The Hunt For Self: Episode 9

The Hunt For Self: Episode 9
Call of Duty …

..:: The bags underneath his eyes tugged at the rest of his face and had done so for quite some time. The hunter didn’t offer as much as a blink in retaliation though; he was finally in range of his target and knew that he would only ever get one shot. Pressing his bloodshot pupil against the lens, he continued to stare at the void in front of him. The waiting game ate away at his insides, detaching his heart, soul and all the rest of his redeeming human qualities. Still, that was the way he wanted it though. That was the way it had to be: only a ruthless killing machine that was impervious to emotion could match up to the task loomed over him. ::..

..:: The snow storm that romped away in front of him sped up to fever pitch, spiraling like a frost encased hurricane. White flakes crashed down from the Heavens and pelted the ground blow. Digging his finger nails into the ice cold ground and biting his top lip, the hunter tried to retain his concentration as he composed himself and continued to watch the red cross-hair bob around on the horizon. ::..

..:: His thoughts wandered far from the battlefield though. His focus was blurred by the sins of his past... ::..

..:: Corey was facing up to a life of eternal torment as The leader who cheated and manipulated his way to the top again… He had only ever felt truly alive on the battlefield; the throbbing of his heart banging against his chest, the stale smell of sweat pouring from his armpits and the tingly sensation that an adrenalin filled moment provided him with made him feel most comfortable. Some people simply like to live on the edge. Some people are happy to build their home in even the foulest depths of Hell. Corey was one such creation. Now, with things at an all time high, he hoped to harness the passion and exhilaration he felt whilst in combat and channel it into the rest of his life. ::..

..:: The candle had burnt out long ago, but, on the battlefield, a flicker emerged amongst the darkness. ::..

- Corey –
“This is one head I don’t have sitting on my mantel, I gave him a second chance and I can take it away just as fast”

..:: He muttered to himself, soaked in a sea of perspiration and begging his itchy trigger finger to relent for a little while long. ::..

..:: Finally, the target emerged on the horizon. ::..

..:: A haggard, battle hardened warrior nonchalantly plodded into view and sucked on a cigarette. The smoggy poison filtered down his throat, warming his insides and providing him with an internal layer of protection from the blizzard that bombarded the area. He rolled his hand through his hair and gazed waywardly at the hillside. Immediately, he sensed that something was not right; he felt eyes zooming in on his chest like a laser guided missile. Cocking his right eye brow up inquisitively, he scanned the area for life ... but his attacker was well hidden under the veil of a thick snow colored ghillie suit. ::..

..:: The General saw his chance. ::..

..:: Squeezing the trigger with all his might, Corey smirked with a sense of satisfaction as he watched the clump of lead explode out of the barrel and rip through the night air towards its target. The bullet seemed to move at snail pace to him as he watched it ripple, skid and bend through the snow storm towards his intended prey: Johnny Styles ::..

..:: Before the unsuspecting victim could gather his wits about him, the bullet had crashed against his torso with an almighty thud. Styles keeled forward and clutched at his stomach in a moment of pure agony. However, the initial shock of the attack quickly wore off ... and, amazingly; he regained his footing with no wound to show for his troubles. ::..

- Corey –
“Huh?”

..:: Said Corey, rubbing his eyes in disbelief ::..

..:: Stooping forward once more, Johnny Styles grasped at the bullet that had only seconds earlier flown into his midriff. He picked it up and raised it to eye level. A large grin began to stretch from ear-to-ear. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“Is this the best that you’ve got, Corey?”

..:: He quipped, bragging to the wind ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“Rubber bullets?”

What the fuck? Rubber? That’s not possible thought Corey

† Johnny Styles †
“You wounded me once before, old friend, when I signed my soul over to help you on your quest to gold, but it won’t happen again. This time we’re going to fight the battle on my terms. This time it’s going to be completely different. This time you’re going to see what I’m really made of.”

..:: Corey staggered backwards, leaving his rifle resting on the hilltop and shaking from head to toe. He still couldn’t believe he had seen a lead bullet bounce off the man he had sworn to topple; there was just no way that he could have fired a rubber bullet. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“Ok, so maybe it wasn’t rubber”

..:: Smirked Johnny, hoisting the intended instrument of his demise above his head for all to see. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“That’s the thing about this battle though, Corey. You’re going to discover that nothing that you have in your arsenal is good enough to penetrate my armor. You’re going to discover that conventional means simply won’t get the job done in this field. You’re going to discover... the truth”

..:: He paused momentarily, inhaling deeply and sucking on his cigarette with vigor and passion. It was the final, dramatic pause that gave his last quip that bit much venom and zest. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“And that is that ... I’m completely bullet proof.”

..:: An eerie vibe grasped the wind by the scruff of the neck and sent it into overdrive. Corey stared on at his seemingly invincible foe with fear stricken eyes and a bulge in his throat. The truth had slapped him in the face with the power of a brick to the head. For all of his skill, for all of his courage, for all of his will power... he was still forced to question whether or not he had what it was going to take to get the job done. ::..

..:: Reality was a cruel business ::..



So, here we are for yet another action packed edition of the best show on TV: Battle Grounds. The years have drawn on and on, but I guess the song remains the same. I feel like I’m back to square one here as I prepare to go against Corey Casey. There’s certainly a massive part of me that feels like my life has come full circle; after all, we’re dealing with the man that played the most prominent part in my return to fame and, in all honesty, put Johnny Styles on the map one more time. If it wasn’t for Corey, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today...

And, of course, Corey is going to use that ever so clichéd line of “I made you! I can damn sure break you!” to remind you all of this fact.

However, this simply isn’t the case.

Evolution has forced me to change with the times. The thought of some kid looking at me on their TV set and viewing me as an archaic fossil has always forced a shudder down my spine. It just doesn’t sit right with me. I’ve always been known for my innovative techniques and I am the self professed King of Creativity ™ (How’s that for a new tag-line). Due to this, I’ve moved with the times and evolved accordingly. Wrestling simply isn’t like it used to be back in the NLWF, but I guess someone forgot to tell Corey Casey about this.

Let’s face it, CC … Using a master plan to get what you wanted? Nothing creative there since you’ve been doing it since your early days in NLWF

When I look at you, I’m not seeing the man I’ve known for all these years anymore ... You’re a shell of what you used to be, Your losing grip with reality, Fighting for control from your alter ego, but the same could be said of me. We cast two lonely shadows as we trudge down this never ending road towards our own destruction. You find yourself in exactly the same spot that I do: we’re both condemned men and the darkness is closing in. However, I think you see the chance of beating me as some sort of shot at reclaiming your life for the better...As some sort of staple in your sad pathetic career

Well, it’s not going to happen

This second run in my career is all I have left, Corey. It’s the reason that I actually drag my aching carcass out of bed each morning. Sure, your losing the battle to ‘The Lord’ and your life is slowly spinning out of control ... but you forget what sort of time I’ve had to endure over the past two years. I’ve been through it all; my wife died, my adopted son stabbed me in the back for the entire world to see and for the last few years, I’ve been wrestling in different shit holes just for a fucking check that doesn’t even amount to a full tank of gas! I’m the best fucking example of a walking car crash.

You don’t even come close.

I’ll entertain the sob story you’re going to throw my way though, CC. Remember this though: My career is staring death full on in the face and am mustering up enough strength to go about my daily life without too much of a grimace. I’m not content to fall about in a strop and feel sorry for myself. This is real life and I’m determined to live out the last of my days to the utmost of my potential...

And that means correcting the mistake I made when I joined sides with you and VVR

Make no mistake about this match, you’re going to lose this match, Corey. The unquenchable desire to be remembered as the best of all time has always motivated me to pull out the real artillery when it really matters. This match is personal to me, CC. Last week, you stole my fucking credibility and legacy inside that ring. You put me on blast like I didn’t give it my all against Shadow Demon. Now, it’s time to claim it all back. I’m not going to make any exceptions for friends here. This is all business. This is about tattooing my name into the wrestling history books and rightfully taking my place at the top of the mountain. My whole career there’s been someone like you pulling my strings, From Joe Santiago to Brenton Cyrus …

This is the last straw ... This is my fucking life’s work at stake

And if you think I’m going to let a rigid, two dimensional small time player take that away from me, you’ve got another thing coming.

As of right now, Corey Casey, you’re dead to me and it’s going to stay that way until I’ve had my hand lifted at Battle Grounds, and there isn’t a fucking army you can muster up to stop it from happening



..:: The violent thumping of his heart reverberated around the room like a manic tribal drum in full flow. Waves of perspiration had rendered his face soggy, sullen and sorrowful. The sound of heavy panting caused him to think about his respiratory patterns; and this, in turn, led to more frustration as he tried to physical govern his breathing. ::..

..:: Inhale. Exhale. ::..

..:: Inhale. Exhale. ::..

..:: One, two, three, four ::..

..:: One, two, three... ::..

..:: Suddenly, he leapt up in bed and through the covers to one side as he felt his heart miss a beat. The darkness that confronted his eyes offered him no comfort; he was trapped in a lonely abyss with no one to turn to for help. Johnny Styles knew the inevitable was only just around the corner; his life was nothing more than a waiting game now. In that instant, he sympathized with every man that had ever had to endure a walk to the gallows. ::..

We’re the same, aren’t we? We are fighting are voices, we are running from are vices said a voice

..:: Styles recognized it immediately. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“Corey Casey.”

..:: A ghastly apparition appeared in his head and pushed the ever familiar image of Corey Casey’s face to the forefront of his mind. ::..

- Corey Casey –
Two men living on the brink forced to duel it out for public satisfaction. We’re fucking puppets when you think about it.

† Johnny Styles †
“No shit”

..:: Holding his mid section awkwardly, Styles felt an uneasy rumbling in his stomach. Suddenly, a rush of bile exploded from the bowels of his belly and propelled itself up his wind pipe. A pool of vomit sprayed across the bed sheet and forced Johnny to clutch at his throat. Dropping to the floor of the room with an almighty thud, SB let out a monstrous groan and tried to regain his footing. Once more though, his legs gave way and he collapsed in a heap. ::..

- Corey Casey –
This fight is going to be about who wants it most, Johnny. We both know that. And after watching you dance with Shadow, I would say your almost out of gas

..:: The echoing of the hallucination’s voice bounced around in Johnny’s mind as he desperately tried to get up from off the floor. He simply couldn’t do it though. Instead, he threw a wayward hand up onto the bedside table and dragged his cell phone off. He began to punch in Nick’s number ... A number he hasn’t thought about dialing since the day he walked out of NLWF … but then stopped. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“It’s to late to make amends now”

..:: He mumbled, his words drenched in a mix of saliva and puke debris. ::..

..:: With a quick change of heart, he dialed his only Friend in the game’s number, Joe Santiago ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“Get round here fast, bro, I’m in a bad way.”

..:: Throwing the phone down onto the floor and closing his eyes, he tried to retain some sort of composure. The darkness provided him with the only real means of escape from the horrors that the real world had left him to face. ::..

- Corey Casey –
”I don’t care about your problems, Johnny. I’m coming to Battle Grounds to take everything away from you

..:: Taunted Corey as he watched the fallen idol crawl around on the floor like an abused toddler. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“Fuck you, Corey Casey”

..:: Cried out Johnny, finally dragging himself to his feet with a fire in his eyes. ::..

† Johnny Styles †
“I may not have a body that I can rely on anymore, but I’ve got everything that I need to beat you. I’ve still got enough left in the tank to pull this one out. This is the only thing that I can aspire to achieve now in this lifetime; This could be my final challenge.”

- Corey Casey –
Believe me, Kid, I’m determined to make sure that it is your final challenge.

† Johnny Styles †
“Good, Because the only way you’re going to have even a chance of winning this match is if you’re prepared to die out there yourself.”

..:: Once more, his legs gave in as he tumbled to the floor, smashing his head against the unforgiving wooden floorboards beneath. The life drained from his face at a painstakingly slow rate as his vision became blurry and began to blacken. ::..

..:: The image of Corey Casey face scrolled through his head during his final moment of consciousness... ::..

..:: And it was in that moment that he knew that the only thing left to prove to himself he could still hang with the younger crowed, was to knock the Champion down off his high horse ::..



A single thought lingers in my brain. It eats at my very soul and makes me wander for the future.

“Do I still have it?”

It’s a question that legends in this industry ask themselves after they’ve been to the top of the mountain. I’ve been there before. Many times. More times then Corey Casey ever dreams of. The things I’ve done to get to this point in my career. The bodies I’ve had to dismantle to get to greatness. Sure, the World titles were nice and all, but back then, however, I was not complete. I stand before you complete. I stand before you a man I never thought I would be. How many people can say they have beaten all the people I’ve beaten? Not too many, Not Corey Casey.

Let’s get one thing straight CC. I don’t like you and you don’t like me. It’s ok. It’s fine. You’ve gave me my second chance at the lime light, but that doesn’t make me your bitch. You’ve got your Degeneration X following and I’ve got myself. See, the only way you’ve been able to stay alive is because you have all your lackeys around, hell it’s the story of your career! Have you ever won a championship without having someone help you? You had the watered down verison of Salvation in NLWF, and here you have VVR and Dan Dickface. Don’t get it twisted CC, I used to be in your exact position. I used to be the leader of a faction. A leader of something that was supposed to be revolutionary. You’re trying to make the goon squad something revolutionary but when the smoke clears from the loaded gun, you will realize that shotguns are sporadic and unreliable.

Loaded guns always know what they’re doing.

Factions never prosper, Corey. Someone always wants something more and once the students get better than the teacher, the teacher starts handing out expulsions. Ass kicking, blood spilling, and End Results through tables. Well, that’s how I handled the dismantlement of all my crews. You’re on that same path. There’s a reason everything has been all about Corey Casey. You’re starting to get greedy and sooner than later, you’re going to dedicate someone through a table.

Give it time, fucker.

It didn’t take long for you to turn the tide against me. The guy who held open the door to your championship run! If I wasn’t busy playing grab ass with Shadow, you wouldn’t have had the time to even make it into the main event of ‘From The Ashes’ You should know how I am, CC. If this was normal, I would have jumped your ass every chance I got. There’s a reason I followed your play calls. There’s a reason I took the abuse last week. There’s a reason I have said nothing and done nothing.

It’s a fucking mind game, kid.

Drive the car into hell. Drive it into the depths of hell and attempt to throw me into the fire. The one thing you’ll never see is SB in the trunk sitting up with a loaded gun. When you open up that trunk your face will be blow to bits as you’re lying in a pool of your own blood.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

See, when you were still wetting the bed CC, I was running the show, changing the game for the better. I started stables, I trained future champions, and I demolished legends. You’re a piece of shit compared to them. You stole my style, my swagger, and you’re trying to run with it. It’s not working out bro.

You’re neither edgy, nor cool.

But, I will admit, you made some valid points. I’m not what I used to be. I’m not connecting on both ends like before; I’m a bit confused. I don’t know if I want to do this anymore. I’m tired of the training, the performing, everything.

I’m bored.

But look at you, full of life; fresh. I remember that. I can remember many of things that I’ve accomplished. But I think it’s time to let them go. That’s the past right? I’m washed up, trying to catch my reality here. I’m losing time, right boss?

I’m not sure.

New chapter, fresh start. I’ve tried this before; We’ll give it one last run. What’d you think?

I’ll show you why I’ve done what I’ve done.

The things you heard about me…

I fucking earned them, buck.

You’ve studied my style, my composure. You’ve been sneaking in as many glances as possible. You’ve always loved my swagger, as much to make it your own Corey. Why not? It looked so fucking good. I’m not sure what to think. I’m a bit irritated but the poor kid is star struck. He needs this for himself. I’d been there, Christ, for first timers I look like junk. I’m rusty as fuck, and I’m not as eager as I once was. I’m uncomfortable, that’s perfect.

But CC’s seen me succeed; he’s been a fan from the beginning. He’s caught that sense of self-worth I ooze. That’s why he came looking for me, believe it or not I wasn’t begging to sign up to NLWF 2.0!

Now I’m struggling, trying to keep pace with the fresh faces. I feel old, maybe it’s something I’ve done wrong? I’ve relied too much on other people lately? Nope, I think it’s the fact that I could give two shits if this sank or floated. I’ve made a name for myself all around the world, because I’ve done legendary things. I’ve made the dream come true. Now I’m just lingering around, hoping for a handout. I’m gonna try something else.

I’m going to switch directions.

Congratulations on trying to be me, (Don’t bullshit CC, I was calling myself the Lord – The God before you even laced up a pair of boots). I’ve seen you before, too many times. I’ve watched the likes of you try to run with the big dogs. Hyped up on whatever they had done prior. I’ve done this long enough where this can be the last run. Win or lose with you, and I CAN forecast that W, I’m finishing my career. So you want to be that stepping stone, it’s fine with me. We’ll make this quick, and hopefully painful.

But I’m sure you already know what’s coming. You seem very comfortable quoting me, and looking up everything in my past. You certainly did your homework didn’t you?

You’ve ridden your cloud far enough guy, times are about to change.

Throw your metaphors out there CC, I’ve heard it from everyone before. Call me a so-called-legend because I’ve heard it all before. The thing that separates you and I is a career worthy of the Hall of Fame, Hell my career makes Death Angel’s look like child’s play! It’s that I have talent and your clique of kids that look like they just walked out of the frat house just don’t. You don’t know what you are or who you are supposed to be. You look like you just walked out of a Harley Davidson shop and your other guy looks like those faggots in those Abercrombie and Fitch ads. You know, which his gay looking face and his 18 pack abs that no one cares about.

You know what; bring the whole Corey clones with you to the ring with you. They can look on from the apron hitting it with their hands as I take you out one at a time. Bring your best game with you to that ring, kid. Bring all the support you need. The only thing I need is myself. Thats the only things I need when it comes to wrestling. I used to need others, but that was only to get me to the top. Then they all go rapidly down hill. VVR and Dan ‘The Sell Out’ once Corey gets what he wants out of you two, you both will be sent packing!

I’ll be waiting for your gang of teenagers to jump me from behind, CC because lets face it, that’s the only way you know how to win. It’s what people like you do. You wait until there is no one else around and you attack. That’s the truth, kids. You can break every bone in my body for all I care. The difference between the Corey Bunch and SB-ME is one thing.

It’s the gift and the curse.

It’s a name.

It’s a message.

It’s a blessing.

It’s what you three will never be as long as I’m still breathing.

A LEGEND!