpless as she was beginning to feel.

“But you’re here because you need to be.” McIntosh replied, giving another grin.

“Why?”

“That can be explained later. Right now, I need to speak with Ivy.”

Amelia shook her head. “No.” She knew, deep down, what he wanted with Ivy. “I am Amelia, and no one else.”

McIntosh sighed, the sound echoed in her head. “Amelia, darling…do we really need to do this? All I want is a face to face with Ivy. She and I have some catching up to do.”

“Whatever you have to say…you can say it to me.”

She heard him sigh again, before she watched as he stood up from his seat. He sat at a desk. The throbbing began to slowly cease, making the picture clearer. They were in a room. It was solid white. The desk was black, like the seats they sat in. He opened a drawer and saw his fingers clasp around a golden pocket watch, before he returned to his seat.

They locked eyes. “Do you remember this?” He asked, as his eyes motioned toward the watch.

“You know that I do.”

“Good. Now, I will use this if need be, Amelia. It doesn’t have to come to it, but do not force my hand.”

She lowered her gaze, feeling more and more powerless by the minute. She remembered he had placed her under hypnosis before, stating it was another form of therapy. She remembered up until she went under. From there, all she could remember was feeling like she was in limbo, walking through a cold and empty world McIntosh had told her to create for her memories, as a way for her to escape if she ever felt the need to.

He sent her there, and she lost track of how long she wasn’t in the driver’s seat as he called it.

“Please…Don’t do this. I’m begging you.” She pleaded, trying her best to keep it together.

“Last chance.” He said, not as pleasant as he was in the beginning. She said nothing as they locked eyes. Without breaking his stare, he let the watch drop, his fingers becoming entangled in the golden rope connected at the top end.

“Please…”

“I want you to relax, Amelia.” He said, as he began to let the watch swing gently from side to side. “You know you’re safe here. You’ve told me I’ve been like a father figure to you. Do you remember?”

“Please…”

“Do you remember?”

She felt tears beginning to stream down her cheeks. He did not stop. She knew he wouldn’t no matter how much she wanted him to. “Do you remember? You came here looking for answers. You wanted my help. Help that no one had ever given you. But I gave you so much more. I opened your mind, just as I provided you with a safe haven. You called this place your home. And you should be able to relax in your home, right?”

Her breathing began to slow. The tears began to dissipate. “Do you feel relaxed?”

She exhaled. “Yes.”

“Do you remember the world we created together? The place you could go to when you didn’t want to be here?” She nodded, a slight numbness beginning to consume her. “Open the door to that world. Once you do…” She was no longer in the room. She stood outside of a little house. It was perfect in every way, like her grandmother’s house. She could only hear his voice, echoing around her, telling her to open the door. She did, as his voice continued. “Step inside.”

She stepped inside, entering the house. It was dark but felt warm and cozy. She did see a light however. She walked toward it. As she got closer, Amelia could see a figure walking toward her. She felt no fear. Just safe. The figure stepped out of the shadows. It was Ivy.

They walked past one another, Amelia walking to the light, as Ivy headed for the door. The light became more visible and welcoming her, until she heard a door close. She stopped and glanced over her shoulder. Ivy was gone. The door was closed. She looked ahead and there was nothing but darkness.

The light was gone. The voice was gone.

And Amelia knew she was too. She felt it in her bones.

________________________________________________

December 25th, 2019

New York City, New York

James remembered how he once dreaded Christmas morning. His father was typically hungover, or already on the hunt for another high. His mother tagged along, leaving him to open gifts with his siblings. Things were highly unenthusiastic for such a typical festive holiday.

He stood in the kitchen, making coffee as well as his signature pancakes. Kelly and Katelyn sat in the living room with Braelynn. Katelyn had told him a few days prior that the other kids would be with their fathers for a little bit, so he invited them over for breakfast and gift exchanges.

Looking at his daughter, as well as his pregnant wife, he remembered a vow he had made himself when he was younger. The vow was that if he was to ever become a father, he would make sure Christmas was as amazing as possible for his children. After all the hell he had been through, it seemed over the last few years, he was finally making good on that promise. He planned to keep it until the day he died.

“Alright who’s hungry?” He asked, as he stepped into the living room, joining everyone else.

“I can think of two people who are absolutely starving!” Braelynn exclaimed, as she pointed to her stomach.

“I could eat.” Katelyn stated, with a grin.

“Did you make anything good?” Kelly asked.

“Hey!” He said, placing his hands on his hips. “You know your dad can cook like nobody’s business. Especially when it comes to breakfast food.”

“I guess you’re right.” His daughter said.

“Get in the kitchen and get some food, little woman.” He ordered, playfully. Katelyn and their daughter entered the kitchen, as he took a seat next to his wife. “How are you, momma?”

“Oh, you know. Tired. Getting fat.” She groaned.

He sighed and shook his head. “You’re not fat. Just slightly pregnant. Maybe pleasantly plump, but that’s all.”

“I just keep telling myself it will be worth it when our baby gets here.”

“I know that it will.”

“It’s easy for you to say. You’re not making a human.”

He nodded. “This is true. But I will be with you when you’re puking so I can hold your hair. I will make sure you are always fed, and that neither of you go hungry. I will massage your feet and all that stuff. I’m your guy.” James said with a grin.

She grinned back, before they kissed. As the kissed ended, Braelynn spoke. “You mentioned never letting us go hungry.” He nodded. “Go make me a plate, bitch.”

“Oh, so feisty.” He grinned once again, before climbing to his feet. “I got you covered.” He entered the kitchen as Katelyn and Kelly returned. He made his wife a plate and sat down next to her, as they all ate with him sipping coffee. They exchanged laughs, and Christmas memories. James did his best to find pleasant ones to share, due to the darkness that typically surrounded the day when it came to his life.

After all the gifts were exchanged and the dishes were in the sink, they said their goodbyes, with James hugging Kelly for what may have felt like an eternity for her but not long enough for him. Braelynn wanted to go lay down, so he tucked her in and made sure she had some water on the nightstand, before he went down into the basement.

That was where he found Abel.

“Happy holidays.” He said.

“Same to you.” Abel replied. “It’s been awhile since we last spoke.”

James nodded. “It has.” He stated, stepping further into the room. “What have you been up to?”

“Taking Aries, Syren, and anyone else that wants to rise against me, to war in terms of the SCW.”

He nodded again. “That is what I’ve seen.”

“Oh, so you’ve been paying attention?”

James shrugged. “Here and there. I try to keep up with things. I want to make sure you’re not getting us into trouble. Well, no more than you did a few months ago.”

“I thought when it came to wrestling…I was in charge.”

“You are.” James said with a sigh. “Its just an old habit. I have a bit of a protective streak in me. It may not be as strong as yours, but it’s still there.”

“You don’t have to worry about me.” Abel stated.

“I do have to admit. I was a little jealous of how you were able to take out CHBK twice. I only got to wrestle that guy once. It was a great match, and I always wanted to fight him again.”

“He’s not who he used to be. He is just a pawn in the grand scheme of things.”

“Still trying to rid the SCW of Syren and Sienna?”

Abel shrugged. “I’m going to do my best.”

James paused as he turned away. He fiddled with the laundry for a few moments, trying to make sure his wife didn’t have to do anything major in terms of house work. “Still thinking about entering the battle royal? Giving it another go at the SCW Championship?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder at Abel.

“Yes. There would be no reason not to. You know you should be there with me.”

“It’s only been a few weeks, and I’m beginning to miss it, but Abel…” He sighed before turning and facing his other half. “This is the best thing for me.”

“But we have the chance to win the World title. We could do that together, if we get in sync.”

James shook his head. “I’d be holding you back, if I’m being honest.” He watched as Abel suddenly became withdrawn. He could tell Abel knew he was right. “You don’t have to admit it, but we both know it’s true.”

“You know if you keep an eye on me,” Abel began. “It will make you miss it even more.”

“Hey, baby steps. I was able to leave it alone for a few days, but after that, I couldn’t help but revert back to keeping up with things, even if its not really me in the ring.”

Abel simply nodded. James spoke again. “So, is there anything else going on? Like anything that I don’t know about? Something that I should know about?”

“Like what?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, Abel. I’m only trying to make conversation.”

“It came off like you don’t trust me.”

He shook his head. “No. I am putting trust in you. I will get over the whole “keeping an eye on you” thing a lot sooner than later. That is nothing against you. It’s all me.”

Abel shook his head. “Then to answer your question, there’s nothing else going on.

“Alright good.” He said, getting a certain feeling that Abel wasn’t telling the truth. James told himself that he was simply over thinking things. That he needed to let go. He wanted to. He just hoped it wouldn’t come back to bite him in the end.

________________________________________________

December 31st, 2019

New York City, New York

With her jacket zipped up and a hood over her head, Ivy concealed her identity as Amelia Jenkins. She walked through the cold streets of New York City. The weather sent shivers up and down her spine, but the city was alive and well. People were hanging out of bars, running up and down the sidewalks screaming for joy at the top of their lungs, all in the name of New Year’s Eve.

Amelia, Ivy recalled, never partied. She would have been too afraid of such a thing, as her life left her meek and mild.

She never really knew the loving touch of a man, or even a woman. Ivy, on the other hand, knew it all. Amelia was nearly raped, but Ivy took over. She turned the tables on her attacker, and she took advantage of him, getting her rocks off in the process. Ivy even lost Amelia’s virginity for her. The poor child didn’t know how to live.

Ivy dedicated herself to living for Amelia, as her other half simply wasn’t strong enough to do so. They both knew it to be true. Just as McIntosh knew it to be true, as well.

That is why he came to her, after pushing Amelia to the side, several weeks prior.

“Am I speaking with Ivy?” He asked.

The memory played through her mind, as she continued walking through the city and the night. She was sitting in his office, strapped to the chair.

“What the fuck is up with these straps?”

McIntosh grinned. “I know how emotional Amelia can be, just as I remember how dangerous you are.” He said, motioning to a scar on his hand from where she had bitten him years ago.

“You’re still crying over that?” She asked, before laughing. “Get over it.” She remembered saying, before spitting in his direction.

He leaned forward in his seat, wiping spit from his pant leg. “You see.” He began. “This is why I needed to talk to you. I couldn’t get through to Amelia.”

“Sounds like you want something.”

“You’re correct.”

“Fuck off, doc. And please…take as much offense as possible.”

He scoffed and shook his head. “You’ve always been pleasant, Ivy.”

“Undo these straps and I will show you how fucking pleasant I can be. I’m a little different than last time.” She hissed.

“Oh, I’m sure you are.” He said, before rising to his feet. She watched as he began to slowly walk back and forth in front of her. “But, I’m not here to fight, Ivy. I’m here to help you and Amelia. Or just you if you’ve grown tired of her.”

That last statement made her pause.  Just as it did as she walked. The memory faded for a few moments as Ivy retreated to an alleyway, away from anyone and everyone. She leaned against the wall of some random nightclub. She had thought about what life would be like if it was only her. If there was no Amelia. She had always protected Amelia, but no one had been there for her. She’d take the driver’s seat, but it always ended up going back to Amelia when all was said and done. She had lost count of the times she had wondered what it would be like if that never occurred. She also asked herself if it even needed to happen.

“What are you talking about?” She remembered asking, as the memory continued to play out.

“I don’t want to keep you or Amelia here. But I am also offering you the chance to be the dominant personality. A chance to rid yourself of Amelia. We both know how weak she can be. How much she has held you back, Ivy.”

She paused, and he grinned before he continued. “I can tell by your silence that you’ve considered the possibility as well.”

“I’m sure I’m not the only alter who has.”

He shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not.”

 

“So, you do want something.” She grinned and shook her head. “Why am I not fucking surprised?”

“I won’t beat around the bush then.” He said, before stopping in his tracks, still out of reach for her. “I do want something.”

“And what might that be?”

“There seems to be forces at work, trying to come against me and all the work I’ve done at Trinity.”

“You call what you’ve done here work? Let me guess…you’ve done it for the greater good.”

He nodded. “I do. I believe that with all I have. I know you don’t. Just like Amelia. You both saw this place as a hall of horrors.”

“That’s putting it lightly.”

“If I’ve wronged you in any way, Ivy…then let me make it up to you. Do what I plan to ask of you, and I will give you what you want. Freedom.”

The memory faded, as she recalled his request. All in all, McIntosh had to plan. She had to give it to him. Freedom sounded far more appeasing than anything else, especially given the fact she was strapped to a chair when he brought it up.

It was a foreign concept to her, but as she stood outside the New York Police Department, it felt a little more real than ever before. Ivy wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but she had given him her word, as he had given hers. They had placed trust in one another.

She entered the station, keeping her cool, as she recalled one last memory of her meeting with him.

“How do I know I’ll do right by you?” She had asked.

They locked eyes. “I don’t. You’ll be with the police. I will know if you changed your mind if I see police cruisers outside my residence.”

The memory faded as she reached the front desk. Without taking his eyes from his phone, he acknowledged her. “How can I help you?”

“I’d like to turn myself in. I’ve not committed a crime…” She said, as she remembered the information McIntosh had given her regarding Amelia’s disappearance. “But I know the police are looking for me.”

His eyes moved from his phone to her. “And you are?”

She removed her hood. “My name is Amelia Jenkins.” Her declaration threw the officer into a tailspin. He immediately began to make a phone call, barely taking his eyes off her. She stood firm, telling herself that she had made her decision, and she intended to follow through with it. McIntosh had a plan, she reminded herself, and this was only step one.

________________________________________________

Promo

The view showed James Evans sitting in a dimly lit room, as light shone in from the windows of what appeared to be an empty apartment building. It showed James Evans, but it was Abel who sat there, in a black shirt and jeans, with a black leather jacket on. His face pointed downward and to the left, as his hand gripped the SCW World Championship, as it was draped over his right shoulder. He sat there for a few moments, as the view drew a little closer. Once he looked up, everything became still, as he began to speak. “Being SCW World Champion means a lot to me. I’m not even sure I can put into words what it means to me, but it does mean a lot. And one would think that by ending the year 2019, winning the SCW World Championship just before the clock struck midnight, that I would be standing here before with a smile on my face. Now, trust me. I was smiling when I won. I was smiling when I showed up to Breakdown to last week, but then, my smile faded.”

A clip of ‘James Evans’ pinning Owen Cruze, and being declared the SCW World Champion was shown, before breaking into his celebration at the end of the EOTY battle royal, as well as the following Breakdown, before showing a smiling Abel only for the smile to fade, and the words continued to flow. “It wasn’t because I was booked against Giovanni Aries. I knew it was going to happen. He and I have business that needs to be resolved. It needs to be finished, so he can go his way and I go mine. It wasn’t because I was booked to face Syren the Breakdown after Day of Infamy, either. I’m good with that. I believe it needs to happen. What bothers me is the fact that the SCW World Championship, the most important title in this industry, is not going to be on the line.”

“I wanted to be Champion to defend against all comers. To defend my mettle against the mettle of others, with the title on the line. But that isn’t going to happen. Is it, Sasha?” The face of Sasha Drachewych appeared in the view, taking place of Abel’s face, before a white screen appeared. The words ‘Friend’, ‘Foe’, and a question mark appeared, before transitioning back to Abel, as he continued.

“No. You want to punish me for my recent behaviors. Is that supposed to be some sort of joke? Oh, wait. That seems to be the narrative you want to spin. That I won the title, and that now I don’t have to defend it. I get the insults hurled at me. People say you’re coddling me, but the fact of the matter is that you’re denying the SCW fans what they want to see. They want to see a Champion who won’t gripe about having to defend the Championship. They want to see a Champion willing to fight anyone and everyone. And that is who I am. That is the type of Champion I chose to be when I won this title, and yet…here we are.”

“Not only are you robbing the people, but you are robbing me.”

“Now, that may not matter to you but it damn sure matters to me. I’m not trying to get out of title matches. I’m not trying to get out of anything. I accepted responsibility for being Champion each and every time I have fought for this. And now that I have it, based on your bullshit perception, it seems less than a Championship. It seems like a prop.”

“You are giving Sienna what she wants.” A clip of Sienna Swann holding the Trios Contract appeared, before Abel continued.

“You are giving Syren what she wants.” Another clip played, this time of Sasha telling Syren of her match against ‘James’.

“Hell, you’re giving Aries what he wants.”

“And the fact of the matter is that you don’t seem to give a damn. I think that is the biggest slap in the face I’ve ever been given. I’ve never really questioned you since you came into power. I made a vow to do the right thing by your father, but now…now I can’t help but question you. Sure, you can question me because I didn’t do things the Owen Cruze way. That I got a little dirty in order to rid the SCW of a cancer like Syren.”

“She, along with Sienna, have done some questionable things in the past, and yet you make sure they are presented like Champions. That is why I stand by what I said, leading up to the End of the Year battle royal. I guess all you really have to do is become overdramatic and bitch consistently in order to get catered to. Is that what I have to do, Sasha?”

“You want me to bitch, moan, and complain in order to get to defend the SCW World Championship? To ensure it maintains its position as the most prestigious Championship in this landscape of this industry?”

“Well, you can kiss that little dream, goodbye.“

“I’ve not been playing by your rules for awhile now, and things are going to continue to shift.”

“I won’t conform to be like a Sienna, or a Syren.”

“I will just fight. I will fight against your system. I will fight against your rules. I will fight to pave a new way for this company.”

“Just as I will fight for the SCW universe. I’m not going to label them, because they are their own individuals. They have their own names. I’m not going to group or classify them by calling them Believers. They have their own voice, and it needs to be heard. I want to fight for them and their voice. You want to restrict my time as SCW World Champion, then I will fight to be a Champion of the people.” Another clip was shown, from when the cameras stopped rolling at the End of the Year show. ‘James’ was shown leaping into the crowd and celebrating with the fans.

“They were in unison the night I won the Championship. The Championship you’re robbing them of. By denying me the right to defend this title, that just shows you don’t value me as your Champion. That you don’t find Giovanni Aries worthy of a shot at the World Championship. This is going to backfire in your face, Sasha, as I’m not going to take this lying down. I will stand up for the people. I will stand up for myself, just as I will stand up for the importance of the Championship.” Abel slammed his free fist into the title plate of the Championship.

“You hear stories of companies having Champions who only show up when they feel like. You could have that. That will kill interest in your product.”

“You can try to push me aside in favor of the typical nonsense that appears on SCW programming, but you won’t be able to silence me, Sasha. I will bring this fight to the front door of SCW headquarters if need be. I will lead a march to the doorstep with fans who want great pro wrestling, and not having their screens filled with an owner taking TV time.”

“You can fine me if you wish. Suspend me if you want, but you won’t be able to change the truth, or the perception you’ve generated.”

“You don’t have to get as dirty as I did at Under Attack, but you have time to change this. You have time to do the right thing.”

“Will you, or won’t you?” Abel smirked, before continuing.

“I guess that is…the question.” The smirk faded.

Abel stood up from his seat, as he continued to address his situation. “And while you’re thinking of your answer, while you’re thinking of whether or not you want to continue to quote unquote coddle me, I’ll be preparing for my upcoming match against Kimberly Williams. Shit, can I defend against her? She’s dangerous and unstable in many aspects, but then again, so am I. She is also a former SCW World Tag Team Champion. She’s achieved success. She can go in the ring. I’d having a fucking blast defending against her.”

“You can quote me on that, Kim. You can write it down on a piece of paper before stapling it to your forehead, just to ensure you don’t forget.”

“Hell, we can have our match be anything goes. No disqualifications, Kim. I will gladly put the Championship on the line. We can go all over the arena. Shed some blood. It doesn’t matter to me. I am willing to lose buckets of blood for this Championship, as well as this sport. We can get as violent as necessary, and I will be game, because that is what the people, as well as this Championship, deserve. It is all worth fighting for, and bleeding over, if the cause calls for it.”

“Are you willing to go that route, Kimberly? There is something about you. I can tell you have no restrictions. That you will go as far as you feel you need to. That’s good, because at Breakdown, you will have to do just that if you want to get past me.”

“You may want to avenge your mother, due to how I disrespected her at the End of the Year awards ceremony. Many have called my actions fucked up or repulsive. Others have seen my actions toward your mother as fitting. Your mother and I were one hell of a tag team. We fought along side by side, taking on any and all comers, yet as soon as we dropped the titles, we went our separate ways. She talked about retirement, something I knew nothing of, and then she sided with Sienna, someone we had fought against, because she felt it would benefit her somehow.”

“Your mother turned her back on me and sold herself out. She allowed herself to be corrupted, pissing on all we fought for together, and all we fought against. That has never sat well with me, Kimberly. That is why I have thrown out a challenge, on more than one occasion. I want the Dragon to come forth, so I can fight back, and leave it lying in a pool of its own blood.”

“Maybe then your mother will see the truth. That she doesn’t have to be anyone but herself to maintain her legacy.”

“That she is good enough.”

“I don’t know what your mindset will be, Kimberly, but know I am not in this match to be your enemy. We can have one hell of a match. A match to overshadow Syren’s match, or even Owen’s. You see, you’re an outcast, Kimberly…just as I am. I’ve always been that, and for so long, I used to run from it, but now I refuse to run. I embrace it.”

“I’m more alive now than I have been in a long time.”

“I have the will.”

“I have a purpose.”

“To fight corruption. To fight for those who go on overlooked, never truly getting a chance to flourish within the current system of SCW.”

“A system that allows Syren and Sienna, and so many others like them, to pollute the airwaves with a never-ending stream of bullshit, while others are forced to sit in the back, just waiting for the chance to get a shot at truly putting themselves over that hump that’s been holding them back.”

“This week, you have the chance to truly make your mark. This doesn’t have to be some goofy nonsense like you’ve tried to throw at me on Twitter. I’ve ignored that shit because I don’t believe that is the real you. You need to bring the real you, that dangerous side, the side of you willing to go above and beyond, to the ring at Breakdown.”

“I’m not going to fight you head on, because I feel lucky. I don’t believe in luck. I do believe I am going to get the best out of you, pushing you to lengths you didn’t know were there, pushing to be the best you can truly be without the gimmickry of a stapler, to show you that you can step outside of your mother’s shadow, as well as your sister’s.”

“And should you beat me, Kimberly then we will have won together. Maybe then Sasha will see you as worthy of a World Championship match. Maybe then I will face you against next week.” 

“You see, when I came back in 2018, I wanted to fight to regain this Championship. I fought to showcase I was one of the hungriest superstars in the back, if not the hungriest. And now that I have obtained the World Championship, my hunger hasn’t subsided. My appetite has grown. That is why I will not take it easy on you. That is why I will fight with all I have and so much more.”

“Not only because I want to, but because I have to.”

“The mission is nowhere near complete.” Abel stated, as he stepped closer to the camera, before him.

“It continues with you.” His face filled the screen, as the words exited his mouth.

“Right now, it is kill or be killed, and I will do my damnedest to ensure you’re a casualty of war.” He released a deep breath, as he took a step back and taking another look at the Championship on his shoulder. He then glared into the camera one last time, before turning and walking out of view, as everything faded.