I just want to thank everyone for their kind comments. They've left me feeling very humbled. Not to mention thank you for giving me the kick in the butt :P I needed. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've said it before and I'll say it again: You guys truly are the Best in the World.
Honestly, I didn't want to give up on this story. I mean, I have almost the entire thing outlined. Not to mention the final chapter has been written for weeks now (no spoilers, though, you'll just have to wait and read :P ).
So crisis of. . .Faith? Confidence? Whatever? over. Time to get back to work. Roll on Chapter Five: Elimination Chamber. Things are about to get real. Like, really real.
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The New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana was on fire that Sunday night. Every Superstar and Diva in the building was gearing up for their respective matches.
Kimber stood backstage, Joel at the ready with his camera. As soon as Sheamus rounded the corner the reporter felt a smile come to light. It grew the closer her boyfriend got.
Despite the seriousness of his upcoming match, and the fact that he was trying to get himself into the right mindset, he couldn't help but smile when he saw his girlfriend. She just looked so happy to see him, it made his heart-and ego if he were being honest-feel good.
"Sheamus, can I get a few words with you before your match?" Kimber asked as he reached her.
His hand instantly went to her waist, thumb brushing over the satiny material of her blue dress. Kimber felt a shiver run down her spine but forced herself to remain professional.
"Ah always have a few words for ya, angel." he gave her a wink, his grin boyish despite the wicked gleam in his eyes.
"What is going through your mind, right now, as you're just seconds from stepping into that ring and facing Wade Barrett for the World Heavyweight Championship?" the reporter inquired.
Like a switch had been flipped, Sheamus smile disappeared and the light left his eyes. As he looked down at his girlfriend his expression was serious and tinted with irritation.
"For the past few weeks all Ah've been hearin' from Barrett is what a coward Ah am." he muttered, turning his attention to the camera, "Meanwhile he's the one who's been doin' nothin' but runnin' his mouth and tryin' to cheap shot me.
"Well when Ah go out to that ring, and we're finally standin' face-to-face, we're goin' to find out who the real coward is." he added with a cold smirk, "And Ah guarantee you, it won' be me."
And with that he started to walk away.
"Good luck." Kimber murmured after him.
The Irishman turned back to her, something coming over him. He suddenly went to her, taking hold of her hips and lifting her up on tiptoe, his lips crashing against hers in the thorough kiss. Kimber instantly dropped her microphone, her hands reaching up to grasp his broad shoulders.
Out in the arena the fans, who had been watching on the TitanTron, began to whoop and cheer.
When the Celtic Warrior pulled back he was still frowning, but he gave her a wink. She offered him a small smile and watched as he turned and made his way towards the ring. She let out a sigh, her hand going to her chest.
Sheamus made his way down to ringside, walking with purpose. His features were solemn as he locked eyes with Barrett, each man trying to stare the other one down.
He climbed the steps and slipped between the ropes, going to the far side of the ring to beat his fist against his chest and throw his arms out, bellowing. The crowd responded with ruckus cheers. He turned and did the same thing to the other side, earning the same response.
The Irishman made his way back to his corner, looking down at his championship title. His hand brushed over the nameplate, his nameplate, as a great seriousness came over him.
All the weeks of calling each other out and backstage brawls had come to this moment. Now was the time for Barrett to shut his gob and try and prove that he could be a champion.
The Celtic Warrior removed the belt, raising it up to press a kiss against the gold before passing it over to the ref. His eyes followed it, the blue depths narrowing as the ref showed it to Barrett. The British wrestler regarded it with a smirk, eyes filled with hunger, as he reached out and caressed it.
It was soon drawn away, the ref raising it over his head to show it to the crowd. They began to cheer, eagerly anticipating the match. With the way the tension had thickened between the two wrestlers over the past few weeks they knew it was going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight.
The bell sounded and the two men began to circle one another, Wade with his right hand raised and at the ready.
The two men at last locked up in the center of the ring, both trying to move the other back. Wade managed to back Sheamus up against the ropes before the Irishman regained control and forced him back.
Sheamus quickly got the Brit into a headlock, adding a little added pressure for emphasis. Wade managed to back Sheamus into the ropes before shooting him across the ring. As the Irishman came back he planted his broad shoulder into the former bare-knuckle fighter, knocking him to the canvas with a bellow.
Wade quickly scooted backwards towards the ropes, clearly unnerved by the burst of strength and power from the redheaded man.
The two men stared across the ring from each other, each taking a breather and sizing the other up.
Sheamus was ready to get back in there, but Barrett was still on one knee and the Irishman didn't want to strike the man while he was down. He wanted him up so he could go toe-to-toe with him.
Barrett eventually got to his feet and the pair once again began to circle one another. They locked up once more but Wade managed to slip under Sheamus arm and nail him with a knee to the gut.
The Irishman wheezed, all the air leaving his lungs at that moment. Barrett capitalized on his momentum, driving his arm into the back of Sheamus' neck.
The Celtic Warrior went down to one knee for a moment, black spots entering his vision. Almost on instinct he staggered over to the ropes, leaning on them for support.
Backstage Kimber watched on, fingers nervously locking and unlocking in front of her. She sent a tiny prayer that he would be all right.
Sheamus ended up staggering along the ropes, finding himself back against the corner post. Wade wasted no time charging in after him, driving hooks into the redheaded man's gut and head.
Wade gripped him by the arm and sent him careening into the opposite corner. He started to follow after him and was completely unprepared when the Irishman shot back out, nailing him with an ax handle and driving him to the mat.
Breathing heavily, Sheamus shoved Barrett flat on his back and sent a vicious knee to his face. He did it two more times, keeping his knee firmly planted in Barrett's face after the second shot.
The Irishman was warned by the ref to get up so he did just that. But he grabbed a hold of Wade's arm and brought him up with him. From there he twisted the arm, yanking it down onto his broad shoulder again and again. Wade cried out in pain, trying to get his arm free.
Somehow Wade was able to get out of the hold, turning Sheamus around and giving him a brutal headbutt. Again the Irishman saw stars and backed up towards the nearest corner.
The British wrestler once again went for a few hooks but Sheamus was faster, driving his fists into Barrett's back. Wade cried out and hurried away, back tense as he tried to fight through the pain.
The Celtic Warrior made his way towards him but Wade must have sensed his approach, because a second before Sheamus could seize him the other man quickly turned around and leveled him with a few more fists to the gut. He followed it up with a devastating knee to the midsection before sending him towards the ropes.
As Sheamus came back Wade got an arm under him, meaning to give him a hip toss. But Sheamus was able to stop his momentum, the two men glaring at one another. Wade tried again and again to get the Irishman to move but nothing doing. Sheamus managed to deliver a nasty clothesline, Wade hitting the canvas once again.
Sheamus followed after him, going for the pin. One! Two!
Amazingly the Brit was able to kick out at two. He rolled out of the ring and began to circle it, trying to regain his bearings. Sheamus came to his feet and watched him, his irritation growing.
Especially when, as he passed, Wade locked eyes which Siobhan from the other side of the ring. The Irishwoman slowly lowered her camera, her light blue depths filled with uncertainty. It was clear that she was torn, her pretty face filled with confusion.
Sheamus forced those thoughts out of his mind, especially when Barrett began to climb back into the ring.
The two men circled before Wade's hand went up in a motion to lock up. Thinking he had the Irishman distracted he tried for a kick. Unfortunately for him Sheamus was ready, grabbing his foot before sweeping the other one out from under him. Wade hit the mat with a 'thud' and the Celtic Warrior went for him.
Wade drove a fist into his gut but Sheamus worked through the pain, managing to get the man in a headlock. He slung Wade's arm over his neck and grabbed a hold of his tights, going for a Suplex.
The Brit managed to block it, though, but paid the price when Sheamus planted a few knees into his gut. He again tried for a Suplex and was this time successful. He again went for the pin and was again thwarted at the count of two.
Wade managed to make his way into a nearby corner and the Irishman followed after. He gave him a vicious forearm uppercut to the chin before following it up with punch after punch.
"Sheamus!" the ref called out, arm going around the larger man's middle to try and stop him, "Sheamus, that's enough now!"
The Irishman pushed down his temper and allowed the ref to push him back. He backed up a few steps and instantly started to charge at Wade, meaning to plant his shoulder into the other man's gut.
Unfortunately Wade telegraphed him because as the Irishman came near the British man jumped up and pressed his boots into Sheamus' face.
Sheamus staggered away, hand going to his nose and mouth. He ended up on his knees, laid out across the middle rope. A bad place to be because Wade came running at him, driving his knee into the side of Sheamus' head.
"No!" Kimber hissed, the reporter forced to turn away. She didn't know if she could watch anymore of this.
Barrett got the Celtic Warrior to his feet, giving him a knee to the gut before sending him towards the ropes. As the Irishman came back he sent a kick to Barrett's shoulder, knocking him back a few steps. He turned and started to go back to the ropes, but he had no idea that Barrett had recovered and was right behind him.
Just as Sheamus turned, meaning to launch himself at the Brit, Wade nailed him with a clothesline and sent him over the top rope and to the floor below. Instantly the Irishman gripped at his left forearm, withering in pain from where he had hit it on the apron on his way down.
Wade smirked down at him, chuckling darkly at what appeared to be his good fortune. He glanced over to the side of the ring, having caught a flash of red out of the corner of his eye.
Siobhan had come around the corner, camera gripped tightly in her shaking hands. It was clear that she wanted to go to her brother but knew she couldn't. Angry and feeling helpless, she had no choice but to snap a few pictures of her fallen sibling.
She turned her attention to Wade, catching his eye. His smirk was gone, his face darkening with some unknown something. Siobhan looked up at him, anger and something akin to pain in her eyes.
The former bare-knuckle boxer forced whatever he was feeling aside as he climbed out of the ring and grabbed a hold of the Irishman, rolling him back inside. He followed after, getting Sheamus in a headlock as the Celtic Warrior reached the center of the ring.
Sheamus fought to get to his feet, somehow managing to turn around. He tried for a fist to Barrett's gut but the other man countered, knocking him to the ground. Wade dragged him up by his neck, managing to get him into a corner.
From there he picked the larger man up and laid him across the top ropes. He then began to bash his fist against the Irishman's back again and again. He backed away only when the ref started to count but he quickly came back, driving his foot into Sheamus' stomach.
The Irishman was hanging off the ropes, dazed and struggling to breathe. Wade grabbed a hold of his legs and sent him flipping over the ropes and onto the ground below, the Celtic Warrior grunting as he hit the outside mats.
He rolled onto his back and stared up at the arena lights, trying to get his focus back. His hand again went to his forearm as he felt the pain shoot up to his shoulder.
Wade began to strut around the ring, unable to keep from grinning. He was clearly on top of the world at that moment, having gotten the best of the Irishman.
He turned, ready to yell something at the objecting fans when he again caught sight of Siobhan. Her focus wasn't on him, though, as the Irishwoman looked at her brother in concern. Seeing her made the Englishman's smile slowly fade away.
Sheamus struggled to his feet, beginning to climb onto the apron. Wade noticed at that moment and took off for him, intent to grab him and drag him back into the ring. Sheamus saw him coming and quickly slipped between the top and middle rope, driving his shoulder into the other man's stomach.
As Barrett staggered away Sheamus gripped the top rope, readying himself. Barrett shook off the blow and charged across the ring for him once again. Yelling, the Irishman launched himself across the top rope, his shoulder planting into Wade and knocking them both to the canvas.
Sheamus rose to his knees, his chest heaving and his injured arm pressed to his chest. He felt his temper beginning to rise as he focused in on the pain. He allowed it to fuel him on as he got to his feet and spied Barrett in the corner.
He took off towards him but Barrett ducked out of the way at the last second. It was too late for Sheamus to stop and his left shoulder slammed into the top turnbuckle hard. Wade quickly capitalized on it, grabbing him for a roll up.
The Celtic Warrior kicked and struggled to free himself. Thankfully he was able to kick out at the last possible second, saving his championship. He got to his feet and turned around just in time to be driven to the mat by Barrett. The British wrestler followed it up to an elbow to the chest before dragging him into a sitting position and putting him into a headlock.
Sheamus grit his teeth as he struggled to break free from the hold. Wade managed to get a hold of his injured arm, yanking it back and applying pressure to it.
The Irishman felt the pain race up his arm and it only seemed to help increase his temper. He struggled to his knees, constricted eyes locked at his opponent. Soon both men were on their feet, Wade continuing to apply pressure on the arm.
Sheamus managed to plant his fist in Barrett's face once! Twice! A third time and the former bare-knuckled fighter finally released his grip, arms up to protect his own face. The Irishman plowed him with another blow before an idea flashed in his mind.
He took off for the ropes, ricocheting off of them and meaning to plant his shoulder into the other man's chest. Unfortunately Wade was waiting, catching him with a knee to the gut and causing the larger man to stagger across the ring.
He came to his knees, neck and arms hanging over the middle rope, as he struggled to catch his breath. Wade was on him instantly, gripping the ropes as he drove his knee into the back of Sheamus' neck, thereby cutting off his air supple.
Siobhan's teeth were grit as she watched on, her camera snapping away.
Wade backed away at break the ref's count but he once again charged for the Irishman, grabbing him and dragging him to his feet and tying him up in the ropes. Hands gripping the back of Sheamus' neck he began to plant knee after knee into the Celtic Warrior's face.
He again broke the count, sauntering back a few steps. He smirked as he spied the redheaded man, still sitting on the ropes. He then raced forward, nailing him with a boot to the face and causing Sheamus to fall onto the apron, dazed.
"Come on, Sheamus!" Siobhan couldn't help but cheer as she watched the Brit knock her brother to the floor below.
Wade turned her, eyes constricted as they locked onto her face. She regarded him evenly, her chin raised in defiance.
Backstage Kimber continued to watch the match, hands covering her mouth. Worry caused her stomach to knot as she tried to gage just how badly hurt her boyfriend was.
Sheamus struggled to get up from where he was laid out on the floor, but it was hard. He was still feeling those knee shots from Barrett, his head still reeling slightly.
Suddenly Barrett slipped through the ropes, coming around the apron to the side of the ring where Sheamus was laid out. He dove off the ring, hitting the Irishman with another elbow to the chest.
Sensing the blood in the water the Brit grabbed Sheamus and rolled him back into the ring, once again going for a pin. He only got a two count when the Irishman once again kicked out.
Sheamus came to his knees, feeling a second-or was it a fiftieth-wind. He made his way to the other side of the ring, sensing that Barrett was approaching.
As soon as the taller wrestler drew near the Celtic Warrior spun around, driving his fist into Barrett's gut. The Englishman let out a huff of pain, kneeling over slightly. Sheamus hit him again before getting to his feet. There he began to drive fist after fist into the other man's face.
He tried to whip Wade into the corner but the Brit reversed it, sending Sheamus slamming into the turnbuckle. The Irishman hit it with vicious force before falling back onto the canvas.
Wade came off the ropes and drove his knee into Sheamus' face. He then dragged the Irishman to the center of the ring before making his way towards the ropes. He rose to the second rope, looking out over the crowd with a triumphant smirk and his arm raised. He motioned towards his waist, indicating it would soon be adorned with the championship title.
He went for another elbow but at the last second Sheamus rolled out of the way and Wade ended up planting himself firmly on the canvas.
The Celtic Warrior got to his hands and knees, breathing heavily as he struggled to get to a vertical base. The need to fight was burning through his veins, giving him the extra added boost to continue on.
He climbed to his feet, staggering around to see that Wade had done the same. He took off for the other man, hands raised to deliver an ax handle. Unfortunately Wade wasn't as incapacitated as he thought because a second before the Irishman could strike the taller wrester kicked him in the face.
Sheamus was stunned and Barrett used that opportunity to go for another pin.
"One! Two!" the crowd counted along with the ref, erupting into cheers when the Irishman was once again able to kick out.
Sheamus rolled onto his stomach, chest rising and falling considerably. He was starting to think Kimber was right in that he had underestimated Barrett.
He looked up when the other man rose to his feet, a grudging respect beginning to form. But that respect soon turned to spite when Barrett mockingly beat his chest and threw out his arms.
"Come on!" Barrett laughed to the crowd.
The Irishman quickly reached over and grabbed him, rolling him up. Unfortunately Wade was able to kick out of it and the two men once again got to their feet. Before Sheamus could attack, though, Wade leveled him with a perfect dropkick.
The Celtic Warrior once again found himself on the mat, dazed. He felt Barrett go for another pin and he kicked out on instinct.
Barrett got him to his feet, the two men trading blows for a moment before the former bare-knuckled boxer got the upper hand and knocked him to his knees. As Sheamus turned, meaning to use the ropes to once again pull himself up, Barrett came back, that knee of his once more planted into the back of his neck and causing his air supply to be blocked as his throat pressed against the middle rope.
Wade backed off to break the ref's count, the two men having words. Sheamus used that opportunity to get some much needed air back into his lungs while shaking the cobwebs away.
He heard Barrett approach and let him turn him around and bring him to his feet. That's when the Celtic Warrior struck. Bellowing, he began to beat the Englishman about the face and gut before driving his head to the mat with a DDT.
The redheaded man sat up, blood boiling and temper rising. His eyes were wide and his breathing was heavy. A snarl began to form on his lips as he made his way to his feet.
As he turned around he locked eyes with Barrett, who had also climbed to his feet. The two men took off for one another, Sheamus hitting him with a brutal ax handle. Somehow Barrett was able to get back up to his feet, only to be knocked down with another.
The Englishman made his way to a nearby corner, but that proved to be a big mistake. The Irishman promptly followed, bellowing as he drove his shoulder into the other man's stomach. He added a knee to his face for good measure.
Wade was still reeling from the blow and Sheamus used that opportunity to get him onto his shoulders. He then performed a rolling fireman's carry slam, which caused Kimber's heart to practically stop backstage. That move always left her frozen with fear.
But he seemed all right, immediately getting right back to his feet and even climbing to the top rope. He rose to his feet on the top turnbuckle and waited. The moment Wade got to his feet and turned around Sheamus launched himself off of the ropes and hit him with a flying shoulder tackle.
He went for the pin but was only able to get a two count. Sheamus got to his feet and went after the other man, hammering him with a shot to the gut. Bellowing, he drove his fist into Barrett's back and then sent him whipping out of the corner only to turn him around and shoot him right back in.
Wade cried out, pain etching across his face. The Celtic Warrior took pleasure at the sight but didn't admire it for too long. He went right back to him but he was too slow and Wade hit him with an elbow to the face.
Sheamus staggered backwards, noticing Barrett coming at him. He shook off the blow and quickly got the other man on his shoulder. Wade was able to escape but Sheamus managed to knock him down, getting him into the Cloverleaf.
He could hear Barrett crying out and he found satisfaction in the sound. Somehow, though, Wade was able to make his way to the ropes. The Irishman held on for a few more seconds but was forced to break the hold the closer the ref got to the count of five.
The redheaded man turned back to him, leaning over to apply the hold again, when Barrett shoved his boot into Sheamus' gut.
Wade got his feet but Sheamus was right back on him, knocking him back down. He went for the Cloverleaf again but Wade managed to grab a hold of him, rolling him up.
Luckily the Irishman was able to kick out and both men returned to a standing position. Sheamus went for another ax handle but Barrett ducked under it. As Sheamus turned back around the Englishman gave him a mule kick to the gut, bringing Sheamus to his knees. Barrett added another kick, this time to Sheamus' head.
"No!" Barrett heard Siobhan cry out, but he forced himself not to look in her direction.
Backstage, Kimber also cried out in protest, her wide eyes locked on the monitor. She prayed her boyfriend was all right.
Wade went for another pin attempt. One! Two!
The arena went to their collective feet as Sheamus once again managed to kick out. Even Siobhan let out a whoop as she snapped picture after picture.
Kimber closed her eyes and let out the breath she had been holding. When she opened them again the green depths were filled with nothing but love and respect for her boyfriend.
Sheamus rolled onto his side, blinking. Jaysus, he didn't know how he had managed to make it out of that one. It had taken all of his resolve and desire to fight to do it.
He could hear Barrett getting up and he knew he had to move. He forced himself to rise, calling on some deep seeded determination. Barrett got to him first, though, bringing him to his feet and setting him up for Wasteland.
Sheamus began to drive his elbow into the British wrestler's jaw, causing Wade to loosen his hold and Sheamus to get down. As Wade turned Sheamus scooped him up, delivering White Noise.
Both men hit the canvas but the Irishman was unable to capitalize right away. He was still winded from Barrett's earlier attack. He scrubbed a hand over his face, fighting through the fog from the mule kick.
He managed to roll onto his stomach, struggling to get to his feet. He got as far as his knees, crawling over to the ropes and using them to help pull himself up the rest of the way. He staggered into the nearest corner, slumping across it as he tried to pull at some last remnants of energy.
Come on, fella, he ordered himself, You've come this far now finish the fight!
He straightened, eyes going out to the crowd. The WWE Universe were cheering him on, calling for his signature move. Determination and the need to win filled him as he began to pound his chest.
"Brogue! Brogue! Brogue!" the fans chanted in time to his pounding fist.
He took off across the ring, kicking at the Englishman. Wade sidestepped it at the last possible second, catching him up in a side slam. He went right for the win.
One! Two! At the last second, right before the ref's hand could hit the mat for 'three', Sheamus kicked out and the arena went nuts. They began screaming and chanting, clapping with excitement. This fight had turned into an all out war of wills!
"This is awesome! This is awesome!" the WWE Universe collectively chanted.
Both men rose and Wade grabbed him, ready for another try at Wasteland. Sheamus was able to get out of it, rising him up into the air before driving him down for the Irish Curse Backbreaker. He went for his own pin.
One! Two! And again there was another kick out!
"Come on, Sheamus!" Kimber screamed backstage, earning surprised and amused glances from the wrestlers and crew around her.
She took no noticed, though, all of her attention on the match down at ringside.
Sheamus crawled over to a corner and earned ruckus cheers from the crowd as he used the ropes to pull himself up and onto the top rope. He saw Barrett coming but was unable to stop the other man from hitting him. So he hit him back. He hit him a second time, sending Barrett back a few steps. He once again rose, ready for another tackle, when Barrett came forward and knocked him across the ropes.
The Englishman used the other man's position to get him across his shoulders, hitting Wasteland on him. He wasted no time going for the pin.
But he was again thwarted as Sheamus kicked out. The Englishman began to argue with the ref before focusing his attention back on the champion.
Sheamus crawled over to the ropes, struggling to get to his feet. As he did that Barrett rolled up his arm pad, slapping his elbow and practically begging the other man to turn around.
"Come on!" Wade yelled, "Come on! Come on!"
The redheaded man turned and Wade took off for him. Sheamus realized what was about to happen and ducked out of the way, using Barrett's momentum to send the other man over the ropes.
Barrett went sailing over the top rope but managed to grab on and stay on the apron. Sheamus noticed his position and a devious light came to his eyes. He stalked over to Barrett, grabbing his arms and tying him up in the ropes. The fans let loose with another round of cheers as they realized what was going to happen next.
Face filed with rage, Sheamus began to pound Wade's chest. One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten!
He grabbed Barrett, putting him onto his shoulders and back into the ring. Wade quickly hammered him with elbows to the chin and got him to loosen his hold. As the British man got to his feet he grabbed Sheamus, shoving him shoulder first into the ring post. He did it again for good measure.
Barrett raised his elbow, ready to finish the Irishman off. As Sheamus turned around he took off for him. Suddenly the Celtic Warrior hit him with the Brogue Kick, both men going to the canvas.
With his last ounce of strength, Sheamus rolled Wade onto his back and went for the pin.
One! Two! Three!
The bell sounded and the arena erupted. Siobhan stood on the floor, her pretty face filled with uncertainty. She gave her brother a grin, clearly happy for him, but soon worry filled her blue eyes as they focused in on Barrett.
Backstage Kimber clapped, a bright smile on her face.
Exhausted, Sheamus came to his feet and the ref handed him his championship belt before raising his hand in victory.
The Irishman offered a tired grin to the crowd. He felt like he could barely stand, but it was all worth it. He had once again defended his title but, more importantly, he had finally managed to shut Barrett up. And that was what he had mainly wanted to do.
The ref released him and went to help Wade from the ring. While he did that Sheamus continued to celebrate with the fans. He went up to one of the corners, climbing to the second rope and beating his chest before throwing his arms out and yelled, "Fella!"
He pointed to the crowd and began to climb down. All he wanted to do was go find Kimber and celebrate.
He turned around, ready to go backstage, when suddenly he found himself face-to-face with an enraged Mark Henry.
Before Sheamus could react the larger wrestler picked him, up, setting him up for the World's Strongest Slam.
"No!" Siobhan cried out at ringside.
Backstage Kimber couldn't even react, she was so frozen in surprise.
Sheamus was slammed hard into the mat and Henry got right back up, yelling down to him, "That's what I do, boy!"
The boos that rained over the two men were practically deafening. Henry gave the crowd a glare before turning and making his way out of the ring and back up the ramp.
Some refs and a few of the medical team hurried into the ring, going to check on Sheamus.
Siobhan raced around to the side of the ring they were on, watching on in fear as they took care of her brother.
Sheamus slowly opened his eyes and instantly grit his teeth at the pain he felt rack his body. His arm came around his middle and he struggled to sit up.
A few pairs of hands tried to keep him down but he shoved them away, growling, "Get off me!"
He managed to get to his feet, looking around in anger and confusion. What the feck had just happened?!
He still tried to ponder that as he allowed the medics to help him out of the ring. He could see Siobhan standing a few feet back, looking at him fearfully. He tried to give her a smile, to let her know he was all right, but it came out a grimace.
He slowly made his way to the back, being supported on either side. As they slipped past the curtain Kimber came running up, her green eyes filled with concern.
He caught her look and managed a slight smile, reaching out to cup her cheek.
"Didja see me win?" he asked weakly.
"Yeah." his girlfriend offered watery smile, "You were amazing."
"Naturally." he managed to joke.
They continued on to the trainers room, Sheamus hissing as he was sat down on the closest table. Doc began to look him over, namely his ribs and the back of his head.
The Irishman closed his eyes, trying to piece together what had happened.
Mark Henry.
It suddenly all came back to him in flash. He had been celebrating his victory and suddenly there was Henry, giving him his World's Strongest Slam.
The Celtic Warrior's eyes flew open, filled with rage. Practically snarling he staggered to his feet, intent on going after the gobshite.
"Sheamus, sit back down!" Doc ordered, trying to get him to return to the table. He was joined by two other men, all three trying in vain to get Sheamus to sit down.
"Let me go!" the wrestler growled as he struggled to get free.
"Sheamus, quit bein' an eejit and sit down!" Siobhan cried out, the young woman growing panicked.
"Sheamus, please," Kimber stepped into his field of vision, her clasped hands tucked under her chin, tears forming in her green eyes, "Please, you can't go after Mark Henry now. You're hurt."
"Ah'm not hurt!" he bellowed, still trying to fight free.
"Sheamus, please." his girlfriend begged, voice gentle.
Surprisingly, it was the gentleness that broke through his rage and reached him. He slowly began to stop struggling, chest heaving and wild eyes locked on her face. He allowed Doc and the other trainers to sit him back down and they continued to look him over.
Kimber came forward, making sure to stay out of Doc's way but remaining close by, and she reached out to clasp her boyfriend's hand. He closed his eyes, teeth grit as he fought every instinct he had to go after Henry.
At long last Doc finished up, announcing that Sheamus would be better after a few painkillers and some rest. He and the other trainers made their way out of the room, leaving just Sheamus, Kimber and Siobhan. A monitor was on, in the background, showing the rest of the PPV but no one paid it any heed.
Kimber stepped closer, her hand rubbing his chest and she began to gentle 'shhh' him. She could feel his heart pounding under her palm, could see how heavily he was breathing due to his rage, but he remained where he was. She took that as a good sign.
At last he opened his eyes, the blue depths cold as he muttered, "Ah'm goin' to kill him."
Kimber said nothing, only frowning up at him.
The WHC Elimination Chamber started a short time later. It was to be between Jack Swagger, Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho, Kane, Randy Orton and Mark Henry.
The second Henry came out Kimber could feel Sheamus tensing. But he remained seated, constricted gaze locked on the monitor.
It was a long, grueling match. But by the end of it, unsurprisingly, Mark Henry was the victor.
He stood in the center of the chamber, a microphone in his hand.
"You think this is the part where I'm supposed to point to that Wrestlemania sign," the World's Strongest Athlete snarled, "Like I'm one of your damned puppets. But that's not what I do!"
He looked directly into the camera, as though he were looking right at Sheamus, and he announced, "I'm not waiting until Wrestlemania to get what's mine. Sheamus, I'm coming for that title now."
The Irishman was back on his feet and surging across the room, intent on going after the other man.
"No!" Kimber cried out as she latched onto his arm, trying to hold him back.
But trying to hold him back was like trying to hold back a Mac truck. He easily pulled her with him as he stormed toward the door, murder in his eyes.
"Sheamus, you can't go back out there!" his girlfriend tried desperate to keep him back.
Siobhan jumped in front of the door, blocking her brother's way. She raised her arms up, pressing against his chest to keep him back. He offered very little resistance, not wanting to hurt his sister.
"Let me by, Siobhan!" he yelled down at his sister.
"The hell Ah will!" his sister screamed back, "Ah'm not goin' to let you go out there and get murdered!"
"Sheamus, please, listen to Siobhan!" Kimber let go of his arm and ran to Siobhan's side to look up at him, "You just went through a war with Wade. You're in no condition to fight Mark Henry right now."
Sheamus backed away from them with a growl. He turned away, hands clenching as his red spikes as he fought to control his temper.
Logically he knew they were right. But his anger and his pride were telling him something else.
"Fine!" he snarled as he turned back to face them, "Fine, you win!"
He closed his eyes and sighed, muttering, "Ah'm just goin' to go to me locker room and get a shower."
The two women looked at one another, unconvinced. Siobhan gave Kimber a questioning look. The reporter studied her boyfriend for a few moments before she moved back. Siobhan did the same and Sheamus led the way out of the room.
"Ah need to go back down to ringside." the Irishwoman murmured to Kimber, "Try and keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn' do anythin' stupid."
"I'll try." Kimber sighed.
She continued to follow her boyfriend to his locker room. As he opened the door he drew to a stop, turning back to her. She could see how angry he was, but she could also see how tired and in pain he was, too. It made her heart break for him and she reached out to touch his cheek.
He leaned into her touch, allowing her to sooth him for a few more moments.
Eventually he pulled back, looking down at the ground, "You probably need to get back to work."
"I can stay with you." Kimber offered, giving him a loving smile.
"No." he shook his head, finally meeting her gaze, "No, you don' need to get anymore on McMahon's bad side. You go on. Ah'll just take a shower and get changed."
"You won't go after Mark?" Kimber questioned.
"Ah said Ah wouldn'." he snapped and his girlfriend flinched.
He instantly felt badly. It wasn't her fault, he knew. He was just angry.
"Ah'm sorry." he said as he took her hand, rubbing it between his two larger ones, "Ah'm pissed and lashin' out, Ah know. It's not yer fault."
"I know." she told him, raising his hands up to give each one a kiss.
"Ah love you, Kember." he stated and her smile grew.
"Love you, too." she added with a smirk, "You big Irish jerk."
He chuckled at that before giving her a kiss and sending her on her way.
Once she was gone he made his way into the locker room. He quickly got undressed and stepped into the shower. Hands braced on the tile wall in front of him, he leaned against it and bowed his head, allowing the steaming water to wash over his back.
He could still see it all so clearly in his head:
Him celebrating with the crowd.
Him turning around and finding Henry standing behind him.
Henry giving him the World's Strongest Slam and laying him out right in the middle of the ring.
Henry telling him he was coming after his championship.
The more Sheamus thought about it, the angrier he became. Soon his rage was boiling out of control.
The Irishman raised his head, his eyes narrowed and his teeth gnashed. Bellowing, he suddenly hauled off and slammed his fist into the tile wall. Pain shot through the limb but he paid it no heed. The rage inside of him blacked it out, anyway.
.
.
.
.
.
Sheamus led the way into the hotel later that night. He was silent, had been for most of the night, and Kimber could feel the tension coming off of him in waves.
She entered the room behind him, setting her suitcase on the floor by a nearby chair. She promptly opened it, beginning to dig through it for her nightgown and toiletries.
"I'm just going to take a shower." she murmured as she gathered her things and turned to him.
She found him standing by the window, his back to her. His body was so rigid, so tense. His fists were tightly clenched at his sides, causing his knuckles to turn even whiter if that were possible. She doubted he had heard a word she had said.
The reporter let out a sigh as she stared at his back. She felt so helpless. She didn't know what to say to try and reach him. Sighing quietly, she turned and made her way into the bathroom.
Sheamus' eyes closed as he heard the door shut, the sound bringing him out of his thoughts. He scrubbed his hands over his face and forced himself to start getting undressed.
Angrily he yanked at the articles of clothing, tossing them aside with little care as he undressed. Soon he was down to his boxer-briefs, the Irishman sliding in between the sheets. He rolled onto his side, arms crossed over his chest as he continued to brood.
Henry, that bastard, was back. Not only back but planning on going after his championship. And the arsehole hadn't even had the guts to do it to his face. He had attacked him when his back was turned.
Sheamus closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he was taken back to SummerSlam and his match with Henry.
It had been brutal. The toughest match he had been in in his entire career. He could still see Henry barreling at him, sending them both through the barricade. Could still feel the momentum and pain as the larger man slammed into him and then he slammed into the unrelenting blockade.
He had tried with all of his might to get back into the ring but his body just wouldn't cooperate. And what was worse, was that Henry had gotten back to his feet. Had stood in the center of that ring and watched as he was counted out.
He had never faced an opponent like that before. Sure, Big Show had been tough. But there had always been a part of himself that knew he could beat him.
With Mark Henry, the Celtic Warrior had doubts.
And those doubts made him angry. It wasn't supposed to be that way. He was supposed to be able to take on all comers. And if he did get knocked down he would get back up again.
But Henry had put him down and kept him down.
He'd never forget that for as long as he lived.
Kimber emerged from the bathroom a short time later, now wearing a satin, eyelet nightgown, her clothes in her arms. She frowned as she spied her boyfriend all ready in bed, his back to her. She could tell his arms were crossed over his chest and she knew he was still awake. Unsurprising, considering how the night had gone.
She packed the items away in her suitcase before padding over to the bed. She slipped between the sheets, rolling onto her side to face him. Her frown deepened as she studied his broad, freckle dusted back. She could feel the wall of tension around him, thick and practically stifling.
And with it she felt the isolation. He was someplace she feared even she couldn't reach.
Knowing she needed to try, though, she snuggled closer to him, her hand coming to rest against his back. She felt the muscles beneath her palm tense and it caused her frown to grow.
Please, Sheamus, don't push me away, she silently begged him.
Kimber scooted even closer, until she was flush against him and her arm came around his waist. She nuzzled against his back before pressing gentle kisses against his marble flesh.
Sheamus closed his eyes, a myriad of emotions raging through him. He wanted to lose himself in her. He did. It would have been all too easy to do it, too.
But with as angry as he was he didn't want to frighten her with his intensity. He knew she would be willing, but the idea of possibly hurting her sickened him. Besides, he just couldn't use her like that.
Not to mention it would only be a temporary fix. Henry would still be there, waiting in the wings. Looming. A fight he was going to have to face. A threat he wasn't entirely sure he could handle.
His hand slowly made it's way to hers, keeping it pressed firming to his stomach. Other than that, he didn't move or speak.
Kimber let out a sad sigh, eventually closing her eyes and slipping in to a troubled sleep.