Steve Parke hands Ichabod an envelop that simply has his name on the front. On the back is a Bible verse. Ichabod opens it and reads. He sees that it is an invitation to the Family Fun Festival from Apollyon. Ichabod just laughs and tosses it away.

Steve hooks up the new equipment on Ichabods wrists and ankles. Ichabod is beginning to realize this training is going to take its toll on his wrists. He looks at the redness and swelling and remembers to pick up some salve and other medication for them. He doesn't want any excuses to fail tomorrow. After he is hooked up to Steves contraption, Steve backs off and gets a running start into a perfect drop kick. Ichabod goes to block, but his arms don't respond fast enough and he recieves a nice set of boots in the face that knocks him right on his ass.

What the f'ck? What gives?

This machine is to hon your reaction and adaptability skills, Ichabod. We know you have been in the worst of matches before,but you have never had to do any of these three. YOu will be in unfamiliar territory in these matches. You need to be able to adapt to whatever handicaps might arise due to the extremity of these matches. Now, the handicap here is that your arms and legs are seriously restrained. This allows us to also speed up your reaction time. Are you ready to try again?

Um, yeah.

Steve runs back and goes for another dropkick, and Ichabod ducks while slowly bringing his hands to his head. His timing is good and Steve flies over his head, and Ichabod grabs him in a neckbreaker. Steve shakes it off and stands up. Ichabod grins real cocky.

So I pass?.

Hell no. You think Carter and HOss will just use dropkicks?

I am not facing Carter Lambert or Horse.

I wouldn't count them out, Ichabod. You never know what can happen. YOu think Konflict and Payne are guaranteed to go to Round two,but nothing is guaranteed. You need to be prepared for anything. Carter is a powerful man with all that cash. Money talks my friend. And Hoss is just unpredictable. The guy pulls wins out of his ass. You never know.

You're right. Lets continue.

THats it. By the way are you going to Family Fun Festival or not.

WIll there be beer?

Probably not, its Apollyon, man.

Ichabod just grins. The two men continue the rigorous training into the late hours of the morning.