We open on Nox in an undisclosed laboratory behind him sitting on a table is the OSW NXT Level Championship.
“I’ve lived my last years like a caged rat. Having to scrimp and manipulate to get what I need. I forgot what life was like up here, the air while fetid is still wonderful I want to breathe it in every day. I don’t have to hunt for anything that I need up here. No more settling for second place chemicals, no more sub-par test subjects, no, up here I get the big game.”
Nox tilts his head slightly as he lets out a small chuckle.
“I get all the things I’ve longed for while awaiting my death sentence to be carried out. However, I see this worm turning. As an intelligent man, I know when an insurance policy is needed because my future is at risk now, and I have no say in it. If she loses at Invasion, I get put under, sent back down below.”
Nox turns, facing the NXT Level Championship running a finger across the title before him.
“But this is my true Golden Ticket because they can’t send me back, if I’m a recognized Champion. Because I know invites can be revoked, slips of paper cast to the fire, but this, right here. If I sound desperate…”
Nox grabs the Championship, throwing it over his shoulder and clutching the center plate to his chest.
“You’re goddamn right I am! Because I know where they want to send me, back to Deathrow or six feet under! I know where I’ll be going if I don’t have this golden ticket in my possession if that bell sounds at the end of Invasion and she’s not holding that briefcase…”
Nox’s voice trails off for a second lost in thought then his eyes catch the glint of the championship clutched to his chest.
“That’s why you’ve gotten the good stuff Luther because I’m not going to ‘leave OSW for good or get shot on sight.’ No, I will have this championship right here as my shield from Scott Sterling’s decree. While Grim, you get the honor of being my first victim back.”
Nox holds the Championship out to present it to us.
“You get to be the first to fall to the gas because your life is nothing compared to my freedom. If I have to deliver you a death sentence to prevent my own, where do want the needle? Because the paranoia you feel from my gas is nothing compared to knowing that I could go back to being that caged rat once more. Luther, at Invasion this is your last hunt but you’re the game and as you skitter across that ring, I will approach you with compassion before slipping the canister in your mouth and whispering in your ear…
Nox pulls the championship back staring deeply into the center plate as he continues hushedly.
“Relax, and breath deep, it’ll all be over soon.”