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I'm starting to really get tired of all of this crap. Every damn time I try and get something started...every time I try and put my trust in someone else, to get a force started, I'm always left high and dry. Well I've had enough of this bullshit. James better have had a damn good reason for it, or I swear to GOD! *inner sigh* Get a grip of yourself Markus, you've got a match you've gotta concentrate on this weekend, and you're on your own now, just how you're used to. Don't let Billy get in your head, and don't think about what happened last week. Just let the past rest, and move on with the future. It's not going to go away, you just need to let it rest. So calm down Markus...just calm down. 

*Markus was obviously infuriated by the actions of his partner last week at Nextasy, Billy James. He had thought that this was going to be different than all of his previous partnerships, where he was abandoned. This time he assumed things would be different in the GNL, more dignity, more class. But he quickly realized that you couldn't exactly expect class and dignity out of a biker who frequents bars such as the one he took Markus to on his first week in the GNL. 

Markus roamed the streets of New Orleans all throughout the morning. He wasn't exactly a morning person, but was restless in any attempt to sleep, since the match at Nextasy. He had no clue what the motives were for Billy James, and that seemed to bother him, but he tried to put it in the back of his mind. 

As he walked along the crowded streets of New Orleans, he looked around at all of the people, some starting early on the alcohol, walking into the pub on the corner. Markus thought that these people were quite sad. Not in a degrading way, but more in a pity, sympathy sort of way. He never enjoyed the taste of alcohol, more preferred energy drinks and sports drinks over any soft drinks or liquors. He stopped, and took a seat at an out door cafe at the corner, across from the pub he noticed. 

A waitress walked past him, glancing back at him in disbelief, before walking on, checking on a couple sitting at a spot a few tables down. She took their trays and walked back by, motioning to Markus to hold on for just a moment. So there he waited, watching the passer-by's, scurrying along in whatever direction they were heading to whatever they were intending on doing. Markus was a great observer, always very quiet and composed, though overly outgoing when he feels most comfortable. Out doors he tried to make as little noise, and attract as little attention as possible, and sometimes managed to pull it off. Since it had been quite some time since his last stint in the wrestling industry, he wasn't as noticed as he would've been this time last year, or a year prior to that. And it wasn't as though he tried to dress overly suspicious, he walked out of his hotel this morning in a pair of black Dickies, a Dragon GNL black and red sweatshirt -given to him by Dragon himself as a practical joke this Christmas past-, and a red beanie with the GNL emblem on the front. He sat at the table on the patio of the cafe as the waitress came by and took his order. She seemed visibly nervous and anxious, but tried hard to hide those jitters. 

~Waitress~
All right, sorry for the delay sir...you're Markus Katastrophik, aren't you? Oh My God! I knew it was you. It's such an honor to meet you Mr. Katastrophik.

*Smiles and nods in response* Please, Markus will do just fine.

~Waitress~
Ok, Ma-Markus. You're wrestling tomorrow aren't you? I'm so excited. My girlfriend bought the tickets to go see all of you guys at the Superdome, and all though she's a Francesco Notorioso fan, I still LOVE you! 

*Chuckles* Well thanks a lot. It's always great to meet a fan. You and your friend have wonderful taste in talent. Fran is an incredible athlete, and a great guy to cheer for. I know I've done quite a bit of that myself watching him wrestle.

~Waitress~
I know that it gets annoying to have to do so many autographs for your fans, but could you do me the favor of one, please? It'd mean so much to me!

Absolutely, it's really no hassle what so ever. I take time out every night after the shows to sign as many autographs as it takes. It really is no problem. I love meeting new fans. 

*The waitress handed Markus a black sharpie out of her work apron and leaned down, as Markus autographed the back of her nice white work dress shirt, 'To Veronikah, the biggest T.K.O fan in Louisiana, keep it rockin, keep it real, Love always, your friendly neighborhood Katastrophik One, Markus Katastrophik.' The waitress was ever-grateful and served Markus his coffee before running back to the building and changing her work shirt, before he boss saw what she had done to her shirt, and fired her. Markus went along, finished his drink and left the money on the table, as he hopped the railing sealing off the patio, and dropped down the five feet to the concrete sidewalk. 

He peered out, watching the people closely, following their actions, and studying their movements. Markus was always really interested in people, their actions and their traits. He noticed a couple across the street, near the entrance to the park located in the center of the downtown area he was at. They seemed to be arguing, rather heated, but he couldn't hear them, only observe their emotions and actions. For a moment it looked as though the man was about to hit the woman, which incensed Markus to no end, but he cooled down, just before Markus appeared ready to charge across the street and intervene. From a seat behind him, a voice all too familiar spoke out to him...*

Always had to be the superhero, didn't you Markus? *Female chuckle* You never knew when to mind your own business.

*This voice froze Markus in fear. He went through a brief moment of denial, when he thought it was only in his head he heard this voice that had haunted him for years now. But as the voice spoke, he realized that it was reality. Slowly Markus turned around, away from the street and towards the woman's voice.*

H-hey Raven. What're you doing here?

I heard you'd be coming around here soon. And when I found out it was this weekend, I wasn't about to pass up a chance to speak to you. We need to talk Markus.

What the hell is there to talk about? You've got equal custody of Dryden, and all the money you could EVER need. What more do you want from me?

*Raven nods slowly* All right, all right. I deserved that. But you don't understand. It's been a few years now since we've spoken. And I came out here hoping to get away from you, get away from the memory of you, but I've realized that I just cant let it all go. And Dryden should have a loving mother and father there for him at all times. And you...should have a loving bride. 

What're you trying to tell me Raven?

*Raven looked at Markus with a desperate, longing look on her face, and a hopeless look in her eyes* Can we just go somewhere and talk, that's all I ask. If nothing more...

*Markus agreed and the two walked down the street, side by side, conversing as the cameras faded out.*

--Later That Night--

*It was much later in the day, night had fallen since the last time we saw Markus on the streets of Louisiana, and he had all ready spoken to his estranged ex-fiancée Raven. So many things were swarming in his head, but he sat alone in Dragon's private office in the Superdome pondering each and every one of them, seemingly at once. He tried to occupy the thoughts of Raven with something else. He picked up the remote to the flat-screen television and switched it on, replaying the footage from last week's Nextasy, as well as the promo cut earlier by Downcast. He sort of chuckled, finding some of the things he said rather humorous. But before he had a chance to relish in the joke of it all, he became stern and intent. Only question was intent on what? A few minutes go by, and the door opens to the office room and in steps GNL Co-Owner Dragon.*

Who the hell is in here?

*Markus spun around in the comfortable executive chair and propped his feet up on the desk and chuckled* Oh it's just me buddy. 

What the hell man? You've got your own locker room. Didn't you see that this one had 'Dragon' in big bold letters on the door? Even a down syndrome kid coulda seen that one. So what gives?

But mine was too small. Mine was too big. Mine had a little midget in it. I didn't ask for the midget. *Markus chuckles as he speaks sarcastically, just trying to get under Dragon's skin.*

Dude! What if I had been having sex in here?

Oh don't even pull that. You know you haven't been laid since the LAST Bush was in office *laughs flat out as Dragon shakes his head*.

Bro, just go find your own room. 

*Dragon pointed to the door and sorta laughed along with Markus at the last remark, as Markus took his feet off the desk, and climbed out of the chair slowly. Markus walked over towards Dragon and patted him on the shoulder, greeting him, and bidding farewell at the same time. 

Oh yeah, and Markus?

*Markus turns back to Dragon as he exits the room.*

That was pretty messed up what happened last weekend. I'm sorry bout that. Good luck this tomorrow night.

*Markus smirks* Piece of cake bro... piece of cake!

*Markus exited the door and walked down the corridor, before running into a cameraman fiddling with his camera, making sure everything is ready. Markus was intrigued by this and stopped him for a moment.

Hey, is that thing working?

Yeah...

Is it loaded?

Yeah...

Is there enough film?

Yeah...why?

Come with me!

*Markus smirks and places one arm around the cameraman as they walk on down the halls until they get to the room designated for Markus Katastrophik. Markus instructs the cameraman to turn on the machine and start recording. 

--Recording Commences--

Welcome Downcast. Welcome indeed. I was thinkin' about you earlier and decided to make you this little present, think of it as an introduction. An introduction much unlike the one you're bound to receive this Saturday at Nextasy. At Nextasy, you'll get a one-on-one introduction, face to face with PAIN. Now I watched your little comments before. A Trick Pony? Clever, if you were trying to make me laugh, you certainly did that. But allow me to help you out on how to pronounce my name. It's Ka-ta-st-ro-ph-ik. Come on boys and girls...all together now, K-A-T-A-S-T-R-O-P-H-I-K. Very good children. I'm proud of you. 

But enough of the small talk 

*Markus pushes his locker room door open and steps inside, as the camera follows. Inside of the locker room, to much of everyone's surprise sits Raven, nice and pretty, dressed in her darkest for the occasion. The camera focuses on her before Markus instructs the cameraman differently.*

That, is none of your concern right now. Downcast, you've seen the humor of Markus Katastrophik, but don't even begin to think that will be what you get tomorrow night. Oh no, no, no! At Nextasy, you'll wish that it was all one big joke when the bell rings and you realize just what you're dealing with... two-hundred-seventy-nine pounds of BEAST! I'll give you a little head's up right now. If you're trying to look for a way to defeat me, QUIT. If you're trying to build alliances to overcome this obstacle, GIVE UP. And if you're thinking that you're going to just walk all over me like you claim to think...YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING! 

I can see the arrogance in your eyes. You think that your being a champion in the NFWA is going to get you your meal ticket in the GNL? You need to think again. Your prior achievements are simply far distant cries in memories now. You've stepped into the GNL, and you've gotta prepare yourself for a task far more difficult than anything you've faced there. And the first test of that... comes less than twenty-four hours from now. Are you really PREPARED to face me? Or do you simply think you're ready, and that you're going to walk all over me. Cause being prepared, and being confident are two entirely different things. If you were prepared, you wouldn't have to talk all your game out in the ring as you did. You see, my words are simply faint warning to what the future holds. 

I'm not going to sit here and try and blow sunshine up your ass, and tell you all of this, and all of that. I'm going to tell you one final thing... everything you learned in the NFWA, it better be enough to save yourself, if not, I'd ditch it pretty damn quick and adopt the new rule... or else you're going to come face-to-face with the grim reality...pain is hard, pain is brutal, pain shows no mercy, and as far as you know, until now, pain has never held a face... but today, it does... pain has a face, and you're staring straight into it's stone cold eyes.

So heed my words, and think about your career choice, and if you're really ready for this. Cause I know that I've prepared all I need. Without further ado...I leave you with this...

Sweet Dreams...

*The camera fades out of Markus crouching down in front of the camera, Raven standing from her seat and walking over behind him, crouching down behind him, and draping one arm over his shoulder placing it against his chest, snapping at the camera as it fades out*