Forward

TEW's first pay-per-view. Nikki vs VIP for the World title. Who'll come out the winner? Will it be the one who deserves it the most? Tune in and find out.

Bottom of the Well

The scene opens up a few days after JMC's Reverse Outcast Match against VIP and just days before his wife's World Title match at Hell in Highwater. The small community of North Manchester seems bustling for a Wednesday afternoon. We particlularly focus on a house on the outskirts of town, a simple one-story ranch house near Manchester Elementary school. The brick siding helps the age of the building out. The now familiar indigo-colored 1978 Pontiac Firebird pulls into the driveway with the Cornett Ankh painted on the trunk. JMC steps out of the car with his leather jacket on, shades over his eyes. His forehead is still a bit cut from the match a few nights ago, and there's some serious issues with his hair. The passenger's side door opens and his wife Nikki steps out, clad in a knee length but classy indigo-colored dress and matching heels. Her fire red hair sparkles in the sun, much like her blue eyes, and she sheilds them with her hand as she looks at James over the roof of the car.

NIKKI: James, I love you to death.. beyond that, even.. but are you sure your parents are alright with this, despite what's going on with your father?

James turns to Nikki with a smile and nods. He always loved the way that shade of blue looked on her.

JMC: That's the thing, babe...the way Mom was sounding, Dad hasn't been around for years. She's been getting rather lonely, and I figured you would want to meet her. I at least need to see what kind of condition Mom's in before we let the kids come over, though...

NIKKI: Mm.. agreed. She doesn't need a bunch of teenagers piling more stress on her if she's got too much already. The woman's dealt with enough, I'm sure.

She shuts the door and waits by the hood of the car for James to come around and join her so they can walk up to the door together. James stepped over to her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her passionately.

JMC: You know I love you more than anything in the world, right?

She smiles, draping her arms around her husband's shoulders.

NIKKI: Of course. Why else would you have married me?

She gives him a look, a teasing gleam in her eye.

NIKKI: There isn't anything you're not telling me, is there?

JMC: Far as I know there isn't. Then again...

James gets a sudden chill as Nikki happens to run her hand over his gunshot wound on the back of his skull and sighs.

JMC: ...there's still no telling what damage that dumbass brother of mine did...but as long as I have you and the kids, I'll be fine.

He kisses her sweetly, never getting tired of showing her how he felt. As he did this, he gave an innocent pinch of her ass as he started to lead her up the stairs to the porch. She silently vows to get him back for that in her head as she made her way up the stairs behind him. As he got to the door, she stopped next to him, doing her best to look presentable.

NIKKI: (Muttering) I hope I look decent.. for all I know, your mom'll think this dress is too short..

James has to chuckle at this.

JMC: Baby...you're fine. If you were dressing like Ida was a few weeks ago when Rune messed around with her, I'd have cause for concern, but you've always dressed more casually than that.

James knocks at the door and holds her hand warmly. Taking a breath, she puts on her best smile and tries not to look as nervous as she feels. As the door opens, a tall and still insanely beautiful woman stands there, seemingly no older than her forties. Considering James' age and the fact he's not an only child makes this nearly impossible, but she does her best not to ask the woman's true age. She nods politely, hoping James will take on the responsibility of introducing them since she has no idea what to say. The woman smiles and puts her hands over her heart as she sees who it is.

WOMAN: Oh my Goddess...Jamie, is that really you?

James holds up his right hand and smiles.

JMC: None other, Mom.

The two embrace tightly, this being the first time they've crossed paths since JMC first went into street fighting. As he pulls away, she looks toward Nikki.

WOMAN: And who is this young stunner? Did you get one of those barely legal mail-order brides?

JMC: (laughing) No, Mom...this angel is my wife, Nicole. Everyone usually calls her Nikki, but I call her my sanity. Nicole, I'd like you to meet Remedi Wroklam-Cornett, my mother.

NIKKI: (Laughs) It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Cornett. I know you've probably heard this before, but now I can definitely see where James gets his sense of humor. Would I be right in guessing that you're also pagan?

REMEDI: Oh, honey, you don't have to spare me with that. If you don't mind, I'd rather be called by my first name. Ms. Cornett is the last thing I want to hear right now. Well, do come in now...

James and Nikki step into a house that is filled with all sorts of pictures of James, Rune, Ashtyn, and Karyn. Noticably, there are not any pictures of Avidan or Andross around.

REMEDI: Can I interest either of you in a drink? Fort Wayne's such a long drive just to see little old me.

JMC: Well, I could use a sweet tea myself...(to Nikki) Mom's the one I learned how to cook from, and her sweet tea is about to die for.

REMEDI: Oh, now you flatter me too much, Jamie. The woman just met me, give her some breathing room.

NIKKI: (Laughs) It's alright, really.. and sweet tea is just fine, thank you.

She looks at James, her smile telling him that she's about to get as much dirt on him as humanly possible now that she's met his mother.

NIKKI: I'm sure little James was such a pain to teach.. he's gotten rather good at cooking, but I still don't trust him around the sharp objects.

REMEDI: (as she's preparing the drinks) You know, the only time I really had to worry about sharp objects was when Andross was in one of his moods. He loved to torture anyone that he thought he could get away with, and unfortunately, most of the time, that'd be Jamie.

JMC: Everybody hates me, I don't get it.

REMEDI: I tell you what, though, that night Andross tried to go after Ashtyn, oh Hermes, I never thought Jamie had it in him to fight back like that...

JMC: Well, what was I supposed to do? Ross was more frustrated than Ru Paul doing reality TV, and he was going to take it out on Ash...I did what I had to do to protect my twin sister.

NIKKI: (Smiles, nodding) I can definitely say he'll take up for nearly any woman unless she's.. and please pardon my language.. screwed him over. He's nothing like his father, thankfully.. or what I've heard his father's like, that is. I've never been more grateful for that fact than now. (Pauses) I'm sure you've heard about what's been going on, right?

REMEDI: Jamie hadn't quite updated me completely...he'd said there were some recent complications...what's been going on?

NIKKI: Avidan's past has been causing us hell.. especially as far as Drake Askari's concerned. I'm sure you remember Drake.. he's rather hard to forget.

Remedi begins to look confused until James holds his hand up.

JMC: Mom, you would have remembered him back then as Ronin Erricks...Jenna's dad?

Remedi stops cold and looks at James funny.

REMEDI: Wait...that bastard is out of jail?

JMC: Jail? What do you mean?

NIKKI: Drake.. I mean Ronin was in jail once? For what? Do you remember?

REMEDI: Uh oh...if this is coming up...you two might want to plan on staying a while...things are gonna get a little complicated...

Remedi goes to her chair after handing them drinks and sits down. James holds Nikki's hand and looks at his mom questioningly.

JMC: Obviously this goes far beyond what we've been told so far...

REMEDI: Son, you have no idea...

NIKKI: Drake.. Ronin.. however you know him.. he said this started with a deal he'd made with Avidan. Does it have anything to do with that?

REMEDI: Where to even begin...your dad and I met during the late sixties...never a good time to fall in love, if you ask me...because that was about the time we met Ronin. Well, I had actually fallen for Ronin, but at the time, Avidan was quite wealthy and able to provide. A few years later, Andross was born, then you and Ash. Well, about that time, Ronin and Avidan struck up a bargain. If you were to have married Jenna, Ronin would have a guaranteed income for life. At the same time, Avidan was supposed to get Ronin's lone property--a bar on the edge of town that would have housed a nice operation for several things, including his friend Poppers' side business.

Remedi leans back and sighs.

REMEDI: Unfortunately, Karyn came into the picture...and completely messed everything up.

NIKKI: Not to jump the gun here, but Drake mentioned that Avidan convinced Jenna to turn on him, which is what screwed up the deal and started the whole revenge plot rolling. Is that true?

REMEDI: Yes and no. What actually started everything off was Karyn's birth...because she wasn't Avidan's to begin with.

James turns to Remedi half-shocked, then leans back in thought.

JMC: Now that you mention it...Carrie's hair was always too light to have been a Cornett or a Wroklam...it's always been either black or red.

REMEDI: Exactly. And Ronin was her real father. Of course, Avidan didn't make that connection until you and Jenna were already dating. That's when he told Jenna what was supposed to happen. I figured that's what happened the day we had to take Jamie to the hospital because of his hand...

Nikki sighs, trying to sort her mind out with all of this new information. Remedi had been right.. this was complicated.

NIKKI: So the deal Drake spoke of was right.. but there was a lot more to it than he was telling me. I just don't get where Lindsay's pregnancy comes in.. unless it's alluding to Karyn or Jenna somehow.

REMEDI: It can't be because of Jenna...the poor girl told cops about what Ronin did to her about a decade ago. And that spawned a bunch of complaints at the Catholic church here in town...where Ronin happened to be a deacon. Last I knew, he'd been put in jail for at least twenty-five years because of all this...he still had five years to go before he could even qualify for parole. That's why when you said Drake was really Ronin...I knew it couldn't be true.

JMC: But then if he isn't Ronin...what is Drake's real name?

REMEDI: Who is this Drake, anyway?

JMC: He used to be my lawyer up until a few months ago.

Remedi drops her jaw and starts muttering prayers.

NIKKI: Just how many names has this man gone by, anyhow? There's only two we know of, but you act like there's more. (Shakes her head) The more we find out, the more questions pop up. I'm beginning to wonder where the bottom of this well is.

JMC: Mom...what's going on?

REMEDI: ...Jamie, when I first met your father...he was in law school.

James's eyes bug out as he looks toward Nikki. She can see that he's trying to keep Shadow Chaos in check, but this may be too much.

REMEDI: That means there's only one man Drake can be...if he's as skilled with Law as you say...

NIKKI: Don't even.. (Shakes her head in disbelief) ..don't even think it. A-are you saying that you think Drake is Avidan? Lindsay's own grandfather impregnated her?

Remedi looks at Nikki telling James to not think it confused.

REMEDI: Am I missing something here?

JMC: I have to go...I have to...

James stands up, but before leaving, he turns to his mom and kneels in front of her.

JMC: Mom...in order to fix this...I'm going to do have to do things...things I told you twenty years ago I would never do again.

REMEDI: James...whatever is going on in your head...you know how much I've tolerated your father. As far as I'm concerned...do what you have to.

James nods and kisses Remedi's forehead, then turns to Nikki and gives her a kiss on the lips.

JMC: I love you...don't come after me if you know what's about to happen. When it's done, I will call you, okay?

NIKKI: (Nods) I love you, too.. please be careful, okay? I don't think I could stand it if I ever lost you.

She almost wants to jump up and go with him, but knows that James must know what he's doing if he asks her to stay here.

NIKKI: Do you need me to call anyone for you? I'll do anything I can to help.

JMC: Text Rune and Cal. All you will need to do is text one sentence..."S. M. at next PPV...R.I.P Drake "Avidan" Askari." They'll understand what I mean.

James blows her a kiss as he heads out the door, Remedi turning her attention back to Nikki.

REMEDI: Now what was it you said about a granddaughter?

NIKKI: Lindsay, one of our daughters, is pregnant. She told us she was raped by a man named Ronin. At first, we thought it was Drake under another name, but with what you just told us.. Avidan's impregnated his eldest granddaughter.

REMEDI: Oh dear...I can't blame Jamie for invoking a Suicide Match then...he's always been protective of his girls, I'm sure you know that better than I do at this point. Still, it would have been a granddaughter either way had it BEEN Ronin...but again, he's been in jail this whole time. Supposedly befriended a couple of morons up there as well...all they ever talk about are sassafrass and Jamie.

NIKKI: Dammit..

She gets out her cell and dials James' number. As she waits for him to pick up, she looks at Remedi.

NIKKI: I'll have to ask what that match entails later.. right now, James may be in over his head. There's two more people involved that we're very familiar with.. and they recently became murder suspects.

REMEDI: They're not those boys in that team Techstyle, are they? Because they changed after getting signed by TEW...

This catches Nikki's attention to stop the call. Changed?

NIKKI: That's them.. what do you mean? How have they changed?

REMEDI: Well, before they got signed, they were just a couple of college students that looked like they wouldn't harm a fly. But afterwards....they suddenly aged quite a bit. Like they went from college students to professors...

NIKKI: College students.. (Thinking back a bit, she comes up with an answer.) Before they changed.. was one tall and blonde.. the other short and thick? Looked and sounded like they didn't have half a brain between them?

REMEDI: That's actually how they look NOW...the two before, one was an honors student, and the other was a computer programmer. They were very intelligent and were trying to prove that they could fend for themselves against bullies...

NIKKI: No matter what they used to look like or look like now, I know who you're talking about. They used to go by the name Desolation. James and I know them far too well.. I have a feeling they've been Drake's bitch boys for quite awhile. We just haven't known it til now.

REMEDI: Then what happened to the other two boys? Sage and Twain were such good kids around here, they'd hardly hurt a fly.

Nikki had to stop and think on that one. Clearly Sage and Twain had to be held somewhere...but they were supposed to be Cal's new trainees...

NIKKI: Wait a sec.. I think I know what's going on. There's two groups here. Sage and Twain are most likely perfectly fine. They've done nothing wrong. Drake.. Avidan.. whomever.. he's the one making us think it's them. It isn't. It's two boys called Anubis and Sabre masquerading as Sage and Twain, making it look like Sage and Twain are guilty. Anubis and Sabre are the two called Desolation I told you about. They're the ones Drake met in lockup.

REMEDI: That would explain a lot...

Remedi smiles and leans into Nikki.

REMEDI: Now I see why he picked you...you're a lot smarter than most of the women he used to date. How did you two meet, anyway?

NIKKI: We, ah, used to work together, actually. Funny story.. I dated Rune awhile before I even met James. I was married to Rune once, too.. but when James found out Rune was starting to abuse me, he ended it. (Shrugs) I eventually fell in love with James, and now we've been together for.. (Thinks for a moment) ..fifteen years or so. (Smiles) I've never been so connected with someone like I am with him. It sounds rather corny to say we're soulmates since the word is thrown around so much, but we really are.

REMEDI: I can tell. For a long while, he was looking so lost...and after Jenna had her twins, I was starting to think he'd lost his mind for good. But I can tell you really do center him. His alter ego would come out at random here, and right now I see he can actually control it. [sighs] It worries me, this match he's going to do...

NIKKI: (Nods) Hence why he introduced me as his sanity. Our kids are the same way for him.

She goes silent for a moment, not wanting to ask what the match was like, but she knew she had to find out, no matter how bad it was.

NIKKI: This match.. what's it like? I don't think I've ever heard of a Suicide Match.. (Mutters worriedly) ..I don't think I really want to, either.

REMEDI: It's hard to explain...when Jamie first got into Manchester College's street-fighting circuit, he was dealing with a lot of bullies. And they never seemed to care for the rules Caladbolg came up with. So Jamie created a type of contest where there were no rules...you had to beat someone unconscious.

Nikki didn't understand what the big deal was. This sounded like a normal Extreme Pain Match to her, so maybe this was a precursor. But then that wouldn't explain Remedi's issues with it.

NIKKI: This sounds like a normal match for James.. I still don't see the problem. I've seen him go through I don't know how many Extreme Pain matches and while they do worry me, I know Shadow is protecting James. What makes this one different?

REMEDI: Nicole...Suicide Matches are specifically designed to where they hurt him...to the point where Shadow would come out...and Shadow...kills. The two Suicide Matches that MCSFC had were in undisclosed locations and both times they ended in death. He never suggests those matches unless he's got a vendetta. You never met this Gemison that fought James, have you?

NIKKI: Gemison.. (Thinks for a moment, her mind coming up blank) ..no, I don't think so. Why?

REMEDI: He was the first victim of the Suicide Match. Nikki, it's a deathmatch. And it only has one rule. Two men enter...only one leaves alive.

She feels her heart nearly stop in fear.

NIKKI: I.. I could lose him? Is this why he told me to stay here? Because he doesn't want me to be hurt while he's settling his vendetta? I.. I promised to stay because he asked me to, but.. now this makes me wanna go to him. I don't imagine there's anything I can do.. I'd just be a distraction.. but.. I worry about him. With good reason.

REMEDI: Well, I can't blame you for that. All sorts of things are able to be done in a Suicide Match that you can't get away with elsewhere. And if it were anyone else I'd say you would have nothing to worry about. But this would be Avidan...who, if you're telling me the truth...is deserving of everything that Jamie...or Shadow...can give him. And this explains a lot about what happened to Karyn.

NIKKI: You're my soulmate's mother. There's no way I'd lie to you, Remedi. What we know, you know.. and it seems like you know more than we knew in the end. I'm well aware that Avidan deserves this, but.. (Sighs) ..I just worry about James, that's all. I love him and it'd kill me to lose him.. with a grandchild on the way for us, the kids and I need him. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure we can make it if we need to, but.. (Shakes her head) ..it's just the last thing I wanna think about.

REMEDI: Nikki...you realize you're like my daughter, right? Trust me, Jamie's dealt with worse threats than this in his life. And with that Shadow of his, I don't think you have to worry. It's just...I get this feeling that even if he survives, he might be unable to wrestle anymore...and I know that's what he likes to do. But you want to know something? When he was on the phone with me earlier, all he could do was brag about your World Title match, Lindsay's pregnancy going so well, Destiny's honors grades, and Eugene's music talents. He thought you were more important than what was going on with his own life. He's lucky to have a girl like you in his life, Nikki...{tearing up} and I am proud to call you my daughter-in-law.

NIKKI: (Smiles) Thank you. James told me how you would protect him when he was younger from Avidan and Andross. By just hearing that, I gained respect for you. Both as a woman and as his mother. I know for a fact I would do the same for any one of our children. (Pauses) Thank you. Thank you for having and raising such a wonderful man. I don't think you could've done any better if you'd tried.

REMEDI: You have no idea how happy that makes me. I was starting to think I'd lost out on him...so, tell me about your kids. I'm dying to know more about them...

NIKKI: (Laughs) Well Lindsay is the eldest.. she's twenty-one. She's in TEW, which is something James and I hadn't known about til after the fact. She goes by the name Diamondedge, and she's been taught rather well. Then there's Destiny.. she's seventeen. She's currently in college, which is going good like James told you. She's incredibly smart, just like her father. I don't know if she's settled on a career path just yet. Eugene is the youngest at fifteen, but he's in no way the least valuable. He's very talented.. James seems to think he has a future with his music, which I agree with. He's still in school of course, and gets good grades.. (Grins) ..but I think we need to tone down his mouth. (Laughs) Destiny tends to warn him first, though.

REMEDI: They sound wonderful. I just...(taps her teeth) I have this fear about Lindsay knowing anything about this just yet, and her baby...I think we need to avoid saying anything, at least until after this match. We also need to keep Avidan from realizing we know the whole story. (gets a twitch in her right eye) Hopefully we can keep this quiet until after the fact...

NIKKI: (Nods slowly) I honestly think they both need to know, but I won't say anything. We need to deal with Avidan and the crap he's caused so far first.. everything else comes second. (Stops, smiling) Your son is a carbon copy of you.. are you aware of this? You two have the exact same mannerisms at times. It's like I'm seeing James right here beside me even though he isn't here. It's rather entertaining, actually.

REMEDI: (laughs) Well, he definitely clung to me early on in life...the rest of them were more Avidan's personal tykes, but Jamie was always more interested in what I did. That was part of the reason he got the Wroklam Book of Shadows...the other being that because of Avidan, I wasn't able to practice myself.

NIKKI: So Avidan didn't approve of you being pagan? Did he ever give a reason why? I mean.. when I found out James was pagan, I was all for it. I even converted to share in it with him, and I can honestly say I like it. Does Avidan think it's evil or something?

REMEDI: Not exactly...Avidan was more of a Satanist than anything. He felt that Paganism, specifically the Wiccan path I chose, was too peaceful for our needs. I honestly think sometimes that he put a curse on Jamie to give him that duplicate personality of his...

NIKKI: All of this makes me glad James went to deal with him. Is a curse like that even possible? I thought it was only a mental quirk.

REMEDI: Normally it could be. But when you have a traumatic childhood, a lifechanging event, and a bulletshot wound...the way I'm understanding him, James has been having difficulty keeping Shadow Chaos in check ever since he woke up from that coma.

NIKKI: (Nods) At times, if things get too bad, I start thinking that there could come a time when even I or the kids could calm him. It's rather scary.. I mean.. what is there to do when even those he calls his sanity can't get through to him? It makes me worry for those who tend to piss him off on a regular basis.

REMEDI: Honey, those are the ones you point Shadow to and say "Go for them first". By the time he's done with them, you're not even a worry. After all, your husband got you your spot back in the Main Event using Shadow Chaos, right? And what's more, you're facing the guy that tried to screw you out of it.

NIKKI: Yeah.. he even stopped when Rune told him to the day I told them Destiny was actually Rune's. It took Des to hug him and tell him she loved him for him to completely back off. Shadow is usually well behaved most days since James and I are rarely separated.. but now? (Shakes his head) Avidan is the only one I don't pity. He deserves everything he gets and then some.

REMEDI: Oh yeah...Rune told me about that. That was my first clue that their dad was more behind this than they expected. Only Avidan would try to pit siblings like that against each other using the death of one of their own and then use it years later to amplify it.

NIKKI: (Nods) My apologies, but your husband sounds like a real asshole. Was he like this before you got married?

REMEDI: Yeah...but then, I was still in my bad-boy stage. Not exactly the brightest moment of my life, but when it comes to my kids, I can't complain. I just wish Rune would find a good girl...word has it that Ida tramp decided to tell him to leave when he was trying to be nice.

NIKKI: Yeah.. had I been there, she would've been laid out.. and not in the way she wanted. True, Rune and I have had our differences, but despite the past, he's still family.. and nobody screws with my family and leaves with all of thier teeth still in thier mouth. She'd best be glad she left or she'd have a helluva time dealing with me right about now.

REMEDI: Well, I can't say I blame you...so are you looking forward to this match you have?

NIKKI: (Nods) I am. I have a score to settle with this guy since he nearly took my first shot away from me then had the nerve to insult me. (Grins) James paid him back for the insults and got my shot back for me, which I am very grateful for. (Pauses) I want to win this.. I feel like I need to win this, or somehow I've failed James. I mean.. he worked hard and put his body.. his life on the line just so I could have another chance. I know he won't see it that way, but I do.

REMEDI: He also put his dignity on the line, too, didn't he? There's a rumor going around that he might be getting sued by Al Sharpton as a result of that promo he cut online.

NIKKI: (Rolls eyes) Only because he got racist. VIP deserved it, if you ask me. He pulled out the race card first, so James just turned the tables on him. It was nothing major to me, but of course some people.. (She stressed the words to indicate Al and VIP.) ..are going to get all butthurt over it.

REMEDI: Well, Jamie's always had a history with the dark-toned ones. The males, anyway...take Gemini for example. He cause Jamie so much pain because he tried to take Jenna from him. Apparently he thought being a black man entitled him to anything he wanted.

NIKKI: Well I'm sorry to say it doesn't. Slavery ended well over two-hundred years ago and now, even though he's done nothing but fuck up, we have a black president. They're done being entitled.

REMEDI: I would tend to agree, dear. But how did you lose your title shot to begin with?

Over the course of the conversation, it hasn't been noticable, but Nikki starts picking up on a foreign accent Remedi has. It sounds eastern European, but she can't quite pinpoint it. Trying not to be rude, she avoids thinking about it too much.

NIKKI: Another act by your dear husband, I'm afraid. I was in the ring against Charity Donimari in match with unknown stipulations. Drake, who we now know is Avidan, came out and said it was an Evening Gown match. At first the two of us refused to participate, but before anything else could happen, VIP - the man I'm against this week - came out and clocked me with a golf club. He ripped my dress off - you can only imagine how well James took all of this - and Drake said he would be replacing me in the match at the pay-per-view. James twisted it around, though.. he faced VIP recently and won the spot back for me.

REMEDI: (nodding) That sounds exactly like something he'd do...Jamie's always been about equality like that, especially when it comes to women. (laughs) And the way you look...I'm amazed you don't have more children, as crazy as Jamie is about you.

NIKKI: (Laughs) Oh, don't think he hasn't tried. I'm sure the kids wouldn't mind having another brother or sister, but until all of this dies down, adding to the family is on the back burner.. save for Lindsay's pregnancy.

REMEDI: I'm a little shocked to hear about that, actually. Did the poor dear have any idea what was going on?

NIKKI: (Shakes her head) She was raped. She didn't have a clue about why, she just knew his name - Ronin Erricks. At the time, we thought Drake was Ronin and that Drake and Avidan were two different people. Now with the information you've given us, we know that Avidan is the father of her child.. of course she's adamant about keeping it, but she doesn't know her grandfather is the one who did this to her. I honestly don't know how she's going to take this..

REMEDI: I can imagine not well....hon, let me clue you in on something. The Wroklam tradition has always been to care for those whose life has been given hell. The Cornett way, up until Jamie was born, was to screw anything if it meant holding the power. Jamie's the first Cornett I've known that goes against that. His motto's always been "Do right, fear nothing."

NIKKI: (Nods, smiling) I kinda gathered that. He's always been sort of.. careless about his own survival when he's after something that means a lot to someone he loves. Like when he was earning my title shot back. He made the match an Inferno Match.. true, he's never lost one, but it was clear he could've cared less what happened to him, as long as he won and got my shot back. I honestly think he should have the match since he won that one, but with the shape he's in.. or is going to be in, it's no longer a good idea.

REMEDI: No....Jamie's been wanting this encounter with his fathter for a long time after what happened to Ashtyn...and with what he's found out today...I have a feeling it won't be Jamie in that match...

NIKKI: (Nods) Shadow. He's always been there to protect James, and this will be no different. In fact, it'll probably be worse. Shadow's out for Avidan's blood.. and I pray nobody gets in his way.

REMEDI: Nicole...to be honest...I think after Shadow's done with Avidan...you might not have to worry about him ever again...

NIKKI: Avidan or Shadow? From what I've heard, it was a mixture of Jenna and Avidan who created Shadow in the first place.

REMEDI: Nono...everyone thinks it's Jenna's fault. No, Avidan caused it when Jamie found him molesting Ashtyn. That's when he officially snapped. Avidan should have quit when he was ahead, but for some reason he kept fueling Jamie's alter-ego to the point where it is today...

NIKKI: Do you think Shadow will ever leave completely? Let James be sane for once? I know it's a long shot, but I felt compelled to ask. I love him, Shadow or no Shadow, but sometimes it makes things hard for him to deal with.

REMEDI: Let me put it this way, Nikki. Shadow told me at one point when he first surfaced, that he would cease to exist when the source of his creation no longer lived. That also means, though, that Jamie's tolerance for pain may not exist...so it's hard to tell whether his career would be able to continue after that.

NIKKI: Honestly.. I know this is going to sound odd, maybe even selfish.. but I don't care what shape his career is in, as long as he's alive to see his kids, grandkids, and eventually great grandkids grow up. I know he'll find something to do with his time.. his music, helping the kids with their talents, something.. as long as he's alive to do it.

REMEDI: Why should that sound selfish? He's your husband, you should feel like that all the time.

NIKKI: I figured it would because he wouldn't be able to do what he loves anymore. I know he loves us and wants to be with us as much as possible, but he's going to go stir-crazy when he can't get back in the ring again.. provided it turns out that bad.

REMEDI: Well, hon, if I know Jamie, the only reason he's even still in wrestling is because of you. He's trying to protect you from everything that has happened...and once Avidan is rid of, we won't have to worry about that anymore.

James finally comes back into the house, deep breathing and relaxed.

REMEDI: Did you get everything taken care of, Jamie?

JMC: Yeah...I've already given Brandon a heads up, and Cal's already given his permission to use it. I've been so goddamn stressed over the last several years...I just want this to be over. No more drama, no more bullshit...just me...[holds Nikki's hand] my wife...and my children. Well...maybe get that bitch Chastity's insides torn out, too, but I might let the wife handle that one.

REMEDI: You are a devil, I swear... well, whatever happens, you know I'm here to talk, okay?

JMC: I know, Mom...I'm sorry I haven't been able to--

REMEDI (interrupting): Don't even apologize. I know why you've kept your distances...and now's the time to strike back. (to Nikki) It was so nice to meet you, Nikki. You make sure to take care of this one...he's my little firebird.

NIKKI: (Grins) It was nice to meet you, too. You're everything James said you would be.. and I'll do everything I can to keep him safe, trust me. He's done far too much for me for me not to protect him in return. I'd be lost without him.

JMC: Awww...my sweet Angelfire... (Remedi starts to laugh as James kisses Nikki) What's so funny Mom?

REMEDI: I'm seeing a full circle, here, son. You always talked about an angel who was on fire saving you in your darkest moment. (points to Nikki) You might have been more dead-on than you realize.

NIKKI: Okay, that I'll have to ask about later. (Laughs, looking at James) And don't even try to squirm out of it.. you're gonna tell me one way or another, mister.

JMC: (blushing) MOM! Remind me to tell Nikki about the time I caught you making out with one of Dad's secretaries...

REMEDI: Jamie, that was me being myself...that, and it helped that she was a Latin chick.

JMC: (facepalming) LOVE YOU! BYE!

James and Nikki wave to Remedi as they walk out of the house. James looks up to the sky and raises his free hand up. Remedi leans out the door.

REMEDI: You'd better give her a good pounding out at Hanging Rock, too...she's dressed to the nines for it!

JMC: (embarrassed to hell as he spins around) WOULD YOU PLEASE stop, Mom!

REMEDI: Love you too, sweetie!

Remedi goes back into the house as he turns to see Nikki laughing it up.

JMC: I hate when she gives away my plans like that...but she is right...you are sexy as heaven, Nicole. Oh, for the record...you and Mom are the only two that get away with calling me Jamie. Anyone else gets their genetalia shoved back inside them. (laughs)

NIKKI: (Laughs) Aw, come on.. I love your mom. She's awesome. (Purses her lips) Speaking of poundings, she even asked if we were planning for any more kids. I told her we weren't, but I know how our family has this hinky way of seeing the future, so I didn't buck it. (Grins)

JMC: Well, you never know...so I take it she explained to you what I had in mind for my darling father...you realize this is the only way I'm going to get him to stop what he's doing.

NIKKI: (Nods) She did, and even though it scares the ever-loving crap out of me, I know you need to do it for this to end.. so I have all the faith in the world in you as always. (Kisses him lovingly) Just know that if you leave me, I'll kill you. (Grins) And we'll tell Linds who Drake really is once everything's over, 'kay?

JMC: If I ever leave, I'll already be dead. And yeah, I agree on waiting on that. Hell, that last week I'm probably going to have to be in seclusion...because there's a glitch to this...Cal won't let James Cornett go against Avidan in this match, because he'll be in charge of the location...but he will let Shadow Chaos...which means I won't be able to be around anyone decent while he prepares for the match. I'm telling you, if you thought an Extreme Pain Match is hard to watch at times...about the only two things not able to be used are projectile and bladed weapons. Other than that, everything's a go. There's a good chance by the time I'm done, I won't be able to get back in the ring. (holds her close) But I don't care. So long as I have you and the kids, I'm fine with that.

NIKKI: As long as I have you, I don't care what shape your career is in. (Thinks for a moment) This is beginning to sound a bit like a Monster's Ball match, minus the good ending. At least one of the competitors don't die at the end of a Monster's Ball match.

JMC: But you know I'm going to have Charity's full blessing on this...I wouldn't even think this if I wasn't at the stage where I've done everything I can think of in my career. All I want to do is finish this curse off once and for all...(snaps fingers) By the way, those two bumbleheads calling themselves Techstyle? Cal ended up finding the real ones down in his basement. Dad's had imposters from the word go...dad....that word's going to be hard to use for a while...

NIKKI: Not when you think of yourself as one. You're one of the best fathers I've seen, bar none. (Brightens up at the mention of Techstyle) By the way.. are you aware of who the current Techstyle is? I'll give you a hint.. psych ward.

JMC: I've had suspicions about them for some time. Going over a few promos, how they started mentioning things they'd done in the past...see, Sage and Twain were two guys Cal and I were training to make their debut in TEW. They were nothing like those botards until Dad got ahold of his position. Turns out he'd been holding them in the old street-fighting building. Under our nose the whole time...

NIKKI: Your mom's the one who clued me in. Does this mean we get to have a Techstyle versus Techstyle match? (Grins) That'd be entertaining. The fans would be all kinds of what the fuck.

JMC: I might just pitch a match to Charity...a kind of generational bridge gap. Desolation vs. Techstyle, for one night only, in...what else...a Tornado Tag Team Match...

NIKKI: That works too. You take out your father, which does away with Ronin and Drake as well.. Techstyle takes out the idiots giving them a bad name.. I take out VIP and get the gold.. like your mom said - it's all coming full circle now. Fates willing, we'll all get our lives back in the end.

JMC: Yeah...still can't believe she remembered that whole angel thing...I always had dreams where I would be falling or near the edge of death...and this angel who would look like she was on fire would come and save me every time. I used to think I was losing it...(holds her close) Until I met you, my crimson-haired Angelfire...you did save me from the darker side of myself...many times over.

NIKKI: (Smiles) See what I mean about the quirky future telling dreams? You knew me before you even met me, and now your mother's banking on another grandchild. As long as the dreams end well, I'm more than happy to star in yours.

JMC: Well, yeah, this trip is going to end on a very happy note for you at Hanging Rock...my favorite thinking place, by the way...but first..

James reaches into the car and pulls out his camcorder bag with a smirk.

JMC: You have a history-making promo to cut, my sex goddess.

NIKKI: (Teasingly) Gotta drag the moment down, don't you? I'm all happy about our little vacation, and you bring up work. (Takes the bag from him and gives him a kiss) Lemme do this real quick and we'll head for Hanging Rock, okay? Shouldn't take long.

JMC: Well, consider this a reason to fuel the fire...

James pulls her hair back to expose her neck and gently licks the side. He nuzzles on her earlobe as he pulls back and smirks.

JMC: The only reason I'm doing this now is because you have an opportunity to shut the naysayers up and prove once and for all that the Cornett Dynasty will prevail over all morons, idiots, and stupid fathers.

NIKKI: (Takes the camera out of the bag with a smile) And Goddess knows we have plenty of them on the roster to go around. (Sets the camera on the top of the car) Okay, over there.. try to stay out of the shot, please. (Laughs)

He steps back to where he's sure he won't interfere as she turns the camera on and steps back to where she's in the shot from at least the waist up. She seems unsure on what to say as she begins since so much has happened in recent weeks, not to mention the information they just gathered from James' mother.

NIKKI: VIP, I'll get straight into this. You deserve something, I'll grant you that. It is not, however, the World title. That is going to be mine, as it should be. Yes, you won your matches in the tournament, but at the very least, you should be facing Brandon Kraus, or, should she win this weekend, Minako Sasaki, for the X-Core title. The World title, since I won all of my matches, is rightfully mine. I will be more than happy to prove that to you at Hell in Highwater. My husband - I'm sure you know him very well after the match you had last week - has made sure I keep my place in the main event. The place I earned.. the place that, honestly, Brandon Kraus, should be contesting me for. Instead, he is handed the X Core title, something far below his proper position. He is destined for much more than that, and should he gain a shot at what will be my World title, I will give him his chance back without a word said.

Instead, he gets a lower ranked title; something that isn't deserving of a former World title holder such as him. He's a very good man when you get right down to it.. very family oriented, as we Cornetts are. That, among other reasons, may be why we have such respect for the Krauses and Donimaris. They fend for their own as we do. Our families are very much alike. That, however, is where the similarities end, I'm afraid. Where Brandon may not be very racist, as you saw, James will become what he needs to be in order to win. Unfortunately for you, so will I. See you in Hell, VIP. I'll save you a seat.

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