Nathan stands in the ring and throws a punch.  Fiona ducks under it and moves to the side throwing a hook to the body.  Nathan blocks the punch and immediately counters but Fiona leans back and weaves to the side, avoiding the blow.  “You’re getting slow, old man.  Vespertine is going to rely on speed.  If you cannae hit her, your size and strength advantage mean nothing.”

 

Nathan lets out a frustrated breath.  “Och is that so?  Well, I’m glad I have you to tell me what I’m doin’ wrong.  One might think you’ve been fightin’ for over 20 years.”

 

Fiona smirks.  “Not doin’ too bad for myself.”  She says with a wink.  Nathan nods.  “Uh huh.  Tell me again how many titles you got?  Cause last time I checked, you were the only active Upstart to not hold a belt.”

 

Fiona narrows her eyes and nods.  “Hey.  You asked me to help you get ready for Vespertine.”  Nathan nods.  “Aye.  I need someone small and fast like her.  Now, let’s go again and I’ll show ya what an old man can do.”

 

They start again, Nathan throws a few more punches, noticeably slower than his last.  Fiona bites and weaves through them trying for a body blow that she never throws because Nathan hits her with a much faster right cross that sends her to the mat.  Nathan crouches down and nods.  “I’m not pickin’ on ya, Fi.  Tryin’ to point out that experience counts for a lot.  If you ask me, I think your biggest problem is you’re trying to pace yourself according to the pace Abby and Rayven went.  Abby struggled a bit when she started too.  Rayven is an anomaly and has been training for years.  Relax.  It’ll come.  In the meantime, every fight is giving you experience and that is worth more than anything.”  Nathan says as he taps Fiona’s forehead.  “That is if you can pay attention and learn from what you see.  What you experience.”

 

Fiona nods.  “Aye I know.  It’s just frustrating.”  Nathan is silent for a moment and nods.  “I told you this path would test you.  Life in general does that, but this one a bit moreso.  You’re going to have tests.  Losing streaks, friends and rivals outperforming you.  When these tests come, you have a choice.  Persevere, continue along the path and come out stronger for the challenge, or take a different path.  You dunnae have to do this.  You’re young enough.  Could go to college and do anything, be anything.  So, tell me, Fi.  You’ve gotten a sample of this life.  Is this really what you want?  Traveling all over the world, but not being able to really enjoy it because you need to train, you’re body aches and is in pain from fighting and jet lag.  Why do you want this?”

 

Fiona shrugged.  “Because you devoted your life to this.  Barring a miracle, you dunnae have a son and won’t be getting one.  Someone has to carry on your legacy.  You’re not taking any students.  I want to carry on your legacy while also building my own.  You’re right.  I’ve had a taste of this life.  I’ve been all over the U.S. I spend a lot of time training.  I also spend a lot of time seeing the sites, spending time with my friends.  I’m happy doin’ this da.  Promise.”

 

Nathan nods.  “Alright then.  Let’s take a break from training and have lunch.”  He said..  The two of them hit the showers.  While in the shower, Nathan looked over and saw Daniel standing there.  “You’re finally facing one of the Eternal Grove.  So why are you thinking about what comes next?”

 

Nathan sighs.  “I’m old.  I’m tired.  I have enough blood on my hands.”  Daniel rolls his eyes.  “Destiny doesn’t work like that.  You’re done when we say you’re done and not a second before.”

 

Nathan walks over to Daniel, standing toe to toe with him, meeting his gaze as he looks him in the eye.  “Aye?  Whatcha gonna do if I say no?”  Daniel reaches into his suit pocket and withdraws a little black book, carefully thumbing through it and examines the contents of the page.  “Do not test me, Nathaniel.  You need more reason to continue the crusade?  How bout Fiona?  The Eternal Grove has already kidnapped one talent.  They are likely corrupting and brainwashing her.  You know how cults work, Nathaniel.  Better than most.  Do you think they are not planning to do the same to Abigail?  Akame?  Rayven?  Fiona?  If I were them, I would certainly be planning to grab at least one or two of them, if not the whole set.”

 

Nathan clenches his fist and narrows his eyes.  “If you were physically here, I would punch you right in the nose.”  Nathan said.  Daniel nods.  “I know you’re tired, Nathaniel.  But you have a gift.  Violence comes easy to you.  If you step aside, someone else has to take your place.  You chose a life of service and sacrifice, Nathaniel.  You bloody your fists so others don’t have to.  So others can enjoy a life free from monsters.  You’re the shepherd, Nathaniel.  It’s time to fight off the wolves.”

 

In his heart, Nathan knew Daniel was right.  He let out a sigh and nodded, then finished his shower and got dressed.  After eating lunch with his daughter, they were discussing The fact of the newer generation of wrestlers, led by the Upstarts and Rayven, using social media more often.  He looked at his phone and Fiona smiled.  “Da, this is a handheld miracle.  You can reach the people directly.  No need to filter your message or worry about a fed or reporter editing the roll or anything.  Nathan raised an eyebrow.  “We’ll see.  For right now, I think I have an idea for Vespertine, if you want to impress me, you can use this phone and record it.”

 

Fiona smiled and nodded.  “Of course.. I can-”  She says as Nathan and her phones both beep.  Nathan sees a promo up and looks at Vespertine.  He says nothing verbally, but his facial expressions say everything.  He rolls his eyes.  A narrow of his eyes.  Clenching his jaw and fist.  Increasing his grip on his phone.  Fiona moves around and watches the promo with him and looks to her father.  Nathan remains silent and nods.  “Right then.  I’ll need the cross for this one.  I’ll need you to film.”

 

Fiona nodded.  The cross.  She honestly could not remember the last time her father had used the cross.  It hadn’t happened since she had pointed out the similarities between him and Nichlas D. Wolfwood of the Trigun Anime series.  Her father had never seen it until they binge watched it together, so it obviously wasn’t intentional on her father’s part and he impressed his daughter by appreciating it rather than other reactions he could have given.  Now, it seemed like Vespertine was about to get a taste of that Nathan.

 

The on camera portion of the promo begins and we see Nathan embracing the comparison to his anime counterpart as he stands, wearing sunglasses, a suit with a white dress shirt under it which is only buttoned up about half way leaving a good amount of his chest bared.  Next to him stands a big cross.  Nathan grins and pats the cross.  “Since this show is the closest to Halloween we’ll get, I thought I’d do my part for costume fun.”

 

The smile disappears.  “Now, Vespertine.  I will get to you in a second. However first, I’m going to be merciful.  After all, this cross here is soo full of mercy.”

 

Nathan slides his sunglasses down his nose a bit, so his eyes peek out over the top.  “Karlie Nash.  I’ve called you a Charlatan and simoniac.  This is a chance to prove me wrong.  If you are an actual apostle of our Lord, then you are called to protect not only your own flock, but people as a whole.  Ask yourself if you are protecting them from the wolves, or letting the wolves in to murder and devour the sheep.  Look at your partner.  She doesn’t care about you.  She has betrayed and sacrificed you once already for her own ambition.  She does not hold any special care with you given that she sleeps around so freely Valora is able to reference it when she announces the card.  The Eternal Grove is using you, Karlie.  They have given you nothing that I can see and rely on you to help them.  And Vespertine is not a friend or ally, she’s a snake whispering in your ear.  Will betray you.  She’s done it once alredy.”

 

Nathan holds out his hand.  “It’s not too late to change path.  Luckily for you, Our Lord preaches forgiveness and that we must give our wayward brothers and sisters a path to redemption.  It’s here, Karlie.  All you have to do is reach out and take it.”

 

He holds the hand out for a few moments before using the hand to push his sunglasses back over his eyes and nods.  “Vespertine.  I’m not here to offer you forgiveness.  Maybe at some point, but with you, No, you need to pay the price of sin.”

 

Nathan takes a few steps forward and shakes his head.  “Ohh our internal struggles and arguments aren’t a problem.. We’re super sneaky shites who are fooling you all!”  Nathan makes a jerk off motion.  “Please luv, that’s the most tired excuse of all time.  Even older than I am.  Dunnae come at me with that weak arse bullshite because I’m just gonna throw it back in your face before I spank your arse.. And not in the kinky way you’re thinking of.”

 

Nathan smirks.  “Oh and becoming a legend?  Maybe as a porn star.  You sure as hell are not anywhere near being a legend.  You see, you have to accomplish something.  You dunnae just become a legend by hanging around for a set time.    I know kids today get that confused but you have to stand out.  Hold the Valor title and defend it 5 times.  Be the first ever to hold a title.  Set a record for longest title reigns or most times having a title.  These are just some of the things you do to become a legend.  You’ve done none of them.”  

 

He shakes his head.  “You think you will be on top of the fed.  To even have a shot at doing that, you need to hold the Conquest title.  Let’s compare you to those who have held the belt.  Greg Salazar was the first ever to hold the belt.  You’re nowhere near his league.  You have no victories over him.  Rob Riot was the second one to hold the belt.  You don’t even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as him.  He is multiple levels above where you will ever be.  Hell, of where I’ll ever be.  Kronin Reinhardt.  The Third champion.  A man who has defeated Drago twice.  Who beat Viktor.  Who became the first man to successfully defend the Conquest title.  You really think you’re on his level?  If so, you are in dire need of a reality check.  Abigail Dresden.  Number 4.  She set a record for longest reign with the title.  Again, another person you have zero wins over.  Like Kronin.  Like Riot.  Like Greg.  And finally, the latest one to hold the belt.  Drago.  You cannae take the belt from him, you’re smart enough to know that.  So, for you to get the belt, you first need to help someone else take the belt from Drago.  So you can reclaim it and make a case for leadership of the Grove.”

 

Nathan pauses, letting this hang in the air for a moment before continuing.  “So, you are either talking out of your arse, and lying when you talk about being on the same level and ascending to the top of the CWF.  Or you’re planning to betray Drago to set up your ascension.  Either way you are a liar, betrayer and deceiver.  Your allies cannae trust you.  Your enemies and those who are neutral sure as shite cannae trust you.”

 

Nathan shrugs.  “This is the problem with revealing your nature, you little snake.  Now, how can I judge you?  Simple.  I have fought and defeated Greg Salazar.  It most certainly was not easy.  I have been in the ring against Kronin.  Not in CWF but in other feds.  I have not fought Riot but his credentials and bona fides are well known.  I also have not fought Abigail or Drago.  But I’ve observed them.  I’ve also observed you and I’m about to face you in the ring and I promise you, luv.. You’re not gonna enjoy what I do to you.  This title was no fluke.  Greg is still a much better fighter than you are.  I beat him, then I beat Eoin O’Rourke in a bar room brawl.  You really think you can demean that?!  Jesus Christ, Mary and Joesph you’re a daft one.  Your sin, Vespertine?  Envy.  You look around and you see a 18 ear old kid as a former conquest champion.  Another 18 year old kid holding the Valor title.  You’re jealous because you’re being surpassed.  Left behind.  You see others being lauded.  Being honored.  You want that but you dunnae wanna do the work to fookin earn it. ”

 

Nathan shakes his head.  “I cannae stand people like you.  And I’m gonna enjoy teachin’ you a lesson at Warzone.  Look at the bright side.  You’re finally in the main event.  Of course it’ll end with you lookin’ at the lights of the arena flat on your back, but from what rumor says you spend a lot of time on your back anyways so you should be used to it, right luv?”

 

Nathan walks over back near the cross and takes a look at it and places his hand on it.  “Let’s talk about me being alone.  I’ve always heard Asians were good at math.  You must be the exception to the rule.  It ain’t 1 against 6.  Bad Company has declared war on you.  So that’s 5 on 6 by my count.  Fiona is with me, so now it’s even odds.  With Fiona likely comes the other Upstarts.  Which makes it 8 on 6 in my favor.  If Apathy and Eoin work with us, now it’s 10 on 6.  Still feelin’ good about them odds, luv?”  Nathan says as he slides his sunglasses down and winks at the camera.  “You see.  You lot have pissed off a lot of people in this fed.  You all dunnae seem to know it yet, but your time is limited and me beating you, is just another stone laid in the road to your group’s ultimate end.”

 

Nathan cracks his knuckles.  “You really think you can make me leave?  Take your shot.  I cannae tell you how many people made that same boast.  They were gonna drive me out of insert the name of the fed here.  I’m still here, lass. You’re just another loud mouthed child, In your case one who has decided that a lot of men think with the wrong head.  But that dunnae make you a manipulator.  See, manipulation requires the ability to read people.  Gauge their motivations and understand how to get them to do what you want.  You?  You lead them around by their penis and think you’ve discovered some breakthrough new method of control.”

 

Nathan holds up his fist.  “Let’s see you manipulate this fist.  Cause if you’re not as good as you claim to be… well, I was a heartbreaker in my younger days.. And if you cannae back up your talkin’.. Imma break your heart.. Literally.”

 

The scene fades to black and Fiona hands his phone back to him.  “Wow.  I really dunnae wanna be Vespertine now.”

 

Nathan smirked and nodded.  “Long past time someone knocked that loud mouthed bitch on her arse.  Guess I’ll have to be the one to knock her down a peg.”