[// FORWARD \\]

Broken bones. Busted bodies. Bloodshed. War Games was just that: War. In a main event that saw Team Eli put Team Azrael to the sword, it was the captain himself along with Evertrust and Justin Sane who would see to it that Azrael's words of insignificance this past week echoed no longer. It was a night of dominance for Team Eli, as the 'new breed of beast' Ghost Tank ran roughshod over more than half of Team Azrael by himself, leaving Erebus outnumbered and clearly disadvantaged. The "man who came from the stars" was then toyed with by first Eli James, then Evertrust before being sent to the waiting arms of Justin Sane who planted the former Universal Champion with 'That's Insane!' before scoring the pin fall victory on debut. Reveling in the victory his team had so recently claimed, Eli James was then caught off-guard, as was the entire world, by the newly formed alliance of Evertrust and Sane. The devastating combination of a 'Screws Loose' superkick into spine shattering neck breaker from Evertrust sealing his fate and paving the way for the XWF to crown a new Universal Champion in Theo Pryce. On a night where war was waged on several fronts, one thing became very clear. Through all the temporary alliances and common goals, there was but one thing in which you could lay your Trust-Insanity!

[// END FORWARD \\]

:: I sit there with a towel wrapped around the back of my neck, elbows on my knees, staring at the open palms of my hands. It's only a few moments removed from the main event at War Games. "I did it.." I think to myself as I see the tiny beads of sweat run across my hands, making them shimmer under the florescent tube above my head. My wraps are stained with blood which is not my own, perhaps a reminder to myself of the sacrifices Ghost Tank made in order to ensure victory for our team. Though tonight wasn't his night. It was mine. I had promised the world that I would deliver on every single promise and then some, which is exactly what I did. I must admit, physically I was expecting to feel a little worse for wear than I do. I made it through the entire match reasonably unscathed, which is more than I can say for Azrael and Eli. Two captains. Two former Universal Champions, both brought to their knees by myself and Evertrust. I have no idea where my new associate is, he disappeared straight after the match. Probably busy dealing with his Crimson Mask. Fuck, that thing is a piece of work. I'm glad he's on my side.

I lift my head and with my right hand, grab the towel from around my neck. I wipe the sweat from my face and dislodge the towel into the locker across from me. I draw in a deep breath, it's like sucking in a pure sense of fulfillment as I allow the events which just transpired to finally sink in and my own words to resonate with myself. I pinned Azrael Erebus. I knocked out Eli James. It was just as the voices had said it would be - perfect. I stand up and start to un-tape my hands. Staring at the cracking yellow paint on the wall in front of me, I notice the light begin the flicker ever so slightly. I look up at the fluorescent tube above my head and see a fly crawling across it's blisteringly hot surface. The light seems to become dimmer. I notice that I have suddenly stopped un-taping my hands. I am filled with that same sense of reassurance and comfort that I now associate with those voices. He is here. ::

"Well, you were right.. about everything."

:: There is a slight pause; silence, where for just a moment I second-guess myself as to whether or not he really was there. ::

"You had doubts, Justin?"

:: I smirk to myself, allowing a slight chuckle to break from my lips. ::

"I'm not sure doubt would be the correct term. I had reservations, not about my own ability, but as to whether or not everything could go as perfectly as it did. You have to admit, that was pretty flawless. As you asked though, I put my full faith in you and in return you gave me exactly what you had promised. You delivered me the opportunity to put Azrael Erebus to the sword and to make my intentions clear by making an example out of Eli James."

"You did good, very good in fact. I told you Justin, we have all the tools we need. It now becomes very simple. We plan. We execute. We conquer."

"Together we are stronger than they could ever hope to imagine. They have no idea what lies in wait for them, that this is merely the beginning. I told them that tonight was my night, that there was a place at the top of the food chain with my name on it. Tonight, I made Azrael Erebus and Eli James both take the pledge, just like I said I would. Now, this is where it gets really good because now, all bets are off. I've made everybody stand up and take notice, now I make them all wish they had never heard my name."

:: My eyes remain fixed upon the fluorescent tube lighting above my head, watching the undying struggle of the fly making his seemingly endless journey from one end to the other. It's then I realize why his journey is seemingly endless, it's because the fly is now moving in super slow motion, something I had been unaware of up until now, distracted by my conversation. This happened the last time I heard voices, though they were accompanied by visions. As if reading my thoughts, the voice ::

"Yes, I can slow time down if I wish, bend it if you like, even stop it completely. Still, I find the slow and subtle movements made by one of this worlds most inferior but necessary lifeforms to be far more interesting as we communicate with one and other. They serve as a constant reminder of those who oppose us. They are annoying, dim-witted, worthless pests.. but, they are also necessary Without them, Justin, we would have no platform from which to launch our assault.. to convey our message. Much like our good friend above you though, sooner or later we will run out of uses for them and when that time comes..."

:: I watch as the fly is crushed, as if an invisible hand had reached up an popped it between it's thumb and forefinger. Still in slow-motion, I watch the flies entrails explode out of it's body, a combination of blood and a green paste-like substance I can only imagine are its vital organs, before beginning to fall weightlessly to the floor. I notice it's tiny leg twitching for the last time before life leaves it's body and am reminded of the flames leaving the eyes of Azrael Erebus as the fight within him perished. ::

"We are superior to those who oppose us in every conceivable way, Justin. For them to stand against us, is to commit suicide, for we know nothing of mercy and care little for justice. There can be only one dominant force in this world. I have shown you the way and proven my excellence, though I must ask once and for all... do you trust me?"

:: I tear my gaze away from the fly as the light begins to flicker rapidly, increasing the level of lighting in the room as it does so. I look down and notice that I have fully unwrapped the tape from my right hand and wrist and have started on my left. I look back up and notice the light burning as bright as ever, no more flickering. I stare down at my hands as I slowly begin.. well.. continue, to unwrap the tape from my left hand. I whisper to the voice who is no longer present. ::

"I TrustInsanity."

:: I walk over to the mini-bar and open the door, grabbing an ice cold beer from the top shelf. I let the door swing closed with a thud as a peel the top off of a cold one and take a large swig from the bottle. I can feel the ice cold amber liquid travel all the way down the back of my throat and settle somewhere in the pit of my stomach. It's well deserved after my performance at War Games, and as anybody will tell you, the beer always tastes that much better after victory. I walk over to a small desk in the corner of my hotel room where I had set up my laptop prior to heading out and grabbing a bite to eat. I pull out the black swivel chair from under the desk and sit down, taking another drink from the bottle in my left hand. I lift the lid of my laptop and hit the power button. As I am waiting for the computer to boot up, I hear my phone ring and vibrate on the table beside me. It's face down, so I flip it over and see who it is. It's a number I don't recognize. I hesitate for a moment - probably just a telemarketer and I don't want to deal with their bullshit on a regular day, let alone today. I figure I can always just hand up though, so with a little trepidation I pick the phone up and slide my thumb across to the right in order to answer. ::

"Hello?"

"Mr. Sane?"

:: The voice is muffled, like somebody is speaking through a balled-up handkerchief. ::

"Who's is this?"

"Meet me at the Marquee nightclub in New York, tomorrow at 10pm sharp. Don't be late."

:: Click - beep, beep, beep. They hung up before I could respond. It sounded like somebody was offering me a mission in Grand Theft Auto, but I couldn't be sure. I looked down at my phone screen and hit the phone icon to enter my call log. I tried calling the number back, but it was busy. I was curious, but what did I have to gain by going? Still, worst case scenario, I would at least be able to enjoy a bit of nightlife before I headed across the country for the King of the Ring tournament. I brush it off and set my phone back on the table, turning my attention back to my laptop. I click on Chrome and it brings up the XWF website, which oddly enough is my homepage. I start reading the piece about War Games on the homepage when a little icon on the side catches my eye. It's a picture of my face with the text 'inSaneTV' branded next to it. I immediately stop reading and click on the icon. It takes me to a page that just says "Coming soon". As I am about to return to the homepage, my laptop informs me "You have mail.", so I click on the pop-up to enter my inbox. A few messages load and I notice one from Steve Sayors of the XWF with the subject reading "inSane TV". I open the e-mail and start to read the message. ::

Dear Mr. Sane,

Firstly, congratulations on your victory at War Games. Your performance was most impressive and I must admit, unexpected by many. Following such an impressive debut, the XWF has requested immediately a new segment for our website called "inSane TV". Basically, it's a weekly forum where you will have full creative control to say and do whatever you like. I thought maybe for the first webisode you could just record me a simple promo, maybe talk about your match at War Games? Shane would like this on the website as early as yesterday, so get cracking! Just record it on your phone or web-cam for now, we'll get a proper camera man out for next weeks episode. E-mail it to me once your done!

Regards,

Steve Sayors

:: I drain the rest of my beer and lay it to rest on the table. I get up to retrieve another, considering the email I was just sent. I have no problem talking about my debut at War Games, I have plenty to say on the matter. I grab another beer from the fridge and walk back to the desk. Sitting down and returning to my inbox, I notice a new e-mail, this time from Shane himself. I open the e-mail only to be informed of my participation in the King of the Ring tournament at Madness in a little over a week's time. 24 men - wow. I look at my bracket and smirk, confidence welling up inside me. I decide now would be the perfect time to film the first ever edition of inSANE TV. I set up my web-cam and begin the record. As I'm recording the promo for the first ever webisode of my new pod cast, my brain goes to auto-pilot. I start thinking about the week ahead, the opportunities that lie in front of me. Not only do I have an opportunity to become the new 'King' of the XWF just ten days after laying waste to two former Universal Champions, but just two days after that I will be walking out of Wednesday Night Warfare as the newly crowned Television Champion. Who would have though it possible to rise to such prominence in such a short space of time? Evertrust was right, the voices were right - I am the new face of the XWF. Just like domino's, one by one, they all fall down. Then, there is but one... me. I decide I should probably concentrate more on this promo so I can get to bed and get some rest. I'll send this bad boy off once I'm done and check it out on the website first thing in the morning. ::

||| t h e n e x t m o r n i n g |||

"Let me start off by saying those words I know you've all been dying to hear. I told you so. I told the world that I would walk into War Games a nobody, just another face in the crowd like every other damn rookie on the XWF roster. I also told the world that by the time I left, the world would know my name. You know, it's funny.. Last week I sat back and I listened to every single member of Team Azrael talk about me like I was nothing. All week long they glossed over me like I was just a name on a sheet of paper, but I warned them. I told them to underestimate me at their own peril. Did they listen? No. Did they pay the price for their ignorance? I don't know.. maybe your should ask the former Universal Champion, Azrael Eerebus. Oh.. that's right.. nobody has seen or heard from Azrael since I locked his head under my arm and ripped the life from his body as I planted him face first to the canvas. I'm not surprised, because just like I said it would happen, I watched the flames in Azrael's eyes extinguish as I covered him for the one.. two.. three. However, that was merely the beginning.

I promised to make an impact the likes of which the world had never seen. Simply pinning Azrael Eerebus to secure victory for Team Eli was never going to be enough. Oh no, the best was yet to come. Now I know you've all seen War Games. I've seen all the message boards light up online, the endless blogging and tweeting. Everybody has an opinion on what will prove to be one of the most defining moments in XWF history. I'm not talking about the revelation that Enigma was actually Theo Pryce, or even the fact that Pryce was crowned the NEW XWF Universal Champion - you're welcome, by the way Theo - ..no, no. I'm talking about a moment in time.. a moment that will echo through the annals of XWF history. The moment when I sent my size 13 boot shattering into the jaw of Eli James and Evertrust completed the journey with a neck breaker that sent shock-waves through the XWF locker room. It was in this moment that the world finally became aware of my significance.. of our significance. The world learned in the space of a second that if there is one thing in this world in which you place your faith, one thing on this earth that you trust.. you TrustInsanity!"

:: I deliver the last few words of that sentence with a slightly more devilish and intense tone, driving home the fact that this new allegiance is one that should definitely be feared. I force a smile and press on in a slightly more casual tone. ::

"Now I know that everybody has a thousand questions, believe me, I've heard just about all of them since War Games. Why did Evertrust choose Justin Sane of all people to align himself with? Does Evertrust have an alterior motive? What happens next?

The answer is simple. Evertust chose me because he, unlike everybody else in the XWF, knows exactly what I am capable of. At War Games, he was proven to be 100% correct. How many people in that locker room can lay claim to laying out not one, but two former Universal Champions on their very first night? Don't worry, I'll wait. [ I sit there and fold my arms, mocking the audience. Clearly I know that nobody else can make the same claim to fame. ] Oh really? I'm the only one? Well, on top of that, it was me who scored the pin fall that saw Team Eli take victory in the main event. I defy anyone to tell me that Evertrust got it wrong when he chose Justin Sane. He knew exactly what he was doing. As for alterior motives? Don't be so stupid. Above all else, Evertrust seeks to prove his undoubted superiority and with yours truly by his side, that only becomes easier.

You want to know what happens next? I'll tell you. [ I lean in closer to the camera. ] Now, you get to witness first hand the dominance of TrustInsanity. Starting this Monday night at Madness when the XWF will crown me as it's new king and the reign of the insane begins! Two nights later I will step inside that ring with four other men. Gein, Maverick, Aerial Knight and the Television champion himself, Gator. Come Wednesday Night Warfare, you are looking at your NEW Television champion! Oh don't worry, I can hear all the doubters now. I expect to hear all of you preach as to how I couldn't possibly win the King of the Ring tournament and the Television title in the same week. Just like you all told me my presence would count for little at War Games. Go ahead, doubt me again, I beg you. Underestimate me, tell me how impossible it all is because if there's one thing in this world that I do better than anybody else, it's prove people wrong."

:: I retract myself from the camera a little and look down at the ground in thought, running a hand through my hair. I can feel the wax that holds it in place form a slimy covering on the palm of my hand, which I then wipe off onto my faded black jeans. I adjust my gaze back to the camera and continue. ::

"Speaking of the 'King of the Ring' tournament, it would seem as though my good friend Evertrust is not the only one who has taken a liking to me. You see, my first round match in this tournament is against Venomous and a guy who likes to call himself 'Wrestler82'. I mean seriously, and people say my name is bad? Let me tell you something pal, if I were you then I wouldn't waste my time showing up at Madness. Stay at home and drink yourself into a fucking coma like you're renowned for doing because if you do turn up, there will be nothing in this world more sobering for you than the realization that you just stepped into the ring with the most dangerous man in the XWF. Don't get it twisted, I don't have god-like powers and I don't string people up on meat hooks.. what I do have is something you could only dream of and that's a level of talent that goes far beyond anything you will ever come close to.

You too, Venomous. Oh yeah, I saw you in the lead up to War Games last week. The pathetic site of you wallowing in your own self-pity and drowning yourself in vodka just confirms in my mind what Evertrust has told me all along. You are just like the rest of them, inferior to me in every way. I'm not sure what is more disappointing, the fact that you had such a poor showing at War Games it was even embarrassing for a rookie like myself to watch.. or the fact that Shane actually believes you deserve to grace the ring with somebody of my caliber. Monday Night Madness will see a new king of the XWF crowned and if there's one thing I am sure of, it's that it wont be you.. or Wrestler82.. or any of those three muppets I'm going to have to walk through in the second round for that matter.

Derek Rampant, Harley Jack & Joey Hawkins. Well, well, well.. what an opportunity it is that awaits one of you. The chance to step into the ring and bring to a screeching halt the man who is threatening to rip through the XWF lockerroom like a vicious tornado. Well boys, the fairy tale ends there. One of you will step into the ring with yours truly, but the moment will be as fleeting as your XWF career itself. Make no mistake about it, I am walking into that third round without even breaking a sweat and that spells trouble for seven other superstars with their names in those brackets. Gein, Maverick, Ghost Tank.... Frodo. It matters little which one of you are unfortunate enough to find yourself across the ring from myself, because no matter what you do, you can't twist fate. I am destined to be the new king, and there isn't a damn thing any of you can do to stop the reign of the insane.

Venomous.. Wrestler82.. understand this. At War Games, I pinned Azrael Erebus! I knocked out Eli James. They were two former Universal Champions. You are just two punks trying to make a name for themselves but I promise you, that will not be happening at my expense. I'm not the future of the XWF, because that would insinuate that I am waiting for my time, when my time is now. You want to try your luck? By all means, go ahead. I'm telling you right now though, I've read this story before and it doesn't end well for either of you. The fact of the matter is, you're just not on my level.. it's like two plus two, it's just that damn simple. Come Monday night, I am going to do what I do best.. I'm going to shock the world. I will be crowned King, and you two? You, will take the pledge."

:: I smirk wickedly, exuding confidence as I lean forward and place my hand on the top of my laptop screen. I'd almost forgotten. ::

"Oh, and Doctor D'Ville? Why don't you go ahead and book me an appointment. I have a feeling you and I will be seeing each other very soon."

:: I slam the lid closed as inSANE TV goes off the air. ::