Zane Orion [vs] Storming Raven

Prologue: Shortly after Battlegrounds.

An IWF.com after the bell exclusive.

A bloody, beaten Storming Raven walks back through the curtain holding his ribs. Even after the beating he took, there is a sick sadistic smile on his face.

“It's not over, not by a long shot. Thor, I knew all along you were a fucking hypocrite, but I didn't know  it was of this magnitude. You kick me out of the Empire of blood over this? You said yourself changes had to be made, but when someone other than yourself makes those changes, you don't like it. Hell just to prove how big of a hypocrite you are, take a look at your left hand man. Your enforcer, as it were. Frank Finelli is in the mafia, I'm sure he's done things like I did, and worse. Yet I'm the one you kick out? Now I know what you're thinking. He has some kind of twisted code of honor. He doesn't hurt kids. Well, guess what? No matter if it's intentional or not the mafia hurts kids in some way, shape, or form. Whether it's drugs screwing with their neighborhoods, or someone who is a father,grandfather, or uncle being killed in a hit? THAT effects kids, and I'm the bad guy? Give me a fucking break! I don't need your little cult anyway. I am my own man, but never forget Thor...my blood runs through your veins. You may be able to kick me out of the Empire of Blood, but you can never be rid of my influence....”

His grin grows wider, and even more sadistic as he pushes his blood soaked hair out of his eyes.

“Griffin Hawkins, you may have beat me, but you didn't KILL me. I'm still standing. Therefore you accomplished nothing. That which does not kill me, only makes me stronger. I'll just keep coming back, better, and stronger than ever. This is only the beginning of your nightmare.”

He takes a bottle of water from a nearby table, twists the cap off, takes a drink, and pours the rest on his head washing away the blood.

“Last on the agenda, Tim Patrick. I only wish you could see I did this for your own good. I'd challenge you to a match, but this shadow of what you once were wouldn't be worth my time. What happened to the guy I tore the house down with at Bloody Sunday 2? See that's the guy I'd like to face again, not this sniveling wimp you've turned into. If you could find your balls, then I'd face you, but the outcome would be vastly different. Until then it's just not worth my time and attention. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to plan for more changes I intend to bring to the company.”

Storming Raven walks away and out of the door of the backstage area, with his head held high and a sadistic chuckle on his lips.

Chapter one: Runaway train.

The night is as dark as a dungeon. Thunderheads roll across the night sky, making it hard to see your hand in front of your hand. The camera shows the Homewood cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It stops on Storming Raven sitting on a crumbling headstone in the far back, oldest part of the cemetery. Eerie green lights are on the ground, illuminating the black and white skull painted face of Storming Raven. He doesn't look impressed. Finally he speaks.

“This entire town smells like the rotting corpse of a syphilitic two dollar whore, with a stomach full of dog shit. How do people live here?”

He sneers as if the smell has gotten worse.

“And the sports teams. How do they pick these names? A random drawing out of a hat? The Pirates, a team of pillaging, drunken rapists? Then there's the penguins...flightless birds, utterly useless. Not to mention there are no actual penguins, except maybe in the zoo, in captivity. Though enough about this shit town, let's talk about what really matters. This week on Battlegrounds, management apparently didn't learn the lesson the first time. You put me in a match, regardless if it's a man or a woman they will get hurt. I can only hope this time, there's no butt hurt white knight to “avenge” her, knowing full well he just wants to get in her pants. Just be honest with yourselves guys, you'll be happier that way. I make absolutely no qualms about who I am.”

With a flourish Storming Raven rolls his shoulders, and turns his neck side to side popping the muscles one by one. The sound is like those old cap guns kids used to play with, going off in rapid succession.

“So like any born fighter, I did my research. Zane Orion, also known as Crazy Zane. Well that's not much of a stretch, ALL females are crazy. Yet, I am a totally different kind of crazy. What has management got against this girl, to put her in a match with someone a foot and three inches taller than her, and easily outweighs her by one hundred and forty pounds?”

The storm clouds above finally let loose a torrent of stinging rain, along with furious thunder and vivid lightning.

“Pretty basic stuff with this chick. Being hit by a car caused her to lose her memory, no idea who she is, went from foster home to foster home, now she wrestles thinking it might be “fun”. Well it's anything BUT fun. It's a fight for survival. If you're not tough this business will chew you up and spit you out. There is also the possibility like many women, she is just using this business that so many people give their heart and soul for, as a stepping stone to something else.”

He nods with a sinister smile, a strange look in his eyes. He speaks with an unnaturally calm voice.

“So it's a classic case of female insecurities. Sad really. The only difference in this case, instead of becoming a stripper or porn star, she chooses a career that allows her to rub up against men with her clothes on to keep some twisted sense of self dignity. So what's the story Zane, foster father have a warped sense of what was punishment, and what was abuse, beat you black and blue? Was he always telling you how utterly worthless you were? How you'd never amount to anything? Is this why you have this urge to prove yourself? So much so you risk severe injury to your person, or even death?  She is quite fond of saying 'Get off my V' I'm sure this is reference to her vagina. This begs the question just how many men have been IN her V to get off of it to begin with? Typical story of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places. There's no room for love in this business. You got to leave all that shit out of the ring. You have to be completely focused on your opponent from bell to bell, or you'll wind up in a world of hurt you can't even begin to imagine. ”

Lightning crashes and hits a tombstone to Storming Raven's left. It explodes, and granite shrapnel goes everywhere. Some hits Storming Raven in the right calf, but he seems unaffected.

“I am sorry management has seen fit to throw you to the wolves, Zane. It's nothing personal at all, just business. The business I've been in, nearly my entire life. The business of hurting anyone who stands in the way of what I want. Let me tell ya, business is booming.”

At these words a loud clap of thunder crashes through the land vibrating through nearby tombstones. The camera switches to view the neighborhood as lightning strikes taking out a row of power lines, causing a black out in every house. The camera then returns back to Storming Raven.

“Zane Orion, WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE!”

[end scene]

Chapter two: Here I go again on my own.

Off camera is a much different experience for our misunderstood hero.  “Man in black” by Johnny Cash plays in the background. Storming Raven is far from happy. The hotel room is trashed, his hair is disheveled, and his fists are bloody. Who can really know what’s on his mind?

Nekora walked into the hotel room with her cloak on, wearing a long black and purple corset dress and black boots, her eyes widening at the sight as she closed the door and leaned against the frame.

[color=#993399]“Baby, are you alright? What’s the matter?” She asked him. “What happened here?"

He looks up and tries to grin seeing her, but it just isn’t the same.

“Would ya believe a tornado came through the room?”

“Uh, No. What in the holy fuck happened here? And...why are your hands bloody?”

He sighs.

“That kind of happens when fist meets glass. Another soul on the lost highway. Nearly ten years I’ve been in this business. I finally get in the main event last week. Then this week where am I? Right back in the curtain jerker match. It’s an injustice. All the blood I’ve spilled, the bones I’ve broken, the tears I’ve tasted, it’s all been for nothing. I’m right back at the bottom of the fucking barrel. What’s worse management puts me in a match with another woman. Are  they insane or just stupid? I thought I made it abundantly clear I don’t want to hurt a woman, but I will if I have to.”

“I hope you don’t do that with me. But anyway, these guys are purely fucking stupid. You are the only god damn guy i know with some chivalry around here. I don’t fight guys, i fight other girls. And Vice versa if i was a dude.” She sighs.

He stands, not wincing at the pain in his hands, or even paying attention to the blood pouring from his hands. He walks over to the sliding glass door that leads to the balcony and just stands there looking out at the landscape. He sighs and puts his palm against the window and hangs his head. Soon the song from the stereo changes to “Here I go again” by Whitesnake. He shakes his head.

“Here I go again on my own, ain’t that the fucking truth? All I’ve done for nothing. Why do I even try anymore? I’m still sitting on go, waiting for the great spirit to guide me, to show me the way. I made a promise to my father on his deathbed to bring pride back to the Cherokee. So far, I’ve just been a joke to everyone.”

Nekora sighed and undid her cloak, tossing it to the side as she walked out to the balcony with him, grabbing a wet washcloth to clean off his bloody hands. She took one of them and began to wipe the dripping blood off his knuckles, occasionally squeezing it out over the railing.

[color=#993399]“These assholes don’t know your true potential. You’re one of the strongest guys I’ve known, and that’s not just me being kind. I mean it. You deserve to be on the main event, instead of the minor opening match...Both of us do. But you deserve it more than i do. I wish these motherfuckers would get their heads out of their asses and show you the recognition you deserve. And i wish i had a spell to help you out here, but i left all my gear back at my house. You’re powerful, Raven. Stronger than any of these whack jobs that pop up every week. And you don’t need to fight a girl...You’re better than that. Dumb motherfucking pricks...” [/color]she groaned as she cleaned his wounds, trying to calm him down.

He sighs and bends over to gently kiss her lips. The next song from the stereo makes him look back and raise an eyebrow. “I think I love you” by David Cassidy.

“Well that was unexpected. It’s like it’s reading my thoughts.”

She laughs a little, her dark red lips curving into a smile. “Either that, or i mentally changed the song. Either way, i think it somehow works.”

He grins. This time it’s the real deal.

“Maybe I can pull some strings, get you on the main show with me. I want you by my side as often as possible.”

“I’d like that. If they want you on the main, They gotta take me too. We’re a packaged deal. Kinda like...a Two-for-one sale at Hot Topic. They get me as a bonus.” She chuckled, pulling her long curls back over her ears, suddenly hiding her right ear cause of an embarassing injury.

He chuckles, and runs his fingers over her cheek.

“Can’t ya think of a better place than Hot Topic? That place is a total sell out. Sure it used to be cool, with horror movie action figures and cult fan related stuff. Last time I attempted to go in, I saw Justin Bieber and Twilight shit all over the place, and immediately turned around and left.”

“I was talking about the old one before it went to shitsville, population 1. Besides, it was the first place that popped in my mind. It was either that, or Spencers, which is hella better. One of my favorite places.” Nekora laughed at her own goof-up, a faint blush appearing on her pale face.

I nod in approval.

“Indeed Spencers is way better. Where else can you get a stripper pole and a Paris Hilton blow up doll. I wonder if it comes with life like herpes?”

“Who the fuck knows? Hahaha...That’s where i got my stripper pole, by the way. That, and most of my burlesque stuff.”

I brush her hair away from her ears.

“You never have to hide anything from me. How would you feel about being my manager?”

“Um...Well, I’d like that. Besides, I’d never betray you like some of these High-maintenance, bubblegum pop-loving, justin beiber-listening, constantly-worrying-about-their-appearance bitches. And...i really don’t like showing off my right ear...it’s bifurcated from an accident. I still wear an earring in it, though. It’s the only thing i don’t like showing off.” She said,showing off her fangs in a curved smile.

He shrugs and takes off his black T shirt, showing his torso that looks like a patchwork quilt with scars all over.

“We all have our battle scars, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re warriors we should wear them with a badge of honor.”

With a sigh, she pulled a hairtie off her wrist and pulled her hair into a high ponytail, showing off the bottom of her right earlobe that was split in half, resembling a pacman like mouth when her ears moved.

“Some asshole ripped my earring out and it healed up like this. Never got it fixed. But i still wear my hooked earrings in it though.”

He kisses the top of her head.

“It doesn’t change a thing. You’re still the most beautiful girl in the company.”

“Heh...You’re just saying that.”

He puts his hands on her shoulders, trying to convey what he feels with his eyes.

“I would never, lie to you, or hurt you in any fashion. I’d rather die.”

She blushed a little, making her pale face look like someone had splashed red paint on a white sheet. “Thank you...”
He nods.

“There’s no need for any thank yous. I’ve never felt like this for any other woman, before. I specifically say woman, because all the ones before may have been women by age, but they were just little girls.”

“Really? You mean, they were like...the 26-going on 16 kinda girls who care about themselves more than others?”

He nods with a slight chuck. That pretty much hit the nail on the head.

“I know it’s hard to love a man who still lives like he’s on the street. It’s a hard habit to break.”

Nekora smiled softly. “I may have a dark past and a  heart that  feels like stone when  i’m depressed, but even i have a good heart for others. When i’m in public, i help others. I don’t care about how i look, cause i’m comfortable the way i am, and i don’t need material possessions to make me happy. I don’t need fancy clothes or jewelry to make me fall in love with someone.  My heart shall only go to the person i feel who deserves it. And...I’ve come to the conclusion...it belongs to you. You treat me the way i deserve to be treated...and that’s all i really want. In fact, isn’t that what everyone wants?”

He grins and runs his fingers through her hair.

“Well obviously not everyone. There’s a lot of gold diggers out there.”

"Yeah, but that's not me."

He grins.

“I know, and that is why...I love you.”

"And I love you too. Damn...I haven't said that in...what, 4 years? It feels good to say it again. " She smiled.

“Yes it does. I can feel this time will be different from the past.”

"I agree."

He takes her in his arms and gently kisses her. For that moment it seems like there is no one else in the world.

[end scene]

Chapter 3: A deal with the devil.

Storming Raven walks into his hotel room in Pittsburgh, and he immediately feels another presence, but he’s not worried. He turns to the easy chair hidden in the shadows, with a smirk.

“Hello Ian.”

Ian McFadden -  What took you so long?  I think I’m being watched.

Storming Raven grins, and runs his left hand through his hair.

“What can I say? I’m a wanted man. I just had to do a little back tracking to make sure I wasn’t followed. You can’t make the hunter the hunted.”

Ian McFadden - No, you idiot.  Me!  I’m being watched.  The phone keeps clicking and there is a van across the street that hasn’t moved in days.  Must be the cops.  On the bright side have you seen the news about Tim?  He’s completely mentally broken.  We fucked his head up beyond repair.

Storming Raven takes a pack of Pall Mall reds from his pocket, shakes one out of the pack and flips it into the air, catching the filtered end in his teeth. He sits down on the edge of the bed and strike a match on the heel of his boot.

“First off, watch your tone when you’re talking to me. You’re on MY turf. I could just as easily turn you in, or make you disappear in the same swamp they found the body, then go to a reservation and be free of any charges, that’s IF anyone actually cared enough. I’ve got friends in high places too you know. Secondly, it’s just plain rude. You are a guest in my temporary dwelling. Third,   I wouldn’t be so sure about Tim. He’s smart, I didn’t spend all this time getting close to him for nothing. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

He cocks his head to the side.

“I mean come on. Retrograde amnesia? That’s some Lifetime movie of the week bullshit. I know he’s faking. I just got to push him far enough Yprove it. Doctor’s documents can be faked I’m sure you know. Hell my ex fiance fucked with lie detector results. The treachery of the human race knows no bounds.”

Ian McFadden - His boss Alex, his friend Blyss, all sorts of doctors...they would have to be in on it.  I don’t think Tim has the people skills to pull that off.  I’ve known him longer than you and I’ve been trying to ruin him for the last decade.  He’s unbreakable...or at least, he was.  I think you have him right where you want him.  He’s a child now pretty much.  If I go after him in any way they’ll find me.  You have to be the one who ends him.  I know you want to do it in front of the world too.  Go to Pittsburgh on Monday for the wrestling show and trick him into signing a contract for a fight with you and break his neck.

Storming Raven takes a long drawl from his cigarette, inhaling deep, and exhaling through his nose.

“Never believe anything people do or say, until it is written in stone. As far as breaking his neck; well I can manage that. I’ve got an idea for something even better though. Do you know where I can get some C4? I’ve been thinking of a few new tricks for the trail of tears.”

Ian McFadden - They took away most of the UVF arms in 2005.  Now we only have guns if we’re lucky enough to find them.  You work for a giant wrestling company, if you want some sort of crazy shit like that for a match, ask your boss.  And I like how you think, light his ass on fire.  

Storming Raven stubs out his cigarette on the nightstand next to the bed, and walks over to the sliding glass door that leads to the balcony of his hotel room. He just stands there looking over the city.

“You can take the guy out of the street, but you can’t take the street out of the guy. Maybe after this people will realize, I’m not one to laugh at. It’s always been me against the world. It just took a while to realize it.”

Ian McFadden - I hate Tim for his politics and for what he does.  But he’s a strong man who is loyal to people he cares about and he’ll die for his beliefs.  Why did you assist me?  Why did you turn on him?

Storming Raven smirks.

“My reasons are my own. When I feel like letting people know those reasons. It will be public knowledge. You white men and your politics. My people never had any use for such things. The world isn’t a polite place. You just do the best you can, then you die. All men die, but not all men truly live.”

Ian shrugs and walks over to Raven, standing next to him.

Ian McFadden - This chick you have to fight this week.  What’s her name?  Zeb? Zorn? Something stupid.  Something tells me you’ll have a great time punching a woman in the face with your bare hands.

Storming Raven shrugs, a scowl on his face.

“You don’t know me very well. I’d rather not hit a woman, but this is a business, a war. History is written by men who win wars. It’s not my fault management put a woman in the ring with me, but I won’t show any mercy. Something I’ve learned from history I guess...The white man never gave my people any mercy, so why should I show anyone mercy? Only the strong will survive.”

Ian McFadden - Don’t lose sight on Tim during your match this week.  This week means nothing without getting him to agree to fight you.  

Storming Raven looks to the sky from the sliding glass door, as rain begins to fall.

“So it is written, so it shall be. It will be like taking candy from a baby. Tim’s nightmare has only just begun....”

Storming Raven watches as Ian walks off to the bathroom. This wouldn’t normally be a weird thing, but the man sleeps in the bath tub. People are crazy.

[End scene]