What lays in the ocean depths, or in the vast reaches of space?  What squirms under our very feet deep in the bowels of the Earth?  It is the unknown, and through out history, people have feared the unknown.  If you walk down an ally in the middle of the day, chances are you don’t think twice. Yet, at 2 A.M. in the morning, your eyes dart left and right, your ears perked for the slightest sound.  Of course, there are those select few who boldly journey without thought into these dark places, but there is a fine line between courage and stupidity.  Daniel Adams is stupid.  He does not exercise caution when it comes to The Soul-Taker, does not show respect for a power far greater then his own.  He chooses to mock, question Raizzor’s reasons for participating in this contest, even though he was presented with the details as to why.  It seems Mr. Adams does not understand the English Language, and a second lesson is necessary.

 

Slow fade into a cold, rainy night outside the Hotel Nelson as Raizzor steps past the entrance of the hotel and into the dreary evening.  He scans his surroundings, taking note of the midway, the rows of potted saplings, young of age and brushes the black strands of his hair away from his masked face.  Turning right he heads towards one of the prestigious old structures and uses this time to offer his thoughts concerning Sunday’s event.

 

“It is obvious, Daniel, that you do not fully understand the situation you have found yourself in.  The Golden Couple had it secured in their minds that they would go into Happenstance and win Tag-Team Gold, and that there was no one worthy to stop them from achieving there goal.  So sure of yourself of your victory, that you arrogantly brush off any real threat. Suddenly, however, things have changed, and the plans that were solid and set in ink, have become smudged, unreadable, and a future so clear has turned murky.  It was obvious to myself and Alexis you were none to pleased, what with the reactions you and Adriana had when Jen made this match.”

 

He strolls slowly, taking in all that is around him, the lamps projecting just enough light for one to reach the next, and the rain glistens underneath the lamps as he passes each one.

 

“Still, it appears I am forced to reapply the reason why I am here, and why I have chosen to ‘stick my nose in your business’.  There is no desire in my heart to be ‘noticed’ and ‘get attention’ from anyone, other then you.  I want your full attention, and a complete understanding from you that I will waste no breath, no thought it burying you.  Coming to your aide was a selfless act, rewarded with betrayal and I do no take kindly to that. I bid my time, watching, waiting, to see when you would finally come back to the front lines of the BWF and want something important.  Discovering your desire for the Tag-Team Titles was all the inspiration I needed, and it will give me great pleasure to see you burn with rage when Alexis and I take those titles for ourselves.  So take heed that while my partner wants gold to move herself up in the ranks of the BWF, my only desire is to see you broken in half in the middle of that ring.”

 

His fists tighten at the thought, his motivation very clear, even if it is questioned by everyone else.

 

“Is that enough to bring you back into focus, to speak further words concerning me.  Do not consider yourself done with me by a long shot, and be advised it is in your best interest to be concerned about what I could do to you.  Alexis speaks true when she offers you the question; if she can injure you just for kicks, then what can the Soul-Taker do to you, when it’s personal? Oh, and Daniel, every man has a soul, no matter how dark and twisted it is, and yours will belong to me, trust in that.”

 

Taking a moment to reflect, Raizzor looks ahead at one of the more historic buildings in town, and begins to head towards it.

 

“Garcia, I hope I did not offend you, child, when I did not devote more then a mere breath to the mention of your existence.  I would not have thought you so vain, yet it appears I misjudged you and you indeed would enjoy some of my attention, to make you feel more worthy?  Sadly, there is little about you that would normally press me into sharing my precious time with you, but if you so insist?”

 

A slight shrug of his massive shoulders, barely visible under his long leather duster.

 

“It piqued my curiosity, when I watched you show disinterest in doing your share to present your arguments against all of us.  Not that I care if there is even the slightest ruffle in your relationship, but it truly seemed to me that you were put out by the effort necessary to accomplish your part.  Perhaps it is this same lack of motivation that prevented you from ever defeating Ice Hensley when you two battled repeatedly over the BWF Championship, and I know for certain it did you little good when Ice, Chamelion and I subsequently knocked you and your compatriots down a few pegs early last year.  I gather you have improved yourself a bit since then, but with the attitude you displayed in Daniel’s promo I have to wonder if you truly know how to utilize your gifts.  Titles aside, the biggest impact you’ve made recently is riding Daniel’s coat tails.  Proof of this would be that many people, myself included, completely forgot you currently hold the International Championship, as if it were a mere technicality.”

 

“Perhaps it would be prudent of you to entice Daniel into a bit of social levity before Sunday, because he will be in no condition to take care of you in any form, once I’ve laid his carcass to rest.”

 

A shadow falls across Raizzor’s path and he stops, turning and gazing slightly down as a feminine figure cloaked in a black leather jacket slides against him, long flowing fine hair momentarily covering the features of the new addition.  Raizzor’s expression is a mix of surprise and interest, and his voice echoes his response.

 

“Requiem?”

 

lifting her delicate fingers to pull her hair from her face, Jasmine Lee Sommers gazes seductively up at her husband.

 

“Hello, darling, miss me?”

 

He does not respond immediately, as thoughts blaze by in quick succession.  His wife’s split personality, which developed almost two years ago during his tenure in the HiC, occasionally still presents him with the complexity of how to deal with her.  Carefully he ventures the question.

 

“Where is Jasmine?”

 

“Oh, she’s here, don’t worry lover.  She said I could come out and play.”

 

“I do not follow.”

 

“Oh, silly boy.  Sweet Jasmine figures that of us two, I compliment you much better when you’re being so dark and fearsome.  Besides, I was getting cramped inside her cheerful head and it was becoming dreadful.  I want to play, darling. Please let me play.”

 

Requiem, Jasmine’s dark half, isn’t necessarily evil, and over time had come to terms with her ‘co-residency’ with Jasmine, somewhat to the point of being ‘sisterly’.  Still, she was the bad seed of the two, a representation of deeper trauma that Jasmine had never truly revealed, and Dr. Remo seriously suggested that when she came out, to entertain her wishes to a degree, or she may fall back into the same cruel form that stood by Eric Draven’s side.  Since Jasmine was ‘conscious’ even during Requiems’ visits, and was willing to give her these times of freedom, Raizzor usually had no issue with her presence.  Still, a sense of decorum was necessary.

 

“If you mean ‘play’ as getting involved in Sunday’s match,  I would severely suggest against it.”

 

Her pout is truly exotic, he admits, and she sulks against his strong form.

 

“It would have been so much fun, darling, but very well.  As long as I can wander free here for a while, away from Jasmine’s cheerful nature, and enjoy a taste of you, I’ll settle.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Yeah, who’d deny that request?

 

“What were you talking about when I got here, darling?”

 

“I was about to turn my attention to the tag-team champions.”

 

“They do not let me stop you.”

 

Bemused as the ‘initiation’ to continue, Raizzor guides Requiem as they both move further down the street, as the drizzle begins to subside.  Falling back into step with his thoughts, Raizzor continues as if never interrupted.

 

“Phoenix, Night, I chose to make this my business and there’s nothing you’re capable of doing about it.  I go into this match, for personal reasons while Alexis goes in for gold.  Our ultimate desires may be different, but it will end in the same result; mutual satisfaction and if I may allow myself a moment of pride; yet another title reign to my history.  Between the two promos aired by our opponents, not one thing new has been said that Alexis and I did not already cover fluently in our own separate speeches, and I find myself slightly amused that the Tag-Champs could find nothing solid to use against any of us.  Most of the time was spent on Alexis, trying to whittle down what many might consider the weak link of our team.  Very manly, to focus your strengths on the young woman, and yet the only thing you had for me was a temper tantrum that I got involved.  Remember how this promo began?  People fear the unknown, and you two have no clue how to deal with me.   My personal vengeance on Daniel may be the bulk of my reason to be in this match, but do not think for a moment, that it will distract me from devoting myself to assisting Alexis Sykes in winning the BWF Tag-Team Titles.”

 

The mention of Alexis causes a black shadow to skim across Requiem’s face, but she shakes it off, since this is just a matter of business.  She sinks against her husband while he continues, unaware of her reaction.

 

“Speaking of, I gave her the other title to do with as she pleases.  I saw no reason to take them from you now, and will suffice to wait till Sunday to officially claim them as ours.  Carry around your mock ups and swell your chests with pride, it does not bother me one bit.  In fact, it is rather amusing to see a pair of fakes…. On the shoulders of a pair of fakes.”

 

A small giggle escapes Requiem’s lips and Raizzor realizes what he’s done. He concedes.

 

“Perhaps my brother’s humor is indeed rubbing off on me, I shall have to be more careful.”

 

“I kind of like it when you do that, it’s unexpected and rare, like when you touch me right on my…..”

 

Coughing once, Raizzor’s eyes narrow and she bites her lip playfully allowing Raizzor to finish up.

 

“Daniel, I expect you will wave off my words, believing you above everything. Do so, and the fall will be so much greater.  Garcia, don’t latch on too tight to your man, or you will find yourself laid to rest by his side.  Phoenix, I hope by now you understand that if I want something, I take it, no matter if it’s my business or not, and M.S.N.?  You’re in the wrong place, at the wrong time.  Sunday I exact my revenge, and Alexis and I become Tag Team Champions, because power flows to the ones who know how, and desire alone; is not enough!”

 

Solid.  Pulling Raizzor down enough to whisper in his ear, she presents him with an offer that he finds unable to refuse.  With a 180 turn, the couple begins the trek back to the hotel.