Prepare for Entry

[Kyle]

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
-Lao Tzu

The scene opens abruptly, without the usual dialogue to open the video. Soft violin music is heard in the background, adding a melancholy atmosphere to the white room NvL sat in this evening. Yes, a white room, like the room that he had spent most of his life in growing up. This day, his arms were free, but he didn't use them. In fact, he wasn't doing anything; he was lying prone on the ground, his eyes closed towards the ceiling. To some viewers, it may seem like something drastic had happened the to the Deathmatch Championship, but if one looked closely, they could see NvL's chest rise and fall in his steady breathing. And then a voice rings out in the entire room, cutting the violin music off.

"Calm yourselves, viewers of this video, as you prepare for entry. If there is one thing you'll need on this journey, your sanity would be the number one priority. Now sit back, and enjoy as we dive into uncharted territory."

Nathan's mouth never once moved throughout the entire lecture, so a new viewer to the Devil's Right Hand would've assumed some narrator was telling the story this day. And they weren't wrong either. But anyone who recognized the Russian accent knew who this narrator was.

Vlad was out to play.

The camera view shifted until it was directly above NvL's head.

"Three. . . two. . . one. . . enter"

At the word enter, NvL's eyes shoot open, and the camera zooms rapidly inward, as if the camera was entering NvL's eyes. And they were, in a sense. The camera stops zooming when the only thing on the video screen was black. To any logical person, they would've figured they had stopped at the pupil of the NvL. They wouldn't notice that blackness shift to the true blackness until it had already occurred. Because, today, they weren't exploring NvL's eyes.

They were entering his mind.

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To viewers, the video never seemed to fade out. Instead, it seems NvL had faded in. At first glance, Nathan looked no different in this realm; same trashy clothing, same greasy hair, same outer appearance. Except his red hand; in the mind, his right hand glowed bright red, as if it were on fire. But Nathan didn't notice; he was too busy searching the horizon for something.

"Nathan had been struggling this week to wrap his mind around the task he had before him. The chance at another World Championship match, the possibility of getting his hands on Polar Phantasm, the chance to spread his plague at a much larger scale than before. All of this was overwhelming Nathan to the point that he lost control of my binding, and I had the freedom to take control for as long as I saw fit.

So, the first thought must be that I'm going to be fighting War this week. If you were thinking this, you're mistaken. At the moment, I'm satisfied; I had my fun with Nightmare two weeks ago. I left an injury on her that will last a long time; even when the physical pain subsides, the psychological pain will still be there. So, for the moment, I'm interested in sitting back and watching. It is time for Nathan to prove to me that he is still a dominating force in the WCF.

But he cannot do that with a muddled mind. Not muddled as in insane, because as you can tell, he's gone a long way on that. No, he needs to prove to me that his mind is focused on one goal, not jumping from one to another. Achieve the biggest goal, and odds are, the others will fall into place. And if they don't today, they can be achieved tomorrow. The biggest goal is the important one; the rest are merely bonuses for being dominant.

Sit back, and witness how I morph Nathan into a machine that was designed for one purpose: winning war. The only way to defeat him?

Completely destroy him.

Nathan's already proven he can never be broken.

So, basically, you're fucked."

Nathan's searching has finally payed off, as he spots a beacon of light in the far distance. It seems that was his destination is mind, but how to get there? The question is answered as a yellow-brick road appears, stretching all the way to the light. Why a yellow-brick road? Because this is a maniac's mind. Therefore, everything is normal. Nathan begins walking down the road, each step sending flames backwards under his feet. Every footstep was charred on the yellow brick, allowing Nathan to never forget the path he took.

It didn't take long for NvL to reach his first "obstacle." Jimmy and Chris Guy, two men barely beginning their career before being thrown into one of the biggest matches in WCF.

"The first kind of enemy you will face, Nathan, is the complete nobodies. But never underestimate them, if if you know in your head that they cannot beat you. Because, not too long ago, you were in their shoes. You're not some eight-year veteran who has fought through highs and lows. You've been here since last December, and just happened to become a household name. But when you fought in your first big match, the One Invitational, you were like Jimmy and Chris Guy. No big wins to your name. I'm sure Donald Deruty assumed he was going to win easy. But you beat him, and your other opponents. A nobody won the first ever One Invitational. Who says a nobody can't win War XI?

I say that they won't. Nathan is fighting the match, and he cannot judge any opponents for their past, but I'm a mere spectator, so I can. I mean, who the hell is Jimmy? A handicapped, bastard? I mean if we wanted handicaps in this match, the 8th Wonder would've done fine and they would've added an extra competitor to fight in the match. Instead we have Jimmy, and frankly, I don't like Jimmy. I mean he missed his match last week; his one chance to prove himself before fighting in War, and he fucked up. He has no chance to win this match. And if he gets in the way of NvL, he'll show him just what he does to fuck ups.

At least Chris Guy has spoken to the fans, even though he too has no chance. If any of y'all haven't realized, I'll let you in on a little secret. Chris Guy skipped out of his match so he could have sex. Yeah, yeah he told us that already. But there is deeper meaning to this; women won't screw a loser, so if he didn't show, he wouldn't lose. It worked last week, but it will not work this week. But, by all means, Chris, no show and screw another 'girl.' You cannot win this week, so why bother showing up?"

Jimmy and Chris Guy disappear off the walkway into the darkness with NvL even having to try and move them; just like it'll be at War. Nathan continues forward, moving at a steady pace towards the beacon of light. But, moving only slightly closer, he is once again held up. This time it was the likes of Kale Windsor, Joel Hall, Adam Young, Sado, and Bishop and Priest.

"Take a look at the mid-carders who stand in your way, Nathan. Do they look any different than the men and women you defended your Television Championship. Some of these, you've beaten before, some you've never faced. One of them even holds a win over you in the books. But they are nothing more than fodder for you, Nathan. You are a machine, and to reach the shining beacon, you must go through these individuals. Just keep charging, and they will crumble beneath you.

I mean, who is this Kale Windsor? The only time your name his spoken anymore is to say Eric Price beat you or Stuart Slane beat you. Are you anything better than a scratching post for champions? Maybe you are. Maybe in the future you'll be a decent wrestler in the WCF. But that won't start this week; not if Nathan has anything to do about it. The same goes for Bishop and Priest. None of you have any chance to win this match. Whoever pins you can just say they had an extra elimination. Because odds are, you're not going to make it to the end of the match so people can say they pinned you to win War. You'll enter and exit War the same as before. Worthless.

Sado, do you honestly believe you can even compete in War after your match with Oblivion? I'm not even certain you'll be able to walk after the beating Obi is going to inflict onto you. But if your name is called, and you enter the ring with Nathan in the ring, the outcome will still be the same; your name will not be the War XI winner. There is no Jonny Fly to guide you to victory over Nathan; if Fly wins his match, he will merely sit and watch, waiting to see who the winner will be. And he'll watch as Nathan breaks you if you cross his path. He won't specifically target to over anyone else, but if he has the time, he'll show the WCF universe that your win was a fluke. You didn't pin him earlier this month, but he'll pin you, if given the chance. And he'll do it so there is no doubt that you're still what you were when you entered the WCF. Worthless.

Adam Young, you step into the ring with Nathan for the third time in your career. At One, months ago, you had the mindset that I assumed Donald had. You thought you were the hot shit, the man who would win it all. And, in a sense, you were just that; it was like a dog, and by that I mean your mother, had just shit you out before you stepped into the arena. You were a victim of the Straight Jacket Drop that night, but it did not help you any. You're still an idiot, and you still think you can win matches you shouldn't even be in. If Nathan crosses paths with you, he's going to try take 2 of setting your brain-dead self straight. Succeeding or failing to make you realize that you fucking suck matters little. Either way, Nathan is going to show the fans how you were at One and how you still are. Worthless.

And finally, we have Joel Hall, the fool who has an obsession with destruction. Not of others, but of himself. He challenges me every time Nathan is in the match with him, even though he knows the outcome if I fought him; I'd fuck him up. But he won't be pleasured with getting his ass kicked by me, Nathan can do fine himself. He and I had proved it before that Hall doesn't scare us. In the Clockwork House of Fun Match, Hall was our play-toy, and yet he believes a few months has changed anything. He has it in his head that he can kill Nathan. The man who missed GEW because you couldn't shit actually believes he can defeat Nathan. You judged Nathan's power wrong; he won the One Invitational, not me. He won the television tourney, not me. He will win War XI, not me. And, if fate allows him, he'll finally show you just what you are, Joel. Worthless."

Once more, the opponents fall off the pathway, allowing Nathan to continue forward. The walk through darkness continues, until once more, a large crowd blocks Nathan's path. This time, Nathan finds himself facing Doc Henry, Eric Price, Steve Orbit, Waylon Cash, Odin Balfore, and Sarah Twilight. Any one of them could win War XI on a normal day. But with NvL involved, nothing was normal.

"Nathan, I hope you didn't expect all of the opponents in this match to be little mid-carders. Any of these men, as they are all men, can walk into this match an win. They are all former champions, most of them former world champs. Some are current title-holders, and damn good ones at that. These are the men who you need a calm mind for. Get worked up over getting to Phantasm, and you risk any one of them coming up behind you and taking you out. But with a collected mindset, none of them can beat you.

Take Doc Henry for example; what has he done lately? Been beat for Corey Black and 'fired' from the WCF? This does not make him a pushover, but it also does not make him the biggest threat. He has never faced you in the ring, so he doesn't know what you're capable of. He should know, but he's had his head full of all of fake titles that he's probably missed what you can do. Plus, with Black lurking this match, Doc's mind is on more than just winning this match. That is exactly what I'm preventing you from doing. If he's in your way, Nathan, show him why I'm doing this for you.

Waylon Cash is another man to watch, Nathan. Watch and capitalize on any weakness he shows. It isn't because he is weak, though, but because he is fighting another match before this one. He's fighting for that World Title, a title he's held before, so he's no pushover. But if you push hard enough, eventually he will stumble. But don't seek him out, Nathan. If he wants to lose, he'll come to you. And if he doesn't. . . he'll still lose. Because, no matter what his wants are, and how long he lasts in the match, you will last longer.

And for all we know, Waylon could win the World title and not be in this match. There is a certainty, though, that Odin Balfore will be in the match. And just because he's starting first doesn't mean you won't face him when you enter. The man, no matter your opinion of him, has won War before. He's faced all odds, and come out the winner. But that doesn't make him unstoppable. He is no Norse God. In fact. . ."

A growl is heard from the darkness, and suddenly, a gray mass of fur bursts from the shadows, knocking the Odin Balfore off the pathway.

"Be a fenrir, Nathan. If you come up against the big man, take him down. You've faced giants before. Oblivion was big, and you beat him. Kendrik Masters was big and you beat him. Size has never stopped you, Nathan, no matter what the size has gotten the person in the past; what matters is what size can do for him in the present, and at War, it is going to get him beat. Who headlined at One, Odin? The question should be who got beat at One, Odin? Because Nathan sure as hell didn't.

One of these men did win at One, even if he was going by a different name at that time. Whether you call him Logan or Sarah Twilight, that man is a threat. But he's not unstoppable. Just understand, Nathan, that if you have any intention to win War, you will face this man. He's a former War winner and entering last. That alone makes one think of him as a possible winner. You've been in matches with him before; take what you know about him and take him out. Only if you have to, though. Focus one person, and you'll end up screwed.

The same goes for everyone else, especially Steve Orbit. He talked shit last week; did you expect anything less from the cocky man. He did the thing others could not. But you should him that he wasn't the better wrestler. You got the win over him, and even though he still has the belt, you shut his mouth. And if he opens it during the match, kick his teeth out. But don't make it a goal to take him out. If someone takes him out, so be it; winning with one less elimination is completely fine. You'll be doing enough just by winning War. He said you ain't got the 'clarity of mind' to win War. That you're distracted and unstable. And you were, Nathan. But by the time War comes around, your mind will be settled and you'll be a machine. And after War? You can shove Orbit's 'no chance' bullshit down his fuckin' throat. But just win, and allow his shock to be your victory over him.

And whatever you do, don't let Eric Price become a target. An unknown fact to the WCF universe; Nathan asked to fight Eric Price in his return to the ring, but was instead put into a tag match. He didn't want the title; he just wanted to beat Eric Price. And now you get your chance, Nathan, but don't waste it. Eric Price has it in his mind that you're going to stick together with your stablemates; make him realize that you know this is your match, not the CoDS' match. You understand that your partners cannot win too; you've already come to that conclusion. Let Eric think what he wants. If you two cross paths, let him understand why you've fought Fly three times in your career and he hasn't stepped into the ring with him yet. The first time probably meant nothing, but three times. Win War, whether or not you get a hold of Price or not, and then tell him you're facing Fly for a fourth time."

The rest of Nathan's opponents disappear, allowing Nathan to head forward. The beacon of light is getting larger in the distance, so Nathan begins to hustle, before more obstacles can prevent him from reaching the final destination. Alas, Nathan is halted by a roaring lion, with Steeltoe Joe seated atop the majestic beast. Alongside the animal stands Tek and Hank Lane, both watching the man.

"For most of your journey, I've lectured you on men who are entering this match as lone wolves, but you have let to looked at a different kind of foe; opponents with allies. These men, alone, are lowly mid-carders who only have yet to hold a singles title. But they have banded together and made themselves a formidable force. And not only that, these men won't betray each other. These three will fight it out, with the hope to be the final three left. Then, and only then, will they fight until there was only one winner. That cannot be allowed to happen, Nathan.

But, on the other hand, don't try your hardest to break it either. If Hank Lane wants to fight him, let him come to you. He very well might come for you. In his old eyes, you're a great one in this match. Prove it to him, if he toes your waters. Add one more d word to Lane's long list: Damned. He says no one will take his shot at One away; damn him. He says luck won't be what he uses to win this match; damn him. Damn him if you have to, and leave him if you don't, because no matter what he says, he won't be the winner of War.

And this Tek guy, can you honestly let his remarks get to you? Do I really need to encourage you, take any doubt away, that you can beat this guy. Do you honestly think Nathan has to scare you, Tek. You can walk into the match with a smile on your face and Nathan will kick your ass; matches are won by skill, not fright. But your emotional expression matters little, Tek, because you hide behind a mask. How you see Nathan is reality; it is you that hides behind a Halloween costume. You get in Nathan's way, and he'll trick or treat your ass back to the costume store. And if he doesn't? Someone else will.

Finally, Steeltoe Joe is the one you need to watch, Nathan, because he has the heart of a lion. And not just any lion; he's the lion from the Hercules myth. His skin is unpierced by the stabbing wounds of words, his spirit never killed no matter what happens. He merely gets angry, and that fuels his wrestling ability. So if you cannot break his spirit. . ."

A large wooden club appears in the hands of Nathan, and the man swings like Hercules himself, smashing the weapon onto the head of the lion. Blood splatters and the impact forces Tek and Hank Lane into the darkness. The lion disappears, leaving only Joe standing there. Not for long, though, as Nathan takes another swing, sending Joe flying into the darkness above like a golf ball hit off the tee.

"Break his body, Nathan. Make him realize that he wasn't cheated out of the Television Championship. Make him realize that it wasn't some god above who decided his fate, but a drop from above due to my Straight Jacket Drop. He must understand that no one has ever cheated him out of anything except himself. He has cheated him out of a normal, mid-card career by allowing himself to believe he could go further. A tag-title reign is one thing, but winning War is another. If given the chance, show this man just how naive he is.

And if you don't, it doesn't matter. It ain't like he was going to win anyway."

With the path clear, Nathan heads forward once more. As he draws closer to the light, viewers can tell that it is a fixed location, not a dividing light between light and darkness. But before viewers can learn what this light is, Tommy Kain and Johnny Stylez appear on the pathway.

"Another group of allies you will face, and both men who have done more in this company than the Prophecy. Both men are former singles champs, and have fought well in the past. Kain actually fought in the Ultimate Showdown match earlier this week. Neither is a dominating force, Nathan, and they can easily be defeated of your mind is right.

Johnny Stylez has been on a downward spiral, and I don't see him picking himself up this week. His mind has been too focused on his little war with Seth Lerch and he cannot beat Roy Speede for the Hardcore championship. He will walk into this match, make a little noise, and make an early exit to the showers. Do what you have to, Nathan, and keep your eyes open. You never know when he mans up, and tries to make a comeback. If he does, and you are free to do as you please, hit him so hard that he begz for merzy.

Tommy Kain, I found myself chuckling at your little list of mishaps in your life. You say you've been in wars before, and told us a few things. Stabbings, fire, and bombs, oh my. Was that suppose to make us think you had any chance in this war? Sure, it shows you've had experience, but it also shows you've lost wars. Wanna hear Nathan's war stories? He's carved my name into a man's back with a glass shard. He's branded his initials on a girl's arse. He's killed a man. That sounds like a man who has won wars before, don't you think. So go on and add another failure on your list. It doesn't matter whether or not Nathan's name is involved. You'll still fail and Nathan will still win War."

As every time before, Kain and Stylez disappeared, allowing Nathan to continue forward. And again, he is stopped, this time by Roy Speede and FPV.

"Genesis is a new team in WCF, but the men who formed them have been around awhile. A former World champ and current Hardcore Champ. Former enemies, now friends. All of that matters little, Nathan. Neither man can bring past accomplishments in their match. They merely have their bodies, and their willpower.

The body of FPV might not be enough, Nathan, as he too is fighting a match before War. And not only that, if he loses to Fly, he enters first into War. The odds are against him like no other person, but never underestimate him. Last time this man was underestimated, he beat Jay Price for the World Championship. Then, when he was expected to win, Waylon Cash mopped the floor with him. So, for logic's sake, drill into your mind that FPV is going to win, and then prove yourself wrong.

And while you're at it, do this. It might be in your mind only, but it will be satisfying none the less."

From some part of his body, Nathan pulls out a 9mm pistol. Aiming at Roy Speede's head, Nathan puts one bullet into the man's skull.

"Eat that silver bullet, bitch. You don't think Nathan is good enough to even be mentioned? Is it because he's more hardcore, and he's not even the WCF Hardcore champion. Is it because you're underestimating him? Is it because, if Nathan does take you out, you wanna claim ignorance on his power? I mean, you honestly believe Synn is the best Church member in this match. Out of everyone, I hope Nathan proves you wrong. But I don't suggest he targets you over anyone else. If this is anything like Ultimate Showdown, you're going to check out early anyway."

FPV disappears, as does, Speede, but not before Nathan steps on his body as he heads towards the light. For a few moments, it appears he's about to reach the light, when suddenly the ground cracks, and fire spews upward. From the depths of hell rises Synn, Famine, and Oblivion. All three men stand over twelve feet tall, representing giant opposition in this match.

"You must've known that your allies would stand in the way of a victory at War, Nathan. They stand between you and your final destination. All three men are formidable opponents, but you know them better than almost everyone else in this match. But I know you had come to the realization a while ago; this week, these men are your enemies.

Synn is a new brother in the Church, and he has yet to face you in the ring, so he still underestimates you. He speaks more of Tek than you, Nathan, but not out of disrespect. He has yet to experience you in the ring, but he will this week. He will face you, and he will learn that you don't mess around. Then he will understand why you've been fighting in the Main Event the last two Slams and not Tek.

Your next opponent is your fellow Horseman of the Apocalypse, Famine. You have yet to face him in the ring, fighting only as his partner. He too has yet to experience who Nathan von Liebert is and why you were a star before the Church came about. If you face him, show him why Pestilence kills more than a Famine.

Finally, you face the god, Lord Oblivion himself. Some might think when War is coming to a close, Oblivion's minions will kneel down, and allow their master to finish off as the victor. Whatever you do, don't quit the match for anyone else. You've beaten Oblivion before, you can do it again. But, on the other hand, don't go out there and try to prove yourself to anyone. People may believe you're merely a soldier to Oblivion. Instead, look at it this way. Be the soldier with a medal of honor while Obi is the general with nothing. Be that, and you will reach your goal."

The Church members sink back into the ground, and the crack heals itself. Nathan steps forward, finally reaching the shining beacon. What was it though?

It was the Pantheon. Not the stable who Nathan's enemies consist of. The actual building, lit up in the darkness. What was inside, one would only find out when Nathan entered.

"I've taken you this far, Nathan. You must continue the journey alone. Enter, and conquer your mortal enemies. Be strong, be calm, and be the War Champion."

Nathan nods, before entering the Pantheon. What lies inside can only be assumed because this video has drawn to a close.

[To be continued. . .]