Another Chapter...

[Chris Madison]

August 6th, 2013
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11:30 P.M.

We open to frantic commotion that is the designated airport pickup area. Jet lagged travelers stand on the concrete walkways herded together like cattle looking towards cars weaving in and out of traffic for the friends, families, or taxi cabs. Amongst the mob of voyagers is Chris Madison and Frankie Morrison fresh off their trip to Halifax for the Canadian X Pro debut show. Chris wore a gray t-shirt with black jeans and a pair of flip flops. His back pack over both shoulders with a clip across his chest to secure it in place.

Madison look physically drained. The recent increase in his travel schedule was quickly taking a toll on him. In true statuesque fashion he remained perfectly still, zoned out in a zombie like trance. Frankie stood directly next to him and looked down at the Rolex watch on his wrist. Disappointed with the results he places his hands on his hips and let out a long exhale while shifting his eyes back and forth between the cars pulling and his wristwatch.

"I don't know Chris. We were scheduled for an eleven o'clock pickup. There's no reason for this guy to be missing." he impatiently glanced back down at his watch as he started tapping his foot. His nervous energy made him stand out from the rest.

Madison looked rather unamused by his current standing. With a roll of the eyes he made it perfectly clear that he was on the verge of reaching his threshold. "I'm not in the mood for this shit Frankie" he grunted without shifting his eyes. He took a couple of deep breathes trying to remain calm.

Frankie reached into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out his cellphone. He scrolled through his contacts looking for the limo company he used to schedule a ride. "I should have the number here somewhere. Just give me a minute Chris!"

Madison breaks from his stupor and steps into the road. He stood with his arm outstretched and his palm facing the cab. The rubber tires of a taxi cab come to a screeching halt, nearly striking him with the vehicle. "Frankie lets go. I got us a cab. I can't wait any longer for your damn limo!"

Frankie scurried behind Chris as he threw his bags into the trunk of the cab and jumped into the backseat. Frankie slides into the other side and stuffs his phone into his pocket before instructing the driver of their destination. "Hotel Palamor Philadelphia please..." He snapped his head towards Chris to directly address him. "You'll love this place. Just a few blocks off of Broad street. Not to mention the surprise I have waiting for you in your room!"

"No offense Frankie, I'm too tired for any of your surprises. I just want to get a little shut eye. The whole flight from Halifax some little brat was kicking my chair from take off to landing." Madison exhaled as he leaned back against the cans rear seat. "Even this mixture of worn out cushions and metal support bars is more comfortable than my flight."

The right corner of Frankie's mouth arched up in a half smirk. "Trust me...You'll enjoy this surprise!"

The cab slows down as it approaches the upcoming intersection. The red glow from the traffic light cuts through the darkness of the night and the squealing brakes act as a soundtrack. The driver reaches towards the radio and lowers the volume to the local late night sports talk show. "I hate to chime in but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't ask. Are you Chris Madison?"

Frankie snickers in the background warranting a look from the driver. The silence is broken up by the honk of a horn by an impatient driver behind the cab. "This is exactly why I set up limos whenever I can."

"It's okay Frankie..." he reassured while patting him on the back. He turned his attention to the driver who peered through his rear view mirror at the passengers. "Yes sir, I am THE Chris Madison!"

"I knew it! I knew it! I can't wait to tell my friends! They're not gonna believe me." The taxi loses some steam again due to the impending traffic light ahead. Let me just say, I'm a huge fan! You and the rest of the Black Hand are onto something. Wrestling has been flat as of late, ya know? Fans are getting tired of the same ole boring crap they keep shoving down our throats. The Evan Harrisons of the world...No one wants to see that tired act anymore."

The opinions of the driver made Chris smile. He looked over at Frankie who had initially doubted the Black Hand alliance. "I'm glad someone gets it!"

"Get it? I love it. Something's been missing. There's an attitude and an aggression that you guys carry. You represent everyone who wants to make a change!" the driver looked back up into the rear view waiting for a response.

"We are the revolution. People will eventually understand. It's just a matter of time. How many times do we need to see Level-One versus CJ Gates? How much air time do the Harrison family need? Over and over again they are flooding the shows with crap. I'm ready to make this place implode from the foundation up!" Madison sat back, pleased by the approving nod the cabbie had given him.

Frankie rolled his eyes as Chris burned a hole into the side of his head with a look. "Don't start with me" he warned while pointing directly at him.

He coyly pretended as if he has no idea what Frankie was talking about. "Start about what Frankie?"

Frankie replied back with a stare that needed no looks. You could tell he wasn't in the mood for Chris's games. Finally he broke the silence. "You know about what! Stop being a jackass! You want me to say it? Joining the Black Hand has seemed to be a good idea....so far"

"Just had to throw in the so far huh?" Madison questioned while shaking his head.

"Well I'll keep my judgement open until it's all over..."

"You should know I don't care what anyone has to say. This was a natural partnership. Tommy and I have all the same agendas. It's all starting to come to fruition. That roster knows change is on the horizon. NewGen thinks they can stop us. Mumf is trying to become a mercenary for hire to protect others. This will be an everlasting alliance. Tommy and I are cut from the same cloth."

Frankie rolled his eyes at the lecture. He quickly tried to change the subject back to the surprise he had in store for him. "I think you'll thoroughly enjoy what I have lined up for you at the hotel."

"I'm not in the mood for any of your surprises. I just beat three other guys in a fatal four way. I'm tired, my body aches, I just want to get some rest." He explained before a long yawn. He rubbed his eyes, tired from the increase in his travel schedule.

The scene fades out as the cab comes to another stop at the upcoming intersection.

August 7th, 2013
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
12:15 A.M.

We open back as Madison and Morrison exit the cab right in front of the hotel entrance. They stroll up to the front door and the doorman holds it open for them. He greets the with a smile and says, "Welcome to the Hotel Palamor Philadelphia...I hope you enjoy your stay." Frankie and Chris nod their heads as they walk by and into the grand lobby. They stop dead in their tracks and take in grand entranceway.

After taking it in they walk up to the check in counter. "Welcome to the Hotel Palamor Philadelphia, I'm sorry but there's no vacancy's tonight" the hotel concierge explained to the two weary travelers.

"No, no, no. We have a reservation. Should be under Frank Morrison." Frank said while leaning over the counter with his right forearm acting as a brace.

"My apologies Mr. Morrison. Let me just check the computer." A minute goes by as the concierge types into the computer to check the reservation. "Ah here it is...a two bedroom suite. It's going to be room eight thirteen. You can just give your bags to that gentlemen over there and he'll help you to your room. I'm just going to need your identification and a working credit to hold against the room. You won't be charged until check out."

"That's fine...here you go..." he said while graciously handing over his license and credit card.

In the meantime Madison had been looking over his surroundings. Taking inventory of some the employees and guests trampling through the concourse. Suddenly he is tapped on the shoulder delicately from someone trying to get his attention. Naturally assuming it's a fan who recognized him he spun around while saying, "Yes, I am Chris..."

"Always so polite to your fans?" a soft almost angelic voice questioned, followed by a chuckle.

Chris's eyes lit up when he saw that Maria had made her way to Philadelphia. The two embraced with a hug before he began question her appearance. "In town to visit some friends?"

"Something like that..." She looked over her shoulder at Frankie. "I'm your surprise...I've got a ticket to Thursday nights show. Nick and Manny are coming as well. Frankie paid for my bus fare to get me down here."

Chris looked passed Maria and Frankie was there waving with a goofy smile on his face. "Surprise!"

His attention was brought back to Maria when she reached down and grabbed him by his hand. "It's not just that. Nick introduced us the day after the beach. After talking for a bit he demanded that I let him make some calls on my behalf. Well, he got me a last minute booking for a small show here in Philly on Friday night! Another independent trying to pay homage to extreme wrestling. One of the girls backed out. I couldn't be more grateful of the opportunity he got me."

"Frankie's good like that. If he likes you, he'll bend himself backwards to help move you forward."

Frankie walks up and places his hands on their shoulders, cutting their conversation short for the moment. "Well kids I'm going to sleep. Chris here's the room key. Just give the bellhop your bag. He's bringing me up there right now."

"I know the perfect place. I'd love to hear all about your trip to Hailfax!"

Chris handed his bags to the bellhop and the two strolled out if the hotel. "Wanna grab a cab?"

"No, we can just walk. It's not far" she said while placing her head onto his shoulder.

"You nervous about your show?"

"Yeah. Actually I am. It's the first time I've competed in my hometown. I've done some shows nearby but nothing actually in the city."

Chris tried to reassure her confidence. "You're in a good place. I've always found I'm at my best when I'm surrounded by good people. The less issues you deal with out here, the more you can focus in there. Right now I'm in a grove, I must be in a real good place."

"So Halifax went well?"

"Yeah, three Indy sensations are easy pickings for someone like me." Madison paused and looked over at Maria, hoping he didn't offend her. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay, you didn't offend me. I'm sure you would run circles around me in the ring. I'm just happy for you. I'm glad your achieving tons of success" she explained while the two continued their walk down the streets of Philadelphia.

"Success isn't the word. I feel almost unstoppable. It doesn't matter who's getting put in front of me. I feel like they're just speed bumps and I'm rolling right over everyone of them!" Madison was beaming. It's the best he's felt since his return to the states. His confidence grew week by week and it was showing in his demeanor.

The scene cuts out from a budding new relationship to white snow on the screen and static.

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

After returning to the hotel room Chris sits down on the edge of his bed with his handheld camera facing him on a dresser.

"Here we go again. Another match with Brian Hollywood. And once again he has his little pal Jace Savage with him. A couple of weeks ago wasn't enough for you boys? Don't you realize that there is an enormous gap in the skill level between you guys and the Black Hand? Well you must have because you were quick to come to rescue of Evan Envi. A sickening and desperate attempt to suck up to Envi. Just because you saved his ass doesn't mean he's joining your crusade. He's already got both feet out the door. The only thing keeping him around is his pride. He could care less about NewGen Rising. You just happen to have common enemies at the moment. Truly pathetic. A couple of grown men who now realized they have bit off more than they can chew."

"So we add another chapter in what's starting to look like a faction war between NewGen and the Black Hand. A war that's quickly becoming one sided. I kind of feel bad for you guys. To be that clueless. It's almost like you're too dumb for your own good. I mean a noble notion for sure. The idea of looking out for one another when no one else will. I just wish you would open your eyes. This is a fickle business. In some companies you boys would be superstars. You guys could really dominate! But not here, not in the APW! Here you're nothing but door mats for the young up and coming stars!"

"Brian Hollywood has been as reliable as a knife in a gun fight. I would know, thanks to Evans cunt sister forcing us to tag when we first arrived. Some days you have it, other days you are far from even being considered a wrestler. For someone so full of them self you would think there would be some ability to back it up. But really what have you done since arriving with me in the APW? You've beaten a guy who has spent more time watching Robert Downey Jr. play Iron Man than actually perfecting his craft. You piggy backed on me pinning Sentinel. And then again piggy backing on others for a win in the record books in that eight man tag for the July Supershow. That brings us to our Overdrive debut where once again we are in the same match. And once again you lost. Difference was this time I won that battle royal. A win over Niobe brought you to another showdown with me...the tag match between NextGen and the Black Hand which of course once again you failed to back up that mouth of yours. Follow that up with a loss to your partner an where does that put us? The only thing that is certain about you is that as a partner you are unreliable. You are weak and you don't belong in the same ring as me! Get used to that feeling, as long as this feud continues the results will carry on. You may be thinking the third time is the charm but I'll prove to you that's just some foolish saying that losers bark out to give themselves a glimmer of hope. The reality is the third time will be like the rest. Madison wins and Hollywood loses!"

"Jace I'll never understand the connection with him. For someone the company looks at as a future star it's mind boggling. The so called cause you fight for is a noble idea. But the soldiers you chose to fight that war has everyone scratching their head. When the smoke clears with this war that you wanted, you may be the last remaining on your side. I've never seen an accumulation of such undependable talent in my whole career. Watson, Rufio, and Hollywood? Are you just trying to surround yourself with blundering idiots to boost your perception with everyone? If so, bravo! You couldn't have picked a better circle of guys. They really make you look like a superstar!"

"You may think I'm just spewing hate because you're my opponent this week but that's not the case. It's sad, but it's true. Open your eyes and really think of what chances you have succeeding with that ensemble of misfits. I'm not complaining, it only makes us look better. Just a word for the wise. Drop the dead weight...you were doing just fine for yourself on Meltdown. You had captured the hearts of the APW faithful. You were their darling. That image is quickly slipping. They want a hero to look up to. Not someone who is going to get their ass handed to them week after week!"

"Be careful Jace, the losing can be contagious. That image you worked so hard on building on Meltdown can slip away in an instant. They will bring you down to their level...trust me I know, especially Brian! Poor alliances can be like a cancer to your career. You spend too much time thinking of the group first. Which is an honorable thing, but it will cost you your career in the long run. Every once and awhile you need to be a little selfish and fight for yourself! You need make sure you're successful otherwise this industry will pass you by and leave you wondering what you could have done differently. Don't miss out on your chance to break out because they're taking advantage of the best of you!"

"Your career may be in arrest before you know it. Like leaches they're sucking the life out of you. It's only a matter of time before you have nothing left to give to them. And when you're spent, it will be time to pack it up and hand it in...a dissatisfied career. You're not quite broken just yet but those guys are quicksand. Before you know it you'll be trapped with nothing left to show for it..."

Madison pauses for a moment as a grin overcomes his face.

"Finally, Evan Envi! The hottest commodity in the pro wrestling world at the moment. Since I started in APW I've been waiting to get my chance to get my hands on your family. You guys are nothing but a plague and the sooner you're all out of the APW, the better off everyone will be. If I had one wish I would ask for a Delorean so I can punch that bitch to eighty eight and go back in time to smack your bitch mother for procreating!"

"You have single handedly turned this company upside down. Management is in a frenzy trying to figure out how to dethrone the Overdrive Champion. We have physically taken the title off your hands but that's not enough. Come Shockwave the rest will be taken care of. Tommy is not letting you leave the pay per view as champion. The Black Hand is not letting you leave as champion. Your reign is over. Your time in APW has passed. Move along and ruin the next company you work for and bring your family with you! From the ashes the Black Hand will resurrect this company to what it should be. We will liberate the fans from the same old boring product and create something new and exciting, and most importantly Harrison free!"

"My time on Meltdown your sister avoided me. But she didn't neglect screwing me over. She's the rocket scientist behind the Hollywood and I pairing. It was her brainchild to have us team up against her pet project, the Unforgiven. Needless to say I may have been very vocal about some of her actions. So much so that she pulled the plug during the broadcast of Niobe's and mine tag match against Mr. Enigma and Wyatt Crash. Again, she avoided the issue. Well I may never get my chance to deal with her for those infractions. At least I can deal with you Evan. In my short three month APW career I have been drooling at the thought of putting my hands on a Harrison. Finally my dreams come to fruition on Thursday night!"

"This is a golden opportunity for me. It's a chance to prove that I'm not just some clown who's going to get lost in the shuffle of the midcard. I'm not just a flash in the pan. It's also a chance for me to act and not preach. An example will be made at Evan Envi. No one in the APW, or the wrestling industry is out of reach from the Black Hand. Time for everyone to realize that there is genuineness in everything we have preached. It will do the fans good to see Evan Envi laying atop a heap of broken wood. A metaphor for his tenure here and what the lasting impression will be. Here lays Evan Harrison, former North American Champion, former Xtreme Champion, former Overdrive Champion. A man who threw away a legacy here to go run around with your friends in SCW..."

The scene fades out to the familiar audible sound of static as white snow engulfs the screen.