Deep inside the stone walls of Castle Hayes, is a tunnel which is lit only by torches hanging on the walls that feed the corridor to a dark room. Inside that dark room sits one individual, still in his ring gear from NXT, occupying that space with just a candle on the floor.
Mark Hayes: They say that in order to sense things with your eyes closed, you must be aware of the energy around you.. That you must clear your mind of all things, close your eyes, and allow the universe to speak to you. That the constant thoughts and raised guard prevents you from feeling, and using your sharpened sense to detect the energy flowing around you. This candle is the only thing illuminating the room with which I sit. Because if I’m to play at Malakai Midnight’s level; play into his mind games, I must be able to detect his minions and fend them off.
Moreso, I need to have my senses about me at Lambs to the Slaughter. The importance of that match can’t be understated. And for me, a newcomer, winning is a must. Not only to solidify myself in OSW, but to secure the chance to fight for the very thing that brought me here in the first place. The very thing that has been the motivation since my arrival.
NXT was what I needed to get back on track. To prove that my loss to Jash Khan was a fluke. However I feel bad for what has happened to Master Ken, perhaps someday he and I will stand in that ring again when his mind is in a better state and we can truly find out who is the better man. But one thing puzzles me.. Mud Mouth was conspicuous by his absence and I can’t help but wonder why. We’ll need whatever help we can get to take down Malakai Midnight.
Mark takes himself out of his seated position on the floor, and bends down to pick up the burning candle before blowing it out. A cloud of smoke flows in the direction of the open doorway. The light of the torches visible from a distance. The smell of smoke begins to take over the otherwise musty smell of the stone room. Mark walks through the doorway, and closes the wooden door behind him. It groans and creaks as he does.
Mark Hayes: Twenty men enter. Only one can remain. I’d be lying to myself if I said battle royals were a specialty of mine. They’re not. In fact, I’ve never had much luck with them.
Mark begins his long walk down the corridor. The dancing flames of the torches casts various moving shadows of Mark around the walls and floor as he does.
Mark Hayes: Eyes in the back of my head. Alliances change like the blowing wind. Serving only the interest of the individual in the moment. And quickly cast aside when the purpose has been served. I see no reason to believe my alliances against Malakai Midnight will be any different. Or for that matter.. inside the ring at Lambs to the Slaughter.
Mark begins climbing the stairs
Mark Hayes: The only person I can really count on, is myself.