Post by Mr. C on Sept 13, 2009 21:43:29 GMT -5
XXII.
“Ye better keep Midgaard safe while I’m gone, Glaeg.”
Cross, although he has only been in The Asylum for a relatively short amount of time compared to many other stars, has accomplished a lot. He’s the second-longest reigning Pure Champion, and certainly defended a stronger onslaught of opponents during his time than Evan Black who holds mere days on Cross’ record. He’s also come in second in an Asylum-wide Battle Royal, going up against some of the very best in the business including a handful of former world champions. Last week, he defeated Warrior with ease on MNM, and Warrior to many is the best-of-the-best in this business. And if it was to be argued that that was merely a fluke, or an effect of his ring-rust or old age, Cross also holds victories over Xplode, Oblivion and even Trent Sickness. Not to mention, he’s the current Asylum Hardkore champion with a current win/loss ratio greater than 75%. He’s The God of Midgaard, The Norse Hammer, and he’s a man who is feared by all in this federation.
Cross sheathed Brandrwulf at his waist and smirked at the flames that now crackled as normally as one would expect. The slideshow of his achievements no longer showing, and no longer needing to be shown. The old Brett Cross, a man unsure of his identity, unsure of his immortality and purpose, he would have been floored by the idea of fighting amongst the Gods. He would have been petrified at the idea of saving the world at the coming of Ragnarok. But now, the new Brett Cross was ready and waiting. The new Brett Cross, a man who was sure of his abilities, and perhaps even stronger than the man before. Reliving his past, seeing all that he’d accomplished in this life was when it clicked in his mind. He was not some mere Viking – he was a God.
Brett Cross, in his glorious time in The Asylum had spent much of his time focused on titles. But in between he had no shortage of bad-blood between superstars that did not focus on gold. And that would come around full circle as he teamed with James Vincent this Monday. Brett Cross’ first match, and first victory, came at the expense of The Vindicator, and every match the two had after went in a similar fashion. No matter what the reason, no matter what was in store, Brett Cross came out on top. And James Vincent try as he might could never best the big Norse God. Then, most recently, after a long hiatus, the two met up once more, but in a brand new fashion. Hammer refereed a match between JDV and MdA and allowed JDV the victory. To many internet bloggers and conspiracy theorists, this was a controversial call, but that’s based on the presumption that Brett Cross had any investment in this match – which he entirely did not.
Why would he care who won in a match between the man he could beat with his eyes closed, and the man he destroyed to win The Pure Title? He didn’t care, and he chose the man he thought won – end of story. So while some may argue that Cross was trying to amend burnt bridges between him and JDV, they’re wrong. Because he doesn’t care about Vincent now, and he didn’t care about them then, and he probably never will care about him. And not as a matter of hate, and not as a matter of unwarranted anger. In fact, there is no dislike for JDV on Cross’ part. He just plain and simple does not care about the man. He’s no longer even an annoyance, because he puts up no challenge at all for him. But with that said, their paths are far more diverging – their stories are still going to be intertwined for a long time and this coming tag-match is no different.
The seer hobbled her way around the flames and stood before Cross. Then, with a shaky, boney hand, she brought her cane forward and traced a large circle around Brett’s feet. Shuffling around him, she slowly chanted as she drew out the symbols in the snowy floor of the cave. Brett watched her with a raised eyebrow, but out of curiosity and not apprehension. Magic, although all too common in his world was still an oddity to him. And as she completed the circle on the floor, the line she made slowly began to glow a dull gold. The lights on the floor throbbed gently in tune with the chanting, and Cross remembered the colors from when Hermod had brought them from Niflehelm back to Midgaard. This was it – he was finally about to be transported to the gilded halls of Asgaard.
This week, it was James Vincent teaming up with Brett Cross – our brilliant commissioner knew that such a match-up would surely cause ratings. Because seeing two enemies work against the odds is sure to be an entertaining spectacle. But the fact of the matter is, JDV’s thoughts on the matter aside, as has been said countless times, Brett Cross just doesn’t care. JDV to him is just another competitor, just another partner who has to do his part. And if he was across the ring from him again, he’d be just an obstacle again. The only difference between JDV, the current Pure Champion and many of the other men on this roster, is that Cross feels the slightest bit more comfortable with him at his side. Because he knows that he will be able to hold up his end of the bargain as they take on the current tag-team champions Dewayne Washington and Vincent Liger.
They’re still considered new guys in this federation, having joined quite a while ago. But with the tag-titles being newly reinstated, they needed some jokers to fill the spots, and who better than two young jerk-offs who wouldn’t be able to win a title any other way. Granted, they had a tough challenge in the red-hot Sabora and his partner Diabolik, and a tough challenge that they actually managed to come out on top of. But, at the same time, they’re still nothing more than lowly tag-team champions. Two competitors who need to work together to get anywhere in this business. Two competitors who would be laughable if you faced them separately. Two competitors who will fall before the more-than-capable team of Cross and Vincent. Because, while they may have some “chemistry” from winning those belts, JDV and Brett Cross arguably know each other that much better because of their long history with one another. It’s a humorous but true fact that when the match was made to team up two “enemies” they may have created a very formidable team. The notion’s truth will be seen on Monday, though. Despite how if you were to ask Brett Cross now, he’d already be guaranteeing the victory.
Cross gripped Brandrwulf tight at his side and turned back to face Glaeg. About him, the golden light was starting to shine brighter around him, building higher and higher in to an illuminated chamber. He beamed at his old, one-eyed brother and Glaeg did the same. Together, they’d been through a lot, and Glaeg was indeed a man he cared about. Merely cousins, but through the fires of war they became as close as brothers. They’d survived everything together, and the word everything was to be used just as literally as the word survival. Cross had saved his life, just as Glaeg had saved his, and together they had saved the world and been saved from the fires of Niflehelm. Only, while neither of them would outright say it, there had always been a staggering between them. Brett Cross was the one destined for great things, and the mighty Glaeg, who always fought by his side was the eternal side-kick. At times, Brett Cross felt badly about this, and wondered if Glaeg too thought that was what it seemed like. But as the chamber of light engulfed him and his body was transported to Asgaard, he caught one last glimpse of his brother’s smiling face. A smile that was both proud and entirely happy. But what signaled that Glaeg understood best was how in his departing words, there was no sadness, no fear, no jealousy. It rolled of his tongue very matter-of-factly and almost like a command.
“And ye better save the worlds, ‘Ammer.”