The Next Level

[Rob]

(Not for TV, though there will be the odd sightings between locations. Probably).

6am and he's already up and prepared to face the day. Dressed for training, the scarred and stocky Jericho Cross wears black boarding shorts, a GZW2K1 t-shirt with the sleeves hacked off and dark trainers. Shutting the door of his hotel room, he heads down the corridor and through the door leading to the stairs.

Going down one floor, he heads through to the hallways until he finds the door he's looking for. Today, he'd keep his head in the game. Serious business ahead. Using the side of his fist, he knocks loudly.

A few minutes ticked by and a muted curse was heard before the door was jerked open.

"What?"

Only to reveal one very sleepy Munin. She had obviously just rolled out of bed, as evident by her mussed hair and attire. Attire that consisted of shorts and a cut off shoulder T-shirt.

She glared bleary eyed at whoever dared to pound at her door. It took a moment, but it finally registered who the culprit is.

Munin: Jericho?

Her look was so obviously suspicious that it was comical.

Munin: Are you real or a dream?

He feigns a thoughtful expression before smirking in that way that suggests he's going to be a smart arse.

Jericho: I don't know, do you normally dream about me?

Munin shrugged her small bare shoulders with a sigh.

Munin: Occasionally, whether you're real or not you might as well come in. At least I know its not another nightmare.

With that she turned and walked backed in the room leaving the Dread King to follow. Closing the door as he enters, he watches the half-awake former champion with curiosity.

Jericho: So, what's that about nightmares?

Munin: Mmm having the life choked out of me. S'not the worst I've ever had, but it gets points for frequency and emotional trauma.

She gave a humorless laugh, before falling back into bed, burrowing back into the covers with a blissful sigh.

Munin: But if you're here that means I'm not having a nightmare-

She broke off with a yawn and then seemingly forgot to continue. He smiles, watching her at first and then realises she doesn't intend to remain awake.

Jericho: We all get them, don't worry about it. Now, are we getting up today?

Munin: Not if I can help it...

Jericho: Munie... do I need to do something drastic?

Munin: Oooo drastic, why are you so energetic? You should just go back to sleep.

The last part of this was slightly muffled, because she had twisted herself further into the blankets.

Jericho: Love to, but I did say we'd train today. Come on, untwist yer knickers and look alive.

Munin: Go away, I'm not wearing any to twist.

That made him pause for a moment. Obviously, that wasn't a reply he had been expecting.

Jericho: Munin, what's it going to take to get you out of bed?

Another thing he didn't expect. Five past six and already, he was getting curve balls thrown his way. Finally, Munin peeks out from the covers, her eyes marginally more awake than before.

Munin: I'm not dreaming?

Jericho: Nope. Do I need to put the telly on at full blast?

Munin blushed in portrait of pure humiliation, in a matter of seconds she had rolled out of bed, blankets and all, and disappeared into the bathroom. She would be forever grateful that she always planned her outfits out the night before. Jericho looks puzzled. Why was she blushing so much? He's managed to provoke such a reaction in the past when being a teasing bastard, but this took literally no effort. Brushing it off, he knocks on the bathroom door.

Jericho: Want me to wait downstairs for you?

Munin: Yes, that's fine I'll be down in just a few minutes.

Jericho: Cool.

Trusting that she would be wide awake now, he opens the door to the hallway and leaves the room, heading downstairs to the dining room for breakfast.

True to her word Munin made it to the dining area in record time. Her black training gear covered by another cut off shoulder Gaming T-shirt. Her black hair was pulled back into a simple high pony tail, and her face is devoid of make up.

Munin: Ready?

Jericho: First, we eat. Come on.

She slides into the chair across from him without pause.

Munin: I'm not sure I can much before training. I'll probably just have fruit and coffee.

She pushed the menu to the side, as she said this.

Jericho: Fair enough. I'll probably grab toast and orange juice.

Waving over a member of wait staff, they make their orders and await the start of their day.

Jericho: Big training session ahead of us today. By "big", I mean "sore".

Munin drew her eyes away from people watching to shoot him a grin.

Munin: I figured as much, don't worry I'm a big girl I can take it.

Jericho: I know. But now you can't say I didn't warn you.

He gives a smirk, though the training would be serious.

Munin: You're warning has been noted sir.

Their food arrives and they get to breakfast.

Jericho: What you doing after training?

Munin: Taking over the world, or just taking a soak in the hot tub. I haven't quite decided yet.

She said this without missing a beat, as she finished cutting up her apple. She glanced up at him with a mischievous grin, before eating her first slice of apple.Remembering what was said the night before, and noting her earlier strangeness, he internally says fuck it.

Jericho: If you've yet to decide, why not spend it with me?

If Munin was surprised she didn't show it, but her smile did seem a little brighter.

Munin: Sure, what did you have in mind? Remember that you have pre-warned me that I will be sore.

Jericho: I have no idea. But we have a whole city full of stuff to do, just calling out for us. I say we see what kind of mischief we can get up to.

He gives her a look, knowing she'd likely be tempted. Mischief was practically her blood type. After floating that idea, he shoves a slice of toast in his mouth.

Munin: Well, I'm always game for that.

Jericho: Cool. Anything new happen on the network, by the way?

Munin: Dunno, I spent all of yesterday unplugged, and had my first night of restful sleep as a result. I planned on catching up tonight. Why, did something happen?

She finishes her last piece of apple while she waits for him to answer, chasing it with a sip of water.

Jericho: Alex had quite the selection of choice words for me and Eva. Then played the victim while addressing you. Talked about how I'm preying on your vulnerability or such shit. His attempts to threaten me were cute. It's funny when he tries to be Nathan.

He shrugs dismissively as he eats more toast.

Munin paused for a moment, the light in her eyes dimming.

Munin: Ah, I guess I will have to watch it later. Though I doubt it will hold any surprises.

Jericho: He's just whining because he tried to be the bad guy and couldn't handle it. He couldn't face the consequences and needs an outlet so he can blame someone else.

She gave him a soft smile at that.

Munin: Oh, I am very aware, trust me...

She leaned back in her chair one hand subconsciously rubbing her neck as she went back to watching the people around them. Finishing his breakfast (he was never so slow unless talking), he stands up.

Jericho: Ready to go?

Munin: It doesn't happen over night, getting over it I mean. It's happening in steps, but it it is happening. I think it started happening when he went longer periods of time without really talking to me...or spending as much time with us. Me and Travis I mean.

She shouldered her tote bag as she spoke, but made a point of meeting his eyes.

Munin: I knew, I saw the path he was heading down and I tried to warn him, but he didn't want to listen.

She looked away from him then, unable to meet his eyes.

Munin: Or maybe I didn't try hard enough. I guess it doesn't matter now, because there is no going back and doing things differently. He isn't the man I fell in love with anymore, that man still might be in there, and if he is I hope he can be happy one day. I know that sounds foolish but I do. I just can't be there anymore, I have to tell myself that I do deserve more than a man that puts more worth in a gold plated trinket and revenge than he does in me.

She shrugged her shoulders as they made their way out of the dining room.

Munin: I think it was over awhile ago, and now I'm dealing with the realization of it.

Jericho: You do deserve better.

He bit his tongue, figuratively. It was hard, though. Seeing her like this brought out a part of him he didn't fully recognise, though it was something positive. Despite wanting her to feel better, to pour out his soul to her, he keeps his thoughts to himself, instead looking on her with a sympathetic smile.

Her smile brightened once more at his words, and she made a point of nudging into him slightly.

Munin: You know that's one of the things I like about you...You never pity me and never make me want to pity myself.

Jericho: Pity is a nasty thing to give someone. Better to give them the means to fight back, or put their lights out. I know what you'd want, from those options.

She flashed him a smile with a shake of her head.

Munin: So what are we doing that will leave me more sore than usual?

Jericho: Wait and see.

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

Having made it to the boxing ring once more, Jericho again removes the cables from the ropes, freeing them up for use. Satisfied that there are no cameras around this time, he waits to begin. Munin looked on amusement, as she finished wrapping her hands.

Munin: Not a fan of prying eyes during training?

She slid into the ring with her usual grace and a cheeky grin.

Munin: You just don't want anyone to see me beat you again.

Jericho gives an amused smile.

Jericho: Is that how it is? I just did a full sweep and unfortunately, no one's going to hear you beg for mercy. Better hope I don't monkey flip you again.

Munin: Oh I never beg for anything Jericho.

She performed one last final arm stretch, before stepping up in front of him.

Jericho: Today, I'm going to use their signature moves against you. If you can't stop me connecting, I want you to kick out.

Munin nods her head in understanding. All teasing aside, it was time to get down to business.

Jericho: One last thing: since they're stronger than me, it'll require more effort to escape than with me. I want you to fight to stop me as hard as you'll need to at Heatwave, ok?

Munin: Ok.

That's all he needed. Grabbing her by the head, he forces her down, securing her head between his legs. He then grabs her round the waist and hoists her up for a powerbomb Munin promptly starts railing off punches to his face. This causes him to fall back, with her still on his shoulders, allowing her to land on him in a seated senton.

Jericho: Well... that worked.

Munin grinned down at him with raised eyebrows.

Munin: Yes, it would appear so.

Satisfied that having his face punched in seems to have helped, he suddenly shoves her off of himself so that he can get up. She rolled back up into a standing position, and readied herself for the next move.

The next one that comes to mind is made apparent when Jericho lunges before he's even up, seizing her by the throat as he leaps to his feet. Munin dangled for a moment terrified, as her recent nightmares flashed through her mind. But as she met Jericho's eyes, she understood immediately. This wasn't her nightmare and she couldn't afford it as a weakness. She immediately brought both feet to his chest to push with all her might. With only one hand on her throat, it is easy for her to escape.

Jericho: Good!

He saw the fear, but she still fought out of it. He had to be impressed. If she watched out for these moves in a week's time, all would be well. But there was more to test for now. Munin took a deep breath and shook out her arms. It was more of a mental response to her fear than a physical response to the move.

Jericho: Stay on guard, Munin.

He says this as he closes in, his hands up in a pugilistic stance after some feints, he weaves left and throws out a sick right hand, emulating Syndicate's knock-out punch. Munin hits the floor with a leg sweep, before rolling away and back to her feet, as Jericho hits the mat hard. Her speed was good enough to avoid any contact at all, which was a good sign, given Syndicate's slow movement.

Getting back to his feet, he closes in again and at first, it looks like he's going for the powerbomb again, but starts to apply a double underhook. She moves her hips away from his as much as possible, and hooking her arms over his elbow inwards drops her weight. This causes him to move in an effort to keep his balance and while he does this, has no choice but to release her.

Jericho: Good. Almost got me off balance there.

Munin felt a sense of pride at his rare praise, but didn't let it distract her from whatever his next move might be. The move comes a mere moment later as a foot connects with her gut, forcing her to double up just enough to nail his Shut The Fuck Up (stunner), a move shared by Karnos. While the Clan Mayhem leader can let his sheer size and weight do most of the work, Jericho adds more snap to his version. Forcing aside the fact he didn't want to pull this one out, he hooks the outside leg and counts.

Jericho: One... two...

Munin gasped from the pain, attempting to regain her breath. She mentally scrambled to think of a way out of this, but in the end she knew the only way was to kick out.

Jericho:You still good?

Munin: Yup, I'm still good.

Jericho: We'll see.

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

The rest of the training had gone well, with Munin's evasion proving quite the advantage. As he had forgotten the bag, Jericho had to go back to the hotel to shower and change, now wearing a sleeveless Motorhead t-shirt and long cargo shorts with an urban camo design as he went through a section of one of Hong Kong's many parks, looking to rejoin Munin.

She waited for him patiently on a park bench. Her legs encased in skinny red jeans with a tank top black sheer shirt. The under shirt was a red spaghetti strap, and her shoes her typical black Dock Martin's. The effect was was softened by her simple high pony tail and make up free face.

Jericho: Ah, here you are.

She looked up at the sound of his voice with a quick smile.

Munin: Hey.

Jericho: So, where to?

Munin: I don't know this is your adventure... I'm just along for the ride.

Jericho: Then let's see what we can find, shall we?

She stood to walk with him, and was silently grateful that she was capable of acting so nonchalant, while inside she was an awkward mess.

Jericho: You alright?

She looked up at him with another quick smile, and push a stray strand of black hair behind her ear absently.

Munin: I'm fine, why do you ask?

Her smile brought out one in him. He couldn't control it, as if it were an automatic response.

Jericho: That's better.

He wanted to start off in search of... something interesting, but his feet remained where they stood, rooted to the spot. Trying to take a deep breath as subtly as he can, his mind races. What's wrong with him? He had dealt with far worse things. He had been attacked a great many times, some armed, some unarmed, some in numbers. He had survived deliberate attempts on his life, more than he cares to count. He definitely had Rasputin beat. By comparison, this shouldn't even register.

Jericho: You did well today.

Munin: Thank you, that's high praise indeed coming from you.

Jericho: I can only hope it's been enough to prepare you.

She put her hand on his arm with a shake of her head.

Munin: Don't do that Jericho, whatever happens in that ring, you have done everything you can to prepare me. Once I step into that ring it will be all on me.

Jericho: Because of me. I know it's a match and we both know you feel these matches for days, but I don't want you to get hurt more than necessary. Especially when the guys involved want to end careers.

Munin: Jericho I forgave you when you told me, and I know you will do everything your power to keep the odds as even as they can be. You're an honorable man, and that's enough.

She slid her hand down his arm into his larger hand.

Munin: Come on...We won't go anywhere if we don't start walking.

She tugged his hand as she headed off in a random direction. Her hand in his felt... right. Staying put, he gently pulls her back by her hand.

Jericho: Wait. I should tell you something.

She looked at him curiously.

Munin: Yes?

He looked into her eyes, keeping a hold of her hand. Now seemed as good a time as any.

Jericho: There's more to it than that. The other reason I got angry when I saw what happened to you, and when I saw the match announcement. It's because... well, I care about you, a lot. And not just as a friend. I didn't want to say anything yet because of all the shit going on, but it's bern hard not to.

He looks down at her hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb. After a sigh, he looks back up at her.

Jericho: the truth is, I've always felt something for you. Seeing what happened made me think you deserve better, and I think I can give that to you.

Munin looked at him him, mouth ajar in shock. He couldn't have shocked her more if he said he was having Leon dye his hair pink.

Munin: I thought you saw me as a little sister! You are always so calm and collected.

Jericho: Part training, part life. I never said anything back then, because I wasn't exactly stable. But I'm a lot better nowadays.

Her look of shock was quickly morphing into a pleased grin.

Munin: I know that, I'd like to think we are both more stable than we once were, but maybe as crazy as we've ever been.

He smiles.

Jericho: Sounds about right.

He had nearly rendered her speechless, and Munin had searched for the right words.

Her mind of course was screaming logic at her. This was a crazy idea, even crazier than driving an ice cream truck to the show idea. She was just getting out of a relation that didn't end well to a man she was in love with. To a man that she still had some feelings for despite the fact that she had no plans on going back. She couldn't just jump right into the next available man's arms it would be seen as a rebound fling, it could ruin a good friendship if it was. Besides there was Travis to think about...

Her heart on the other hand wasn't going down without a fight. He makes you happy just by being around you. You have a searing attraction to him even though you've tried to bury it. He is stirring emotions in you that you felt may be dead for a long time to come. He pushes you to do your best, while never pitying you, or trying to change you. If you don't say or do something to at least try you will always wonder what if, and besides Travis would tell you that he can come to his own conclusions thank very much.

And it was at those last two lines that her brain and heart came to a compromise.

Munin: This-

She squeezed his hand lightly with her own with the barest pressure.

Munin: I feel it too, but at the same time you're right. There is a lot going on right now, and whether it's normal or not I do have some feelings for Alex. I have no intention of going back to him, and I know that I've already started to move forward...but they are still there. It would be wrong for me not to tell you that, because I would never want you to feel like some rebound fling. As if that weren't enough there is Travis to consider.

She let out a sigh, fearing that she was going about this the wrong way, but continuing anyways.

Munin: But as crazy as it might be...I want this. If we don't at least try it would be something I would regret. So...I propose that we take things slow.

She used her other hand to caress the one she held.

Munin: If you're willing to, let's spend some time getting to know each other as more than just friends. We can decide on where to go from there after Heatwave.

She held her breath for a moment suddenly terrified that he would walk away. Was Alex right? Was she truly not worth the time?

Jericho: Taking it slow would be a good idea. We can do that.

His eyes searched hers, seeing the nerves getting to her. Taking his free hand, he places it on her cheek, stroking that part of her face with his thumb. She relaxed instantly, her cheek resting in his hand, and her eyes falling trustingly closed. He draws her in, letting go of her hand to put the arm around her. He could keep her safe, happy, he was sure of it. As long as he was around, Munin would have nothing to worry about.

Munin: So, where are we going to go today?

Jericho: I have an idea I think you'll like. We'll need my bike for it.

He continues to embrace her, feeling better than he has since his treatment. Possibly since before then too.

She honestly wasn't in a hurry to move, as corny as she knew it sounded she felt like she could stand there for hours, but realistically she knew that wasn't an option.

Munin: That sounds like a plan...

Jericho: there's a place next to Che Kung Temple that used to be a multi floor factory, but got converted into a T.V. studio. Best part? Totally abandoned.

Munin: Seriously? So did they just leave all of their props?

Jericho laughs. He knew she'd like the idea.

Jericho: Likely not, but there's only one way to find out.

Munin broke away with an extremely serious expression on her face.

Munin: I know it is near impossible, but...if there is a Godzilla like suit, I call dibs.

That gets another laugh, especially with the mental image it brings.

Jericho: All yours. But one wee thing first.

Munin: Hmm?

Placing his hands on Munin's hips, the man once known as The Dread King brings her towards him, wrapping his arms around her as his lips meet hers for a passionate kiss. Munin's mind went blank with shock and pleasure. She felt utterly consumed by him and it was addicting. It was like riding a storm and all she could do to hold on.