Still Alive

"Are you sure this is okay with Dean, Mox?" asked Seth as he cautiously followed Dean into the training room.

"Positive," said Dean with a grin as he opened his arms out wide, "What do you think? Isn't it awesome!"

Seth looked around the room. It wasn't much. There was a simple pull-up bar screwed onto the far wall. A good amount of free weights of various sizes were set up on the floor of the far wall as well. The room, which was a decent size, was filled up predominantly with oddly shaped boxes that ranged anywhere between four to five feet with slanted sides and a flat top.

Towards the middle of the room was a free standing railing that was weighted down and looked to be about four and a half feet high. Turning his head, Seth also spotted on the left wall eight pieces of wood that were sanded down and of various shapes and sizes that had been bolted into the wall.

"Yeeaah, it's something," said Seth his tone indicating that he remained unconvinced.

"Oh, come on, Seth, where's your imagination?" asked Dean, a little disappointed that Seth didn't see the potential right away. "These vault boxes," he said indicating the oddly shaped boxes, "and the railing are obstacles. This is an obstacle course where we can practice running over and under obstacles and work on new moves before we go out into the city to try them."

"Really?" Seth asked his interest piqued.

"Yeah, watch this," replied Dean and ran easily at the first box and without breaking his stride jumped onto the box using his left hand and right leg to plant himself and then threaded his other leg through the gap, making sure to keep his momentum and in a second had cleared the first obstacle.

From there, Dean ran at the second box and performed the same maneuver but on the opposite side. Then on the third one, Dean again did the same move but this time backwards. This led Dean then right to the railing where he easily swung his legs over with one hand on the rail for balance. Overall, Seth guessed that the whole run had taken Dean a little under 10 seconds.

"Okay, that was pretty impressive," said Seth with a boyish grin at Dean, as he now understood the purpose of this training room. "Can I take a shot at it?" he asked indicating the obstacle course.

"Of course that's why I brought you here," exclaimed Dean as he motioned for Seth to go whenever he wanted to.

Seth took a moment to survey his surroundings to see what he was working with and then ran full speed at the railing. Right before he got to it, Seth chose to dive over the railing and then before he hit the ground tucked himself into a roll. Seth then got up immediately following the roll and charged at the first box.

Instead of doing what Dean had done, Seth put both of his hands simultaneously on the box, shoulder width apart and then tucked his feet all the way up into his chest and vaulted over the box that way. Seth then did the same thing on the next box except he didn't go over the box. He jumped on top of it. The gap between the box Seth was now standing on and the next one was a good six feet away, however with no hesitation, Seth leapt onto the next box crane style with one foot on top of the box and the other catching the slanted side of the box. Seth then finished his run by lazily swinging his legs over the last box as he jogged up to where Dean was standing.

"That was fun!" exclaimed Seth with a big smile on his face, breathing slightly hard from his run. "I can see why you love this room so much now, Mox."

"Yeah I come here when I need to take my mind off things," said Dean returning Seth's smile, "Wanna go again? I think you can go faster than that," challenged Dean as he rearranged some of the vault boxes to make the course different.

"Oh, you're so on," returned Seth playfully as he helped Dean move some of the boxes around the room.

For the next two hours, Dean let all of his responsibilities and thoughts that daily wore him down go as he concentrated on moving as fast and as efficiently as possible through the many different courses that he and Seth came up with. Dean had never been able to train this enthusiastically with someone else.

Little Rome, for all his power, was not good at moving through obstacles easily. Punk while he was good at it, didn't do enthusiasm and trained rather stoically with Dean. Some of the Merry men were enthusiastic to learn new moves from Dean but Dean was always teaching them never collaborating with them.

With Seth, Dean felt like he had finally found his daredevil kindred spirit who had different ways of moving through various obstacles that Dean had never thought of before. In fact, Seth was in the middle of teaching Dean this maneuver he called the 'Triple Jump' when Punk burst into the training room.

"Moxley, we need to talk," stated Punk without preamble.

"Can it wait?" asked Dean groaning internally just when his mind was just starting to relax, reality came storming back.

"No, it can't," said Punk evenly, "You're going to want to hear what I have to say."

"Fine," said Dean sighing heavily, giving Seth an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Seth, you're going to have to show me that move another time."

"No problem," said Seth easily as he jumped down from one of the boxes.

"Hold on, Punk, I need to take Seth back to his room first," said Dean as he noticed Punk fidgeting by the door obviously trying his best to be patient.

"Why can't Little Rome do it?" asked Punk just as Rome entered the room also looking for Dean.

"Why can't I do what?" asked Little Rome puzzled, as he looked from Punk to Dean.

"Actually that's not a bad idea," said Dean, "Ro, can you escort Seth back to his room?"

"Yeah I can take the newbie back to his cell," said Little Rome with narrowed eyes at Seth, "but, first, D…Mox," said Rome catching himself before he gave Dean's identity up to Seth, "I need Dean's schedule for 'Good Meals' this coming week."

"Okay," said Dean not really sure why Little Rome needed that information but had too much on his mind to ask any further questions, "Do you have a pen and paper?"

"Yeah, here," said Little Rome handing Dean what he needed as Dean furiously scribbled down his work hours on the scrap piece of paper.

"We can talk in here, Punk," said Dean after he handed the paper to Ro and waved goodbye to Seth as the two walked out of the training room. "Alright, what has you all worked up?"

Punk let out a breath and put both of his hands behind his head staring calculatingly at Dean, "I need you to hear me out, Ambrose. You may not like what I have to say but you need to hear me out."

"Don't I always do that?" asked Dean a little miffed that Punk would think that he was unable to hear the facts.

"Yes, you do," said Punk a little patronizingly, "but this still might be hard to hear."

"Just fucking spit it out already," said Dean getting annoyed.

"Okay, okay," said Punk with a smirk putting his hands up defensively in the air, "What if there is no drug?"

Dean blinked several times, slowly processing what Punk has just said, "Come again?"

"Think about it," said Punk in a low tone seriously, "What…if…there…is…no…drug?"

"I'm not sure, I'm understanding what you are trying to say," said Dean raising his eyebrows questioningly at Punk.

"I may have been gone from this city for a while now, Dean," said Punk, "but believe me, I think I know a con when it's staring me right in the face."

"What makes you think that?" asked Dean wondering where Punk was getting this.

"I still have contacts in this city. People whose information I trust and they have heard not even a whisper or rumor about such a drug. All we know for certain about this drug is that it's mentioned in those 'Armageddon' files which, to be perfectly honest, don't really say much when you take a step back and look at them," Punk stated.

"That's not all we know," interjected Dean, "Seth was a wealth of information last night." Dean then proceeded to tell Punk exactly what Seth had told him regarding the developmental lab, the drug called 'Succubus', and the attack on Seth's life.

However, Punk seemed to grow more and more angry as Dean related this story to him, but, probably because of their long friendship, waited for Dean to be done until he told him what he thought of this new information.

"That Seth is a liar," said Punk matter-of-factly as soon as Dean was finished.

"Don't you think that makes more sense than your theory that there is no drug?" said Dean harshly. "You've met, Seth. I've known plenty of liars and he's not one of them."

"I have met him. I don't like him," said Punk simply as he walked past Dean and sat on top of one of the vault boxes.

"That doesn't mean he's a liar," said Dean trying to be objective.

"It also doesn't mean he's not one," shot back Punk as he crossed his legs, Indian style. "For fucks sake, Dean, you've known the guy for what? A week? If you ask me, he's too nice. Too eager to please, it's downright unnatural, is what it is. He's hiding something."

"Just because Seth is not a fucking sourpuss like you, doesn't mean he isn't trustworthy," said Dean heatedly, "You know some of the Merry Men don't think I should trust you."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" asked Punk as he stood up to his full height.

"It means that I didn't listen to them as well," shot back Dean, "because I trust you just like I trust Seth."

Punk shook his head in dismay, "You're too trusting, Dean. I've always said that and I still maintain that it is going to get you into trouble one of these days."

"So, you don't think I should trust you then?" asked Dean knowing he was pushing Punk's buttons, but right now he couldn't bring himself to care.

Punk eyes blazed with anger, "You know what? Fuck you, Ambrose! I'm trying to help you figure this whole damn mess out and you're denying what is right in front of your pissy ass face. You don't want my help? Fine! You don't have it!"

And without another word, Punk stormed out of the training room. Dean blinked, surprised in how quickly that whole conversation had escalated. Dean brought his right hand up to his left shoulder and rubbed it while thinking. Dean always trusted his instincts. They had never failed him, but why was he now getting this sinking feeling that perhaps his instincts were failing him.

"Come on, newbie, don't lag behind," said Little Rome gruffly as he grabbed Seth by the back of his shirt and pushed him slightly in front of him. Rome never let people walk behind him that he didn't trust.

"What do you think Mox and Punk have to talk about?" asked Seth curiously as he looked over at Rome.

"Whatever it is, it doesn't concern you," said Rome roughly giving Seth another push, "Now get moving."

"Alright, I'm going, stop pushing me," protested Seth as he gave Little Rome a slight glare, "Why don't you like me, big guy? What did I ever do to you?" asked Seth after they had walked for a bit.

"You're an unknown," said Rome after a beat, "I don't like the unknown."

"Well, you can ask me anything," said Seth slowly, "I'm an open book," he said with a grin spreading his arms out wide as if to hug Little Rome.

Rome just gave Seth a blank stare until he put his arms down.

"How does Mox know Dean's schedule?" asked Seth after a few moments of awkward silence between the two men.

"Because Mox is his fucking secretary, that's why," said Little Rome as he opened the door to Seth's room with a bang indicating that the conversation was over.

"I think you need a hug, Rome," said Seth with a mischievous smile and before Little Rome could even protest, Seth wrapped his arms around his middle to give him a big, old bear hug.

"Okay, enough," said Little Rome, his face red as he struggled to get the cuddly newbie off of him, "Get in there," he said finally throwing Seth off him, who was still grinning, none too gently and closed the door swiftly behind him.

That boy has issues, thought Rome to himself as he shock off the memory of the hug and headed down the tunnel.

A couple nights later, Dean walked to 'Good Meals' still furiously thinking about what Punk had told him. Since their argument, Punk had taken off and had not been seen by any of the Merry Men. When Little Rome had asked Dean what had happened between them, Dean just gave a noncommittal shrug. He didn't want to tell Rome what Punk had said, because he knew that would only fuel the man's campaign to kick Seth out of the hideout.

Dean had opted not to tell Seth what Punk had accused him of, instead he spent the next couple of days around Seth observing him carefully but he still gave Dean no reason to not distrust him. Dean shook his head as he neared the door to the soup kitchen. Right now for the next couple of hours, he would keep this place running and only thoughts related to 'Good Meals' were allowed to occupy his thoughts now.

Dean walked quickly to the back entrance and let himself in. The usual volunteers were already there and he noticed two new ones, which was always encouraging. Giving a quick hello to everyone, Dean quickly took stock of the inventory and then went to check with his two cooks regarding the meal tonight. Since everything seemed to be running smoothly, Dean went into the cramped office and took care of some overdue paperwork before the dinner rush arrived.

The dinner rush came before Dean knew it and he quickly fell into his role as part server, facilitator and host. Dean greeted those he knew, encouraged the volunteer staff, occasionally held the small child for the mother who needed to reach into her purse to get something or had her hands full. All in all, it was a very typical night at 'Good Meals'.

Until the doors viciously swung open and about thirty heavily armed men entered, pushing people aside and ordering everyone to get down. Dean had just finished helping an elderly man to his seat and was caught unawares as one man hit hard in the back of his head making him see stars. It took everything Dean had to not just lash out at the person who had hit him. He still needed to maintain his cover as lowly soup kitchen manager. Clutching the back of his head, Dean signaled for the rest of his staff to get down. Dean hoped that this was just a gang robbery and nothing more.

However, Dean's hopes were dashed as Sheriff Kane entered the room. Dean gulped. When the sheriff was around bad things tended to happen.

"Who is the manager of this place?" asked the sheriff in his booming voice as most of the people in the room shrank from his gaze.

"I am," said Dean showing no sign of fear as he stood up and stared evenly at the imposing sheriff.

The sheriff chuckled darkly as he moved forward and came face to face with Dean. The sheriff stared down at him and what he said next was something Dean had not expected at all, "So you're Dean Ambrose."

Dean's eyes widened in surprise at the sheriff's statement. How did he know that?! Too late he tried to cover up his mistake by looking confused but the sheriff had already seen the admittance in his eyes and grabbed Dean roughly by the neck. Tugging the outlaw towards him, Sheriff Kane whispered into his ear, "Gotcha!"

Dean let out a gasp of pain as he hit the floor of what he assumed was the mayor's office. His hands were cuffed tightly around his back, so when the sheriff had shoved him forward to the floor, he had no way to break his fall other than slightly rolling to his side.

"Here he is, mayor, as promised," said the sheriff proudly as he reached down and grabbed Dean by his hair to pull him to his knees so that the mayor could get a good look at him.

"So this is Dean Ambrose," said a sickeningly slick voice as Dean locked eyes with the most powerful man in the city. Cena grabbed Dean's face in a viselike grip and turned his head from side to side, studying him. Dean tried to shake his hand off of him but his grip was too strong. "I must admit, I thought you would be older," remarked the mayor as he shoved Dean's face downward. "Nothing to say for yourself, Mr. Ambrose?" asked the mayor smugly.

"Got nothing to say to you, dickwad!" spat out Dean defiantly.

Cena just gave Dean a twisted smile, "Oh, Mr. Ambrose, you are everything that I hoped you would be. Breaking your spirit and ultimately killing you will bring me much pleasure."

"That won't stop my men," said Dean evenly not letting the mayor's words get to him, "they will carry on without me and stop 'Armageddon' from happening."

"Oh, you mean that fake plan I created to lure you into my trap," answered Cena smoothly which caused all of the blood to drain from Dean's face. "There it is, " said Cena happily, "That's the look I was waiting to see on your face. Utter despair and confusion."

"But…I…don't," began Dean trying to reconcile what Cena had just told him in his head with what he knew to be true.

"I know it was quite the elaborate plan. Only I knew the entire scope of it, the good sheriff only knew a part of it as well," said the mayor indicating the sheriff who was also looking at the mayor befuddled.

"Why?" asked Dean finally finding his voice.

"To get rid of you," sneered Cena as he grabbed the front of Dean's shirt and pulled him close, "You have been quite the thorn in my side, Mr. Ambrose. You've ruined several of my suppliers. You've stolen from me. Have cost me billions of dollars in profits and you have made me look like a laughing stock in front of the entire city," hissed the mayor.

"But what about the drug?" Dean was still thoroughly confused.

"Forget about the drug, you idiot," spat Cena as he hurled Dean halfway across the room. "Do you really think I want to kill off half or more of the population in this city? That rabble out there may be dirty and stinky but without them, I have no one to rule over. No one to push around and take taxes from and that hardly makes if fun at all."

"But," Dean still refused to believe it, "Seth said…"

"Oh," said the mayor slowly with a big smirk on his face, "I think you'd better meet a friend of mine, Dean. Perhaps, he can clear this whole mess up." Cena strode over to the phone and hit the intercom, "Tyler, can you come in here for a minute?"

Dean eyes followed Cena's as the door opened and in stepped Seth dressed in a black suit.

At that moment Dean's heart felt like it had literally dropped into his stomach. Please, let it all be a dream, he thought to himself.

"Tyler, why don't you come in here and meet the man you betrayed, Dean Ambrose," said Cena as he grabbed Dean by the hair and held him up for Seth to look at.

Seth, for his part, didn't really look comfortable coming into the room and had kept his eyes sort of fixed on the ground. However, knowing that he couldn't say no to the mayor, Seth walked over to the man Cena was holding and jumped in visible surprise as he stared down at the man he didn't expect to see there.

"Mox?" Seth looked down at Dean in horror as he realized just whom he had betrayed.

Dun. Dun. Dun.

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