Madness. Perhaps there has never been a more aptly named show, for what transpired just hours ago is nothing short of that. Hysteria revealing himself to be none other than LH Harrison, Gator defeating Morbid Angel only to be cashed in on just minutes later by Doctor D'Ville, who was then revealed to be the true "Higher Power". To call it chaotic would be the under-sell of the century. Without question, Monday Night Madness belonged to the Asylum. However, to think that Defiance and it's members would take this lightly would be foolish. This may be a far from an ideal situation, but with loss comes opportunity. Opportunity for revenge. Opportunity for redemption. Opportunity.. for cashing in. Truth be told, this is but a minor hiccup, and as Justin Sane always says.. Defiance always has their "end game" in mind. Louis D'Ville has just painted a huge target squarely on his chest, and now he faces the wrath of the most dominant faction in the XWF today. Stand with your soldiers, good Doctor, and watch as they fall.. one.. by one.. by one.. until you stand alone. Your time will come where you stand face to face with Defiance, and you can rest assured, they will make you regret the day you set foot in this federation.

"Sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. "
- Donald Trump

[// END FORWARD \\]

Monday, 23rd February, 2015 - 11:21pm || Air Canada Centre || Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

:: I drive my balled up right fist hard into the television set mounted to the wall of the Defiance locker room, shattering it instantly. Hundreds of glass shards fall violently to the floor as I let out a loud cry. ::

"FUCK!"

:: Crimson blood engulfs my still strapped right hand as I turn and storm out of the locker room, past CorVus, who sits on a chair by the door with his head in his hands. I have no idea where I am going, or even what I am planning to do. My mind is racing and anger is consuming me more and more with each fleeting thought that passes through my head. As I walk purposefully down the hallway, I am vaguely aware that those who occupy it are nervous and concerned by my demeanor. I hear a voice coming from not too far away, becoming louder and clearer as I continue to walk. ::

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Steve Sayors here with an exclusive for XWF.COM! What a Monday Night Madness we have just witnessed! I can tell you that everybody backstage is still reel..."

:: I had reached Sayors in next to no time and snatched the microphone from his hand, shoving him out of the way hard and leaving my blood to stain his once pristine white shirt. The camera man looks nervous, but does not move. I start tapping the microphone on my head as I pace manically back and forth, staring at the ground, searching desperately for what to say. Breathing heavily and overcome by emotion, I begin to speak, still pacing and looking at the ground. ::

"You moron... you idiot... you absolute fucking retard!"

:: I stop pacing and turn my gaze directly to the camera, staring it down like I am looking into the eyes of the good Doctor himself. ::

"Do you have any fucking idea what you've just done?! Huh?! Let me fill you in, and I'll keep it simple, seeing as you just proved to the entire world what a dumb fuck you really are. You just signed your own death warrant, D'Ville. Plain and simple. Because if you think that Defiance is going to take this laying down, you're dead wrong! What, you thought this was clever? That you would shock the world, cash in, become the Universal Champion and reveal yourself as the Higher Power all in the same night? Oh sure, sounds like a great plan, Doc.. but you made one fatal mistake.. you did so at the expense of Defiance! Wrong move, son.. you fucked up. Now, you're going to pay the price.

I don't sweat you. CorVus doesn't sweat you. Gator doesn't sweat you. Hell, one on one, any of us would wipe the fucking mat with you, just like we do your band of misfits every other week. You think cashing in and winning that belt makes you special? No, it doesn't. It proves one thing Doc, and that is you are nothing more than a fucking coward. Go ahead, call yourself smart.. invite me into your bullshit office and try to sell me the story of how Doctor Louis D'Ville concocted this masterful plan. The truth is, you couldn't win that belt if Gator was prepared, and you know it. You're no champion.. you're a fucking fraud.

Oh, what? Are you going to tell me all about your reign as the X-Treme Champion? By all means, go right ahead. I'll wait patiently as you laden yourself with self-indulgence, and then once again I'll hit you with the fucking truth.

Listen up, Doc, because I'm about to tell you something that nobody else in the XWF has the balls to tell you. Your run as the X-Treme Champion was a joke. You were never anything more than a paper champion. Those countless kick outs? Child's play. All you had to do was have your wits slightly about you and you could always see them coming, and as for actual defenses? Who the fuck did you beat? Don't worry, I'll wait for you to dig up the list of names. You got it? Okay, check these for me. There was no Theo Pryce. There was no John Samuels. No CorVus. No Gator.

...and there sure as hell wasn't a Justin Sane on that fucking list!

You beat a bunch of mid-carders to hold onto a championship that nobody worth a damn in this company had any interest in going for. Congratulations, Doc. You must be every bit as good as they say.

The problem you have now though, is that you have tied yourself to a sinking ship. The Asylum is all but dead. Week in and week out, they spend their Monday and Wednesday nights flat on their backs, while Defiance continues to make the Asylum their bitch. That's not going to change. What? You think you're going to make a difference? Are you fucking kidding me? Doc, it wouldn't matter if you were the best that's ever laced a pair of boots, there is no way you can drag that band of misfits into relevance. Nobody gave a fuck about The Asylum before, and nobody gives a fuck now. Just because a General wears a badge, does not mean his men are worthy of it's command.

Which brings me to you, Hysteria.. Harrison.. whoever the fuck you are this week. You stick your fucking nose in one of my matches again and I will smack the inspiration straight out of your mouth, along with a few teeth. One minute you're dead, then you're a mask wearing freak, now you are coming back with a dark edge... just fucking stop, man, seriously. If you think that teaming up with the good Doctor is going to somehow make you relevant around here again, you are way off the pace. In case you hadn't noticed, Defiance runs this fucking town now.

This Wednesday night on Warfare, I am praying.. hoping against hope, that I get my hands on you, Frodo and Underwood. Hell, I would LOVE to face both Underwood and Frodo in the second round, and kick both their fucking asses, just like I have before. And then there will be you.. only this time, I won't just beat you and walk away. Oh no. This time, Harrison, you won't be so lucky. You see, you've finally crossed that line. Running in and interrupting our matches is one thing.. we've kicked your asses for that.. but when you cost my boy Gator the XWF Universal Championship? When I get my hands on you, Harrison, I promise.. I am going to beat you within an inch of your fucking life!

As for the Doc? Your "Higher Power"? Well I think it's safe to say, that yellow spine of his will see him pull out of this tournament. That's fine. Truth be told, that's the smartest decision he will make all week, because if he and I did cross paths, I would see too it that he was left in no condition to ever defend that belt he just stole.

Don't worry, Doc. You don't have to look over your shoulder, and you don't have to worry about me cashing in. That's not how Defiance does things. When we are coming for you, you'll know about it.. and even then, there won't be a damn thing you can do to stop us! Enjoy your victory tonight, because even though you may have won the battle.. I promise you.. this war only ends when Defiance says so!"

:: I allow the microphone to fall out of my hand, and turn to head back to the locker room, still seething. Everyone occupying the hallway forces themselves closer to the walls as I make my way back, apprehension etched across their faces. I hear shouting and lots of banging and crashing as I near the dressing room. I open the door and sway my head to the left, narrowly avoiding a chair that goes flying past my head and smashes into the wall. CorVus remains seated in the chair by the door, looking on as Gator paces around, absolutely livid. ::

"Fucking CUNTS! Those stupid fucking..."

:: Gator kicks the legs out from another chair, causing it to splinter and collapse on the ground. ::

"I'm going to fucking kill them! Every last fuc..."

"Gator! ... GATOR!"

"WHAT?!"

:: Gator spins around in my direction, as I take a few steps towards him. My blood boils with his, and I feel every ounce of anger and frustration that he does. His chest expanding and deflating rapidly, I place a hand on his shoulder. ::

"I'm sorry. I should have been there, we should have been there."

"No. I told you not to come. This was my night. My moment! I had it! I fucking had it, Sane!"

"Hey! I know, man. I know you did."

"You know I did? Well, that's just fucking great! As long as you know I did, then there's no.. fucking.. problem!"

:: Gator picked up my 24/7 briefcase and hurled it against the wall, busting it open. He advanced on me, getting right in my face. I didn't back down, nor did I retaliate. Like I said, I understood his frustration. ::

"You know what? I'm sick of it! I am fucking sick of it! I'm sick of those fucktards from The Asylum always ruining every god damn fucking thing we do! I'm out! I'm done! I'm just fucking done!"

:: Gator shoved past me, the point of his shoulder digging deep into my chest, and made his way towards the door. CorVus stood up, and moved to block the doorway. ::

"Get out of my way, CorVus!"

"..."

"NOW!"

:: Quick as a flash, CorVus grabbed Gator firmly by both shoulders and stared into his eyes, shaking him slightly. Gator did not respond or retaliate, he merely matched CorVus' intense stare. I slowly made my way over to the two of them, and there we all stood, tension thicker than I had ever felt before. CorVus released his grip, and slapped his right hand hard on the left hand side of Gator's chest. Next, he slapped mine.. and then his own. It was a moment, and I knew that I wasn't the only one who felt it. Gator's rapid breathing had become slower and more rhythmic, while goose bumps had sprung up on the back of my forearms. I think now, for the first time, I understood CorVus. He looked at Gator, then over at me, his expression one of passion and motivation. I turned to Gator. ::

"CorVus is right, man. This is us. This is Defiance. We don't just walk away when things get tough.. we are stronger than that. Look, tonight was a setback.. and nobody wants to make those fuckers pay right now more than me.. but, we have our end game. That's still our goal, and we will not be denied. You will be the XWF Universal Champion. We will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are the benchmark of this industry.. and in the process? We will put The Asylum out of commission.. for good."

:: Gator didn't say a word, he merely looked between myself and CorVus, then nodded slowly before turning and walking over to the bench to sit down, his head in his hands. I felt a firm slap on my back as I turned to see CorVus smiling at me slightly. I offered a small smile back. These two, though at times unbearable, were my brothers. My rage and anger tonight has proven to me one thing, and that is how much both of these men mean to me. That spells bad news for The Asylum, because while I always say that you don't fuck with Defiance.. you certainly don't fuck with my family. ::

Tuesday, 24th February, 2015 - 11:11am || The Iron Horse Hotel || Milwaukee, WI.

:: It's warm and bright inside my hotel room as I sit on the soft, satin sheets, though my mood is more reflective or the dark and cold conditions that exist outside. I run my right hand through my hair and take a deep breath as look over to the video camera I have set up on the oak table in front of me. I stare into it, a serious expression on my face, before addressing my audience with measured tones. ::

"You know, last night was one hell of a night. Things may not have gone the way we had planned, but it would be foolish of anyone to think we would just take our ball and go home. Defiance doesn't run. Defiance doesn't tuck their tail between their legs and slip away into the abyss. The Asylum made one fatal mistake.. they didn't finish the job. You guys may have won the battle last night on Madness, but I promise you, this war? It is far from over. We will lick our wounds, dust ourselves off, and we will come back bigger.. better.. and stronger than ever before. This war continues tomorrow night, and I assure you, this is one battle you will not win. Harrison.. Frodo.. Underwood.. I would strongly advise that the three of you do everything you possibly can to stay out of my way tomorrow night. Under no circumstances should you find yourself across that ring from yours truly, because I don't care if there are fifty of you bastards, I promise you.. you will breathe your last breath before you take away what is rightfully mine."

:: I pause for a moment, staring at the lush white carpet beneath my feet, considering my next words. I lift my gaze and begin to speak. ::

"You know, I could sit here and tear shreds off the Asylum all day long, but the fact of the matter is, I have more pressing issues. Jonathan Heartsford. The 'Aerial Knight'. Tell me, just when are you going to let go of the fact that bought these Tag Team Titles? Do you really have nothing else to talk about? Did you not understand when I explained it to you the first time? Go back and watch the video, because unlike you, I don't like repeating myself. You say that I paid that 30k to not fight the Kings? Don't get it twisted Jonathan, and don't speak of what you do not know. I would have no problem facing Theo Pryce and John Samuels. How many fucking times do people want me to say it? Anyone.. Any time.. Anywhere. It's that simple. I'm not hiding behind anyone or anything, if you or anybody else wants these belts, then I'm begging you.. man up and try to take them.

You've been clutching at straws since you saw your name next to mine on the marquee, and I don't blame you. I wish I could offer you some advice and tell you that I know what it feels like, but the reality is, I don't. I have no idea what it is like to be in this far over your head. I guess that would explain why I can barely understand a damn thing you say in your promos, because your lungs are filling with water fast, and you're drowning in your own pending failure. Just face the facts, Knight.. there is no way in which this story ends well for you. You might as well do yourself a favor and not show up to Warfare, because you are catching me in a real bad fucking mood, and if you thought this match was going to be tough before? Jonathan, I will drag you through the very gates of hell itself and show you what true suffering really is."

:: An evil smirk brandished across my face, I take a moment to myself before pressing onto my final target. ::

"So with my half of the draw being of little consequence, I guess its only fair of me to look forward to my potential opponent in the final of the tournament, and seeing as how Doctor D'Ville is now sure to bitch out like the fucking coward he is, that leaves one man...

Sebastian Duke.

The King of Darkness himself. Ironic, really, since I can't get my hands on the king I want, that I should be destined to square off with another.. One who showers D'Ville with unwarranted adulation. Here's the thing, Seb. I caught your little rant the other day.. you know, the one where you said D'Ville was the only man on the roster who could provide you with any real challenge? Ha. What a fucking joke. I guess while you've been off conquering Germany and braiding your sons hair, you've missed a few things around here. Allow me to fill you in.

The good Doctor is the least of your fucking concerns. D'Ville might be the XWF Universal Champion, but I assure you, his reign already exists only on borrowed time. Defiance will deal with him in due course. If you really came back to get your hands dirty with the best, then you need look no further. Forty two wins, countless championships.. you really do have quite the list of accomplishments. There is, however, one thing you have never done. One thing Sebastian, that you will never do, and that is defeat, Justin Sane! I'm a whole different breed of beast, and if you want to step into the ring with me then you had better be prepared to push your body and mind to limits you never even knew existed!

You sit there on your Throne of Darkness and you look down upon the world with sheer arrogance and a sense of elitism. Well, I'm here to tell you Duke, you look down on me at your own peril. I am the Epitome of the Elite, and I fear nobody You might play in the Devil's Playground, but I'm the bully who fucking runs it. Tomorrow night, our paths will undoubtedly cross, and you will finally understand how wrong you were to single out D'Ville over me as the most worthy of your presence in that ring. When I climb that ladder and retrieve my Intercontinental Championship, the world will know that finally... I have arrived.

Prepare yourself, Sebastian. It's time for the reign.. of the insane.

Kneel before your king."

:: I climb to my feet and reach for the top of the video camera, switching it off. ::

F A D E 2 B L A C K . . .