This is a bit of a remake/retelling of Michael's debut story, Son of the Game, where it will first take place in 2015 with a few chapters taking place after he returned from 9 year hiatus from WWE. Soon, it will have Michael be World Champion, like...
Michael is seen in a lonely locker room at the Lucha Underground arena in Los Angeles, California. Tonight was the Aztec Warfare match. He made sure no one was there to see him as he knew a few wrestlers there who knew him.
He puts on his height-enhancing boots of 4 inches to make him taller. He has grown used to them and could do high-flying moves with them, but his gimmick is about hating high flyers.
Michael sighs as he pulls out some black pants and starts putting them around his eyes to make sure people don't see them behind his mask. He then ties his hair into a bun and goes to put on the mask.
?: What the hell?!
Michael gasps as he turns and sees...
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Michael: Dom?!
Dominik Mysterio. Son of Rey Mysterio Jr. and Michael's best friend since childhood.
Dominik: Michael why are you-
Michael grabs him and closes the door while covering his mouth.
Michael: Shut up. I don't want others to know this yet.
Dominik looks at him before calming down as Michael lets go of him. Soon, he sees the mask on the floor and connects the dots.
Dominik: You're Hardline.
Michael: ... Yeah. I'm Hardline.
Dominik: But... you're the United States Champion. You should be in London by now. And you've been doing this for 2 years?!
Michael: Yes, just be quiet! *sighs* Sorry, bro. I'm just scared that people would find out and I'm not ready for it.
Dominik: Okay, I understand. But, why do this? Isn't it stressful for you to go through one company from another? Especially when you're in contract with WWE and their US Champion?
Michael: It's because I wanted more, Dom. I just... I just want to take it out of my system. You see, all my life I've been the most selfless in my family. It's a pain in the ass to keep that appearance and say "Yes, I don't associate with what they did and say." I just... I just want to do stuff that I want. Can I be selfish for once in my life?
Dominik: And a double life is the best way?
Michael: It expresses who I am. I'm not the Bad Prince here, Dominik. I'm Hardline. The most dangerous monster to hit the Wrestling World. And I need to keep that up.
Dominik: How long, Mike? Look, I get it. You don't want to let everyone know it is you under the mask, but when would you see it's enough? Because if you do this any longer, everyone will start to notice.
Michael: I know. I know, bro. Just... please don't say anything to Rey and Chavo. Or anyone. Please, Dom. I'm not ready. I don't want everyone to know yet.
Dominik was shocked to see Michael getting emotional when pleading with him to not reveal his secret. This is the kid that, despite being the same age as him, was strong and been there for him and comforted him. They're like brothers and Michael stayed strong-willed but now, he's vulnerable and begging him to keep it with him.
