《I Woke Up From the Mat in a World Where Wrestling Rules》


 A New Beginning

    Smash! His fist hammered into the punching bag. Crack! Followed by a knee. Terry had been at this for hours after his most recent loss. He had finally earned enough trust from his boss to be promised a title reign. He was suppose to be the new Canadian Champion but once again right before the show plans changed and Terry was back alone in the gym.


    Terry hadn''t even bothered to take off his ring gear, or facepaint. Still in his black pants, combat boots, and face painted like some demon he could give someone quite the fright if anyone was still there. "Another loss for Legion, another big L for Terry Starr." He thought.


    He swung his fist again, harder this time, the bag swaying violently under the impact. Sweat ran down his forehead, smudging the black and white paint across his face, giving his demonic visage an even more distorted, feral look. His knuckles ached, bruised from the relentless assault, but he kept going, the rhythmic pounding on the punching bag the only thing keeping his anger in check.


    ¡°Trust,¡± he muttered under his breath, slamming his knee into the bag once more. ¡°I gave them everything, and still¡­¡± He punched again, harder. His chest heaved, each breath a struggle as anger, disappointment, and exhaustion all tangled inside him.


    Terry paused, resting his forehead against the bag, his eyes closed. The empty gym around him was silent, the usual clamor of other wrestlers long gone. It was just him¡ªjust Legion¡ªalone again. He could hear his own breath echoing in the vast space, the weight of failure pressing down on him. Every time he got close, every time it seemed like things were turning around, it was yanked away from him. He wasn¡¯t a main eventer, not even close. He was a ¡°big L,¡± destined to be the guy who makes others look good, never the one to stand on top.


    The bitterness tasted foul, thick in his throat, and he clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. His gaze fixed on his own reflection in the mirror across the room. The dim light cast eerie shadows, making him look monstrous¡ªalmost as if Legion was real, glaring back at him with his demonic eyes. He hated it, and he loved it, that persona that let him be everything Terry Starr wasn''t.


    ¡°What do you want, Legion?¡± he whispered, eyes still locked on his reflection. The face in the mirror didn¡¯t answer, but something stirred inside of him. The frustration, the anger¡ªit felt different tonight. Almost alive.


    Suddenly, the air in the gym grew cold. The lights flickered, and Terry pulled away from the punching bag, his eyes narrowing. He looked around, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. The lights flickered again, and this time, they didn¡¯t stop. It was almost rhythmic, like a heartbeat. An uneasy feeling settled deep in his gut.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he called out, his voice echoing through the empty gym. No answer.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Then, the fog started to seep in¡ªnot the typical smoke machine fog from his entrances, but something else, something thicker, darker. It pooled around his feet, swirling in unnatural patterns. Terry took a step back, his heart pounding. The fog crept up his legs, and that¡¯s when he saw it¡ªa shadow.


    It wasn¡¯t his own. It was darker, more defined, almost like it had substance. Terry''s eyes widened as the shadow moved, separating itself from the fog, and before him stood a figure, shrouded in darkness, its face obscured beneath a hood.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Terry demanded, his voice hoarse. He tried to sound confident, but there was an edge of fear he couldn¡¯t shake. The figure didn¡¯t answer at first, instead, it seemed to study him, as if peering into the deepest parts of who he was.


    Finally, the figure spoke, its voice a low whisper that somehow seemed to echo everywhere at once. ¡°Legion.¡± The way the figure said the name¡ªit wasn¡¯t just an acknowledgment. It was a declaration, a command, almost as if the name itself held power.


    ¡°I know what you want,¡± the figure continued, taking a step closer. Terry wanted to move, to back away, but his body felt frozen, like the fog had rooted him in place. ¡°You crave the power, the recognition. To never be overlooked again. To be more than just Terry Starr.¡±


    Terry swallowed hard, his throat dry. He didn¡¯t speak, but he didn¡¯t need to. The figure knew. It always knew.


    ¡°I can give you what you desire,¡± the figure whispered, extending a hand towards him. ¡°The power of Legion is real, if you¡¯re willing to accept it. But understand this¡ªpower always comes with a price.¡±


    Terry stared at the hand, his heart pounding in his ears. He could feel it¡ªthe weight of the choice before him. He could walk away now, go back to being just another guy in the locker room, forever scraping by, forever almost there. Or he could take the hand, embrace the darkness, and see just how far he could go.


    He glanced back at his reflection, at the face of Legion staring back at him. Terry took a deep breath, his fingers twitching as they moved towards the figure¡¯s outstretched hand.


    ¡°Anything,¡± he whispered, barely audible. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything to prove myself.¡±


    The figure¡¯s lips curved into what might have been a smile, though it was impossible to see beneath the hood. ¡°Then it begins.¡±


    The fog rose, swirling around Terry, engulfing him completely. The cold was overwhelming, and for a moment, there was nothing but darkness, and the sensation of falling. He closed his eyes, feeling the world shift around him, the very ground beneath him giving way.


    When he opened his eyes again, the gym was gone. He was somewhere else¡ªan arena, in some town he had never seen. Seemed to be a local show, the crowd was hot and into the action. Legion looked around and he was on the entrance ramp. Almost as if something compelled him he made his way to the ring.


    "Its okay, its fine, just dreaming." Terry mumbled to himself. The ref was motioning for him to go back. A scowl and a fake lunge made him tumble back.


    "What are you doin?" The wrestler in the ring turned to ask him. He had his opponent down on the mat. One! Two! Three! The ref counted the victory.


    Terry walked through the ropes and squared up to the blue eyed baby face. Must be the local star, he was well built, dressed in blue and white tights with the babyface blonde buzzcut. Legion pushed him, and the man hardly moved.


    "You want a match weirdo? Ring the bell." Ding ding. The answer came for the wrestler. They both circled each other, watching for each other to make the first move.

 Chapter 2: Ding Ding

    Legion dived and aimed a kick at the mans head slapping his thigh hard to get that sound. No sold again. "What are you doing man? Play ball."


    The blonde green eyed athlete shook his head and answered with a hard punch knocking Legion to the ground. It hurt. It hurt like hell. There was no pull there. "What the hell are you doin?"


    Terry lay on the mat, his head spinning, a sharp pain radiating from his jaw. He blinked, trying to clear his vision, the bright arena lights blinding him momentarily. This was wrong¡ªthat punch had felt real, way too real. His mind struggled to make sense of what was happening, his heart pounding.


    The crowd cheered wildly, oblivious to his confusion. Terry could hear them chanting, their voices echoing in his ears. "VALOR! VALOR!" He glanced up at his opponent, the blonde-haired wrestler standing tall, his fists clenched. The guy didn¡¯t look like he was playing anymore¡ªthere was nothing staged about that glare. Terry swallowed, the adrenaline beginning to mix with something else: fear.


    "Get up, freak!" Valor¡ªhis opponent¡ªtaunted him, a sneer on his lips. He flexed for the crowd, who responded with a roar of approval. The blue and white of his tights seemed to almost glow under the arena lights, a stark contrast to Terry¡¯s dark, tattered look.


    Terry pushed himself up, shaking his head. This had to be some kind of nightmare. There was no way this was happening¡ªhe must have blacked out in the gym, he must be dreaming. He clenched his fists, trying to steady his breath.


    "Legion..." The word echoed in his head, the voice of the hooded figure from before. It wasn''t just a nightmare. This was real.


    The crowd roared again, this time chanting, "FIGHT! FIGHT!" They wanted a show, they wanted action. Terry could see the referee looking at him, the confusion and frustration written all over his face. In the middle of the ring, Valor was getting ready, bouncing on his feet, clearly expecting Terry to fight back.


    This is what you wanted, isn¡¯t it? A voice whispered in his mind. The power. The chance to prove yourself. Terry clenched his jaw, ignoring the pain. He had always been overlooked, always held back¡ªbut here, and now there was no one telling him to lay down and lose. He was gonna fight.


    Terry pushed himself to his feet, his eyes locking on Valor. The blonde wrestler smirked, motioning for Terry to come at him, to take his best shot.


    ¡°Alright, you want to see what Legion can do?¡± Terry muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He wiped at his mouth, smearing the face paint, and stepped forward. The pain, the fear¡ªhe let it fuel him. The crowd wanted a fight? He¡¯d give them a damn fight.


    Terry lunged, this time more deliberate. He went low, dodging Valor¡¯s fist, and drove his shoulder into the man¡¯s midsection, wrapping his arms around his waist. Valor grunted, staggering back as Terry drove forward with all his weight. He could hear the crowd, hear them gasp as Valor stumbled, struggling to maintain his balance.


    But this wasn¡¯t a show. Terry didn¡¯t let up¡ªhe lifted Valor, forcing all his strength into the movement, and brought him crashing down onto the mat. The sound of bodies hitting the canvas echoed through the arena, and for the first time since this nightmare had started, Terry felt in control.


    Valor groaned, trying to push himself up, but Terry didn¡¯t give him a chance. He grabbed a fistful of the blonde¡¯s tights, hauling him up and slamming his knee into Valor¡¯s ribs. The crowd¡¯s cheers turned into a mixture of shouts¡ªsome cheering, others booing.


    ¡°C¡¯mon!¡± Terry roared, the adrenaline coursing through him, drowning out everything else. He lifted Valor up, wrapping his arms around his chest from behind. The crowd watched as he set up for a German suplex, his body tensing. This wasn¡¯t just about winning a match anymore¡ªit was about survival, about proving himself in a world that didn¡¯t follow the rules he knew.


    With a primal yell, Terry threw Valor back, his feet leaving the mat as the suplex connected. He could feel the blonde¡¯s body hit the canvas, the shock of the impact resonating through his own body.


    For a moment, there was silence. The crowd seemed stunned, Valor lying sprawled out on the mat, and Terry on his knees, breathing hard. This was real. The pain, the struggle¡ªit was all real. He wasn¡¯t just Terry Starr, some mid-card wrestler from back home¡ªhe was Legion.


    Slowly, Terry stood up, looking around at the arena, the faces of the crowd now watching with wide eyes. They booed and chanted you suck, but they were all watching. For the first time, they were really watching him.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    He looked down at Valor, who was struggling to push himself up. Terry took a step forward, then stopped. Something in the blonde¡¯s eyes¡ªconfusion, fear¡ªmade him hesitate. This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go. They were supposed to be working together, creating a spectacle, a show. But here, there was no script, no planned ending.


    He glanced at the referee, who was nervously standing in the corner, unsure of what to do. Terry turned back to Valor and extended a hand, offering to help him up.


    For a moment, Valor looked at him, eyes filled with suspicion. Then, slowly, he made to take his hand, allowing Terry to pull him to his feet. The crowd erupted, cheers and boos mixing together, the noise almost deafening.


    But as Valor almost grabbed his hand, Terry saw the flash of anger in his eyes. Before he could react, Valor pulled his wrist and swung¡ªhis fist connecting with Terry¡¯s jaw once again. Pain exploded in his head, and he staggered back, falling against the ropes.


    The crowd roared, and Terry could feel the anger rising inside of him again. This wasn¡¯t over¡ªnot by a long shot.


    Slowly, he pushed himself back up, his eyes locking on Valor. He could see the blonde¡¯s smirk, see the challenge in his eyes. This was the world he was in now¡ªa world where wrestling wasn¡¯t just a performance. It was survival, it was power, and if Terry wanted to make it, if he wanted to prove himself, he had to be willing to fight.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Terry muttered, a grin spreading across his face despite the pain. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    Valor launched at Legion, pushing him into the ropes, then following up with elbow to the head which took Terry down again. The pain exploded but he pushed himself back up again only to be met with a boot before he made it to his knees.


    The crowd screamed "Valor! Valor! Rising star! Rising star!" Terry figured he was right about the kid being a small town hero, until he finally got to his feet and from the top rope was hit with a flying crossbody. "RISINGGG STARRR!" The crowd erupted, while Terry felt his insides rearrange.


    "One! Two! Three! Your winner is Valor!"


    The bell rang, and the crowd erupted. "Your winner is Valor!" the announcer''s voice boomed over the loudspeakers echoing the referee, and the roar of the audience almost drowned it out completely. They were on their feet, cheering for their hometown hero, their Rising Star.


    Terry lay on the mat, gasping for air, his body aching from the relentless barrage. Every muscle burned, his ribs throbbed, and his head was pounding. This wasn¡¯t just a match¡ªit was a beating. The realization settled in as the pain continued to radiate through him.


    Above him, Valor stood victorious, his hand held high by the referee, basking in the adoration of the crowd. The blue and white of his tights shimmered under the bright lights, his smile radiant as he looked around at the people who chanted his name. The crowd loved him¡ªthey were all here for him.


    Terry rolled onto his side, struggling to push himself up. The noise was deafening, and he could barely hear his own thoughts over the pounding in his ears. His head spun, his vision blurred, but he forced himself to his feet, grabbing the ropes for support. The crowd didn''t even notice him¡ªthey were too busy celebrating their hero.


    This was different. This world was different. Wrestling wasn¡¯t a game here, it wasn¡¯t a show¡ªit was everything. Every blow, every fall, every cheer¡ªit was all real. Terry felt a strange sense of emptiness in that realization. The pain, the cheers, the victory¡ªit all meant something here, and he had just been on the losing end.


    He looked at Valor, the young wrestler now standing on the turnbuckle, his arms raised, pointing at the crowd, feeding off their energy. The crowd roared louder, chanting his name, calling him their Rising Star.


    Terry''s chest tightened. He had wanted this, hadn¡¯t he? To be the one standing there, the one with his hand raised, with the people chanting his name. But now, he was nothing but the loser, the jobber, the one left lying on the mat while the hero soaked in the glory.


    "Legion..." The voice echoed in his mind again, the same whisper from before, soft but commanding. This is what you wanted. To be something more. To prove yourself.


    Terry¡¯s eyes narrowed as he glared up at Valor. This wasn¡¯t over¡ªnot by a long shot. He wasn¡¯t just going to let this world push him down, wasn¡¯t going to let this kid stand over him like he was some kind of stepping stone. If they wanted Legion, he¡¯d show them what that meant.


    Slowly, painfully, Terry pushed himself up, his fingers tightening around the ropes. He staggered to his feet, his legs shaky, but the fire in his eyes burned bright. He took a step toward Valor, his body screaming in protest, and then another.


    Valor turned, dropping from the turnbuckle, his triumphant expression shifting as he saw Terry standing there. The grin faded, replaced by a look of confusion¡ªthen caution. Terry smirked, a twisted grin spreading across his face, the black and white paint smeared across his features making him look almost monstrous.


    "Hey, kid," Terry called, his voice hoarse. Valor turned fully to face him, his eyebrows furrowed. The crowd quieted, the cheers dying down as they watched, their eyes shifting from their hero to the dark figure standing in the ring.


    "You got your win," Terry said, his voice dripping with venom. "But this isn¡¯t over. You want to be the Rising Star? Then you''d better be ready to fight for it¡ªbecause Legion doesn¡¯t go down that easy."


    The words hung in the air, the crowd murmuring, uncertainty rippling through them. Valor stared at him, his jaw clenched, his eyes locking with Terry¡¯s. For a moment, there was silence between them, the tension in the air thick.


    Then, Valor nodded slowly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Anytime, anywhere, freak," he replied, the confidence still in his voice. He turned and stepped out of the ring, the referee following behind him, and the crowd began to cheer once more, though it was less enthusiastic now, the energy slightly off-balance.


    Terry watched as Valor made his way up the ramp, the cheers growing louder again as the young hero raised a fist for the crowd. But Terry knew it wouldn¡¯t last. He¡¯d be back. And next time, Terry wouldn¡¯t be the one lying on the mat.

 Chapter 3: Heartland

    The fog began to creep in around him, swirling at his feet, and Terry felt a shiver run down his spine. The hooded figure¡¯s words echoed in his head, a promise, a warning. ¡°The power of Legion is real, if you¡¯re willing to accept it.¡±


    He looked out at the crowd, their cheers still for Valor, still for their hero. Terry knew that if he wanted to change that, if he wanted to make them see him, to fear him, he¡¯d need to embrace what he was. Not Terry Starr, not the overlooked wrestler from his old life¡ªhe needed to become Legion, truly, completely.


    With a deep breath, Terry turned, stepping through the ropes and making his way up the ramp. The pain in his body was nothing compared to the fire in his chest. He would make them remember him. He¡¯d make them all see.


    This wasn¡¯t over. Not by a long shot.


    He stumbled his way to what he hoped was the locker room. He must of been in the main event cause it was already empty, everyone gone home already. Turning on the tap he wiped away the facepaint of Legion and removed the contacts. Now in the mirror was just blue eyed Terry Starr.


    "Power is real huh?" Terry shook his head. "Well I''m ready for it, spooky man." The room remained dark and silent, not even the sound of footsteps seem to answer him. He sighed deeply, before standing up like a shot. The pain. He was still in pain. Everything hurt. this wasn''t a dream. This was real.


    "Wake up Terry! Come on!" He pinched himself which only added to his pain. "No, no, no, no." The room went still and silent once again. This was reality now. Terry needed to think of what to do, and to do it fast.


    He went through a list of what needed to be done in his mind. Place to stay, well the arena would be good enough for now, at least it had a shower and a roof. Food. Hopefully there were concession stands here. Makeup and facepaint. Here Terry''s heart almost sank realizing if he couldn''t find this stuff fast the story of Legion might be over before it started. A deep sigh escaped his lips, when he heard a locker door open.


    Quietly. Stealthily. On tip toe, Terry made his way over to where he heard the noise. A locker was left open, creaking back and forth. He didn''t feel great about snooping inside but it was a emergency. As he neared the locker there was a envelope stuck to the inside door. His name was on it. With a quick grab of the hand he opened the letter.


    ''Dear Legion, L-E-G-I-O-N,


    You have to see that this world is different. You can no longer be Terry inside that ring or outside. Legion needs to grow, Legion needs to be strong. Become one and the same. Inside the locker you will find all the things you could ask for to keep your appearance up, plus your first check in real Heartland dollars. Win and it goes up, lose and from here on out you get nothing. Be the gimmick. We are Legion. For we are many.''If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Terry stared at the letter, his eyes wide, his breath catching in his throat. "We are Legion. For we are many." The words echoed in his mind, twisting around his thoughts, wrapping around his fear. He read it again, his name scrawled in bold letters, his stage name, not the name he was born with.


    His hand shook slightly as he turned back toward the locker. He opened it wider, his eyes scanning the contents inside. Just like the letter had said¡ªthere were supplies, all the makeup, facepaint, and even a set of fresh black tights. But more than that, sitting on top of it all, there was a small stack of bills. Money that looked different from anything he¡¯d seen before. Heartland dollars.


    "Heartland," he muttered, trying to wrap his head around it. This wasn¡¯t just a town¡ªthis place had its own currency, its own rules, its own version of reality. He felt his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he touched the money, feeling the weight of it between his fingers. It was heavy, both physically and in what it represented.


    Terry took a deep breath, his mind racing. This was real, more real than anything he''d experienced before. Whoever had left this letter¡ªthey knew him. They knew Legion, what he was trying to be, and they expected him to do more, to be more. They wanted him to become Legion, not just on the outside, but on the inside too. There was no room for Terry Starr here, no place for doubt or hesitation. He had to become the persona he¡¯d created, the demon in the ring¡ªthe one that struck fear, that demanded respect.


    Slowly, he closed the locker, the contents still rattling slightly inside, the creaking echoing in the silence of the locker room. He held the letter in his hands, his eyes scanning the words again. Whoever wrote this knew exactly what he wanted, and they were dangling it in front of him like bait.


    Power. Glory. Recognition. The chance to never be overlooked again.


    The thought terrified him, the idea of losing who he was completely, of Legion consuming everything that was Terry. But at the same time, a part of him craved it. The power, the confidence, the freedom that came with being Legion. It was intoxicating, and now, in this world where nothing was certain, it was his only chance to survive.


    Terry clenched his jaw, folding the letter carefully and tucking it into his waistband. He looked back at his reflection in the mirror, the blue-eyed, bare-faced man staring back. This wasn¡¯t what the crowd wanted. This wasn¡¯t what he needed to be.


    He reached for the makeup, his hands moving on autopilot, applying the black and white, intricate designs that turned Terry Starr into Legion. He covered his face, layer by layer, until there was nothing of Terry left¡ªjust the demon, the painted figure that would fight, that would win.


    When he finished, he looked at himself in the mirror, his breath steadying, the fear in his chest replaced by something else¡ªdetermination. He was Legion now. There was no Terry here. Not in this world. Not anymore.


    He opened the locker again, pulling out the black tights, the gear that would define him. He dressed quickly, his body still aching, but the adrenaline masking the pain. He had a place to sleep, he had what he needed to keep Legion alive, and he had a way to make money¡ªto survive. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was a start.


    Terry stood up, the makeup now in place, the black of Legion staring back from the mirror. He clenched his fists, the knuckles raw and bruised, and nodded to his reflection.


    ¡°Alright, Legion,¡± he whispered, the words barely audible, but filled with conviction. ¡°Let¡¯s show them who we are.¡±


    He turned away from the mirror, making his way to the door. The arena might be empty now, but tomorrow it would be filled with faces¡ªpeople who would cheer, boo, and judge everything he did. He would give them something to remember, something they¡¯d never forget.


    "We are Legion. For we are many." The words echoed in his mind, a mantra that would guide him forward.


    No more Terry Starr.


    Only Legion.

 Chapter 4: On Notice

    Thinking he realized he couldn''t beat Valor in a match. Not in a match that was just based on physical strength and skill, but Legion was more then just the body, it was the soul, it was his mind. He would wear down Valor day after day until he felt ready to put him on the mat.


    Searching the building he found the card for tomorrow. Middle of the show Valor versus someone named Silver Seb. Well now they were gonna have to run long. He smiled and found a spot to rest, tomorrow would be his first true test.


    ***


    The arena had come alive. The stands were packed, the halls cramped, and the feel of energy ran through everything. It was almost time to start his plan, and Legion had been going over it since he woke up. Now with time running down he looked for anyone who looked like they were in charge backstage.


    About ten minutes before the match Legion finally found the guy he thought he needed. He was watching the screens, and talking into a headset mic likely organizing the movement of the show, even if it was real it still needed structure. "Hey man, can I talk to you?"


    "Um." The man backed away slightly at the sight of Legion. "Sure. Can I help you?"


    "Yes. I''m gonna be interrupting the next match and was wondering if you could play some dark, slow, goth metal. I also know im new but maybe some fog?"


    The man blinked at the request and slowly nodded his head. "Sure whatever you want new guy."


    Legion slapped the mans shoulder making him jump. "Welcome to Legion, We are many!."


    He made himself scarce until after Valor and Sebs entrance letting the match play out a bit before standing in the rampway jumping up and down visualizing what was about to happen. "The music. The Fog. The promo. The Music. The Fog. The promo."


    The lights in the arena cut out and the crowd gasped as a heavy power chord echoed through the arena. Fog began bellowing from the entrance way. Murmuring broke out, the wrestlers broke apart. A slow plotting riff began, and a deep male voice began to croon.


    ''Such a way, such a way


    To end the day, end the day


    We watch the angel bleed


    While we bite and feed''


    "Perfect!" Legion thought. "Now the microphone. Oh crap." Legion just realized he had no idea where the mics were and scrambled. The music scratched out and the lights came back on, leaving everyone confused. Finally after a awkward moment he found one by the entrance, and the lights went out again.


    He walked out the crowd tried to shine there phone lights to see who it was. The music hit a crescendo, and the lights came on, revealing Legion standing in a cross pose. The crowd booed, some chanting ''You suck'' due to his performance the night before.


    "ENOUGH SHEEP." His voice bellowed through the arena. "I have come out here to set the record straight, to show how the...prophecy will begin today." The crowd went silent. "I stand here a Demon unbeaten. What you saw yesterday, was a small fragment of what I AM. A incomplete vessel."He let his hair fall over his painted face. "You see Valor, you fake superhero. You twisted moral maggot. I have come to tell you in seven days. SEVEN DAYS. I will be getting my victory over you. Mark it down. It is foretold. I AM LEGION AND I AM MANY!"This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The crowd¡¯s booing turned into murmurs, a mixture of confusion and intrigue. The challenge had been laid out, clear as day, and the name Legion echoed through the arena. Terry could feel the energy shift¡ªsome of them were angry, others entertained, but all of them were watching. He had their attention now.


    Valor stood in the ring, his face a mask of controlled emotion. He stared at Legion, his blue eyes narrowing as he took in the words that had just been spoken. For a moment, the two locked eyes across the arena, the tension thick between them. Valor raised a mic to his lips, his voice calm but laced with determination.


    ¡°You want me in seven days, Legion?¡± Valor said, his gaze unwavering. ¡°You got it. But don¡¯t think for a second that you can intimidate me, that you can scare me with your smoke and your words. I see through you, and in seven days, I¡¯m going to put an end to your little prophecy.¡±


    The crowd erupted into cheers for Valor, the clear-cut hero, the man who stood for everything they believed in. Legion smirked, shaking his head slowly. This was exactly what he wanted¡ªthe crowd invested, Valor forced into a confrontation that he wasn¡¯t ready for, and everyone questioning just what Legion was capable of.


    Legion slowly lowered his arms, breaking the cross pose, and brought the mic back to his lips. ¡°You think you can end infinity?¡± he said, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°You think you¡¯re the hero in this story? In seven days, everyone here will see the truth. I am not some monster for you to slay. I am not just another opponent. I am Legion, and I am here to break you.¡±


    He turned on his heel, the fog swirling around him, the dark music still echoing through the speakers. He walked slowly back up the ramp, ignoring the boos, the jeers, the hatred of the crowd. It didn¡¯t matter to him. He was here to make his mark, and if that meant becoming the villain, then so be it.


    The Challenge Was Set. Seven days. One week until Legion would stand across from Valor again, and this time, it wouldn¡¯t be the same. This time, he wouldn¡¯t be the one lying on the mat, staring at the ceiling while the crowd cheered for their hero. This time, he would be the one with his arm raised in victory, and Valor would know exactly what it meant to face a demon who had nothing left to lose.


    Legion finally made his way backstage, his adrenaline still pumping, his mind racing. He knew this was only the beginning, the first step in wearing Valor down¡ªboth physically and mentally. He couldn¡¯t beat Valor in a straightforward match, not yet. The kid was stronger, faster, and had the crowd behind him. But Legion had something else¡ªfear, and the willingness to use it.


    He found an empty hallway, leaning against the wall, letting out a long breath. His heart pounded in his chest, the rush of what he¡¯d just done still fresh. He¡¯d put himself on the map, made a statement. But now came the hard part¡ªfollowing through.


    He heard footsteps approaching, and glanced up to see the guy from before, the one with the headset. The man gave him a wary look, clearly still unsure of what to make of Legion.


    ¡°Hey, uh¡­ new guy,¡± the man said, scratching his head. ¡°You, uh, really stirred things up out there. The boss... well, let¡¯s just say you¡¯ve got their attention.¡±


    Legion grinned, pushing himself off the wall. ¡°Good. That¡¯s exactly what I wanted.¡±


    The man nodded slowly, still looking unsure. ¡°Just, uh, be careful, alright? Valor¡¯s a big deal around here. The crowd loves him, and, well... you know how it goes.¡±


    Legion¡¯s smile widened, his eyes narrowing. ¡°I¡¯m not here to make friends,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°I¡¯m here to be remembered. And they¡¯re all gonna remember Legion.¡± He made his way to leave. "Oh thanks for the lights, fog and music it was exactly what I had in mind."


    The man gave a small nod. "That wasn''t me man. That was all you." He then walked away, clearly wanting to be as far from Legion as possible. Terry watched him go, the smirk never leaving his face. Did he mean that? Was what happened that fit so perfect, did he really make that happen?


    Seven days. He had seven days to see if it was true. He had seven days to make sure that when he stepped into the ring again, he wouldn¡¯t just be another guy. He¡¯d be the guy¡ªthe one who changed everything.


    Every day leading up to the match, Terry had a plan. He would stalk Valor, appear when least expected¡ªat training, at promo shoots, even in the crowd during matches. Legion was more than just physical strength; he was everywhere, a constant reminder that Valor had a target on his back. He¡¯d get into Valor¡¯s head, make the hero second-guess himself, turn his confidence into fear.


    Terry found himself back at the locker from before, opening it up and pulling out the supplies he needed. The face paint, the gear¡ªit wasn¡¯t just part of a costume anymore. It was who he was. He wasn¡¯t Terry anymore, not here. He was Legion, and Legion was here to stay.


    As he stared into the cracked mirror, Reapplying the black lines across his face, he felt it¡ªthe transformation. The fear, the doubt, the uncertainty¡ªit all melted away, replaced by something colder, stronger. Legion wasn¡¯t afraid. Legion wasn¡¯t here to play games. He was here to win, to be who he always knew he could be.


    The music, the fog, the promo¡ªit had all worked perfectly. But that was just the start. In seven days, the real battle would begin.


    And when it did, everyone¡ªValor, the crowd, and whoever else was watching¡ªwould see just what Legion was capable of.

 Chapter 5: 7 Days and Counting

    Terry had been drawing up plans, and kicking around what was good and what was bad. Looking up the following seven days Valor only had three matches not including the one with Legion.Next was just another singles match against Silver Seb. It would be too repetitive to cut a promo again so soon. Maybe sit in the crowd and mess with him.


    It was as good as a idea he had right now, looking a bit further Valor had a tag team match. He was with some guy named the Spirit, against Silver Seb and Golden Bro. Terry smiled he had something perfect for this. Finally the last match was a exhibition against TBA.


    "Maybe for that one, doing nothing will screw with him more then anything." Terry said to himself.


    Day 1: Ringside Distraction


    The arena was buzzing, the crowd eager for the singles match between Valor and Silver Seb. Terry had dressed in the simplest attire he could manage¡ªsomething that wouldn¡¯t stand out too much, just a black hoodie pulled low over his face, keeping his presence under the radar. He wasn¡¯t in the mood for another big spectacle tonight, not yet. Tonight was all about getting into Valor¡¯s head¡ªsubtle but impactful.


    The match started, Silver Seb moving with speed, trying to wear down Valor with quick, agile strikes. The crowd was cheering, their energy high, but Terry wasn¡¯t focused on them. His eyes were locked on Valor, watching his every move.


    As the match went on, Terry slowly made his way through the stands, slipping past fans, moving closer to the barricade. He knew the exact moment he¡¯d strike¡ªright when Valor was going for his finisher. Legion wasn¡¯t about strength or speed; it was about control, about manipulation, and tonight he was going to take away the one thing Valor depended on most¡ªhis focus.


    He got to the barricade just as Valor lifted Seb for his finisher the ''Hero''s Embrace''. Terry pulled back his hood, letting his face catch the light, and let out a loud, mocking laugh. It was just loud enough for Valor to hear¡ªjust enough for him to see Legion standing there, grinning.


    Valor¡¯s eyes locked on him for a split second¡ªa split second too long. Seb shifted his weight, slipping out of the hold and landing behind Valor. The next moment, Seb rolled him up, and the referee¡¯s hand hit the mat¡ªOne! Two! Three!


    The bell rang, and the crowd erupted, half in shock, half in confusion. Valor turned, his face a mask of frustration, his eyes immediately searching for Legion. But Terry was already moving, slipping back into the crowd, disappearing into the sea of faces before anyone could get a good look at him.


    ¡°See you soon, hero,¡± Terry muttered, a grin spreading across his face as he made his way out of the stands. Step two was complete.


    Terry decided now was the time to find out some details on Spirit. He looked along the walls of the hallway until he saw a poster. Seemed to be a lucha wrestler. Mask, cape, the whole nine yards. Covered with the similar symbols to the money Legion found in his locker. Must be a patriotic gimmick. Terry shook his head, either way tiny dude works well into his plan.


    Day 3: Tag Team Chaos


    The day of the tag match came quickly. Terry had something special planned¡ªsomething to not only mess with Valor but also to establish his presence in this new world. He was going to make Legion a name that everyone, both fans and wrestlers alike, would talk about.


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    Terry watched from backstage, his face painted in dark, twisted designs, his black gear making him look like a shadow lingering in the chaos of the arena. Silver Seb and Golden Bro made there entrances first. Then Valor. "Okay! This is where we strike."


    As Spirit walked toward the entrance way, Legion struck. Grabbing him and throwing him into the wall. Then a barrage of kicks into the ribs. "Just starting the fun Spirit. Nothing personal." Legion grabbed a steel chair and rained it down on the back of Spirit.


    In the ring Valor was confused at the lack of a partner, the announcer calling that the match would now be a handicap match. "Perfect." Legion hissed into Spirits ear. Taking his time to systematically tear Spirit apart for five minutes. A eternity to the poor beaten down wrestler. Legion then dragged him out of the entryway with a microphone.


    "Valor look what I found lost and alone." Legion shouted as he lifted Spirit up."Tell him what you want to do."


    "Qui....quit..." The word barely escaped the beaten wrestlers mouth, Valor tried to get to him but was cut off by Seb and Bro.


    "Oh don''t look to tomorrow, when you have punishment today. This is just a footnote in our story Valor, where you lost your Spirit." Legion cackled as he lifted Spirit into a Crucifix position, holding him up by the arms. A move he had hit a million times before but this time he could feel the heat from the crowd fuelling him. The darkness of his deed strengthening him. The Power of Legion. SLAM! He brought Spirit down hard into his finisher ''The Cross'' a crucifix powerbomb.


    Legion his victim on the stage while the match had turned into a beatdown on Valor.The chaos continued, the match breaking down, and Terry finally turned, walking back up the ramp. He had broken a bystander, but he gained a taste of what he could be.


    Day 4: Aftermath and Fallout


    The next day, the atmosphere in the arena was tense. Word had spread quickly about what happened to Spirit, and everyone was talking about Legion. Terry could hear the whispers as he moved through the halls, the wrestlers and crew eyeing him with a mix of fear and disgust. It was exactly what he wanted. Legion wasn¡¯t just a name anymore¡ªit was a threat.


    Backstage, Terry saw a group of wrestlers gathered around Spirit, who was sitting on a bench, wincing as the medical team checked him over. His ribs were bruised, his face swollen, but it wasn¡¯t just his body that had been hurt¡ªit was his spirit, his pride. Terry watched from the shadows, a smile tugging at his lips. This was just the beginning.


    "Legion, huh?" One of the wrestlers muttered, shaking his head. "What kind of guy pulls a stunt like that?"


    Terry didn''t stick around to hear more. He had made his point. Valor knew that Legion wasn¡¯t going to play by the rules, wasn¡¯t going to just step into the ring and have a fair fight. This was about control, about breaking down everything that made Valor who he was¡ªhis allies, his confidence, his resolve. Step by step, Terry would take it all away.


    Day 5: A Message for Valor


    It was two days before the big match, and Terry knew it was time to deliver another blow¡ªa message. He found a camera crew setting up backstage, preparing for an interview segment, and he stepped in front of the camera, his face painted in the black, menacing designs of Legion.


    ¡°Turn it on,¡± he ordered, his voice cold, the camera operator glancing nervously at him before complying. The red light blinked on, and Legion stared directly into the lens.


    ¡°Valor,¡± he began, his voice low but carrying an edge of menace. ¡°You call yourself a hero, a beacon for these people, but where were you when your partner needed you? Where were you when Spirit was begging for your help?¡±


    Legion paused, letting the silence hang in the air, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t save him, and you won¡¯t be able to save yourself. This isn¡¯t just a match, Valor. This is a reckoning. You¡¯re going to face me, and when you do, you¡¯re going to realize just how powerless you are. Because I am Legion, and I am not alone. The shadows, the fear, the doubt¡ªthey are all on my side. We are many. Seven days is almost up, Valor. Get ready to meet your end.¡±


    With that, he nodded to the cameraman, who quickly cut the feed, his hands shaking slightly. Terry turned, walking away, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel it¡ªthe power, the darkness. Legion was becoming more than just a persona. It was becoming a part of him, a force that he couldn¡¯t¡ªand didn¡¯t want to¡ªcontrol.

 Chapter 6: Seventh Day Spectacular

    Day 7: The Confrontation


    The day had finally arrived. The anticipation in the arena was palpable, the energy electric. The crowd had packed in, buzzing with excitement and curiosity. They were waiting for the showdown¡ªValor versus Legion.


    Terry stood in the back, his face painted, his black gear clinging to his body like a second skin. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, his muscles tensed, ready for what was coming. He knew this was more than just a match¡ªit was his chance to prove himself, to solidify Legion as a force to be reckoned with.


    The lights in the arena dimmed, and Valor¡¯s music hit, the crowd erupting in cheers as he made his way to the ring. He looked focused, his jaw clenched, his eyes scanning the arena, searching for any sign of Legion.


    As Valor stepped into the ring, Terry waited, letting the moment build, letting the tension grow. The crowd¡¯s cheers began to die down, replaced by murmurs, by whispers. They knew something was coming.


    Then, the lights cut out completely, plunging the arena into darkness. A single spotlight hit the entrance ramp, and Legion¡¯s music began to play¡ªa slow, haunting melody, heavy with dark undertones. The fog began to pour out from the entrance, and Terry stepped through it, his arms spread wide, a twisted grin on his face.


    The crowd¡¯s reaction was mixed¡ªboos, jeers, but also cheers from those who had been drawn to the chaos, to the darkness that Legion represented. He made his way down the ramp, stalking through the fog, popping out with different mask, each a different emotion, a different part of who he was,


    Terry climbed into the ring, the grin never leaving his face. He could see the anger in Valor¡¯s eyes, the determination, but also the doubt. Legion had gotten into his head, had made him question himself, and tonight, Terry was going to take advantage of that.


    The referee signaled for the bell, and the match began. Valor charged forward, his fists flying, but Legion was ready. He ducked, slipping around Valor, landing a quick strike to his ribs, then another. He moved like a shadow, quick and elusive, never staying in one place long enough for Valor to get a solid hit in.


    The crowd was on their feet, the energy in the arena electric. Valor managed to grab Legion, lifting him up for a slam, but Terry twisted, slipping free, landing behind Valor and shoving him into the ropes. He could feel the power, the control¡ªit was all in his hands.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing Valor!¡± Legion shouted, his voice echoing through the arena as he landed a hard kick to Valor¡¯s side. ¡°Just a stepping stone, my first chapter!¡±


    Valor swung, his fist connecting with Legion¡¯s jaw, sending Terry staggering back. The crowd roared, and Valor pressed forward, hitting Legion with a series of hard strikes, driving him into the corner. But Terry wasn¡¯t done. He ducked under Valor¡¯s next swing, slipping behind him, wrapping his arm around Valor¡¯s neck and pulling him into a chokehold.


    The crowd¡¯s cheers turned to gasps, the tension in the arena thick as Valor struggled, his face turning red. Legion tightened his grip, his eyes wild, the grin on his face twisted and dark.


    ¡°This is your end, Valor!¡± Terry growled, his voice barely audible over the noise of the crowd. ¡°You¡¯re not a hero. You¡¯re just another victim.¡±


    But Valor wasn¡¯t giving up. With a sudden burst of strength, he threw Legion off, sending Terry crashing to the mat. The crowd erupted in cheers as Valor stood tall, his chest heaving, his eyes locked on Legion.


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    Terry pushed himself up, his body aching, but the fire in his eyes still burning bright. This wasn¡¯t over. Not by a long shot. He could feel it¡ªthe power, the darkness. Legion was here to stay, and he wasn¡¯t going to let anyone¡ªnot even Valor¡ªstand in his way.


    As the two faced off, the crowd on their feet, the energy electric, Terry knew that this fight was just getting started. He shook his head not Terry not here, he didnt need Terry here. This is where Legion shined. "You know Valor, while I beat your little buddy black and blue he kept yelling out for you. So sure you would save him." A twisted smile appeared on his face. "Glad I could teach him, there are no heroes."


    Valor seemed to fly at Legion. who barely managed to sidestep out of the way. He took advantage of the his enemies back and dived his shoulder into his ankle. Taking Valors feet out from under him. ''Good old chop block'' Legion thought to himself.


    Legion then began laying his heavy boots into Valor, not relenting until he had to catch his breath. He went for the pin. "One! Two!" Valor Kicked out the moment before the three.


    Punching the mat in frustration Legion climbed the turnbuckle deciding to out aerial Valor. He looked at Valor breathing heavy on the ground. Terry''s voice broke through momentarily "Maybe we shouldn''t." Legion shook his head and leapt looking to crash his two feet into the heaving chest of Valor.


    Just before his feet connected Valor rolled out of the way leading to Legion crashing hard into the mat falling over in the process. Valor crawled over grabbing the now injured ankle of Legion put him into a ankle lock. The pain coursed through his entire leg, the urge to tap reverberating all the way to his fingers.


    "Nowhere to go you bastard." Valor shouted. "Tap or I break your ankle." The referee looked at Legion making sure he was still willing to stay in the match. Through gritted teeth he nodded.


    Taking his hands away from his head he began to reach out for the ropes, using his hands to drag himself ever closer. He was almost there, just a inch more. Denied. Valor pulled him back to the middle of the ring. The grip tightened further.


    "Last chance freak."


    Terry wanted to break, Terry wanted to give up, Terry wanted to go back to where people thought he belonged. Legion did not. A darkness began to radiate through Legion, fuelling him. He slowly brought himself to one leg and with a jump booted Valor off of him. After Valor bounced off the ropes Legion leapt as hard as he could with a knee to his face. Somehow the announcers knew. "VAMPIRES KISS."


    Legion fell on top of Valor and this time. "One. Two. Three." He won the match.


    The bell rang, signalling the end of the match, and the referee raised Legion''s arm in victory. The crowd erupted¡ªsome in shock, others in anger, and some in awe of the spectacle they had just witnessed. Terry¡ªor rather, Legion¡ªcould barely hear them over the pounding of his own heartbeat. He lay on top of Valor for a moment longer, his chest heaving, his face twisted in pain and exhaustion. The darkness that had fuelled him, the energy that had pushed him through the pain, was slowly beginning to fade.


    He pushed himself up, staggering to his feet, his entire body aching. The referee tried to support him, but Legion brushed him away, standing on his own, refusing to show any sign of weakness. He glanced down at Valor, still sprawled out on the mat, his eyes closed, his body beaten.


    The arena lights flashed, the announcer''s voice booming through the speakers. "Your winner... LEGION!"


    Legion stood in the middle of the ring, his arms raised, his face paint smudged, sweat dripping down his body. The boos from the crowd mixed with cheers, but all Legion could hear was the rush of his victory¡ªthe proof that he wasn''t just some nobody, that he was here and he was real.


    He limped to the ropes, pulling himself out of the ring, ignoring the jeers of the fans in the front row. He had done it. He had beaten Valor, not just in a fight, but in the way that mattered most. Clean in the ring. One. Two. Three.


    Legion slowly made his way up the ramp, every step sending a jolt of pain through his leg, but he refused to let it show. He could still hear the crowd, could still feel their eyes on him. He turned at the top of the ramp, looking back at the ring, at Valor who was still being attended to by the officials.


    Legion brought the microphone to his lips, his voice rough, filled with exhaustion but also a twisted sense of triumph. ¡°No heroes, Valor. Only the strong survive. If your ready for a real war. Try me in my arena. No holds barred, inside a steel cage.¡± He dropped the mic, the loud thud echoing through the arena as he turned and walked through the curtain, disappearing into the backstage.

 Chapter 7: Aftermath

    The moment he stepped backstage, Terry felt his body almost give out. The adrenaline was fading, leaving behind nothing but pain and exhaustion. He grabbed at his ankle, the throbbing ache making it hard to walk. He needed rest¡ªbadly.


    But as he limped down the hallway, he caught sight of a few of the other wrestlers, their eyes wide as they watched him pass. Some looked impressed, others looked wary, but none of them looked like they doubted him anymore. Legion had made his mark, and now, everyone knew what he was capable of.


    A few crew members parted as he approached, some nodding to him. He didn¡¯t acknowledge them. He didn¡¯t need their approval, didn¡¯t need their recognition. Legion was beyond that. He wasn¡¯t here to make friends¡ªhe was here to make an impact.


    Finally, he reached the locker room and pushed the door open, collapsing onto the bench inside. He leaned back, letting out a long breath, his head resting against the wall. His whole body hurt, every muscle screaming, but there was a satisfaction there, a sense of achievement that overshadowed the pain.


    Terry closed his eyes, letting himself relax for just a moment. The darkness he had felt in the ring¡ªthe power that had surged through him¡ªit was still there, lingering, waiting. It scared him, the way it seemed to consume him, to make him something else. But at the same time, it had given him the strength he needed, had pushed him through when Terry Starr would have given up.


    He opened his eyes, staring at his reflection in the cracked mirror across the room. His face was smudged, the paint running, but beneath it, he could still see Legion. The twisted smile, the fierce determination¡ªit was all still there.


    There was a knock at the door, and Terry looked up, his eyes narrowing. The door opened, and the man with the headset¡ªthe one who had let him interrupt Valor''s match earlier¡ªstepped inside, his eyes wide.


    The man hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering over Legion''s battered form before speaking. "Hey, uh, Legion," he said, his voice unsure. "Management... they saw what you did out there tonight. They¡¯re... intrigued by your challenge."


    Terry stayed silent, his eyes locked on the man, waiting for him to continue. The man swallowed, visibly nervous. "They''ve decided to approve it. Two weeks, you and Valor¡ªinside a steel cage. No holds barred. The main event of our big show for the year. Rise or Leaf. They want to see if you can back up what you said."


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    Terry''s lips curled into a twisted smile, his eyes narrowing as he took in the news. The main event. A steel cage match against Valor at Rise or Leaf. Didn''t matter if it was just the biggest show locally it was a step inthe right direction. This was everything he had wanted¡ªeverything he had pushed for. A chance to not only prove himself but to do it on the biggest stage possible, with everyone watching.


    "Good," he said, his voice low, almost a growl. He could see the unease in the man''s eyes, the way he shifted from foot to foot. Terry relished it. Legion had that effect on people¡ªfear and uncertainty. It meant they knew what he was capable of.


    The man nodded, taking a step back as if to give himself some distance. "Yeah, well, just... be ready. This is going to be big."


    Legion stood up from the bench, his body still aching, but he forced himself to straighten, standing tall. He looked at the man, his eyes cold and unblinking. "I''m always ready."


    The man gave a quick nod and turned, leaving the room without another word, the door clicking shut behind him. Terry listened as the sound of his footsteps faded down the hallway, the silence settling in once again.


    Two weeks. He had two weeks to prepare, to get ready for the biggest match of his new life. This wasn¡¯t just another fight¡ªthis was his moment to cement his place in this world, to make sure that everyone knew who Legion was and what he stood for.


    He slowly lowered himself back onto the bench, his body protesting, but the adrenaline still coursing through his veins, keeping him upright. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He could feel it¡ªthat darkness, that power. It had driven him through the match, had pushed him to win, and now, it would carry him through the next two weeks, preparing him for the battle ahead.


    Rise or Leaf¡ªthe biggest event of the year. It was fitting. He would rise, or he would fall, but one thing was certain: he wasn¡¯t backing down. Not now. Not ever.


    He had already made his mark, already shown that he was more than just another wrestler on the card. But this was about more than just making a mark. This was about taking the spotlight, about stepping out of the shadows and becoming something more¡ªsomething that couldn¡¯t be ignored


    Valor had his chance. He had his cheers, his adoring fans, his perfect hero image. But Legion would strip it all away. He would take away the cheers, the hope, the belief that a hero could always save the day. In the cage, there would be no running, no escape¡ªonly them, and the truth of what they both were.


    Legion reached down, grabbing the towel and wiping at his face, watching as the paint came off, revealing Terry Starr underneath. But he knew that in that cage, in front of the world, it wouldn¡¯t be Terry standing there¡ªit would be Legion.


    And Legion would rise.

 Chapter 8: The Darkness Calls

    "I told you. You need to harness that power." The voice came from behind him cold, and flat.


    "Jesus!" Terry jumped as he turned around. The being that had brought him to this world watched him coldly underneath a hood that seemed to hide the secrets of the universe. "How do I train it? It just kinda happened in the match."


    The being let out a deep sigh. "You need to give into your darker impulses your anger, your hatred, your desire to hurt others."


    "I can''t train myself to do those things."


    The beings cold gaze seemed to go through Terry. "Then use what you have, or fail like you always have."


    Terry''s heart pounded as he stared at the hooded figure, the words hanging in the air like a weight pressing down on him. "Then use what you have, or fail like you always have." The words echoed through his mind, each syllable biting into his resolve. The being¡¯s presence felt almost suffocating, the aura around it radiating darkness and power.


    Terry clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He could feel a rush of anger at the hooded figure¡¯s words, the way they tore at him, the way they seemed to see right through him. Fail like you always have¡ªthose words struck deep. They weren¡¯t just a warning, they were a reminder of everything he had been through, every setback, every time he had been denied his shot at greatness.


    "I¡ª" Terry started, then stopped. He didn¡¯t know what to say. He didn¡¯t want to admit that the being was right, didn¡¯t want to face the reality that without embracing his darker side, he was never going to be more than just Terry Starr¡ªthe guy who never quite made it.


    The figure stepped forward, the hood casting shadows across its face. "You want to win, don''t you?" it asked, its voice cold and unyielding. "You want to prove that you''re not just another failure, that you can be more than the people who doubted you."


    Terry swallowed, his throat dry. He could feel it¡ªthe temptation, the pull of the darkness. It had been there in the match, driving him, giving him the strength to win. It was raw, untamed power, but it was his. He looked at the figure, the cold gaze beneath the hood piercing into him.


    "I... I do," Terry said, his voice barely a whisper. "I want to win. I want to show them all."


    The figure nodded, the slightest movement. "Then stop holding back. Stop letting your fears, your doubts, your need for approval dictate who you are. You are Legion¡ªembrace it. The darkness, the anger, the hatred¡ªit¡¯s all a part of you. Use it, let it fuel you, and no one will be able to stand in your way."


    Terry closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He could feel it¡ªthe anger, the resentment, everything he had kept buried deep down inside. It was there, waiting to be unleashed. He had always held back, afraid of what he might become, afraid of losing himself. But now, in this world, with everything on the line, he realized that holding back was no longer an option.


    He opened his eyes, his gaze locking with the figure¡¯s. "How?" he asked, his voice firmer now. "How do I train it?"


    The being stepped closer, its cold voice almost a whisper. "Focus on thosed you resent, those you wish you could tear apart in this world. Feed it, nurture it, until it becomes a part of everything you do. You have two weeks, Legion. Two weeks to harness what is already within you. Use that time, or you will fall."


    Terry felt a chill run through him, the reality of what lay ahead settling in. Two weeks. He had two weeks to become something more, to fully embrace the darkness, to train himself to use it. He took a deep breath, his fists still clenched, the fear slowly beginning to fade, replaced by something else¡ªdetermination.


    The figure stepped back, its form beginning to fade into the shadows, its voice echoing one last time. "Remember, Legion¡ªthe power is within you. All you need to do is let it out."


    And then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the figure was gone, leaving Terry alone in the locker room. He stared at the empty space where it had stood, the weight of its words pressing down on him. He knew what he had to do. If he wanted to win, if he wanted to prove himself, he couldn¡¯t be afraid of the darkness anymore.


    He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "No more holding back," he whispered to himself. "No more doubts. I am Legion, and I am many."


    He opened his eyes, and this time, he saw it¡ªthe darkness, the power, the determination. There was no more Terry. There was only Legion, and in two weeks, the world would see exactly what that meant.


    Rise or Leaf would be the a stage, and Legion would be the star.


    After he woke up still on the bench in the locker room. Terry went straight to the weights and began lifting. Starting at his maximum. ''Come on Terry focus.'' He huffed and puffed and began to struggle as the weight rattled. ''Focus.'' The word repeated in his head. ''Focus on Edwin Birchwood. The man who held you back cause of your father.'' His breathing became deeper. ''Focus on Triple F. The man who shot down every idea you had.'' The darkness began to coil around him and soon the weight was going up and down. Effortlessly.


    The barbell moved with a newfound rhythm, the weights clanging with each rep. Terry could feel it¡ªthe anger, the resentment, the bitterness. It wasn¡¯t just in his mind¡ªit was in his muscles, his bones, driving him, fueling every lift. His breathing steadied, his focus sharpening, the names echoing in his head like a mantra.


    Edwin Birchwood¡ªthe man who had held him down, who had refused to let him shine because of some old grudge against his family. Triple F¡ªthe man who had belittled his creativity, dismissing every idea, treating him like he¡¯d never be more than a mid-carder. These names weren¡¯t just memories¡ªthey were fuel for the fire inside him, the fire that Legion needed.


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    The darkness coiled tighter, wrapping around him, each rep feeling lighter, easier. The pain that had lingered from his match with Valor faded to the background. There was no room for pain, no room for weakness. All there was now was the weight, the iron in his hands, and the power that surged through him.


    He let out a guttural growl, pushing himself harder, the barbell rising and falling effortlessly. He didn''t need approval, didn¡¯t need anyone to tell him what he could or couldn¡¯t do. All he needed was this¡ªthe power, the darkness, the force that would make him unstoppable.


    ¡°I am Legion,¡± he muttered under his breath, his voice filled with both exhaustion and a sense of triumph. He pushed the weight up once more, locking his arms out, then carefully set the barbell back onto the rack, the metal clanging as it made contact.


    He sat up, his chest heaving, the sweat dripping from his face, but he felt... good. Strong. He looked down at his hands, at the callouses forming, the veins bulging. This was the transformation he needed¡ªboth in body and mind.


    Terry got up, moving over to the next set of weights, grabbing the heaviest dumbbells he could find. There was no time to rest, no time to doubt. The hooded figure''s words echoed in his mind¡ª¡°Harness the power, or fail like you always have.¡±


    Failure wasn¡¯t an option. Not now, not when he had come this far.


    He lifted the dumbbells, curling them, each rep accompanied by a deep exhale. He let his mind drift, let the memories of every person who had doubted him, every obstacle that had stood in his way, fill his thoughts. He could feel the darkness grow stronger, feel it surge through him, pushing him, urging him to keep going.


    The door to the locker room opened, and Terry glanced over, seeing a few of the younger wrestlers peeking in, their eyes wide as they watched him. They whispered to each other, their gazes filled with a mix of awe and fear. He knew what they saw¡ªLegion, not Terry Starr. And that was exactly what he wanted.


    He let out a low growl, and the wrestlers quickly disappeared, the door clicking shut behind them. Good, he thought, his eyes narrowing. They needed to know who he was, needed to understand that he wasn¡¯t here to play games.


    He finished his set, dropping the dumbbells onto the floor with a loud thud, the sound echoing through the empty locker room. He moved to the next exercise, and then the next, pushing himself, testing his limits, each movement driven by the darkness that swirled within him.


    This was how he would prepare¡ªnot just physically, but mentally. He would embrace the darkness, let it consume him, let it become a part of everything he did. The cage match at Rise or Leaf wasn¡¯t just about defeating Valor¡ªit was about proving to himself, and to the world, that Legion was real, that he was a force to be reckoned with.


    He stopped for a moment, grabbing a towel and wiping the sweat from his face. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, the face staring back at him no longer Terry Starr, but something else¡ªsomething darker, something more powerful.


    "No heroes," he whispered to himself, his eyes cold, determined. "Only the strong survive."


    He knew what he needed to do. He would train until there was no doubt left, until every bit of Terry was gone, until all that remained was Legion. The anger, the hatred, the desire to win at all costs¡ªhe would harness it all, make it his weapon.


    And when the steel cage match came, when he stood across from Valor with nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, he would show the world exactly what he had become.


    Because this wasn¡¯t just a match. It was a statement¡ªa declaration that Legion was here to stay, and that anyone who stood in his way would fall.


    Rise or Leaf was two weeks away, and by the time the match came, Legion would be ready. Ready to rise, ready to dominate, ready to show everyone that there were no heroes, only the darkness that would consume them all.


    ***


    Terry had made the locker room his home¡ªhis sanctuary of darkness and solitude. The other wrestlers who had to use the room never asked questions, never even made eye contact. It was as if they understood, on an instinctual level, that Legion was something beyond their comprehension now, a storm they didn¡¯t want to get caught in.


    He had carved out a corner of the room for himself, setting up a makeshift sleeping area with whatever he could find¡ªspare mats, a worn blanket. It wasn''t about comfort. It was about focus. It was about staying in the mindset he needed to fully become Legion.


    Day after day, he pushed his body to the brink. The weights, the conditioning drills, everything served one purpose: to forge Legion into a weapon sharper than ever before. And while he worked his body, his mind was laser-focused on every betrayal, every injustice, every obstacle he had ever faced. He didn''t just think about them¡ªhe embraced them. He let them fill every part of him.


    The names became mantras. Edwin Birchwood. Triple F. The faces of those who had laughed at him, who had doubted him, filled his mind. Each rep of the dumbbells was a punch thrown at the ghosts of his past. Each pull-up was a climb away from the self-doubt that had once shackled him.


    He treated the hatred like it was a living part of him, something he could channel and focus. It wasn''t just an emotion¡ªit was a weapon, an extension of himself. The rage, the bitterness, the resentment¡ªit all coiled together, becoming a powerful force that fueled him.


    And he pointed this weapon, all of this raw, seething emotion, straight at Valor.


    Valor represented everything Legion was not. Valor was the hero, the fan favorite, the one everyone wanted to succeed. He was the embodiment of hope, of righteousness, of the belief that good always triumphed over evil. But Terry knew better. Terry had seen firsthand how the real world worked, and he knew that there were no happy endings, no guarantees. It was time to bring some of his old world into this new one. A lesson for everyone


    Every night, he imagined the upcoming steel cage match. He visualized Valor standing across from him, the hero in all his glory, the cheers of the crowd ringing in his ears. And every night, Legion imagined tearing it all down. He imagined the crowd¡¯s cheers turning to gasps of horror as the hero fell, as Legion showed them all the truth¡ªthat there were no heroes, only those willing to do whatever it took to win.


    He could feel it¡ªthis power, this darkness growing inside him. It wasn''t just something he tapped into during matches. It had become a part of him, a part of everything he did. He spoke less, spent more time alone, and whenever he caught sight of himself in the mirror, he saw less and less of Terry Starr. The smile was different now¡ªtwisted, darker, filled with malice.


    One day, as he stood in front of the mirror, his face covered in fresh paint, dark lines stretching across his features, he whispered to himself, "I am not Terry anymore. I am Legion. And soon, they''ll all see what that means."


    He continued to train, to prepare, each day blending into the next. Time had lost its meaning. There was only the goal. Valor would be the first. The first to truly understand what Legion was. The first to feel the full force of the darkness he had embraced.


    And it wouldn''t end with Valor. This was just the beginning. Once Rise or Leaf was over, once Valor lay defeated inside that steel cage, the rest of the world would have to take notice. The rest of the world would see that Legion was not someone to be underestimated, not someone to be overlooked.


    He would rise. Beyond this federation, beyond the idea of companies altogether. Legion had his eyes set on the world before him. For the first time in his life he felt he had the whole world in his hands.


    And in ten days, inside that steel cage, Valor would learn the hard way.