Blood Chronicles I-XV: Ghost Key

[Bloodline]

Blood Chronicles I-XV: Ghost Key

I’m back again. Looking to try something really different here. Hell, but when doesn’t Bloodline try to do something really different? Champion ratings, conflicted PPV predictions, I’m just all over the place aren’t I? Either way, what matters is you are back to digest more of the Blood Chronicles like many of you do and herald as really good. And I appreciate the hell out of those of you that do. Enough of the hype and the emotional shit, on to the meat and potatoes of the next Chronicle.

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I. The Patient

My ring music was blaring through the speakers in the arena here as I stood in the center of the ring taking in the sights and sounds of this place. Sheer amazement is all I could think. It all but took the air out of me. Then the lights went out. Immediately, I was able to shut out everything, but I still wasn’t able to focus on the task at hand very well. My career, my legacy, my road here, the finish, not of that mattered for some reason.

Gone was the thought of barely scrapping through high school because I was so anxious to get out of there. Gone was the thought of ignoring the scholarships that I was going to be awarded. Gone was the thought of Dad telling me since the day I was born that I was going to college or he was going to kill me, since it was the biggest mistake he ever did in life. Gone was the thought of just taking the money I had saved and leaving for Louisville over night without saying a word to my parents. Gone was the thought of me using the pay-phone in Nashville to call and tell my folks where I was. Gone was the anger in my Dad’s voice at what I had done. Gone were the sounds of my mother sobbing to me. And gone was the thought of me telling my folks, “this is who I am, and it’s either make it or die trying”.

You see, on a day like this. There is no such thing as reflecting on the past. There are 70,000 rabid fans surrounding you. Each one staring intently at what they are fixing to witness. As the pressure mounts, there’s no time to recall what had happened to you, even just yesterday. That doesn’t matter on a day like today.

The fact that I graduated top of my class in not only the Beginner and Intermediate classes, but the Advanced classes, didn’t matter. The fact my shoot on Al Snow during “Character Building” class was heralded as the best seen in years, didn’t matter. The fact I was called to OVW TV at only 19 years old, didn’t matter. The fact Vince called me up to WWE in early 2007 and I told him just what I really thought about him, didn’t matter. The fact Vince called me to Unforgiven last September and said he “is really looking forward to signing the top star of OVW”, didn’t matter. The fact that I got a second chance, didn’t matter.

I would like to think the story that has evolved over the last 10 weeks does matter, but even so, I can’t think about it. The lights were already out. We were just waiting for the rest to go on. The first gong sounds and quickly. Then it hit me. Everything we had worked up to, to get to this point. The last 10 weeks of build that brought us to this very day. This, the Grand-Daddy of them all.

***********************************

II. Intolerance

September 7th, 2008
BL: “Well Vince, I’m here, what do you want?”

VM: “That’s no way to talk to a guy that’s offering you a job.”

BL: “Seeing as how the last time you were offering me a job and I pretty much told you where to stick it, I didn’t figure you’d be sending many jobs my way.”

VM: “In regards to a talent such as yourself, I believe I can make an exception. Truth of the matter is, we need you here in WWE.”

BL: “And unless you can guarantee me what I asked for 19 months ago, then I really don’t care to be talking to you.”

VM: “Of course I can’t make you any guarantees like that. You still have to prove yourself kid.”

BL: “And yet you are telling me how much you need me? Spare me Vince. I know what I’m worth. I know the money I can make you. But if you are just gonna waste me time, I’ve got a show to be at on Tuesday. And you’re lucky that Cleveland wasn’t too far away.”

VM: “Look kid, what you asked for isn’t something that is just given out. You have to earn things like that. This attitude of yours isn’t gonna get you very far in this business. I understand what you wanted to do, but I just couldn’t put a valuable superstar like that in a compromising situation. If he were to haven gotten hurt, which he did, we’d be stuck with you as our champion. We’d be stuck with a guy with no track record and very little drawing power.”

BL: “Yeah, you said that 19 months ago. Look, I appreciate the “opportunity”, but I seriously doubt this is worth my while.”

VM: “Kid, I promise it’s worth your while. January 25th is the Royal Rumble. It’s in Detroit, you better be there. That’s all I can tell you right now.”

BL: “Fine, I’ll see you in Detroit.”

Vince just doesn’t understand. He says he does, but when you are this talented, it’s hard not to want to do something memorable. All I wanted was a match with John Cena on a throw away PPV. It made so much sense. In this one match, I could literally put myself over. In this day and age, a loss to Cena means more for my future than beating just about any man on the current WWE roster. At the same time, think about what it would do for Cena. He would be proving he could handle ANY challenge. You want the champion to be recognized as a guy that’s THE best right? So he should be able to handle a challenge from an opponent that he knows nothing about it. It would have been the perfect “overcoming the odds” story for this character that have created for John Cena.

But Vince would have nothing to do with it. So I’ve spent all this time in OVW making a name for myself. The IWC is chomping at the bit for when I make my WWE debut. Hell, TNA has already offered me a contract on 8 different occasions over the years. And now suddenly he calls me out of the blue and expects me to want to be a part of this scene here at WWE. Fuck that, I’m doing this on my terms. If he wants me in WWE as bad as he claims he does, then he’s gonna do it my way. But I at least owe it to him to show up in Detroit in January.

January 25th, 2009
VM: “You made it, how punctual of you.”

BL: “Well you told me to be here, so I’m here. Now what is so important?”

VM: “The first night of the rest of your career.”

BL: “Oh really? How about you just enlighten me boss?”

VM: “Tonight is going to be Randy Orton’s night. As you saw by him punting me in the head on RAW, we are pushing to wrap the brand around him. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprise if we don’t push the whole company around him. But the reason you are here tonight is because you are going to help Orton win tonight.”

BL: “No Cody? No Ted? Just me?”

VM: “Sure, they will play their parts in tonight’s Rumble, but yours is the most significant.”

BL: “I’m listening.”

VM: “Randy wants you in The Legacy. And tonight, when you eliminate Triple H for Randy, you’ll be let in.”

BL: “As tempting as it sounds, I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”

VM: “If you show me what you have in this angle, the sky will be the limit for you. I see great things in your future, starting tonight.”

BL: “First and foremost Vince, I’m a fan, just like the 19,000 people in attendance tonight. So, how in the fuck am I a second generation superstar? They can’t be that stupid.”

VM: “I would tell you, but I don’t like all these back stabbers in the company giving away vital information. Some times, I don’t say anything, but in this case, it’s still in the creation stages. You just have to trust me. For now, go find Randy Orton, he’ll tell you everything you need to know. I’ll see you tomorrow night in Cleveland.”

BL: “Fine, I’ll see what he wants.”

Vince better not be pulling my chain here. Seriously, I’ve got a title match in just two days in Louisville, I don’t have time for maybes and “just trust me”s. Orton better have some really good shit planned to say. Otherwise, I’m out of here. Well, here’s the lockerroom, better head inside.

BL: “Yo, Randy, it’s me dude. Where you at?”

RO: “I’m in the bathroom performing a pre match ritual, if you know what I mean. Give me a sec.”

This dude is something else. Pre match ritual. That could mean a lot of things. I hope he’s got some good news.

RO: “Man, I feel much better already. Ok man, here’s the deal. Out of all the talent in FCW and OVW right now, you are by far the best I’ve seen. And you aren’t a second generation guy or third like myself. Yet I can tell, you have this business in you. So I want to extend an offer to you. I’ve got Creative already working on a way to get you in. They’ll probably be working and fixing things up until RAW starts.”

BL: “Yeah, that’s what Vince told me. What I want to know is, what do you need from me?”

RO: “Tonight, it’s going to come down to me, Triple H, Undertaker, Cody, Ted, and The Big Show. The final two will be me and Hunter. The two of us will set up for an elimination, that will be the signal to send you down to the ring. You are going to eliminate Triple H to help me win.”

BL: “Sounds easy enough. Is this leading to a match between The Legacy and Triple H, or what?”

RO: “As you know, this is pretty much my show now, and I’m not really concerned with what Triple H is doing. The thing is, we were building towards The Legacy vs Batista and Cena, but he got injured, so you see how that worked. For right now though, we are going to go the route of The Legacy vs The McMahons. That’s what the punt was for. In the meantime though, you’ll be teaming with us and stuff, but they have special plans for you. You’ll find them out tomorrow. For right now, you’ll need to go down to Gorilla Position and get filled in.”

BL: “Wow, you guys don’t play around here. Go do this. Go see so and so. Very point forward.”

RO: “Well, the show starts soon, and we still haven’t been briefed on the match yet, so I’ve got to run to do that. I’ll catch up with you before the match even starts.”

And there he goes. Off to sit in some room and be told of how things are going down. I suppose I better get over to Gorilla Position and see just what’s going on. Perhaps they can fill me in on what exactly it is, I need to know. Oh wow, there’s the Diva’s locker room. I’d barge in there and make my presence known, but knowing my luck Beth Phoenix would probably disembowel me. Probably better not. Ooooh, water, don’t mind if I do. There’s the sign, good, that was a long walk as it is.

CH: “It’s about time you made it to WWE man, I was starting to worry about you.”

BL: “Just a matter of getting things where they need to be. How you been Charlie?”

CH: “I’m great man. Geared for the rumble. It’s good to see you and all, but I have to get off to that meeting, so I can’t stay and chat, but I can’t wait to see the big splash you make tonight.”

BL: “Me either dude. Take it easy.”

CH: “You too man.”

For a guy that doesn’t really get much around here, he sure is a happy fucker. Then again, if I had Miss Jackie driving my stick, I think I’d be one happy fucker too. Or the fact he actually has a job to support his kid, that’s probably why he’s so cheery. Eh, who knows. Well, here’s Gorilla Position.

PP: “You made it. Good to see. So what we have done for you is set it up so that when Unter and Orton are the last two, you’ll run down to the ring on their signal and help push Triple H over the top.”

BL: “Sounds easy enough Pat. But what I want to know from you is, how long do I have to sit here? Do I need to be here for the entire time, or just wait till the match starts, or till we are down to the final two?”

PP: “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll have someone from the locker-room come get you, unless you just want to hang out right here.”

BL: “Nah, send someone to come get me. I’ve got some things to do before I head to the ring. I’m sure I’ll see you again before the show’s over.”

PP: “Ok then. Enjoy the show.”

Wow that was a close one. If I had of stayed there, there’s no telling how bad that would have gotten. Last thing I need is for word to get back that Pat was hitting on me. Renee would have a shit fit. Back to the locker-room.

MH: “So, you are the reason that Vince McMahon has been so uptight lately?”

BL: “Very well could be. All I know is that I wanted to make a mark here in the WWE and he wasn’t really supportive of it. I could care less about the money or the accolades, I just want the people to remember me. And apparently Vince didn’t get that.”

MH: “I’ve known Vince for a long time and he’s far from stupid. He knows how valuable you are. As does Orton, which is why he picked you. Hell, I do as well. I’ve seen your matches and I’m glad you are here.”

BL: “I appreciate that Matt, but why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in the Rumble meeting?”

MH: “I’m not in the Rumble this year. I’ve just got the match with Swagger.”

BL: “So Chavo being in the Rumble despite being ECW Champion was just a one off thing?”

MH: “There’s enough surprises tonight without me being in the Rumble dude. Though I’d like to be in it.”

BL: “Surprises. You could say that again.”

MH: “Well it’s been rich, but I need to talk to Jeff about tonight’s match. I’ll see you around.”

BL: “Take it easy Matt.”

What a class act that guy is. And people wonder why he’s accomplished some much in the last year. To some, Matt Hardy’s endorsement may not mean much, but shit, to me, I’ll take that. I used to dream of being in a ladder match with those guys back in the day. Wow, it’s only 6:30? I guess I could use a nap.

JBL: “Hey Rookie, having sweet dreams?”

BL: “What the fuck?.”

JBL: “I asked if you were having sweet dreams?”

BL: “Yes, yes I was. And they were of Joey Styles kicking your ass.”

JBL: “You are lucky you are Vince’s boy.”

BL: “And you should be lucky I don’t have Joey’s number on speed dial.”

JBL: “Haha, funny. Look, you are needed at Gorilla. I suggest you get your ass there.”

BL: “So the great and mighty JBL is now the messenger too? Haha. That’s good stuff right there. Ah, I guess it’s time to head out then.”

Looks like I’m changing clothes, thanks to that water bath. I love how that prick really thinks he’s relevant. Sure, he can get heat, but fuck he’s boring. And his reputation is of abusing rookies? Give me a break. Shit, I’ll just throw that Styles reference at him till he get sick of it. Better than blackening the other eye and losing my job. Now, it’s getting good, it’s 9:41, time to get things rolling.

PP: “Welcome back. You are about to go on, just hang loose.”

BL: “Works for me Pat.”

PP: “There’s the signal. Go kid.”

BL: “Done.”

Get the fuck out of my way curtains. Time to mad dash to the ring. God this is fucking awesome. Ruining the Rumble. Couldn’t be any better. Just got to nail this landing. Alright, I’m in. Triple H, just don’t turn around. How’s about a clothesline over the top? And there he goes. Now to help Randy back in.

RO: “Thanks man.”

BL: “Is that what they wanted?”

RO: “We’ll find out what Vince thinks as soon as the match is over. For now, just relish this opportunity.”

BL: “Aight, do your thing.”

There he goes, to the turnbuckle to celebrate. I guess I better head to the entrance ramp for a good photo opportunity. I can see the picture on WWE.com. “Why, and who?”. Man, these curtains suck.

VM: “That was brilliant. Now, you need to be in Cleveland, tomorrow night. We are gonna reveal who….AND why. Get some rest kid.”

BL: “Sure thing.”

January 26th, 2009
It’s almost show time and the only thing I know is that tonight is about me, yet I don’t know how. Vince said to meet him at Gorilla at 7:55 sharp. Here I am, I and I don’t see him. Ah, there he is.

BL: “So what’s on the agenda tonight Vince?”

VM: “Well, we have all the brands here tonight. Randy is going to make a speech about winning the Rumble and filing some lawsuits if Steph threatens to fire him. He’ll also introduce you and why you helped him. And we are gonna reveal how you are in The Legacy.”

BL: “That’s fine and good, but I need more details.”

-EDITED TO NOT GIVE AWAY DETAILS OF THE SHOW-

BL: “Wow, that’s pretty big Vince.”

VM: “You can handle it though, right?”

BL: “Of course.”

VM: “Good, now you’ll need a run sheet.”

BL: “What? This is delicate shit you are asking of me and you want to give me a run sheet? Vince, I’m not gonna read lines if this is how I’m going to come into the company, this needs to involve me and the guys in it. I’m sorry, but writers can’t convey MY emotions, or anyone else’s. You let me do this my way.”

VM: “Why must everything be so complicated with you? Fine, go to the locker-room and discuss what you want. But if it’s not good, you are done with you way, you got me?”

BL: “Loud and clear.”

That wasn’t so bad. I got Vince to let me do my thing. This will turn out great. I just need to talk to the boys in the back and see what’s good.

-EDITED TO NOT GIVE AWAY DETAILS OF SHOW-

RO: “Now, back to the Rumble. For the last 24 hours, everyone has been asking me about the man that helped me win the Rumble last night. And now is the time you find out, just who he is. You will find out about the newest member of The Legacy.”

BL: “That’s right Randy they will find out just who I am. As will the rest of the company here. You see, The Legacy is all superstars who are the sons of superstars who have left a legacy behind. It’s all about having this business in your blood. And just like Ted, and Cody, and Randy, this business is in my blood. But I know what a lot of you are saying. ‘How is that possible?’ Well, you see, I found out some information. Some that took me years to find out. And the moment I found out, I let Randy know of my situation and he invited me with open arms to join the Legacy, provided I help him win The Rumble. But still, you want to know whom I’m descended from.

Well let me tell you a little story. You see, 21 years ago, I was born. Born to reckless parents who couldn’t possibly handle the responsibility of taking care of me. So I’ve spent my life in the homes, being passed off as a burden from house to house. Just wondering, who I really was, or why this was my life. The entire time, wrestling had been my livelihood. As if a gift from God himself. Well once I broke into the business, I spent my time trying to reveal the truth about my heritage. You remember Vince’s quest for his bastard son last year? Guess who handled the samples? Me. Guess who tested every superstar to learn the truth? Me. And what I came across was quite startling. So what I’d like to do is have any superstar who could possibly be the father to a 21 year old to step in the ring, right now.”

Man, I hope Vince liked that. That was all me right there. Ah, here comes the boys, time to get this rolling.

BL: “I’ll start with you Kane. You see, many people may question why you are in the ring. But think about it. You have been here for 12 years now, meaning even if you debuted at 21 like I have, you’d have to be at least 33 and you can’t be that young, could you? So, could it be possible Kane, that I’m the son of a monster? I would like to think so, but I look at me, and I look at you, and heredity says that there is no way that you could ever be with a good looking enough girl to father me. Katie Vick is the only girl that ever trusted you and you see how that turned out. Regardless, as much as I’d like to say so, sorry, but it’s not you.

That brings me to you Chris Jericho. It’s no secret. You are getting up there these days. What are 37? Easily qualifies you for the gig. I’m a tad taller than you, but hell, perhaps I got Grandpa’s genes. He was rather tall wasn’t he? And let’s face it, you can’t tell me you led the perfect live back then. But it heartbreaks me to tell you that, that it’s not you. A shame too.

It’s this fun? Who are we missing? Oh, that would be Batista. Dave, I know you are watching at home and I want to let you know that it’s not you. True, you are 40, reckless, and not very responsible, but you also happen to suck really bad, meaning I can’t possibly be your son. Now that isn’t a shame.

Back to the folks in the ring here. Let’s see who we got. Ah yes, Triple H. How are you these days Dad? Not very happy I ruined your chances to win The Rumble are you? I wouldn’t think so and thanks to Steph, you can’t do anything about it. Sorry about your luck. I figured retribution for the years of neglect would serve as a good present upon our first meeting. Think about it, same height. You actually have curly hair. It fits, right? Then again, how could I be fathered from someone so heartless? You’d pedigree your own mother if it meant a World Title match. Should I be happy to be fathered by someone so greedy? Thank God, it’s not you.

Going around the ring, that must mean, it’s you JBL. Think about it John. The story writes itself. I lived a life of nothing. No happiness. Nothing. And look at you. A self-made millionaire. More money than you know what to do with. I mean, it’s common sense, it has to be you. At 42 years old, you are a shoe in to be my father. While I realize that you are a good three inches taller and 70 pounds heavier, still, given your reckless lifestyle back in the 80s, it’s got to be you. So what do you say Dad?”

JBL: “I wish it were so, but it’s not me kid.”

BL: “You’re right it’s not.”

And let the kick fire away. Connected. Wow, he sold that like a champ. And here is the chorus of boos.

JBL: “What the hell are you doing? That’s my employee you just knocked out!”

BL: “Well it turns out your employee happens to be my father!”

JBL: “Um….”

BL: “That’s right Shawn. It took 21 years of digging, but I finally found you. I finally found the no good son of a bitch that brought me into this world. Congrats Shawn, it’s a boy! Words you didn’t want to hear was it? Well, you are hearing them now. Everyone wants to know why I helped Orton, well you abandoned me 21 years ago. Now is the time I get my retribution. Soon, there will be no way out for you!”

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Well it looks like that is going to do it for this banger here. As I aforementioned, I was just trying to do something different here. If you liked it, be sure to let me know and I see about some kind of continuation. I feel the audience for this will be somewhat limited, so for those of you who aren't feeling it, don't worry, I've got something else on the way, probably due out on March 1st. Or hell, I may just post a continuation to this in the Creative Works section or some shit, I really don't know yet. But that's gonna do it for #15 folks. This is Bloodline signing off with just his left hand....haha.

[cicero]

very clever, very good.

[SkittleZ]

Holy shit, homie!

Excellent storytelling. I was trying to guess myself at the end who you were targeting with the illegitimate storyline but you still had me up until the end.

All the dialog was well placed and great job of bringing back something that was never really settled once and for all.

I rarely read columns from start to finish in the CF but this had me sucked in so kudos for producing this gem of a column.

Keep at it, Mikey B! Switching it up time and time again is a gift. Not a curse. Don't forget it.

[Martin Riggs]

Awesome column. Dialogue can be tricky because sometimes it can grind on you, or seem to drawn out. However i had no problems in keeping focus for the entire column. I preferred that you kept changing who you were talking to, it broke down the story. I would definitely like to see more of this in the future!

[Petre Dyche]

It was certainly better than Hornswoggle or Shane vs Randy, but then again, that's not much of a compliment...

I don't normally like 'abstract' or fantasy columns, but in your case I'll make an exception. I did actually enjoy this immensely for a nice morning read.

[Box Car Rocco]

This column could have been hit or miss and this one was easily a hit.

Nothing more to say but I just wanted to leave some feedback telling you that you pulled this off to perfection, good job.

[JoeyShinobi]

Another one sticks, my friend. I'm not sure how you keep doing it. The only worry I have is you kinda spread yourself a little thin these days, I'm not sure any of these people have really seen what you can do when you really play to your strengths. You've done statistical columns, prediction columns, opinion columns, fantasy booking columns...no-one ever knows what to expect from you. The only constant is the quality with which they are delivered, which considering the variety, is incredible.

This was awesome fun too, so you won't find me complaining. Good stuff, sir.

[Bloodline]

Let's get on some feedback :

Cicero:

Thanks man.

SkitZ:

Thanks for the kind words man. Just doing my thing as usual.

JohnnyBoomerang:

Don't believe I've seen you around these here parts. Still, good to know you found this somewhat readable. I feared that would be part of the problem. Either way, thanks for the feedback, and don't be a stranger yo.

Petre Dyche:

Eh, I'm not really big on this kind of stuff either, though I'm not the kind to do the same thing every time. Complacency and me have a really big issue with each other. Good to know you made an exception, though your HONEST opinion is what matters here. As does everyone else's. However, I do appreciate the loyalty. I assure you the next one could be more to your liking. Thanks again.

Boxcar Racer:

Thanks for the praise. As always, my feedback here is an open forum, so it's good to see folks come out and say something. Thanks again, and here's to your future work, it's coming along.

Shinzo:

I hear you man. I know I've done some really amazing stuff in the past, but I'm not one that's gonna try to keep outdoing myself. Doesn't mean I'm not trying to do really good, it's just that not every idea is gonna be better than the last one. No worries man, something good will just pop out of nowhere. That's usually how it happens with me. None the less, I'm glad you enjoyed this here. Next time should be something back the usual style of things, so maybe you'll see some of my flair then. Thanks for stopping by bro.

[Roger Murtaugh]

Mr. Consistency does it again, you had me hooked from the beginning to the end without ever having the column drag on. You've really proved lately that you can more than handle dialogue which considering that most people find that to be extremely hard to do, it's pretty mad that you make it seem so easy.

Always good to read your stuff man, and I look forward to the next one as always.



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[The Maz]

Great stuff once again BL. Is there any style you can't pull off? I usually don't like these types of columns but I was hooked in to see where you would end up. Fine job and I would certainly be interested to see more.

[Bloodline]

Tha Doctor:

I appreciate the kindness man. I like that name, Mr. Consistency. Though I myself don't know how long I can keep that name relevant, but I'll damn sure try. Thanks again bro.

Mazzazza:

I don't know if there is a style that I can't pull off. Then again, I don't know if I've blown through all the styles yet, perhaps in due time I will. Either way, I'm glad you stopped by to say something. And I'm glad you enjoyed this. I'm not sure if there will be a continuation here or in the Creative Works department, but I'll figure something out soon. Thanks again and good luck in the CSI.