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cha·os
/ˈkāˌäs/
noun
complete disorder and confusion.
synonyms: disorder, disarray, disorganization, confusion, mayhem, bedlam, pandemonium, havoc, turmoil, tumult, commotion, disruption, upheaval, uproar, maelstrom



It was a disgustingly beautiful day. The sun shined through what little clouds there were and the temperature and wind worked together marvelously to warm the coldest heart. The land is flat, allowing us to see for miles and miles until the clear blue sky meets the Earth that's covered in the finest, greenest blanket of wild grass that nature could provide. A small back road just narrow enough to barely let two vehicles pass splits the field and seems very much less traveled. A cloud of dust kicks up from behind no matter what vessel follows that path.

Sitting alone along the private highway is a tiny, extremely aged gas station. The old gas pumps give that away, along with the chipped paint on the sign and side of the building. The newest thing there was probably the soda pop machine sitting beside the glass door leading inside.

Cadryn Tiberius stands in front of it and peers out from under his cowboy hat as he twists off the cap from a fresh bottle of Coca-Cola. He takes a few gulps from it and clears his throat.

Dang.

He says pointlessly to nothing taking a quick glance up to the blazing sun. Just off the road, in front of the old gas pumps, is a dark brown steed with fur that shined like a crystal lake. It stands while hoofing and snorting at the ground, kicking up dust and impatiently waiting. It's attached to a buggy, which it pulled, where Doctor Louis D'Ville sits inside as a passenger. That could be another reason why the horse was so uneasy.

Cadryn pulls up on the back of his tight blue jeans and begins walking over towards his steed. He reaches out and scratches around her main.

Easy now, Rosenna. Easy girl.

He looks up at Doc who's on the phone and puffing away at a cigar.

I don't know what you're deal is with all these specific traveling arrangements. You know, I own a couple of private jets, Doc. If you wanted some serenity, I could have offered you one.

Theo yammers on the other line into Doc's ear. Doc nods waves his cigar around as if saying 'Get on with it..'

It's just the opposite of that, my dear friend! Being locked in an aircraft is hardly the adventure I'd like to enjoy on my way to the Palace in Auburn Hills. There has been much leading up to this and I plan to enjoy every bit of it!

So you decided to ride horse and buggy with the jester steering the way?

Beats the train.

A sigh can be heard all the way over the phone from Theo Pryce. Doc smiles and leans back puffing more on his cigar.

Just don't let that get you lost.

Cadryn's now hopped into the buggy with Doc. He looks over and is wide-eyed for a moment as he stares at his passenger.

Is that Theo?

We have a lot of shit coming up, Doc. I don't need you gallivanting around with the KING's™ jester just enjoying the sights. You have a job to do this week. It's important that you put Chaos away.

Tell him Cadryn says, 'Hello!'

What the fuck is that saying?

I'm hardly in the mood for a lecture, my friend. He knows exactly how close he came from being trapped in that casket instead of me. I've made it quite clear that I'm not the type to get hung up on one thing, either.... To get stuck on one tale of misfortune. I move past it. I march on. He remembers and knows all to well what can happen this Saturday and it has him shaking in his boots. I see through the mask that covers his dwindling self-esteem. I see through the tattered blanket of AX3 members he uses to shield his own image.

Hi Theo!

Cadryn shouts into the receiver. He taps Doc on the shoulder and holds up the bottle of coke.

You sure you didn't want anything? On me?

Doc continues to ignore Cadryn who then shrugs and grabs ahold of the reigns.

I agree, all he's doing is setting himself up for another title shot and protecting his reputation. The faction as a whole is losing ground fast solely because of him.

He's going to get bit for sure.

Cadryn flops the reigns lightly and snaps his tongue against his gums followed by a short whistle. Roseanna responds accordingly and slowly begins pulling the buggy back onto the dirt highway.

Did you catch last Warfare? I think losing that title has done more to him than he's leading on. It's like the guy is starving for attention anymore.

Well he's always been like that. Long before you boys graced us again, he's been trying to fill every event with CHAOS! I think we've been misunderstanding him all along...

Theo chuckles from the other line.

Ha! He didn't mean chaotic events, he just meant CHRIS CHAOS.

INDEED! I'm beginning to think a lot of what he does is about himself...

It's not all going his way though. I figured Lane just hired a bunch of 'Yes-Men' and women to beckon to his balls like Shane did before... It looks like that new hire is packing as much heat as Jane or Paul.

Ha! Ha! Like the incident with your nephew?! What a joke its was.

Yeah, I'm not sure what the fuck that kid's smoking... At least he made that prick look like an idiot...

First being choked out by the Senator losing their match for the tag titles, then losing in a match to the #1 Contender... Things are certainly on the downward slope for him.

Well, keep that trend going, Doc. Before long, AX3 will be no more and the KINGS™ will have nothing and no one standing against them.

I've got him right where I want him, my friend.

You better, or like HE said, you're out of the KINGS™.... We won't need ya.

Theo says sarcastically.

You're hilarious.

Aren't I? Like I said, though, try not to get side tracked, eh? Call this number when you reach the arena. There's a few other things we need to discuss, in person.

10-4.

Doc says with a smile before ending the call.

What a guy, huh?

Doc stares over to the jester with a squint as a stuffs the phone inside his jacket pocket. He rolls his eyes and pulls a small flask out from the same pocket and takes a snort.

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The horse continues to trot along slowly as it pulls the small buggy behind it. The two passengers sit beside each other, one doing much more talking than the other. The other sits with his chin in his palm, staring off into the distance towards the horizon.

... And that was the LAST time I ever went camping with my, Uncle Ray-Ray.

There's an uncomfortable silence for a moment. It seems like the story was drawn out a little further than what Cadryn had intended, which Doc quietly suffered through. He stirs his flask around and squints his good eye down the hole in the top.

I mean, don't get me wrong! I'm a family man through-and-through, but--

You wouldn't have anything to quench the good doctor's thirst, would you?

Cadryn sighs for a moment and gives Doc an old sitcome I-told-you-so look.

Now, DIDN'T I offer to buy you a soda pop back at the station?

He can't hold in the snicker any longer and reveals a guilty smile.

I got you one anyway.

Cadryn dives back behind them and digs through a couple of things, eventually pulling out an unopened bottle of Coca-Cola! He holds it out to the good doctor with an accomplished look about him.

I meant liquor, you fool.

[courier]Cadryn looks down, disappointed for a moment.

Fool, you say?!

*POOF*

Cadryn poofs and reappears in his jester gig and smiles over to the doctor.

A grand adventure for a jester and King! The tales to be told! The songs they will sing! Ha--

Enough of that.

Cadryn's mouth hangs open as he poofs back into the Italian Cowboy and looks forward. Doc stuffs the flask back into his jacket as Cadryn looks at the bottle of soda, shrugs, and reaches back to stash it behind him to save for later. As he does so, Roseanna bucks back and let's out a squeal! Cadryn drops the bottle and it flies out of the buggy onto the ground getting hit by the rear wagon wheel!

WOOAAAHH GIRL!!! EASY NOW!!!

Cadryn screams out at his steed and pulls on the reigns! The Italian Cowboy's voice calms the horse almost immediately but she remains uneasy.

What.... the..... hell?

Cadryn's jaw drops through the buggy and drags on the ground.

Not really, but he's definitely shocked.

The land around them is no longer the green pastures. The skies are no longer clear and blue. The air around them is thick and extremely hot. The land is chapped and cracked from the sudden heatwave as a black cloud slowly rumbles in from the distance across a pale red sky.

Doc?

Cadryn pauses and looks over to the doctor.

I don't think we's in Kansas no more.

We weren't in Kansas to begin with, my friend.


This flat nothingness provides nothing in view besides a small, black, blurry blotch in the distance. The heat is excruciating and and Cadryn begins to sweat. He takes a quick swallow before looking over to the doc, who he realizes is not. Not a bead of sweat on the man. Cadryn takes the last couple of swallows from the bottle and wishes he had the other one.

You must be some cold-blood sum-bitch, Doc.

Doc smiles and laughs a little.

Tell me, Mister Cadryn.

He throws a cold palm on the cowboys shoulder.

What brings you here?

Cadryn looks confused at Doc's riddle.

Like, here?

With the KINGS™, my friend. What brought your services?

Cadryn smirks a bit.

My services, Doc? I hardly provide you guys a service....

Then what's your purpose then? Entertain us?

I thought so. Protection, too.

Doc sighs, but still wears his famous grin. Cadryn fiddles with the reigns a bit, hassling his steed, but the doctor points straight ahead to the black blotch not so far in the distance now.

Trust your steed. I've told her where to go.

Cadryn's still a bit in shock from the heatwave and the change in scenery. He's managed to keep his shit together enough to keep listening to the doctor.

Protection....

Doc throws the dead cigar from his grasp. He reaches into his jacket and pulls out another. He looks over to Cadryn and holds it his way and nods.

No, but thank ya kindly. Tryn' to quit.

Whether he was or he wasn't, Cadryn politely denied the stogy and Doc bit into it himself.

Protection from what, exactly?

Cadryn looks confused.

Well, Graves. AX3. Those a-holes.

Protection from what, exactly?

Cadryn looks more confused, but goes on to repeat himself.

Well, Gra--

I heard you the first time.

Well, dang, Doc. Every corner I turn they're kicking their boots at me! Especially Micheal! I can't even shower in my locker room without having a buddy in their to watch my back! It's traumatizing. I just can't express enough how much I appreciate--

You probably know more of this Micheal Graves than anyone else around, am I right?

Well, I'd reckon so. Watched him growin' up. We had a pretty good thing going here till he went all cuckoo-clock on everybody.

So, the man threatens you and you run and hide behind wall.

Shit. A wall of spikes, maybe!

Maybe, so. What if more was threatened, Cadryn?

Cadryn shrugs.

I'd dunno. What'd ya mean?

What if Natalie was in peril?

BECAUSE OF GRAVES?! I'D KILL THAT FFF--

And what if the KINGS™ were?!

Cadryn bites his tongue and looks over to Doc.

The KINGS™? To be honest, Doc, that's why I'm glad I ran into you guys. When are you guys ever in trouble?

So, you figured in exchange for a few magic tricks and some preschool rhymes you could walk alongside the ROYALTY of this FINE federation?

.....................

Cadryn says nothing for a moment and just stares into the fiery of the doctor.

.... Maybe?

Doc laughs to himself and takes a long puff from his cigar.

Perhaps there can be a good that comes from this, my friend.

Come from what?

See, to me, the situation that you've placed yourself in is about... a BAZILLION times smarter AND better than the position that Mister Chaos has placed HIS self in.

Cadryn doesn't follow.

Of course, not.

Doc with another puff.

You see, my friend. You've surrounded yourself with what you believe to be the strongest force in the XWF, correct?

Doc nods at Cadryn.

I guess so... I mean, yes!

Cadryn cocks his head as if waiting to hear whether the answer was right or wrong.

Yes. You did.

Even in the dire conditions, a smile and a look of satisfaction crosses our cowboy's face.

Now, the worst that could come of this whole thing is that you don't learn a damn thing and you lolly-gaggle off into the sunset with your thumb up your ass.

Okay.

Cadryn seems to accept that.

And the best thing that could happen is that you become a killing machine like the rest of us.

KILLING MACHINE?!

Am I right?

The doc's jester just stares off into the blurry black dot that's getting bigger and bigger as they continue.

You JUST happened to fall into the right place at the right time. Sure, there's turmoil in the federation, but, there ALWAYS is. Someone is ALWAYS stirring the shit. Sometimes it gets old. Other times, eh. But the KINGS™ have always had a close eye on things that go on around here. Unlike what everyone thinks, with our times spent around these same ropes, the KINGS™ are like a fine wine. They don't grow stale with age, they became so much better. And when there's fun to be had, there's fun to be had.

Doc leans back as he rambles on. Admiring the black blotch as well. It's almost hypnotizing.

You, my friend, walk amongst them now. Smartest move of your life, if you'd ask a doctor.

Cadryn chuckles.

Chris Chaos on the other hand... Well. He kind of set him self above of everything like he's good at. Whether he was pulling strings behind the scenes or not, Cadryn, it looked to me your buddy Mister Graves had control of that situation until Chris showed up, at least..

Doc shrugs.

That's the power of illusion, I suppose. Whether he was or he wasn't he's the leader of a bunch of guys that don't need him right now. Yet, he's admitted that the surrounding talent like the Hart Champion, Robert Maines... The UNIVERSAL Champion, Jim Caedus... Those guy's could pick up on a few things and use his influence to prosper further in their career. Sounds kind of selfish... IF you ask me. What do you think Cadryn?


I--

Sounds to me like the guy without his title is setting his ducks in a row. We've heard it over and over again. He's coming for the UNIVERSAL Title. Right. How does that make ANYTHING that they're doing as a group right now even matter? Yeah, they're harassing management, losing to the KINGS™ in a Tag Team Title match, and moving onto become the TRIOS Tag Champs. Way to go for the participation award, boys. We knew you'd pull through somewhere eventually. I think you guys should ease up on some of that chaos, you're upsetting some of the children.

Knowing what I know about Chris Chaos now? I'd say he's damn disgusted with that Trios Championship. I mean, don't get me wrong, Cadryn, every title in this FINE federation has it's worth. In my time spent here though? That titles been the least talked about. So have at it boys, the KINGS™ will be by later to collect it. Just because. Then maybe Theo will unify it and it won't exist anymore along with your record of having it. What a waste of time that would have been for you. Wasted time Chris Chaos could've spent winning that UNIVERSAL Title back. What does Jim Caedus have to say about that again? I know you guys have already talked about it and everything, but the man's failed to come public about anything after cashing-in. I'm just curious. It's kind of my thing to view things from both inside and outside the box, meaning that fantasy world that Chris Chaos is currently dwelling. It's kind of hard to take his word for anything.

Doc flicks the rest of his cigar from the cab and leans back, looking over to Cadryn, who seems to have settled a bit more now in the intense environment.

You know, Mister Cadryn?

Doc?

You ARE quite the entertainer, my friend.

Cadryn smiles and poofs back into his jester get-up.

Doctor King had a dream in which all it did seem to be nothing more than a ripped seam in the weave!

Sit-down.

*POOF*

Cadryn sits quietly again and slides his fingers across the brim of his cowboy hat.

As much as I cringe thinking about you growing up, your stories were at least colorful. I suppose it could be because I wasn't there, but Chris Chaos's tale of the birth of his career is starting to make me hurl. How he was nothing and became..... Deep breath now..... Ssssssssssssommmmething. After when? Gasp!

Doc stares a Cadryn with a surprised look. Cadryn does the same not knowing what the fuck to do. After a few seconds Doc relaxes, along with Cadryn, as he continues rambling.

The entire UNIVERSE is aware of what happened that night. If they weren't there to watch it in person, they seen it on XWF television. If they missed it there, their friend's told them about it. If they didn't hear it from their friends, they read it online in some stupid blog somewhere. If they didn't do that, I doubt they gave a fuck and Chris Chaos still caught up to them to tell them about it. How long has this guy been around this business to define his entire career after ONE match? Just one. I'm not taking credit for it, piss no. I didn't book the stupid thing. Praise Loverboy if you want to praise someone. Is he thinking I'm waiting for a 'thank-you' for losing? Piss no again! Seriously, fantasy world. I don't take credit for anything. Does he think you're the first born loser that I've taken the fall to? Man, get with it, handsome, you didn't cut the ribbon to these doors. They were open LONG before you even thought of bleeding for the cause.

Fucking stories. I've got a story. My third match in this company was for the Television Championship against Gator. Lost. Pinned in the middle of the ring, and one of the two or three to do so. Of course it didn't spring Gator's career because I wasn't the 'springboard' that I am now. The object.

Doc looks at Cadryn with a smirk.

I like obstacle, better.

You know what became of Gator, though, Cadryn?

Cadryn shrugs.

He won the UNIVERSAL Title?

Doc smiles ear to ear.

Why, yes he did.

Doc's grin grows wider.

And then I took it from him.

Doc pauses for a moment.

Now, I'm aware of how some folks feel about 'cashing-in' around here. So, that's why I followed-up and beat him again in a title defense a short time later.

Doc sits in silence with his palms together.

It's a shame that Gator couldn't take that match and ride it to new heights in his career. It's a damn good thing I didn't let it define me. See, I never thought of stepping away, throwing in the towel, or giving-up. It's not my thing. I don't leave the table with an empty stomach and I DON'T settle for scraps. I've always taken what I've wanted and maybe I didn't want the first one as bad as Chris did. Maybe. Did I need it as much as he did? Certainly not. Do I need this one? Mmm. No. I'll still be Doc when it's all said and done. I'll still be the step ladder. I'll still be the spring board. Catapult. Tribuchet. I'll still be what I've always been. Especially when I'm the one walking away this time. Chris Chaos will be beaten. Chris Chaos will SHUT UP. Chris Chaos will realize that he may be sitting atop that cold mountain, but he's NOT alone. I've been there all along, looking down, only I haven't seen the bottom in so long I'm thinking of jumping.

I'd sail down and down. Fall further and further until I reached the very bottom. That's what kind of feeling I get about gracing you all at every single event. As much love and treatment that the good doctor has to give, there's only so many hours in a day and, although the doctor's doors are always open, my time is very valuable. He was so kind to point out my 38 wins, 9 losses, and draw..... That's nearing fifty matches and only ten did I walk away not the victor. Nine where I actually lost. I say 'actually' because it's not common. People give the old double take when I talk about a match I didn't succeed in. It' not something I brag about, it just happens. Chris is only ONE of those. Just one. Not two, not five, not all nine. He beat me once and, to me, means absolutely nothing. Not a single person has a winning record over me, well, Chris does, since we're not counting the Tag Team Titles match, but that's neither here nor there.

I'm not one to go by statistics either. What I'm getting down to saying, Cadryn, was that first match with Chris Chaos COULD have been a fluke. I'm not sure where get gets off saying the Loverboy SCREWED him at the last minute changing the stipulation like he did... If anything, it made the victory easier! Especially considering I did myself in! He doesn't see it that way though, does he? He doesn't consider himself as LUCKY even though he's said in the past he only survived against me. He didn't see a future for Chris Chaos without the victory over the doctor. Well, guess what friend, I seen and there most definitely IS life after Chris Chaos for Doctor D'Ville. I ascended from the same rubble and chaos as he did and I still stand just as strong if not stronger than I ever was. The fear that surged through his veins, the blood that rushed to his head and fists, the warm damp feeling down his pant leg.... It's all still there. He may no longer look up to me. He may no longer respect me. But when he's lying flat on his back, heart-broken and crying.... He's going to envy me. Because there's nothing more in the world right now that Chris Chaos wants than to beat me.

Uh-huh..... Uhh.. Hey Doc...

Cadryn sticks his ear out...

Ya hear that?

Doc sticks his own ear out and gives a listen.

Sounds like gunshots, Mister Cadryn.

Cadryn pulls on the reigns.

Woah! Woah, woah! I'm not into any of that...

He pulls harder, but Roseanna ain't listenin'.

Roseanna!

Cadryn whistles and yells.

Relax, my friend! I told you she knows where she's going.

But the...

Cadryn points and sits back to staring at the black blotch that's finally taking shape. It's a small cluster of buildings out in this cracked Earth nightmare. Cadryn reaches behind into his bag and pulls his cellphone from it. It's blank.

Dang again.

He stuffs it back into his bag. He looks up as the small town under siege comes closer and clsoer upon them. Cadryn shuffles around, panicking almost...

Doc leans over towards the driver and whispers.

You're not in Kansas anymore, remember?

TO BE CONTINUED
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