The scene opens to a dark corridor, lit periodically by small handing bulbs. You see Rikard Hanson creeping along the wall. Just behind him is an open door, more than likely from the room that served as his prison for what seemed to be weeks.

Rikard stopped at a turn in the corridor. Before he was about to turn the corner, he heard some faint voices. He quickly looked for a place to hide. Nowhere to hide, no where to run.... It was time to fight.

The voices started to get louder as Rikard stiffened for the coming attack. He had to time this correctly, because he was sure these men would be carrying guns of some sort. Rikard was sure there were two of them, obviously because of the footfalls and only two distinct voices.

As the two men started around the corner, Rikard unleashed his attack. He nailed the far man with a stiff knee to the head, which sent him quickly to the ground. The other man drew his pistol just as quickly and pulls the trigger. Rikard anticipated the gun shot, his quick reflexes kicking at the pistol just as it discharged sending the bullet harmlessly into the stone wall behind him. The pistol also was safely away from Rikard's assailant's grasp.

Rikard ducked a wild punch from the shooter, and returned with his own right cross. The man staggered back against the wall and Rikard finished it with another vicious knee strike. The man slumped to the ground. Just as Rikard started to relax, red lights started flashing and an alarm shrieked through the silence. Apparently the "harmless" bullet being shot was not quite so harmless.

Rikard turned down this new corridor. Three more men could be see running towards him. Without thinking Rikard lowered his head and started sprinting right towards the three men. Rikard performed a jumping kick nailing one of the men, sending him to the ground. Another man, again with a pistol fired his shot. This time Rikard was not so lucky. The bullet his Rikard in the shoulder sending him sprawling back, luckily through a door. Both men moved towards the door but where both hit with a double kick from inside the door. One would assume it was Rikard.

Rikard stepped out of the doorway answering the question. He turned his head again down the hall, two more men approached. Rikard again ran towards the new adversaries.

Time to Fight!

=====================================================================

Richard Cranium opened his eyes, this time without a start. This memory was indeed horrifying, but the end result was freedom. He fought through what seemed like hundreds of men with guns, clubs and in some cases rifles.

How could the Birthday Bash even come close to measuring up to the carnage and chaos that occurred in his past. Richard Cranium has seen adversity.... He has seen incredible odds..... In all cases he has overcome them. He is, after all, still here. Still here, staring all of the other WWA wrestlers in the Birthday Bash in the face. Staring them in the face DARING them to make a move. Knowing that if they do make a move, he will be quicker and stronger. Knowing that he will accomplish his mission and knowing that he will prevail.

"So I assume you have a plan", questioned Sark break up Cranium's thoughts.

"Of course, Sark. What in the time we've spent, would suggest that it would be any other way?", answered Cranium slightly annoyed.

Sark shrugged it off, "Nothing I suppose. Perhaps I was just making conversation?"

"Yeah. That is was we do so well, Sark. Converse.", Cranium forced a smile.

"True. True. Conversation is definitely NOT what pays our bills. But seriously... This Birthday Bash is a great time to make a statement. To send a message. I know HE would want you to do well."

Cranium nodded in agreement, "I know. But HE must consider that he paid ME to do this job. I will do it as I see fit. I will not bow the knee to anyone, not even someone that pays me."

Sark raised an eyebrow at this comment. Then looked down at his papers, "Enough talk of the WWA. Let's get down to why we are here. You gonna make the Wedding?"

"Of course", said Cranium looking straight ahead.

"Even with the date being moved up to this evening?", Sark asked with concern.

Cranium gave Sark a glare, "The Bride will be taken care of. Have I ever missed a Wedding?"

Sark shook his head. "No. No you haven't Richard. We just need this one to go smoothly. Ok?"

Cranium waved his hand dismissing the statement. "Don't worry. It will be done. But Sark... To answer your previous question about the WWA. Never you mind about my plans and what I expect to accomplish at Birthday Bash. I fully expect to make my statement and to send a message.", stated Cranium matter of factly. "When Sunday rolls around, it will be time to fight."

Fade.