Champ vs Champ: Faction vs Faction.

The Puerto Rican sun gently kissed the waves, turning them to ripples of golden fire with its heavenly touch. The sky was dressed in purples and reds. Orange and yellow still beamed across the land, lighting the sandy backdrop and bouncing off beachside rock formations. A typical moment like this would have merited a stop-n-smoke, but this was no ordinary evening, and the picturesque sunset did not even garner a sliver of Highone's focus.

Scenery whizzed by his head as he raced up the road on a recently rented charcoal grey Ducati 996. All he saw was the road and his destination. All he heard was the music blaring in his ears, muffling the rush of wind past his helmetless head as the bike tore up pavement. There was no helmet law in Puerto Rico. Even if there had been, they were welcome to fine him. His match at Revolucion was against Jason Dante, World Champion. There were more important things to be concerned with at the moment than his personal safety.

As "Duel of the Fates" blasted from his IPod, the sun continued to set over the landscape. Highone's hair was longer than normal, whipping behind him in the twilight air. His eyes were still blue, but looked colder than usual, as if tranquil pools had now been filled with ice-water. Similarities...differences...either way, the TCW TC/IC Champion was a changed man once the cameras stopped rolling on Havoc.

A slight tug on the handlebars and the high-performance motorcycle dipped to the right, bending around the road and hugging the gradual turn. The small amount of torque still caused an extra ache in his bones thanks to the beating he'd taken in Nassau. Infinity had always known other factions would spring up. It was the nature of the beast. Some would be new creations, like Ghetto Fire had been, while others would have older roots such as the Slaughterhouse Five. It was hard to say which the brand, spanking *NEW* Hellfire Club was. They almost sounded like a commercial for Burger King and were probably just as bad for your health. But, as different as the stables had been, they'd all shared a common fate thus far; decimation at the hands of Infinity.

By this point, the sun had disappeared over the Atlantic's horizon and the sky was the color of deep blue just before night falls. Highone cut the Ducati's headlight on, illuminating the striped pavement in front of him. A few miles ahead he could make out a tiny, neon orb that looked to be the streetlamp Shadow had told him would be marking the safehouse. As Highone neared it, his thoughts were confirmed. The orignal bad-boy Buddhist slowed his racing bike down and turned, right, onto the pebble-strewn path leading back into a grass-covered set of dunes and occasional palm trees. He stopped the motorcycle at the front of the drive, but left the engine running.

A few seconds later, Highone had produced a small cellular device wired directly to Infinity HQ and dialed a set of digits. Shortly thereafter, the bright blue street light flickered back to a typical yellowish-orange matching the others on this stretch of desolate highway. There was no reason to attract extra attention. Highone revved the bike's engine, then proceeded forward to his abode for the next few days. It was relatively close to the main thoroughfare, but was far enough down the beaten road to be hidden away in the rural countryside of Puerto Rico. He gradually decreased his speed to a stop ten feet in front of the small structure. Highone pushed his ride into a small wooden garage built from chipped-white planks accompanying the residence. He grabbed his gear, shut the tiny carport's rotted door, and headed towards the front of the safehouse.

The building was equally as shoddy as the garage and certainly not the typical luxurious surroundings Infinity was known for, but Revolucion was not a time for celebration. It was a time for war. Plus, Highone was sick of running into Dante at the bar. It had happened the previous week, as well as this one, plus he'd referred to the last show as "Friction" during their most recent confrontation. He wondered if the World Champ was on his way to alcoholism, or perhaps just drunk from power as the top dog in the federation and leader of an elite faction. Infinity had enjoyed a small gathering directly after Havoc, where they once again commended DeSean Blackwell for his performance in the federation, and shared champagne with the newest half of the TCW Tag Team Champions. There were few men as deserving of a title than the Technician. But, after that, the close-knit faction had decided it was best to keep things at a minimum in San Juan. Their focus was to be on their opponents and the Majestic Cup, an event which certainly spelled doom for Jason Dante's title reign were an Infinity member to win. Not only that, but the NHFC, or AD&D as the octuplets referred to them, had made their presence well-known. For the second show in a row, someone from Infinity had been left bleeding in the squared circle. Darkness had been smart enough to not lift DeSean's signiture ring though, a mistake he'd made with Plausible D that resulted in an oh-so rare beatdown. Still, the New Hellfire Club was obviously something to be taken seriously, as even one drop of Infinity blood being spilled is no trivial matter, let alone public humiliation of any member.

It was for this reason Highone was here, which was essentially, nowhere. The Spanish-style hacienda was very modest on the outside, but quite pricey on the inside. It had a one-man shower. The kitchen and living room where in a single big space tiled with Saltillo. The bed looked like an enlarged Graham Cracker, sans crumbs. Of course, there was also the next generation tech equipment as-promised by S-Mart unpacked and ready; a satellite phone, high-speed internet access, monitoring equipment for the perimeter, pre-programmed plasma television with all relevant matters concerning Dante's history in the federation, unlimited funds for wiring, and a ton of other expensive baubles to boot.

Highone had never been a fan of research. Once, when asked to present a book report, he explained that "Silas Marner" was approximately 150 pages and 5X7 inches big. However, his discussion in the Gym with Shadow had inspired him to do otherwise this go-round. His elimination from the Majestic Cup had turned out to be a good thing. It kept the odds at four Infinity members versus four non-members, preventing any kind of possibility of an in-faction matchup until the next round. More than that, it had thrust him into a match with Dante. The last time the two had faced off individually it had ultimately led to Highone's first and only World Title shot. If he could beat the Prince of Darkness this time, it wasn't impossible to make the case it could lead to a second chance at getting his hands on the one prize in the federation having eluded him throughout his career. It would also increase Infinity's odds of laying claim to TCW's top title. But Highone was smart enough to not count his eggs before they hatched. And thus, here he was, in a shack, surrounded with upwards of a half-a-million dollars of technology.

He surveyed the room again, then walked over to the thin matress passing for a bed and plopped his dufflebag down on it. Highone let out a long sigh. He sat down in a chair by the kitchen table, looked at the laptop he'd been provided, and yawned. A few minutes of twiddling his thumbs and counting the cracks in the ceiling went by. Then, a few minutes of doing push-ups on the dusty floor. Highone went back to his seated position on te chair. He let out another sigh. Looked like it was time to "hit the books".

Highone: Hmmm....I'm sure there's time for a quick doob....it'll help me focus....yeah....that's it!

---

Red eyes sat in their milky-white surroundings behind a pair of designer sunglasses that could have fed a family of ten for a month. The view through the lenses tinted the world grey, though the man who the shades belonged to had known only the darkness of a long night his entire life. He was one who basked in the starlight, embracing the warm glow of the moon. The daylight hours of his existence had never meant much to him. And yet now, as he removed the tinted glasses resting on his pale nose, the TCW World Champion had started to realize for the first time what sunshine really was. It had come into his life in the purest of forms.

Selenia: Jason...you're back...

Dante: There's no news on h-...

The slender Succubus cut his speech off with a quick a kiss on the lips. It was rare the two were apart, and while she knew Jason was more than capable of taking care of himself, she always kept in the back of her mind that each moment together could be their last. Fate had robbed the two of each other once before. But, as Dante had told her in private moments together, he would always be there for her. No force, whether light or dark, would stop him. And there they stood, embracing in the middle of a shutter-drawn room, soulmates in the truest sense. Romance had sprouted in places none would expect, like two wild roses growing in New York City pavement. Love-eternal has a way of imposing its free will, of finding a way.

Dante: Maybe I should go out more often?

Selenia: Don't say that...first, to talk to Highone while I slept alone...and just now too.

Dante: My dear Selenia, you know I only deal in necessity when it comes to being away from you. Both instances were matters I had to attend to, but I promise, I'm all your's now...

Selenia: So, was your most recent excursion a success?

Dante: In the sense I got information, yes.

Selenia: You've located Highone?

Dante: Well, the information I got is that they hadn't found out anything yet...but nothing is something, right?

A smile crossed the lovers' lips and they softly laughed. It was an expression both had seen in rare form at different periods in their lives, but was becoming ever more frequent as present days passed. There was also cause for celebration with the reincarnation of the Hellfire Club. The bond between Acolyte, Jason Dante, and Darkness grew stronger with every move Infinity made. The multi-man faction he'd once joined, then withdrew from prior to debut, had little idea of what the NHFC had in store for them. Then again, unfortunately, he had little idea of their plans, although it was safe to say it involved some sort of attempted destruction of the New Hellfire Club. And, speaking of a lack of information, Dante's sources had been unable to get a position on the TCW IC/TC Champion.

Selenia: In all seriousness though, nothing?

Dante: If there was one thing Shadow was good at besides world domination and meglomania, it was counterintelligence. His piggybank would give Scrooge McDuck a heart attack. I imagine that if we find Highone, it will be because my former partner and his co-horts want us to find him. That, or he'll find us...

Selenia: He almost sounds like a ghost.

Dante: Well, I think we both know there's nothing supernatural about him. And even if there was...

Selenia: ...it wouldn't matter. After all, that's our specialty.

Dante: Yes, indeed.

Selenia: I hate having to wait on people, but since it seems to be our current circumstance, any ideas on how to pass the time until then?

Once again, Jason smiled.

Dante: Selenia, with you, every minute is too short as it is. I could spend eternity waiting, so long as it is with you by my side.

Selenia: And so it shall be, my love...and so it shall be.

---

A new set of red eyes darted back and forth, though these were slightly more squinted than the earlier pair, and surrounded with a bloodshot-look compared to that of eggshell. A seated figure reached down, grabbed his bottle of green, pulpy juice, and took a mighty swig. S-Mart had stocked the safehouse's fridge with every item Highone had requested, from Aloe to Zig Zag. One thing the TC/IC Champion had not requested was alcohol. He wanted to be in fine form for Revolucion, so as tempted as he was to indulge in the local flavors of island rum and Puerto Rican women, Highone knew he could always fly back the "51st American State" on S-Mart's dime.

In front of him, a computer screen flickered multiple colors as he flipped through different internet pages at maximum velocity. Each one essentially said the same thing. Natalie Portman, the famous actress who Highone had once been seduced by after the 2002 People's Choice Awards, was missing. Some labeled her as a recluse. Others said she had gotten lost in the Hollywood drug scene and was now spending LucasFilm money in a heroin den in Amsterdam. In his quest for information, Highone had even ended up on some forum's page labeled "Hot or Not" for a few minutes of high-res research. Still, nothing could confirm where the young actress had disappeared to. Unfortunately for her, she'd disappeared on the same day as Britney Spears had announced her first pregnancy, and the media attached themselves to that story instead of latching on to the Portman Train. When it comes to the news over-reporting a situation, brunettes have no chance against blondes. The only credible evidence he found was in an old "Entertainment Tonight" clip where Mary Hart had explained Natalie had last been seen on videotape entering the Inferno Club, a trendy downtown night spot. Highone was no fool. The Inferno Club had an eerily similar sound to the Hellfire Club, so the article had peaked his curiousity.

But now, he was at an impasse. The proverbial well of information had run dry and his leads had grown cold. Highone ran his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes. All of the sudden, an invisible lightbulb lit up over his noggin'. If there was one thing a man could count on in this age of technology, it was a cyber-geek with too much time on his hands. Natalie Portman's most famous roles involved her as a thirteen year old girl in a wife-beater, a stripper with pink hair, a schoolgirl outfit, and Star Wars. It was as perfect a recipe as one could hope to find when trying to locate an obsessed nerd. A few keystrokes later and a name and phone number popped up on the screen. Highone grabbed his handy satellite phone, dialing the digits with a grin from ear to ear on his mug.

*RRRRRRINNNNNNNNG......RRRRRRRINNNNNNNG.....RRRRRRRR-*

"Hello?"

Highone: Harry? Is that you?

"Who is this?"

Highone: Your wet dream has come true, a RoXoR is calling YOU!!!

"Highone? Is that you?"

Highone: This is Harry Knowles, right?

"Yes."

Highone: Yeah, we've been getting your fan letters ever since forming. I'm glad you're such a BIG fan....er...no offense...such a....dedicated fan...yeah...David's always appreciated it as well. Did you get those tickets for Endgame when we came through your home-city of Austin?

Knowles: No, what tickets?

Highone: That damn booking department! Hey, sorry...new management here at TCW...must have been a mix-up...anyways, how's the website?

Knowles: I haven't had to get off my ass in three weeks. It's going really well!

Highone: Great....good to hear that's working out for you until your heart explo-...well, anyways, look I need a favor.

Knowles: You name it.

Highone: If you can help me out here, I'll even consider making you an official RoXoRz' Deputy.

Knowles: I'm flattered...what can I do?

Highone: I need some Star Wars' related information.

Knowles: You got it...Millineum Falcon specs, perhaps? Maybe the going rate of First Edition Star Wars action figures?

Highone: Wrong faction, pal. No, I'm looking for information on one Natalie Portman, and not of the IMDB kind.

Knowles: Like her blood type, height, weight, allergies, and morning jogging routes? Prior to the disappearance of course...

Highone: That's actually what I need to talk to you about. Do you have any insider information as to her whereabouts?

Knowles: I wish I did. There's a lot of us out here longing for more material from her....patiently waiting to see her pouty lips on slow motion DVR...but sorry, not even I know a thing beyond her being taped at that club. I wish I could help, but you're kind of like a youngling in Annakin's way....shit outta luck.

Highone: Had I spent my twenties living in my parents' basement, I'm sure I'd laugh. Thanks for trying though.

Knowles: So am I deputy now?

Highone: A what?

Knowles: An official RoXoRz' deputy...like you said.

Highone: Sure, I'll make sure to send you something special from Infinity.

Knowles: Party time! Excellence!

As he slowly lowered the phone's receiver, Highone could hear what sounded like Harry Knowles making electric guitar sounds and slobbering before clicking the communication device off. The room was now filled with the whir of his laptop's motor and the hum of other electronic equipment in the room. It seemed as though another dead-end had been reached. The mystery surrounding Natalie Portman, and the way it seemed to somehow relate to Jason Dante and his female companion, ate at the member of Infinity. His mind raced as to what the connections were. It was as if he couldn't see the forest through the trees.

Highone was determined to find out the truth, even it was of a darker nature than he'd ever imagined. Time in the federation had pulled back the fabric of reality in a million ways. He'd seen men survive impossible odds, animals and normally inanimate objects finding success against human beings, and personally been involved in countless struggles against things few in this world even thought existed. Then, another idea dawned on Highone. His goal in researching Dante and Selenia was to have a better understanding of the individual he was to face at the upcoming special event, Revolucion. The TCW champion knew every destination has many paths to and from it. Perhaps he'd just been trekking down the wrong one.

He punched a series of numbers into the phone. It took five or six rings before anyone answered, but with good reason.

Shadow: Hell....hel...hello?????

Highone: Shadow? Hey, it's Highone. What's all that noise in the background? Do I hear sirens?

Shadow: It's just air rushing past me as I descend from the building I just lept off of and the emergency services below me that I'm sailing away from...

Highone: You okay?

Shadow: Of course. I'll tell you about it some other time. What's up?

Highone: I was wondering if I could have a conversation with the twins.

Shadow: Svetlana and Ingrid, those Swedish Bikini Team girls from a few months back?

Highone: No....THE twins.

Shadow: Funny you should mention them...

Dante and Selenia's relationship was every bit as strange as they were themselves. In a normal relationship Dante's reply of "Of course not" may be seen as ironic or sarcastic, but between two people who in the correct meaning of the expression kept no secrets for each other, it was exactly what it sounded like. Dante knew that Selenia hadn't wanted anything but a polite chat with Highone; she didn't even have to tell him, he already knew for sure.

Something bothered Dante though, Highone had played games before, he was the kind that wanted every advantage he could get and Dante had then feeling that at the basis of this encounter was exactly that, an attempt to get him off balance.

However as the albino dug deeper into the events of the evening, he found something that he couldn't explain, something he couldn't put his finger on. Highone seemed strange in some way; he didn't get the impression that he had been too quick to declare himself innocent. But then again Dante knew Highone to be as genuine as a three dollar bill. That didn't change the fact there was something more to his behaviour, something that made Dante feel very ill at ease.

Highone on the other hand knew that at this point he had to weigh every word on golden scales, as much as he wanted to rip Dante's guiding light from him and forever right the wrong this was in his mind, he knew that his opponent was savvy enough to use any rash action on Highone's part to his advantage. Highone wasn't one to go around and boast about his intelligence, but he was a man who had his wits about him. He knew that one route had been closed by Dante's presence.

Then it struck him.

"Selenia...Natalie Portman" The names went through his mind, picking up ideas and theories as they fell.

The last time Natalie Portman had been seen she had been walking around acting like a obedient puppy at one of Dante's clubs.

He had spoken to her at one of the times when Dante had invited every federation employee and wrestler to his club, Highone remembered Dante not being shy about handing out VIP tickets and free drinks that probably cost a months salary for a Senator.

Highone wasn't much of a Star Wars fan, at best a very, very casual one, but Portman was to make an understatement attractive, add her natural good looks to the way she had dressed to fit the club and any man with any interest in women and any hormones in his body would have talked to her.

Highone had always had the impression that she was a smart woman with as much intelligence as beauty, but she had surprised him at the Inferno club.

No, surprised wasn't the word, she had made him disappointed. He hadn't tried to pick her up, as she was seemingly going with Dante, and even though he disliked the albino, Highone did have some kind of respect for the ghost faced man. He had gotten the impression that she was a complete airhead, unfocused and easily distracted. Her replies made little sense and she seemed contently to forget what his name was despite him telling her several times. At the time Highone had written it off as another stupid celebrity, God knows he had met a fair few air headed famous people. But then Natalie Portman had disappeared.

Now he saw it in a different light, Selenia had begun to defend herself as soon as Dante turned up. Highone went over it again in his mind and came up with a result that angered him.

Determined not to let his discovery show, he put on what he thought was a casual smile and said.

"So, how is the life of a champion treating you?`" Highone said and shuddered inwardly at how fake it sounded.

"Not bad." Dante said with a slight laugh. "Not bad at all, at least it's better then just before I won the title."

"I can imagine" Highone replied his eyes narrowing as he read a great amount of bad things into the reply.

Dante on the other hand thought "No, you can't." There was no way Highone could understand what had happened in the week leading up to End Game, there was no way he could understand what torment Dante had gone through before Selenia returned.

Or so he thought.

"I mean." Highone began. "You won the title defeating a man no one save Bruce has beaten, walked off with the girl (Highone's voice almost cracked at this point because of the anger bubbling up in him) and then you found a way to form a team with your enemy and won the first battle against Infinity."

"Well, yeah life has been nice to say the least."

"I bet." Highone thought to himself as the poison of his suspicions welled up inside him.

At this point, Highone hadn't considered Darkness and the part he played in it. People in the locker room only knew fragments of the supposed strange events Dante and Darkness had been part of. The thought boggled his mind but the only possible conclusion was that Dante had found a way to dominate Darkness as well.

Highone narrowed his eyes as he watched Dante and Selenia exchange a loving kiss. The anger was building in him. This was insult to injury, not only had Dante found love, love he didn't deserve, he had forced Selenia into it! He had forced this beautiful woman into a form of slavery worse then any Highone could imagine. He felt his fingers itch as he fought the urge to strike Dante down.

"Jason!"

Selenia's voice rang through Dante's mind.

"What is it?"

"I...I feel strange, as if someone was drowning my mind."

Dante didn't reply, but Selenia felt his concern ring through her mind.

"We should leave." He replied.

"Yes." Selenia answered.

The feeling of her mind getting muddled reverberating in Dante's head.

Dante offered Selenia his arm and asked Highone excuse them.

Highone nodded and said some random pleasantry in response, outwardly he maintained as civil behaviour but inside the anger raged through him. He was furious at what he had "discovered", he had never really liked the pale faced Dante, but he had at least respected him, now with the revelation of how he had gained Selenia's affections and possibly Acolyte and Darkness as allies, his dislike had turned into hatred.

How many lonely mornings and empty relationships hadn't he gone through?

How many "See-you-soons" hadn't he exchanged with women he liked but never met again?

How hard hadn't he tried to make numerous relationships work?

Highone had been honest, loving and nice and still he had been left behind and written of as a one night thing. Anger bubbled up in him as he thought of how Dante had suppressed the will of a woman as lovely and beautiful as Selenia. The very thought made his blood boil.

Highone stood alone now, alone with his anger and frustration, he remembered the drink he had in his hand and took a sip in a failed effort to calm down. As he decided to try to let the thing go, a lush voice spoke.

"Beautiful couple aren't they?" the voice said. "Strange but beautiful." It continued.

"Yeah, very..." Highone replied through gritted teeth.

He turned around to see who it was that talked to him. He didn't recognise the woman who had spoken to him; he raised an eyebrow as if to ask who she was. Instead she asked.

"You seem upset."

"Well spotted." Highone managed to say.

"You don't like them, do you?" She asked.

"No.." Highone replied thinking whoever this lady was, she was half right.

"You know?" She began "There is something strange about them, isn't there?"

"Yes, I'd say." Highone said.

The woman nodded.

"I noticed it too."
Highone's face expressed his surprise.

"You did?"

"Yes, anyone perceptive would notice it."

Highone just nodded.

The woman laughed. Until now Highone had been so focused on his anger that he hadn't really taken the woman who was talking to him in. She looked quite young, maybe her early twenties. 25 at most. But there was something strange about her. Something about the way she spoke that made her seem much older. There was a strange glint in her blue eyes that seemed wicked for some reason. Highone shook himself to break from the trance like state those deep blue eyes had almost placed him in.

The woman smiled.

"You seem like man with eyes for details..."

"Highone" Highone replied feeling slightly sheepish for the way he stumbled through the conversation.

"Oh you are one of the wrestlers." The woman said.

"Yeah, that I am." Highone feeling his confidence return.

"Oh, I see." she said. "I assume that your dislike of those two is due to rivalry."

"Yes and no." Highone replied feeling the anger return.

"I see."

Highone took a deep breath and banished the thoughts of Dante from his mind. He put on his most suave smile and asked.

"And who are you, if I may be so bold to ask?"

The woman with the blue eyes laughed in a way that made Highone's confidence grow even further.

She extended her hand with a smile and said.

"I'm Lilly, nice to meet you Highone."

"Likewise" Highone replied with a smirk that once again drew a smile that boosted his spirits.

The two continued to talk about basically nothing and enjoyed nothing very much indeed..


Dante and Selenia were making their way out when a hurdle was put in their way. Commissioner Stern appeared and asked Dante and Selenia to please take to the stage again as they would be handing out a reward to a local wrestler who had been voted as the best up and comer in Puerto Rico.

Selenia looked at Dante with an expression that begged him to say no despite her knowing that Dante really couldn't say no. His voice in her mind comforted her enough for her to agree to accompany him on stage. The world passed by in a strange blur as they walked up on the podium, received applause and NHFC chants. She held on to Dante to stop her from swaying as he presented the young wrestler with the award. A few handshakes, smiles and photos later, the ceremony was over and Dante asked Stern to excuse them as Selenia wasn't feeling well.

As they headed towards the door, Dante froze. He felt something...something dangerous, something wicked. He looked around the room for the source but couldn't find it. Without a word passing his lips he called out to Selenia. Who answered his wordless question with:

"I felt it too."

"Selenia, I..."

"I know Jason, I'll manage, I feel better now.

Dante asked her to be careful and she left the reception to head for their car. As she left Dante continued to look around the room, he stopped relying on his eyes and instead went by instinct. He felt as strange presence, a powerful presence...and to his horror it was right behind him. With a mixture or fear and anger clouding his mind he turned around and saw the woman. The instant he saw her he knew who she was.

WHAT she was he corrected himself.

With confidence born from anger and righteous disgust in his steps he walked up to her. She looked up with an unspoken question in her blue eyes. Dante said nothing, he just stared a hole through her. She smiled a grin that disgusted Dante; the face radiated an eternity of perversion and twisted lust. Her face was a mask of forbidden pleasures and unmentionable wickedness. This creature had since "her" first "breath" was draw been twisted, selfish and wicked. Her evil wasn't the kind humans could stoop to even if they tried, it was evil born from the depravity of hell itself.

She was a force of nature as much a slave under her urges as an enslaver. Selenia had told him everything about this entity, about her court in Dis, about how she commands the succubi and forces them to commit acts that no human can even imagine. She had thousands of names and millions of titles, Dante addressed her by the most commonly known.

"I know what you are...Lilith."

The woman who had called herself Lilly smiled a grin much older then her human shell. The unspeakable evil gleamed in her deep blue eyes.

"You are more observant that I gave you credit for Earthborn."

"You'll find I'm full of surprises Lilith."

She replied to Dante's "challenge" with a disgusting sigh and by saying.

"I can hardly wait Earthborn, your father has rejected my approaches for millennia maybe you will see reason and indulge."

Dante smiled, suddenly he realised that he was holding the trumps.

"No thanks Lilith, I'm immune to your approaches."

Lilith seemed to be genuinely taken aback by this.

"And why is that, earthborn?" she asked trying to keep up her façade up.

Her face turned pale and her eyes changed colour as she failed to hide her rage.

"I see." She said. "That little harlot is your shield."

"Careful Lilith, the Nightwalker is my ally." Dante said with a grin intended to hide that his alliance with Darkness still was cordial at best.

"And he would love nothing more then to end you." Dante continued.

Lilith spat out something in the coarse demonic language that only made Dante laugh.

The queen of the Succubi seemed to regain her composure and with a malicious grin she said.

"Hide behind your pet Succubus Earthborn, one day she will be gone and you'll be mine!"

Dante ignored the threat and asked.

"I've always wondered this...Who came up with the idea of calling you "The whore of Babylon?"

Without a word more, Dante turned around and walked away as Lilith spat obscenities at him in every language ever spoken.

He kept up the façade until he had left the building. As he saw Selenia standing by their car waiting for him, Dante doubled over and vomited. Selenia ran up to him and bowed down beside the man she loved more then anything.

"Jason?"

Dante looked at her, he was unable to look pale but his eyes gave away his feelings. He vomited again spilling appetizers mixed with champagne on the lawn. He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and took a deep breath. Once he had calmed down he spoke at first in short stammering bursts of speech and then with more clarity.

"She...she...is disgusting...so twisted, so rotten to the core!"

Selenia knew who he meant, suddenly it made sense.
She hugged Dante and held him close. Dante continued.

"She tempted me, wanted...wanted to drag me down into her disgusting world."

Selenia simply held Dante and stroked his colourless hair.

"And I...I..." His voice broke and Selenia could see tears well up in his eyes.

"And I...I almost gave in!"

Dante's voice broke as he began to cry. Everything he was had been threatened, and for one fleeting second he had almost given in, he had almost given up his humanity to fall into Lilith's vile arms. That short second made him sick to his core. Selenia continued to hold him as she told him that he had resisted, he had walked out with his head held high, and that his reaction was something he should take pride in.

He had faced the universe's greatest temptress and he had resisted her charms.

Dante knew that he had been able to do this because of the image of a pale, black haired woman that was firmly and lovingly etched into his mind. An image that right now was very much alive. Selenia's warmth and her distinct smell brought Dante back to the world as it had brought him back to his senses so many times before.

***Elsewhere***

Highone sat alone at a table, he has waited for about half an hour, he didn't blame his "date" he had gone to the restaurant early to arrange things. He sat there idly whistling to himself as the door opened and a familiar figure walked in. As she came into full view he smiled and said.

"I'm so glad you could make it."

The woman standing in front of the seated Highone would have stood out in Grand Central Station, so needless to say, she certainly turned a few heads in the small San Juan tapas bar; her hair a murder of crows, her eyes the deepest part of an ocean and just as mysterious, just as easy to drown in. Each step of her approach was like walking by an apple orchard in Spring, the fruit's sweet fragrance filling one's nostrils with increasing measure. The normally suave RoXoR shifted some in his seat and folded up his napkin in a tiny paper ball. He'd met countless women in countless towns, but this one seemed different. And, different she was...not being human for example.

Lilly: I'm glad you're still here...I had to wrap up some business back at the party before leaving.

Highone: No problem. Just means I'm one rum-and-coke ahead of you...

Lilly: And how many glasses of champagne, beer, and Scotch?

Highone: Touche. Maybe I'll go with a black coffee next round. So, are you hungry?

Lilly: My hunger is insatiable.

She cast a grin at Highone who started to get lost in her eyes. The woman he'd met at the TCW function continued to intrigue him. Lilly was statuesque, but not in height...in the sense she looked classical, as if plucked from the pages of some long-ago written book or the walls of an art museum. She made him nervous for different reasons, some of which were not related to her feminine charms. Highone looked down at the table and twirled the straw in his libation. The temporary distraction broke whatever strange charm her gaze had put him under. Perhaps it was just the alcohol casting its spell. If nothing else, the amount of booze he'd consumed in the past few hours was certainly the "Sorcerer's Apprentice".

Highone: I like a woman who isn't afraid to eat. Waiter! Uno mas sopecitas de la casa y tres nopalitos. Gracias...si, queso de poblano por favor...

Lilly: You speak Spanish?

Highone: Like a Conquistador! Anyways, look, I'm glad you came here to meet me. After talking at the party, I just knew I had to see you again...

Lilly: Oh really?

The bit of beauty in front of him feigned surprise. Lilith's charms had swept across the face of this planet like a primitive wind long before modern man stepped foot on its surface. Homosapien would have been smart to stay in the ocean had he known what evils awaited his presence, for he was doomed as soon as her gaze became fixated on mankind. Men throughout all of history, written and otherwise, had played in her wicked garden. None of them had gone unpricked by the thorns which grew there. Sometimes a rose is so beautiful it's easy to forget the inherent danger growing beneath its blossom.

Highone: Yeah, you seemed to be very perceptive at the party. You probably know EXACTLY what's on my mind...

Lilly: I'm sure I have an idea of what you're thinking.

The TCW champion scooted his chair a little closer to Lilly and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a second, composing his thoughts, then opened his mouth...

Highone: How much do you really know about those two people we were talking about at the party?

Lilith's reaction was the polar opposite of earlier's, this time feigning a LACK of surprise. There was also a hint of anger she was covering up. Who was this insignificant speck of humanity on the everlasting timeline of the universe to refuse her will? Highone should have been licking the jam from between her toes if she so much as snapped her fingers, yet the man a foot and a half from her was focused on Jason Dante and the Succubus whore the dark prince seemed to have some hallucinatory feeling of love for.

Lilly: And who are you referring to?

Highone: Dante and Selenia. You said it yourself....I "seem like a man with an eye for details"...don't think I didn't see the little spat between you and Jason across the dancefloor. I'm no lip-reader, but it didn't look to be a warm-hearted reunion based on your body language.

Lilly: I can't believe you invited me here for this. I thought you were a man who might know how to treat a woman like me, but you obviously don't. I'm out of here...

She stood to leave, but found her arm in the grasp of Highone. Lilith couldn't think of the last time a man touched her skin without begging for her to stop at some point shortly thereafter. For some, pain is pleasure.

Highone: Look, don't get me wrong. You're smoking hot...on most nights, I'd get lucky to bring your uglier, frumpier cousin home, so it's nothing personal. The thing is, I've got a match against Dante, and I'm trying to stay in top condition. I've already fucked that up by attending the function tonight, which trust me...I'm not proud of...and maybe this coffee is sobering me up...but I really need to focus on beating him. If you want to leave, I understand. I just thought you might have some information that could help me defeat him...

Suddenly, her failed attempt at seduction became an afterthought and a new scheme entered her mind. The one she really wanted was Jason anyways. Dante had fought off her powers earlier in the evening, but every individual has his/her limitations. The World Champion had a breaking point. She could feel her pale prey coming ever closer to the boundary during their heated conversation. The weaker the EarthBorn's physical condition, the more succeptable to her temptations he would be. Lilith sat back down and Highone released his hold on her arm.

Lilly: Why should I help you?

Highone: Because we both have issues with Dante...because you take enjoyment from the power it gives you to watch me to ask for your assistance...

Lilly: You may ask me one question. After I answer it, I'm leaving.

Highone thought for a minute about what question he would ask. He wasn't even sure Lilly would be able to tell him anything. For all the champ knew, she was some disgruntled groupie or pissed off club owner Jason had bankrupted. Still, there was something bewitching about the woman, almost giving her aura of other-worldly wisdom. He already knew a few of Dante's weaknesses, but there had always seemed to be something more to Jason than met the eye. The Infinity member's recent research into Natalie Portman, and the subsequent assessment he'd made regarding Jason's control over other people, were only the first pieces of the puzzle Highone hoped to solve.

Highone: Okay, tell me about Selenia...she seems like the "in" to any vulnerability in Dante's make-up.

Lilly: Perhaps we have more in common than I originally thought...are you familiar with the term "succubi"?

Highone: Heard it a few times in my treks through Bangkok's red light district. I don't see what this has to do with Dante or his compatriots...

Lilly: No, "s-u-c-c-u-b-i"...look into that, but make sure you really want to start unraveling the mystery before you get too deep into it. You might not like what you find...

A distracted Highone paid the waiter, then turned back towards Lilly. To his surprise there was only an empty chair and full-plate of tapas across from him. He shrugged his shoulders. It wasn't the first time a woman had made a premature exit on him. He stood up and wobbled out the front of the restaurant, then caught a cab back towards the safehouse he was staying at in the San Juan countryside. After a few hours of sleep, and a big breakfast, he'd get to work on the supposed hint Lilly had offered him. Little did he realize, she'd given him two tips...

The first was introducing a possible keystone in the form of a word, "succubi". The other was warning Highone about the results. It was very possible the IC/TC Champion would NOT like what he found if he was unfortunate enough to understand it. Few mortal men did...

----

Meanwhile, across the street from the small eatery, two figures sit in a 1984 Mercedes Benz with the lights out. Each watches Highone stumble into the cab and depart. The passenger in the car picks up small walkie-talkie and puts it up to his mouth. The brandname on the communication device reads "DanteCorp".

"Boss?"

Dante: Yes? News to report?

"Highone met the woman you told us to look out for. She left a few minutes before him. He just jumped in a taxi. You want us to follow it?"

Dante: No, there's no need. You're sure he left alone?

"Positive. The chick did not look pleased either."

Dante: Good job gentlemen, take the rest of the night off.

Jason leaned back in the large black recliner he was sitting in, locking his fingers behind his head, then let out a deep breath. It was not the news he expected to hear. Highone, seemingly a fun-loving, drug-enjoying womanizer had resisted the charms of a creature whose existence he could not begin to comprehend. Kings of Macedonia and Roman Emporers had succumb to her powers, yet a RoXoR had walked away? Even if Lilith hadn't tried to woo him, she was as much a victim of her own powers as anyone in their crosshairs, so Infinity's martial artist still should have gone the Pepe Le Pew route, floating a few feet off the ground behind her sweet scent with heart-shaped pupils. It baffled Jason as to how his opponent at Revolucion could have refused the Queen's allure. Perhaps there was more to the IC/TC Champion than anyone, even Highone himself, understood.

Selenia: So what do you think that means?

Dante: I'm not sure, but all will be revealed in time...all will be revealed in time...

His beloved walked over to the recliner and plopped herself down on his lap, nustling her forehead underneath his chin. He ran his fingers through her dark hair as she listened to the beating of his heart. Lilith would have to grow accustomed to failure, for Highone wouldn't be the only one fighting off her evil advances in the weeks to come. Jason only hoped he could be as successful. His life depended on it...

...and so did Selenia's.

-----

Revolucion. San Juan. Colliseo de Puerto Rico.

These were the here-and-now terms floating around in Highone's mind as he sat on a locker room bench taping up his fists. He could hear the crowd's chatter, feel every stomp as the excitement of a live TCW event eminating from the arena built with every passing second. The night's first match was only a few minutes away.

The last few weeks had been eye-opening to say the least. Highone never could have predicted the route he'd take after losing at Havoc. Here he was, a few hours away from fighting the TCW World Champion in front of an audience like this. These fans knew greatness when they saw it. They'd watched the likes of Savio Vega, Carlos Colon, and the legendary Pedro Morales; great wrestlers to most who follow the sport, but hometown heros to the proud people of Puerto Rico.

But none had seen what they would by night's end; champion vs. champion. And, to the individual holding the quote-unquote lesser title, it meant so much more. Here was an opportunity to test himself against the best, against the unofficial captain of the New Hellfire Club. If only such trivial things as pride or golden beltbuckles were the only things hanging in the balance. There was much more to this encounter between two of the federation's top warriors.

Highone looked up and saw DeSean stretching out, chatting with Tiffany. Hardy was standing a couple of feet to his left typing in text on a two-way device. A few Infinity members had been fortunate to not spend tonight behind Puerto Rical cell bars. Thank goodness for S-Mart's lawyers and Swiss Bank Accounts! Hammer was busy talking to Shadow and T.I. about their Majestic Cup matches. Everyone seemed to be involved socially except for the IC/TC Champion. Highone had been quiet throughout the entire afternoon leading up to Revolucion. He'd passed it off as "focus".

Truth was, the time he'd spent in Puerto Rico had been enlightening and his mind was on overdrive. Staying in relative isolation and fending for himself offered some kind of primal satisfaction he hadn't known in quite awhile. Not only that, but it had been filled with knowledge, which as any great teacher will tell you, is the path to enlightenment. Highone had learned much about himself, thanks in large part to the man he would be facing later that evening. Jason had attempted to push him away with one hand, telling Highone there was no place for him or Infinity on Dante's plane. But, with the World Champ's other hand, he'd welcomed him into it with every snide remark and Infinity beatdown. So into Dante's world he descended, but to what result?

Dante's downfall perhaps.

A new kind of drive filled every fiber of Highone's being. Lilith's hint had only resulted in more questions. It looked to be a ball of yarn one could unravel for eternity. Jason was an enslaver as best as Highone could tell. The fiend took a young woman like Natalie Portman without concern and smiled as she disappeared into the forgotten parts of the world. And for what reasons? Dante's own satisfaction. Selenia was no doubt another lovely creature caught in the champ's web. Perhaps it was also more convienent for Highone to believe Selenia could only love the sunglassed-slickster with foul play being involved.

The IC/TC Champ leaned back against the lockers and closed his eyes. Could it be that Jason had really found love? It seemed impossible someone of his makeup would seek, nor find, such affection. Highone seemed to cast his own insecurities about the l-word onto the situation with Selenia and Dante. The couple's love, splattered with his own memories, fueled the rage Highone felt building inside him. What had really driven him to 411Fed, then ECF, and now TCW? Was he running from something? Why the need to drown his sorrows in fermented fruit juice and Maui Wowie? Why the sex-driven, meaningless relationships with beautiful women on the road?

Highone exhaled deeply. The opening theme to Revolucion started to blare over the arena's soundsystem. It was no longer the time to ask himself questions, though they would continue to haunt him until some closure was found. He thought back to his conversation on the balcony with Selenia. She'd mentioned her affection for the night, the mysteries lying beneath its shadowy blanket. He'd agreed with her at the time, but now he reconsidered. Some things are hidden in the dark for good reason.