“I told you I'm fucking fine...” I hear a laugh. I look up to see Kyra Mohr. A woman who I had almost beaten to a pulp a few weeks ago, and the former boss of Carnage. I sigh. I can see it on her face. She tries to hide it. The fear of losing. It's there. We got a win tonight, and we have an advantage. In “War Games” though...there is no advantage.

“You sure you're fine. It didn't seem to fine when you tried to solo our tag team champions tonight.” CON as tag team champions is hilarious because the only reason they got the belts is they cheated. Then again, two guys influenced by my nephew Sebastian, that is actually the strategy that suits them.

“I know the kid didn't like it. I'm sorry for that, but I had my reasons.”

“I don't give a damn about your reasons. You got a win, but it was after everyone had to back you up Trent. You can't do this alone, and what you did has but Silva on edge.” I look up at her. She actually gives a fuck about the kid. I can tell she cares. She cares about everyone here. Even those that she doesn't particularly like. It's refreshing to see that on an owner's face. “You need to...”

“I did what had to be done.”

“You need to...”

“Let's talk about what you needed to do!” I say kicking away a chair. My head pounds. Adrenaline burn. I'm out of gas. I should fall down, but instead I lean up against a locker hoping she doesn't notice. “You took a kid from the ring crew and let him go all jacked up into the ring without any fucking god damn training. He's gotten lucky he hasn't gotten his ass killed yet. Even against Tweeder I'm surprised his fucking ass hasn't been put in the ICU or worse yet Kyra! He's got heart. He's got raw talent. He doesn't know what the fuck he's doing! You expect me to go up against two men who have been on my ass since OWF closed with a kid who has no training, and who sides with Harris against me. I'm sorry...I couldn't risk that. I knew what I was doing...”

“And what the fuck was that? Isolating a team mate. Making him lose his confidence. I know you may not have been here long Trent, but this is his only home he's known.” I know. I'm not an idiot. I can see it every time the kid cuts loose, but I also know without training he's going to get fucking killed one day here. What if Redemption gets a hold of him if he beats Joe. What if someone else from my past comes looking for revenge and decides to hurt the kid because they are in their way.

“Kyra. Hypothetically speaking if you and I were in a tag team match and I told you to sit your cute ass back here would you have done it?”

“...You know the answer to that. I'd fucking hit you with whatever I could get my hands on and drag your ass down to the ring out cold.” I smile.

“Of course, but I knew the kid would stay here while I finished the job. I said what I did because Lucas is a smart kid. He knew I could take the punishment. However, the second the too tall beast showed up he ran down there to cover my ass. I can trust him now because he actually listened.”

“So you were testing him.”

“As far up Harris' butt as he is I had to make sure. This is the prime time for him to fuck us all over. Will, Tweeder, and myself. I don't think he's going to.”

“What makes you so sure?” I return the laugh from earlier. She's cute when she gets that slight scowl on her face like she wants to hit me.

“Because I made a career about being a bad person in front of those people. When you're in the bad guy brigade you can tell when a good fella is going to make a choice. I don't think he's there yet. Even after all of this he didn't start attacking us in that ring. I know he doesn't trust me and I don't blame him. Now it's my turn to return the favor.” I say as I grab my bag. I'm starting to feel better a bit. She stares at me as I brush past her. “Don't worry...It's going to be fine.”

“Well I did learn one thing tonight Mr. Steel.”

“Hm?”

“You think I have a cute ass.” She says smirking at me. I smile as I put on my shades.

“Just because I wear these all the time doesn't mean I can't see Kyra. Have a good night.” I start to leave.

“You sure you're alright. With all of this going on with Joe and Redemption.” I stop. I did not want to have this conversation. “It's your best friend possibly losing his career Trent. If it goes bad are you still going to be able to get the job done.”

I think about it. With everything going wrong in my life the one thing I had to hold onto was that I saved Joe. Now with him possibly going. I don't want to think about it. I don't want to be here. I don't want to think about...

“I'll get the job done. Bridges' little ploy didn't get past me already. No worries. He called me a woman beater...I guess I get to show him how I beat bitches in the ring to prove him wrong. I'll see you soon Kyra.” I walk out before I hear her response. Truth is. I'm not worried about Joe. He'll be fine. He'll survive. So will Redemption, but me...I'm not worried about what will happen to Joe...I'm worried about me finally losing it. This might actually break me.

This place is a hellhole...reminds me of my childhood. It's a few days before Thanksgiving and I'm still in Baltimore. I hate it. Not because of the city or this ghetto that I am walking in right now. No. Because the pain hasn't subsided yet. I would at least feel numb after that match by now. There's still blood coming through my skin on the sheets at night. Injuries that should have healed. This isn't good. I find it. Fauntleroy Park. I walk through the area and that's when I spy him. Lucas Silva. The Sandtown Kid. Goofing off with the neighborhood kids, some close to his age. One of the ring crew told me where to find him. As I watch the kid enjoying life like a normal person, god that's weird saying that, I feel a shadow over me. I already know who it is.

“No worries big guy. I'm just here to talk to him. No fight.” I turn to Boy who smiles at me and gives me a thumbs up.

“On giving of thanks nothing should spank...” I can see why this guy stresses Vegas out. You have no idea what he's saying, but if you read his body language. Gentle giant...till you piss him the fuck off.

“What do you want butt trumpet?” I can hear it coming as the kid walks over towards us. He doesn't look happy. I'm coming to him at his home. Not the arena. Home. “Decided to come see the better side of life.”

“You know I grew up in a real similar neighborhood in Pittsburgh. I came to talk to you a bit about this match.”

“We got nothing to talk about Trent. I don't hang out with women beaters. You said what you wanted to say when you told me not to come out during our match. You're welcome for saving your butt by the way.” I sigh. He's going to be difficult isn't he. I look up at Boy. He's eyeing me to make sure I don't hurt Silva. I'm not, but I might have to teach him some manners.

“Actually we do...I came to apologize.” For a moment it's quiet. Then I hear laughter. Not what I expected.

“Mister I'm never sorry is apologizing...why? What did I do to earn it? Oh! You mean what I said I would do. You're just like your Rogue buddy. You think I'm some kind of bad guy...”

“I think you are going to get yourself killed in that ring one day if you don't learn a few fucking things.”

“What the hell can I learn from you except how to beat wo...” I'm right in his face. He blinks and backs off for a moment. “You're quick for an old guy.”

“And you're really fucking stupid to be questioning my morality within earshot. Let me clarify this for you. I'm not apologizing for what I said. I meant it. You don't deserve to be on this team. You're a hot shot. Show boating. Pile of crap. I learned that in our match when you, Will, and I were a team for one night. Remember?” The kid shuffles a bit, looking down at his feet. “Let me clue you in on something. I did what I did because I wanted to see if you could follow orders. You did. Despite even that...how do you say it... “butt trumpet” Tweeder got added to the team. You still didn't go off. I know you are in a tough spot. You have to trust me not to mess your face up since you hang out with that lying little...”

Now it's my turn. Silva is right in my face. I smile.

“...charming young lady.”

“We're done. I'll do my job...and afterwards. I'm going to not rest until I beat you out of Carnage. You act all tough, but I know you aren't even thinking about our match...are you?” He's talking about Joe and Redemption. He's right. It's on my mind...

“Let me tell you a little story.”

“I'm to old for old wrestler tales.”

“Oh you might want to hear this one. You see I've been in your shoes. Teamed up with people who don't trust me. At the end of the day though for the match, for at least that, I have never turned on anyone. I have never betrayed anyone. I have never broken that trust, unless it was deserved. Despite everything with Megan...you don't deserve to get hung out to dry and neither does the boss.” I take my shades off and look right at Lucas in the eye. “However...know this. You have never seen me go off on a traitor before like I will you if you decide to do something stupid. I don't think you will...because you are a better man than me. Not a better wrestler, but a better person. Take it for what you will. I apologize for putting you on the spot. Thanks for the backup. I needed it.”

With that I start to walk off. Stopping for a moment I hand Boy my pair of shades. He puts them on.

“The red filters through everyone looks like a streetwalker.” I try really hard not to laugh. STK is snickering though. I walk off. I don't know if I reached the kid or I tipped my hand, but I'm done playing this game.

It's Thanksgiving and I'm alone...

This should shock some of you, but it's because of all of this stuff that I've decided it's best that no one be around me. My folks are visiting Italy this year and my siblings are eating with their families. We'll get together for Christmas. My kids. Well, we know I can't go to see them can I? So here I sit. Watching wrestling matches. Taking notes. Plotting out what I am going to do in this War Games match, while trying not to get to far into my own shit. I get tired of watching Lord Raab do the same shit over and over again. I take a break from my opponents and I stick in some OWF matches. I find the one I want to watch. Drake Munday's first match. God...it's like watching your kid take a first step. I can't help but cheer for him even though I know he's in for an ass kicking. I watch myself...I can't stand it. Who I use to be. What did I hope to gain from being so hateful? It makes me think. So I sit back and I do something I should have done a while ago. I pull out my damn phone and I text someone who doesn't deserve what he's gotten.

“Hey. I know you may not believe this. I know after everything you've done I'm the last person who should say this to you, but Happy Thanksgiving. Even after every psychotic insane thing you have done to me I still like you as a person. No one deserves to be alone on this day. Deep down, under the mask, and the scars. You're still that guy who made me laugh. I'll never forget that. I can say this. I have hope for you. I hope you will become a better person because if I can at least become a five percent better person then I know you are at least a hundred percent better than me. Happy Thanksgiving Drake. Happy Thanksgiving Redemption.”

I know. I know I'm a warmhearted and soft headed shit even though I try to hide it. I don't have the same reputation I had for years. I never let anyone in. I never let anyone get close. Why should not seeing my kids bother me? They're better off aren't they? These thoughts are starting to get to me. So I decide to get up and leave. I think it's time that I do something I've been putting off. I think it's time I head to confession. I think it's time I get something cleared up. As I walk into the church I sigh. I hear it echoing throughout the place.

“Hail Mary...Full of grace.”

Why is it as a child I always thought it was Hell Mary...She has some mace? I chuckle a bit as I head to the confessional. The priest says he'll be with me in a minute. I go in a sit. And then I pray...I don't pray for the sins I have done. I don't pray for myself. I pray for Joe. I pray he wins...because if not...I promise my sins will litter up to the sky for the pain I will unleash upon Carnage Wrestling. I aim to be a good man, but anything goes when all the good is gone. I will make sure Kyra wins...no matter the cost. Because Carnage is my salvation if Joe has to leave...

“Ms. Blood is it? I don't normally talk about clients. Especially on Thanksgiving. So what is it that you want?”Jennifer Blood didn't want to bother Dr. Fuller, but she was concerned more than an ex-wife should be.

“I'm sorry to bother you, but...I know you see JC and Trent for therapy.”

“Trent hasn't been to therapy in months. He's...I think he's given up on trying to get any positives for the court to see him getting his children back.”

“With everything that's happening with all of these men in power would it really matter Doctor?” She tries to change the subject. “Can I get your professional opinion. If Joe loses this match and has to retire. What do you think Trent would do?”

There is an uncomfortable pause the likes of which no one wants to stomach. Dr. Fuller finally speaks.

“Trent has had a rough life, but he's always had this sense of he deserved all these bad things happening to him. The one good thing he says he's done was save Joe, and if that one thing goes. Everything else might cause a psychotic episode. I hate to say it, but Trent is probably at what I would call a crisis point. I don't think Joe or this Redemption guy know what they are toying with. Trent could shut down, go berserk or worse...”

“What could be worse?”

“He could stop caring about who he hurts Ms. Blood...then I would be concerned for your children. Because at this point he might try to scare them away than have them near him if he thinks he is poison. I hate to say it, but this match might have Trent Steel's very grip on reality hanging in the balance. I wish I had better news, but I do have to be off. I have my own family engagements to partake in.”She smiles at him and nods.

“Of course...thank you doctor.”And as soon as she leaves she cries. “God...I know you don't care about him, but think of my children...don't let him lose what little of him he's got left.”

I bet Bridges is so happy with that, but knowing you guys it was “all part of the plan” right. The plan worked out so well. You two thought you had me! You two thought that you could pull that same bullshit. Hell you even had the too tall jones wannabe come down there. Every mother fucker on your team came down and we won with just four! And you tapped out!

You say I'm washed up. You all say that. Why does this sound so god damn familiar. Let me just address something to all five of you. You can pity me. You can question my motivations. You can ask why Trent why?! You can really ponder these fucking questions in the hospital after I'm done laying each and everyone of you fucking assholes out!

Let's clear up one problem first. I have no problem with Will. Will didn't lose us the tag team titles. Me playing by everyone else's rules did. Will is a nice guy. He's a good guy. I'm a fucking asshole the likes of which your mothers warned you to stay the god damn fucking hell away from you ya pretentious plebian parasitic pissants!

Will and I put each other thru hell. We're to fucking old to start that shit again. Will and I buried the hatchet and didn't leave the handle sticking out. So if you are worried about me trusting him your fucking as stupid as your theme musics.

Item two. Tweeder. He makes a good extra body and despite my detest for him being called an ultraviolent icon...I can trust him not to run. He cares to much. Just like me.

Silva passed my test. That just leaves Kyra. She believed me...

That may not mean anything to any of you, but to hear that. To see that. To feel that after everything I went thru...why wouldn't I help her? What has Bridges done besides bring back something vile in my mouth? He reminds me of someone...

He reminds of Chase Johnson.

He reminds me of Diamond Kidd.

He reminds me of Kremlin...Every single owner who thinks they know how to tell wrestlers what to do and who get it in their heads they can order me around.

He called me a woman beater.

He done fucked the god damn hell up and you all saw it.

Lord Raab wants to run his mouth saying I've done nothing. No worries. I'm about to do something. I'm about to clue you in on something. You say I have done nothing, but I am about to do something spectacular by breaking your big tall dumb fucking shit for brains self in half you cocksucking egomaniac! You beat me in a match. Good job...

Hey idiots...we got the advantage and we're in a cage match. You're all locked in there with someone who has nothing to lose...

Are you scared yet?

Joe and Redemption is right before us. I could watch the one good thing in my life walk out of my professional life forever...and you want to be in a fucking cage match with me.

You are all fucking stupid!

Zodiac wants to fight me because he wants to die in the ring. We all know it. Crucifix wants to fight me because he wants to prove he's better than me? What about you Jack? What about you Amber? You're right Amber I do agree with you. I am all of those things, but ask anyone in OWF...In situations like this you don't bet against me...because if you do...you'll fucking end up losing!

Jack is right...I hate everything. I hate everyone! I hate myself! I am hate in-fucking-carnate...

I am here to do the devil's work...I am Trent Steel...and you are all fucked!

Pray Joe wins...because if not...no one is surviving this war!