Lancaster's Inferno - the Gates of Hell (Vestibule of Hell)

Scene I: Lincoln, NE - home of the Lancasters - Friday, March 28, 2003

The few days after the Crusade had ended will not be ones I look back upon with unbridled fondness.  I tried my utmost, and went further than any other CSWA competitor in that tournament, and of course,  Marshall does not send his congratulations or thanks.  The ungrateful pig.

However I am not one to go out seeking praise from others, especially from the likes of Marshall.  I did what I could in that tournament, I lost, and thus I move on.

To what?  I came back to Lincoln with Stephanie and Edward, to find out that I wasn't even booked on Wildfire in Sioux Falls to fight.  That left me with very little to do, except sit at home and train, and spend time with Edward.

I must admit it was very good to get home, after the nonsense that occurred with Edward at the hotel in Sacramento.  I really am left stumped about what to do about Edward.  I called his pediatrician and told him of his situation, and he really did not have any advice to give.  Stephanie insists that it's all the constant moving about and changing atmospheres that is really starting to get to Eddy.

She may be right.  But she damn well knew that our child would be subjected to a lot of moving around.  Of course she didn't have the benefit of hindsight.  Had she known that Eddy would be affected in this manner, she would never have consented to continue managing me.

But shit, I cannot but worry about what she is thinking.  I'm afraid that she's going to outrightly tell me to retire, something I most certainly do not want to consider.  I'm fairly neutral on the whole situation right now though, at least I am trying to be.  I hope perhaps this will just blow away and be forgotten, and Edward will settle down on his own.  I can only hope.

Scene II: Lincoln, NE - home of the Lancasters - Tuesday, April 1, 2003

The days passed and it was time for Wildfire to go on the air.  I wasn't scheduled to be on the show, but I still wanted to be there.  Tension was obviously simmering below the surface still between Stephanie and I.  Shit I hate this.

Stephanie was not pleased.  It meant calling Shannon and getting her to babysit while we picked up and went to South Dakota. I insisted though that I should be there.  I knew Seamus was going to be present, and I wanted to back him up if he needed it, for whatever reason.

"Robert, no don't do this.  Seamus has Jeff if he needs any support, and I don't want to bother Shannon."

"Shannon is no issue, she said anytime, any day, she'd be available."

I felt very provoked by Stephanie's resistance.  I understood it, but I didn't want to deal with it.  I tried to restrain my frustrations.

"Look, I'll call Shannon okay, and we'll just go over.  It'll be a quick flight.  And I promise I won't get involved unless I have to.  We'll be home in a few hours, Shannon can handle Eddy just fine."

Stephanie's expression said all she needed through her eyes - words were not required.

It was clear that we both had had enough.

"Alright, forget it.  I'll go myself, I don't need you there, you do what's best for you."  I turned to walk away when Stephanie raised her voice.

"Goddamn it Robert, don't give me that, I'm trying to do what's best for our son, something you apparently can't understand."

It sounded like we were reciting parts from bloody "Coronation Street."

She knew how to provoke a response and did it masterfully.  I turned back around and stuck a finger out, pointing right at her.

"Don't you ever insinuate that I don't give a damn about that boy."  I lowered my finger.  "I'm only asking for a few hours of your time, when you know full well that Shannon can take care of Edward just fine.  But still, if you don't bloody well want to bother your ass, just leave me be and I'll be back in a while."

Stephanie sighed loudly.  "I'll come with you.  Just call Shannon now."

"Forget it," I declared rather abrasively.  "Stay home."

"ROBERT. I'm coming."

I threw my hands up in the air, shaking my head.  I pulled out my cell phone and called Shannon, who didn't hesitate to come down to the house for a few hours.  

The worst was yet to come.

Scene III: Sioux Falls, SD - Wildfire! - Tuesday, April 1, 2003

The flight over in our jet to Sioux Falls was forgettable.  Neither of us said a word hardly, nor did we speak to Jimmy West upon our arrival at the arena.  West tried to get  a few words with me.  I decided to completely ignore him.

"Robert...Mr. Lancaster...can we get a few words?"

I continued to walk, getting increasingly annoyed with Mr. West by the second.  Stephanie walked close behind, trying to keep up.

"Robert?? Can you..."

We came to a locker room I managed to get and slammed the door behind me, leaving Mr. West in the dust.  I heard him from outside saying he'd get to the bottom of the "story" by the end of the night.  I sarcastically laughed to myself as I listened to him curse under his breath at me, for not giving him a few words.

Tough shit, Jimmy old boy.  I have my own rubbish to worry about without having to bother with you.

We settled into the locker room, Stephanie sitting about a foot or two away from me, as I leaned back on the couch and flipped on the closed circuit feed of the live Wildfire broadcast.  I looked forward to the matches on the card, and hoped, contrarily to what I told Steph, that I'd have a chance to get involved.

Jonny Five was still owed me some restitution for being the little bitch that he is.  As did Ripper, but he had his hands full with Jeff and the unscrupulous frat boys who consist the Authority.

I sat through Mace's little speech, very glad for the young man from the Bronx.  He had come such a far way from when I first got to know him, however briefly, in the NAWA.  I was very proud of him, and I can only hope that I can taste the success that young fellow has someday.  He earned it.  He poured his life into the business.  And, even though I was older than him, I still felt I could learn a great deal from him.  And I undoubtedly shall.

The live feed continued with a shot of our glorious president Robert Marshall,  who was fraternizing with his new "yes man" so it would seem, Tony Mastino.

My attention perked up as that miserly windbag in a cheap suit began to talk about who would face SeX for the CAL World Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.  I immediately thought that his baby Rippy would be given the chance.  I listened intently.  Stephanie was in a world of her own at the time, likely consumed with worry over Eddy.  I shook my head and continued to watch.

"Hell we get to have our cake and eat it too. I like that idea.  Now Tony who shall be the team that faces the SeXellence." Marshall paused in thought.

"The Authority?" I groaned slightly.  The crowd loved it.

"NO! They just don't deserve it. They should of won that damn NPW tournament and I won't hand them the chance at more glory."

I snickered at Marshall's obliviousness.  The bastard was sly, that's for certain.

"Well..........I guess it will have to be the...Whiskey Devils."

Jesus.  I immediately got to my feet and stood up, awestruck in front of the television.  Dear God I thought I had gone insane briefly, or had misheard, or was fantasizing.  That son of a bitch actually named myself and Seamus the number one contenders in the CSWA to face those pricks from the BWWa.  

I turned my head to look at Stephanie to get her reaction.  I doubt she even was listening, as she just sat there, zoned out. I sat back down.

I could feel her slipping away from me moment by moment.

I was in the midst of watching the Beast tangle with Orion when Stephanie's cell phone began to buzz.  She picked it up hurriedly and began to chatter loudly.  It was Edward again.  He was throwing another fit.

Steph finished and turned her attention to me.

"Robert, it's Eddy."

"Surprise surprise," I muttered.

"Goddamn Robert!! Do you even give a shit anymore!!" she snapped.

I furrowed my eyes in resentment.  "WHAT??" I exclaimed. "I didn't mean anything by it!"

"Robert, we have to go, NOW."

"Steph, we can't go rushing home every time he begins to act up.  Now for God's sake just take it easy!!"

She had had enough.

Steph picked up her purse and headed for the door.  She turned to look at me.

"Robert you have two options.  Retire.  Or you'll never fucking see me next to you in this or any other arena.  The next time I see you will be the day you've made your decision.  Until then, stay the hell away from me."

She burst out of our locker room and headed out.  I got up to follow her, only to see Jimmy West poking his head in.  I instinctively slammed the door on the poor bastard for the second time that night.

I was left utterly shocked and confused.  I sat there numb, my hands the only things supporting my head.  I reviewed what had just happened no less than a thousand times.  She had given me an ultimatum, the first time she had ever done so.  

I didn't know what to say.  What to do.  Where to go.  Second passed into minutes, when I looked up and noticed Seamus on the mic in the middle of the ring.  I decided the only thing I could do for now was turn this confusion into action.

"And Jonny Five...if ye don't like that, ah've got TWO BLOODY WORDS FOR YE!!!"

I opened the door and sprinted to the entrance area of the arena, and ran down the ramp way and into the ring to have a few words with Seamus.

"I need a word with you. Now."

Seamus looked at me with a slight look of confusion.

"Aye lad? Well come on then, let's hear it."

We both exited the ring and head to the back, back to my locker room.  Making sure West was no where to be seen, I closed the door and bid Seamus to sit.

"I'm alright lad, I'm fine standing...so tell me laddy, what's goin' on?"

"Seamus."  I almost couldn't get the words out.  "I think I'm going to have to retire.  It's Edward...he's acting up so much lately at home that Steph is wanting me to retire, or else she'll never come to the ring with me ever again."

Seamus' tone was one of pure sympathy and disappointment.  "Aww shyte lad.  That's not fair to ye lad...how can she do this to ye."

I sat there silently, as I shrugged.  "I understand why she's so concerned, but I need her here with me Seamus.  She's my strength."

Seamus sat down next to me.  "Lad...ye have to do what's best for ye and yer wee one, and yer wife...but aye, for yerself too as I said.  I can't tell ye what to do...but whatever ye decide, ye know that ye have me and Becca's support, and Jeff's too...ye know that aye."

I smiled weakly.  "Aye that I do Seamus.  Thank you."

"Auch no problem lad." Seamus' smile was genuine.  "For now though lad...why don't we plan a wee something for Mr. Five and company tonight..."

I grinned at the suggestion.  I could think of no better person to take my frustrations out on than Jonny Five.

Although my life seemed to have reached the gates of Hell, I was determined to use whatever it generated on anyone and everyone who dared to cross my way.  Jonny Five got his that night.  

SeX was next.  They would be the focal point of all the pent up rage and hatred I've been accumulating ever since that night in Sioux Falls.  Although they had truly earned their victory and the CAL championship, their reign would be remembered as one of the shortest ever.  That I vowed.  I have no love for those men, and thus I shall not spare them any courtesy, any kindness, any mercy.

Although I may be in turmoil, I shall not let this distract me.  When I am in that ring, whether it is my last match or otherwise - I will make sure that SeX remembers their encounter with myself and Seamus through their scars, their wounds, their bloodied faces.

If I am going to hell.

They are coming with me.