Birthmarks

***Static clears***

Blackdusk: I wonder how long I have on this trip?

Dante: Man, just make sure that you give them hell on earth.

Blackdusk: I guaran-damn-tee that they will know what pain is when I'm done with them

As Dante and Blackdusk continue to discuss how to find this guy named Ace Steele for transportation, Blackdusk's mind wandered back to when he was a kid.

***Year 1900***

Rising out of his bed, Blackdusk, age 10, went to the window and looked out on a western town a couple of miles south of Phoenix. While taking in the view, his mom called him for breakfast. As he entered the kitchen, he realized that something was wrong.

Blackdusk: What's wrong, Mom? You don't look like your usual self.

Mom: I need to tell you something about your 'birthmarks'.

Blackdusk: What about them?

Mom: They're not really birthmarks. They're part of a curse placed on you at birth.

Blackdusk: Uh huh, sure mom. I believe that about as much as I believe in Mystic Outland.

Dante: Hey, Blackdusk! We have company on the front lawn.

They approached the door to see a black Dodge Ram with 4" lift kit sitting by the gate. The truck has blue/silver flames running up and down the side. Walking up the walk, Dante's visitor is trying not to disturb the sleeping dogs.

Dante: Well, well, well. Look what we have here, Blackdusk.

Blackdusk: If it isn't the man of the hour, Ace Steele.

Ace Steele: What do you think of your new ride, Blackdusk?

Blackdusk: You gotta be kidding, Ace Steele. You know exactly what I think of trucks. I prefer Harleys.

Ace Steele: I know but the 'Powers That Be' thought it was too predictable.

Blackdusk: Fine, I'll take the truck. (looking like he's in a trance) Before I leave though, I believe I still have three people to address.

First, the easiest to get a read on, Iceman. Split personalities don't impress me. I don't care if it is Jason Avery or Iceman. You get in the ring with me and I'll show you what it really means to have an out of body experience.

Ricky Phoenix, you talk about war as if you enjoy war. That's good, though. Stepping into the ring with me will be a real war and I look forward to seeing what you call pain. You don't know what pain is, really, until you die and have to deal with the Mystic Outland environment.

Lastly, there is Damian Storm, a rock star who is hiding more than he lets on. Damian Storm, I have to admit, I'm interested to see how dark your past really is. Regardless of your past, I'd advise you to rethink stepping into the ring with me. I am not a fan of music artist who try to crossover into wrestling even if it is my first match.

As Blackdusk comes out of his trance, his phone begins to ring.

Blackdusk: What do you want?

Powers That Be: Blackdusk, we forget to mention the three trials that you have to go through before your match. The first will take place in Antarctica. You will receive instructions on the other two trials upon completion of the first.

Blackdusk (sarcastically): Oh, joy. I do enjoy your vague instruction. I look forward to when I finally get to meet you two. I just hope for your sake that it is right after a match or it will be impossible to contain my rage.

***screens closes with lightning in Blackdusk's eyes***