February 16th, 2012

Stamford, Connecticut

WWE Headquarters

Roman heads into Hunter's office to drop off his report. He wasn't there, so Roman left the report on the desk. As he left, Christian comes down the hall.

"What's up bro?"

"Nothing much. You seen Hunter?"

"He and Regal are holding tryouts."

"Tryouts for what?"

"Oh, so you haven't heard."

"No I haven't."

"Your boy Seth got suspended indefinitely. Heard he broke a lot of rules. Now they need someone to replace him."

"What?!"

"Listen dude, go talk to Hunter. This is just what Paige told me. They're down in the gym."

Roman goes straight to the gym with a head full of steam. In the gym, Hunter and Regal look on as a group of people work out and spar with each other. Roman taps Hunter on the shoulder.

"Hey Roman, good to see you. Heard the job went well."

"Forget all that man, what happened with Seth?"

"He broke the rules. He paid for it. If you need to know more, go ask him yourself. I'm busy finding you a partner who knows how to work."

"I got a partner. His name is Seth Rollins."

"Well guess what, I'm still your boss. I'm replacing Rollins for now. Now quit your bitching."

Roman held his breath. There was nothing he could say. He goes into the hallway, calling Seth instantly. Only getting the machine, he leaves a text.

Roman: Dude, what happened? Get back to me ASAP!

He then calls Dean, who picks up.

"Yo brotha."

"Dean, you heard about Seth?"

"Yup. He screwed up big time."

"Everyone keeps saying that, but no one tells me what he did!"

"The idiot almost got him and his friend hacked up by a chainsaw. Told people about his job and the cartel mission he was on. Smoking weed while on duty. That's just a couple things amomgst other stupid shit."

"For real? Jesus I thought he was smarter than that."

"I didn't. The blonde chick saved his ass at the last minute. Can't remember her name, Charlie or some shit like that. I mean the guy is like family to me, but stupidity is contagious."

"Well yeah he fucked up, but I'm sure he's learned a lesson."

"I wouldn't know. Haven't heard from him since then. Paige said he walked past her without saying a word."

"Damn."

"It doesn't even matter. Hunter said he's a finding a replacement."

"You're cool with just ditching a guy we been rolling with the past year?"

"If it was up to me, ya know, but it aint. Just gotta deal with it man."

"I know. Everything alright with you?"

"Yeah, at least for right now. How bout you?"

"Fine. Didn't get me or Sasha crucified. Adopted a poodle."

"Nice. Hey uh, I'll get back with you later. Gotta take care of something."

"Check you later."

"Later man."

Dean hangs up his phone and downs the remaining beer in his hand.

"Who was that?" Asked Becky, cracking the bathroom door.

"Just my boy Roman. Jesus woman, the fuck do you eat?"

"You know that shit smells good."

"Hurry up, I wanna make it in time for this movie."

February 17th, 2012

Osaka, Japan

Seth sits in the back of a cab, staring at stores and civilians enjoying their day. Wasn't that long ago that he walked among them. After everything that went down at work, he had much more time to himself. He was smart enough to realize he made major mistakes in Cali. Things so dumb, he doubted if he was even capable of handling a gig like this solo. What if Charlotte didn't make it? It was glued to his brain since the suspension. Which is why he need some time away from all the distractions of America. He needed to rebuild himself. He needed to come home. To Japan.

The driver reaches Seth's destination. Seth pays and grabs his bags from the trunk. He looks around the small row of housing, until his Uncle Travis pops out from one a few doors down. Seth happily runs up, hugging Travis.

"Holy shit Seth. Man last time I saw you, there was blonde crap in your hair."

"Don't remind me. What's going on man? You slimmed down, shaved your head. Did you get married?"

Travis playfully shoves Seth and grabs the bags. Leading his nephew to his humble abode. Seth and Travis didn't get along at first, due to young Seth being rude. However, he saw something in Seth that had amazing potential. With a little hope and the strict teachings of Japanese masters, Seth became the man he was today. Or at least a fraction of that now.

"Pull up a chair. Got some leftover Takoyaki (octopus balls) coming out the oven."

"Sweet."

Seth sits as Travis pours some juice and brings the food.

"Seriously man. You lost a lot of weight. What happened?"

"As you know I still work at the school. Gotta stay in shape to keep up with these kids. Plus getting older, your body turns to crap."

"Amen."

"I see you've been keeping in shape. Still doing crossfit?"

"When I get time. Been busy with work."

"Jenny told me about that. Real government, secret spy, James Bond type deal right?"

"Something like that. I honestly shouldn't talk about it. It's gotten me in enough trouble."

"Fair enough. Finish up soon. I told the masters you would be around and they want to see you."

Seth nods before finishing lunch. Afterwards, Travis drives them over to Junten Academy, where Seth spent the better half of his youth. Outside waits a small group of people, eager to see a familiar face. Seth steps out to much admiration from the group. Mugging him with hugs and handshakes. A smile on his face bigger than any clown could paint on. Travis walks him inside to the lunchroom, where a small party was being held.

"All this for me!"

Seth notices his former master among the bunch. Sitting at a table with multiple alcohol bottles. Seth kneels next to him and bows.

"Great to see you again, Master Tajiri."

Tajiri turns towards his former student, staying silent. Seth raises his head to see a huge grin. Both stand up and hug each other.

"Tajiri, how have you been?"

"Good, really good. You've been keeping well?"

"Just trying to stay out of trouble. Your English picked up nicely."

"Been traveling the world. Teaching the young ones how to fight."

"They couldn't of asked for a better teacher."

"No one likes a kiss ass, Seth."

Seth tucks in his lips as Tajiri stared him down.

"Except my wife!" Tajiri shouted, sending the entire party into laughter.

As Seth goes to grab some food, someone sneaks up behind him. Quickly applying a modified sleeper hold. Seth spins out and pushes the unknown person backwards. He falls into disbelief, after realizing who it was. Kenneth Riley stood rubbing his hand, looking impressed.

"Still quick on the draw?"

Kenneth walks forward for a handshake. Seth throws a jab, knocking Kenneth into a table. Everyone else backs up to see what unfolds.

"Where the hell were you?!" Uttered Seth.

"I know this may seem random."

"Three years man! Three years and I heard nothing back. I thought something serious happened. I called so many people trying to find an answer."

"It's a long story. We can talk about it after the party."

"What?"

"Not now man. Lets just enjoy ourselves."

The two shake hands and embrace each other, much to Seth's dismay. While everyone got drunk, Seth nursed the same glass of plum wine all night. Taking one sip by the hour, refusing any refills. His mind wrapped around the random appearance of his old friend. The strangest part, everyone else acting like this was normal. His peripheral vision caught Kenneth and Travis talking in a corner. What could they possibly be discussing? Seth then gets a text from Adam Cole.

Adam: You won't believe this. The Prime Time Nightclub is up for sale!

Seth: Why you telling me?

Adam: Figured you might want to buy it. Seemed like a decent property grab. Plus there's money to be made in that place.

Seth: I'll keep it in mind.

Kenneth puts a hand on Seth's shoulder. Smiling as if nothing was wrong.

"Travis and I were gonna head over to Ms. Neza's for dessert. We can talk over there."

Seth only nodded in response. He exchanges numbers with Tajiri before giving goodbyes to everyone. The three headed out in Travis's car. It was nighttime and the city had come alive. All of the bright lights shining on every building. It was quiet for the ride there. Not exactly a fun moment, even with his uncle and best friend. Travis reaches Ms. Neza's dessert shop.

"Hey uh, this place is closed." Said Seth, noticing the store hours.

"It's cool, I know the owner. They're hooking us up. Come on."

Seth cautiously follows Travis and Kenneth through the front door. Going through the kitchen and heading up the back steps. At the top is a door and Seth is the last one to go in. It was pitch black inside.

"Dude, what's up with the lights?"

"One sec."

The lights pop on, revealing a slew of Japanese men in suits, holding guns, all pointed at Seth and Travis.

"WHAT THE FUCK?"

Seth is kicked behind the knees, forcing him to kneel. Same is done to Travis. One man stood out. His long black hair with one side shaved and rocking a black suit with a red tie. He sat crossed legged on a desk, enjoying a bowl of ice cream. Kenneth approached the man, speaking Japanese. Seth tried to listen in, but his language was rusty. Although he didn't need a translator to know this was a fucked up situation. Kenneth and the man nod in agreement, then turning their attention towards Seth.

"Seth, my friend. You work for the WWE, am I correct?" Asked Kenneth.

"No idea what you're talking about."

"Really? Cause Travis heavily insisted that you've been busy last year. Working some high profile shit over in Connecticut."

Seth turned to Travis, locking eyes with him.

"What did you tell them?"

"I needed your help."

"WHAT DID YOU TELL THEM!"

"Travis, shut up." Kenneth ordered. "Seth, eyes on me. You're uncle owes my boss a lot of money. He said my nephew could help pay you all back. So here you are."

Seth started to snarl. Gritting his teeth as he sprung at Travis. He laid in a few stiff punches before being restrained by a few thugs. Travis's nose was gushing blood. Kenneth's boss started yelling, ordering his boys to remove Travis from the room.

"Sorry about that. My boss didn't want blood on his floor." Said Kenneth.

"Ken man, I don't know what that idiot told you, but I don't want any part of this."

"I understand, unfortunately you don't have a choice. Your mother. Jennifer Rollins. Age 48, still living in Papillion, Nebraska. You bought her a Silver Honda not too long ago. She goes to yoga, loves soymilk-

"STAY AWAY FROM MY FUCKING MOTHER!"

"Whoa, calm down. I wouldn't do anything to your mother. However, I can't say the same for my employers."

Seth trembled, steadily going from rage to desperation. He breathed heavily and bowed down.

"Please...I'll do whatever you want. Just leave her alone. Anything but her. Please."

Everyone but Kenneth started laughing at Seth's expense. Seth kept his head down, scraping his knuckles on the floor, ready to start killing, but knew this wasnt the time. Kenneth picked up Seth and whispered,

"Just do what I say, you'll be much better off."

Seth stands still as Kenneth consults his boss.

"Nakamura, Watashi wa watashi no yujin o mi tsudzukemasu. Kare wa anata no okane o erudeshou (I'll keep watch on my friend. he'll get your money)."

Nakamura gave a thumbs up and continued with his ice cream. Kenneth escorts Seth downstairs, where he starts looking for Travis.

"Where's my uncle?"

"Don't talk, keep walking."

They take Travis's car back to his home. Another quiet car ride, with good reason. Kenneth parked outside and looked at Seth.

"I'm sorry we had to come together like this."

"You're a piece of shit." Seth muttered.

"Yeah. I didn't want to do any of this. Bad circumstances brought us back together. Besides, your uncle sold you out, not me."

"So that's supposed to make me feel better? Just dodge the fact that you're working in organized crime! Apparently since you know I work for the government, you would know I can't be caught up in this shit!"

"Relax, aren't you suspended anyway?"

Seth threw up hands and leaned against the window.

"Seth, I don't want anything to happen to you or your mother. I'll do the best I can to keep Nakamura happy, but I need that money."

"How much?"

"$235,000."

Seth winced on the inside, but kept cool.

"How are we getting the money?"

"Need to run a few jobs. Jobs that require someone of your skill set. We can talk about that tomorrow. Right now, go rest up."

Seth takes one last disgusted look at Kenneth before getting out, slamming the door. As he walks up the steps, Kenneth calls to him.

"Forgot to mention something. This is a three man job. Find somebody who can work with us. No government people."

"What! Don't you have guys out here for hire?"

"My boss would rather keep his boys out of the shit we're doing."

"Well who the fuck am I supposed to get?"

"I'm sure you know someone."

Kenneth drives away with the last word. Seth storms inside and flips the coffee table. He pulled at his hair and screams louder than ever before. All he wanted was a peaceful rejuvenation. To come back home and reform. Not it felt like everything was coming down. Hunter's words once again floating in his mind. He told his mom about his job, who clearly told Travis, now here was Seth. In another huge mess because he couldn't keep his mouth shut. His uncle dead, his mom under the watch of gangsters and no friends to bail him out, Seth felt as low as dirt.

He heads to the bedroom and goes through his bags, pulling out his Venom leather jacket. After fiddling through the pockets, he finds a crumbled up piece of paper with an old number. If there was ever a time he needed this number, it was now.