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Elisha · **07-01-2013, 11:36 AM**

Eric Rex had never been a religious man. He never really saw the point in any of it. He thought it was all hogwash. What he didn't see as hogwash, though, was what Eli James !V was capable of in the ring. He never understood the point to religion, but he could absolutely get behind what Eli brought to the table. And, on some level, when it came to Eli, he understood why the religious aspect was there.

Rex didn't know for certain, as he stood out on Eli's back porch that morning, watching the deer graze on overgrown grass, if Eli actually believed any of what he was preaching. The point is, is that it didn't matter. Eli was a dangerous man. His physicality, his sheer viciousness in the ring could not be denied. In that way, religion or not, Eli and Eric shared a bond.

Eric didn't care at all about what he was saying. When it came down to brass-tacks, what can be accomplished in a wrestling ring, he saw Eli as a kindred spirit. Something that, he believed, Mark Flynn and NeoNero would see soon.

The deer ran off into the woods, and Eric sat down on an old rocking chair. Eli's back porch was very large, and the wood panels were that old, gray, cracked wood. He felt slightly thirsty, and, as if she sensed his thirst, Emma-Lee came walking toward him with a glass of sweet tea.

Emma-Lee: I made this special, just for you.

As Rex takes the glass, Emma-Lee makes a point to brush his hand. He nods his thanks. She blushes. Rex takes a few sips of the tea, staring out into the woods. Just watching the leaves move in the wind. Emma-Lee stands uncomfortably close to him. So close that he can smell her perfume. Some sort of sweet vanilla fragrance. After what feels like hours, she speaks again.

Emma-Lee: I really ought not be sayin' this to you, but I really think you're cute.

Rex doesn't acknowledge the compliment. He takes another sip. Eyes forward.

Emma-Lee: I try to watch whenever you're on. I really do think what your boss and that KnightMask's been doin' to you just ain't quite right. I know you'll get 'em.

She's quiet for a bit longer. She notices that Eric isn't responding. She walks in front of him and leans back against the porch rails. Her long, blue skirt blows a little in the wind.

Emma-Lee: I know you hear me, mister. What? You afraid to talk to a pretty girl like me? You ain't one of them guys likes other guys, are you?

Rex glares past her. Still unflinching in his efforts to ignore her. She moves into the path of his sight.

Emma-Lee: You're afraid of Eli, aren't you? Is that why you're gettin' all bothered about me sayin' your a cutie? Come on. Eli's just a big ol' teddy bear. Wouldn't hurt a fly. Or is it just that you think I'm ugly?

Emma-Lee looks down and starts to cry a little. She then quickly advances on Rex. She grabs his hand and slaps it to her butt. She tosses her head back. Rex leaves it there a second longer than he knows he should. Mary-Beth comes out the back door and sees the two of them. Emma-Lee jumps back and flips her hair.

Emma-Lee: Dang it, all Mary-Beth! You're supposed to knock first!

Mary-Beth: That's before coming in, you dummy!

Emma-Lee: Who are you callin' a dummy, tramp?

The commotion outside gets Eli's attention. He steps onto the back porch in a pair of overalls and nothing else. Rex can't help but notice how greasy his hair is.

Eli: GIRLS! Bite your tongues, now! My house will not have disunity!

Both of the girls drop their heads, and together say...

Girls: We're sorry, Eli.

Eli: Good, get on back inside.

Eli glares at Rex. They lock eyes and neither says a word. Eli is not smiling this day, and walks back inside.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Lacey Witasick was sitting outside, playing in the dirt at Sal Valencia's office in Birmingham, Alabama. Sal's office is located just outside of a ritzy suburban area with white picket fences, and rows of homes that all look the exact same. Save some color changes.

Lacey's been there for hours getting her pants dirty, just drawing things in the dirt with sticks. Throwing rocks at a tree. Things lonely 8-year olds do sometimes.

Three boys that all appear to be around her age come walking by with their bicycles. The one in the center, a bit taller than the other two, red-headed and freckled walks right up to her. He's wearing a White Lion t-shirt and denim shorts.

Freckles: Hey! You're that girl on TV that's all homeless and likes to start fights with good-guys!

Lacey stands straight up, and doesn't bother to dust herself off.

Lacey: I am NOT homeless and Eric Rex is the BEST THERE IS!

The boy starts to laugh, and his two followers do the same.

Freckles: Come on! Eric Rex is a loser and KnightMask is gonna' kill him!

Lacey starts to get very angry.

Lacey: KnightMask isn't good for anything but hurting little kids!

Freckles: Maybe if Eric Rex was tougher, nobody would have hit you! Eric Rex is dumb and bald, just like you are!

With that Lacey starts to cry. Freckles and his gang start to laugh. He shoves her to the ground, dirt going into the air, and starts to chant. The others join him.

Freckles Gang: Lacey and Eric sittin' in a tree, B-A-L-D-I-AND-E!

As the boys are chanting, Lacey grabs the stick that she was previously using to draw in the dirt.

Freckles Gang: First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Lacey...

Before the chant is finished, she lunges to her feet and jabs the stick right in freckles eye. He screams and the other two boys drop their bikes. Lacey begins alternating between kicking him and striking him with the stick. The other two run away, leaving their bikes. Freckles is crying and begging her to stop.

She puts him in the Cuban Necktie and begins choking him out. Sal's secretary-of-the-week, Jasmine had heard the commotion outside and alerted him. Sal makes it out the door.

Sal: Lacey! Let him go!

Lacey holds on just a bit longer, and looses Freckles who stays on the ground. She gets up and stares at Sal. The same cold, dead eyes he's used to seeing from Eric. He's used to that look from him. From Lacey, he gets goosebumps.

The boy starts to get up. Lacey spits on him.

Sal: Lacey!

Lacey: He deserved it.

Sal opens the door and motions for her to come inside as the boy runs away. She dusts herself off and walks in.

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