R&R @ Atlanta Medical Centre... (Invite)

[Ryan Blaze]

Ryan laid in his hospital bed for... however long he had been there. Weeks had past since the fire occurred after Night of Legends 2 that resulted in his casino being destroyed and his body being put through Hell. His injures had been recovering nicely, and only recently had his jaw been feeling well enough to speak.

Over the past few weeks, he had plenty of time to reflect on his life and the actions he had done to get to where he was now. To get to be one of the most loved, and hated, superstar in TNB history. To earn his first ever World Title as a professional wrestler... and now, to land himself in the hospital. He had time to think about the ones he's lost, and the things he has gained. He even took into consideration the feelings and emotions of those he had hurt.

He looked at himself now laying like a cripple in a hospital bed with a wrestling championship at his side. He looked at the gold he had earned. Was it worth it?

There was a knock at the door, and a very familiar face appeared as the door creaked open.

[Chris Lionheart]

"Ryan?"

Chris Hart comes into the room and sits next to Ryan's bed.

"I know you probably don't want to see me. In fact I bet you'd sooner kill me than listen to why I've come here. I know the company doesn't give out health care... it's just not something we can afford to do after the legal proceedures at the end of 2009. But I want to talk to you about your life. What you did to your sister, your own flesh and blood, simply was not right. I think that somewhere deep down you know that is true as well. I hope that by retiring me, and winning that belt, you have some measure of composure and sanity back. You have gotten pretty much what you wanted. I was always fearfull that if I put my career on the line you could be the one to end it. Before you took a turn to the dark side, I always respected you and your abilities. Even in 2006 when I tried to start shit with you to make you into a house hold name. I wasn't too fond of the 'death' there in 2007. But I guess somewhere deep down in me I still have some respect for you, even at Night of Legends and now. At least respect for whom you used to be, because I won't be returning to wrestling inside a ring. And I won't be an authority in TNB either. But as you lie there brutalized, I hope something will 'click' in your mind and allow you to regain your faculties. The old Ryan Blaze was someone I would have been proud to be retired by, but I can't be happy with myself knowing I have done you mental damage and I walked away without trying to help you overcome that in some way.

For this reason, I want to extend a peace offering. I want to take Tiffany Blaze back to England with me to take care of her after your attack. I could even teach her how to wrestle if you like. And if you get better I could send her back to TNB to reunite the Blaze family with new, happier times. What do you think about all that?"

[Ryan Blaze]

Lion.

He smiles softly as he said that in an unusual soft tone. The tone his voice had been before he went through his phase. The name that Ryan had began calling Chris near the end of the season obviously had stuck with RB.

I appreciate your help. With my sister, that is. I appreciate you wanting to take care of my sister by showing her how to improve her in ring game. Hopefully you could show her a thing or two about working the mic so she can get a better fan following that her typical indy fans. She needs to be a star after all the things she's endured throughout her life, specifically at my hands. I can't say it enough how much I respect you for wanting to show my sister how professionals do it.

Thing about that is, we won't ever get along. So as much as I want to see you help her, and have her improve, the Blaze family with never be repaired. It's too far gone now.

That doesn't mean I don't want to see her participate in TNB regularly... I just don't see us having family Christmas dinner parties together.

Ryan begins shifting himself in his bed, however stops as a sharp pain runs through his abdomen. He winces, and remains still.

Listen, I'm glad you came by today. I wanted to say something to you. I don't really care what your opinion on it is. I need to get it off my chest. My honest opinion of you.

[Chris Lionheart]

"I never ask for anything else from my wrestlers than the truth. Well, not my wrestlers any more, champ. Shoot."

[Ryan Blaze]

Ryan takes a deep breath, and continues to say...

Thanks.

Ryan shrugs, and then regrets it due to his shoulder injury.

Thanks for putting up with my shit, and still giving me the opportunities I needed to shine. You're a good guy despite my negative comments and constant harassment throughout the years. You're one of the greatest competitors to ever step foot in the squared circle... and I'm honored to have faced you on a regular basis. It's something I look forward to telling my children and grandchildren about.

I respect you more than you know. I've always been envious of your accomplishments. I've always wanted to have the spotlight on my like you did. I guess it's my turn to carry the torch now, and represent TNB as the "IT" guy. The guy that everyone has their eyes on.

Thanks, Chris. I hope I don't let you down.

Ryan looks at the belt, and then back at Chris.

Can't have a psychotic champion, can we? I know I have serious mental issues that need to be fixed. I intend on going to get myself checked out once I'm out of this place.

[Chris Lionheart]

"That sounds great."

Lionheart motions to leave, and walks to the door, before hanging back and facing Ryan again.

"You know... without me around trying my best to regain my former status after the firing incident in 2006... Trying to prove I was worth a damn and 'still had it' after I was kicked to the curb whilst still World Champion - thus never losing that belt and always having that nagging feeling of unfufilled potential within my soul... I finally reached a higher pinnicle last season when I hoisted a more important treasure not once but twice, as TNB Undisputed Champion. Despite all the bad things in my past, I am happy people remember the good parts about me. The wrestling accomplishments, the trying to help people no matter what. And without me... there is always opportunity for new people to rise up and become better than I was. That is the true meaning behind the naming of 'The New Blood' Wrestling.

I'll be watching you on TV, Ryan."

With those words ringing in Ryan's ears, Chris Hart steps out into the hallway and lets go of Chris Lionheart...