It is a solemn winter's night outside the tall building that houses Dr. Resnik's business.  The sky is clear and the air is crisp.  There is a slight breeze which every now and then plucks a dry, dead leaf from a tall, shriveled tree near the street, a few yards away from the door to the building.  The building itself is located on a street corner, and its door lies in an alcove; it is in fact architectually incorrect.  The door itself is flanked by two cold, bare plants in large, green, plastic pots.  There is a single window, with blinds drawn, only letting the light from a nearby lamp outside.  The door itself is tall, dark, and oaken.  It has an ancient appearance, and an almost medieval feel.

A tall, dark figure moves down the slanted, cracked sidewalk surrounding the building and bordering the street.  The figure, a man silhoutted in the night's shroud, is drapped in a lengthy grey overcoat, and seems to have the face of a demon.  As he draws closer, his face is revealed to be masked, and it is the mask that bears the evil visage.  The man's breath is visible as it exits his lungs and meets the cool night's air, and his footsteps are heavy and tired.  His gloved hands sway at his sides.

In the distance, a child cries out.  Cold, afraid, fatherless; a bastard child perhaps.  The man slowly turns his head to the side and gazes off into the distance for a moment, then shakes his head and snorts in disgust.  A small, grey car rounds the corner at the end of the street, and its bright headlights illuminate the sidewalk and cast eerie shadows upon the massive building.  The ominous figure is momentarily engulfed in white light, and is revealed as the HWA Champion Creature.  He squints his eyes at the car passes by, and slowly rotates his head, following the vehicle as it travels down the uncharacteristically empty city street.

The twilight's black arms soon embrace the psychotic Creature, who finally resumes walking, this time in the direction of the alcove, and ultimately, the door.  He throws open the door, and is met with the sweet aroma of potpouri and conditioned air.

The front room is gargantuan in size, and eleborately decorated.  The floor is checkered with gold and black tile, accompanied by the occasional Persian rug.  The ceiling is low, and is maintained by a series of pillars and support beams.  There is a counter in the distance, a couch, coffee table, and a set of chairs near the center of the room for waiting, two doors leading to Men's and Women's restrooms, and a staircase leading up to the second floor of the building.  Creature has taken the long walk up the series of stairs before.  Creature scans the room briefly, and notices that he is not alone.  Behind the counter sits a middle-aged oriental woman in a blue blouse, busily entering data into a computer which rests in front of her on the counter top.  Creature decides she is of no concern to him, and begins making his way towards the staircase.

As he reaches the first step and places his gloved right hand on the mahogony banister, the woman behind the counter stops him.

Woman: Excuse me.  Excuse me, sir?

Creature sighs and glances down at his boots, both of which are slightly moist from the outside environment.

Woman: Sir?  Do you have an appointment with Dr. Resnik?

Creature lifts his head and stares at her.

Creature: Of course I have an appointment.

The woman nods slightly and raises her left index and middle fingers to her lips, thinking for a moment.

Woman: Can you tell me your name sir?

Creature pushes himself away from the staircase by the banister and briskly approaches the counter.  He places both hands down on the hard, gleaming surface of the counter and looks down upon the woman.  Obviously used to dealing with Dr. Resnik's patients, she does not back down.

Woman: Your name, sir?

Creature: Look for Creature.  You'll find it.  I promise.

The woman smiles and nods.

Woman: I'm sure, sir.  It'll just be a moment.

The woman turns away from Creature and focuses on the monitor of her computer.  With eight fingers in home position and her two thumbs resting on the space bar, she enters the name Creature and, using the mouse, selects the "Find" command, initiating a search for Creature's information in the database.  As the information is located and slowly displayed on the screen, the woman glances up at Creature and smiles, who stares back blankly behind his mask in response.  Finally, the computer's internal speaker emits a "Beep" and Creature's data, in full, appears on the monitor.  The woman uses the arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll through the file, and confirms that Creature indeed has an appointment with Dr. Resnik scheduled.

Woman: Alright sir, head on up.  Do you know which room is Dr. Resnik's?

Creature nods rapidly.

Creature: I'll be fine.

Creature once again moves towards the staircase, and this time with his arms at his sides, he begins moving up the old, wooden staircase.  His steps are heavy, and echo throughout the building with a resounding "thump, thump, thump."  He lifts his head and views the dim lights which hang overhead, tracing the staircase's path.  His ascension to the next floor is slow and tedious, and Creature skips no steps.  His tired, bent mind races inside his throbbing skull; his cranium feel as though it is a prison made of bone, restraining his brain, torturing his psyche.

As the HWA Champion lethargically moves up the steps, he can't help but compare the climb to his HCW career.

Creature: It felt like an eternity between my initial promise in HCW, and the moment I finally fulfilled it.  From the 29th of April I believe it was, when I first said that I would be the HCW Champion, to August 5th, the night I became the HCW Champion, only three full months pasted.  May, June, and July.  But in that short time, in that simple quater of a year, I fought everyone who was a someone.  I beat everyone, even if it took me more than once.  I won practically every championship, and held some at the same time.  I climbed the rankings.  I never missed a Pay-Per-View.  I took at most three shows off the entire time.  And it felt like a hundred years before I finally had the belt, the very thing that has become my soul reason to exsist, around my waist.  I would have to be killed to lose it.

The mentally anguished warrior reaches the final step and officially sets foot on the second floor.  He gazes down the seemingly mile-long corridor ahead of him.  Its bare, hard wood floors reflect the rays of light from the lamps hanging overhead from the ceiling.  The walls are lined with various paintings, mostly Monet.  There are several doors on either side of the hallway, but just like last time, only one is of any relevance to Creature.  It lies at the very end of the hallway.  It stands tall and proud, ornately designed.  For some, it symbollizes help from a genius of a man.  To Creature, it is the gate to Hell, where he must recite his deepest and darkest fears to Satan himself.  To Creature, it is the one room where he must admit he is nothing more than a mere human being, with very real problems and very real fears.  To Creature, visitng Dr. Resnik is a slap in the face, and the would never have met the aged old psychiatrist in the first place had he not been forced to so long ago.  But to Creature, todays visit is something he chose to do.  The pills no longer bring him ease.  And with possibly the most important match of his career on the horizon, Creature has swallowed his pride and decided that he needs any edge he can get, even if it means confronting Resnik and delving deep inside his dark, evil conscience.

Creature sizes up the hall, and the session with Resnik which lies ahead.

Creature: Hmph.  I need this.  I must be on top of my game to defeat Blitz...and medication and self-denial has only brought me a losing streak.

A shiver runs up Creature spine.

Creature: Ah....I'm ready.

With that, Creature sets off down the hallway, his grey coat swaying gently at his sides, his feet stomping against the floor, and the portal to Hell drawing ever closer.  Creature reaches the door, and examines it from top to bottom.  He places both hands, palms open, against the door, and then taking the door knob in his right hand, throws it open.

As he steps into the office, the first thing that hits him is the scent of cigar smoke, most probably Cubans.  Next, his eyes pick up the visuals in the room...the desk in the far corner, the leather couch at the center of the room, the bookcases filled with numerous works on psychology and the human experience, and a whirling fan attached to the ceiling.  Seated on the desk sifting through some papers is Dr. Resnik- Satan himself.  Creature quietly closes the door behind him as he enters, but Resnik ignores him.  Creature walks over to the couch, removes his grey coat, and takes a seat.  Resnik still ignores him.  Finally, Creature balls up his coat and places it on the left arm rest of the couch, and then lays back on the couch uses his coat as a pillow.  Once he is sufficiently settled, Resnik turns around and climbs off his desk.

Resnik: Creature!

Dr. Resnik claps his hands together and grins.  He is wearing a white shirt under a brown vest, some light brown slacks, and a leather blet.  On his feet he wears dress shoes and expensive socks, and his face bears a  pair of glasses.  His hair is combed back and he is clean shaven.

Resnik: It is good to see you.  I'm glad you could make it.

Creature nods and swallows.

Resnik: How have you been?

Creature sighs.

Creature: I'll be better after HCW Unleashed.

Dr. Resnik nods understandingly.  He never takes his eyes off his patient, but does reach behind himself onto his desk and lifts up a manilla folder.  It is his copy of Creature's file.  He flips through it as he talks, then returns it to the desk after a few moments.

Resnik: I hear your match is going to be pretty important.

Creature snorts and peers at Resnik out of the corner of his eyes.

Creature: Only the single biggest match of my career.  It will be the unification of the HCW and HWA World Championships.  One man will reign supreme over all the business.

Resnik: I see.  That is something that you want very badly, is it not?

Creature chuckles a bit.

Creature: Oh...you have no idea.  When I was last champion, I refused to lose it.  Ever.  Many believed, including I myself, that in order for me to lose it, I would have to be killed.  But they found a way.  They'll always find a way to screw me.  And now look who has my pride and joy...Inphino Blitz.  He doesn't deserve my baby, my true love.  To him, it is just a belt.  It brings with its ownership a certain honor and dignity, but nothing that noble ol' Blitz can't live without.  But for me...I thrive on it.  I cannot function without it.  Doctor-

Creature sits up on the couch and glares at Resnik, breathing heavily.

Creature: December 2nd, 2001 changed my life forever.  Blitz stole what is rightfully mine, one of my only friends betrayed me, and since then...it has all been down hill.  I can feel it.  I'm slipping.  I'm losing my place in the business.  But I can't let that happen Doctor.  I can't fucking let it happen!

Resnik: Creature, I would prefer it is you refrained from profanity-

Creature: (interrupting) I won't let it fucking happen!  I want my God damn belt!  I have to be on the top, I have to be the motherfucking number one man!  I have to beat Blitz!  Damn it!  I have to!

Creature sits shuttering on the couch, and Resnik moves over to him.  Resnik places his hand on Creature's shoulder.

Resnik: Creature...there is always the possibility that you'll lose.  You just have to accept that.  You cannot base your entire life on one matc-

Creature knocks Resnik's hand from his shoulder and jumps off the couch.

Creature: What do you know?  Huh?  The Creature Era was in full stride.  It wasn't letting up.  And it sure as hell wasn't going to end.  But then Blitz comes along.  He comes into MY HCW, he comes in with his stupid HWA companions and his stupid HWA President, and he turns the God damn place upside down.  He gets a shot at the HCW Title, MY HCW Title, and Complicated, my ally, my friend, betrays me for what?  For money?  For fame?  For glory?  For revenge?  It was all of those things, and he blamed me for his failures in HCW.  And now, after two months of a living hell, after two months of MY belt resting on Blitz's shoulder or strapped around Blitz's waist, it is time for me to get my rematch.  I will not accept any God damn possibility but one- I'm winning.  Blitz may not care what I think, Blitz, like the rest of the fucking world might think I'm insane- but he knows I'm dead serious.  He's felt my wrath, his fucking wench has felt it, and he will feel it again Sunday night.  He knows I mean business, and damn it, he better recognize that I MUST win this match to live on.  I will accept no other outcome Doctor.  He has deserved what he has received this past few weeks, and he will deserve what he received inside that God forsaken ring Sunday night.

Dr. Resnik nods once, then motions for Creature to sit back down on the couch.

Resnik: Let's discuss something else for the moment.  Have a seat, and we'll talk about something different for the time being.

Creature sighs and re-takes his seat.  Resnik steps away from the couch and leans against his desk while he speaks.

Resnik: How has everything else been going for you lately?  Have you been taking your medication?  Have you been winning your other matches?

Creature groans and stares down at the floor.

Creature: I have begun a losing streak the likes of which I have never seen.

Resnik nods and tilts his head slightly, listening intently.

Resnik: And how has that made you feel?

Creature glares up at Resnik.

Creature: How does it make me feel?  Are you an idiot?

Resnik: No Creature.  I am not an idiot.  I am just curious as to how your losing streak has affected you.

Creature: I'm fucking pissed.

Resnik: Creature.

Resnik peers down at Creature, who nods.

Creature: Alright, fine.  I'll watch my language.

Resnik grins.

Resnik: Thank you.

Creature: As I was saying...

Creature lays back down on the couch, and stretches out as his talks.

Creature: I have not been very pleased.  First I lose the Tag Team Titles with Inphino Blitz to the Lost Soulz.

Resnik: Creature, you did not enjoy teaming with Blitz.  You cannot stand to be around him in the least.  Would you be willing to continue enduring Blitz's company if it meant gaining a victory?

Creature glances at Resnik, who crosses his arms in front of his chest.

Creature: You don't understand...it was the Soulz.  I hate them, and I hate losing to them.  When I won the HCW Title, they were my worst enemies.  And until Blitz came along, they still were.  The very fact that I will now have to listen to Cobra Hawke and Maniac gloat about defeating me, even though I was not pinned, makes me want to vomit.

Resnik: If you were not pinned, it was Blitz who lost the match.

Creature: Yes, it was.  The big jackass tried a move he has no right attempting, and it cost us the titles.  It cost ME the titles.

Resnik: Creature, sooner or later, I would have recommended that you relinquish the titles.  Because of your feelings towards Blitz, it was not healthy for you to even attempt coexisting with him until you overcame your emotions.

Creature: I still lost to the Soulz.  They still boast about it every waking moment.  After I am done with Blitz, I will destroy them!

Resnik sighs.

Resnik: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it Creature.  But you haven't told me everything about the losing streak yet.  One loss does not constitute a streak.  Who else defeated you?

Creature clenches his fists and slams them into the couch.

Creature: Michael Mercer!  That ditsy faggot beat me in the last match I competed in.  I did everything I could to defeat him.  But he wouldn't stay down.  He wouldn't just die for me.  We battled to a draw, but Jon Savage, the stupid son of a...argh.  The CEO of the HCW, he decided that the fans deserved a winner.  The fans!?  I nearly bled to death...for the fans?  No, no, no, no, no....I don't wrestle for the fans.  I don't fight for the fans.  I don't risk my life, I don't win titles, I don't even wear this mask for the fans.  FUCK THE FANS!

The good doctor Resnik lifts a hand to his forehead and caresses the creased skin gently.  He looks at Creature, who while laying on the couch, is still visibly seething.

Resnik: Please, calm down Creature.  You have a lot to look forward to.  Your losses are in the past.  You will have other matches to win.

Creature: Yes, yes that's true.  But the fact remains that he, like the contemptable Soulz, now has something to hold over my head.  And you know why he has something to hold over my head?  Because of INPHINO BLITZ!  Not only did he cost me the Tag Team Titles, but in the very next match, he screwed me against Michael Mercer!  Everything that has happened to me these past two months is his fault.  It is his fault I had to take pills for so long.  It is his fault I am here today.  It is his fault I am not the HCW Champion.

Resnik: I thought Complicated cost you the HCW Title?

Creature: It is both their damn faults!

Creature sighs.

Creature: Dr. Resnik, in HCW, it is survival of the fittest.  And there is only one thing that I can do to ensure my survival.  I MUST defeat Inphino Blitz for the HCW Championship.  I must reign as the Undisputed Champion.  If I do not, if I fail, then I face extinction.

Creature glances over at Resnik, who lowers his head in though.

Resnik: I see.  Well, since we are back on the subject of Inphino Blitz...you mentioned earlier that he and his wife had felt your wrath?  How did that happen?

Creature smirks.

Creature: The Cross Face Chickenwing.

Resnik: What is that?

Creature: It is a submission maneuver.  Basically, I rip one of their arms out of it socket.  I love applying it.  And that is exactly what I did.  I went down to MY ring, to basically let my feelings be known to the world.  Blitz interrupted me, he insulted me, and he wasted my time.  Eventually, we came to blows.  And I damn near tore his arm right off.

Resnik: I see....what about his wife?

Creature: I'll get to her.  There have been many who have felt the Chickenwing.  Later that night in fact, after he cost me my match to Michael Mercer, I not only locked him back int he Chickenwing, but Mercer as well.  I had them both screaming for the harlots that are their mothers.  A week later, Blitz came out to run his big mouth about something irrelevant to me, and I attacked him from behind.  I rendered him unconscience and got his wife all alone in the ring.  That is when I seized my greatest opportunity yet for revenge, and tortured her pretty little body in the submission hold which would have the bravest of men weeping in agony.

Resnik nods his head up and down, and closes his eyes for a moment before responding.  Creature meanwhile remains on the couch, beaming with pride over the destruction he has caused with the Cross Face Chickenwing.

Resnik: Creature...do you really think it is fair and appropriate for you to use the Chickenwing in the manner you do?  You often refer back to Complicated assaulting you, and now bring up Blitz attacking you during your match with this Michael Mercer fellow, and you act as though you are being mistreated and cheated in someway.  Yet, you openly brag about what you have done with a move that could end careers very easily.

Creature: You just don't get it, Doctor.  Until the Iron Man Match at Unleashed, the Chickenwing ismy only means of revenge on Blitz, Mercer, or anyone else.

Resnik: You mentioned that you don't have very many friends.

Creature: No.  I said I didn't have any.

Resnik: Don't you believe that maybe everyone is a little intimidated by you?  Don't you think that maybe because of your use of the Chickenwing move to settle your problems, that maybe people are afraid to support you?

Creature: If that is the case, they are all morons.

Resnik: No Creature, they are not all morons.  You didn't answer me when I asked you about this earlier.  Have you been taking your medication, Creature?

The smirk which once adorn Creature's exposed lips is no longer present.  He is now stone faced.

Resnik: Well?  Have you been taking the pills I prescribed?

Creature snorts.

Creature: I did for a while.  Back when I was denying my hatred for Inphino Blitz.  But once I accepted it, I stopped taking them so frequently.

Resnik: When was the last time you had a pill?

Creature: Heh...one pill was never good enough for me to begin with.  Hell, those pills altogether caused me only grief.  They did not help me in the least.

Resnik: You said you did not take just one per dose.  If you took multiple pills at the same time, your system probably became accustom to them much faster than it should have.  You built up an immunity to them, most likely.

Creature: Ah, bullshit.  The pills only served to make me a laughing stock, and cost me matches.  I never needed them before December 2nd, and I am convinced that the issue of my mental health will be moot after January 27th.

Resnik: Creature, according to you, Blitz has cost you matches, Complicated has cost you matches, and your pills have cost you matches.  Is it ever possible for you to lose a match by your own merit?

Creature pauses and stares off into the distance for a moment.  He then snorts and glances over at Dr. Resnik.

Creature: No.  That is completely impossibly.

Resnik: Creature, your attitude concerns me the most.  It is what put you in this dehabilitated mental state.  Creature, what happens if Inphino Blitz defeats you tomorrow night?  It is an Iron Man Match.  As I understand it, that means it will last sixty minutes, with multipile falls.  What if he takes so much as one fall cleanly?  Who will have cost you the match then?  What happens when you finally lose cleanly?

Creature: When Christ himself returns and defeats me, then I'll let you know.  Because that's what it would take for me to ever lose cleanly.  I have been screwed over too many times in HCW.  I must put a stop to it soon.

Resnik: Or face extinction?

Creature: Exactly.  There are too many people who want my spot in the company.  I can't let them take it from me.

Resnik: Who are these people?  Is Complicated one of them?

Creature: Yes.  He is.  And Michael Mercer is another.  Hell, Michael Mercer already thinks he is better than me.

Resnik: I wish you wouldn't use obscenities, but I will go ahead and allow you to speak freely.  Now then...do often think of Mercer and Complicated?  Do their words bother you?

Creature jerks up to a seated positon on the couch.

Creature: Of course their God damn words bother me.  Michael Mercer wonders around with his stupid partner Justin, who fortunately for his sake has stayed out of my business, and he can never have one conversation without mentioning the fact that he has defeated me.  He cannot go one day without gloating about the fact that he is supposedly better than me.  What bothers me the most is that people believe him.  That and the fact that he also believes Inphino Blitz is better than me.  They are good friends.  Just last week they all ganged up on me and beat me into the ground.  Mercer just KNOWS Blitz is going to beat me.  And that is another reason why I MUST FUCKING BEAT BLITZ.  I have to shut him up.  If I don't, I might just go insane.

Resnik continues to listen, but can't help thinking to himself about Creature's last words.

Resnik: Might just go insane?  I suppose I shouldn't tell him that he is already there.

Creature: And then there is Complicated, the dirty asshole.  You do not know how good it felt those few weeks when he was gone.  All he has done since he cost me the HCW Title back at Born Again is slander my name, though I doubt he even knows what slander means.  He has run around spreading rumors, insulting me, even making public items I told him in confidence.  He brought up the cave...damn him!

Resnik raises an eyebrow.  He has never heard of this "cave."

Resnik: Cave?

Creature scoffs and shakes his head.

Creature: That is for another time, Doctor.

Resnik chuckles and grins.

Resnik: I see.  Do continue.

Creature: What else can I say?  Complicated has made a fierce enemy out of me, and someday he will pay.  I defeated him in the HWA Title Invitational, but that wasn't enough.  Much like Mercer and the Soulz, I'm going to have to utterly humiliate and totally obliterate him before I can finally rest easy.  But all of that can wait.  I must first rid myself of Blitz, and regain my precious, beloved HCW Championship.

Dr. Resnik glances up at a clock which hangs on the wall directly behind his desk.  He then looks over at Creature, who has stopped talking.  He sighs and moves away from his desk.

Resnik: Creature...

Creature glances over at him.

Creature: Yes?

Resnik: It is getting late.  I'm going to have to ask that you go home.

Creature tilts his head to the side.

Creature: Home?  Hahaha, I'm not going home.  And we're not finished here.

Resnik smiles.

Resnik: No, we are not finished here.  But I'm going to have to ask that you return first thing tomorrow morning, and we can conclude this session.  I want to talk to you about the match, and about Inphino Blitz.

Creature smirks.

Creature: Hmph.  Fine.  But you must realize that tomorrow is the day of the match.  I am coming to you for the sole purpose of clearing my head, and fixing my problems.  I must be at my very best, or I may not last the hour.  I must be at my very best, or I may not unify the championships.  I must be at my very best, or I may not kill Inphino Blitz.

Resnik: We'll get everything sorted out, I'm sure of it.  You'll do just fine tomorrow night at Unleashed.

Creature grabs his coat and rises from the couch.

Creature: Will you be watching the Pay-Per-View?

Resnik furrows his brow.

Resnik: I may...no.  I WILL.  You can count on it.

Creature: Excellent.  I will feel better about destroying Blitz if I know that you are watching.  I will feel better about destroying Blitz is I know that the entire world is watching, for that matter.  Just don't waste too much of my time.  I will have a flight to Toronto to catch tomorrow.

Resnik: Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be finished long before your flight.

Creature slips into his coat and heads towards the door.  He opens it and goes to exit, but turns back to Dr. Resnik.

Creature: See you tomorrow, Doc.

Creature closes the giant door behind him, and once again begins the long walk down the hallway.  As he walks, he reflects on the just concluded session.

Creature: Why the hell do I waste my time with that man?  What has he done for me?  All he did was ask me questions, and criticize my actions.  I don't have time for that kind of disrespect.  Hmph.  I'll give him another chance tomorrow, but if he fails to help me, I might just end up throttling him right there in his cigar-reeking office.

Creature reaches the staircase, and takes the first step down.  He begins to descend to the first floor, but this time is much less aware of his surroundings, and of the noise his feet make.  In fact, the entire trip down the staircase is much, much shorter this time around, or so it seems.  And once again, he cannot help but compare the journey to his HCW career.

Creature: I am drifting down to the bottom so quickly...is this what it will be like if I lose to Inphino Blitz tomorrow night?  Will I plummet through the rankings thrice as fast as I climbed them?  This cannot be!  I cannot allow myself to be reduced to the level that Maniac, Wolverine, Steve Knight, Mike Robinson, Ivan, and even Slayer all did- I cannot return to the fiery pits of midcard hell.  I am a main eventer damn it.  I am THE main event!  I MUST defeat Blitz at all costs!

Creature briskly reaches the bottom of the staircase, and steps back out into the main room.  As he trudges towards the door outside, he glances over at the oriental woman behind the counter.  She is still there, but she is closing down the computer, and gathering her personal effects, preparing to leave for the night.  Creature sighs and exits the building, stepping back out into the night's cold air.

Creature: What will tomorrow bring?  Help from a God damn shrink?  The undisputed World Championship?  Vengeance on Blitz?  Or another disappointing session?  Another loss to add to my streak?  Another chance for Blitz, Mercer, Complicated, and all the rest to gloat about my failures?  I suppose I'll have to wait and see.  All I know for certain is that Unleashed will indeed be the definitive night in my HCW career.  Is MY future dim?

Creature wanders off into the night, a tormented man with sick and twisted goals, all of which can be realized tomorrow night at Unleashed.  Will the Creature Era pick up steam and the HCW Championship, or will the Iron Man Match be just another nail in the coffin?