The Black Book: "Welcome to the Gates of Hell."

[Victor Hades]

The Black Book:
Chapter II
"Welcome to the Gates of Hell"

I could tell you what you want to hear to hold you off another year.
But I hope the truth finds you well.
A common praise.
A passing phase.
Moving forward?
Not today!
The limit's in the sky, but will you be reaching it tonight?

"I see myself in the mirror, I see this destructive and cold-blooded monstrosity I've become... I see a man who holds no regard and no sympathy for anyone or anything else... I see a man who's bled, sweat, breathed, slept, and ate this business more than almost anyone has in this entire company... I see a man who has no limits, no boundaries, no lines he won't cross to get exactly what he wants... No end to how far he is truly willing to go to get it, no hesitation, no backing down, just an on-coming freight train ready to take down anything in it's path head on... Sometimes in life that's the only way to win, to simply look the bull in the eye, and grab it by the horns as it comes toward you... And just like me, I'm going to snap it's fat fucking neck and show it there is no breaking, no destroying, and simply no bringing down Victor Hades. I will fight, I will bleed, I will win, I will...defeat C. J. Gates. People will watch, people will witness, and people will REMEMBER... there is only one Victor Hades."

------------------------------------

PRESENT DAY

Every ounce of adrenaline coursing through his veins, every bead of sweat pouring down his face and neck... Veins running along his biceps and forearms bulging along his skin, meanwhile his heart pumping nearly a mile a minute... As he bounces off the ropes and breathes deeply and heavily through his nose, pushing himself harder as he races across the ring canvas... Slingshotting his body into the ropes as he springs back and repeats the same motion... His cardio clearly having greatly improved, as his stamina which would be a well matched against a top contender like Gates. A man he secretly respected... "RESPECT" a word Victor Hades did not throw around lightly. Hitting the center of the ring Victor continued to work on bumps, before immediately rolling over into the push-up position and beginning again. The rush he still felt the first time he set foot inside the ring, before he made a name for himself-before the ring became his playground. Keeping his focus on strategy versus going balls to the wall like some mouth-foaming lunatic in a fit of rage, which would only cost him the match and gas himself out early. No Hades wanted to bring all the fight to the table, having already faced one of the top dogs in the game right now-there wasn't going to be room for error. Overdrive was going to be about pride and honor, and dishing out as much fight and punishment as Gates was going to bring right back. Hades wasn't like most of the roster who needed to rely and depend on a group of lackeys, moral support from a friend,or someone to fight his battles for him. It's what separated him from the rest of the pack, its what made him unique, its the very thing that made him dangerous.

One thing was certain... Victor Hades is back.

Flashback...

Date: Unknown
Time: 7:25 A.M.
Location: Unknown
Place: Robert Young Medical Institution

[ The Following is a brief recording of "Patient X" interviewed by Doctor Mikayla Stone... ]

Doctor Stone-"Taped patient interview five-Patient X remains uncooperative and violently out of control. My earlier diagnosis still remains true, he holds no regard for human life or normal behavior."

Patient X-"Cut to the chase doc, I haven't got all fucking day..."

Doctor Stone-"I find that hard to believe, you haven't gotten anywhere else to go have you?"

The patient is heard snickering at her remarks...

Patient X-"We both know there is only one place I'm going, doc... And it damn sure isn't a place with fancy lights, children laughing and happy smiles everywhere you turn..."

Doctor Stone's pen is heard tapping against her clipboard, almost as if irritated the patient is avoiding her quest to seek the real answers...

Doctor Stone-"Then if you don't mind me asking, why do you block people out-turn them away from you, why do you hate people who want to help you?"

The patient laughs for a brief moment...

Patient X-"Help me...help me... (chuckles)... You think, people want to 'help'...ME?"

Doctor Stone-"Yes, of course they do."

Patient X-"Wow doc, I've got to say I've seen a lot of fucking no-brainers in my time, but I gotta be honest I think that one takes the gold."

The chains cuffed to the patient's body rattle near the microphone...

Patient X-"You've tried subduing me, you've tried to crack me, hell you've even tried to analyze me... Every time you have tried and failed again and again... You've become scared doctor, and fear isn't going to find you the answers you're looking for. Dig deeper why don't you, walk into the dark abyss of the tunnel that you're heading towards and see if you come out alive with your sanity intact..."

Doctor Stone-"You're toying with me, it's obvious to see you're daring me to proceed further with trying to medicate you."

The patient chuckles once more quietly, and discharges a small sigh...

Patient X-"Doc, there isn't a pill or syringe in the world that can control me... You can lock me up in chains, close me off with padded walls, but you can never rid of me from the outside world, you can never contain this outbreak, you can never tame this beast, and you can never douse this fire."

Doctor Stone-"You're speaking, spiritually of course."

Patient X-"Doc this is a burning flame I've had torching everything my existance has come into contact with... This is the fire that has kept people from getting too close, this is the fire that sparked when I overcame the outstanding odds at Survive and Conquer... This is the fire that kept me from saying no after multiple neck surgeries from when the doctors said I would never compete again... This is the fire that will consume all who oppose or wish to deny MY destiny ahead..."

The patient's chair is heard sliding across the floor, as the cringing sound of the metal grinding echoes through the microphone...

Doctor Stone-"Please, sit down-"

Patient X-"THIS is the fire, that will burn every inch of this wrestling company to the ground until there is nothing left but ashes in my wake, and hundreds of casualties to follow! Do you think anyone with so much as a set of balls and a fraction of a brain can overcome this? Doc, you would be terribly, TERRIBLY mis-fucking-staken. If killing people who aren't worthy of life isn't my destiny, then it damn sure as hell is hurting people in that wrestling ring. I AM a threat to every man and woman in that locker room, I am as fierce and sadistic inside that ring as ?I am in this very room. I AM THE WALKING FUCKING PLAGUE OF THE EARTH!"

The patient grumbles...

Doctor Stone-"SIT...DOWN..."

Silence...

The sound of the nearby door opens as security personnel can be heard moving through the doorway, bursting into the room...

Security Orderly-"Everything okay in hear Doctor Stone?"

One guard can be heard quite out of breath, while the patient's chains quietly rattle in the foreground...

Doctor Stone-"Yes we're fine, the patient was just expressing a little bit of excitement that's all... Isn't that right?"

The Doctor's tone shows her words being directed straight at the patient himself, who shows no arguing her statement...

Security Orderly-"Do you want us to escort him out?"

The orderly asks firmly, while the other remains still gassed from the sudden entrance as the patient's chains clatter together...

Doctor Stone-"No he's fine I can handle it, just leave us be and shut the door behind you-I'll call if I need any help..."

The doctor mutters softly in response, giving a much aggravated tone in her words... Meanwhile the guards can be heard shuffling back towards the door...

Patient X-"You know doc, on second thought I could use a little EXERCISE-"

The patient growls before the roaring sound of the patient slamming his chest into one of the guards blares through the microphone... Immediately followed by a sudden "thud" from the patient's elbow snapping into the same guard's jaw and rendering the guard unconscious.

Doctor Stone-"Help! Security! Somebody help us!"

Meanwhile the sound of the patient's chains rattle as the rather out of shape guard can be heard choking, gurgling upon his own saliva as the man gasps for air... Until a sudden 'thump' booms in the short distance...

Doctor Stone-"Hello? This is Doctor Stone-send someone, ANYONE up to my office immediate-hello? HELLO??"

Click.

Patient X-"Busy signal...?"

The sound of the doctor's gasp reverberates back through the microphone just inches away...

Patient X-"That wasn't very nice doctor, I'm afraid we are going to have to end today's session on account of you filing your two-weeks notice."

Doctor Stone's sobbing pauses as the young woman's trembling words begin to pour out...

Doctor Stone-"What are you talking about? I haven't-"

WHAM!

A gushing blow to the head sends a blaring way of brief static through the microphone as a silent and split-second whimper escape the doctor's lips, while the prone and lifeless body is heard collapsing flat onto the floor... Rattling chains and a swift and silent crackle follow just seconds later as the crushing sound of mechanical parts of a telephone fall onto the floor...

Patient X-"Didn't you know phones can cause radiation poisoning and brain damage? And you call yourself a doctor, what a pity..."

A callous and sadistic quiet chuckle escape the patient's lips as the laughter moves away further from the microphone...

Patient X-"And next time you make a phonecall doctor, dial Collect..."

Recording stops.

-------------------------------------------------

"Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle... when the sun comes up, your ass better be running.." - Victor Hades

We open to a bruised and irritated Victor Hades sitting in a steel chair amongst an empty and vacated locker room, while the camera pulls closer the Titan of Torment comes into full view. Damp strands of his jet black hair lingering down his face as he stares into the lense with purpose and meaning, before adjusting his black tank top and jeans. Reading his patient file advising any doctor or physician to prevent him from interaction, which in detail expresses he is not mentally stable to interact or have contact with the outside world...

"People are such stereotypical hypocrits these days with their fear for anything they do not understand, and some simply do not fear the things they should. Things such as cancer, riots, pollution, a child with a knife-oh, too much? This (holds up the stack of papers) is white-collared bullshit, people who fear what they do not understand. The critics do not have to love me-personally I could give a shit less what anyone in this company thinks of me, I'm no hero and in this business there's no place for heroes... except you C.J. Gates."

Hades leans forward while resting his tattoo-sleeved elbows against his kneecaps looking to the camera.

"Not a lot of men can walk through this company in the time you have and still remain one of the top dogs, and not many can stay near the top with the talk to back it all up. Unfortunately things change and such is life all men change as well, but in our line of work-some men just never see the bigger picture. You stand for the fans and the APW world of heroes, and "good"... something very few people believe in anymore. Look what it has gotten you now Gates, a few tough losses, a little less T.V. time, and a cut in your weekly pay? Admirable perhaps but mistaken for being the "right thing to do", wouldn't you say? If you were as good as you say you are, being the "champion" caliber of a wrestler that you ARE-I don't think you would be full of excuses and setbacks. You're a man who has to always be on your toes and always be looking over your shoulder, which a lot of guys in the back would say that's nothing to be proud of. I never have to look over my shoulder because I trust no one, I fear NO ONE and there isn't a man on this roster I won't take to their limits."


Hades pauses, while making himself perfectly clear as he leans closer for a moment.


"No one."


Hades leans back in the chair.


"We're both coming off of tough losses, and we both walked away from something we both worked hard to achieve. The only difference between you and me is I was placed in a title match, I didn't go to Sienna and ask for one. I damn sure didn't rightfully earn that match either but I still went into that match, gave Guv'nor a beating he won't soon forget and STILL gave it everything I had. Aside from that the only thing that separates us now is the fact that I'm more hungry than you. I know you're going to be sitting there shaking your head, I know you believe in the heart you want it more-but I'm the one with something still to prove. No matter what you might believe and no matter how hard you might give it your all Gates, with all do respect-"

Hades carefully shakes his head.

"This night does not belong to you-it belongs to me, and I'm going to everything in my blackest heart and Sure, you may think you are-you may talk like you are, but you and I both know for a FACT you don't have it in you. You're still angry, you're still wanting Aubrey Parker, which means you're still distracted and that is gonna cost you dearly against me. Because the fact is CJ-just because I haven't been in the ring with Terry Marvin, Kurt Noble, or beaten Level One-doesn't imply that I stand absolutely no chance in this. It doesn't discredit my accomplishments, and it sure as hell doesn't make you better than me. You may even at one point made Level-One nervous in the past, but that's all over and done with now. You said it yourself you understand I am dangerous and I am someone you do not simply bat an eye at, which tells me you also understand I am also someone you do not walk away from. You plan on going into this focused and determined to win-I'm going into this determined to BEAT you, and see to it that you DON'T. If you're going to walk away from this C.J., how are you going to be capable of doing so after I break your legs?"

Hades smirks.


"A man who's been in the main event title scene for over a year now, although you may have failed to capitalize on your opportunities time and time again I can still respect a man who kept at it. The main mistake you keep making is pretending the competition is weighing you down, when in fact your inflated ego has kept your head on a swivel regardless of countless losses. Speaking of losses- you can attack my loss against Guv'nor. The man is impressive and proved he' good and can hold his own, but it ends there... I got his number and I got yours. It's not our success that defines us, its our failures-and our resilience to move forward. You see I don't need to make up fabricated lies and bullshit to hide behind facts because I recognize success when I see it, and its no secret you've had plenty of it C.J. The memorable rivalries with Level-One and Terry Marvin, the promos in the ring, and the moments with Kurt Noble. I don't need to pretend I don't know you're good-but I don't need to fucking feed your inflated ego either. You want to know what one of the biggest things people remember most about me? Disappointing people... time and time again I've never excelled at anything as good as disappointing people who nay-say and doubt my chances. That's the funny thing though because Victor Hades doesn't take chances. I take risks, I go out there and I take risks in that ring. I once was thrown from a scaffold 60-feet above the ring and cracked my entire ribcage, because I took a RISK. I once drove a man's skull through the roof of a cell that dropped us 15-feet on our asses before we collapsed through the ring. I took a RISK and I ended that man's career C.J., I took away that man's source of income to support his family, to pay his bills, and to survive... are you ready for that? So you see I don't just half-ass the things I do in that ring night-in and night-out just for a paycheck, because I aim to do the impossible and to make an impact in this company. I have done everything I have and I have accomplished damn near EVERYTHING, because of one thing C.J... I have risked it ALL!"

Hades stands from the chair.

"Despite any excuse you'll fish around for and pull out of your sore-ass once I've kicked it enough after Overdrive, how exactly are you going to cope with one of the biggest upsets of your career? How are you and so many of the "Gatekeeper's Followers" going to handle this loss to the most ruthless and sadistic superstar to ever grace the halls of APW? I hope you're going to be prepared C.J., we wouldn't want the great "C.J. Gates" winding up in intensive therapy after coping with defeat. Maybe it's stupidity, maybe it's Terry Marvin, or MAYBE it's that sense of morality you have so far up your ass that has you blind if you think you're coming out of this on top. I let the Guv'nor slip by because he brought more to the table while I was still shaking off the rust, and he damn sure capitalized and proved why he is still a champion. I wont make that same mistake again-and it will be no different when I out-grapple, out-smart, and simply out-perform you when we step into that ring. No one gets better when its all about winning, I lost to Guv'nor-in that failure is when steel is forged. I'm going to get back up and come right back-now I rise, now I show you just who I am."

Hades begins pacing back and forth.

"I look forward to this because I'm anxiously wanting to hear your pathetic excuses and comebacks, I want to hear you tell me I cannot win-that I don't stack in comparison to the likes of you. Because that C.J. is where I shine, that is what I THRIVE on and hunger for-doubters and non-believers. It is my fuel to my fire, its what I've built my career on and what has given me purpose. To prove people wrong, to step on the throats of those who spit on my hard work and belittle my accomplishments. I want to see the disappointment in your eyes and the upset on your face, while my arm is raised and you witness that Victor Hades is still a threat and still THE MOST dangerous superstar in this business TODAY bar none!! I want you to look back on this day and remember how what seemed to you at first as a simple squash match, quickly became the biggest fight for your life! I want you to REMEMBER wrestling Victor Hades after giving it EVERYTHING you got and not succeeding!"

"Now don't think me the fool and believe I am stupid enough to doubt your competitive-attitude or your in-ring ability. I've done more than enough of my homework, and I've watched your prowess closely. You've got the skill in the ring there's no questioning that, but your questionable integrity and "play it by the rules" attitude? Makes you soft, which therefore makes you weak... A weakness I'm going to enjoy ripping open like a fucking Christmas present and exposing you like a nerve. There is no "going soft" when you step into the ring with me Gates, I am as real and as violent as they come. If you think what you experienced with Marv or Level-One was physically exhausting, wait til you get knocked on your ass by me."

"The only other thing that sickens me more about your existence in this company is your name affiliation amongst the likes of Terry Marvin and Level-One. See, you think just because you're "honorably mentioned" amongst them, this gives you some sort of god-like "self-entitlement". Which in truth to be fucking honest-it doesn't, because quite frankly in comparison to them you are the LeBron James to Michael Jordan. Yeah you're good, but never have you ever been or proven to be "that good"."

"Just as everyone else has proven, you still have yet to prove them wrong-you're a fraud, a phony! For the last several weeks, MONTHS you crawl out of your heroic "bat cave" and fool everyone into believing this bullshit you're the "NEW AND IMPROVED" C.J. Gates. The problem is-nobody is fucking buying a damn thing you're selling! Worse yet the ones who did feel they've been robbed by this sideshow waste of space you call "The Era of The Gatekeeper", which proves to be yet another hoax. So go ahead, make these people believe you're the future of APW and the role model for every fat, little ignorant child too stupid to see a fake when they see one. Remember Pee-Wee Herman? Look what that piece of shit turned into... the worst part is C.J., that's exactly all that's going to be left for you... some low-budget theatre act. Overdrive is the night we shine C.J. and leave it all in the ring, Overdrive is the night I leave you in the ring...broken."

Hades pulls a lighter from his pocket before setting the paperwork on fire and leaving in front of the chair as he walks away.

Fade.

Tonight you got to test the limits and tell yourself that."
I'm alive!"
Just make that choice and draw that line tonight.
Tonight you got to test the limits and tell yourself that,
"I'm alive, and I'm not going anywhere!"
"Be a leader and never ever follow"
That's what my father, that's what he always told me.
So with those words boldly spoken, he sent me down a long and hard road.
Shrug it off my shoulders, it was never meant for me.
I won't waste my time in mediocrity.
Tonight I'm alive.


No chance to be free.
No chance to soar in the sky.
Your feet fixed to the ground.
Desperation is what's weighing you down.
I don't have to hold my head down.