[~]-CONTACT INFORMATION-[~]

Handlers Name: Xandor
Any Messengers: N/A
Years Active: 20+

[~]-CONTRACT INFORMATION-[~]


St. John Cross


SiN

[~]-WRESTLER INFORMATION-[~]

Picture Base: St. John Cross - Marlon Teixeira // SiN - The Crow
Wrestlers Twitter: StJohnCross93
Wrestlers Name:  St. John Cross // Alter Ego: SiN
Nickname(s): The Angel of Death
Age: 25
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 205 lbs
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Personality: St. John is a salt-of-the-earth guy. He is a former monk that he lives a simple lifestyle dedicated to helping others, doing good, and entertaining the fans. SiN is the expression of St. John's dark side that was formed as a member of a religious cult. He is arrogant, twisted, coniving, and self-serving.
Strengths: Versatile, methodical, and athletic.
Weaknesses: Inexperience, short-sighted, and volatile.
Gimmick If Any: A former monk with a Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde complex that turns him into an angel of death.
Alignment: Neutral

[~]-ENTRANCE DESCRIPTION-[~]

Entrance Theme Music: "Bring Me To Life" by Daughtry
Entrance Description: St. John Cross - "Bring Me To Life" by Daughtry begins to play. The lights in the arena dim with a sole spotlight on the ramp. In the spotlight stands St. John Cross dressed in his white wrestling gear consisting of a long white leather coat over white pants and white boots. St. John smiles slightly at the crowd before doing the sign of the cross and bowing his head in a moment of silent prayer. He then walks down aisle, occasionally fisting bumping a couple fans, without removing his sight from the ring. He slides under the bottom rope and pops up effortlessly to his feet. He slowly spins around to check out the audience that will watch him work before facing the camera and giving a slight nod. He removes his coat and backs up into his corner to await further instructions from the official.

SiN - "Bring Me To Life" by Daughtry begins to play. The lights in the arena dim with a sole spotlight on the ramp. In the spotlight stands SiN dressed in his black wrestling gear consisting of a long black leather coat over black pants and black boots. He has white face paint with black accents on his eyes and lips. SiN is completely stoic. He walks down aisle impervious to the crowd reaction. He slides under the bottom rope and pops up effortlessly to his feet. He slowly spins around to check out the audience that will watch him work before facing the camera and simply glaring at with void eyes. He removes his coat and backs up into his corner to await further instructions from the official.

[~]-WRESTLING MOVES-[~]

Wrestling Move Packages
St. John Cross - All-Arounder
SiN - Cheater

Signature Moves
1.) Anaconda Vise
2.) Fisherman DDT
3.) Springboard Superman Punch

Finishing Move
1.) Soul's Demise - Vertebreaker

[~]-MISC INFORMATION-[~]

Weapon Of Choice: Cat of Nine Tails (a whip with nine strands with bone or metal balls attached to the ends)
Match Of Choice: Crucifixion Match

[~]-BIOGRAPHY-[~]
Superstar Bio: St. John Cross was born in Los Angeles, California on December 14, 1993. His birth certificate states that his parents were John Mark and Catalina Cross (they are presumed dead). St. John was educated and raised in a secret religious order. When he was 12 years old, he was sent to an elite training facility called BlackWatch. Three years ago, he was exiled from the order to the "godless world" for extreme insubordination. He lived as a nomadic hermit for a year before settling down in Los Angeles and taking an interest in pro wrestling to restrain his "dark side." He worked the local independent circuit until he moved to Las Vegas to join SCW. While in Las Vegas, St. John met Effie Bingham who offered him residence in her home. The friendship quickly turned sexual then romantic in nature. A couple months ago, St. John and Effie unexpectedly got married in Mexico. Shortly thereafter the order came looking for St. John and seized him by force during a taping of Climax Control. Effie led a secret rescue mission and both returned to Las Vegas... changed by the ordeal. Upon his return, St. John's dark side took physical form in the persona of SiN.

Past Accomplishments: SCW Unified Roulette Champion (2x)

[~]-MANAGER INFORMATION-[~]
Manager's Name: N/A
Manager's Pic Base: N/A

 CAMERA STATUS: Off-Camera
DATE: Thursday, February 21, 2019
LOCATION: Unknown

A metallic taste formed in St. John’s tongue as he fought back painful tears. It was the taste of his own blood as he clenched his teeth with every surge of searing electricity ravaged his bones and flesh. General Frampton had ordered that St. John be given the forty-minus-one treatment before he was brought before the Archpriest. The forty-minus-one treatment was a modern revision of a Roman scourging prior to crucifixion, the most famous being that of Jesus Christ, but this one had a twist. Instead of using a Cat of Nine Tails, the huge Blackwatch Operative known as Rogalsky tased St. John with a non-fatal but excruciating cattle prod. There was a brief pause in the tortuous ministrations, only to force St. John’s tortured body flat against the stone walls.

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Twenty-Eight!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Twenty-Nine!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty!

The heat searing down St. John’s back and shoulders filled him with hope for his impending death, aiding the pain that tore through him with each prod. He knew Rogalsky would be merciless. St. John trained him. Blackwatch was Rogalsky’s life after his parents gave him up to Missio Dei. And now his superior officer was aligned with a Godless. He was a traitor. Previous friendships no longer mattered. In the eyes of Rogalsky, St. John Cross was nothing more than animal waiting to be slaughtered.

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-one!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-two!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-three!

St. John tried to focus his mind on anything other than his torture. But his mind kept going to Effie. Effie Bingham… his wife, lover, and best friend. The thought of losing her for eternity was more torture than the forty-minus-one ten times over. He just wanted the eternal darkness to consume him if he was going to go on with life without Effie. He befriended the darkness  and the shadows that surrounded him in his prison cell. He felt one with the darkness. He, too, was a shadow of himself, a shadow of who he was, and who he never would be. He was sent to Blackwatch because there was darkness in his soul. Now he embraced it so that it might liberate him from life without Effie. He inhaled a proud strong breath. It was one that showed Rogalsky no sign of repentance. He was defiant until the end. He wouldn’t bow before the Archpriest, he decided, as he pressed himself harder into the stone to brace for the next prod round.

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-four!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-five!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-six!

The cell reeked of stale air, water, and human waste. St. John breathed it in, embracing it as if embracing his own mortality. Still, he didn't cry out, he wouldn't give Rogalsky the satisfaction of breaking him.

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-seven!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-eight!

ZZZAAAPPP!!!

ROGALSKY: Thirty-nine!

Rogalsky roughly handled St. John by his shoulders and forced his body further into the stone walls.

ROGALSKY: Recant the whore, Cross! This isn’t worth it. We have no place in this world but here in Blackwatch. Blackwatch and Missio Dei have given us purpose in life. Why throw it away on a godless whore?

St. John waited a few moments before clearing his throat to respond back to his former protege.

ST. JOHN: She… IS… my purpose. So… unless … you can… kill me… now… FUCK… YOU!

Rogalsky violently shoved St. John into the wall. Suddenly ice cold water was poured over his head. St. John could barely contain his screen as the shock tortured him. Spasms shook him as the cold ripped through him and the air in his lungs escaped.

ROGALSKY: Die...godless.

Rogalsky left the cell angry, unable to break St. John. But he left him dangling and shivering from the torture in the dark. Once surrounded by darkness again, St. John smiled and a darkness smiled back.

*****

CAMERA STATUS: On-Camera
DATE: Friday, March 1, 2019
LOCATION: Bingham Residence

The SCW cameras found St. John Cross, miraculously, back in the country and back at home with Effie Bingham. However, for some reason, when the camera crew arrived, Effie was adamant that they film St. John from behind and from a distance. Effie, looked a bit sickly, so they obliged the request and she led them to the vast backyard. In the backyard was the newly built chapel that Effie had made for St. John for Christmas. The interior of the tiny chapel was simple yet ornate. There were three pews on each side with a middle aisle between them. An altar with a large bronze cross presented in the front. St. John was seated in the front pew facing the altar and cross. Again, his back was turned to the cameras. Effie walked up to black-clad St. John and whispered in his ear. He nodded in acknowledgement and waited for her to exit the chapel before speaking.

ST. JOHN: Excuse the restrictions, ladies and gentlemen. After my abduction and imprisonment, it’s best to be cautious of any exposure to foreign entities. But rest assured, SCW, I will be at Blaze of Glory VII to take back my Unified Roulette Championship; a title that was unceremoniously taken from me because of my... ordeal.

St. John paused and cocked his head slightly to the camera’s right. There is a different tone to St. John’s voice.

ST. JOHN: People are probably wondering what happened to me? Who abducted me? Why? Others are probably wondering is it worth coming back after such an experience? Am I ready to face my friend, my brother, my predecessor to the Roulette Championship, a champion-caliber SCW superstar, Ty West, less than couple weeks after suffering intense torture and pain? All I can answer is… I don’t know. All I know is that my ordeal changed me. All I know is that nothing is certain in this life anymore. And because this is true, whether I’m physically or mentally-capable to return to the ring, it’s irrelevant to me. When everything was stripped away from me, I found a reason to keep living and she’s not in the house behind us. I have a new purpose. And heading into Blaze of Glory VII, I will clue you in on my new endeavor. So keep watch. But first… a story.

The tone in St. John is cold and eerie. Even the camera crew feels uneasy as a unorthodox cold breeze blows.

ST. JOHN: Laying in the dark on the floor of my cell, in the midst of twilight, I quietly listened to the soft drumming of the rain hit the stones outside and the low roll of thunder in the distance. I was drifting in and out of an uneasy sleep. As it rained outside, it rained in my head. Hundreds, thousands of thoughts flooded my mind. Another roll of thunder somewhat louder than before, slowly awakened a heavy burden I had only bore once and hoped to never bear again.

St. John paused and cocked his head in the opposite direction.

ST. JOHN: Silent and still, reality slipped from my grasp as I laid on the floor. A morbid desire began to take hold of my body. But why would I succumb to this sick desire, hidden so deep within me? It was silenced for so long, why now? Why this moment? Why this moment that I laid so silent and still surrounded by the darkness of my prison, comforted by the echo of the thunder, tormented by the voices invoking the wretch within me.

Overtaken by the darkness inside me, my body was thrust upwards to stand in the middle of my prison cell. Slowly a darkness beyond darkness stretched and enveloped me. Desperately I called out for my dead parents, Effie, even my friend and opponent, Ty West. But my call was followed by a grave silence. A single tear rolled off my cheek and fell to the floor.

The darkness creeped on my soul. Now I realize the raging battle between the good in my heart and the darkness within me. In a futile attempt to silence the darkness, I screamed aloud, "Let me be!" In return for my cry the darkness imprisoned me within my body. I try to break free but then I see my captors. My family’s oppressors. My parents’ murderers. My heart pounded and my body shook. For one last moment I felt in control and I turned to look at my reflection in a puddle of water expecting it to be me.

To my surprise when I looked into the reflection I stood face-to-face with my darkness. The darkness that led me to Blackwatch. The darkness that truly guides the Archpriest and his tyranny. I had become my enemy. The realization was shocking, to the point of awakening me. And when I awoke the darkness smiled at me… and I smiled back.

St. John straightened his head but continued to look forward.

ST. JOHN: What does this have to do with the SCW Unified Roulette Championship and Ty West? Nothing… and everything.

A sinister chuckle escaped St. John.

ST. JOHN: When St. John Cross is introduced at Blaze of Glory VII, I don’t know who will step into the ring with Ty West. Will it be me? Or will it be the darkness within me unleashed? All I can say is that the fun-loving monk that was exiled to the land of the godless is gone. THEY killed him, like they killed his family. And what they unleashed onto the godless, I will unleash on them. Like I said, what does this have to do with Ty West and the championship match? Nothing… and everything.

Ty, my friend, my brother… when I reclaim the SCW Unified Roulette Championship at Blaze of Glory VII, don’t take your defeat personal. Rendering you helpless and powerless for the three-count is not a reflection of our friendship; it’s reflection of the darkness they created in me and I will return to them; you are nothing more than my training ground. Nothing more and nothing less.

So when I raise the SCW Unified Championship over my head, it will be a sign to those who created me that I am coming for them.

God have mercy on their souls, for, I, sure as Hell won’t!

St. John violently raised a hand up to signal that he was done talking. Just as the camera was to shut off, the call of a black bird was heard and a flock squawked away with a racket.

 OFF-CAMERA
DATE: January 13, 2019
LOCATION: Interstate 15

An hour or so after SCW: Inception III went off the air, St. John Cross decided to leave the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino and head for Interstate 15 with nothing but the clothes on his back and whatever items he threw into his duffle bag before the event. As he walked past the smaller hotels and casinos, he kept his wits about him and examined every face that passed him. He hoped to could make it to the interstate entrance without calling attention to himself besides the occasional proposition from a Vegas hooker. A block before the interstate on Flamingo Road, he stopped under a covered bus loading zone as his cell phone chirped with a text notification. He knew without looking who was on the end. He sat down on the bus bench and took a deep breath as he pulled the phone out of his sweatshirt pocket.

Don’t look back, St. John. It’s the only way.

He looked at the screen and the notification read “Effie Bingham.” She was waiting for back home but St. John had no intention of going home. It was time for him to move on and continue his life as a nameless hermit. As much as he loved his new life in Las Vegas with Effie, the incident with the three Blackwatch operatives after his match reminded him why he shouldn’t have pursued a life with her. He had now put Effie in danger. The Archpriest wanted him back in Missio Dei to re-indoctrinate him. And there was no way in Hell, he was going back. So leaving Las Vegas, leaving professional wrestling, and leaving Effie was his only choice to ensure her safety.

Let Effie go. If you really love her, you have to let her go.

Effie was his weakness. He had fallen hard for her. And on Christmas Eve, they blood-bonded according to the ancient traditions of Missio Dei. He was hers and she was his. So he couldn’t help but look at the screen.

VIA TEXT
EFFIE: Where are you?
ST. JOHN: Out scouting for Blackwatch.

St. John hated lying to Effie. But at the moment, it was his only option.

VIA TEXT
EFFIE: So what do we do now?
ST. JOHN: IDK. But they will be back.
EFFIE: Bet they enjoyed the show.
ST. JOHN: Maybe. If they did they’d have to do the ritual cutting.
EFFIE: Is it perverted that the idea of a bunch of guys jacking off to little ol’ me is a turn on?
ST. JOHN: Coming from you? No.
EFFIE: <smiley face> You’re learning.
ST. JOHN: You’re such a freak.
EFFIE: You love me this way.
ST. JOHN: I do.
EFFIE: Are they really going to cut themselves? Kah used to cut.
ST. JOHN: Sadly yes. It’s one of the reasons why I tape up my wrists. Kids don’t need to see my scars.
EFFIE: Any religion that encourages self-harm is not a religion.
ST. JOHN: Hence this monk among the Godless.
EFFIE: You know that term is offensive, right?
ST. JOHN: Monk? <smiley face>
EFFIE: Godless
ST. JOHN: It offends you? I thought nothing offended you.
EFFIE: I’m not godless. To me it means conscienceless.
ST. JOHN: Fair enough. I won’t call you that anymore.
EFFIE: Thank you. Those fuckers tonight have my palms itching.

The itchiness of Effie’s palms meant her Intermittent Explosive Disorder was triggered. Hopefully, she had the wherewithal to not let it escalate without him there. The last time the IED appeared, she threatened to slit her throat with a kitchen knife. It took everything in St. John’s mental fortitude to bring her back to her senses.

ST. JOHN: I’m sorry I got you involved with this. I should probably move out of the house for your safety. I’ll be gone when you get home.
EFFIE: Uh no. You won’t.
ST. JOHN: Eff, Blackwatch is coming back with more numbers. I won’t forgive myself if something happened to you because of me.
EFFIE: I’m not willing to let you go. We’re blood-bonded, remember? I go where you go.
ST. JOHN: I don’t know where I’m going to go, but I can’t risk endangering you. Plus you have loved ones here. Think about Ty and his aunt. The abominable snow brothers Fenris & Aron. It’s best for everyone if I’m out of the picture.
EFFIE: Are you leaving me? I thought you said you loved me?
ST. JOHN: I do love you, Eff. With everything in me. You’ll always be in me by blood.
EFFIE: YOU ARE NOT FUCKING LEAVING! I will hunt you down MYSELF! You saw what I did to that one asswipe!  
ST. JOHN: Effie, don’t make this more difficult than it already is.
EFFIE: Get your ass home NOW. Someone’s HERE!

St. John’s stomach tightened. Whether this was a ploy by Effie to get him to stay or Blackwatch had indeed returned, he couldn’t take any chances. He looked around and there was a taxi idling at the gas station across the street. He whistled loudly to get the driver’s attention. The car roared to life and made a dangerous U-turn on Flamingo Road and stopped in front of St. John.

DRIVER: Where to big man?

ST. JOHN: Home.

***

ON-CAMERA
DATE: January 25, 2019
LOCATION: Olympia Wrestling School

St. John was lost in a fury of punches on a heavy bag inside Kahlan Bliss’ Olympia Wrestling School when the SCW camera crew showed up. They take some footage of St. John hitting the bag but his eyes were locked on a spot on the bag. Suddenly a growl emanated from St. John as he punched the heavy bag with one final blow. A loud crack was heard above him as the heavy bag nearly shoulder-blocked Kahlan Bliss on her way to the ring. She easily caught her balance (a testament to her Hall of Fame career) and cursed in the direction of the heavy bag.

BLISS: WHAT THE FUCK!?!

Bliss marched over to the camera crew, ready to chew out the center of their attention, as she looked up at the cracked bolt on the ceiling.

BLISS: I have no problem billing whatever promotion you belong to for damages.

Bliss’ countenance softened when she saw St. John looking back at her. His eyes were burning with intensity yet he had an apologetic expression on his face.

ST. JOHN: Sorry, Bliss, I got lost in my channeling exercises while hitting the bag. I’ll pay for the repairs.

Bliss wrapped her arms around the heavy bag and gave the young wrestling star a forgiving smile.

BLISS: Oh, it’s you, Moses.

St. John chuckled nervously and shook his head at Bliss’ nickname for him. He was still impressed that she called him “Moses” after the biblical figure. Her reasoning for the nickname was that much like Moses, St. John was a long haired religious guy, exiled into the desert sands of Las Vegas, receiving life guidance from an unexpected fiery figure (Effie). Yet, he never understood why Bliss treated him “differently” than other people in the training facility including Effie and Ty. Whatever her reasoning, he wasn’t about prod. He respected the beautiful wrestler-business owner and he had amends to make with her.

BLISS: Nah, it’s all good. You help me out quite a bit around here with the newbs. Plus, I know the feeling. You must have had a gnarly emotion to work out. Anything I can do to help?

St. John noticed that Bliss batted her eyes at him before quickly catching herself. He let it go as quickly as it came.

ST. JOHN: No, I’m fine, Bliss. Thanks though. I better attend to the crew here.

Bliss slapped the bag and winked at him as she returned her focus back on the sparring in the ring.

BLISS: Cool. Remember, mi casa is your casa, Moses.

Bliss left the vicinity and St. John sighed in relief before giving the SCW crew a steely look.

ST. JOHN: Okay, gentlemen, let’s get this party started. I know you want some thoughts on the Climax Control 226 main event.

The cameraman prepared the cue and gave St. John the signal. St. John had an uncanny ability to switch his demeanor and emotions on and off in an instant. The camera caught one such instance as St. John’s good-looking face turned intimidating.

ST. JOHN: Persistence. If I could narrow success down to one word, that would be it. Persistence. It’s literally impossible to fail if you’re persistent. Why? Because if you never quit, you never allow yourself to fail. It’s that simple. I don’t have a perfect record in SCW, but I’ve given every single one of my opponents everything in me and more. I have left each match with my head held high because I know I am relentless in that ring no matter the wins and losses. And now it’s earned me a shot at the SCW Unified Roulette Championship, held by my “brother in arms” Ty West.

St. John rolled his tongue along the interior of his bottom lip indicating genuine annoyance.

ST. JOHN: I generally stay in my lane when it comes to other people’s lives, but Ty is family and I would be remiss not to address the elephant in the Twitter timeline room. To J2H and Alex Jones, you want to know why Ty West is the SCW Unified Roulette Champion? Persistence. Persistence training for the ring. Persistence in the ring. Who Ty associates with in his personal life has nothing to do with him being the Roulette Champion. If you truly knew Ty’s character, you wouldn’t be making such outlandish claims. Your accusations speak more about your character and irrelevancy than Ty West and Fenris’ relationship. Step up or shut up. But I digress.

St. John slightly cocked his head as he looked more intently into the camera.

ST. JOHN: You see, persistence isn’t a common quality. Many people get excited about an opportunity, go after it with eagerness, and as soon as they encounter a roadblock or realize it’s not happening as quick as they’d hope… and they quit. Quitting is the easiest thing to do. And who quits more often than not? Boys.

St. John popped his neck before his neck without taking his eyes off the camera.

ST. JOHN: Boys don’t want to work hard and show character and strength. Boys don’t want to be patient and committed. Boys want everything to go their way the first time. Boys spend most of their life jumping from opportunity to opportunity, goal to goal, never really accomplishing anything worthwhile. And that’s what Alex Jones and J2H have reverted to. Boys.

St. John looked down for a moment and took slightly gulped as he prepared to reveal something from deep inside him.

ST. JOHN: I’m not perfect whatsoever. It’s why I was exiled from the Order of Missio Dei. A couple weeks back, after Inception III, I was ready to quit my life with Effie Bingham and SCW, not because I lost the Golden Briecase Ladder Match, I gave everything that night, but because I was shaken to my core by the appearance of my former Blackwatch brothers at the PPV to take me back to the Order. I let fear and doubt get cloud my judgment to the point I was about to give up on the greatest blessings God has given me thus far. It’s not easy for me to admit this, but if I hadn’t learn from this experience I am no better than the Alex Jones and J2H’s of the world. I’m man enough to admit and make the appropriate changes, so I am no boy. I may attract the attention of males and females alike but I’m comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am. And I man up...each and every day… inside and outside the ring.

St. John paused to let his statement sink into his audience.

ST. JOHN: Sadly, most boys never become men. Men don’t quit. Men decide what it is EXACTLY they want and go after it until it’s theirs. If they encounter a roadblock, make a mistake, or fail when attempting to reach their goal; they don’t bitch, moan, cry, quit, or move on to something else… THEY KEEP GOING UNTIL THEY FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THE RESULTS THEY WANT! Men know they won’t figure everything out overnight. They know they’ll have to put in the time, energy, and sacrifice. But most importantly, they know “failure” will happen and know better than allowing it to keep them from being persistent. Nothing worthwhile will come to you if you act like a boy. You’ll always wonder why so many people are successful and champions in their chosen field while you just can’t seem to figure your shit it out.

St. John took a couple steps toward the camera. He’s still glistening in sweat from his furious heavy bag session.

ST. JOHN: And that’s what this SCW Unified Roulette Championship Triple Threat Match is all about: Persistence. Can Ty West overcome the challenge of me and Travis Levitt? Neither of us is going to back down. I’ve taken Travis’ best shots and still came out on top. But he’s no joke. Any given day Travis could get the best of me. Same for Ty. Whoever is the most persistent in that ring at Climax Control will come out of it as the SCW Unified Roulette Champion. Guaranteed.

St. John crossed his arms in front of him.

ST. JOHN: Anyone who’s successful, a reigning champion even, will tell you how it took a while to get what they wanted, how they had to work hard, and how they didn’t allow any setbacks along the way to stop them. So my question to you, Ty and Travis is this… and it’s a very important question so give it some good thought before Climax Control.

He gave a pause for dramatic effect.

ST. JOHN: Are you a man or a boy? Whatever happens in the Triple Threat Match is going to define the immediate future of each one of us. How we respond to it will determine the depth of our character. I learned my lesson at Inception III. What about you, Travis? What about you, Ty? Will you handle a loss like a boy or like a man? Boys are willing to let a little setback, and their lack of character, get the best of them. Men, on the other hand, don’t let anything stop them. They know the life they want, deserve, and REFUSE to live any other way. And once they get what they want, they stand tall as men and get admired by the boys. “Whoa, I wish I could be like him...like SCW Unified Roulette Champion.”

The camera focused on St. John’s stoic expression.

ST. JOHN: At Climax Control, it will be time for you both to make this very important decision. Are you going to be a boy or a man? Are you going to quit at the very first sign of defeat? Are you going to let the boy inside you get the best of you? Or is the man going to come out and eliminate the boy for good so you can call the Roulette Championship your earned right? I have made my choice. It’s on you both now. Choose wisely, the rest of your life could depend on it.

***

OFF-CAMERA
DATE: January 13, 2019
LOCATION: Effie & St. John’s Residence

As the Uber neared the home shared with Effie, St. John looked at his phone screen. It had been nearly 20 minutes since his last communication with Effie. Nothing via voice or text. He implored the driver to go faster. Suddenly, a text chimed in.

VIA TEXT
EFFIE: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! I just knocked out this dude that was lurking around the house and I got him tied up in my kitchen! And I got my needle nose pliers ready. Should I pull teeth or finger nails first?
ST. JOHN: I’m right around the corner!

The Uber was stopped at stop light and St. John didn’t wait for driver to get moving again. He booked it out of the car and ran the rest of the way to the house. When he approached the house, St. John went directly to the back entrance to the kitchen as he yelled out for his love.

ST. JOHN: EFFIE?!

St. John feverishly looked about him. Effie was sitting on the counter playing with the pair of needle nose pliers. In front of her was a man, slouched forward in a chair. His long dark hair was hanging forward, covering his face. Effie had tied him up with the ties from the front room drapery.

EFFIE: So is he one of yours?

St. John was finally able to catch his breath. He looked at Effie, half-relieved, half-angry at her nonchalant attitude.

ST. JOHN: I love you too.

The tone in his voice was colder than usual for his interactions with Effie. He examined their “prisoner” carefully.

ST. JOHN: The uniform is different from our issued gear. It looks like the retired gear of the first Blackwatch division.

Effie interjected her two cents.

EFFIE: Whoever the fuck he is, he wasn't expecting me to hit him with that big terracotta pot that was on the porch. But, damn, was he heavy to get in the house.

St. John looked back at the unconscious man.

ST. JOHN: He’s easily 6 foot 8-9 inches, maybe 250 pounds.

EFFIE: He thought he was smooth but I saw him before I even pulled in the driveway so I turned off my lights and parked behind that big bush. Then I snuck up on the fucker.

St. John checked the back of the man’s head. There’s a small gash.

ST. JOHN: He’s going to feel that blow for a while.

EFFIE: I don't give a flying fuck. All I know is he's trespassing. He's lucky I didn't exercise my 2nd amendment right. The gash will heal. If I pulled out my shotgun, he'd just be dead.

Effie played with her finger nails seemingly unmoved about the man's injury.

ST. JOHN: I’m not mad you. It’s your house.

St. John turned around to look at Effie. He had a concerned expression. He pointed at the unconscious man.

ST. JOHN: THIS is why I was leaving Las Vegas. This isn’t your problem. It’s mine.

Effie maintained her nonchalant expression.

EFFIE: They won't leave me alone now. I cannibalized one of their guys. I don’t that’s going to be forgotten. Besides…

Effie held up her hand with a healing scar.

EFFIE: We're like genetically bonded now. You can't quit me.

St. John lightly touched the scar.

ST. JOHN: You know... you're taking this blood-bonding more serious than most MD members.

Effie’s demeanor finally softened.

EFFIE: Why wouldn't I? Was I not supposed to? I thought that was the point. I told you I loved you. I have NEVER told anyone that. It's serious to me.

Effie clenched her fists as she looked passed St. John at movement from the intruder. A deep male voice interrupted them.

INTRUDER: That's... the way... blood bonds should be... St. John.

St. John turned around wide-eyed that the restrained intruder knew his name.

EFFIE: Yeah... listen to that dude…

Effie turned back toward the intruder. She picked up the pliers and started clicking them open and close.

EFFIE: Like I was saying, fingernails or teeth…

St. John blocked them as Effie got a sinister look.

ST. JOHN: Back off a sec, Eff.

SSt. John stood in front of the intruder.

ST. JOHN: It doesn’t bother you that I’ve blood-bonded with a Godless?

The intruder lifted his head. He had piercing green eyes behind the long dark hair. He stared at them.

INTRUDER: Love...has no boundaries. That was our way… before the Archpriests.

Effie smirked, watching the man with interest.

EFFIE: This guy is pretty hippy dippy for one of you monks...

St. John ignored the Effie’s wise crack and interrogated the intruder.

ST. JOHN: Who are you? This isn’t standard Blackwatch gear.

The man kept his glare on the both of them.

INTRUDER: My name is...Diego. Diego Vega. I, too… was an exiled monk of Missio Dei.

EFFIE: Motherfucker…

Effie snorted a laugh.

EFFIE: Then why you being all Richard Ramirez around my house?

Vega smirked proudly.

VEGA: I wanted to see what I was up against. To see if the rumors were true… that the son of the Cross family was indeed among the Godless.

St. John gave Effie a quick glance.

ST. JOHN: I wouldn’t say that word too much around Effie.

St. John threw a warning glance.

EFFIE: I'm not a fucking godless.

Effie slammed her fist on the counter and lightning quick has the man by the collar of his shirt.

EFFIE: Call me godless again and it will be more than just a gash and picking clay out of your hair.

Vega smiled at Effie, not showing an ounce of fear.

VEGA Fair enough. But this is why you’re perfect for St. John, Ms. Bingham. You will be the ying to his yang and vice versa. And together you will bring down the Archpriest and his family’s reign of oppression.

Vega’s words sobered her and she stepped back startled. And for once she has no retort. St. John stepped in.

ST. JOHN: How do you know us?

Vega gave him a smile.

VEGA: Always inquisitive. Never satisfied until you have the truth. You really are a Cross.

Vega paused to gather his thoughts as he’s still felt the effects of Effie’s clay pot.

VEGA: Many moons ago, I was one of the first boys sent to Blackwatch for siding with your family’s underground reform movement. The Cross family was the true leadership of Missio Dei since it’s creation. Loving, inclusive, defenders of universal truth. So I followed them. When we were betrayed by the family of the Archpriest, your grandmother prophesied that the day was coming when a seed of the Cross would grow among the Godless, with all due respect, Effie, and restore Missio Dei. I have seen you and Effie in dreams. You two are the fulfillment of the prophecy.

St. John could only stand there, paralyzed, mouth agape. Effie suddenly burst into laughter, which seemed to annoy both men.

EFFIE: Me saving anyone, especially a large religious organization is hilarious. You may know Sin, but you obviously don't know me at all.

Vega smirked and shook his head.

VEGA: Unbelievably, this is why you’re perfect. And Missio Dei was never meant to be an organized institution. It was originally a way of life. One that you two have already begun to live when you bonded by blood. Laugh all you want, Effie Bingham, soon you’ll realize it’s true.

Effie glared at Vega for somehow being able to look inside her.

EFFIE: I'm not godless, but that doesn't mean I follow whatever kooky things you two believe. If you knew what I have gone through, you'd have doubts about a benevolent god too.

St. John cut the emotional escalation off at the pass.

ST. JOHN: Let’s not get into a theological debate.

St. John walked behind Vega and began to untie him.

ST. JOHN: If you betray me, I’ll kill you. And I might even let Effie toy with you beforehand.

Vega smirked but nodded in agreement. Effie feigned disappointment

EFFIE: Damn…

Effie put the pliers back on the counter.

EFFIE: So spill it. Why are you here?

Vega stretched out some kinks and popped some joints. Although an older gentleman, Vega was still in good shape.

VEGA: Firstly, to find out if the rumors were true that, Junior, here was indeed a Cross. Secondly, to warn you that you’ve started a revolution in MD that’s been years in the making. And, lastly, to offer the both of you my training, support, and resources.

St. John cocked an eyebrow.

ST. JOHN: Junior?

Effie smirked at the thought.

EFFIE: So like a Mexican Mr. Miyagi? You gonna show us how to balance on logs and wax on, wax off..."

Effie imitated some really bad karate moves.

VEGA: No, more like ninjitsu, stealth, the arts of deception & espionage technology. You’re going to need these resources just to keep up with them.

Effie’s eyes glimmered.

EFFIE: Oooh like Mission Impossible. Including the creepy religious dude that pretends to be normal.

Vega looked at St. John.

VEGA: Something like that… How come she’s more excited about this than you are?

St. John kept his steely demeanor.

ST. JOHN: She’s got an issue with bloodlust.

Vega saw his opportunity to make his exit and headed for the door.

VEGA: Think about my offer, just don’t wait too long. Blackwatch will be back and in greater numbers. We’ll be in touch.

EFFIE: Just no more sneaking around in the dark, capice?

Vega rubbed his head.

VEGA: Fair enough.

Vega left as St. John looked at Effie with a serious expression. His tone was somber.

ST. JOHN: I have no rational reason to believe him but I do. I still should have never gotten you involved in this. This is isn’t your battle.

Effie walked up to his and wrapped her arms around him.

EFFIE: St. John, stop. If I had a problem supporting you I would have bailed on you at the show. I'm a big girl. I have basically taken care of myself since I was 8 years old. I know the momentousness of this. I know the potential to get hurt is there. But everything I have with you, everything you have given me... well it's worth it.

St. John got a slight smile as he wrapped his arms around her.

ST. JOHN: This is a lot to process. I’m going to go to the chapel and brood.

EFFIE: I'll leave the light on in the back. Don't need anybody else lurking in the dark.

She snuggled into him and looked up.

EFFIE: Someone once told me that God only gives us what he thinks we can handle. Just thought it might help you in this situation. I'm going to have a shower. I might pass out after that.

He leaned down and caressed her face. He followed it up with a passionate kiss that she reciprocated.

ST. JOHN: I love you, Effie. I’ll try not to wake you when I get back.

EFFIE: If you do, I'll just put you to work.

Effie winked at him before separating and heading upstairs. St. John watched her until she was completely up into the second floor.

ST. JOHN: God help us.

***

ON-CAMERA
DATE: January 27, 2019
LOCATION: Henderson Pavilion

St. John was backstage in the Henderson Pavilion. He was looking at the Climax Control 226 event poster with large images of Ty West, holding the SCW Unified Roulette Championship over his shoulder, Travis Leavitt in an aggressive stance, and his picture between them look unmoved. As St. John stared at his image, he spoke without turning around to face the camera.

ST. JOHN: It’s taken time. It’s taken patience. It taken everything you’ve got. Your relationship with Ty will change after tonight, but you if you want to be champion, you have to risk it. No risk, no reward. Travis Leavitt is a dynamic talent but you’ve withstood his onslaught and made him pay for not putting you down for the three count. He knows you have an edge on him.

He paused momentarily.

ST. JOHN: You’re going hurt...bad. You’ll get tired. You’ll want to give up. You’ll question if it’s worth it. Many in the crowd will demotivate you with your bitter words. People will talk bad about you. People will question your motives but you have no one to answer to but yourself. People will want to see you to fail because deep down they know they won’t succeed in life, much less the ring. It will feel like the world is against you… and at the end, it will ALL have been more than worth it.

St. John looked closer at Ty’s championship belt.

ST. JOHN: You’ll be grateful you stuck with it and became successful. Champion even. And most importantly, free from the tyranny of the Archpriest of Missio Dei. Nothing worth having comes easy. If it came easy, it wouldn’t be worth having. Look at Effie, the love of your life. Look at the life outside the monastery, free. You can’t take your foot off the pedal. If anything, put to the floor.

St. John turned around and faced the camera.

ST. JOHN: At the end of this journey, there will be no doubt who St. John Cross is. I’ll know who my true friends are. Who I can count on. And who deserves to be in my life. This journey will be a blessing in disguise. It will help eliminate negative things in life that you weren’t aware of before. I won’t lose ANYTHING on the road to success. I will gain the best things in life. I won’t stop. I won’t quit. I won’t submit. I’m almost there… I DARE YOU TO STOP ME.

Effie entered the camera shot and reached up to pull his long leather ring robe hood over his head.

EFFIE: It’s time. Go get what’s yours… my champion.

Slow fade to black.

 OFF-CAMERA

The Gospel of St. John Cross - Chapter 2

People ask me all the time why I’m writing this story.
Why does anyone write something in the first place?
Remembrance.
Human beings write because they want life experiences to be remembered; a record of the person’s truth.
The same goes for me.

I don’t know it my story is worth remembering.
But my ancestors, both physical and spiritual, need their stories told.
The truth about Missio Dei needs to be written so people might not repeat the same tragedies again.
Maybe humanity might remember and evolve forward for the good of all.

Missio Dei is Latin for “the mission of God.”
According to Holy Writ, the mission of God is to restore humanity and all that exists to its pre-evil state.
My ancestors believed that Jesus of Nazareth was God incarnate sent to show humanity the perfect way of love and the cost of evil when love is denied.
Followers of the Master are given the task of being love to a broken world so it might finally heal and become perfect as God always intended.
My ancestors lived peacefully with all people until the day the Godless infiltrated the movement.

The Godless are human beings who blatantly reject the ways of love.
They are selfish, greedy, judgmental, and practice all forms of hate.
Missio Dei’s innocence made it the perfect prey for the Godless.
My ancestors were cautious with modern human advancements and it was here where Godless entered the Order.

In an effort to understand the broken world outside the community, Missio Dei allowed a reformed Godless into the Council of the Master.
The Council of the Master is a group of twelve democratically-elected leaders who study Holy Writ and govern twelve Missio Dei communities.
In one generation, the former Godless influenced the council to elect an archpriest to oversee the twelve regions.
He brought in modern technology but also an exclusivist mindset.
Historically inclusive, women were no longer allowed to serve on the council.
My great-great grandmother Petra was the last woman to serve on the council.
The Archpriest also made his position a life-term and bloodline-based.
This began the dark age of Missio Dei.

Once the Archpriest seized control of the Council of the Master, he called for the writing of the Master’s Manifesto.
The Master’s Manifesto brought an authoritarian structure to Missio Dei.
It added rules and regulations to daily life that were clearly beyond the testimony of Holy Writ.
Dissenters were punished, exiled, or sentenced to the Soul’s Demise.
Petra, my great-great grandmother, was the first person to be sentenced to the Soul’s Demise for opposing the Archpriest.
Since then, an unspoken feud has existed between the family of the first Archpriest and the Cross family.

What I am about to write has not been read outside the confines of Missio Dei.
But it’s time people know the oppression others are suffering in the name of God.
My family will have its justice one way or another.
And the truth will no longer be suppressed.

According to the mandates of the Manifesto, every day has ritual (most done first thing in the morning).
On the First Day, devotees are expected to rise and burn incense made with a mixture of frankincense and myrrh. While the incense burns, a devotee lets the smoldering ashes fall three times on their arm as a symbol of one’s sins being refined by fire.
On the Second Day, after morning prayers, devotees are expected to go to the chapel and kiss a ring belonging to the Archpriest and asking the regional council member for intercessory prayer.
On the Third Day, an unbonded devotee is expected to sit in their room during morning prayers with a slitter (a small, thin-bladed knife and make a slit on the arm for each time an unholy thought occurs during prayers. The regional council member is required to examine a devotee’s arm for slits. If no slits are found, the devotee is mandated to repeat the First Day’s incense ritual for lying. If slits are found, the devotee must dip into the chapel baptistry, naked despite the presence of the opposite sex, and as long as no unholy thoughts occur they are free to go. If unholy thoughts occur, the First Day’s ritual must be performed. Bonded life partners are required to stay home and have sexual intercourse. The missionary position is the only form of sex permitted. Any other forms sex must be reported to the council member. A female cannot refuse a male at any time on the Third Day.
On the Fourth Day, devotees are expected to visit the tomb of the Archpriests and pay a financial offering to the family.
On the Fifth Day, devotees are expected to meet with the regional council member to discuss the application of the Manifesto or report on anyone not adhering to it.
On the Sixth Day, devotees are expected to become living sacrifices. A devotee is expected to be silent and shed a drop of blood every hour for 12 hours as a sign of commitment to God, Missio Dei, and the Archpriest.
On the Seventh Day, devotees are given rest from all rituals and families are encouraged to spend time together.

The punishment for minor sins is performing the incense ritual.
The punishment for moderate-to-serious sins is exile to the Land of the Godless for a time period determined by the council.
The punishment for atrocious sins is being declared Godless and sentenced to the Soul’s Demise.

This is the oppression the Cross family has fought against since the beginning of Dark Age.
My family began an underground resistance movement until they were betrayed by another family.
My parents were declared Godless by the Archpriest and the council and sentenced to the Soul’s Demise.

The Soul’s Demise is Missio Dei’s method of execution adopted since arrival of the Archpriest.
A large hewn block of marble is hung via two ropes and held by two “strong” men chosen by the council.
The victims is made to lie on their backs, facing the bottom of the hewn marble block.
There were inscriptions of Holy Writ on the bottom of the marble block describing the wrath of God.
Upon the order of the Archpriest, marble block called the Soul’s Demise is dropped on the victim, crushing and killing the victim instantly. The blood of the victim pours out of small grooves like those of winepress.
No one sees the mangled corpse of the victim except the two strong men.
However, the blood of the victim that runs into the chapel courtyard must be cleaned up by the surviving members of the family after the body is removed and incinerated. The surviving family becomes servants of their regional council member for a year before they are allowed to return to the community.

The Archpriest made me watch my parents suffer the Soul’s Demise.
After I was made to clean up my parents’ blood in the courtyard, I was sent to Blackwatch.
When I defied my Blackwatch superior officers and put on trial before the council, I asked God to send me to the Soul’s Demise.
But the Archpriest refused...coward.
Instead, he said he wanted me to face the Land of Godless alone so that I might repent of my family’s sins and return to the Order cleansed.

I am not a devotee of the Archpriest.
I am a Cross; a revolutionary like the Master before us.
The Archpriest and the Council should have killed me instead of exiling me.
Now, among the Godless, I dare them to come find me.
And if they do find me, God have mercy on their souls, because I, as sure as Hell, will avenge my family.

I will find you… for this is my Gospel.

ON-CAMERA

ST. JOHN VOICE OVER: If I am a lost cause, stop trying to find me.

There is a slow-moving image of St. John Cross standing, with his back to the camera, in front of the world-famous Las Vegas sign at the entrance to the Strip. He’s dressed in simple jeans, a black t-shirt, sandals, and a duffle bag slung across his chest.

ST. JOHN VOICE OVER: If I am blind, stop trying to force your vision upon me.

A clip of St. John, dressed in the same clothes as the previous image, walking up the front steps of a huge mansion. The front door of the house opens and Effie Bingham greets St. John at the door. No words are exchanged but the look on Effie’s face is an undeniable one: a lustful look.

ST. JOHN VOICE OVER: If I am unsalvageable, stop trying to save me.

There is a frame-by-frame montage of St. John’s match against Anthrax, ending with his hand raised in victory.

ST. JOHN VOICE OVER: If I am damned, let me go unknowing into Hell.

A shot of an intimate scene. The back of a blonde woman wearing nothing a black t-shirt and no bottoms is shown. She is straddling what looks to be an enthralled St. John whose pants are at his ankles.

ST. JOHN VOICE OVER: And perhaps among the Godless I will find my paradise.

In a shocking twist, a slow-moving image of St. John and Effie Bingham asleep in the same bed. Their clothes are spread all over the bedroom. After several moments, we find St. John sitting in the living room couch by himself, wearing nothing but jeans, staring at the blazing fireplace.

St. John Cross: Behold the hour has come. I have spent the last year wandering the Land of the Godless to finally arrive at this particular time for a particular purpose. When I was forced to join Blackwatch, I vowed to take the required training and turn it towards ending the oppression of Missio Dei and, one day, unleashing it upon the Archpriest and avenging the murder of my parents. But since the cowards have exiled me I have no choice than to unleash my divine indignation in the squared circle of Sin City Wrestling.

The exiled monk looks at the camera with a steely expression. The flickering light from the fire gives him a hue of light and darkness.

St. John Cross: My mother used to tell me that I was born to be a blessing. Now, I live to be curse. In my eyes you will see a soul determined to being terror, scourge, and wrath upon those who stand before me in Sin City Wrestling. At Climax Control 225, I will face two men who I know nothing about except that they are both championship material. The SCW World Champion scoffs at me because I have high expectations of myself, so maybe defeating a mixed tag team champion in Lachlan Kane and a former champion like Travis Levitt will make Fenris think twice about me.

St. John wets his lips as he ponders the task before him.

St. John Cross: What makes me believe that I can defeat two championship level opponents with under ten matches under my belt? Because I am committed something even greater than professional wrestling. I am committed to the journey that will take me face-to-face with the man who ordered my parents killed. And each opponent I face is another test in preparation for that fateful day. I am committed to this for however long it take me. I live to scourge and crucify all those who stand between me and ultimate destiny. Lachlan Kane and Travis Levitt, you are a part of this greater journey. You are part of the preparation to unleashing my divine indignation and finally being free. Gentlemen, if you have any hope of defeating me in the ring, you will have to be willing to die for a cause bigger than the payday of a SCW salary.

He glares at the camera.

St. John Cross: Are you ready to make such a sacrifice? I am. And when I eventually win the SCW World Heavyweight Championship, I still will not rest until my mission is complete. My journey doesn’t end with the SCW World Title. It will only be a beginning. So my two questions to you are these, Kane and Levitt, when you come to the ring at Climax Control 225, will you be committed to being part of a greater journey, one that might leave you beaten, scourged, and crucified? The answers are found within you. Either way, I savor the opportunity to show you and SCW blessing and curse that I am. For this is my Gospel and it shall come to pass.

A slow fade to black.