GZWCon - Heatwave Edition

[Alex Cross]

Tables and booths litter Kowloon Park as fans from all over the globe walk around excitedly. GZW Globalstars sit behind tables, most with smiles and interact with the many fans that come to see them. Icon Lord Leon and Icon Lady Eva sit to one side smiling as the many fans lined up to pay respects to the two Icons and vie for pictures or autographs. Stephon Davis, America Vaughn, Piper Sanchez, Lady Munin and many others could be seen smiling and taking pictures. Off in the distance with a crowd of his own sat the young Alex Cross as well as Amanda Reynolds. The two chatted with one another off and on in between the individual visitors. As another fan came to visit Alex looked at his watch and rolled his eyes.

Q and A is in an hour. The last thing I want to do is answer another round of questions about my relationship with Munin. Why can't things just be about the business?

Alex begrudgingly signed an autograph before sliding the picture down to Amanda to sign.

It's the nature of the business Alex. Remember what you told me the other week. Our lives are on display 24/7 for everyone else to enjoy so of course they're going to be invested in what goes on behind the scenes.

She smiled at the little boy and shook his hand before handing him the picture.

Thanks for stopping by.

Can I have a hug?

Sure!

Without a second thought Amanda stood up and walked around the table giving the young kid a hug. She winked at him before heading back to her chair and having a seat. Alex looked over at the table where Lady Munin sat but turned the second she looked his way.

This is bullshit. Attending this event should be voluntary not mandatory. I can think of a million and one things I should be doing right now and sitting here shaking hands and signing stupid pictures isn't one of them.

Another picture was placed in front of Alex who signed it quickly before sliding it back down the table to Amanda.

I like doing this. It gives me a chance to meet a lot of cool people and show my appreciation to them for coming out and supporting us.

Yeah because they care what we think.

Alex pointed towards the table where Icon Lord Corbin and Icon Lady Corbin sat.

What I wouldn't give to be able to walk over their and slap that stupid smile off his face.

Alex quickly dropped his hand and stood up as he looked out over all the tables trying to see who was sitting where. He shook his head before sitting back down.

Sean Locke isn't even here. What kind of horse shit is that? He's forced into a main event he doesn't deserve, he can't be bothered to push himself to make anyone care that he's involved. Not only that but he can't even show up at this event. Who's dick is he sucking to get this kind of treatment? You know what? Fuck this shit I'm out.

Alex shoved the picture that was placed in front of him off the table and stood up before walking off from behind the table leaving Amanda alone.

Um sorry about that people, he's got to run to the bathroom. Just give him a few minutes and he'll be back I'm sure.

Amanda smiled and continued to sign autographs and take pictures as Alex walked off.

[Lady Munin]

Munin did her best to bury any vindictive pleasure she felt at Alex's latest tantrum, beneath a layer of resigned disapproval.


She could even almost convince herself that she felt sorry for Amanda for having to deal with the fall out, but she wasn't that could of an actress.


The girl was playing with fire, and if she wanted to set herself up as a clean up crew (slash next casualty) in Alex Cross's private war against the world that was on her. It wasn't Munin's place anymore after all and it wasn't something she missed...though there were plenty of other things she did miss.


She quickly squashed that rebellious thought and chided herself. It was silly to dwell on all the things that were, and focus on the present. The man she broke up with was not the man she fell in love with.


"Tch, it's a shame. I mean the way that boy turned out. He is not a man right now."


Munin's attention snapped back to the older woman in front of her. She wasn't
completely surprised that the woman had taken note of Alex's tantrum. Nor was she surprised when she commented on it in fluent (though heavily accented) english. She was surprised however when the woman softly patted her hand with a warm encouraging smile.


"It is ok, you did the right thing by leaving him. That was not a good partnership anymore, and many women will be inspired by your right choice. That is why I waited for so long to see you today."


She further shocked Munin by giving a small bow. She quickly recovered from her shock and bowed her head back. Once again she had to remind herself to not say thank you. That it in fact had the opposite effect of being polite when used at the wrong time.


"Your words are very kind ma'am, and I will remember them when I need comfort."


The elderly woman offered her a wide smile before bowing once more and taking her leave. Leaving Munin to smile absently at the next person to step up in line, and lose herself in her thoughts once more.


She told herself that she should be happy that he wasn't jumping into bed with the first tail that offered, that would have been lemon and salt in a open wound.


Yes, no matter how irrational it may sound It was possibly the one thing that gave her hope that if nothing else they could at least be friends again one day.


At the thought of friends the memory of Raze walking beside in the park, rose to jostle for a place beside thoughts of Alex.


It seemed like over a year that she had enjoyed so simple as walking through the park, with anyone but Travis.


Speaking of Travis she had to call him on her next break. She could care less, whether or not her constant checking in on him. She would call him everyday to make sure he was ok, and check with his supervisor to ensure that he was behaving himself.


"Sign?"


Munin took the offered photograph with a warm smile. The Chinese woman wasn't trying to be rude, she was actually being polite by not being polite, as odd as that may sound to Western and Japanese sensibilities. Using the other cultural versions of manners was seen as being formal and unfriendly in many cases.

"My pleasure."


She tucked away in other rebellious thoughts for later, and focused on her fans instead. They were why she was here after all.

[Icon Lady Eva Hikari]

You okay Ev’s?

Always love…..

They’d been granted a brief and precious few moments between fans, after the last batch of crazy it was a much needed break too. William didn’t usually come on the tours with them these days. It took a lot of persuasion and pleading for him to even consider it. His temper was too easily frayed in these situations. Half the time he expected Leon to come flying across the room to twat someone. Shooting a glance at the young lord, William was almost relived to see him deep in conversation with a little lad. That last “fan” had to be removed by the discreetly placed security team. Whatever he’d said, whatever he’d pushed towards his sister to sign had drained the colour from her.

Why am I not convinced?

Swallowing a mouthful of water she shrugged. It had been a long day already, and it was only going to get longer. William had only agreed to come out here at all because he had some business of his own to take care of. As glad as she was to have a reassuring shadow, sometimes she wished he wasn’t so perceptive. Replacing the lid on the bottle she pushed it beside her gaudy as hell title. Williams icy stare fell to it, he still couldn’t believe she’d let the kids massacre it.

Nemesis! O-EM-GEEE! It’s so great to see you!

The bouncing young woman, literally bouncing as if she really had to pee wasn’t a stranger to the Icon. Her neon pink and purple look dominated most fan signings here and abroad. Eva wasn’t sure what she did for a living, though she was sure at some point she had been told. The girl could talk quicker than Eva could roll her eyes, she knew from experience. Just like she knew that if this young lady could convince you to sign her, she’d have your name permanently inked. With barely a flicker of her long lashes, she managed to notice Munin’s name scrawled across the lasses forearm. Knowing Munin she’d deliberately made it big and complicated just to teach the young fan a lesson. Offering a smile Eva took the offered photo.

Is this the Intercontinental Title? It so bright! Its amazing! I love it!

Aye? It is rather eye catching isn’t it?

Did your kids really design it?

Yep, the bigger kids glued stuff, the little kids showed them where and the biggest kid sulked cause I wouldn’t let him add LEDS.

O-EM-GEE, that woulda been full of win!

Full….of?….oh dear..

Mr Stone! Gawd I didn’t even recognise you in that boring ass suit. You should stick with the black, brings out your eyes! Also the beard, yuck! I used to have the biggest crush on you back in the day. Like, total fangirling, do you remember that match where you got hit with the pack of custard creams? I do! That was me! I remember you said they were your favourites, so I brought you some. Only when I went to give them to you-

Thingy took them away from you and twatted him with them? Yes! I remember now. I’ve never heard a grown man whine so much about crumbs in his hair.

You know my hair’s thick when it’s long. It’s a nightmare with anything in it!

Smirking in the trying to be subtle way she had when she was winding William up. Eva cleared her throat. She was suddenly in better spirits than she had been all day. William was pouting, his obsessive stalker was trying her best to drink him in without moving, and nobody had puked on her yet. It was always a risk when a lot of your fanbase were kids, but she considered it a good day when she avoided it.

Tell you what honey, why don’t we drag Will into this picture too? Odin knows you probably have more than enough of me.

Yass!

The excitement in the girls eyes was matched only by the sheer horror in Williams. Moving round the table to stand between them she threw an around each of them. Pulling William closer she tiptoed as the camera flashed, planting a kiss on his cheek. Eva had expected him to shriek, he usually did when the fans got too close to him. So it was with vague disappointment, that Eva watched him wave the young woman off, smile in place. She’d only been out of earshot for a few seconds, her fanatical mind already fixed on Leon instead, when the former managers hiss came back to Eva.

I will get you for that!

[Sean Locke]

While everyone is busy visiting their favorite globalstars at their booths a sudden commotion over on the other side. Women can be heard screaming and men can be heard yelling loud "Yeaah's" and the name "Sean" is heard as Sean Locke makes his way from the back talking on his phone and followed by his big brother. He makes his way over to his own booth still on the phone.

Sean: I understand that you didn't want us in the same building, but by not having me here in the first place you make it look like I do whatever I want and quite honestly an asshole. You're lucky that Alex Cross is his own worst enemy and it played out just right. Listen I got autographs to sign and fans to greet.

The Spark presses the end call button on his phone and shakes his head as he slides it into his pocket.

Chris: Who was that?

Sean: Nobody just the higher ups explaining why they couldn't have me here on time. They didn't want me around Alex, of course they should of known that i'm more professional than that. To think I would attack Alex in a public place like this, I could go to jail for that. I mean Leon is here and they didn't say anything about that. Oh I forgot, Leon and I are grown ups and Alex Cross is a huge man child, makes sense.

The Spark arrives at his booth and has a seat as his brother takes a seat further behind him and pulls out his own phone and begins playing games. We take a look at the line in front of Sean and we can see that the first few fans are women. The first woman runs up in a gitty fit.

Woman: Oh my gooooodddd it you *screams very loudly*. I can't believe that i'm here right in front of you in person *Screams one more time*.

Sean just kind of cringes with a smile as his ears ring.

Sean: Yes you are and what is your name?

Woman: My name is Nikki and I've been your fan for going on three years now, I never really even liked wrestling, but one day I saw you on this commercial for men's underwear and I had to find out who this man was, I found out you were a wrestler and I was a bit skeptical at first, but then I watched it and couldn't stop and I've been watching it ever since.

Sean just looks at the woman wondering if she even took a single breath while saying that sentence.

Sean: Soooo, would you like an autograph?

Nikki: Yes please.

Sean takes a picture of himself, signs it, and hands it to the young lady. Nikki squirms with excitement, she lowers it and looks at Sean, he raises an eyebrow.

Nikki: Could I ask for one more thing?

Sean: Yes ma'am.

Nikki: Could you just touch me?!

Sean raises both eyebrows as does Chris he just smiles as he continues to play his game on his phone. As Sean looks at the woman she lowers one side of her shirt exposing her shoulder. Sean looks for a couple of seconds and then shrugs his shoulders. He stands up and reaches towards the woman's shoulder as his hand gets closer the woman almost melts to the floor. Sean stops and she stands up straight, he reaches one more time and she does the same. He reaches out quickly and touches her shoulder and the woman screams out loud. She grabs her autographed picture and skips away screaming "I love you Sean." Sean just sits down and looks at his brother. Chris just shakes his head still playing on his phone. Sean sits back down and smiles.

Sean: Next!!

[Icon Lord Jon Kellar]

Kid: Icon Kellar?

Icon Kellar: Snore....

Kid: Excuse me, Icon Kellar.

Icon Kellar: *snort* What what, I'm awake, what is it, what?

The Ring of Honor Icon sat bolt upright in his chair, a glossy photo stuck to his forehead. He peeled it off and glared at the cocky far-too-smug 2006 version of himself that stared out at him.

Kid: Can I have your autograph

Icon Kellar: Err... yeah, sure, whatever...

He took the kid's photograph from him

Icon Kellar: Who am I making this out to?

Kid: Er... just your name is fine.

Kellar looked up at him

Icon Kellar: Really? All my autograph is worth is a quick buck on eBay?

Kid: I wasn't going to...

Icon Kellar: Fine, whatever... this'll probably be the last one of these I do so...

He signed the kid's picture and waved him on his way. Kellar looked up at the large minder that stood next to him and stretched.

Icon Kellar: Uuuuugghhhh.... right, I'm done for the day.

Minder: No you're not. Vice President Devotion says you are to stay here for the rest of the day.

Icon Kellar: I just want to go back to my trailer for a nap. I've done a round trip to Chicago. That's 30 hours on a stinking jet... in economy.

Minder: She said you'd say that, and told me to reply "it's your own bloody fault"

Icon Kellar: Come on! My jetlag has jetlag! You saw me just now, I can't keep my eyes open.

Minder: You woke up when the fan came...

Icon Kellar: Exactly, one fan... I've sat here for two hours and I've signed... what... three autographs? No one is here to see me.

Kellar looked round towards Sean Locke's table, or more correctly the slow moving queue that surrounded it.

Minder: I know you don't want to be here...

Icon Kellar: You have no idea how true that sentence is...

Minder: But it's good for business to meet the fans.

Icon Kellar: Yes... all three of them.

Suddenly there was a loud, irritating sound.

Phone: Mmmbop, ba duba dop, Ba du bop, ba duba dop, Ba du bop, ba duba dop, Ba du, Yeh-ee-yeah-eh

Kellar hurriedly answered it, while the minder tried to stifle his laughter.

Icon Kellar: This is a surprise...

Sophia: You're a dickhead.

Icon Kellar: I've missed you too. I'm in the middle of something right now, can you abuse me later.

Sophia: I wasn't going to call you at all. Sasha called me and told me to speak to you... and then Sean did too. They said it might perk you up.

Icon Kellar: So far it's going swimmingly...

Sophia: Uncle... I saw your press conference, I saw you with Sasha, you clearly don't want to be within 100 miles of Heatwave.

Icon Kellar: You know why...

Sophia: You don't need GZW2K1 to pick up a big pay check, that's just an excuse. Don't think I don't know what's really going on.

Icon Kellar: Sophia, I have to go.

Sophia: It begins with G and rhymes with hilt....

Icon Kellar: We'll talk later...

Sophia: Don't you d...

Kellar hung up, and switched his phone off, before placing it back in his pocket.

Minder: What was that about?

Icon Kellar: Nothing that concerns you...

He looked over towards Eva Hikari's table, to see his fellow Icon showing the Blue-Peter project inspired IC Title to another fan girl. Icon Kellar shook his head in disgust.

Icon Kellar: She sickens me...

Minder: Who?

Kellar shook his head.

Icon Kellar: Never mind...

[Icon Lord Leon Corbin]

The Hong Kong GZW convention was in full swing. Fans had been seen in their droves at every stall of every Globalstar while some still queued up to get brief one-on-one attention from their favourite wrestlers and even those there weren’t meant to like because those autographed glossy photos would surely go for a decent price on Ebay, wouldn’t they? The World champion was among the most sought after and he smiled through clenched teeth as he watched his queue go as far back as the eye could see. With the last fan walking away with a rolled up poster and a premium fan pack, Leon set his gaze on the next in line.

Icon Corbin: Hey.

Stepping forward was a skinny male in his twenties in tartan shorts and a pink vest. He smiles coyly from behind his dark, floppy hair. Leon returns the smile, holding his hand out for the customary handshake.

Male Fan: It’s so cool to finally meet you! I’ve wanted to meet you since the mid 2000’s!!

Icon Corbin: Nice to meet you too. Did you want anything signed or you’re just here for the basic meet and greet?

Male Fan: Well, I was wondering if you sign more than just photos n’stuff? Like skin?

Leon’s eyes lower. This wasn’t the first time and it sure wasn’t going to be the last either. It was more a case of just how strange.

Icon Corbin: I do…If I must.

Seeing Leon’s words as a green light, the young man unbuttons his shorts and lowers his zip quite frantically.

Icon Corbin: Hang on…

Male Fan: You said…

Icon Corbin: I know what I said but there are kids here. Let me have a look.

The fan just stands there as Leon rises and leans over, pulling on the waistband. He peers down and screw his face up.

Icon Corbin: Listen mate, my Sharpie can’t sign a flesh coloured grape and my name is too long to fit on that.

Male Fan: You don’t have to put your full name or the monikers.

Icon Corbin: Just Leon was what I was talking about. Zip up, buttercup. I’m not signing your little willy. You can have a shiny photo though.

Male Fan: What about my chest? Can you at least sign my chest?

Icon Corbin: Alright…

Male Fan: Can you avoid my nipple though. I keep getting an ingrowing hair and it gets infected.

Icon Corbin: Okay…

Male Fan: Yes!! Ugghhh!!

Uncapping his marker, Leon watches as that pink vest rises, revealing a chest with some rogue hairs around the nipples and a green spot with a black eye and a pink hue around it. The champ’s eyes widen before he hurriedly scrawls his name on the bare flesh in front of him and hands the fan his pen to keep as a memento…apparently. The fan takes it with a gleeful expression plastered all over his face.

Male Fan: Could I have a kiss too?

Icon Corbin: No…

Male Fan: Oh what. Is it because you’re too straight now? Got a wife now and us gays don’t matter anymore? Are we just your dirty past?

Icon Corbin: No. You’re just repulsive with no cock to speak of and thus would have no use to me anyway. Are we done here? I have real fans waiting…

Male Fan: UGH!!

Gasping, he spins on his sandal heel and trots off into a mass of bodies loitering the place. The next fan in line walks forward to the table.

Icon Corbin: Hang on a sec…

He ducks under the table, hand out and pumping anti-bacterial hand gel into the palm of his hand, vigorously rubbing his hands together and wiping his face with equal fervour before he re-emerges, ready to continue. Before him, a father with his eight year old son. They both smile at Leon who greets them the same way. The father taps his son on the back, urging him.

Icon Corbin: Hey, little fella. You okay? Enjoying yourself?

Boy: I am. I’ve got seven autographs so far and I want to get them all. But I can’t get Alex Cross’s because he ran away so I think you should win.

Icon Corbin: Aw. Well, how can I refuse such a request? But he’s probably just a bit busy right now. He might come back later.

Boy: It’s okay. I just wanted his autograph. I don’t like him or want to shake his hand.

Father: You’ll have to excuse him. He’s a little autistic. We think. He likes complete collections of things so he’s a bit disappointed.

Icon Corbin: Well, how about I go one better, young man? As well as an autograph, how about a selfie with the world title?

Boy: Yess!!! Dad, this is awesome!!

Father: I know your friends will be jealous. As for your cousin?

Boy: He’s gonna cry, isn’t he dad? Isn’t he?!!

Leon smiles. He was usually up for making people cry at the best of times. He pulls the World title directly in front of him.

Icon Corbin: How about one of us together and one with you wearing it? How’s that sound, matey?

The lad was bouncing like a spring at the very thought of it all while Leon calls over one of the official photographers of the event and gets him up to speed before he faces the boy again.

Icon Corbin: Okay, you got your phone camera on?

The boy’s father hands him his phone, Leon moving forward as the boy turns around with a huge grin, his arm out with the phone trying to get them both in the shot with the belt. One click and the champ hands the phone back to the grown up, the man swiping away on the screen. Leon moves out from behind the table and personally puts the belt around the boy’s waist, then ushers the photographer over properly.

Boy: Dad, I’m the World champion!!

His father beams in the background, watching as Leon kneels next to the boy and wraps his arm around his neck. A snap and a flash from the photographer captures the eight year old champion with Leon in a brutal headlock. Moving away afterwards, Leon unclasps the belt and returns with it behind the table. He takes the autograph book from the father and, with a new pen, signs his name next to his picture then slides a glossy picture in between the pages before he hands it back. That’s how memories are made and after a handshake, the two begin turning to walk away with the boy waving.

Icon Corbin: Check the website. The photos from the event will be uploaded in the next few days.

Keeping his smile in place, he uses it to greet the next fan in line. She looked familiar and she should as he’d seen her harassing his wife already before joining his queue. Excited, she steps forward.

Female Fan: Oh my gaaawwwd!! You’re almost as pretty in real life but not with that beard! I love your sleeve! So much nicer you’ve extended on that rose. It looked so lonely just sitting there on your arm. Are you gonna get more?

Icon Corbin: Er…thanks. And I might in some downtime between shows.

Female Fan: You totally should!! And I LOVE the pink hair! You should put some purple in like mine! Be like Kindred colours then, wouldn’t it?! Bit of platinum as well! Who needs colourful ring attire when you can just colour your hair and your body?! Not that I’m saying you should wrestle naked! Oh god, I’m blushing! Sorry!

Icon Corbin: Um…Feel free to slow down, love.

Female Fan: I can’t! And OH do you remember the time you had that triple threat match with the IC title on top of the Christmas tree?! I do! They auctioned off the baubles. I won them and turned them into earrings! I just love upcycling!

Icon Corbin: Creativity is a great thing.

Female Fan: I know! I know you love art too. Instead of an autograph, could you draw something on me?!

Before he even gets to respond, she produces a white and purple pen from her pocket and hands it to him. Giving it the once over, all becomes obvious to him.

Icon Corbin: A medical marker…

Female Fan: Yes! I’m gonna get it inked after! How cool is that gonna be?! Who else can say they’ve personally had an Iconic Lord’s artwork on them?!

Icon Corbin: No one. So….what is it you want? And where?

Female Fan: Absolutely anything. Just make sure you sign it!

Icon Corbin: Alright.

Brandishing the pen, Leon searches for an unmarked piece of flesh on the woman but comes up short. There really wasn’t much until she waves a leg in his direction and dumps it on the table with a thud that sends his stack of photos sliding off to the side. The World champ tips his head and shrugs as he grips her calf and begins doodling. After a while. His tongue is almost glued to his upper lip and the doodle becomes something much more intricate as time goes by. A few fans behind huff impatiently but find themselves watching all the same. Eventually, he leans back, satisfied while the woman moves her involuntarily shaking leg and drops it to the ground before admiring it from every angle.

Female Fan: I have GOT to call them now! Thanks!!

She lunges forward, arms around his neck and plants a smacker on the lips before she skips off to make her call. Leon sighs, dropping the pen under the table before looking over at his wife who just gives him the sweetest smile and a smart arse wink while Will shakes his head with complete and utter disapproval. The now pink-haired Lord shakes his head and looks at the never ending queue and grins for the next fan that steps forward. He was the usual looking fan in a “Warfare” T-Shirt that had been in the wash too many times it had gone grey and a crew cut that had grown out. He doesn’t return the smile and Leon looks at him apologetically under the assumption he took too long with the fan before him.

Icon Corbin: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Male Fan #2: Nah, it’s cool. At least you do shit for your fans instead of walking out when people have paid to get in like some other Globalstars.

Icon Corbin: Alex likely had somewhere to be.

Male Fan #2: Bullshit. I saw the way he looked at you. He’s a jealous and petulant little boy.

Icon Corbin: But you don’t know that’s why he left.

He stops. For a moment, he wondered just why he was defending the unreasonable and unprofessional behaviour of his challenger but the fans had to come first right now even if the chances of anyone else doing the same for him other than his wife were slim to none. Truth be told, Eva Hikari probably wouldn’t defend him if he had acted in the same way as the number one contender either. The fan still has none of it, still very disgruntled.

Male Fan #2: You know what’s worse? Buying a ticket to a show purely because you wanted to see a Highway to Hell match only to have it changed to a boring ass triple threat no one wants to see just to include a guy no one wants to see. I was glad when Sean Locke was out. That guy can’t cut a promo for shit.

Icon Corbin: Give him time. Once he’s back in the swing of things, he’ll be fine.

Male Fan #2: How much time does he need? He’s always been the same. And why would you defend these people who are vying after your title? Actually, I’m pretty sure you think the same thing I am. Especially if your promos are anything to go by.

Icon Corbin: I entertain people, that’s what I do.

Male Fan #2: So, you’re lying out there?

Icon Corbin: No.

Male Fan #2: Then you are agreeing with me.

Icon Corbin: Listen, mate. If you have issues, GZW has complaints department with its own number to call and everything. I’m World champ not customer services and I intend to remain champion no matter how good or bad the competition put in front of me is. That’s just how it is. In fact, if you really want to make a difference, you can vote. There is a poll as to whether the Highway to Hell match should still take place or not. If you really want to be heard, that’s the way to do it.

Male Fan #2: Will it still have Sean Locke in it?

Icon Corbin: More than likely…

Male Fan #2: Then what’s the fucking point, dude? You do know that more and more people are tuning into XWAXCW these days, don’t you?

Icon Corbin: I don’t even know who that is but the point is it doesn’t matter because the next time you come to one of these, I’ll still be here as champion. I’m the one person in GZW who has truly stood the test of time. Mark my words, I’ll still be there and if you’re a true fan, so will you. So, what was it you wanted anyway, mate?

Smiling, if only slightly, for the first time since he stepped forward the man points to one of the glossy photos.

Male Fan #2: An autographed one of those.

The 2007 Lord nods his head and slides a photo close to scribble his name and hands it over. The man takes it, mimes his thanks and slips it in his tablet case.

Male Fan #2: Don’t let me down, dude…

Icon Corbin: You too. Keep voting…

Finally, that fan walks away and another steps forward. Leon exhales heavily. This line wasn’t going to go down any time soon but that was price of fame, success and popularity.

[Joshua Dane]

Tamer is sitting at his table. A stack of freshly printed photographs waiting to be signed. Tamer knew what today would bring, but it was part of his contract, so might as well smile and try and make the best of it. At least he was able to remove a few bandages today. Hopefully that would lessen the clear targets for Kolic come Sunday. Only a few days now…

Kid: Hey.

Tamer shakes the thoughts from his head a look at the young fan who looks more curious then excited. Nevertheless Tamer tries to drum up some excitement

Tamer: Hey there! Did you want an autograph? Or to take a photo?

The kid looks unsure.

Kid: You used to be Kolic’s best friend right…

Tamer is taken aback by the question.

Tamer: Yeah… Yeah I did.

Kid: I used to really like him… My Dad and I used to watch all his matches.

Tamer: Don’t like him anymore?

Kid: it’s just. He used to do stuff that seemed right. But… But I don’t know anymore. My Dad used to say a man’s actions speak more than his words. And he seems to be doing some real bad things lately…

Tamer: Is your Dad here?

Kid: No…

Tamer can see the sadness in the kid’s eyes and quickly realizes the situation.

Tamer: I tell ya what. How about you and I take a photo together. And I’m gonna give you a note to give to Munin for me?

Kid: Lady Munin! But her line is really long…

Tamer: Skip it. Take the note right to the attendant and he’ll let you go right to her.

Kid: That’d be awesome… Ya know… I kind of hope you win against Kolic. I think he's confused... And maybe… Maybe if he has to quit he can find his way again.

Tamer takes a deep breath. There’s only so much he can do. Making a promise or a guarantee about winning a match against Kolic for a kid who was dealing with losing his Dad and his hero was definitely not one he felt he could make without letting the kid down later. Tamer grabs a piece of paper and scribbles a note (Munin, if you could give this kid a pic an autograph I'd really appreciate it. He's going through a tough time. Maybe even a kiss on the cheek? *don't kill me* - T )

Tamer: Maybe kid. Maybe. Now let’s take that photo

The kid smiles more excited about the prospect of meeting Munin then taking the photo with Tamer. But it was still cool getting to talk to someone that used to be friends with his Hero. Like the time he got to take a picture with Robin but not Batman. And besides all those Clan Mayhem fans were really mean when he tried to get in line to talk to Kolic anyway. Maybe Tamer wasn't as lame as all the older kids said he way.

[Kolic]

Despite his new found reputation, there was still a line of fans at Kolic's booth, though somewhat less than he had in his goofy face days. They were mostly the older fans too; most kids wouldn't understand why he turned on his friends and sought to bring down the company employing him, they only saw that he brained Tamer with a chair and sided with the designated chaotic evil stable. Oh well, even though their occasional stares stung a bit, he at least didn't have to explain himself. Much.

Yo, Kolic!

The latest fan walked up in a very weathered Prime Time shirt from the old days; strange that it was in Chinese, since the company he was in at the time did very little international touring. Something else looked off about it, but he couldn't quite figure it out...

Kolic: Wow, that shirt's from a long time ago. How long have you had it?

Fan: This? I made it 11 years ago, copied the design from the BMWF website and translated it myself. I've been a fan for years and this is the first time I've been able to meet you!

So that's what it was, no copyright or trademark logo.

Kolic: Wow, that's impressive. Good for you that the company's no longer around and the statute of limitations is long gone, so you can wear that around, huh?

Fan: Uh...yes sir! Yes!

Kolic: All right, what can I sign for you?

Fan: My shirt! Also, a picture!

Kolic: Sure thing. I gotta say, this is a better reaction than I expected around here. I've burned bridges with almost everyone in GZW and obviously HKWF still wants my head.

Fan: You're the best though! I do think attacking Tamer and joining with Clan Mayhem may be career suicide, but I'm sure you have good reasons for it!

Kolic: I appreciate the support, but what if they're bad reasons? Maybe I'm doing all this only to have nothing change in the end.

Fan: Hey, one thing I know about you is that you do what you think is right, even if nobody else agrees. Maybe you'll succeed, maybe you'll fail. Just don't give up, you can do it!

The fan raises a fist in the air, making Kolic chuckle despite himself. What exactly did he want Kolic to do, anyway?

Kolic: Heh, that's...I needed that. What's your name?

Fan: Hui Chen, sir!

Kolic: Thank you...Huey?

Hui: No sir, Hui.

Kolic: Ah, Hui.

Hui: Yes! Very good!

Kolic: Well Hui, I think for your years of fan-ship, you've earned a picture, yeah?

Hui: No way, really?

Kolic gets one of the guards to hold Hui's camera as he moves over to hug his most dedicated fan over the table.

Kolic: There you go man.

Hui: Awesome! Thanks-

HEY KOLIC, YOU SUCK! GO BACK TO AMERICA!

Somebody thought that was a good time to show Kolic how he really felt, mostly by yelling and chucking a nearly-full soda cup at the wrestler. Luckily Kolic saw it in time and used his forearm to knock away the projectile, protecting them from most of the drink attack.

Hui: Wha-how dare you! Come back here, I'll-

Kolic: No no no, that's why we have security. Let them handle it.

The belligerent fan didn't get far, as one of the plainclothes security posing as a fan in a nearby line tackles him almost instantly. Kolic wipes his arm off on the tablecloth and reminds himself to look for a towel later.

Kolic: You all right Hui? Did any of the soda get you?

Hui: No sir, you saved my clothes from a sugary fate! You really are the best!

Kolic: Well, at least I can claim that when people tell me I'm mediocre at best.

Hui: Yes, thank you again! I'll see you at Heatwave!

Kolic: You got it.

He grabs a towel from a staff member nearby and wipes down his arm. Just another day at a GZW signing...

[Lady Munin]

The young boy walked by Tamer's table 10 minutes later with a slightly dazed look and a goofy grin.

A bright red lip print marks his cheek, his camera and pictures are clutched close to his chest.


His mother beams at Tamer as they pass by and waves her thanks.