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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:41:08 GMT
Originally posted by AON. You know what's slightly underrated in the world of comedy? Very large men having to sit in ridiculously small chairs, now you and I might find that a somewhat humourous mental image but then again you're not Doug or Dan collectively known to the wrestling world as The Lumberjacks who were currently looking particularly uncomfortable sat in office chairs that were clearly not made with the comfort in mind nearly seven feet tall men who were roughly the size of an adulencent elephant, you could practically hear the chairs positively groan under the collective weight of one of the largest teams ever both clearly trying to shift their weights but no matter what way they sat, they were very uncomfortable, Maybe it had something to do with the setting they're in, The LePond brothers live up in the wilds of Canada surrounded by their arch nemesises; trees in small wood cabins they built with their own bare hands, so it almost felt wrong that they currently sat in the corporent officesof FWA headquarters, To see the two boys from the Yukon sat in a place with bland walls coated in neutral colours and various motivational posters depicting various cute animals ("Hang in there baby". "Don't even talk to me until I have my coffee and of course the old classic smiling orange cartoon cat decrying his hated of mondays) felt like some kind of glitch in the matrixs. No one has ever asked for a Lumberjack crossover with Dilbert, but here they are summoned by the head honchos at FWA headquarters and sitting across from a weedy-looking gentleman in a three-piece suit.
"Ok, I hereby call this emergency meeting of the FWA creative department to order."
"Why are w-"
"Woah, woah, hold on, cowboy, we have to take the roll first to ensure everyone is present and correct"
"But there's literally just the three of us in this room."
"Well, how do you know that officially if we haven't taken the roll."
"He's got you there, Doug."
"Ok, let's see here, in attendance, Raymond Terrific head of creative consulting- yes, I am indeed here, so I will make me as here....now let's see here, Doug? Are you here?"
"...Mhhh"
"Hmmm, interesting response, and how are we spelling that? Just an M and about three H's?"
"I think it's M-"
"Just put me down as present."
"Ok, Doug is changing his answer from "Mmhh" to "Present" Wonderful! And Dan? Are you here?"
"What are we doing?"
"Hey, I will open up the meeting for questions once it officially begins, but it can't begin if you're not here...so are you here?"
"....Yes, I'm here."
The man nods and painstakingly takes down Dan's words as an exact quote; satisfied with his work, he nods, pleased with himself.
"Ok, I'm here; Dan and Doug are here. And now, I can call this meeting to order; the first item on the agenda is fielding questions; I would like to now open the floor up for questions, so does anyone have any questions?"
"Yeah, wh-"
"The floor recognises Daniel Lupone of the Lumberjacks. Daniel, do you have a question?"
You could practically hear the buzz saw that was the grinding of Dan's teeth as he tried to repress his clear anger, but for the sake of his employment, he pushed through with deep breathing exercises. A good lumberjack always practices mindfulness.
"Yes, Who are you? Why are we here, and do you need our card? Your office could need a good furnishing..."
"Oak table, not that sturdy; you need a good pine finish."
"Well, my name is Raymond Terrific, and I guess you can call me an image consultant for FWA, and I've been asked to speak to you about...an issue creative has been having with you."
Raymond shifts in his chair, somewhat clearly uncomfortable with what he has to say next, like he was about to perform insult comedy to a crowd of grizzly bears, talk about a tough room.
"Sorry for the inconvenience; I know you guys live a long way away in the mountains up north."
"It's all good, buddy, we got good mileage on the moose, so it is what it is."
"Moose? Is that like a brand of car or-"
"Nope"
"Oh, so we're literally talking about-"
"Our pet moose, yeah,"
"Avril Lavigne is parked right offside."
"....Just to confirm, you named your pet moose Avril Lavigne?"
"....Yeah?"
"Why, what's the problem?"
Our hero Raymond seems like he has something to say on the matter, but stops himself just in time; it seems like the more he tries to dig deep into the world of the Lumberjacks, the more he'd be lost more and more in their weird Canadian vortex, and he has a job to do, he readjusts himself and moves on.
"First off, I just want to say that the boys upstairs in creative. They love you; You got a good thing going with the big scary lumberjack gimmick..."
"Gimmick?"
"But they called me in because-well...they have some...teeny tiny little concerns in terms of your whole...vibe..."
The brothers stare dead ahead at Raymond as if daring him to imply their vibe was anything other than an utter delight.
"So, how do I put this-"
Raymond mused to himself more than to the lumberjacks without finishing the statement "-Without being beaten up by two Lumberjacks."
"Ok, well, let's compare you guys to your opponents this week, ETERNAL. Before she debuted, Princess Nova sent us these amazing TV spots where she was in this castle and musing on the nature of reality-"
"We didn't see that; we don't own a TV."
"-and they were great, along with her sister she's a really creative -person...or whatever she is....Whereas you guys have sent us three segments ....all of which have consisted of you cutting down trees and talking about how you like to beat people up."
"Right. Sure."
"That's kind of our thing."
"Sure, sure, sure, and that's great. That's all great; the thing is, though...You've been saying that for the last six months or so..."
"Are you upset we didn't do it in a castle or something?"
"Ay man, you want us to cut promos, that's fine, but we got our day jobs to worry about, so we gotta do what we gotta do; if FWA wants to buy us a castle, they can get us a castle!"
"Scratch that; we can just build it from...Trees."
"Yeah, man, that's a good call. Wood is a better material than stone"
"See, this is exactly the problem with you two."
"What is?"
"You guys have been here for six months, and all you guys ever talk about is beating people up, cutting down trees, and being lumberjacks."
"...But we ARE lumberjacks, and we DO cut down trees, and we do beat people up...What else do you want? For us to tap dance?"
"Can you?! Because that would be amazingly helpful!"
Both lumberjacks give Raymond what Paddington bear would call "A hard stare", not feeling the need even dignify that with an answer.
"Just...Just give me something else, anything else to you guys, besides the fact you're big bad and scary Lumberjacks. Like, anything at all. Did you guys have a difficult childhood?"
"Not really; our parents loved us very much."
"Do you ever have moments of emotional vulnerabilities you can put on camera?"
"....."
"Have you ever considered the possibility that all this is in your head and you're both dreaming? That seems to play well."
" How would that even work? I'm I having the dream, is he having the dream, are we both having some kind of...Inception kind of deal?"
"Ok, let me ask you; why you became lumberjacks? What is it about cutting down trees that appeal so much to you?"
"Well, our dad was a lumberjack, so we just kind of fell into the family business..."
"And cutting down trees is pretty cool."
"We like trees."
"Yeah, Trees are pretty dope."
Raymond stared straight ahead at the lumberjacks as if waiting for more to follow, but they seemed to be done
"Look, I'm not saying you gotta change your entire deal! The lumberjack thing, I dig it; it's doing good numbers in the Washington, Ohio, Utah area - y'know, the hipster places, they love the beards."
"What's a hipster?"
"Oh, there's an idea! Have you considered adding more of a hipster aesthetic? How do you feel about craft beer?"
"I don't drink craft beer."
"No one does! They just hold it in their hands because it gives them character! Which is exactly what you need!"
"We usually hold axes in our hands."
"-And chop trees with them."
"Oh yeah. Chop 'em real good."
"Look, I get it, you think you're fine like this, and that's all, but the people want more. They want emotion, they want dimension, they want development, and you're... not any of that."
" But there's not really much else to us; we're wrestlers who are also lumberjacks; we're happy being like that"
"Being happy doesn't pay the bills, being happy doesn't give you wins, and being happy doesn't make you famous! Happy people don't exist; they're a myth! There's no such thing as a white-meat happy-go-lucky hero anymore; they died out sometime around 2005! If someone is just happy and friendly out there, they're either an idiot like Bellatrix or Lizzie Rose, a psychopath like Best, or ridiculously, inhumanly sad on the inside, like... Like..."
"Like you?"
"Exactly like me! You think this smile comes naturally? I'm on so many pills I can't see the colour blue anymore! I haven't felt a pleasant emotion since 1992, but I'm rich! I'm successful! And you can be too, just... Just if you alter yourself. Just a little bit."Look, guys, you're great wrestlers, you are, but in this business, that isn't enough; you gotta sell yourself, you got to engage the crowd, you got to grab their attention and tell them something about yourselves that speaks to the heart of the common wrestling fan....and the common wrestling fan isn't a lumberjack s-"
It was then Raymond noticed that both Doug and Dan had stood up, and Doug was cutting up the chair with a comically large axe with Dan's encouragement.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Screamed Raymond as his beloved chairs lay in a heap, looking like they just got hit with a wrecking ball
"Ha! You see the way the arms crumble like that? That's a telltale sign of shoddy workmanship. Shoddy. Shoddy. Shoddy"
"Whoever sold you these chairs are a bunch of cowboys."
You'd think Reymond would be used to dealing with this kind of stuff being involved in the whacky world of FWA, but he's lost any and all cool as he stepped in between the two.
"HEY, GUYS, LISTEN, LISTEN, STOP. PLEASE"
The jacks pause as Reymond reaches into his coat pocket.
"Look, I just wanted you to come here, so I can give you some inspiration in dealing with two scary wrestlers here-"
He reaches into his coat pocket, pulls out a slip of paper, and throws it at the brothers.
"That's the address of the hotel you're staying at tonight-"
"Really? We can always stare here and help you remodel?"
"GET OUT-!"
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CRACK-! The white-hot flash of a powerful lightning strike illustrates the hotel, well, at least, that's what it's being used for at the moment. Still, it seems like the kind of place that was the home of some rich mucky muck back in civil war times, a four-story home seemingly crumbling at the seams, with its classic Georgian design and architecture with gothic statues of Gargoyles staring out at those foolish enough to step inside these hallowed grounds, it seemed impossibly out of place in 21st-century life. Surrounded by nothing but wild wood and Forrest, the house seemed to suck all the energy and colour out of its surroundings, turning everything grey...
In short, it's a hotel that most people would take one look at and shout "NOPE" and turn back instantly.
"I don't know; man"
Doug sighed as the Lumberjacks pulled up to their hotel for the night.
"Do YOU think we're too boring and one-dimensional for anyone to care about us over Eternal?"
"What? That's crazy talk. Sure, Eternal might be this weird supernatural, super gimmicky team, but if you want someone to set up a shelf, who are you going to ask? Us or them? Every other team needs to have all these stupid bells and whistles, but we're meat and potatoes jam up, guys. Eternal can bring all their bullshit, but we'll bring pure lumberjack power to them."
"Thank you, brother. I needed to hear that, just sometimes I worry we're seen as some cliche cheap Canadian stereotypes."
Just then, the great moose the two Canadian brothers were riding gave a distinctive cry.
"You see what you've done now? You've upset Avril Lavigne. She hates when you talk like that."
"Man, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make things so COMPLICATED."
"You know, man, all I can think when I hear you talk is, WHAT THE HELL?!" You need to SMILE more and learn to LET THINGS GO."
"You know what, man? BITE ME!"
" Hey! Don't get HOT at me like I'm your girlfriend, because honestly? Hey. Hey. You. You. I don't want to be your GIRLFRIEND."
"I'm sorry, brother; I'M A MESS. Just hearing all these people talk about how ETERNAL are more creative than us, I just want to scream, DON'T TELL ME. Sometimes it feels like I'm LOSING GRIP because I know we're THE BEST DAMN THING to hit the tag team scene, but when I try to tell people that, it's like NO ONE'S HOME. It's not our fault Eternal said, "HERE'S TO NEVER GROWING UP", but I know when "I'M WITH YOU." I know when our match is done, they'll say, "SO MUCH FOR MY HAPPY ENDING."
It was just then a cat crossed their path.
"Oh hey, look, a cat."
"HELLO KITTY"
The cat meowed a greeting and then scampered off into the void.
"In any case, man, come on, we have to park Avril and shack up for the night."
"Man, this place is weird; why do you think that guy booked us here away from the rest of the roster?
"Probably because we keep cutting up every chair we see."
"You know what? That's fair
"I don't know, man; everyone thinks ETERNAL had the advantage because they're all charismatic and spooky and supernatural and stuff, and we don't have any experience with the paranormal, so we can't fight them on their level"
"Yeah, man, but at the same time, I never saw Keres or Princess Nova down a great oak."
"Well. Keres could probably do it with her crazy gothic mind powers, and Princess Nova probably has a butler to do it. No work ethic whatsoever."
"It's a shame we had no experience with the supernatural so that we can relate to ETERNAL in all their spookiness."
As they were jibber jabbering their sweet lumber lips off, they found themselves standing in front of some wooden wall just outside the entranceway where they found four words staring out at them, painted in some sort of dark red jagged letters painted in what seemed to be clearly blood bearing the disturbing legend.
STAY. AWAY.
DEATH INSIDE.
"OH MY GOD"
"I know. That's so disturbing!"
"I think I'm going to be sick."
"Me too."
"...Who the hell paints blood over pine wood?!"
"It damages the wood; the pine is going to absorb it, it's going to be comprised, and pretty soon, it's going to rot! No respect whatsoever for good quality wood!"
"Some people are just sick monsters!"
Shaking their heads in synch in mutual disgust at the mistreatment of wood, so much so they don't seem to notice the ominous message, the same way they no sell the bloody hand prints leading up to the front door as Dan knocks on the gothic door knocker which seems to thunder and echo for miles on end.
BOOM-!
BOOM-!
BOOM-!
It seems to take an age before the front door CREEKKKKKKKKKKKED opens slowly but surely to reveal- OH MY GOD, IT'S A WALKING CORPSE-! Oh, wait, scratch that. It's just an insanely pale-looking thin gentleman standing in a black three-piece suit, looking at The Lumberjacks in a way that would make anyone want to shower.
"OH, HELLO, MY LITTLE PRETTIES, MY LITTLE ANGELS, ARE WE TO BE MARRIED ON THE 'MARROW?!"
"....What?"
"Oh, I'm sorry; I thought you were both pretty ladies."
Easy mistake to make.
"Riiiiight, well, I'm Doug, and this is my brother Dan."
"Hello, I'm Dan. I'm a lumberjack."
"and I'm also a Lumberjack, and together we are THE lumberjacks."
"Kinda our thing, anywho I think you're expecting us."
"Oh yes, indeed, we've been expecting you. We've been expecting you indeed. Mhahahaha"
"I don't know about you, Dan, but I like this guy."
"He has a smiley demeanour about him. Service with a smile."
"So, can we come in?"
"Oh, indeed you can. You can certainly come in just fine, but if you come in, you can never leave!"
"Ok."
"Sure."
"...Do you understand the concept? You can come in, but you can ne-"
"Yeah, no, we heard you the first time."
"Because you have such great good service we won't want to believe, seems like a weird sales tactic."
"No, you don't understand; if you step inside, that's it, it's all over, your soul will belong to-"
"Look, will you stop being so ominous? We're trying to figure out how to deal with ominous opponents!
The thing about being so very, very large is that if you want to go somewhere, there's not a lot anyone could do to stop you, so it was a very small thing to casually knock the manager to the side and stroll on into the hotel lobby which has everything you want from a hotel, rustic vibe, ominous lighting, bloody hand prints on the walls spooky organ music that seems to come from nowhere in particular. Very welcoming, The brothers Jack lugged their massive frames towards the front desk looking around with vague disinterest, as Doug hammered the desk bell over and over again but instead of a short musical note ringing out, a disembodied voice cried out.
"Doooooooom"
"Dooooooom."
"....."
"Huh, I guess everyone is busy at the moment."
Shrugging a little, Dan leaned over the hotel counter and produced a clipboard which he scanned with some amount of interest.
"You get our room?"
"Let's see...Torrance family...Lord of the flies nursery.....Norman Bates...A coven book club reading of the Necronomicon..."
"The Coven? The wrestlers?"
"Naa, probably just some fan club, Ah! Here we go! The Lumberjacks-Room 237"
"Let's do it."
And so the brothers set off down the hallway; they talked among themselves, seemingly oblivious that the eyes of every oil painting in the place seemed to be following them, not to mention that the walls appeared to be bleeding.
"See, what my problem is that Keres and Princess Nova can't just be a good tag team because we know they are, we've been in the ring with them, we know for a fact how tough they are, they HAVE to pretend to be this all-powerful supernatural force, they have to try so hard to been seen as MORE than what they appear to be like we'd be intimidated by them rattling their chains."
"So you don't believe they have some special powers?!
"Oh, don't be insane, Dan, there's no such things as ghosts and goblins and things that go bump in the night-Oh; hey, look, I think there's a penny in the carpet!"
"Oooooh, let me see!"
In the kind of perfect synchronicity, you can only expect from a world-class tag team, both Doug and Dan lean down to inspect the carpet, intensely combing it for pennies, just as an axe flew over their heads right where they were standing.
"Aw man, it's an AMERICAN penny."
"Man, that's useless to us Canadians."
"We are Canadian AND lumberjacks."
"Indeed we are."
Standing up and dusting themselves off, they move forward.
"Anyway, it doesn't matter if they're some magical, mystical beings; we pinned one of them last week; that means they're not Gods; they're flesh and blood and being punched in the face is still going to suck for them"
Lumberjackack pauses momentarily to observe a hand axe embedded in the wall.
"Oh my God, do you see this?"
"Yeah, this place gives free gifts!"
"What a nice place!"
Happily, Doug takes the axe out of the wall with a grunt.
Happy with a new throwing axe to add to their considerable collection, they made their way to the elevator, and you'd never guess what happened next, that's right. They press the elevator button! Yes, can your body possibly absorb any more dramatic tension than what it's currently experiencing right now? Doug grimaces just a little as he spits on the ground.
"Man, I can't get the taste of glove out of my mouth. We can't let that shit happen this week."
Look, man, they can play all the tricks they want, talk about how they're both magical princesses from another world all they want, but the fact remained last week, they took down one of us, but we took down one of them. That tells me we got all we need to beat them; I mean, c'mon man, You stack Princess Nova and Keres on top of each other, and they don't come close to being either of our sizes...
As Doug spoke, the elevator doors opened, revealing...two figures, the shape of two girls in ruffled and torn matching old school nightgowns; the girls are pale, paler than any living being has a right to be, holding hands; they speak in one eerie bone chilling whisper.
"Come play with us, Lumberjacks, come play forever and ev-"
"Excuse me; we're trying to have a private conversation here."
"Yeah, it's really rude that you'll just jump in like that...just give us a second, ok?
The twin ghosts stand there, slightly nonplused, with the largest set of twins totally no selling their creepy vibe as they turn away, trying not to shake their heads at their rudeness.
"So anyway, Eternal deal in their dream world, but we deal with reality, we handle business in the ring, and in that ring? Might make right, and while ETERNAL might be all about their own fantasy land...we're all about cutting down trees and breaking trees."
The Lumberjacks, having pumped themselves up nicely, do a very complicated brotherly high five; it was then the two ghost girls piped up once again.
"Come pla-"
"Ok, seriously, where are your parents? This is highly irresponsible."
"C'mon, Doug be nice; we always explored the wilderness when we were young, away from our parents."
"Yeah, you're right. Alright, girls, let's play a game that me and my brother used to play when we were your age. It's called catch the axe."
"Come play wi-wait what."
With one fluid motion, Doug flings the axe right at Ghost girls, which hits one of them right between the eyes, and she instantly goes limp and falls to the ground in a heap.
"Woo, twenty points for me!"
The other ghost girl looked down at her sister; with ever-growing horror, she screamed in anger.
"YOUR SOULS WILL BE FED TO THE WORMS, I WILL TAKE YOU DOWN TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL, AND I SHALL FEAST-"
"Can we just offer a note?"
"Um...Sure?"
"You're kind of reaching the point of diminishing returns with the spooky threats."
" I guess...sorry guys...I've been doing this for like eight thousand years; my heart is kind of out of it."
"Hey, it's cool; everyone gets burnt out. You need a change of scenery. have you considered being a lumberjack?"
"... come to think of it, no, I haven't. You think I'd be good at it?"
"I mean, you've got the endurance down; I think you'd be a good lumberjack."
"Huh. Hey, thanks, guys. I'm going to make some calls. sleep well"
Whistling a merry tune as she went, the ghost vanished through the wall, and The Lumberjacks went up to their room and had a lovely nice sleep in what turned out to be the worst haunted house in human history. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:41:22 GMT
Originally posted by Cyrus. Exile Chronicles (Volume 5)
Chapter 17: Daddy’s Home
“I suppose I should be grateful.”
We find ourselves in an old, rustic workshop, where tools and knives hang from a pegboard, and a sole window lets in the early morning sun. We hear the scraping of a blade against leather as hands slice a ribbon of tanned hide off from a larger sheet.
We look at the face of a focused Exile, as Cyrus Truth’s attention is on the task at hand. Measuring the leather with a measuring stick, using a smaller knife to cut off any excess or nick any strings from the original cut. Satisfied with the length, Cyrus returns to the pegboard and takes a gander at the tools, before settling on a small hammer, punch, and scratch awl.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Cyrus, with the nefarious ending of the F1 Climaxxx, to the confrontation with the Nephews, to Chris Peacock shocking everybody by granting Cyrus a shot at the title in a Triple Threat at the Grand March.
Cyrus is…torn. On the one hand, he finally has a proper shot to become the World Champion again, after working so hard to attain it. Still, the bitterness of having been handed this opportunity by Chris Peacock is not easy to forget or swallow.
As Cyrus focuses on the leather strip and begins to punch some holes into it, he says as if off-handedly:
“I’ve been given a chance that many would say I hadn’t earned. A chance to return to the throne that I’ve not sat in for years. I should be grateful, shouldn't I? And to an extent, I am. Still, it’s a difficult thing, having that opportunity be handed to you by the man you seek to wrest the prize from. And if I’m being completely honest? I doubt that Chris Peacock did it simply for my benefit. Regardless, it’s complicated and tough to piece together how exactly I feel about this situation, but the bottom line is that I have a chance at the Grand March. I lost my championship in a Triple Threat Match at the event right before the road to Back in Business. And now? The Road has come full circle. Regardless of how and why, the only remaining thing to do is see this leg of the journey through to its end…and crush both Peacock and von Horrowitz to become World Champion. Nothing more or less.”
The leather strip, under Cyrus’s ministrations, starts to take shape as a belt of brown tanned leather. Cyrus completes the holes, and takes a much smaller strip and some glue to make the loop. He then reaches for a simple metal buckle and inspects it.
“However, my own personal feelings in this aren’t the only complicated thing about this turn of events. I doubt Chris fully comprehends the full scope of what he’s done and the dangers he’s put his championship reign in. Not from me, although he’d be foolish to discount me. Michelle made it clear that she’s not about to take this change in her title opportunity lightly, and she has an army of simpering fools at her disposal to throw at whatever problem she has.
“I’m…not exactly comfortable with the match I find myself in on Meltdown. Having to team with Baxter and his little buddy Best after what Baxter pulled during the Climaxxx. And I don’t have a problem with Tommy Bedlam, but that doesn’t necessarily make for the strongest foundation for an alliance.
“Still…a common enemy does wonders when you’re fighting a war. And this is a war, whether anybody realizes it or not. The Nephews have been allowed to run rampant and fester like an un-skewered boil, and we’ve allowed them to become this cancer because they’re a bunch of fools pretending to be clowns. They have no goals, no ambitions, nothing save for a desire to look out for their own. And I find them absolutely abhorrent.
“Nephews…I’m not much for family either, but it’s not uncommon for nephews to be treated with a gentler touch by their uncles and aunts. After all, they’re not their direct children. They don’t have to take responsibility when they act up, or get into trouble. They can just let the children run wild and foist them on their parents afterwards.
“J.J. may call himself ‘Uncle’ for whatever inane reason. And while I’m not particularly fond of corporal punishment to children?”
Cyrus affixes the buckle and belt loop to finish the job. It’s a heavy leather, long enough to reach across Cyrus’s wingspan. Cyrus, after stretching it, folds it upon itself and snaps the two sides of the belt together with a vicious “SMACK.”
“I’m not dealing with children. And it’s long past time these bastards got a lesson in how to behave and when they should keep their noses out of other people’s business. So playtime’s over, Nephews. Because Daddy’s home.”
SMACK.
SMACK.
SMACK… |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:41:33 GMT
Originally posted by TGO. “I am sorry for your mistakenness,” XYZ says, walking away from whomever he’s talking to and towards the curtain area inside of the Fallout arena.
“Mistakenness? Is that a word?” Frank whispers to PacMan Bert, who does not pick up his head or even give a shoulder shrug to acknowledge.
Frank, a big and bulky black man with a personality as soft as a baby rabbit, turns to Sierra next.
“Mistakenness? Is that a …”
“I think YOU are the one who’s mistaken,” Sierra barks, walking quickly in an effort to catch up with XYZ in the backstage hallway.
“Aye, gringo! We were sent to be with you. This ain’t my choice, amigo. This is because of De …”
Sierra frowns a bit at even the beginning of the mention of his name, and Frank elbow-nudges Wild Jerry in the chest to pause him.
“Look. Someone told us to come help you, amigo. Someone who is connected to … both … of us.”
“Connected to us? Who is connected to us?”
XYZ’s question in response gets silence. Of course, Wild Jerry can’t explain that it was “The Rotten Gold” Devin Golden, in one of his final acts in this “place”, as he described it, to send this quartet of side characters to XYZ’s side – without X’s knowledge. Wild Jerry can’t explain this because of the last part – it’s without XYZ’s knowledge, and X doesn’t know yet that he, too, is a side character created by the once-comatose mind of Devin Golden, if you are one who believes Golden’s dreamworld view of the FWA.
XYZ doesn’t know of his alleged connection to Golden, so why would he care – or even believe – that Golden asked these four to stand by his side and help him? Why would X trust this act from a many who, if you had to label him on the board, would be a top candidate for Chaotic Evil?
These are the reasons why Wild Jerry, Frank, Sierra, and PacMan Bert – although PacMan wouldn’t even try if the circumstances were more favorable – will not tell XYZ the full truth and story. They have to withhold certain facts. They have to ask for his blind trust.
“I am sorry. I know you four joined with me at a time of difficulty for me. And you four came to … his service when no one else would come. I know you are good people, and I am grateful for you.
And I know you four … are lost. Usually, as a defender of good and the light and the people who are lost and need to be found, I would embrace you with open arms. I would tell you how we can tackle the universe together. I would tell you that the highest moon in the sky is attainable if you can ride the tail of the sea dragon at midnight.
But right now, I need to work on myself. I am still grieving. And I cannot … I cannot replace him … just yet.”
The “him” X refers to is Big Al, who passed away weeks ago. Although he was never real? But he was real to XYZ, as he told the FWA management-ordered therapist following his episode when Big Al “died” in front of him mid-interview on an FWA show.
XYZ cannot just replace Big Al in the same way a family cannot go out and get a new pet dog one week after their beloved pet died. Well, they shouldn’t, but more about that discrepancy at another time.
“Sauce Man ain’t here no more. Golden ain’t here no more,” Frank says, the last name catching XYZ’s attention for a moment, out of curiosity.
“And Big Al ain’t here no more,” which gets X off of the Golden mention and once more thinking about his late friend – and his grief.
“Don’t this seem like it’s meant to be? There’s a line connectin’ all of us. Maybe it’s time you saw it.”
XYZ reaches the ring area for his 6-person tag team match, and he turns back to the quartet following him. But before he can speak, Wild Jerry speaks for him.
“If he don’t want us, then he can say it right now and we’ll be on our way. Say you don’t want us and we’ll head out.”
“I have to fight. I have to hold the candle that no one else can. I am sorry that I cannot help you all.”
[/HR]
XYZ watches as the pinfall grants him, Trixie Bordeaux, and Sawyer Xavier with the victory. It’s a moment of elation – albeit temporary, because X felt he underperformed.
But within minutes, XYZ is in the ogre-like arms of Death Walker, who choked him out viciously in the middle of the ring after the match.
What happened to XYZ when he was choked out deserves some attention. As the consciousness fades from XYZ’s eyes, he slips into a dream that can only be described as the most simple dream setting possible.
XYZ finds himself standing along the sidewalk – the same sidewalk where his mother dropped him off when he was just a little boy. There’s a single street light above him, and the sky is pitch dark. No stars. No moon. No clouds. No hint as to which way to go.
“X!”
The voice startles XYZ. He searches for it, but all he sees is about 10 yards of this sidewalk, next to 10 yards of a road, and 10 yards of the sidewalk on the opposite side. There’s nothing else. Even beyond those 10 yards is just darkness.
“X!”
“He continues to look for the voice. Nothing. He notices the puddles of water along the curb – just like when he was dropped off and left there by his mom. It’s all very eerie and … comfortable … for X.
“Down here, X. Dammit.”
Finally, he looks a bit down and notices a black labrador dog. Yep, you guessed it.
“Big Al?”
“Yeah. In a way.”
You’d think that dogs shouldn’t be able to talk, but this one can. The dog barks but instead of barking, speaks in a human voice. In fact, the voice is the human form of Big Al’s voice. It’s a deep, southern voice.
“I’m so happy to see you, old friend!”
XYZ kneels down for a hug, but Big Al backs away a couple of steps.
“I am not real, X.”
“Were you ever real?”
“As real as you.”
The comforting reply still doesn’t solve the question.
“Why are you here then?”
“You’re going to need help, X. You’re going to need their help.”
It’s stunning for XYZ to hear this from Big Al in this setting – dream of not – because he’s instinctively drawn to letting Big Al lead the way from this spot on the sidewalk to somewhere safer, just like he did all those years ago.
But there’s no leash in XYZ’s hand, and there’s no leash connected to Big Al’s collar. There’s no link between them.
“Why not YOUR help? Why can’t you come back with me?”
“You know that’s not how this works. I’ve died. I didn’t come back the first time for years. Then you made me come back in your own mind, but it was time for me to go again. You need to have help from people who aren’t … me. I know I helped you that night when you were left on the side of the road.
I know I’m your shield. Your protector. But you need to not need me anymore.”
Suddenly, the darkness around XYZ begins to feel as if it’s closing in. There’s a panic attack coming on. What began as a nightmare shifted to a heartwarming dream and then swapped back to a nightmare.
“I can’t do it alone.”
“You don’t need to do it alone. You just need to do it … with them. Not me.”
“Wait … they said someone was connected to us. They said someone sent them to help me. Was that you, Big Al?”
“It’s OK to need help, X. You can win King of the Deathmatch. You can be king. You can be champion.”
“Was it you, Big Al?!”
“It’s OK … to ask for help. You can beat them all, X. You can be the hero to so many people. They are standing on a sidewalk in the darkness, waiting for you to lead them to safety. You can beat them all, X. Jason Randall. Trixie Bordeaux. Kleio de Santos. Sawyer Xavier. And yes, even Death Walker.
All of them.”
“Did you send them?”
“Ask for their help.”
“TELL ME IF IT WAS YOU! PLEASE!”
But the dog runs away in the other direction, and before XYZ can begin running after him, he feels pulled by a magnetic force in the opposite direction. And then his perspective shifts to almost witnessing himself in the dream, momentarily, before his eyes open – and he didn’t even know they were closed.
[/HR]
The dream felt like hours, but it was in fact just 40 seconds of unconsciousness in the ring. Regardless of the length, it was an enlightening experience, to say the least. That’s why, when he wakes up and gains his bearings, XYZ makes a haste walk up the rampway and towards the backstage area.
“Where are they?” he shouts to the three people sitting in the same chairs as before, manning the audio system for the arena. They all look at one another and two of them shrug their shoulders.
The third, in a British accent, says, “Where are who, mate?”
“The … the people with me! The Mexican guy and … the big black guy who … and the guy with the video game … and … the woman!”
Also not enough description to let the three sound technicians and audio board workers help, XYZ stomps off and heads into the hallway. Within seconds, though, he hears the Hispanic accent of Wild Jerry.
“This man is UN…SERIOUS. He just got choked out and he frontin’ like he don’t need us? Wack-ass gringo.”
XYZ turns a corner and sees Wild Jerry, Frank, PacMan Bert, and Sierra all huddled in a group near one of the TV monitors. Wild Jerry seems to be holding court with the other three, leading the conversation.
“Give him one more chance.”
“Shiiiiit. I’m ready to bounce, amigo. We can fend for ourselves. You see what happened out there to him?!”
It’s obvious to XYZ that this quartet witnessed what happened to him on the monitor. They saw XYZ get manhandled and show weakness against someone with evil and darkness in their heart and mind.
“You know we’ll just be floating.”
“There’s nothing for us beyond this.”
“Better that this shit with this goofy-ass gringo.”
At that moment, XYZ steps forward. PacMan Bert just so happened to look up from his video game and with his eyes looking just over the top rim of his glasses, he gets the others’ attention and directs them down the hallway. Wild Jerry rolls his eyes and sighs. Sierra lightly smiles, a warm and inviting expression. Frank is more boisterous with his smile.
But Wild Jerry acts like he’s got egg on his face.
“Look, man, I … I ain’t mean it. If you heard.”
“I heard. And you did mean it. I deserved it. I have been weak. I have not been a hero. Heroes ask for help when needed. Heroes know their limits."
XYZ stops in front of the four. He unties the green cape around his neck and holds it in his hand.
“I need help. Your help. I don't know why, but I do know that you all can protect me from stuff like tonight happening. And I can help you. I can give you purpose.”
“We ain’t gonna be no Nephew shit, though.”
Wild Jerry is pretty emphatic about this. He does not want to be a cast-off character just to fill ranks and prop up one person.
“We’re not nephews. We’re equal. We’re fighting for the greater good … together. And I can’t lead this charge alone. I need help. I need … XYZites.”
“Not XYZites,” Sierra pipes in. “Not XYZites. That died when Jeremy Best turned to the darkness.”
There’s a long pause.
“We’re all from the same place. We’re from the same mind. Think about where we all came from. Think about who sent us. Think about why we're here ... in this place ... right now. It's because we are connected. We are linked. There's a through line. It's in our genes. In our code. In our souls.
Frank's comment gets an eyebrow raise from XYZ. Did they really all come from Big Al? Was it his mind that sent them to X?
"Yes. Big Al IS in our souls!" XYZ shouts.
Frank is about to answer -- to correct him -- but then remembers that XYZ is unaware of the through line. So he stumbles on his words for a few seconds, and fortunately gets bailed out by ...
“The Ménage.”
Thus, the group's name was cast, a historic event only topped by the fact that the naming was the first time anyone ever heard PacMan Bert speak.
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:42:18 GMT
Originally posted by OldJay. Tales From The Reaper
Season I, Episode II
Days of Future Past
Prologue: Tale of Life
When you’re young, life seems so insurmountable. It feels like you have a million critical decisions to make and any wrong choice will mean you’re a failure at life. That outlook on things doesn’t go away until it’s too late.
Because of this predicament we all wish we had the ability to see our future. See what exactly happens in our life in order to either correct it to fit what would make us happy or know that we succeed in our life and can have peace of mind.
It’s been well documented that my life is full of regrets. It’s been well documented that my decisions in my life have been far from perfect. As much as I wished for that crystal ball. As much as I wished things would just align and give me the happiness I yearned for. At the end of the day life is just a tumultuous journey and there are battles to be fought every single day for every single one of us.
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Act I: The Joke
PAPA, help me with this game!
A young child shouts out as he runs up to a “Pop-the-Weasel” arcade game. The game looks like it’s been around the block a time or two. Beaten and just old. You can tell it doesn’t get played too often as it is way back in the back corner of the arcade. The young child picks up the cushioned, black mallet and begins to scream out with excitement again.
PAPA, PAPA, hurry up! I want to bang the weasels!
From around the corner of another set of arcade games steps out Logan Darwin. With a smile on his face he makes his way towards the “Pop-the-Weasel” arcade game.
Miles! Please don’t get too far away from Papa in this place. I know you’re excited to play the games I just don’t want to lose you.
I’m sorry Papa, I’m just excited to smash some of these weasels! Remember when you did it when you used to be a big, superhero?
Miles starts to smash holes in the game with the cushioned mallet as if he is practicing how he will do it once the game begins. Logan wears a big smile on his face as he crotches down to his grandson’s height.
Alright, so you know how to play this game right?
Miles nods his head in approval.
You gotta be quick though, there is nothing more sneaky and fast then a stinky weasel. Once you start to see the top of his head coming out of that hole smack him as hard as you can. But remember, be as quick as you can.
Miles stands in front of the game, holding the mallet anticipating the moment his grandfather puts a quarter into the game and it fires up. Logan then slides a quarter into the game and it starts to make noise and the lights begin to flare up.
Get ready, they’re going to start coming at ya!
As the weasels start to pop up at a fast pace the child tries his best to keep up with them. Bashing them on the head as quickly as he can. Missing some, of course, but making sure he throws the mallet down as hard as he can onto the arcade game. As the game continues the child begins to laugh as he continues to hit the weasels in its head. The timer on the arcade game counts down as he goes and as forty-five seconds hit zero all the weasels
5000 POINTS! That’s awesome Miles!
Logan’s grandson throws the mallet down on the top of the arcade game, screams out “YEAH” and wraps his arms around the neck of his grandfather.
Whoa, don’t forget about your tickets that you won. We can add those to the ones we already have and hopefully get an awesome prize at the counter.
Just then a young woman, probably in her mid 20s comes around the other side of the arcade games and looks down at Logan and Miles. Her face lights up with a smile as she sees the excitement on Miles’ face. Miles lets go of his grandfather for a second and turns his attention to the slot of the game where a string of tickets have come out of. He grabs the string of tickets, spins around to see his grandfather once again but then takes notice of the woman that is behind them now.
MOM!
Just then the little boy runs to the woman wrapping his arms around the pelvic region of the woman. Logan looks the woman’s way as well and stands up to greet her. He walks towards her and the two embrace. As they come apart Logan’s face is utterly shining.
Gwen, it’s great to see you. Me and Miles have just been having some fun and getting the boy some tickets to get a really cool prize to take home.
Gwen smiles at Logan and leans forward to give Logan a kiss on the cheek. She then looks down at Miles.
Is that so Miles? Have you been collecting a treasure chest of tickets?
Miles looks up at his mother with a big smile as he thrust his hands upward with a mess of tickets.
Absolutely. I’m looking to get a cool Lego set. Papa says if I win enough I could probably even buy this entire trash heap.
Gwen looks up at Darwin with a smirk. Darwin just flashes her a smile. Darwin reaches down to rub the top of Miles’ head.
Well, like I said this place is fun but it’s been here longer than even Papa can remember.
He then has his hand on the back of Miles’ neck and looks down at the boy.
But, it is getting pretty late, Miles. I’m pretty sure your mom had a pretty long day at work and would love to get back home. What do you say we take those tickets to the counter and see what cool stuff we can get for you to take home?
With that Logan reaches his hand out and Miles grasps Logan’s hand. The trio then begin to make their way through the arcade and reach the counter with a bunch of small prizes organized in a glass container and then on a bunch of shelving behind that there are a bunch of various bigger prizes.
Alright Miles have a good look. You can either take a look in this glass case and probably get a few, cool small things OR if you look behind at the shelves you might find you can get one of the awesome, bigger prizes on them.
Logan’s grandson begins to crouch down and look through the many items in the glass case. Moving up and down the glass case a few times before diverting his attention to the shelves behind the counter. Just then a group of three, young, adult men step behind Logan and his other two family members. At first they definitely believe they know who is in front of them. The group of men then begin to whisper to each other as if trying to put all of their thoughts together to ensure they all realize who is in front of them. Just then one of them abruptly interjects by saying.
Holy shit are you Logan Darwin.
Logan’s entire mood then spins on a dime, steaming from complete irritation from the young man’s remark. Logan turns his head over his shoulder and replies to the guy with a stern voice.
Dude, I’m with my grand kid. Could you please curb that nonsense? Give me five minutes here and I’ll sign whatever the hell you want me to sign. Just let me have this time with my grand kid and he doesn’t need to hear that trash.
Logan then turns his head back forward and throws his attention back to Miles, kind of pushing him to stay focused and see what he wants to spend his tickets on. Logan places his hand on the back of Miles’ neck once more and bends down.
Miles, have you seen anything good that you want yet?
Not yet Papa, I wish I would have won more tickets!
Just then another one of the men behind him piles more tension onto things.
Yo, old man. We didn’t ask you to sign anything. Why in the hell would we want to get anything from your old ass? You couldn’t even beat a fucking rodent in a fight. You old ass, mother fucking has been.
Logan’s mood is not pure anger. He turns his head to look his daughter in the face and she notices the straight irritation on Logan’s face. Gwen then bends down to talk to Miles.
Hey honey, how about we go get your more tickets. I noticed there is an awesome remote control car on one of those shelves. Wouldn’t it be awesome to race that thing around the house when we get home?
Miles begins to mull the decision over and looks up at his mom with an excited smile.
That would be AWESOME! Can I please play the game where I throw the balls at the clowns?
Absolutely, let’s go play that game for a bit. Papa has to talk to some of his old friends from back when he was a superhero.
Miles reaches his hand up towards Gwen as she grabs it and the two walk away to find the arcade game Miles spoke off. With those two disappearing in the sea of arcade games, Logan stands back up and slowly turns to face the trio of guys behind him that were just heckling him. As he faces them the emotion on his face is a mix of complete anger yet trying to hold it back a little bit.
Look, I get it. Three, young guys like you. Full of piss and vinegar. You see me, someone that used to beat the crap out of people for a living. You three with the world at your fingertips think there could be nothing that would make a cooler story to tell your other friends than the day you put Logan Darwin in his place. You three were able to verbally belittle a man that used to take people to such a pain threshold that they had no choice but to say in front of millions of people that I tortured them enough that they couldn’t take it anymore. Am I close to your thought process with what you just decided to do as I was spending time with my family?
The group of guys exchange looks with each other and then busting out laughing.
Bro, you’re a broken down old man. I watched as you were beaten down like a scalded dog by a weasel person. You coming at us all tough now just cause you can’t handle us telling you how it is only tells me that you’re hoping we’re only here to call you names.
Logan begins to grind his teeth a little bit and clench his fist. Yet, at the same time he tries to hold his anger back and be the voice of valor.
I really didn’t come to this place to have a fight. I came here to simply spend some time with my grandson. How about we just let bygones be bygones?
You know what, that sounds best. Let me apologize, we didn’t realize you were here to just spend time with your grandson.
The guy speaking stops for a second as if he is thinking for a second.
I will say, I really hope that kid doesn’t grow up to be a little bitch like his grandfather.
Just then one of the guys throws a punch and connects with the side of Logan’s face. Then another one of the guys charges at him, throwing a shoulder into Logan’s midsection and driving him into the glass counter. Logan has no choice but to fight back then. As his back slams against the counter he pummels the back of the guy with a double ax-handle smash. He then throws a knee into the guy’s midsection, at the same time wrapping his arms around the guy and throwing him to the floor. The next guy runs up to Logan and fires a straight right punch at Logan but he catches the guy’s fist and twists his arm down, while Logan throws a headbutt, connecting with the front of the guy’s head.
The loudest of the jerks finally walk up to Logan, cracking his knuckles as if he knows he’s going to kick Logan’s ass. The guy throws a punch to the side of Logan that connects. He then throws a punch into the gut of Logan. The guy goes for a hook to the face of Logan but Logan ducks it and in one fluid motion lunges forward hoisting the guy up and over Logan’s back. The guy crashes into the glass case that was behind Logan. Logan turns around, grabs the guy by the arm, dragging him out from the case. The guy screams out in pain as his body is dragged through the shattered glass.
As Logan still has a hold of the guy's wrist, one of the other guys throws a punch at Logan which he dodges. Logan then drops the other guy’s wrist and puts his attention to the guy that just threw a punch at him. As the guy realizes he missed Logan with the punch he has no time to react as Logan floors him with a clothesline. Just then the third guy throws a punch into the back of Logan’s kidneys. Logan winches with the bunch but now he has a new target to divert his anger to. Logan spins around and blocks another punch with his arm. He then grabs the guy by the collar and one of the loops of his jeans. With all of his anger behind it Logan begins to push the guy forward and with one giant hoist throws him head first into the playing screen of one of the arcade games in the place.
With that guy disposed of he then turns his attention back to the guy he threw through the glass case. At the moment though that guy has begun to crawl through the shattered glass to try and escape any more retribution from Logan. As Logan notices that, he bends down, grabbing a giant shard of glass off of the floor. Logan then methodically makes his way over to the crawling man. Logan grabs a handful of hair, pulling the guy up, forcing him to his knees. Logan then holds the glass shard up high so the guy notices what is next for him.
Logan: Listen, I wasn’t trying to do this. I came here just to enjoy time with my grandson. Clearly though, CLEARLY, you are either deaf or dumb or both. Just because I’m old enough to be your daddy doesn’t mean I still can’t whip your ass. I might have embarrassed myself by not being able to defeat a slimy rodent. But that was when I was too weak to not let my anger loose. That was when I wasn’t truly willing to die in order to win a battle. Evidently that is something you either forgot, or just were too ignorant to think was something you could slap around. So I’ll do you a favor right here, right now. I’ll give you something to remember this moment by. I’ll give you a beautiful scar that every time you look into the mirror you can say to yourself, “that was the day I thought a weak old man couldn’t take me to the woodshed.
Just then Logan brings the shard of glass down to the man’s forehead and starts to drag it horizontally across it. As he drags it blood begins to flow from the cut. Logan then raises the shard of glass high in the air and then starts to bring it……
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Act II: Lose Is Inevitable
And that’s when I always wake up.
Now Logan is laying on the couch of a therapist’s office. The therapist sits across the room from him.
What exactly do you think you were about to do to the man?
Logan thinks about it for a second and at the thought of it his eyes begin to water and tear or two escape the side of his eyes.
I really don’t know. I just know when I wake up I am filled with two things, anxiety and anger. It almost feels like it’s a battle between God and the devil raging inside of me when I wake up. If I had to hazard a guess I would say in that dream the only thing that would satisfy me when someone disrespects my family is more blood.
And with that, where do you think this creation of Miles and Gwen comes from?
I’m going to have to say my relationship with Johnny. That was and is such a shit show that having a daughter I love and loves me along with a grandson who adores me, thinks that I’m sort of a superhero because of what I have done in the wrestling business. I’ve spoken so often on how much regret I hold from what I did to Johnny. How I chose my love for a business that would eventually chew me up and spit me out instead of having the love of a son. Gwen and Miles is what I would have if I wasn’t that asshole twenty some years ago.
In the dream, you made a decision to keep Miles away from the violence. Do you think that is also another way of you trying to cope with the fact that you weren’t able to keep Johnny away from the violence of the business you are in?
Logan sighs deeply as he rubs his forehead with his head.
I can see that. I also think I didn’t want my family to see just who I can become when people push me down and try to discount who I was and who I am. I bleed buckets for the business I love. I lost a family for the business that I love. Lose has been as much of my career as success has been. Hell, a person that has been in the business as long as just has that. Even though it’s pretty much a part of my life, losing is always a bitter pill to swallow. I realize that I’m old enough to be the parent of some of the talent in this business. But until I take my dying breath there is no man, woman or even weasel that will not have the Reaper come for them. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:42:34 GMT
Originally posted by CBK. Shawn Summers in
My Darling, Tulip The horizon seemed endless when they looked at it from their home. There was a whole world beyond the limits of Orange Leaf but it interested no one in exploring. And who could blame them? Orange Leaf was a paradise within the confines of the towering mountainscape and the desert's unforgiving vastness. The ranch-style homes, manicured green lawns, swimming pools, and palm trees are a sight to see within the isolated barren landscape. Men tended to the landscape of the homes as bikini-clad women lay atop lawn chairs sipping from alcoholic beverages, soaking in the rays of the sun, and relaxing after a hard day's work. The sound of laughter intertwined with the revving of motors acted as the soundtrack of the afternoon most days in Orange Leaf and none would have it any other way.  A young man plunges into the clear water of a pool and slowly begins to sink to the bottom. He opens his eyes as his foot touches the bottom and notices the kicking feet and the distorted outlines of the people above. He takes a moment before kicking off the bottom of the pool and swimming toward the top, ripping through the water's surface and being greeted by cheers and applause from the guests above. He wipes his face with his palm and runs his hand through his short cropped blond hair attempting to stop the water from dripping onto his face and over his eyes. He had hated how the chlorine made his eyes sting with irritation when he was a child, but that wasn't a problem now. There was hardly anything that irritated him or anyone else in Orange Leaf. "I was starting to get afraid that you weren't going to make it back up. You spent so much time down there, Shawn," exclaimed a woman dark-haired woman dressed in a stylish bathing suit and a cigarette in hand. "Oh, come on now, Bunny. You know his little tulip wouldn't have let him stay down there too long. She's gotta keep an eye on him," jokes a man with the build of a jock, wearing black discrete sunglasses, and a bright red speedo. Bunny and the other two couples laugh at his joke as the blond-haired man swims to the edge of the pool toward a young woman with an almost empty glass in her hand. She has short, shoulder-length blond hair under the large brimmed sunhat that she has chosen for the evening. The curves of her body are accentuated despite her wearing a teal-colored one-piece swimsuit adorned with purple octopi. She smiles at him as he swims between her legs and kisses her inner thigh eliciting cheers from the other couples. She reaches down and lifts his face to hers, planting a kiss on his lips before using her free hand to dangle the empty glass in his face. He smiles as he grabs the drink and exits the pool. "You want the same as last time, Tulip," he asks with a smile as she nods her head at him. He happily makes his way toward the bar cart and begins mixing a drink. "You know, I'm actually in the mood for one more drink myself. Gerald, honey," Bunny says raising her glass to him with a smile. Gerald exits the pool and casts a look at the other two men as if to say 'get your wives a drink' as he makes his way to the bar cart where Shawn is happily mixing a drink for his Tulip. "What did we do to deserve men like that," Bunny whispers to 'Tulip' as they admire their men mixing their drinks. "Everything," 'Tulip' says as the other three women laugh to themselves and nod in agreement. "Michelle, I have no idea how you are so calm right now. It's almost like you know you've got the party's nomination in the bag or something," jokes a tan-skinned woman of Hispanic descent. As Michelle goes to answer Shawn slyly passes her a drink and plants a kiss on her lips before slowly sinking back into the water resting between her legs as the other husbands hand their wives drinks. "That's just it, Peg. You don't have to be worried when you know that you have the nomination in the bag," Shawn responds. "My 'Tulip' is one of the most accomplished women that Orange Leaf has ever seen. She's on a level that cannot be replicated when it comes to her abilities to lead, the awards that she has won, and the people and obstacles that she's overcome. My Tulip's going to be the next leader of Orange Leaf and this nomination is just a formality at this point."
"Alright, Shawn. No need to be cocky" quips a bearded man with dark piercing eyes. He wears a smile on his face but one can't help but feel unease seeing it. The smile felt unreal on his face. "I'm not being cocky, Noah. I'm just being realistic. Michelle has the best qualifications and it's almost impossible for anyone to defeat her on the roll that she's been on. I mean, sure - she's going up against two men who want to bring the status quo of patriarchy to Orange Leaf, but that's not how we operate here," Shawn says with a smile, receiving head nods of approval from the other men and women in the pool. "Michelle and the women before her who helped establish Orange Leaf are shining examples of what women can do when we allow them to lead. There's no doubt in my mind that Michelle is going to win this nomination, and then the title of 'Leader'. And with Bunny and Gerald in her corner, she's truly unstoppable."Gerald and Bunny smile at one another as Michelle, Shawn's 'Tulip' blushes at the praise and words from her husband. Shawn raises his drink in the air and calls for a toast to Michelle's impending victory. They finish their drinks and the guests slowly begin leaving the home of the Chambers as they must begin getting ready for the nomination banquet. Michelle is prepared a final drink by Shawn as she makes her way to the shower. He lays out an elegant dress colored in the pattern of a tulip along with a plethora of jewels and a pair of heels that complement them. In the shower, Michelle chugs the drink prepared by Shawn and rests her hand against the linoleum. Her hand slips, a rare happening for her, but she ignores the moment and takes deep breaths. She had been in this position before and had won it all only to have it taken away from her by a man - a man that she would rid herself of when they moved to Orange Leaf. She couldn't bear experiencing that again. It would kill her. "Sh...Shawn," she calls out as the walls around her start to slowly close in on her and the shower grows narrower and narrower. Shawn charges into the bathroom and immediately grabs her, embracing her in his arms as he attempts to calm her down. He caresses her body and reassures her that everything is going to be alright and that this night is hers. "I need it...please," she says to him as he nods his head and gently puts her down. He rushes to the medicine cabinet and grabs a small bag with a white powderlike substance that he gently taps onto the area of his hand between his thumb and index finger. Carefully he approaches Michelle, lifting her face toward his hand. "Inhale. Inhale. Come on baby, just inhale. Good. Good, girl. I've got you. I've got you. I'm in your corner. I'm always in your corner, my little Tulip," he says with a low, reassuring voice as Michelle inhales the powder and seemingly jolts herself back up. She occasionally needed that jolt. They all did. Well, all the women did anyway. It's what helped them to do it all. No one questioned it and why would they? The powder was what helped make life in Orange Leaf what it was. Orange Leaf was a utopia for the residents and there was no need to question perfection. ============================================================================ Shawn, dressed in a discrete tuxedo, opens the door to the auditorium for Michelle, who is dressed in the dress, jewels, and shoes that he had laid out for her earlier as the couples inside roar with cheers and applause for her arrival. The auditorium is all clean lines and glass, twinkling like the stars in the night sky above. The sound of a large band floats throughout the auditorium as Shawn, carrying Michelle's clutch purse, and Michelle wave as they make their way through the crowd. Everyone reaches out toward and seemingly vies for attention or acknowledgment of Michelle as she gently smiles and glides throughout. "I've always described Michelle as someone who is the definition of quiet power, you know?" says Bunny to a group of women all dressed in elegant ball gowns. They stand around Bunny with bated breath awaiting her next words about Michelle. Bunny commanded social power amongst many of the women due to her proximity to Michelle and her greatness. Her husband, Gerald, enjoyed similar power amongst the men but his power was never as strong as that of Shawn and those who were close to him. "She's brilliant, confident, and she has a disarming presence about her that just makes everyone want to just gravitate towards her. And what about her husband, Shawn? He's warm, gracious, and is the ideal, sorry babe, husband," she says as the women laugh and nod their heads while the men playfully shove and laugh at Gerald. Michelle and Shawn make their way toward Bunny, Gerald, and the other couples and are greeted as if they were celebrities. The women take turns shaking Michelle's hand and await her greeting to them, as Shawn hugs and reassure the husbands that Michelle will definitely be coming out with a victory tonight. "Michelle, it's truly an honor to be in your presence tonight," says an eager-eyed young woman. "My brother Bret and I are so happy to have been given an opportunity to work on your campaign and I for one can't wait to hear your victory speech tonight as you accept the nomination." Michelle slowly retracts her hand from the young woman and gives her a warm smile. "Thank you, Bella. I hope that I've done enough to earn the nomination of the party here tonight," Michelle answers as Bella stares at her in confusion. She looks at some of the other women in attendance before looking back at Michelle and beginning. "I'm confused. I thought that this was all part of the program for this event," she says as Michelle looks at her with a confusion of her own. Bunny and Gerald make their way over to Michelle and Bella and laugh out loud. Their laughter provokes everyone around them to laugh, except for Bella who continues to look around in confusion. "Bella's just a little new to these 'political' things," Bunny says with a laugh as she puts her arm around Bella's shoulder. "But don't you worry I'm gonna take her under my wing and we'll get her all caught up on how things work here, right, Gerald?" she says with a smile as Gerald nods his head in agreement and reassures Michelle that is all that it is. "Gerald, why don't you grab Bret and fetch Bella and me a drink while we discuss everything about tonight?"Michelle looks to Shawn who shrugs his shoulders at the situation as they continue walking through the crowd of couples roaming around the auditorium. It seems as though the entire city is here, having fun, pouring drinks, and ready to celebrate the nomination of Michelle. Michelle spots a man dressed in an equally discrete suit similar to Shawn's drinking a cocktail alone as everyone moves around him. She pats Shawn's hand as he notices his friends, Noah, Eli, and Trevor at the bar grabbing drinks for their wives and allows him to join them. She approaches the brown-skinned man with a knowing smile and greets him with a one-shoulder hug. "I didn't think that you would make it, here, Jay," she says with excitement in her voice. "And miss the biggest moment of one of my nephews? I would never."
"You're the second person tonight to speak with such certainty about my victory."
"Well, it's what you wanted, right? You want to win the nomination of the party and go for the title of "Leader"."
"Yes, but it's not a guarantee, you know?"
"Oh, Michelle, my darling," he says laughing to himself as he takes another sip from his drink. "ANYTHING can be a guarantee for you here in Orange Leaf. I thought they told you that before bringing you in here."
"I...I don't think I quite understand."He laughs and shakes his head as he notices the approach of Shawn with a drink in hand for Michelle. Shawn plants a kiss on Michelle's right cheek as she accepts the drink from him and takes a sip. "Who was that?" he asks. "That was..ummm... my uncle," she says with a smile as Shawn shoots her a narrow-eyed look of confusion before switching to the trademark smirk that he had become known for in Orange Leaf. "Uncle, aye? Alright, I'll take your word for it.. Hey, I heard that the Goldwins were here in support of you tonight."
"Yes, I have to speak with Violet tonight. She's been a tough rival, but a great mentor. I'll have to give her my thanks for all she's done for Orange Leaf.""How gracious of you, my little 'Tulip'," Shawn says with a wink and smile. "I'm just excited to see Devin. You know, I see all the other husbands at the gym, taking care of their lawns, working, and everything but I hardly ever see Devin anymore. It'll be good to catch up."
"It's happening!" exclaims Bunny drawing all attention to the large projector screen that slowly lowers from the ceiling of the auditorium. Shawn clasps Michelle's hand and squeezes it tightly as he looks down and beams at her. She squeezes his hand back and can feel her heart beating as a slender young brunette woman appears on the screen with a calming smile. A graphic appears to show her name - Cathryn Baxter. "Good evening, women and gentlemen of Orange Leaf. In a shocking turn of events the nomination for the Community Party has ended...in a tie." There is a large number of gasps and shock throughout the auditorium as all eyes seemingly turn toward Michelle whose eyes are almost glazed over at the announcement. Shawn embraces her and rubs her back telling her that everything will be okay as Cathryn continues. "The Community Party will be represented in the election for Leader of Orange Leaf by Michelle Chambers and Cyrus Verdad. They will compete for the title of Leader against the nominee from the Party of Men, Christopher Heavensbee. This is an unexpected first for the city of Orange Leaf - having one woman go against two men. This is sure to be a grand political battle as we march towards the election."There is a hush in the room as the broadcast cuts out and everyone looks around in confusion as to what has just happened. Michelle looks broken as the moment she earned was slowly being taken away from her by men, again. Various couples come to offer their support and encouragement to Michelle as she continues to stare blankly - still in shock. This wasn't supposed to happen. Everything had been perfect since they had moved here and now...this? As the night continues Michelle excuses herself to the bathroom where she stares at her reflection in the mirror. She is startled as the reflection in the mirror stares back at her. Instead of seeing herself in the mirror, she sees Shawn staring back at her with his signature smile. She pushes herself back from the bathroom sink and hurries out the door where she overhears an interaction between a couple. "Keep your voice down, Devin. You're embarrassing me," says a woman as the man in front of her scoffs and rolls his eyes at her statement. "I'm going to embarrass, you, Violet? I'm going to embarrass YOU!?!?! That's rich. Hillarious even. How the hell can I embarrass you in this fucking fantasy world. Huh?! How am I going to embarrass you in a fucking world that doesn't exist? You're embarrassing me by even being here. You've given up your real life, taking care of your real family and responsibilities to live in this land of make-believe where everything is perfect and warped to whatever story you feel like living out this month.""Devin don't say that. Someone will hear you and think you're crazy," she snaps at him. Devin mutters a curse word under his breath and shouts as Shawn approaches Michelle, who has been watching intently. Devin snatches the glass out of his wife Violet's hand and smashes it on the table beside them allowing the shards to fall to the ground below. He grabs one of the shards and digs it deep into his palm. Shawn shields the vision from Michelle's view as a hoard of women swarm around Devin and Violet. Devin holds his hand up and pulls out the glass as many of the women attempt to bring his hand down out of view. They try to wrap his hand with gauze but Devin continues to shout and curse at them in protest. As his hand falls out of view, Shawn can't help but notice that neither the shard of glass or the gauze had any blood on them as Devin continues to shout. "It's all fake! None of this shit is real. It's a fantasy. Think about it!"============================================================================ Shawn sits in the living room of their home with a glass of scotch in his hand replaying the moment of the night in his head as he stares out into the darkness of the night. He takes a drink from his glass and finishes the scotch before reaching for the decanter on the side table to pour another glass. He lets out a sigh of disappointment as he notices it empty. With nothing more to drink, he couldn't help but wonder about what Devin had yelled. He couldn't figure out why Devin would choose this moment, the biggest moment of Michelle's life in Orange Leaf, to decide to show up, after being gone for so long. Then, there was the fact that despite him driving the glass into his hand there was no blood to be found. Shawn had seen it. They all had seen him drive the glass into his hand and yet there was no blood. There was nothing. Shawn was curious. He allowed the curiosity to get to him and slumped up from his chair and made his way toward the kitchen. The house was silent. All he could hear was the ticking of the clock as it counted down the seconds until the morning when Michelle would be off to work. He wasn't sure what it was that Michelle did for work but he knew that she was successful at it. She competed against the top women and the surprisingly adept top men in her field but she never talked about her work. The only thing that she talked about was winning the title of Leader of Orange Leaf. It was her goal. She was determined. It was one of the qualities that he loved about her, but he still wondered what it was that she actually did. He wondered what she actually did just like he wondered about the lack of blood from Devin's wound. He stood in the kitchen for a while in silence before slowly opening the kitchen drawer and removing a massive knife. The knife is heavy in his hand. He stares at the knife before placing his hand palm first on the countertop. He had never thought of it until tonight but it occurred to him - since he moved to Orange Leaf he couldn't remember ever getting hurt or feeling pain. Why was that he wondered. He slowly raised the knife before slicing it down on his ring finger - nearly severing it. It dangles off his hand like a loose tooth leaving Shawn Stunned. He stares at the scene for a moment and waits for blood to appear but there is none. There's nothing - no blood, no pain. He grabs his dangling index finger and presses it back into place as if he'd never hacked through it with the knife. His finger returns to normal right before his eyes and it all starts to become clear to him. His pupils dilate and he begins to have a full sensory overload. Lights strobe throughout and his breathing becomes heavy. The room spins in a chaotic and overwhelming manner. He tries to move his arms and legs but it feels as though they are being held down as we cut to black. As the days went by Shawn began to grow resentful towards Michelle. She went to work and was praised for simply existing in Orange Leaf. They treated her like a God despite the fact that she did nothing worthwhile. Hell, she did nothing worth discussing because absolutely no one discussed exactly what it is that she did. They just commented that she did it well. She gained all the praise while Shawn was relegated to tending to her home, building what it was that she wanted to be built, keeping his body the way that she liked it, and answering her every request once she was home. He hated it. He knew he was destined for something greater than just being Michelle's husband. He knew that he deserved more than to just stand in her shadow. He knew that something about all of this wasn't right. Shawn begins to neglect his normal routine, relegating himself to laying in bed all day. Michelle notices but is unsure of what to do as he ignores her attempts to gather what is wrong with him. She does the only thing that she can think of and simply fills him in on the happenings of the election. As she tells him about her preparation for the debate with Cyrus and Christopher he quietly seethes with anger. She's so selfish. Only thinking about herself and her accomplishments while he wallows alone every day in their bed she can barely be bothered to make up without his help. On the eighth day of his depression, he was startled as the door slammed shut. It was five and that meant that Michelle was home. She had taken care in the past not to disturb Shawn as he lay in bed, but today was different. He could hear her feet stamp against the carpeted floor as she approached their bedroom. He could feel her staring at him but he refused to turn and face her as she quietly seethed in the doorway. This only seemed to anger her more as she stamped over towards the drawn curtains and pushed them open allowing light to hit the room for the first time in over a week. Shawn locked eyes with Michelle who stared back at him with hatred. "Get up," she said as Shawn glared at her. "I've given you long enough. I've given you more time than I should have. Get up and end all of this," she says as she gestures her hands at him laying in bed with a scowl on his face. "You're gonna cost me EVERYTHING. You know that? They're saying that my numbers are down in the polls and that people are beginning to talk. Yeah, they're starting to talk. Asking what the fuck is wrong with my husband. Why the fuck isn't my husband standing by my side at all of these events and photo ops. They shouldn't even be talking about you. This is about me and my success."She scoffs and walks down the corridor of their home toward the living room where she starts to pour herself a drink. Shawn slowly gets out of bed and makes his way out of the room as Michelle chugs a glass of whiskey - straight. She pours herself another glass as she rolls her eyes in disgust at his presence - he is unshaven, wearing wrinkled clothing, and his hair starting to show signs of its original black coloring at the root. "You know," she begins as she waves the glass of whiskey around with each word. "I can't understand why you would pick now to do all of this. Everything had been going well for us. Everything was working, Shawn. We were working. Our life was PERFECT! EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT. It's like you saw me on the cusp of gaining everything I had always wanted, again, and you decided to sabotage me. Why would you do that, Shawn? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!" she questioned as Shawn silently boiled with anger inside of him. "Why can't you just support me? Why do you have to be an obstacle in the way to my success?""Because you don't deserve it!" he shouts, catching her completely off guard. "You don't deserve any of it, Michelle. I DO! It should be me. It always should have been me but everything changed when we moved here. It's like something switched and everything started to become exactly what you wanted...and that's not right. Nothing is right about any of this! What makes you or any of the women here think that you deserve what you have? What makes you think that?!?!""WE EARNED IT!"
"BUT I DESERVE IT! WE DESERVE IT! Why am I the one getting you a drink when it should be YOU that's getting me a drink? Why am I standing in your shadow when it should be you grateful that I allow you to be present in my success. That's how it should be Michelle! That's how it's supposed to be. Devin knew that. Devin knew that something wasn't right and now he's gone. Violets gone. Where are they, Michelle?" he questions as he back Michelle into a corner. He snatches the glass from her hand and takes a final swig of the whiskey before tossing the glass to the ground below him. As he raises his hand to her the door to their home bursts open. Police officers swarm Shawn as he tries to fight them off. Michelle stares blankly at him as he continues to struggle but the masked men overpower him. They drag him out of the house as he tries to fight back as Michelle stares from the doorway. The dark-skinned man from earlier approaches Michelle, taking a look back at Shawn as the officers manage to strap him to a gurney. The man, Uncle, is dressed in a police outfit and has a commissioner's badge on as Shawn flails angrily on the gurney and screams at Michelle. The neighbors slowly begin to exit their homes and watch as Shawn continues to shout at Michelle and her Uncle. The police load the gurney into the back of a paddywagon and close the door as Shawn's screams are finally silenced. ============================================================================ The flash and cracking of photo bulbs greet Michelle as she opens the door to the filled auditorium. She takes a moment and reaches her hand outwards until it is grasped by another. Shawn slowly walks into frame as the cheers in the auditorium reach an almost deafening level. He silently thanks everyone as he stands hand and hand with his wife dressed in a white tuxedo. He kisses Michelle on the cheek to applause from those in attendance as the two make their way through. Noah, Eli, and Trevor excitedly approach Shawn who greets them with an excited "Hey!" He's bright, happy, and radiating like he was at the pool. He looks back at Michelle and she nods her head in approval as he rushes toward the bar with his friends to retrieve their wives a drink. "We missed you so much, Shawn," Trevor exclaims as they await the drinks they'd ordered. "You've missed so much but we'll get you back into the swing of things in no time. I mean, it's the least we can do for the husband to the soon-to-be new leader of Orange Leaf," he says as all four smiles and laughs with excitement. "How are you," Noah asks Shawn emphatically as they retrieve the drinks and begin to make their way through the crowd. "I"m good. You know, I'm having a hard time remembering certain things, but I'm good. I'm better," Shawn says with a smile. The election of the new leader of Orange Leaf was the biggest event of the year. The whole town was at their respective parties' election headquarters, drinking and dancing, and letting loose as they awaited the results of the election. Shawn eventually returns to Michelle but finds himself overwhelmed by the room. It was loud. It was almost too much for him. He clutched at Michelle's arm trying not to panic but she quickly pulls away from him and mouths "relax". She leaves with Gerald as he is left to mingle with the other husbands and wives he was left with. He surveys the room as the results from neighborhood pools start to come in, causing everyone at the party to grow as anxious as him. He smiles and reassures everyone that the night will end with Michelle as leader as people welcome him back and ask him how he feels about the night. Through all of the people he stops when he notices Devin Goldwin, laughing boisterously with Teressa Ramon's husband Randall. He charms everyone around him with stories of their life from when Violet was the leader of Orange Leaf. Violet looks elegant, royal even, as Devin gushes about his wife and all that she's accomplished. Shawn watches as he plants a kiss on Violet's cheek and walks over to the bar. He quickly follows and approaches Devin as he takes two drinks from the bartender and turns around. almost bumping into Shawn. "Oh, Shawn. It's great to see you, man. How're you feeling?" he asks as he beams with a smile on his face. Shawn swats the question and places both his hands on Devin's shoulders. "You know something, Devin. You know that somethings not right about all of this."Shawn tries to look Devin in the eye but he won't hold his gaze at all. Shawn leans in and begins to whisper into Devin's ear. "I saw that there was no blood. I tried to hurt myself at home and realized nothing. You called this a fantasy world and they swarmed you. What did you mean by that? Why did you say that?"Devin slowly backs away from Shawn and gives him a look as if he may be crazy and that that crazy may be contagious. "I think they're about to announce the final results of the election. I need to find my wife," he says as he walks away slowly. Shawn turns back and sees Michelle, who had been watching the whole thing. She looks unsettled. Shawn takes a drink from the bar, a cocktail in a hightail glass, before making his way toward the stage where Michelle, Gerald, and Bunny are. The projector screen slowly descends into the auditorium as everyone in the room waits with bated breath for the announcement of the results. Cathryn Baxter appears on the screen and a hush comes over the auditorium. Her mouth moves but there is no sound coming out. The sound of murmurs from the crowd fill the auditorium as Cathryn announces the winner with excitement. Michelle looks to Gerald and Bunny who look on confused as Shawn pulls her in close to him with a smile on his face. "What's the matter my little 'Tulip'?" he whispers as he pulls her in for a kiss. "You don't to hear it. You already know the results. You've known since the moment we came to Orange Leaf, right? I'm right. You don't need to tell me. I know I'm right. I'm always right. That's what you hated about me before we came here, isn't it, Michelle?"
"Shawn, please, you are scaring everyone," Bunny says with an uneasy laugh and a smile as Gerald slowly begins to approach. "Shawn, you need to calm down. Your wife worked hard to win this election. You should be happy for her. We're all happy for her. You're happy here in Orange Leaf. Happier than you ever were before you came here."
"Gerald, I'm gonna give you the opportunity to back the fuck away from me and my wife before I beat the living shit out of you." Gerald stops in his tracks at Shawn's words as Michelle mouths "it's alright to him." "You couldn't just have left things alone. You had to keep poking at everything, didn't you? Everything finally worked. You liked it here. You and your friends loved it here. You loved this reality that I created for us. That I created for you. You loved it."
"This isn't fucking real, Michelle..."
"WHO GIVES A FUCK!?!?!" she screams. "Who actually gives a fuck. It's perfect for me and it was perfect for you."Shawn shakes his head in confusion and backs away from Michelle as he realizes that he was right. This place wasn't real. It was manufactured for her. Memories of his life before Orange Leaf start to flood back to him and he sees himself in positions of power competing against the best of the best in his industry as Michelle stands and cheers for him on the sidelines. His eyes well up with tears as he slowly remembers what it is that she took from him. "We've already reset you once, Shawn. I can't do it again. I won't do it again. This is your new reality. You can either accept that or not - but you're not escaping this. I'm in charge. This is my WORLD. This is OUR world," she says as the women in attendance cheer her words. Shawn looks out at everyone in attendance cheering for Michelle and shouting obscenities at him and he can feel his head begin to pulsate. He takes a large drink from his glass before cuffing it in his hand and smashing it against Michelle's temple. As the glass shatters he grabs a shard and slits his throat as Gerald and Bunny rush towards him in a rage. ============================================================================ A prolonged beep echoes in the air as Shawn slowly opens his eyes. His eyes dart around the room as he jerks to a seated position. He reaches for his head and removes the cable plugged into the jack on the back of his head. Shawn's heart beats faster and faster as looks to his left and sees the unconscious body of Michelle with a cable still plugged into the jack on the back of her head. There is an iPad located on the side of the bed with a message that reads: SIMULATION INTERRUPTED. EXIT INITIALIZED. 69%. He looks at her for a moment as the percentage slowly begins to rise. He reaches behind her and slowly tugs at the cord until another message pops up on the screen. DO NOT REMOVE THE PLUG UNTIL THE EXIT IS FINALIZED. REMOVAL BEFORE FINALIZATION CAN BE FATAL.He stands with the cable in his hand and can't help but think that this world...reality may be too much for her to handle. She would never be happy. He grips the cable fully in his hand and pulls. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:42:46 GMT
Originally posted by dijo. ch1.
WANDA
vs. 'The Reaper' Logan Darwin
at Fallout 027 "When I was a young girl, my parents had divorced," Wanda said. Wanda was my partner. My girlfriend. My agent. My therapist. My best friend. My motivational speaker. She controlled most aspects of my life, a freedom I had more or less, enthusiastically relinquished. The matter of why might entice you, but it's easy to come up with reasons as to why someone might give up control of their life to someone else. Most people do it, although unconsciously. There are very few people who truly control their lives. I would say, probably in the thousands, or maybe tens of thousands on the entire planet. There's no real way to measure it, but I would certainly err toward fewer digits. It's arrogant to say, but I thought better of myself to have done this relinquishing of freedom consciously, and to have chosen, with - admittedly minor - deliberation Wanda to take on this role. The how, what, when, and where of this story will have to wait for another day, though they're hardly as interesting as you might imagine them to be. I'd always been practical, and that could just about sum up how we reached this point. Practicality. But Wanda was telling a story, and the respectful thing to do here, instead of telling my own, is to listen. "My father, in an effort to maintain an emotional connection with me, since he only had custody every other weekend, would bring me to his friend's farm every once in a while. He knew I had been fond of animals ever since I first began to have interests."I thought this was a relatable anecdote. My own father, in an effort to connect with me, had brought me into the city to attend a furry convention so I could feel what it's like to be normal. I'd never figured out if he'd intended it because I'd be with people who looked like me, or because he believed I would feel no communion with those people, and feel normal relative to how alien he believed these people were to society at large. My father and I never really reached a point where we understood each other, so I can't really narrow down his intentions. I digress. "At that farm, they had a guard dog. His name was Logan," she said. "That's a funny coincidence." You see, Logan was the first name of the man I'd been scheduled to fight some days from now in Detroit. "Sorry, I lied to ensure the story would resonate with you, but perhaps that was too much on the nose and I'm not giving you enough credit. A bit more distance might be required for this analogy, to keep it grounded, and believable. Though I would avoid doubting the veracity of any story I tell you. In fact, I'd be offended if you did, understand?" I nodded obediently. Nobody liked having their stories questioned for their authenticity. After all, what did a story's truth matter so long as it was either entertaining or came with a solid moral at the end. "His name, and you may understand why I adjusted it, was Yeller.""Like... the story Old Yeller?"She nodded. "My father's friends weren't very creative. Would you rather I come up with a fictional name?""I think Yeller will do."
"Thanks. I think it adds to the story too. You could say they were setting themselves up for a tragic ending by naming their dog Yeller."
"That's a rather foreboding statement."
"The most poignant tragedies are the ones we can see coming from some distance. The Titanic, for example."
"Perhaps that was the case for you, but at my tender age, I did not see the Titanic being struck by an iceberg and capsizing coming. It was a horrifying turn of events for little young me. I haven't watched it since that first viewing, so I couldn't say whether the story's poignancy was elevated or reduced by then knowing of the coming tragedy. Maybe we can watch it together sometime."
"Sometimes I forget how youthful you are."
"I won't interrogate at which points you forget and at which points you remember. I wager the truth might not be so kind to my self-esteem."
"Kind enough for me to take you up on that offer. I'll have us a special dinner prepared" It was rather well that blushing did not show itself so readily on my face. "So, this Yeller, how does his tragic tale go?"
"You could go so far as to call him Old Yeller, as he was in his latter years when I met him, though no one called him that. I think this was simply a point of denial on their part. As if they could postpone the fate that came of its namesake by avoiding titling him as such. Still, even in its best days, it wasn't a very good guard dog. Yet, it somehow survived a rather long time, I think that was largely on account of my father's friend. Often it failed at its job and my dad and his friend had to go out with their rifles to take care of the coyotes themselves before they could smother the dog and give it its - some would say well-deserved - restful sleep. I found it peculiar that they would keep dragging this guard dog out, once it had recovered, to give it another chance at fulfilling its duty. It had happened too many times for any sensible and merciful person to keep marching him out on that field. They weren't entirely to blame. Sympathy and goodwill must have factored into the act. Perhaps mercy had been the act intended, but it was not the act carried out. Old Yeller was always eager to get back on the field, even when its scars had hardly finished healing. He was rather determined to protect his family which was an admirable trait, to be sure. Maybe all those maulings had done in his memory too much for him to have the good sense to know his limits. Or maybe he'd been struck so hard he could hardly feel the pain anymore. I couldn't tell you for sure."
"Perhaps he was determined to prove himself after so many failings? If I looked at it that way, I could see why his family would enable him. And by the way you described it, they were always close by if the situation became too dangerous."
"Perhaps there was such a determination. I've never had a dog. I'm not familiar with the working of their minds. Eventually, they did try to give Old Yeller some reprieve, as he'd had a son they'd raised to take his place. But it seemed the son had inherited the father's genes. Not so much his determination, but his frailty, and his lack of guarding skill. The son, I would say, was in fact worse than its father in every respect. Furthermore, the son had a vile personality. Not even I, who found myself fancying most animals in that farmstead, could harbor any love in my heart for that welp. He was done in by coyotes shortly after he'd replaced his father. I remember that night. My father and his friend weren't heavy drinkers, but they drank deeply and they were rather unkind that full moon. They didn't bother going out even as we heard the telltale signs of those wild beasts, even as Old Yeller pawed at the door seeking out his son. I think they felt a tad guilty. Old Yeller was rather moody after that. But I think he also knew his son was no good, his moodiness didn't last very long. And their guilt fled equally as fast."
"That is rather tragic," I said, wrongly assuming this was the part of the story that made the story a tragedy. "No. It was a blessing in disguise for Old Yeller. What would he have done if his son had succeeded? He might have keeled over then and there, acknowledging his lifelong failure in a final grander act of failure. I think he was rather grateful that his son died, and his life's purpose, however much he failed at it, had been returned to him. Besides, who am I to say the relationship between a father and son are the same between dogs and between humans? Maybe his son didn't factor at all in his eagerness to get back outside that night. It could have been purely jealousy motivating him.""Oh." I didn't like to think of it that way. I preferred the idea that Yeller had been wanting to protect his son. "But as I said, I know not the minds of dogs. I never went back to that farm again, to see what became of Old Yeller."
"And which part of the story is the tragedy?"
"The part where the story never gets to end properly. It just goes on. This cycle of failure. Of tolerance of failure. That's the tragedy. Of course, Old Yeller is long dead by now. I couldn't tell you if it was by old age, or if one day my father's friend was a bit too late getting the rifle out from the shed. But I'm certain that family never acted on anything but sympathy and falsely perceived mercy for Old Yeller, and that was the last thing it needed. That's the tragedy."I wasn't sure I agreed with her. It seemed too one-sided a view of the situation. But I thought I should disagree gently. "You think? Maybe that was an enjoyable life for Old Yeller. Maybe he was happy his owner came out to save him. It could be, that's why he did it in the first place. You don't think you're being too harsh on Yeller?""That's one way to look at it," Wanda conceded. "And what would you have done in their place?"
"I would've shot Yeller long before he could take on the prefix of Old. As long as no one recorded me doing it, something that wouldn't have been much of a factor at the time, I imagine I would have gone on living without a shred of guilt. And certainly, a bit of satisfaction if I knew I'd helped him avoid his eventual fate."
"If I can pull back the veil a bit, Wanda, seeing that this story is meant to make me recontextualize my views on Logan Darwin, can I say I don't feel strongly enough about this to desire to kill Logan Darwin that you're trying to push forth?"
"Eventually, someone has to do it. Otherwise, his tale will end with a whimper."
"Is it even legal? The shows seemed relatively violent, but it seemed most of them came well short of attempted murder."
"I do believe that the rules of the match prevent murder, but I've heard it's not entirely uncommon for people to die in a wrestling ring, particularly people with ties to the FWA. Well, if killing Logan isn't viable in what they've labeled a singles match, then certainly the possibility remains in this 'King of the Deathmatch' tournament they'll be running."
"Is killing an obligatory aspect of that tournament?"
"I would imagine so, given the name, but from a financial perspective, it does sound unreasonable to think they might sacrifice a dozen or so wrestlers in a singular night."
"Our world has veered towards dystopia lately, maybe they offset those losses incurred by dozens of deaths through viewership. The company has toured the world, from what I've heard. They must have a pretty big audience. Live broadcasted deaths would certainly help, I'd think. Or maybe I just have a pessimistic view of our world's recent choices in entertainment. I don't think I'd watch a live broadcast death myself."
"Really? You should give it a try. Fictional movies don't compare to a genuine death."
"I don't know. I'd feel pretty awful watching that. Some kids used to put those on in middle school. I was pretty good about looking away."
"If you reconsider, I'll show you some of my favorite executions. I'm sure you've matured enough to stomach them now. As for these killing matches, I may have to look into the matter a bit more deeply. A deathmatch tournament might be suicidal with your inexperience in mind."
"If I'm to forfeit my life, I oughtta say, there are probably many other ways I'd rather go. Not to say I want to forfeit my life. That's probably the bigger issue I have with the tournament. More the fact of dying than the manner."
"And I am rather fond of your presence, it would be far too soon to part ways. And yet, you are quite feisty in a fight, maybe you could handle it."
"It's all well and good if I can handle it, but I'm still not very certain I'd like to become a murderer. Logan Darwin doesn't seem that bad of a man. Besides, I think shooting Yeller would've been pretty cruel of you."
"Sometimes mercy and cruelty can be two sides of the same coin."
"That seems easy enough a thing to say if you're being cruel."She frowned. "Maybe asking you to become a killer is a bit much."
"Have you... killed before?"And then she smiles. "You mean another human being?"
"Yes."
"If I have, confessing to it is something I never intend on doing."
"That's reassuring," I said, not meaning it. "Nevertheless, I simply suggested killing Logan Darwin as this seemed to be something he himself wanted."
"I know he said that, but I don't think he actually meant it."
"You might not believe it, but it could very well be that he genuinely wants to die in that ring. That's something you'll hopefully learn later on in life: a passion so strong you would be willing to die for it. I think if you were capable of it, killing him in that ring would be the kindest act you could commit."
"Bringing up capability is a good point. I don't think I'd be able to. He seems like a pretty tough guy."
"I was only referring to your mental capacity, not your physical capacity. I'm not particularly worried about how you'll fare against Logan Darwin physically. I wouldn't say your success is ascertained, far from it, but there are few better opponents you could have faced. He's experienced, stalwart, hardheaded, and pragmatic. In spite of all these qualities, he's proven himself incapable of ever living up to his own expectations, if he'd ever had any beyond modest ones. He's a perpetual failure. A man who has never genuinely succeeded at anything in his entire life. He's in a coffin that has had too many final nails. The pitiful defeat to that ditzy girl we were privy to witnessing, was just another nail. You, another nail. And there'll be more nails. Until one day he's disappeared for good, and no one knows where he went, and no one knows who he even last fought. Which of those nails had really been the final one, the truth of that matter would remain as clear to the rest of the world as the fate of Old Yeller does to me. That's why I think it would be a kindness to kill him. To offer him a chance to die for something he loves so dearly. To let his memory live on a fraction more than it's destined to."This was a rather poetic way to view the act of killing Logan Darwin, but I suspected that Wanda was telling me what she thought would sway my opinion, as opposed to what she truly believed. "Killing out of kindness seems a convenient justification for a killer."
"You might need many convenient justifications if that tournament lives up to its namesake."
"I thought you would pull me out if you discovered they were literal matches to the death."
"I briefly considered it, but that would be an act of cowardice, ultimately. We're committed to the tournament, it would be undignified for us to back out now."I nodded. "Then killing him now would be a good way to get over the mental hurdle when I get to the tournament of death."
"It would be."I thought about it some more, giving it some real consideration since this is what Wanda seemed to want, then I shook my head. "No." I didn't like telling Wanda no, but I knew that some boundaries were important, lest you think I abandoned control over my life to rid myself of moral responsibility. I still felt there were some times I needed to intervene on the matter of my agency. "No matter how easily I mention the act of killing, even just the thought of it repulses me. I don't want to take someone's life."
"It would help you live up to the imagery we've created of you, a rabid beast. Deranged. Psychotic. Uncontrollable."
"I still think they'll see through most of it quickly enough."
"You only need to put on a convenient act. Don't be yourself. Be larger than life. The FWA is both a competitive business and an entertainment business. If you lack that much confidence, it's not too late for me to put you in contact with Andy." That was Andy Serkis she was referring to. Extraordinaire motion capture actor. Teacher to the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and every actor who joined him on the set of Planet of the Apes. "No, he's a bit obsessive with his acting. It'll be too much for me."
"That's why he's the best at his job."
"And what about the barking? That's not helping anything."
"It makes you endearing."
"Endearing wasn't part of the imagery you described earlier."
"Oh."
"Oh?"She pushed on. "When you're wrestling Logan, don't shy away from letting saliva build up in your mouth. You could also try practicing foaming it up, it'll probably rattle Logan's composure, and further help with the presentation we've constructed for you as a rabid beast."
"Are we no longer discussing the barking?"
"Your presentation as a rabid beast. Deranged. Psychotic. Uncontrollable. But endearing."I guess barking is now justified. "Try to use your nails too, and bite him as well. Not all acts are legal, you'll have to do your research on what is and isn't, but I do believe so long as you don't outright hit someone with an external weapon - and they seem awfully vague about what counts as one, I believe their favored choice of weapons are chairs if you can imagine that -, but so long as you avoid those, the official should warn you if you do anything that would risk you being disqualified. And if they too pushy, you could try growling at them, and they might avoid warning you for fear of reprisal."
"I think I can manage biting and scratching. Growling, too."
"Even urinating might be a fair contribution to the role."
"I think I can manage urinating, but I'd rather not."
"No? That's fine, we can make do with biting and scratching. Maybe spitting?"
"Spitting is pretty gross. I don't know if I want to spit on anyone."
"You need to excrete some sort of bodily fluid to drive home your savagery."
"Fine, I'll spit."
"It would be good to aim for the eyes, blind them. Maybe even chew on something spicy before the match. And if you find yourself slipping deeply into character, urinating is always something to consider."
"If I ever slip so deeply into character as to do that, I wouldn't hold it against you if you did to me what you wish to have done to Yeller."
"If I ever need to do to you as I would have done to Yeller, say in a scenario where you've outlived your usefulness, I would not let you holding it against me factor into me putting you out of your misery."
"You always have the most wonderful ways of reassuring me." I did not mean that. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:43:00 GMT
Originally posted by Death Walker. Return To Los Angeles
This time we start inside a Ford F-150 truck from the passenger side but looking at the driver. He wears his cloak, hood over his masked face… pretty much his entrance attire minus the iron paladins. With two hands on the steering wheel, Death Walker mashes the accelerator down an empty highway. It may be due to how early in the morning it is but darkness swarms around the vehicle with the only light from the headlights and taillights plus the occasional streetlights. There's a calmness to be acknowledged as the dark Lord is focused on getting somewhere in a haste. A voice creeps up on us behind the backseats…
???: “So… we're headed home for a moment? I think this will be a fun trip… back to LA. I mean for you… it'll be a first time as this version of yourself, My Lord.”The Dark Traveler takes a look up at the rearview mirror and spots his trusted advisor stretched along the backseats. Then he looks back at the dark road ahead as they come up to their first of many streetlights. Enjoying the darkness and the lone road, Death Walker is focused on whatever he's expecting upon his arrival to Los Angeles…
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Several days later, Death finally pulls into California and navigates his way to Darius Wright’s old neighborhood. It doesn't take too long to get there and Death Walker pulls up in front of some homes. He puts the truck in park and waits a brief moment…The Dark Guardian: “...I know this is going to be tough at first but I don't want you to question your intentions. This… this needs to be done, it's the only way to maintain order. The Terrors of Darkness are depending on you to make good in any way necessary. And you know how long it took to get them to believe in you… My Lord. Now the streets have to get back on board… by hook or by crook, as it is said. After then… then we can speak about your next FWA mission, ok My Lord?”Without even responding, the new Darius Wright known as Death Walker gets out of his Ford truck. The same truck that used to strike fear into the hearts of all in LA and California. But what would be the results of his citywide takeover this time around? How worse could it be than when he was just a powerful man who lived by the streets and their codes? Would he rewrite them or run them like he used to? One thing is certain, this was going to be something new to all around as the man was no longer man but monster… demon… pure evil. Already wearing his cloak and looking around at where to find the person in charge, he was g-
…
…
…
And with a closeup on the demon skull then a smooth slide to the right, there's a gunman with a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol pointed at The Dark Traveler’s spine. However this isn't just any gunman… it's a boy no older than the age of 10. But the thing that's more interesting is that the boy seems to have this unflinching look on his face. The same as a young Darius Wright… only… his hand with the weapon slightly trembles as he shouts at one of the Devil’s children.The boy: “HEY MUTHAFUCKA! Uhh uh… g- g- get over there! On… um, on the curb! YEAH! GET YO ASS ON THE CURB!”Little man escorts Death Walker to the sidewalk then directs him between a few houses where they travel within the darkness in an open field. The perfect advantage to Death Walker as he takes off sprinting within the sea of darkness. The terrified kid tries to pull the trigger to his semi-automatic as quickly as possible, spraying gunfire recklessly in hope of grazing the mysterious figure. But he was unsuccessful because Death Walker appears to be gone. That is… until he ends up right behind the boy. Then the demon reaches over and squeezes the shit out of the hand that the little boy has the TEC-9 in. He continues to crush both the hand and the gun handle as if both were cheap plastic. Tb: “AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! MY HAAAAAAANNNNDDD!!!! AAAAHHHHH!!! MY HAND!!!”Finally, someone pokes their head out from a door to some type of garage that's lit up from inside. A strange dark skinned man who looks around his 20’s, hollers out…Big homie: "Ay Lil’ Homie?! Ay, you alright??? LIL’ HOMIE!!!...”There is no response back because Death has one of his hands covering the kid’s mouth while holding his small fist in the palm of his other hand. Death Walker makes sure the coast is clear before having little man guide him to this odd hideout… with The Dark Guardian following behind.TDG: “Aaahhh… I see we found our way to finding out who's in charge around here. Poor child, have you learned your lesson about playing with weapons?”Death crushes the boy’s fist again as he lets out a muffled scream and Death growls low like a dog ready to attack. He pushes the kid to continue moving to the large, old rusty garage. As the people inside are having a good time partying and whatever else, everything is disrupted once The Dark Traveler kicks in the door. As he tosses the young boy inside and steps in to reveal himself, everyone draws their guns on him. This is when The Dark Guardian comes in right behind his Lord… slow clapping to indicate their sentiments for the theatrics.TDG: “Well, well, well… now this is a hell of a party. You’ve got music… alcohol… drugs… the “BITCHES” and of course… guns. This shit around here never gets old I see. Gangsta… for life!”With the sarcasm radiating off of this mysterious figure, nothing more than some muttering is heard… with the exception being the whimpering child who may now have a broken hand. One of the guys goes to approach the injured child but is instantly stopped as Death Walker steps up to the person.TDG: “Ah, ah, ah I wouldn't do that if I were you. My monster can sometimes snap without warning so it's best the child remains as is. By the way… who is responsible for carelessly having this child possessing a firearm and using it to make believe being a thug? Hmmm? Any takers want to own up to that?”The crowd of hoodlums still in awe, mutters to themselves as they can’t understand what they are witnessing with these two strangers. They're also discussing whether or not to confess who their leader is. But it isn't long before a voice in the far distance shouts out…???: “I AM!”Making his way through the gang members, a shirtless tall and muscular man makes his way through. He’s dark skinned with a 4 inch scar over his eye, nappy fro, clean shaved and little taller and more muscular built than Death Walker as he dons camouflage cargo pants and some dark brown boots.???: “Yeah I said I am. I'm the man in charge around here!”Death just takes a hard stare at this so-called huncho and examines the details he needs to know.TDG: “Well hello there and you are?”
???: “ I go by Freak and I don't like weird muthafuckas just coming to my hood to trick or treat. So you and your mute bitch need to run back to whatever treehouse you've dropped from.”
TDG: “I don't think that's gonna happen… I think we're doing just fine here in your… “castle”?! I mean it's soooo exquisite and classy with its… its… dirt and crusty matching interior and exterior, mmm mmm mmmm this is award winning.”
Freak: “Oh so you're the comedian?! Yeah I usually can spot clowns a mile away but I guess I thought there was more to this whole charade. You know what, I'm getting tired of this exchange so why don't we just end this quickly.”The Dark Guardian snickers and smirks before responding back.TDG: “Freaky my boy! How about I tell you something that's important?”
F: “...and what's that?”
TDG: “This here is the true ruler of these streets, these neighborhoods.”The Dark Guardian uses his hands to present his protégé to everyone.F: “Him? Mr. Skull Face? HA! Ay yo, shoot these dumbasses.”But before there's any more gunfire tonight, the advisor states one last thing.TDG: “So this is how you treat your King of Los Angeles?”Freak signals for everyone to stop and gives a confused look.F: “What the fuck you say? Huh?”
TDG: “This here… my great creation and Satan’s spawn is Death Walker formerly known as… DARIUS WRIGHT!”The gang mutters again as they're confused at such the wild proclamation.F: “Hey listen here, the last time anybody saw Darius Wright in this hood… he was… he was uh… ah yeah, he ran away after losing some… some play fight for a gold belt.”The two cloaked individuals don't allow the insults to affect them in any manner. Then The Dark Traveler gets an idea…TDG: “You know, My Lord, would you like to know your next mission for FWA? Hmmm? You have a triple threat match… another preview for the King of Deathmatch tournament against Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray. And I know how much you just love to do these random matches and preview.”
F: “Family, pop these fools!”And with a snap of his fingers, Freak goes to walk away into the distance. Just then Death Walker begins to remove his demon mask, hands it to his Dark Guardian and reveals his other identity wearing war paint and a pair of new eyes.TDG: “Behold! Darius Wright! Your king of LA!”The gangsters gasp as they can recognize the face of their former boss. The smart mouth figurehead turns back slow and looks carefully to get a good glimpse of who was behind the mask.F: “This ain't no damn king of LA, that's not Darius Wright!”
TDG: “Well yeah, I said that he is no longer Darius Wright but this is the same man that used to be.”
F: “Ain't no way that's him!”Death Walker raises his hand to get everyone's attention then snaps his fingers and the guns from the thugs are aimed on Freak.F: “Really?! REALLY??!? AFTER EVERYTHING I’VE DONE FOR YOU? WHEN YA’LL NEEDED FINANCIAL HELP, WHO THE FUCK DID YA’LL CALL ON? ME, THAT’S WHO. WHEN THE RIVAL GANGS CAME AROUND AND TRIED TO TAKEOVER THE BLOCKS, WHO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO ATTACK BACK WITH OUR OWN CREW? ME, THAT’S WHO. WHO HELPED A LOT OF YA’LL WHEN THIS IDIOT WENT INTO HIDING TALKIN BOUT HE WAS GOING TO HELL? THAT WAS ALL ME. IF YA’LL DON’T OPEN YOUR FUCKIN EYES AND KILL THAT MUTHAFUCKA!”The gang reflects on the facts for a moment and turns their guns back on Death Walker.F: “YEAH THAT’S WHAT I THOUGHT! But don't worry, I'll actually send you to hell this time, punk.”And The Dark Guardian barricades the doors and the only way to enter as well as exit. Before setting the mood for something…TDG: “You can kill us, all I ask is that you all do it as real gangstas used to. No need for the guns, it's what like 30 or 40 of you. But yet, we're the ones supposed to be afraid. Come on, if ya’ll tough like ya’ll supposed to be then come beat our ass.”Out of nowhere, there's a song selected as Death Walker unhooks his cloak and tosses it aside for now…{"Drake - Papi's Home"}[MEDIA=youtube]RJDZBozre1g[/MEDIA] TDG: “I’ll just be here on the sideline talking to you about your previous tag member and previous opponent for this preview coming up… as you remind these “gangstas” who you were and who you are now.”After Drake is done speaking and the beat drops, Death Walker goes into action. Striking a heavy headbutt, he immediately breaks a guy's nose and blood gushes out. Then throws some punches to his face, knocking the guy down. Another guy comes behind him trying to get the better of him. But that doesn't turn into anything as Death delivers a roundhouse kick to his head. Death follows this up with multiple fast jabs to the abdomen then stiff kicks to each thigh. The kicks bring the man to his knee where Death Walker grabs him by his hair and connects with a knee shot square in the face. The kid that he harmed, tries to crawl to a safe space but there’s nowhere to go. A young woman and two men charge the monster all at once from different angles. And just when they think they have Death Walker down to stomp out, he balls up just long enough to trip one of their feet and does a triangle choke from the ground while taking the stomps and punches from these hooligans. After choking out this guy, he makes his way up now blocking as best as possible. This turns into a two on one fist fight like something you see in a 90's action flick. Once Death is able to block one's offense then he dishes out kicks and punches to the other while dodging that person's offense.
With everything happening within a few minutes of each other, even The Dark Guardian is stunned and unable to get out his words.TDG: “Umm… My Lord. My Lord wait! Ohhh wow, ok but- he was gonna surrender. Ok so about your opponents…”With Death Walker now in his zone, he snaps some legs and arms while brutalizing the gang one by one.TDG: “Well you have Madison Gray, The Young Lioness… and she's proving to be tougher than what everyone assumes but you definitely have a great chance at schooling her on a few things.”Death Walker hurls a woman up and hits her with Hell’s Fury then kicking her in her ribs as she hollers in thriving pain. He goes back to the men who are able to still fight. Within seconds, he’s performing a harsh sleeper suplex known as Bedtime Story.TDG: “And you’ve already seen what she can do as an ally. Now we need to be on the receiving end on what she can do to Death Walker. Look for her to use her cunningness to assist both her offense and defense.”Whittling down the thugs as Freak keeps his distance and watches what this evil creature can do, he still listens to his advisor. One of the men crawls in retreat but Death Walker flips him over and stomps on his chest repeatedly until he coughs up blood. Death Walker isn't done unleashing his carnage as he grabs a pair of fluorescent light tubes and shatters them across a few of the wasted bodies.TDG: “Umm so… then there's Sa- Sawyer Xavier, ouch… that high flying goofball and as you witnessed, he'll be using a lot of his agility and speed to make fools out of both you and Madison. But like I've always said, patience is a virtue. We can't allow his wittiness to outweigh our power and wisdom. So when you finally see an opportunity to stop him in his tracks, take it and don't let up… for anyone or anything.”As Death Walker goes to wrap up with all gang members, he begins to walk towards Freak with a now bloodied baseball. The new boss doesn't flinch even though he's scared, he attempts to not show an ounce of fear. And splattered in blood from the badly injured (and not dead but wishing they were), he steps toe to toe with Freak.TDG: “So there’s one other strategy if you can make it happen and that is… to let the two of your opponents duke it up first. Then try to capitalize on the slain bodies… I don't have much more to say on that.”Death looks deep into the eyes of the man who had supposedly took his place and offers a handshake. Freak stares back for a few seconds unsure if he should trust this offer but still shakes Death's hand. They embrace in a manly hug and as Freak goes to leave, he is instantly yanked back… hoisted up onto Death's shoulder and slammed by the new version of Dark Cloud…Death Walker takes his time getting back to his feet, walking over to a handcrafted throne and takes his seat. The advisor comes right over and Death snatches his mask from his grasp. He slips it back on and stares at the mess he made as everything fades into darkness. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:43:16 GMT
Originally posted by Sully.
The Witch of Oz
Starring Trixie Bordeaux and Kleio De Santos
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Trixie Bordeaux sat anxiously in the parlor chair of the large castle. Trixie was amazed with childlike wonder when she saw the big Disney-looking castle from the outside, but when she ventured inside the atmosphere was entirely different. What was once a castle engulfed in world-champion royalty has now turned into something from a horror movie. It was dark and filled with cobwebs. Despite the fact that Saint Sulley had only abandoned it less than a year ago, in his absence, the castle had already fallen to decay. Of course Kleio De Santos and the Ravenwood Sisters may have sped up that process.
"The castle needs a woman's touch" Blair would say, as she smashed several pictures on the wall and turned off the lights.
The first thing Kleio did was take off the giant Saint Sulley picture that was on the wall, and lit it on fire.
Sullivan Castle had officially turned into a headquarters for The Coven.
Now Trixie sits in it, across from the Witch Queen herself, Kleio De Santos. Kleio is sitting in a giant throne, the same one that used to belong to a former FWA King. No longer Gold, the throne has been painted black and has a much more witchy vibe. Trixie's hands tightly gripping the arm rests of the chair as she tries to explain herself to Kleio. Blair and Celestia stood intimidatingly next to their Queen as Kleio sat in silence.
Trixie: It's just...that uhm...Miss....Witch Queen...lady...I really don't think I can do this. XYZ is one of my best friends. And I've been trying really really hard to try and find a way, but I don't think I can, uhm, fight him?
Trixie braced herself. She had only gotten glimpses of Klieo's wrath. She had seen it first hand when she last teamed with Kleio during Fight Night: The Final Four. Kleio wasn't a good teammate then, and Trixie knew to expect the worst.
Blair and Celestia too were bracing for Kleio's wrath. Blair was doing so with a smile, almost as if she was going to enjoy it. Celestia meanwhile worked worried, unsure about what Kleio was going to do.
But, to everyone's surprise, Kleio simply smiled. Trixie felt a little bit at ease.
Kleio: Trixie, my friend, I entirely understand.
Friend? Was Kleio Trixie's friend too?
Trixie: You do? Oh, I mean yes YOU DO! Thank you Kleio, I was so nervous about this. Like look at my nails! I'm going to have to paint them all over again because of all the chewing I was doing on the plane. I thought you were this big mean scary witch lady, but I'm so glad that you're not!
Kleio's smile faded. But she still responded cordially.
Kleio: No...of course not. I would never force you into a position that made you uncomfortable, just for a wrestling match. Your dear friendship with XYZ is not worth that expense. In fact, I don't think you know this, but XYZ and I have quite a history ourselves!
Trixie: You do??? I didn't know you guys were also friends!
Kleio: Oh yes, we most definitely...are acquainted. We spent a lot of time together leading up to Back in Business last year. And, quite frankly, I've been looking forward to seeing him again. After my concussion, we weren't able to quite...say goodbye.
Trixie: Well, since XYZ and I are bestest best friends, maybe we can all get together and hang!
Kleio: That would be lovely. But in the meantime Trixie, just know...no hard feelings about this. Oh, and before you go...have a drink.
Suddenly, Blair Ravenwood brings over a silver goblet with a mysterious liquid inside.
Kleio: Blair made it herself. She is quite the...mixologist.
Trixie looks suspiciously at the green liquid inside the cup.
Trixie: Uh...I don't know...I don't really like green things. Brocolli, Brussels Sprouts...
Kleio: Ah, but what about Kiwis? And Green Grapes? Apples? Oh and those green Jolly Ranchers!
Trixie: I do like the green Jolly Ranchers! OK! What the heck!
And with that, Trixie gulps down the drink.
The three ladies of The Coven all look on eagerly. Trixie meanwhile wipes her face with the sleeve and licks her lips.
Trixie: Wow, that was delicious! You said Blair made it? Blair, I am going to HAVE to get your recipe.
Blair chuckles nervously as Kleio gives a stern look at Blair. Celestia also is confused, as she whispers "Why isn't it working?" to her sister. Kleio taps her long black nails against the arms of the throne.
Trixie: It tasted just like a green Jolly Rancher too! Do you guys have anymore? I'd love some mor-
And just like that, Trixie's head falls back like a bag of bricks.
All three girls smile.
Blair: Finally...I thought it wasn't going to work.
Kleio: You're lucky it did, Blair. You're already on thin ice after losing the tag team scramble. Stock photos? Seriously?
Celestia: Everything will go as plan. When Trixie wakes up, she should be under our control!
The three members of The Coven begin to laugh maniacally. Meanwhile, we fade closer and closer to Trixie Bordeaux's sweet empty little eyes. Close enough that the white in her pupils begins to fill the screen, and we soon fade into a whole new world.
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When Trixie opens her eyes, the entire world has changed around her. The dark scary castle is no more. In fact, now she is in a land surrounded by life and color. She was surrounded by bright green grass, a beautiful forest filled with bright flowers, and definitely no hanging munchkins. She awoke on a yellow brick road, but before she could examine it any further, she was greeted out of nowhere by a little blue Raven.
Blue Raven: Hi! Are you a good witch or a bad witch?
Trixie looks at the bird in awe.
Trixie: It's a talking bird! I'm just like a Disney Princess.
Blue Raven: A Disney Princess? But are you a good witch or a bad witch?
Trixie: I'm Trixie! I'm not a witch at all. Where am I?
Blue Raven: You're in the land of Oz! But the reason I ask, is because when you came...you dropped that entire castle on the evil Mayor Alyster. He had been a fugitive for some time, and had been hiding, but your castle found him and smushed him! So we're assuming you are a good witch?
Trixie: I already told you, I'm not a witch at all. Witches are ugly and mean.
Blue Raven: Ah, but what if I told you I'm a witch. I'm Celestia, the witch of the blue!
Trixie: Wow! That's fun! But, uhm...as cool as this place is, I kind of need to get back to where I was.
Blue Raven: No worries! Just follow this yellow brick road. At the end of it you'll reach a castle, and in that castle is a witch. The Witch of Oz! She'll be able to help you with EVERYTHING you need.
Trixie: Perfect. This sounds like it'll be a blast! I feel like I'm at Disney.
Blue Raven: Oh, I wish it was that easy. But you have to be careful...
Trixie: Careful? Why?
Blue Raven: Because lately, these lands have been tormented by the Evil Alphabet Wizard of the West.
Trixie: THE EVIL ALPHABET WIZARD OF THE WEST?
Blue Raven: That's right. The Alphabet Wizard is an evil evil man. He speaks in riddles, and thinks he's wise, but he's really just an abomination on our town. You must not trust the Alphabet Man.
Trixie: Got it. Alphabet Man is bad. But I should be okay right, you'll keep me safe?
And with that the little blue raven's demeanor changed. She suddenly felt worried and scared.
Blue Raven: Oh...I...can't.
Trixie seemed confused. Why didn't her new friend want to go with her? She began to feel sad. Maybe the Blue Raven didn't want to be her friend.
Trixie: You don't want to be my friend? That makes me sad...
Blue Raven: No! No it's not that, it's just that...I don't know if I could handle The Alphabet Wizard...because...well...I don't have any assertiveness.
Trixie: Aww...no assertiveness! I'm sorry, I wish I could give you some of mine...
Blue Raven: I don't know if I'd call what you have assertiveness, but I appreciate the gesture nonetheless.
The backhanded compliment goes right over Trixie's head as she continues to try and brainstorm some ideas.
Trixie: Wait, the Witch of Oz...could she give you some assertiveness?
Blue Raven: Hmm, well, she is all-powerful. I guess she could!
Trixie: Well there you go! The Witch of Oz can get me back home, and get you some assertiveness. We are all set!
The Blue Raven seemed on board with the plan, and so with that, the two of them had a plan. They were going to follow The Yellow Brick road, and make their way to The Witch of Oz.
And so Trixie and The Blue Raven skipped down the road singing "We're off to see The Witch, the beautiful Witch of Oz". Or well, the raven was flying but you get the idea.
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But soon enough, the yellow brick road that they had been following had taken them through a cornfield. The cornfield was huge and looked like it stretched on for miles. Even worse was the yellow brick road came to an intersection. It branched off into four different directions. Both Trixie and Blue Raven were stuck in the middle confused on which direction to go.
There wasn't a clear sight of the castle from either path, so it was a guessing game on which one to take.
If Trixie and the Blue Raven took the wrong path, they could end up lost or at the very least wasting a bunch of time.
Trixie: Oh no, I don't know which way to go!
Blue Raven: I don't know either...I've never gone this far before!
Trixie: Well, which path do you think we should take?
Blue Raven: Um, you decide...
Trixie: Oh, right...no assertiveness. Well, maybe we could ask someone for directions?
Blue Raven: Who would we ask?
Suddenly, a voice came from behind them.
Random Voice: To get to the castle, you go that way!"
Trixie and The Blue Raven were startled to hear the voice?
Trixie: WHO SAID THAT?
Random Voice: It was me!
Trixie turned around and saw a scarecrow staring at her.
Trixie: A TALKING SCARECROW! Wow this world just keeps getting crazier.
But then, a little black raven flew out from behind the scarecrow.
Black Raven: No you idiot. That's just a scarecrow. It was me, I said it. I'm The Witch of the Black!
Trixie: Another witch! Wow this place is just filled with witches.
Black Raven: To get to the castle, you want to take that path.
The Black Raven motions her body towards the path going north.
Trixie: Thanks talking bird!
The Black Raven looks at both The Blue Raven and Trixie up and down. She thinks for a moment before finally asking right as Trixie almost heads down the next path.
Black Raven: Uh, why are you guys going to that castle anyway?
Trixie turns around with a smile and says
Trixie: We're off to see The Witch of Oz! She's going to help me get home.
Blue Raven: And she's going to help me get some assertiveness.
The Black Raven chuckles at them both, and rolls her beady black little eyes.
Trixie, being the soft soul that she is, then decides to ask the Black Raven something.
Trixie: Say, is there anything you could ask the Witch of Oz for? You can jon us!
The Black Raven chuckles at Trixie for even asking.
Black Raven: Pfft...me? I need nothing. I am The Black Raven! I am one of the smartest witches in the land. Maybe not as powerful as The Witch of Oz, but I'm definitely more powerful than your blue little friend there. I need nothing at all! Absolutely nothing.
Trixie and the Blue Raven look at the Black Raven suspiciously.
Finally, the Black Raven caves.
Black Raven: Okay...fine, I could maybe...well...use some empathy.
Trixie: Empathy?
Black Raven: YES, Empathy, OK? I don't have any empathy. When I see people like you, I don't have any feeling at all. I don't feel bad that you're lost, and I definitely don't feel bad that your blue little friend is a pushover. I don't even care much about the Alphabet Wizard and all his little schemes. I just don't...and well...I wouldn't mind feeling something. ANYTHING. I wouldn't mind feeling some emotion...makes me think I'm Raven Dahmer or something.
Trixie's eyes light up.
Trixie: WELL there we go! The Witch of Oz can help you! Come join us! Blue Raven, are you okay if the Black Raven joins us?
Blue Raven: Uhm, it's er...up to you I guess...
Trixie: Perfect! Come along Black Raven! But watch out of the evil Alphabet Wizard!
Black Raven: Alphabet Wizard? If I see that stupid Wizard I'll poke his eyes out with my talons.
Trixie seems a bit startled but shakes it off.
Blue Raven: We're off then!
And with that, the three of them continue merrily down the path.
They sing their tune yet again.
"We're off to see the Witch, the beautiful Witch of Oz!"
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After some time of walking, Trixie and the two Ravens had finally made their way to the castle. It was a giant green Emerald castle in fact. It was one of the most glorious things that Trixie had ever seen. It was definitely more glorious than that spooky castle she was in earlier.
The trio made their way through the gate. It was guarded by these giant green guards. They looked Trixie and her Ravens up and down, and let them pass.
They were led through the castle corridors and into a grand big room.
There Trixie saw a giant throne, and sitting on it was none other than The Witch of Oz herself. She had dark green skin, but wore a purple fur coat. She looked down at Trixie and her Ravens with a smile.
The Witch of Oz: Yes, my pretty?
Trixie smiled at the compliment.
Trixie: Uhm, Mrs. Witch lady. We've uh, been told that you're the most powerful witch in all the land. So powerful in fact that you can help us. We really need some help. My one blue raven friend here, she needs you to make her more assertive. And uh, my black raven friend here needs you to help her get some empathy. And well, me...I...I need your help getting home.
The Witch of Oz put her fingertips together. He long fingernails scratched back and forth and she contemplated what to say.
Finally, she gave an answer.
Witch of Oz: I would love to help all of you...
Trixie let out a sigh of relief.
Witch of Oz: ...for a price.
The Black Raven scoffed as the Blue Raven bellowed with grief. Trixie didn't even expect it.
Trixie: What? I thought you'd help us!
Witch of Oz: I can, but you need to help me first. I'm sure you heard of The Alphabet Man...
Trixie: The Alphabet Man? Who lives on Mulberry Lane?
Witch of Oz: NO! That's The Muffin Man. The Alphabet Wizard I mean, whatever he's calling himself these days. He's no Wizard to me. He's just a poser, a fool...either way, he's been a thorn in my side for way too long. Look, if you help me get rid of him, I'll grant you all whatever you desire.
Trixie: But isn't the Alphabet Guy this big bad meanie? What if he hurts us?
Witch of Oz: He might. But you want to get home, don't you?
Trixie: Yes...
Witch of Oz: Then, it'll be worth the risk. What you need to do, is enter his forbidden forest...and lure him out.
Trixie: Lure him?
Witch of Oz: Yes, lure him. Like...bait.
Trixie: BAIT?!
Witch of Oz: Think of it like fishing.
Trixie: But, who's the fish?
Witch of Oz: Exactly. So go into the forest...the Alphabet Wizard will see you as his prey. But don't be alarmed, that's all part of the plan. What you're going to do next, is TRAP him.
Trixie: And how am I going to do that?
Trixie seems scared. This plan is way too much. More than she bargained for.
Witch of Oz: With this box...
With that, the Witch of Oz takes out a small black box. She holds it in her hands and shows it to Trixie.
Trixie: That box is the size of my fist. How is it supposed to trap the Alphabet Wizard?
Witch of Oz: It's magic. Look, all you have to do, is when you see The Alphabet Wizad, open the box. It'll suck the maniac right inside. Then, bring the box to me, and I'll take care of him from there. Ok? No harm done.
Blue Raven: No harm done, except to the Wizard.
Black Raven: Serves him right.
Trixie takes the box out of the Witch of Oz's hands. She doesn't seem confident in this plan, but what choice does she have.
Witch of Oz: Good luck! Oh, and if for some reason the box doesn't work, don't worry...you won't be completely skilled. There's a backup plan in place.
Trixie is relieved at that sound.
Trixie: Oh thank goodness! What's the backup plan, just in case?
Witch of Oz: Run. Just...run.
Trixie: THAT IS THE BACKUP PLAN!
Witch of Oz: Hopefully you don't need it.
And with that, Trixie and the three Ravens were off.
They were going to confront the Alphabet Wizard. It might be one of the most dangerous things that the three of them were about to do yet. Trixie wondered why The Witch of Oz couldn't do this herself, but nevertheless they were going to be doing it. Surely The Alphabet Man couldn't be that hard to take down.
Surely.
Right?
[ATTACH type="full" width="375px" alt="1678688522745.png"]43289[/ATTACH]
Soon enough, Trixie and the Ravens found themselves following the yellow brick road yet again. This time into the deep dark and scary forest where the Alphabet Wizard was none to reside.
It was definitely spooky, and Trixie and the Blue Raven were definitely scared. The Black Raven seemed right at home, however. Trixie clutched the box that the Witch of Oz gave her tightly.
They could hear all sorts of spooky sounds as they made their way through the trees. Trixie became startled as she could have sworn she saw a munchkin hanging from one of the trees...but to her relief, it was just a crane.
After some time walking through the forest, the trio seemed to be almost at the Alphabet Man's lair.
Trixie: I think we're getting close.
Black Raven: We should be. I can't wait to claw this jerk's eyes out.
The Blue Raven was going to comment, but suddenly she was attacked! By a flying monkey!
Blue Raven: AHH!
Trixie and The Black Raven went into defensive positions, trying to help defend their friend. But the monkey kept attacking them.
Suddenly, a cloud of smoke appeared, and emerging from it was none other than the crazy Alphabet Wizard himself. Trixie was shocked when she finally saw who The Alphabet Wizard was!
Alphabet Wizard: Wildcard! Wildcard, stop attacking these people.
Suddenly, the flying monkey stopped and flew back to The Alphabet Wizard.
Alphabet Wizard: Sorry about that, my flying monkey gets out of hand sometimes.
Trixie was still surprised. She recognized The Alphabet Wizard somewhere, but she couldn't remember from where. For some reason, however, she felt like he was trustworthy.
She now didn't know what to do.
Would she capture him, so that she could help the Witch of Oz? Or would she trust her gut?
Trixie: You're...the Alphabet Wizard...
Alphabet Wizard: That I am. I'm not so scary after all, am I? People like to exaggerate. I think I'm a good guy. Jason here however gets out of hand if you don't keep a leash on him.
Blue Raven: I thought his name was Wildcard.
Alphabet Wizard: Oh right. Anyway, how can I help you three?
Trixie had to make a decision.
Would she open the box?
Trixie: I...I need you to help me get home.
Alphabet Wizard: Oh, I can do that. No problem, all I gotta do is snap my fingers.
Trixie: And, what do I have to do first? Let me guess, attack The Witch of Oz?
Alphabet Wizard: What? No. I don't need any favors. I'll do it right now.
And just like that, the Alphabet Wizard was about to snap his fingers.
But then, suddenly, the Black Raven swooped in.
Black Raven: Now's our chance! ATTACK!
And suddenly, the Black Raven went straight for his eyes.
Trixie: WAIT, No!
The Alphabet Man screamed as The Black Raven's talons dug into his eyes. The Blue Raven tried to stop her, but Jason The Flying Monkey then came in and started throwing steel chairs at them! The Blue Raven was too busy dodging them to be of any help.
Trixie was going to have to do it herself. She ran towards The Alphabet Wizard and The Black Raven, but on her way there she tripped...
And the box fell out of her hands and onto the road.
It open up, and then SUCKED The Alphabet Wizard and his flying monkey Jason inside of it just like that.
Blue Raven: Yay! Trixie you did it.
Trixie seemed upset.
Trixie: No! He was going to help us...
The Black Raven seemed disappointed in her.
Black Raven: You shouldn't be so niave. Just because people act friendly, doesn't mean that they are. For all you know, he could've snapped his fingers and teleported you into the sun.
Blue Raven: Well, uh...she's sort of right.
Trixie sighed.
She didn't agree, but what could they do now?
She picked up the box, and headed back towards Emerald Castle. They passed a tree that had a "Missing" poster featuring Mayor Alyster on it as they exited the forest.
[ATTACH type="full" width="330px" alt="1678689415196.png"]43290[/ATTACH]
Now back at Emerald Castle, The Witch of Oz cackled as Trixie handed her the box.
Standing behind them was a giant cauldron, it was filled with boiling hot water. It was very obvious The Witch of Oz intended on dropping both the Alphabet Wizard and his Flying Monkey Jason into the boiling hot water.
The Witch of Oz: Finally! Do you know how long I've been wanting to dispose of this evil Alphabet Wizard?
Trixie seemed torn. The Alphabet Wizard still seemed like a good guy to her...he was going to send her back home, and he wasn't even going to ask for a favor.
But The Witch of Oz didn't seem open to negotiations. Still, Trixie wanted to try.
Trixie: What if you just put them in jail or something? Please don't hurt them.
Witch of Oz: Don't hurt them? Don't hurt them? Trixie, my pretty, you don't understand what this Alphabet Wizard has done to me. He started this war with me long ago, when he stole from me! He stole from me, and he taunted me. He and all his flying monkeys didn't want to take me seriously. Now, I am The Witch of Oz...I have all the power. I'm not the bad guy here Trixie. The Alphabet Wizard is...he always has been. If you think he's a friend...I promise...he's fooling you.
And with that, the Witch of Oz opened the box...holding it over the cauldron.
For a split second, Trixie was going to let it happen. The lack of empathy from The Black Raven almost took her over too. But still, Trixie couldn't. She trusted the Alphabet Wizard, and didn't want to see him hurt.
So, at the last second, she ran towards the Witch of Oz and pushed her away from the cauldron...just as the box was opening...
As a result, Jason the Flying Monkey fell into the cauldron, but The Alphabet Wizard did not! The Wizard fell onto the floor instead. And although his hardcore little monkey screamed in pain as he was boiled alive in the water, The Alphabet Wizard was free.
The Alphabet Wizard jumped up!
Witch of Oz: NO! What have you done!
Alphabet Wizard: YES! I AM FREE!
Trixie jumped with glee.
She saved her friend!
Trixie: Yes! I knew it..I knew you were a good guy. I just had to save you!
The Alphabet Wizard chuckled, as he then zapped the Black Raven! The poor little Raven turned to dust.
Alphabet Wizard: That's for taking out my eyes!
Trixie was shocked. The Alphabet Wizard was supposed to be a good guy!
The Alphabet Wizard then zapped the Blue Raven! Turning her to dust as well. Trixie fell backwards onto her bottom. She made the wrong choice, what had she done! The Alphabet Wizard stood towering over The Witch of Oz...about to zap her too. That's when Trixie did something impulsive. She grabbed the cauldron, and without even thinking, threw the water out of it and onto The Alphabet Wizard!
The Alphabet Wizard screamed in pain as Trixie dropped the cauldron.
She watched as her friend The Alphabet Wizard melted from the hot boiling water.
Alphabet Wizard: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE! AHHHH...IT HURTS....I'm MELTINGGGGG.
Trixie watched in fear.
Trixie: I...I didn't mean to...
Alphabet Wizard: OH MY GOD IT HURTS SO BAD...
The Witch of Oz got up to her feet, and patted Trixie on the shoulder.
Witch of Oz: Look my pretty, you've done the right thing here. He was an evil man. It's like I tried telling you...just because people appear nice, just because you think they're your friends...it doesn't mean you can trust them. People like the Alphabet Wizard...
Alphabet Wizard: WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG. THIS IS SO PAINFUL.
Witch of Oz: People like The Alphabet Wizard only care about themselves. There is no such thing as good people and bad people in this world. But there are people who will pretend to be nice to get what they want. Nobody is that nice deep down. Everyone has a motive. Including The Alphabet Wizard. He will use you, take advantage of you, and manipulate you. And when he's done with you, he'll toss you in the trash and move on.
Do you understand?
Alphabet Wizard: AHHHHHHH I AM DYING...AHHH...AHHH...ahh....ah.
Trixie: Uh, I guess so?
And with that, the Alphabet Wizard was dead.
And everyone clapped.
Trixie still seemed shocked about the whole ordeal.
Witch of Oz: Well, as I promised. Time to send you back home.
And with that, she snapped her fingers.
[/HR] Trixie awoke, now back in the castle. She rubbed her eyes, she was still in the same chair that she was in earlier before drinking that green juice.
Kleio, Celestia, and Blair all looked happy to see her.
Kleio: Wakey wakey! You must've been tired, you took a nap right here in my castle.
Trixie: Yeah, I guess I really needed a nap. I had the strangest dream.
Kleio: You did?
Kleio smiled. Knowing exactly what the dream was.
Trixie: Yeah, you were in it too! And I think Blair and Celestia were too...and so was XYZ, and Jason Randall...kind of. But uhm, anyway...I kind of think, maybe I will fight with you in this match? If that's okay?
Kleio's expression didn't change. She played it off cool, and didn't let Trixie know that is exactly what she wanted.
Kleio: Oh, are you sure? I thought XYZ was a friend of yours?
Trixie: Yeah, he is...I think...I hope. I don't know, I think sometimes you have to be careful of who's really your friend, and who isn't.
Kleio let out just a tiny smirk. Everything was going exactly as planned.
Kleio: Exactly! I couldn't agree more. Well Trixie, if you really want to fight, I'll meet you there. Worst case, I'll do all the punching and hitting on XYZ, ok? You can handle that Flying Monkey Jason.
Trixie chuckled.
Trixie: Thanks, Kleio.
And with that, Kleio and The Ravenwood sisters walked Trixie out of the castle.
Trixie hoped she was making the right decision. Maybe XYZ really wasn't her friend. But maybe Kleio wasn't either? She needed to start being more careful of who she could trust, and who she couldn't.
Wait a second, how did Kleio know that Jason Randall was a Flying Monkey?
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:43:29 GMT
Originally posted by Gip. [HEADING=1]
The Second’s Second.
[/HEADING]
“Chris Peacock. It’s about time this happened, huh? Always so close to interacting yet always so far apart.”
After these vague words from a voice that sounds familiar, we are introduced to the scene with a vicious slang of thunder! It rings out through the audio system of whatever device you’re watching this through, followed by an onslaught of rain drops banging against glass, the sound almost blurs into one long, whirring noise almost reminiscent of rotor blades on a helicopter. It’s occupied with a heavy sigh from the voice.
“I assume you remember the beginning. Ground Zero.”
The voiceover added to the rain comes back into our ears as who, assumedly is Reagan Cole, speaks once more.
“What fun we had, huh? Yeah. Fun. You know what’s always bugged me about Ground Zero? The fact that you were one of the first that got signed. Meanwhile I had to wait. I had to wait two months and let me tell you there were not pretty, two months of wondering what I did wrong, analyzing my matches, looking for the mistakes I made every day. It consumed me! That I fucked my chance up, my opportunity to do something greater. The life I could have given to my wife, to my kid! Then I looked at you Peacock and I will admit that for the first time in many years, in one of my darkest hours. THAT I FELT JEALOUSY! I FELT ENVY FOR THE DISCO BOY!”
The voice of Reagan shakes violently with every single word as you hear another slash of thunder once again as well as something you can distinguish as wood creaking violently as the steps go back and forth.
“Because in my head it made no sense. You didn’t qualify against McClain, you didn’t qualify in the battle royal because you lost it to Lizzie Rose, only when Kleio got disqualified, did you finally get the slot into the final by beating Emerson McCoy. 4 chances and then you didn’t even win the final. Meanwhile me on the other hand? I had one chance. I wasn’t given the 5 weeks to coast on by because of a freaking technical issue so I knew I had to work twice as hard, I had to fight twice as much as everyone else because of HOW MUCH I WANTED TO BE HERE! I wanted to fight the best and challenge myself and that was what I did! I defeated EVERYONE in my way! Undefeated, nobody could touch me. And then the finale happens and you know what happened. I had my hands on the briefcase as much as you did! Me, you, Marcus, Konchu were all right there and then Konchu took it. And I wish the jealousy stopped when I eventually got that contract and I felt so much relief. But I also knew that at the same time that I was signed, you had the Gauntlet Championship. And then when I won the Gauntlet Championship, you had possession of the X Championship. You were somehow one step ahead of me. And I still had to push all that envy away because it wasn’t your fault, if I had gone down that same route that you did and still got the contract, yeah I would have taken it. It’s not your fault. And then shit happened.
“One week. That’s another part I don’t get entirely. Maybe something happened that I wasn’t aware of because I was more focused on the match but…to me you made the conscious choice similar to your mate Ramon that you would have rather had the joke team because that’s what they were to me anyway, one of the guy fucking cosplayed as a emperor, you would rather have them win the tag belts instead of me and Aka. Now would we have agreed to the help, not really to be honest with you. Just I would prefer it to make goddamn sense, but I guess that is a positive to you being Ramon’s little helper on Fallout, I guess. You had those visors on that told you Ramon can do no wrong especially when he superkicks someone who wasn’t far off your position on his list. Let’s face it they used both of us but you believed in him more, I’ll give ya credit for that. Atleast me and Golden knew that we wouldn’t get along and so Golden found someone else to blindly believe whatever the fuck he was on, just unfortunate it was Lizzie of all people. But for the start of that brand split, I was the freaking back up. I was the one that they went to when you weren’t available to trios, I was the one they went to so I could do a one off replacement to fight Legends Evolved simply because you were a fallout boy. I still believe that a lot of shit you blamed on Golden had more to do with Ramon but let’s face it. You’ve made your mind up at this point, haven't you? “
We come back to finally reveal the current Reagan Cole in a hotel room, the wooden bed creaks below him.
“Because at the end of the day I know this is another match for you, I don’t think you really care about what I think, this is the side quest until the triple threat, you helping out a princess in dismay. It's respectable, I wish I had the balls. But I don't. Because I have made the choice to put my family over Trixie and that is a choice that I would make a thousand times without question. Maybe there is a third option to this dilemma that you see and I don’t but even if there was, I don’t know if I take it unless I know there is zero dot zero zero zero, you get the drift, recurring percentage that Sarah and Jason get hurt. I guess I’m just explaining my actions to make some sort of point I guess. Like I said you beat me and it’s justified avengement on your half but nothing happens in the long term. Hell, nothing in the long term happens if I beat you, does it? I’m not getting a world title match. Your match at Grand March is set! You win that, your Back In Business match is set! Maybe I’ll get a shot at contendership, pull a Thomas West on you! But I’ll be honest, I don’t know if I will make that date. I simply don’t. It would be a massive date to miss, that’s for sure. But this Deathmatch tournament. I don’t know what’s gonna happen there. And a part of me is fucking terrified about it. God, why am I telling you about this? You’re literally the tag partner of the person I’m trying to take the belt from. “
A small broken laughter comes from him now.
“Eh, fuck it. What’s the worst that can happen at this point? Everything terrible has already happened to me. That Jeffry match left a lot more scars than you’re aware of, Peacock. And now I have to go through it 4 more times and I don’t know who I’ll be afterwards. So I’ll tell you straight, in my mind this is my last normal match. And there’s nobody else I would rather fight against than the asshole who for some reason has been connected to me the entire time. I plan on going out fighting, I hope you are too.
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:44:45 GMT
Promo reviews. Originally posted by SupineSnake. Earlybird reviews. Will try to feedback for what I'm down to grade but no promises. Jason Randall. I thought this promo was pretty funny, especially in the second half when the Wildcard starts talking to his stuffed animal(?). Clear from the content that this is something you've done before but I honestly don't remember that haha, so this seemed like a creative little touch. Meta stuff was pretty enjoyable even if a little on the nose, guess it's explained by Penny putting something in his drink to elevate his state of mind. Wonder if she's doing this as a kindness or if she's just fucking on him. I liked the initial dialogue between Jason and Penny which read reasonably naturally but the spiking did maybe seem a little out of character for her, although maybe I just haven't been paying close enough attention. The promo was reasonably short and as a result there's only so much you can do with character development, although the portrayal side of things was helped by Randall examining (albeit briefly) his relationship with the deathmatch, which also helped you out in terms of match focus given that this is a preview match for the tournament. Was a fun little promo but would’ve liked to have seen a little more length and depth. Madison Gray. I like your framing of this character as something of a pro-wrestling novice in this and previous promos because it gives you a lot of space in terms of future character development. I think the Gray promo is quite clearly more fleshed out and more detailed than what we saw of MDC in the FWA. I have a greater sense of what Gray is and what her aims are, and that is further developed through this short piece. Speaking of that future development, though, I think it would be interesting to maybe see more of Gray off camera, which would help out in both the character development and creativity categories of grading. There was some of that here, with the jump cut shift to Madison in the night club, which made the monologue a little more interesting, and I’d like to see more of that. Even a subtle switch from an on-screen monologue to a backstage conversation, or even a dialogue in some associated setting like a training session or an agent’s office, can help the promo stand out. I think this is the third on-screen monologue you’ve done so it would be interesting to see Gray branch out into other scenarios, or simply developing more of an internal monologue - that conveys what Madison is thinking alongside what she is saying. The content of the monologue was fine: you addressed your opponents well enough and there was match focus, as well as some discussion of Madison’s place within the FWA from a wider viewpoint. From a presentation standpoint the promo was clean enough, with no real spelling or grammar mistakes besides capitalisation of a company name in the opening paragraph. One other thing I noticed in the opening paragraph, for instance, was repeated use of the word ‘would’ (i.e. Madison would do this, the sound would do that). The repetitive word use disrupts the flow and is unnecessary: you don’t need to say Madison would do something because she did do it. For instance, ‘Madison would pause for a moment’ could just be ‘Madison paused for a moment’ without losing meaning and helping flow. Tommy Bedlam. Fun promo about rocks. Nice low key character progression with Tommy’s anxiety about his losing streak, both in the opening descriptive/internal monologue parts as well as in his reaction to seemingly everyone around him singing about his opponent. Randi trying to put his mind at the end is a nice touch. Good for Tommy having someone like that around I guess. I don’t really know who Twisted Sister are so I guess that punchline was lost on me. Funny promo. Hopefully you poured all your time into this one and not the Nephew one lol. Jackson Fenix. After reading this one, I can see now why maybe the Jason Randall promo felt a little light on length. I think it’s probably fair to say that you prioritised this one and that really shows. Really enjoyed this promo. There was a lot of good character portrayal and character development here, especially as you begin to re-centre Jackson into being a more sympathetic figure within the FWA, which seems to be your intention. Doing that through the interactions with his mother and grandma (the two women admonishing Jackson for his constant crotch-related antics is gold) and then with the scene with Richie Floyd was effective in this promo. Confronting a childhood bully is maybe a bit of a trope but it wasn’t too much of a focal point within the promo and was a nice way of relating things to your opponent. I think overall you did a pretty good job with match focus, especially considering Trevor Walker is a new character and all you had to go off was the profile post (which you really mined for talking points throughout the promo). The conversations with mother and grandmother, though, were the strength of the promo, really naturally written and a good showcase of the clarity with which you always write. Presentation-wise, the promo was good on spelling and grammar but was let down a little by formatting throughout. There are errant spaces between a lot of the speech marks and the following word, as well as some descriptive text in red and blue in the opening section. Overall though this was a really strong promo, particularly in terms of character work and match focus. Chris Peacock. Loved the start of this with the Edinburgh dudes lamenting the destruction of the castle for a wrestling event. Discovery of the voodoo doll and Chris’ pain in the hospital was a nice jump cut, and I thought this whole opening section was a really creative introduction to the promo in general and a lovely call-back to what I can’t believe is a couple of years ago now. The three sections of the promo felt quite distinct but there was enough of a thread throughout them to tie them together I guess. I enjoyed Peacock’s lack of confidence in the second section of the promo and think that this can maybe explain the level of hatred he quite suddenly feels about Reagan Cole. Perhaps his insecurities are fueling him to make more of this tune-up match than there is, I don’t know. Peacock’s reasoning for the dismantling of Reagan Cole in the last section of the promo paints the Nephews as the big bad which is flattering but I think only goes part way to explaining the vitriol that Boogie Baby apparently feels for the Bag Carrier. Plenty of match focus in this third section as well as wider focus on Peacock’s place in the fed and the main event feud in the second and third sections, providing some decent character portrayal. Although I sense bullets are saved here (and perhaps groundwork laid with the doll focus) for the Grand March’s triple threat. Kleio De Santos and Trixie Bordeaux. I said in the Discord that this felt like a very Hemm promo, which wasn't meant as a slight towards Welsh or his contributions to this promo, but rather that the style and content of it was reminiscent of some golden era Saint Sulley. The way that the promo is formatted with images breaking up the sections, the fantastical setting, the metaphor for your opponents… all of these things reminded me of classic Hemm work in the vein that I mentioned when I recently argued that he is one of the most influential writers on the FWA style. For the most part of the promo I thought that perhaps the central metaphor and the stand-ins were maybe a little obvious, but I liked the ending where you honed in on the central thrust that the people who seem to be the good guys aren't always the good guys (and sometimes there are no good guys at all). I loved the Wizard of Oz setting, thought it fit perfectly with both the Coven and Trixie's naive, fairytale-ish outlook on the world. I popped for the hanging munchkin that turned out to be a crane - nice pop culture reference! I thought that perhaps Randall felt a little bit like an afterthought here. It does sort of make sense that both of you would choose to focus more on XYZ given both KDS and Trixie have history with him (I'm glad that De Santos still hasn't let the stolen interview time go!), but I think Randall could've probably been switched out for any other FWA wrestler without losing much. There was also a few typing and grammar errors that another proofread would probably have caught, particularly in the second half of the promo. Still, I really enjoyed this promo, big hype for Kleio going for the crown again. Reagan Cole. I thought this was a really good pro and a huge step up for the Apprentice following the last chapter in terms of promo quality. I had actually forgotten about much of the history between Peacock and Cole, through Ground Zero, and wasn't really reminded of it through the Peacock promo. I actually think you maybe did a better job of communicating the reasons why Cole and Peacock maybe wouldn't get on than your opponent. Reagan's misgivings about Peacock and their history together felt more logical and reasonable to me. This was quite a strong promo from a character perspective in my opinion, with us really getting a good picture of what is going on inside of Cole's mind as we move towards this match. The promo was more creative than a standard on-screen, for sure, with the flashback structure adding some interest and breaking up the verbalised thoughts a little. Reagan Cole, as a character, is probably more entangled in the world of Pro-Wrestling than any other, in that your promos rarely deviate from this sphere of activity. I'm not really sure whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, I would like to see more of Cole's life away from the ring (even his family life, as we see here, is built around the squared circle), but then again it is sort of refreshing to see a character like that and I think you accomplish this quite well. Would definitely recommend a proof read, though. The narrator speaks in quite an informal way, which is fine, but I think because of this a few sentences get away from you and lose their meaning. Also don't like the use of red for descriptive passages. Hurts my eyes. Great work overall, though. Death Walker. Death is a pretty messed up guy, but I like that I'm having to think more and more throughout your promos about his morality and which side of that line he falls upon. Events like what happened on Fallout seem quite cut and dry, but you've already done an excellent job in your roleplays of explaining why, maybe, Darius/Death has turned out the way he has, both because of his childhood, his experiences in Hell, and the influence of the silver-tongued guardian. Even here, as Death visits 'home' and reasserts himself on the streets of Los Angeles, the ethics of the brawl are decidedly unclear. Wright is outnumbered (but far from outpowered), these people are after all the underbelly of the city, and there's a sense of justice and pride about Walker that muddies the water of his morality. This is all really good shit. The more we see from Death Walker, the stronger your characterisation of him gets, though I feel that perhaps this promo was a little light on development in comparison to your more recent work. I also thought the opponents in this match, Sawyer and Madison, felt like something of an afterthought in the promo. Greater match focus, and maybe subtler match focus too, will probably be more necessary as you move on up the card. There were also a few spelling, grammar, and typing errors that disadvantaged your presentation score that would've undoubtedly been caught with a proof read. The Death Walker character, though, is a super interesting one that I can only see rising in the FWA in the months to come. Trevor Walker. A short and sour promo here from the debuting Trevor Walker, who hits the talking points on his opponent whilst giving us a taste of the delightful character that we'll learn more about (I hope) in future. Starting the promo with Walker not knowing how the camera was a nice touch and reminds us of who we are dealing with here. The character, a journeyman veteran, is quite unique and does stand out from the pack here (although I remember that Logan had a similar deal when he first came in), though with some of the characterisations of Walker (hints at misogyny and general poor taste) I hope that he will be distinct enough from Maskell. I guess those comparisons to your previous character are quite surface level so I imagine he will be more distinguishable as we move forward. Looking forward to more. XYZ. Thought this was a fun promo that hinted at the story you've just finished that ended up encompassing all of your characters, whilst also moving us forward into somewhat new territory for X with the Menage. I really liked how you used the on-screen events from Fallout in a really meaningful way in this roleplay, with X dreaming whilst he's unconscious in Death Walker's choke. This was simple but I thought also really inventive and not something I've seen done to that extent before. I definitely think there could have been more match focus in this promo, and that's something that's been the case with X generally. There's probably more of an emphasis on your opponents here than in other recent promos, so I guess that's going in the right direction, but I still think that's probably the biggest area for development with the character. But part of me is happy that you dwell so much (sometimes almost exclusively) upon XYZ himself, along with his ragtag following of misfits, because the character is really engaging and one of the most enjoyable and easy for me to read. I really hope you can find a level of consistency with the character now that he is your primary focus on the fed. --- Originally posted by CBK. supinesnakeIf you haven't already seen it on the discord, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every piece of the solo Michell promo that you wrote for this cycle. You have such a grasp on writing her that you could put her in any situation, time period, or whatever, and we would still be able to get a sense of Michelle from your representation for her - I hope that makes sense. This promo reminded me a lot of the movie Cloud Atlas. The characters of Shawn and Michelle were different in each act but somehow still linked to one another. You kept one thing common throughout the promo that I liked: Michelle's attitude toward Shawn. I thought that was a small detail that really went a long way. The way you write dialogue and the descriptions around it is one of the best in the fed. I would love to have you do a whole breakdown on a podcast about how you can do this. It would be highly beneficial to many of the writers in the fed - if they are interested. The essence of Shawn Summers was vital within each of the different iterations, and I loved that. My favorite iteration was the 1950's version of Shawn and Michelle. Their relationship reminded me so much of Don and Peggy's relationship in the early seasons of Mad Men. I'm very fond of that show, so I was happy to see what you did with that setting, and honestly, I'd love to read more from that (collaboration in the future one day?). The ending was my only low point in reading the promo, and that's strange to me because I'm a huge proponent of bringing things back to the reality that our characters are wrestlers, and everything should return to that fact. I know Shawn and Michelle haven't had many interactions with one another, but I would have liked to see you go after something else about Shawn besides the whole misogyny card. I feel it's overdone/trite. Overall, this was an excellent promo and an easy read that didn't leave me bored or scrolling to see when it would end. Excellent work, my friend. tommy Bedlam The man that decided it would be a good idea to pull double duty on this week's run of cards. I could really tell that you were having fun with your promos for this week, and I loved to see it/read them. I think you did a good job of showing the growing relationship dynamic between Tommy and Randi in both of the promos. It'll be interesting to see how they handle things with Tommy's impending championship match. The idea of introducing us to Tommy's many new nephews was genius for the second promo. Fuck they were annoying...kind of like...the FWA Nephews!!! I don't know if it were intentional or not, but having the nephews be a bunch of annoying kids seemed like the perfect representation of the actual Nephew stable. Good shit. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:45:09 GMT
XXVII: “STEEL CITY.”
Live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Thursday 16th March, 2023.
We open up in a wide shot of the PPG Paints Arena, the camera scanning across the sea of humanity assembled there before settling on the stage. An array of bright pink rockets are set off, the audience pumped and ready for the action to begin as the show's opening theme continues to play. We cut to shots of fans in the crowd as they hold up witty signs or chant the company's initials, the commentators meanwhile welcoming us to the show.
Rod Sterling: "Welcome, one and all, to the twenty seventh edition of FWA: Meltdown. We're coming to you live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the most entertaining X0 minutes in professor wrestling!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "And tonight is Nephew-night here in the FWA…"
Rod Sterling: "Every night seems to be 'Nephew-night' as of late, Anzu."
We settle on the commentator's booth as the duo continue setting the scene for the evening.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Well, perhaps you'll finally see some of that comeuppance that you've so frequently and fervently hoped for, Rod, because five of Cthulhu's finest will step into the ring here in Pittsburgh. In our main event, Michelle von Horrowitz will take on Shawn Summers just three and a half weeks before she challenges for the FWA World Championship at the Grand March."
Rod Sterling: "Could be a huge stumbling block for Michelle as she looks to build momentum, especially if the other Nephews involved tonight are taken out of commission. That will be the aim of Cyrus Truth, Tommy Bedlam, and the Buddy System when they take on Uncle J.J. JAY!, Quiet, Harry the Sane Wizard, and Thomas West in our eight-person opener."
Anzu Kurosawa: "And between those two matches, tonight's other contest will see a new FWA debut, as Trevor Walker prepares to take on company veteran Jackson Fenix. Any relation to Death?”
Rod Sterling: “Why don’t you ask him?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “No time! Show’s starting!”
{THE SOUND OF TRUTH || AS I LAY DYING}
There is a very loud cheer from the Pittsburgh crowd as one of the most iconic and popular members of the FWA roster is the first one out of the curtain for the opening match of the night. Cyrus Truth keeps his eyes narrowed and focused on the ring as he marches down the aisle towards it, cracking his knuckles as he gets closer to it. Whilst potentially appreciative of the very warm response from the crowd, there is not any sign of this from ‘The Exile’.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is an Eight Person Tag Team Match and it is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from the Long and Winding Road, he is ‘The Exile’... CYRUUSSSSSSSSSSSS TRRUUUUUTTHHHHHHHHH!!!”
Rod Sterling: “This is the final stop on Cyrus Truth’s long and winding road back to becoming the FWA World Champion once again, because after this match, he will be able to fully focus on the main event of The Grand March on Sunday, April 9th. He, alongside Michelle von Horrowitz, will challenge Chris Peacock for the FWA World Championship in a Three Way Dance.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Whilst he has that to look forward to, he should not do so at the expense of keeping his focus fully on this upcoming match, Rod. Cyrus Truth knows what these Nephews are capable of, just about as good as anyone, and it isn’t in Cyrus’s mould to be trusting of his partners, either.”
Rod Sterling: “Most definitely. I cannot see Cyrus being particularly thrilled about being in a match like this when he will just want to get his hands on MvH and Peacock; especially after the latter sought him out on Fallout and Peacock and Truth ended up fighting in front of the Washington Monument!”
Cyrus climbs up the steps briskly and then enters the ring, where he sets to do some more stretches ahead of the match as he awaits the entrances of both his partners and his opponents…
{HE’S THE GREATEST DANCER || SISTER SLEDGE}
Anzu Kurosawa: “This… isn’t… expected.”
Despite it not being expected by anyone else, the crowd are very loud in their surprise to see the FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock. Not dressed to compete tonight, wearing a purple suit with the FWA World Championship around his waist, Peacock settles on the stage where he holds a microphone loosely in one hand. He throws out a couple of dance moves whilst his music still plays to the entertainment of the crowd.
Rod Sterling: “Chris Peacock is not scheduled to be competing tonight; he has a match with Reagan Cole on Fallout this Saturday. But he will definitely have a vested interest in this match as well as tonight’s main event between Michelle von Horrowitz and Shawn Summers; what has the champ got to say to Cyrus Truth?”
Peacock allows his music to fade out and he becomes more serious as his attention shifts to the man in the ring. Cyrus Truth looks over to the champion with an unflinching and unimpressed gaze.
Chris Peacock: “Pittsburgh, pardon the intrusion… I know you’re all looking forward to getting into the action tonight but I do hope you’ll allow the ol’ champeen to come out here and say a little somethin’-somethin’. That groovy with you guys?”
Peacock grins as the crowd responds in a positive manner with some cheers, so he turns his attention back to Cyrus Truth, who is lightly pacing in the ring.
Chris Peacock: “Cyrus, I know what you’re thinking. I probably had some sort of ulterior motive for going to Jon Russnow and asking to get you added into the match at The Grand March, right? Well, this might come as a surprise to you, but I didn’t.
I wanted you in that match because it was the right thing to do. Michelle and the Nephews screwed you over at Back in Town, and if there’s anyone who knows how that feels, it is me, Cyrus. Now, I’m not saying that we need to become best friends or anything like that, but would it have killed you to, you know… show a little damn gratitude?”
That suggestion is met with clear derision from Cyrus Truth in the ring.
Chris Peacock: “We’re in this together, after all. Shit, I don’t even think that we need to team up at The Grand March - we’re both more than capable of holding our own, but a little bit of solidarity in the lead up would have been pretty helpful to both of us, right?
Because, I’ll take any excuse to beat up a Nephew and well, them going after you, that was good enough for me. We could have gone tit for tat and had each other’s backs. I would have been there with the tat, another tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat… leaving just the tit… which now I understand is you, Cyrus.”
Despite Chris Peacock and some of the fans being very impressed with that comment, Cyrus Truth clearly does not feel that way.
Chris Peacock: “Well, I was clearly wrong, because you don’t see it that way, do you, Cyrus? You’d rather go it alone and well, if you get your ass kicked so badly you can’t even make it to The Grand March, you’re fine with that, aren’t you, Cyrus?
So, I’m going to do you another favour, Cyrus. I’ll give you exactly what you want. You want to be left to do all of this on your own? Fine. You’ve got it, bud. When the Nephews start pulling their bullshit in your match coming up, don’t expect any help from me. You’re welcome for Fallout 026, by the way. I’ll see you at The Grand March, friend.”
The two men stare each other down for a moment and then Peacock slowly turns to leave, a serious expression on his face. As the champion walks towards the back, Cyrus hurries and snatches the microphone from the ring announcer in the ring.
Cyrus Truth: “I see you haven’t learned a damn thing from beating Devin Golden.”
That gets Peacock to stop halfway up the ramp. The champion turns back to face Cyrus, but keeps his distance as he seems somewhat annoyed, and somewhat interested in what The Exile has to say.
Cyrus Truth: “You want me to…what, exactly? Fall down on my knees, kiss your ass, and say ‘Thank you so much, Chris! Oh, whatever would I have done without you gracing me with a title match!’ You want gratitude, champ? Gratitude for what, exactly?
“You know…on the surface, I suppose I should be grateful that at least someone in this company gave enough of a shit about me to try and make things right after Back in Town. But then again, you said it yourself, didn’t you? ‘It was the right thing to do.’ And if you’ll recall, I didn’t ask or beg for anything from you or from management. I expected recompense because anything less than that would’ve proven how morally bankrupt this federation is. Michelle von Horrowitz is the F1 Climaxxx winner…by a fucking technicality. So am I not to expect that someone should try and step up to correct it? Wouldn’t you?”
Cyrus cracks his neck as he starts to pace in the ring. Not frenetically, but with a sense of purpose. There are few in FWA that can match the passion of The Exile when he gets riled up, and it seems that’s exactly what’s happening here and now.
Chris, meanwhile, is watching this with a muddled expression. It’s hard to tell if he’s angry at Cyrus’s belligerence, dismissive of his point of view, or enthralled by The Exile finally sparing two words for him.
Cyrus Truth: “You know, in spite of everything else, I do commend you for finally breaking through and winning the belt. Hell, I’ll even give you props for doing it like a man instead of how nearly everybody else would’ve done it. Face to face, eye-to-eye, not like some kind of thief in the night. Nobody would’ve faulted you for doing it that way, but instead you chose to stand up and fight your demons head on.
“Tell me, though…has it worn off yet? That euphoria, that high of finally, after working so hard, holding that World Championship and knowing that it’s yours?”
Chris beams and preens like his namesake…however, that smirk is quickly wiped away as Cyrus glowers at him.
Cyrus Truth: “I haven’t been World Champion for years now, and it’s been even longer since I first became a World Champion. But it’s not been so long since I’ve forgotten that feeling. It’s GLORIOUS, isn’t it? But it’s a distraction as much as it is intoxicating. It’s the reason why so many recent champions have been less than successful with defending the belt. And you can stand there and tell me that the ‘boon’ you gave me was out of a sense of setting things right, but that’s the thing…you’re the World Champion. That’s what’s EXPECTED of you. And let’s be honest with one another, Chris. You can say that it was your only reason for letting me into the match at the Grand March, but a part of you at least did it because you wanted to crow, boast, and get that big pop from your hometown crowd. You could’ve just as easily went up to Russnow after Back in Town and made this happen without the fancy fanfare, couldn’t you?
“But sure. If it will get you to shut up about this? Thank you, Chris. Thank you for doing the absolute bare minimum in correcting something that should’ve been corrected. I hope it was worth the end of your championship reign before it even began.”
Chris Peacock: “Now, hold on a sec, Truth! You might have forgotten this, but I was the one who beat YOU in the Climaxxx. You seriously have the balls to…”
Cyrus Truth: “I’m not talking about me, you twit.”
That takes Chris Peacock by surprise. Cyrus, for his part, sighs as if he’s having to explain something to a toddler as he continues.
Cyrus Truth: “You’ve made the match at the Grand March a Triple Threat match between you, me, and Michelle, right? And I’m sure you’re aware of the RULES of a Triple Threat, aren’t you? Specifically, the fact that FWA has a standing missive to try and always have a result to their matches, even if by disqualification. But that's trickier in a Triple Threat, so disqualifications get thrown out the window. Under most circumstances, this is not so big of a problem. But for you and me? You think for one second that Michelle won’t throw every single bottom-feeding Nephew at either of us to claim yet another World Title? And in a Triple Threat, she can do that without any of the pretences or chicanery, and there’s not a damn thing you and I can do about it.
“So by all means, continue to hound me about what you think I owe you. It’s your title that’s on the line, so if you think you can afford to waste time seeking my gratitude, go ahead. As for me? I’m going to spend what little time I have left between now and The Grand March eviscerating every single last Nephew I can get my hands on. Not just ‘beat them up,’ but absolutely destroy them so that they can’t interfere. I’m going to crucify Michelle’s little posse and maybe…JUST maybe make it so that you and I don’t have to wade through a sea of stupidity to ensure that Dreamer can’t steal from you and me like she did at the Climaxxx.
“But unlike you, Chris? I don’t need thanks. Because it’s my soul and my desire on the line as well. Now, if you’ll excuse me…I have Nephews that need to meet their Elder God the hard way.”
It’s unclear if Peacock intends to follow up, but that option is quickly taken away from him as the next theme music hits…
{WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE || BON JOVI}[MEDIA=youtube]8SiS9ZWaCLY[/MEDIA]
The tunes of Bon Jovi bring the crowd back to their feet as Tommy Bedlam trots out from the back, waving his cowboy hat in his hands to pump up the fans and looks excited to be accompanied by the lovely Randi, who walks out, waving to the crowd just behind him. Tommy walks past the ramp and past Peacock, who offers him a cursory nod as he walks back towards the curtain.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "At his partner, being accompanied to the ring by Randi Francis... from Sweetwater, Texas... TTTTTOOOOMMMMMMMMMMYYY BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEEDLAM!"
Rod Sterling: "Well, some tense words on display there from Cyrus Truth and Chris Peacock, but I guess it’s time we got down to business with our opening contest. We've seen Tommy joined at ringside by Rocco in the past but this is the first we've seen this lovey young lady by his side."
Anzu Kurosawa: "She has picked quite the match to start being at ringside for... because we know how many extracurricular activities can go on during a Nephews match."
Rod Sterling: "You don't have to tell Tommy Bedlam that, as he experienced it not only in the F1 Climaxxx against Michelle von Horrowitz, but on the last episode of Fallout when Bedlam was taking on his partner tonight, Cyrus Truth. The Nephews made their presence felt in that one too."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Both these guys have plenty of reasons of wanting to get their hands on the Nephews... I'm just not sure how they're going to feel about their other two partners..."
Tommy climbs the apron, and ever the southern gentleman, he holds the middle ropes open for Randi to step into the ring. Tommy then climbs the turnbuckles and once again waves his cowboy hat to the fans while Randi poses on the ring ropes, much to the delight of the crowd.
{YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME || L'ORCHESTRA CINEMATIQUE}[MEDIA=youtube]vQ6uu6wH6Uw[/MEDIA]
The mood in the arena changes as the cheers quickly fade and it's loud boos for the Buddy System duo walking out from the back. Jeremy Best trots out first, waving to the crowd that don't greet him with a similar warmth. Bryan Baxter walks out next alongside Bill Scorpane, stopping on stage to open up his red Buddy System Letterman style jacket to display the FWA North American Championship.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "And their partners, being accompanied to the ring by Mr. Bill Scorpane... the FWA North American Champion, Big Bryan Baxter and "Your New Best Friend" Jeremy Best... THE BUDDY SYSTEM!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "I'm surprised to see Mr. Scorpane this week, wasn't he supposedly guarding Krash or something."
Rod Sterling: "It's hard to really know what's going on with any of these guys. We were fooled for over a year into thinking Jeremy Best really was such a nice guy, but in reality his obsessive tendencies are borderline psychopathic. As evident by how oblivious he is to the reaction from these fans here in Pittsburgh!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "I'm not sure who the fans are going to be against more in this match - The Nephews or the Buddy System."
Rod Sterling: "Well, with their win last week in the Tag Team Scramble, the fans are going to have to make that choice again next month at Carnal Contendership when the Buddy System challenge for The Connection's Tag Team Titles."
Anzu Kurosawa: "At least they'll have Gerald to cheer for in that one!"
Jeremy and Bryan climb into the ring, joining their partners, who both seem uneasy about their arrival. Baxter in particular shares a tense look with Cyrus Truth, the two immediately starting to bicker back and forth.
{NEPHEWS || PORRIDGE RADIO}[MEDIA=youtube]E47KQIL6ILk[/MEDIA]
The arena dims to near darkness as pink lights begin to strobe around the arena. The camera pans through the audience, to find Uncle leading the way out from the back via the audience with Quiet by his side and Harry the Sane Wizard following close behind. Thomas West brings up the rear at a slower pace due to him working the crowd and stopping for some photos.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "And their opponents, Harry the Sane Wizard... Thomas West... Quiet... and "Cosmic Horror" Uncle J. J. JAY!... CTHULU'S NEPHEWS!"
Rod Sterling: "This group has been a thorn in the side of many within FWA for a while now, but really seems to have amplified in recent months with both MvH's run in the F1 and The Connection's tag title run..."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Yeah, basically any time Michelle is in that ring - these four... plus many others it seems... are always around and you can gaurantee they're going to get involved in the match to try and help Michelle get the win."
Rod Sterling: "And as you said Anzu, these aren't the only four Nephews. There's some more that are quite conspicuous by their absense here... something tells me these aren't the only Nephews we will be seeing tonight, or during this match."
Uncle, Quiet, and Harry climb over the railing. J.J. JAY! removes his Chtulhu-style mask as Thomas West finally joins them at ringside. They stare down the four in the ring before beginning to climb in themselves to get the match underway.
Things immediately get chaotic as Cyrus Truth pushes his way past Bryan Baxter as the Nephews are entering the ring, having no interest in continued arguments over who was going to do what in the match… Trust just wants to get his hands on some Nephews! Truth goes right after Uncle, and when Quiet jumps in to help out, Tommy Bedlam is there looking for his own retribution against the group that cost him during the F1 against MvH. And not to be outdone, Bryan Baxter and Jeremy Best decide to join in and it’s a full on pier-six brawl to kick things off.
Rod Sterling: “What a way to start this match! FWA Official Matthew Dean is going to have his hands full trying to restore order here in the opening moments.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Or, just let them fight! That’s what the people want. That’s what they want… let’s go!”
And referee Dean does in fact let the brawl continue, as Bedlam sends himself and Quiet over the top rope with a big running lariat while Truth takes Uncle down with a double leg takedown, raining down some forearms to Uncle before Uncle is able to counter and roll on top of Truth… but back and forth they went until they also spilled out of the ring!
While that foursome brawled side by side outside the ring - back inside the ring, it was a pair of mismatches as Bryan Baxter pummeled Harry the Sane Wizard in the corner and Thomas West have quickly overpowered Jeremy Best until both West and Baxter had lifted their respective smaller opponent up into a pair of dueling Military Presses! West and Baxter stared each other down before they, almost in sync with one another, tossed their opponent over the top rope! Jeremy Best taking out Truth and Bedlam at ringside while Harry landed on Quiet and Uncle!
This left us with a showdown in the middle of the ring as Bryan Baxter and Thomas West slowly approached one another, the crowd on their feet anticipating the first ever showdown between two of FWA’s beefiest competitors. West was all smiles as he approached Baxter, and he could be heard shouting out to BBB, “bring it on big boy!” garnering a grimace from Baxter before the North American champion took a swing at West with a big right hand! West fires back with a right hand of his own and back and forth these two went exchanging blows.
Rod Sterling: “Everyone knows Thomas West loves a good fist fight and lesser men wouldn’t dare get into one with West… but not many men in FWA match up with West pound for pound as Big Bryan Baxter!”
Things had settled down at ringside as the remaining competitors had finally made their way to their respective corner while West and Baxter duked it out in the ring. West eventually gets the upperhand, using a knee left to Baxter’s massive midsection and then whips BBB into the corner. West charges in with a big running splash, sandwiching Baxter before attempting to Irish Whip him into the opposite corner, but Baxter reversed it and sent West into the corner instead before it was Baxter coming in with a running corner splash of his own to West!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Couple of big meaty corner sandwiches right there!”
Baxter continues to work over West with a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection before walking over to the adjacent corner and rather forcefully tagging in Cyrus Truth. A brief staredown between the two ends peacefully with Baxter exiting the ring and Truth making his way to the corner with a series big knife edge chops before hitting a step up enziguri to the cornered West, sending West down to the mat. Truth walks back in and unleashes the First Five Steps as the crowd counts along with each of the five consecutive foot stomps to West’s head!
Truth continued in control until attempting to lock West’s arms for a Dragon Suplex, but the oiled up arms of West allowed him to slip free! This gives West the advantage of surprise as West is able to lift up Truth and drop him to the mat with a Samoan Drop and opens the door for West to make the tag to Quiet.
Quiet looks to take advantage of the situation, stomping on Truth’s back as he is trying to pull himself up to his feet, sending Truth back down to the mat before Quiet mounts over top of him and unloads a series of hard closed fists right to Truth’s forehead. Eventually the referee steps in, threatening Quiet due to his use of those closed fists, but he goes right back on the attack, pulling Truth’s forehead up to his mouth, biting at the Exile’s flesh!
Rod Sterling: ”Ugh, Quiet’s offense is often not for the faint of heart as he may have just tore a chunk of skin off of Cyrus Truth!”
Once again, Quiet gets admonished by referee Dean, but he just gives a glare towards the official before going back on the attack once again. He sends Truth into the ropes where Tommy Bedlam grabs the blind tag, slapping Truth on the back. Truth goes on to duck a lariat attempt from Quiet, and then spins back around with a Discus Punch to Quiet as Bedlam enters the ring and scores with a Discus Lariat of his own to take Quiet down! Bedlam makes the first pinning attempt of the match.
One! Two! Kickout by Quiet!
At ringside, Randi gives some supportive applause to her man as he works over Quiet in the ring. After taking Quiet back down to the mat with a swinging neckbreaker, Bedlam locks in a Boston Crab to Quiet. Referee Matthew Dean is there to check in on Quiet, who shakes his head, not giving up… but the move would be broken up by Thomas West charging back in and shoulder tacking Bedlam from behind! A frustrated Cyrus Truth re-entered the ring, but is cut off by Truth while West and now Harry put the boots to Bedlam on the mat while Quiet gets back to his feet.
Rod Sterling: “The Nephews will take advantage of every opening they can get, especially any time the referee’s back is turned!”
The referee gets Truth out of the ring as West and Harry also return to their corner, Quiet makes the tag to Uncle before pulling Bedlam up and holding him in a full nelson, allowing Uncle to score a free kick to Bedlam’s exposed midsection. Quiet and Uncle then pair up to take Bedlam down with a Double DDT! Uncle made the cover on Tommy while Quiet left the ring.
One! Two! Kickout!
Wiping himself off as he gets to his feet, Uncle paces over Bedlam, scoring some stomps to Tommy’s arms and legs as Randi looks on with concern. As J.J. JAY slows things own, methodically attacking Tommy, he locks eyes with Cyrus Truth, who appears very eager on the apron, daring Uncle to let him in the ring with him. Uncle smiles as he grabs Bedlam by the hair and drags him towards the corner. It appears as though Uncle is openly welcoming another showdown with the Exile!
But as he gets Tommy to the corner, Jeremy reaches in and slaps Tommy on the shoulder to tag himself in instead! The crowd booes as Jeremy steps into the ring, all smiles while Truth fumes on the apron. Uncle turns to Cyrus and gives a smirk and a shrug to the Exile.
Rod Sterling: “The fans really wanted to see that showdown between Truth and Uncle, but Jeremy once again robs the fans of what they want!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, how about this showdown instead? Jeremy Best has somehow been able to have Uncle’s number so far in his time in FWA. Will lightning strike four times now?”
Uncle backs up as Jeremy enters the ring. Jeremy joins Uncle in the center of the ring… and extends his hand to Uncle! Uncle looks at Jeremy's hand and then gives a warm smile back at Jeremy. Jeremy’s face seems to light up as Uncle starts to go for the handshake, but instead uses his other hand to backhand slap Jeremy!
Best stumbles to the side as Uncle uses his fingers to rake the back of Best before lifting him up for a back suplex… but Jeremy flips over and lands on his feet. SCHOOL BOY BY JEREMY!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NO! Uncle kicks out!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Oh wow, I thought that was it! It looked like another Jeremy Best pinfall over Uncle! But this time, Uncle escapes!”
And escape he does, immediately going from the pinning combination to his corner and tagging back in Thomas West! West steps back into the ring, walking towards Jeremy with a big grin on his face. Jeremy gives a friendly wave to West, who returns the friendly wave back to Jeremy! Jeremy extends his hand out for a handshake to West this time. Thomas smiles as he takes Jeremy by the hand… AND PULLS HIM IN FOR FINISHER #3! But Jeremy ducks! West spins back around and his met with a combo of stiff kicks from Best to his midsection, but West absorbs the blows and on the third kick, he catches Jeremy’s leg and lifts pulls him in for a half and half suplex!
Jeremy finds himself in a world of trouble against his larger opponent, West having his way with Best and soon lays him out with not one, not two, but three German Suplexes! Though the confident West doesn’t bridge for the pin, instead he lets Jeremy go and seemingly continues to toy with him in the ring.
Rod Sterling: “Thomas West needs to be careful here! He thinks he has Jeremy where he wants him but you should never trust Jeremy Best!”
Instead, West takes Jeremy to the corner, setting him up on the top turnbuckle and hits a big Hurricanrana to Best in an amazing display of athleticism from the big man! Thomas West poses for the crowd after the move before heading over and making a nonchalant lateral press down on Jeremy.
One! Two! Thre - Kickout!
With Jeremy down, West makes his way back to the corner and tags in Harry before lifting Harry up himself into a Military Press and tossing the Sane Wizard down on top of Jeremy with a splash! Harry hooks the leg!
One! Two! Kickout!
Taking advantage of West’s handiwork, Harry is able to keep the upperhand on Jeremy, dropping a pair of headbutts down onto Best before he heads up to the top turnbuckle. Diving Crossbody from Harry is COUNTERED with a dropkick to the incoming Wizard from Jeremy! The desperation move leaves both men down, but it is Jeremy getting the tag to Tommy Bedlam first!
Tommy charges into the ring and cuts of Harry’s attempt to make the tag to his corner, clobbering the wizard from behind and then striking Uncle, West, and Quiet on the apron with a series of forearms! The crowd is fired up for Bedlam as he measures up a recovering Harry for a big running SPEAR!
Bedlam pops right back up as Randi cheers him on… Harry struggles up to his feet and is caught with THE ROUGH RIDE from Bedlam!
Rod Sterling: “This could be it! Bedlam can score the win here!”
And he makes the pin!
ONE! TWO! THRE - NO! It’s broken up by Thomas West! West drives an axe handle smash down onto Bedlam as he tries to pull himself up, but in comes Cyrus Truth to Bedlam’s aid! West sees Truth coming and tries to cut off the Exile with a lariat, but Truth counters with an armdrag takedown! He looks to roll back to his feet but its the WANDERER’S WRATH from Truth to take West down to the mat!
During this exchange, Harry manages to crawl to the corner and make the tag to Quiet! Quiet and Truth go toe to toe, but its a spinning backfist from Quiet that takes Truth down and sends him rolling out of the ring before Quiet turns his attention back to Bedlam…
BUCKSHOT SUPERKICK from out of nowhere takes Quiet down to the mat! Bedlam makes the cover once again!
ONE! TWO! THRE - NO! It’s broken up once again as Uncle stomps on the back of Tommy’s head to break it up.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Tommy has had this match won a couple times but wherever you turn, there’s another Nephew to make the save!”
Uncle grabs Tommy, pulling him up to his feet before looking for a Double Underhook DDT, but Tommy counters it with a Northern Lights Suplex! Bedlam then rolls to his corner and reaches up for a tag that is answered by Bryan Baxter!
Uncle rolls out of the ring, leaving Quiet alone in the ring with Baxter, who measures the masked man up as he begins to pull himself up… he moves in, positioning Quiet into a pumphandle and then dropping him into a sitout facebuster! Baxter hooks the legs!
ONE! TWO! NO! Harry the Sane Wizard with the save!
Bryan gets right back up to his feet, and now turns to face Harry who quickly seems to regret his decision. He tries to get away, but Baxter grabs him by the hair to stop him! Kick to the midsecton from Baxter and then its a TURNBUCKLE POWERBOMB to Harry!
Bryan Baxter grabs Quiet by the mask to pull himself up to his feet and begins to set him up for the Baxter Driver, locking his face in a front face lock and lifting his other arm over his neck… but before he can lift Quiet up into the air, he spots Mr. Scorpane at ringside chatting with Uncle.
Anzu Kurosawa: “It looks like Bryan Baxter has Quiet dead to rights here, but he’s not pulling the trigger!”
Rod Sterling: “He sees what’s going on at ringside… and what that is, I’m not sure but for some reason Uncle J.J. JAY! and Mr. Scorpane are having some sort of discussion at ringside!”
Baxter makes the ill-advised decision of dropping Quiet back down to the mat as he steps out onto the apron, questioning Scorpane about his interaction with Uncle. Scorpane steps away from Uncle, holding his arms in innocence, ”just talkin’ some business, my boy! Don’t take your eye off the ball!”
But it was too late, because Quiet was back up and attacked Baxter on the apron from behind! The sneak attack gives him the brief advantage as he impressively LIFTS BAXTER UP onto his shoulders for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER onto the apron! Scorpane shakes his head in disappointment as Quiet pushes the big man back through the ring ropes and makes the cover!
ONE! TWO! THR - now it’s Jeremy Best making the save!
Quiet sits back up to his knees after the broken pinfall attempt, and Best begins to unload the Friendly Fire to his chest before Jeremy lifts Quiet up onto his shoulders, going for the BFF…
But Thomas West sprints back into the ring and takes Jeremy out with a running big boot! Jeremy and Quiet both crash down to the mat as West pulls Jeremy up onto his own shoulders now, looking for Finisher #2!
But it’s broken up by Tommy Bedlam as he hits the BUCKSHOT to West! West stumbles backwards into the waiting arms of Cyrus Truth who lifts West up into an Argentine Rack into the EXILE’S EDGE!
Referee Matthew Dean tries to restore some order, cutting off Truth as he gets back to his feet… allowing Uncle to climb into the ring and he scores a LOW BLOW to Bedlam followed by a Double Underhook DDT to lay the cowboy out! Seeing this, Truth pushes his way past Dean and hittings running dropkick to Uncle, sending Uncle back out of the ring!
Rod Sterling: “Chaos has erupted once again in this match, much like it started… but the ring now clears once again and it’s our two legal men still in the ring now… Byran Baxter and Quiet!”
Both Baxter and Quiet are slowly starting to stir, pulling themselves up but it's Quiet up first and he locks in the Bulldog Choke to Baxter! But Baxter is able to fight his way back up to his feet using his power, and breaks it up with a back suplex that once again leaves both men down! As both begin to once again start to get to their feet, Mr. Scorpane looks to take action at ringside to help his client. Scorpane makes his way over to the time keeper’s table and tries to grab the North American title.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Look out, we’ve seen this story many times in the last couple of months.”
Rod Sterling: “It’s been the assistance of Mr. Scorpane at ringside that has lead to many of Baxter’s wins during the F1, and by the looks of things, he’s about to give another helping hand…”
But as Scorpane is grabbing the title, he is suddenly ambushed as Maid of Death, the Avatar, and NOE-I have come out of the crowd! And they have a big burlap sack that they have tossed over Scorpane! Scorpane tries to fight against his restraints, but the three overwhelm him and literally lift him up and are scurrying off with the agent!
Rod Sterling: “More Nephews!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “And they’re… KIDNAPPING Mr. Scorpane?”
Rod Sterling: “Taste of their own medicine, perhaps?”
As the Nephews have Scorpane and are disappearing back the way they came, through the crowd - the recovering Bryan Baxter and Jeremy Best both take notice.
Jeremy Best: ”Hey! They can’t do that!”
Jeremy hops off the apron and runs to the guard rail, hopping over and giving chase to the Nephews! Bryan Baxter starts to leave as well, but is stopped by Cyrus, confronting Bryan about his intentions. Baxter glares at Cyrus and proceeds to slap Cyrus across the chest, effectively tagging the Exile in before Baxter steps out of the ring, hops down to the ground. He climbs over the railing and jogs after Jeremy.
Rod Sterling: “I can’t believe what we’re witnessing here! The Buddy System have effectively abandoned their partners!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Mr. Scorpane being taken by the Nephews is bad news for the Buddy System, but now it’s even worse news for Cyrus Truth and Tommy Bedlam because they’re facing a 4-on-2 disadvantage now.”
Truth finds himself in the ring by himself standing across from both Quiet and Thomas West, who had just been tagged in to become the legal man. Truth tilted his neck side to side, as if warming up for battle, and prepared to take on both Nephews… when Harry once again attempts a sneak attack from behind! Harry leaps up onto Truth’s back with a sleeper hold, but Truth instead snap mares him to the mat in front of Quiet and West!
Quiet and West charge in towards Truth, but Truth ducks a double clothesline attempt while at the same time striking Harry with the Wander’s Wrath! Meanwhile, Tommy Bedlam has climbed to the top turnbuckle as Quiet and West once again attempt a double team on Truth, Truth ducks the attack again and Bedlam comes down with a DOUBLE FLYING CLOTHESLINE to take both West and Quiet down!
Rod Sterling: “Against the odds, Cyrus Truth and Tommy Bedlam are holding their own here against four Nephews!”
Uncle now sneaks into the ring, looking to take advantage of the situation as Truth has his back to him, but before he could strike, Truth turns around and catches Uncle in the act! Truth hits a knee to Uncle, sending J.J. JAY down to a knee, Truth stalking in…
PINK MIST FROM UNCLE!
But Truth ducks to dodge it… but unfortunately it does hit Tommy right in the face!
Truth pops back up and grabs Uncle, lifting him up into a Fireman’s Carry… JOURNEY’S END TO UNCLE!
Meanwhile, the blinded Tommy stumbles his way around the ring as Quiet moves in… Randi shouts out to Tommy, ”Watch out!” - giving Tommy the heads up and he manages to score the BUCKSHOT to Quiet!
Tommy then staggers backwards as Truth is getting up from hitting Uncle with his finisher, and the two bump each other back to back. Startled, the blinded Bedlam grabs Truth and accidentally hits his own partner with THE ROUGH RIDE!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Oh no! Tommy inadvertently just took out Truth thanks to that pink mist from Uncle!”
Bedlam doesn’t get the chance to realize the error of his ways as Thomas West grabs him by the hair and tosses him through the ropes to ringside! West proudly makes his way over and makes the cover on Truth!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NO!
Cyrus got his shoulder up at the last possible second!
Rod Sterling: “Unbelievable! This one isn’t over yet folks! The amount of fight in the Exile is remarkable!”
Thomas West’s jaw had dropped after the kickout, but he pulls Truth back up to his feet once again. West lifts Truth up onto his shoulder’s in a Fireman’s carry… but Truth begins to battle back with some elbows to West’s head! Truth slides down his back, locking in a Dragon Sleeper to West! Referee Matthew Dean quickly gets into position, crouching down to check on West…
But it put him out of position to see Harry the Sane Wizard sneaking up behind Truth and hitting him with a LOW BLOW! Truth releases West and doubles over as Harry grabs him by the head and hits the Sliced Bread to the Exile! Truth’s own momentum from the move rolls him back up to his feet, staggering… right into the arms of West who lifts him up…
Finisher #2!
West pops back up to his feet, extending his arms to gloat while Truth rolls onto his stomach… still fighting… still trying to get back to his feet…
Lifting himself up onto his arms… lifting his head up…
PUNT FROM QUIET!
Truth drops back to the mat as Quiet shoves West and points to Truth, wanting him to make the cover. West relents and drops down for the pin, a big smile on his face as he does so..
ONE! TWO! THREE!
{RESULT}WInner: The Nephews by pinfall at 18:53.
Thomas West sits up, still grinning from ear to ear, as he is quickly joined by the recovered Uncle as well as Quiet and Harry - the foursome looking down at the fallen Cyrus Truth, admiring their handiwork. Meanwhile, Randi tends to Tommy at ringside, wiping the pink mist out of his face with a handkerchief.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "The winners of the match… The Nephews!”
Rod Sterling: “It was 4-on-2 thanks to the Buddy System abandoning the match, but it still took everything The Nephews could throw at Cyrus Truth to keep him down.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This is definitely not the way Cyrus would want to be heading into the Grand March, and Michelle von Horrowitz will certainly be happy to see the handiwork of the Nephews here tonight. We’ll see later on if she can continue the winning ways for the Nephews.”
Rod Sterling: “That is still to come and maybe we can get some answers as to this apparent abduction of Mr. Scorpane as well..”
Uncle and the Nephews continue to celebrate their victory in the ring, to the disdain of the crowd, as we cut to the commentary booth. Rod Sterling shakes his head, clearly indignant at the scenes he just saw unfold. Anzu does her best to hold things together.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, moving on with the show… we were supposed to now cut to a pre-recorded interview with ‘the Prodigy’ Mike Parr with regards to his plans for the Grand March weekend. Rumour has it that Parr has been offered a place in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, as well as a one-on-one match for Chicago’s event…”
Rod Sterling: “But, it seems, we’re not going to get that information here tonight in Pittsburgh. Due to what I’m being told is a scheduling conflict, Mike Parr will instead grace us with his presence on Saturday night in Detroit, where we may pick up some answers regarding his immediate future here in the FWA.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “We may not be able to bring you Mike Parr, but we can bring you this… Jim…”
In a backstage area, a door is shown with a golden nameplate reading ‘JON RUSSNOW’ on it and then a couple of voices are heard from the other side of the door, before it swings open. Both Ratin Mikichin and Steve the Techno Vampire emerge from the door, both looking disappointed.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “Vhere is he? He’s not in there.”
Ratin Mikichin: “He’s avoiding Ratin and Steve. He knows we would not be happy about being left off the cards this week. This is after the disrespect they showed us on Fallout.”
Steve the Techno Vampire: “How dare they cut avay from us like that… Ve vere putting on a clinic!”
Ratin seems to be in agreement with his nemesis and even finds himself showing some compassion towards Steve with a comforting hand on the shoulder, but the two of them then hear a cough from behind them. They turn around to face a person currently standing out of frame.
???: “Are you two tired of getting disrespected around here?”
Both Ratin and Steve nod and take a step closer to the man who had just addressed them.
???: “I think I can help the two of you with that.”
From off-screen a hand extends a business card which Ratin reaches out and grabs before examining it and allowing Steve to have a look as well. The man then walks forward and smiles at both of them and he puts a hand on each of their shoulders.
Greg: “Hi, I’m Greg.”
Greg smiles at Ratin and Steve, who both look at each other and nod with smirks forming, and then to Greg, who ushers them away…
Lizzie Rose wakes up from a dazed state. She feels like she has been sleeping for ages. Sitting up, she looks around. Darkness is around her apart from a lone spotlight. Rubbing her eyes, Lizzie is confused. Looking at her clothes, she is already in her wrestling gear, as if she is ready for a match. Getting up, she looks around frantically.
Lizzie Rose: “What the-? Why is everything so dark?”
She looks around, but nothing is visible. Then-
???: “Ladies and gentlemen…”
A loud booming voice appears on the P.A system. It startles Lizzie as she falls down to the ground. She looks under her feet to see… a light blue wrestling canvas.
???: “IT IS TIME FOR YOUR FYOG WRESTLING MAIN EVENT!!!"
{"Nostalgic Music Go!"}[MEDIA=youtube]ZOMAj0zBhkk[/MEDIA]
Old school wrestling music blares into the speakers as the lights turn on and we see a wrestling arena straight out of the 80’s. It is full of bright colours with an old school wrestling ring with the iconic red, white, and blue ropes. The barricade is covered with blue banners with “FYOG” in gold font. There is audible crowd noise, but the audience is full of masked figures in a mix of blank and crow masks. Lizzie Rose is in shock. Commentators are at ringside and…
It is Princess Nova and Keres. Princess Nova has her normal tiara on with a big and fluffy dress while Keres has her normal school-like look, except, on her head is a large top-hat. It is a sparkly yellow with a sunflower. She’s fitting in as she does her best announcer’s voice, although it is still monotonous.
Keres: “We have ourselves an amazing main event tonight. Shame one of the participants seems clueless.”
Princess Nova: “Maybe she just woke up on the wrong side of the bed? I surely believe in her!”
Keres: “Then your trust must be in the wrong place.”
Their dynamic is already established as a commentary duo. Keres plays the more villainous announcer, while Princess Nova is trying to support the matches’ “hero.” In the ring, Lizzie takes a microphone from someone at ringside and speaks.
Lizzie Rose: “Excuse me? Keres? Nova? -Where am I, what are you doing here? I have all the questions right now.”
Keres: “This is FYOG Wrestling. You did sign up for it, did you not?”
Keres’s microphone on her headset is hooked up to the loud speakers and Lizzie is confused. She turns to see them at ringside on commentary. She is at a loss for words. What is going on?
Keres: “Confused, dear? Sister, mind explaining.”
Princess Nova obliges, nodding her head.
Princess Nova: “We are the commissioners to FYOG. You signed up for it, remember?”
Lizzie Rose: “An e-fed…?”
Giggling, Princess Nova has a wide grin.
Princess Nova: “Kind of. Consider it OUR TORN e-fed, dear. We will book you in matches as we see fit when we feel like it. We want to see what you got. But, we want to give you something to fight for.”
Keres continues on.
Keres: “You win, we grant you your release so to speak. It will be a shame to see you go, but we trust that, with whatever matches you have, it will be the MOST worthwhile experience you have had in any promotion. But, it will not be that easy. You also need some more… pressure. With each loss… You lose something. Do you agree-?”
Lizzie is about to answer, but Keres interrupts.
Keres: “It’s rhetorical. You don’t have a choice in this matter.”
Their announcer goes on the microphone and does introductions.
Announcer: “Introducing the participants first, from Brooklyn, New York, Elizabeth Rose!”
Lizzie blinks.
Lizzie Rose: “T-That’s not my name. Only my mom can call me Elizabeth and get away with it!”
Announcer: “And her opponent…”
{"Her Opponent's Music"}[MEDIA=youtube]asYa9_HIOk0:34[/MEDIA]
The “fans” give a roaring cheer as the music of Lizzie Rose’s opponent plays. There is a build as the fans turn their attention to the curtains which have an entranceway shaped like an old jukebox with neon colours. The music builds for about 20 seconds until we see a VERY muscular man, like we’re talking peak 80’s roid and coke filled body. He has luscious long blonde hair and a pair of yellow long tights and white boots. He has a neon blue tank top with rips in them from his HUGE muscles. His shirt reads “MAXIMUS!!!”
Announcer: "From Hollywood, California, at 6 foot 7, weighing in at 285 pounds, the “Main Event,” The GOLDEN BOY, HE IS THE EMBODIMENT OF AMERICA! THIS IS MUSCLE MAXIMUS!!!"
Keres: “Here he is, the ideal depiction of wrestling in the eyes of many fans who pine for the past, where men were men and the world felt more like a cartoon. Muscles Maximus. Look over the ability to put on a hold. Breaking the heart of young ladies rather than showing one.”
Princess Nova: “Oh my, if my heart didn’t belong to another I would be swooning over him right now! Caught in his charm and charisma.”
Muscles Maximus flexes with his hulking frame causing his shirt to rip. He waves to his adoring fans as Lizzie Rose, as you’d expect, looks rather intimidated by this embodiment of 80’s wrestling pop-culture. Maximus continues to pose on his way to the ring, with a female member of the audience “swooning” over him.
Keres: “Sister, I have to ask, was THIS acceptable in the 80’s?”
Princess Nova: “It was acceptable at the time. No technique, no moves, not even talent. Just looks. And muscles.”
Stepping into the ring, Muscles Maximus flexes and poses to the fans before he is handed a microphone as his over the top 80’s-riffic theme. He shouts with only the energy possible with the drugs of the 1980’s.
Muscles Maximus: “WELL LISTEN HERE MY MUSCLE-HEADS, BECAUSE MUSCLES MAXIMUS IS READY TO BRING THE DESTRUCTION!”
The fans cheer wildly as Muscles Maximus spits as he talks. Lizzie Rose just… goes into a ball in the corner. What has she gotten herself into?
Muscles Maximus: “I FEEEEEEL YOUR ENERGY TONIGHT PULSATING THROUGH MY PERFORMANCE ENHANCED VEINS! THE ROCKET IS READY TO LIFT OFF AS I AM FUELED WITH ANY SUBSTANCE I CAN GET MY HANDS ON! GET READY FOR THE TRUE POWER OF THE MUSCLE! FEEL MY BOA CONSTRICTORS FOR ARMS! MY PULSATING CHEST! I’M YOUR HERO! I AM THE TRUE EMBODIMENT OF WREST-, OR SHOULD I SAY, SPORTS ENTERTAINMENTS ROOTS!!!”
The “Golden Boy” turns to Lizzie.
Muscles Maximus: “THIS LITTLE GIRL HERE DOES NOT REPRESENT WHAT WRESTLING IS, DUDES AND DUDETTES! WRESTLING IS NOT A PLACE FOR CRYBABY TWIGS! IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! THE FAME! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…”
Shouting with all his might, he shouts…
Muscles Maximus: “THE BEAUTIFUL MUSCLES!!! AHAHAHAHA!”
He flexes for his adoring fans.
Muscles Maximus: “THAT’S WHAT ALL MY MUSCLE-HEADS WANT! THERE IS NO ROOM FOR HEART OR SOUL, OR A SOB STORY, DUDES! IT IS ALL ABOUT THE POWER! THE LAND OF THE GIANTS AND I BODY PRESS GIANTS! I DROP THEM DOWN LIKE TOWERS! I CAN PULL THE ROOTS OF AN OAK TREE FROM THE GROUND AND FEED ITS MAPLE SYRUP TO ALL MY MUSCLE-HEADS! I SPLIT THE RED SEA WITH JUST A DROP THE LEG! I AM ALL POWERFUL!!!”
Keres: “Is this not making sense to you either, sister?”
Princess Nova: “No. I am SO thankful we have moved past this…”
Muscles Maximus: “THIS IS WHERE THE BIG BOYS PLAAAAAY! SEE? I CAN USE ADJECTIVES AND VERBS! IT DOESN’T MATTER THAT MY HEART WILL BEAT ITS FINAL BEAT WHEN I AM 50 FROM ALL THE DRUGS I INJECT INTO MY RIGHTEOUS VEINS BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT, DUDES! FEELING THE MUSSSCCUUUULES!”
Moving around the ring like the energizer bunny, Muscles Maximus shakes the ropes madly before turning to his opponent. Going up to Lizzie Rose, he gets right into her face.
Muscles Maximus: “HOW MUCH LONGER LITTLE GIRL WILL IT BE BEFORE YOU ARE FORGOTTEN BY THE ROAD, ONLY BEING A FOOTNOTE IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT!? HOW MUCH LONGER UNTIL YOU ARE IN WHEELCHAIR AFTER BEING PUT DOWN BY A REAL SUPERSTAR LIKE ME!? THIS WORLD ISN’T MADE FOR YOOOOUUU!”
Lizzie Rose is pushed into the corner and Muscles Maximus puts his hand on her shoulder.
Muscles Maximus: “YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, REMEMBER?! THIS IS THE 80’S! YOU ARE ONLY MEANT TO BE A PRIZE WE MEN FIGHT FOR! YOUR PROPERTY IN WRESTLING, DUDE!”
Keres: “For the record, we at Eternal respect women’s rights and these go against our core values.”
Princess Nova: “And do not support the use of performance enhancing drugs or other illegal narcotics.”
Muscles Maximus: “GET READY TO MEET YOUR END AS I TAKE YOU..”
Turning to the hard camera, he shouts his catchphrase.
Muscles Maximus: “TO THE MAAAAAAX!!!”
An official with a crow’s mask and wearing the classic bow-tie and shirt combo for old school referees gets between them and the bell rings, signaling for the “match” to begin.
FYOG Wrestling MATCH - 1/-
Lizzie Elizabeth Rose vs. Muscles Maximus
Lizzie Rose is confused, but, TORN Universe or not, this is just a regular match, right? So, she starts by trying to go in hot. She charges with a forearm on Muscles Maximus-
And it just bounces off the chest of the meathead. He laughs and shouts.
Muscles Maximus: “TINY GIRL! YOU CAN’T TOUCH THE MUSCLE!”
Lizzie Rose tries for the boots as she leaps in the air for a dropkick, but the big beefy man doesn’t even budge as her kick just stents her back. Keres and Princess Nova sit at a near-by table and the Eternal sisters do commentary.
Keres: “And this match is underway with Elizabeth Rose in fear of her more powerful, stronger competition. She will soon come to the realization that no matter what happens, she will be chewed up by the sharks of professional wrestling.”
Princess Nova: “I firmly believe there is something special in Elizabeth. She might surprise us tonight.”
Keres: “Perhaps she needs to break for it to come out?”
Princess Nova: “Then there is one man who can do it in the ring now.”
Grabbing Lizzie Rose by the collar, Muscles Maximus lifts her up onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. The former North American Champion squirms, but the grip of the embodiment of 80’s wrestling is too strong. He spins and spins her around in an airplane spin before dropping her to the mat. Going old school, he drops an elbow to her chest before posing to a massive ovation.
Keres: “Poor Elizabeth, always the underdog, never the favorite. I’m sure if this keeps up, many will leave her soon.”
Princess Nova: “Out of all of Elizabeth’s strengths, literal strength is not one of them.”
Lizzie Rose coughs as she gets back to her feet, wobbling on her feet after being spun like mad from the airplane spin. Her powerhouse opponent winds up with an old school punch and it lands right on the chin! She bounces off the ropes and is scooped up for the most classic wrestling move of all: A BODY SLAM! Dust flies as Lizzie’s frame lands on the canvas and she winces from the impact. An old school ring canvas, hard as a rock. Rolling to her stomach she is breathing heavily already. He’s huge, but how is she beaten up this fast?
The “Golden Boy” pulls her off the mat and keeps her in place. He runs off one of the ropes and hits the big boot! Another classic! Lizzie Rose doesn’t drop to the mat, but she spins around as if she was in a cartoon. Maximus runs off the ropes again and practically takes her head off with a clothesline! Lizzie Rose spins inside out and lands on the mat as Muscles Maximus heads to the top turnbuckle to pose some more!
Keres: “This match will be over soon, a truly pitiful performance from Elizabeth Rose.”
Princess Nova: “I feel bad for her. I was in her position many times before. It takes unlocking something special to bring yourself out of it.”
Seated on the canvas, Lizzie Rose’s lights are on, but nobody is home. She is in a daze. “What’s going on?” she thinks to herself. After taking some time to hot dog and grandstand to the crowd, Muscles Maximum goes behind Lizzie Rose. Pulling her up off her feet, he locks in a sleeper hold! Lizzie’s feet hang from the air as the muscleman has the submission in!
Princess Nova: “Oh, dear Elizabeth, she’s on the ropes. She might be put to sleep.”
Keres: “Actually, I think we can make this a bit more… i̦͆̽̽͟ń͓̪̰̼̳͖͍t͊҉̰̫e͉̤̰͉̲ͯ͋̇̐r̞̻͑́̇e̴̼͇͈͍ͣ̐̌̾̓̄̚s͌̽͟t̢̜͇̟̖̱̬ͩ͌į̩͎̅̉ͫ̍̾n͓̗̺ͨg̸͙̭̭̳͚ͪͯ͊̂̿.”
Princess Nova: “Oooh! I’m excited. You ALWAYS have great ideas, sister. What is it?”
Keres: “This-”
Raising her fingers, Keres.
Snaps.
Lizzie blinks and suddenly feels a RUSH of 80’s energy pulsing through her veins. She shakes her body and gets back on the ground. She elbows her giant opponent with great force in the ribs to break the hold! Muscles Maximus throws several punches at Lizzie Rose and she doesn’t feel a thing. She blocks one and throws a punch back and points at Muscles Maximus who cowers in fear!
Princess Nova: “The power of the 1980’s is going through her veins!”
Keres: “We will see what happens. Observe, sister.”
Throwing an old school punch, Lizzie Rose knocks Muscles Maximus down to the ground. He gets up only to be met with the same result! Lizzie Rose may actually do it! She whips Muscles off the far ropes and hits a dropkick which sends him to the mat! Lizzie gets up and shakes the ropes wildly with a look of bewilderment on her face.
Lizzie Rose: “W-WHAT’S GOING ON HERE!?”
Muscles Maximus is now the one confused and in a fog as he gets back up. The small and tiny Lizzie Rose… scoops up Muscles Maximus and carries him on her shoulder in a body slam position. She is in shock of her sudden strength and doesn’t even slam him down yet. Lizzie’s just surprised as she carries him around the ring.
Keres: “On second thought, this is boring…”
Princess Nova: “You're right, it doesn’t hold up to the standards of today. Hehe”
Snap.
The legs of Lizzie Rose shake as she collapses with Muscles Maximus falling on top of her. The big muscular man gets off the mat and goes for an old school ending. Putting Lizzie’s head between his thighs, he holds her upside down in the air and sits down, piledriver! Rose bounces head first off the mat and she is easily covered. The official counts a pin.
One… Two… Three!
Ding Ding Ding!
{"Result:"}Winner: Muscles Maximus via Pinfall at ??:??
Keres: “Oh, poor Elizabeth. Guess she isn’t strong enough.”
Keres has a cold laugh as she and Princess Nova get up from the commentary table. Muscles Maximus is too busy posing to the fans to notice Eternal enter the ring. The two of them walk over to Lizzie Rose and kneel over her. Princess Nova, more caring of the two, runs her hand across Lizzie’s face who just looks up at the lights, crushed by the hulking frame which fell on her.
Princess Nova: “Aww. There there. You’ll find the recipe to success eventually. But I knew this would be too much for you, but that’s okay...”
Lizzie can’t even speak right now. She just looks up in a daze.
Princess Nova: “It will just come with time. I should know! I was in your position long ago. You’ll be thankful for us in the end.”
Nova’s smile is warm. Contrasting the near torture she was just put through in this match. Keres, on the other hand, steps her foot on her chest.
Keres: “Now, I believe we had an agreement. We will take our payment in a moment. But we are far from over. Next time, we will test you further and further. Either you will rise from it, or be brought to nothing. Until then, goodbye, Elizabeth.”
Snap.
Lizzie Rose sits up on her hotel bed and bolts up-right, the dying notes of a scream waking her up as she blinks around rapidly as reality slowly sets back into her vision. "No Limit" by 2 Unlimited is playing but she doesn't notice the music. She takes a beat to calm herself down, her heart pounding in her chest, she rubs a knuckle in her eyes, rubbing the sleep out of it, frowning trying to focus on the dying embers of a dream that was fading fast...while at the same time trying to figure out, where the hell she was...did she book this hotel? She supposed she must have...she just couldn't-"
Her phone goes to answer and she hears a familiar voice. Joe Burr.
Joe Burr: "Lizzie... pick up your phone!"
Finally noticing the phone from the voice mail, Lizzie picks it up from her nightstand and answers.
Lizzie Rose: "H-Hello?"
Joe Burr: "Lizzie, where the hell have you been?! I've been calling you like a stalker!"
Confused Lizzie checked her phone, seven missed calls in the last hour. She sheepishly answers.
Lizzie Rose: "Sorry, I guess I didn't hear it..."
Which was super weird, Lizzie never put her phone on silent. She just didn't hear it. She quickly checks her volume, max volume. Sitting there in silence, Lizzie is astonished she didn't hear her phone playing one of her favourite songs. Breaking the silence, Joe Burr asks her a question.
Joe Burr: "I've barely seen you all week, where the hell have you been?"
Lizzie Rose: "I joined an e-fed..."
Even as she said this Lizzie frowned, like she knew that sounded odd, and even to her she couldn't fully rationalize it...but it was the right answer. If someone asked her to elaborate she'd honestly struggle. She couldn't go further with that answer. It was just the truth, like saying water was wet, she had joined an E-fed. Simple as that, though, her mind can't recall what REALLY happened. But in her mind, it is an e-fed.
Joe Burr: "What's an E-fed?"
Lizzie Rose: "It's like this weird online kind of thing. Where people pretend to be wrestlers..."
Joe Burr: "That sounds super dorky. Who would do it?"
Lizzie Rose: "It's fun though..."
Joe Burr: "But you ARE A WRESTLER! A REAL ONE!"
Joe Burr shouts on the other end of the phone, astonished.
Joe Burr: "Have you been doing that all night?!"
Lizzie Rose: "No, I just woke up...had a nightmare..."
Joe Burr: "'bout what?"
Lizzie Rose: "I have no clue."
Again. What happened to her, in her own mind, didn't seem real. 80's wrestling, a muscle toned meathead, Eternal, none of it was real.
Joe Burr: "Liz, I'm worried about you, I don't like these Eternal chicks and how they're getting in your head."
Lizzie shakes her head.
Lizzie Rose: "I've dealt with bigger bullies than them before. I'll get to them."
Joe Burr: "No, seriously. They're not bullies, they're psychopaths. They seem FAR from normal. Something is crazy about them and you DON'T want them to take an interest in you. I think I need to-"
Lizzie interrupts her friend. She's taking a firm and prideful stance.
Lizzie Rose: "Joe. Don't! It's fine. I got it covered. Don't worry about it."
Joe Burr: "But I-"
Lizzie didn't bother listening to anything else as she uncharacteristically hung up, as she straightened herself up and pushed a few buttons on her phone and clicked on the now familiar FYOG home page, taking a strange comfort in it... Its changes already making their way into her subconscious.
This thing was addictive but she didn't know why. And yet, something is off about her and she knows it. But, she is choosing to ignore it. She is going to stand in ignorant bliss as she risks-
Going deeper.
Into Eternal's game for her.
The cameras cut to backstage as Bryan Baxter and Jeremy Best converge in a corridor, each coming from the opposite direction.
Bryan Baxter: “Any luck?”
Jeremy Best: “No, I’ve searched every hallway and room around here… it’s like they’ve just completely disappeared with him?”
Bryan Baxter: “Goddammit! I can’t believe this has happened. Fuckin’ Nephews…”
Jeremy Best: “Yeah! What kinda people just sit there and take someone against their will?”
Bryan Baxter: “I’ll tell you who, Jeremy. Terrible people. But we’ll get him back, don’t you worry. We got Krash back, we’ll get Mr. Scorpane too.”
Jeremy Best: “I just hope they don’t hurt him.”
Bryan Baxter: “Heh, you know Bill… if anyone can talk their way out of this situation, it’s him.”
Jeremy and Bryan are interrupted as a young man in a mostly brown, UPS-esque attire comes into the shot, holding a package.
Delivery Boy: “Excuse me, Bryan Baxter?’
Bryan Baxter: “What’s it to ya?”
Delivery Boy: “I have a package here for ya.”
The delivery boy hands Baxter the gift, and opens up his hand, extending it out to Bryan, seemingly expecting a tip. Bryan glares at him and then just high fives the hand.
Bryan Baxter: “Sweet, a package.”
Bryan started to rip into the packing tape.
Jeremy Best: “Wait!”
Jeremy extended his arm, grabbing Bryan by the hand to stop him.
Jeremy Best: “What if it’s some kinda trick from the Nephews?”
Bryan Baxter: “Look Jeremy, you’re not the only one who can have secret admirers and people sending you random ass gifts. Looks like I finally have a stalker of my own.”
Bryan rips through the packaging and looks into the box finding it empty except for a small white envelope. Bryan shrugs his shoulders.
Bryan Baxter: “You know, nice things can come in an envelope. Money. Gift cards. Keys to a brand new Corvette.”
Bryan rips open the envelope only to find a small card inside it. The camera pans over and zooms in on the words.
I HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN.
SEE YOU AT GRAND MARCH.
Bryan’s face looks as though he’s seen a ghost.
Jeremy Best: “Well? What is it? Oh it must be something real good if you’re speechless.”
Jeremy leans over and reads it as well.
Jeremy Best: “Oh dear… that sounds awfully ominous.”
Bryan Baxter: “It’s a fucking joke! That’s what it is! C’mon, let’s find Bill.”
Bryan rips up the card and tosses it on the ground before he and Jeremy walk off, continuing their search… while the camera pans down and zooms in on the ripped up card, the words “SEE YOU AT GRAND MARCH” still legible.
Rod Sterling: “In what has already been an eventful evening thus far, the action will continue with our next contest. Newcomer to FWA but not to the wrestling industry, Trevor Walker, will take on one half of The Undisputed Alliance’s Jackson Fenix.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Fenix is coming off yet another loss where he and Nate Savage were unsuccessful in their attempt to dethrone The Connection in a Washington Street Fight that took place at Fallout.”
Rod Sterling: “You can thank The Nephews again for helping The Connection there, but in any case, Fenix will represent his team tonight in singles action. For those of you keeping track at home, Fenix was successful in his last singles outing, even though technically it was a triple threat and not a singles match but regardless, Fenix will look to play spoiler for the debuting Trevor Walker tonight.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Walker has wrestled all over the world several years, spanning more than a few decades. Despite that, he’s never been able to reach his full potential. Tonight is Walker’s shot to truly make a name for himself, and rise to newfound prominence.”
The crowd begin to boo as Trevor Walker makes his way out on stage to zero fanfare and no music to accompany him to the ring. Walker sneers at the reaction from the fans and he walks down to the ring. On his way down to the ring, Walker threatens to backhand some rather handsy fans that got a little too close for his comfort.
Katie Lynn-Goldsmith: “The next contest is set for one fall with a twenty-minute-time-limit! Introducing first, from Parts Unknown and weighing in at 250 lb…Trevor Walker!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “It is rather unusual to hear no music to accompany someone to the ring, but Trevor Walker apparently isn’t a fan of music from what I’ve heard.”
Rod Sterling: “Walker is as old school as it gets, Anzu. He is no nonsense and all business. Yeah, it is a bit odd that there is no music, but Walker isn’t here to appease anyone's needs.”
Walker enters the ring and he continues to tell the fans what he thinks of them with some crude gestures aimed at them.
{BOW DOWN || I PREVAIL}[MEDIA=youtube]n2EjeMx4bSg[/MEDIA]
The familiar theme plays and the crowd is now on their feet and some even cheer as Jackson Fenix walks out on stage with Nate Savage following behind him. Fenix looks a bit surprised by some of the positive reaction and does a taunt for the fans that fire them up a little and elicit more cheers. Savage shoots a look of bewilderment at Jackson but Fenix seems to be loving it as he makes his way down to the ring.
Katie Lynn-Goldsmith: “His opponent…being accompanied by Nasty Nate Savage…currently residing in Los Angeles, CA…weighing in at 210 lb…he is The Best Around…Jackson Fenix!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “As odd as it was to hear no music, it is even more odd to hear some cheers for Jackson Fenix. I guess compared to his opponent he is the lesser of two evils, but also Fenix has been trying to change his ways and trying to be a good guy.”
Rod Sterling: “There’s still some jeers out there, Anzu, so not everyone is buying this nice guy act from Fenix.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “It’ll take some time I think for everyone to come around, but I also think it’s commendable of Fenix to try out this change.”
Rod Sterling: “I don’t know, Anzu. Fenix and Savage have done some rotten things in their time here. For all we know this could all just be an act, I mean, we saw what happened with Jeremy Best. He wasn’t who he said was. I don’t know, I guess I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Fenix is still posturing for the crowd after getting in the ring and referee Grace-Lynn Guerrero checks both men before calling for the bell… DING! DING! DING!
The bell has sounded but Fenix is still showboating for the crowd. Fenix seems to be reveling in the semi-positive response he’s receiving. On the outside of the ring, Nate Savage is urging Jackson to focus and stop fooling around, and Jackson can’t hear and turns his back to Walker to ask Nate what had said but Walker clubs him from behind! Walker pummels Fenix down and then he drags Fenix away from the ropes. Walker opens up on Fenix with a pair Walker Stomps, with each stomp hitting their target with preciseness. Walker takes Fenix up in a front facelock and he drills Fenix with an uppercut, and that uppercut knocks Fenix backward into the ropes and Walker takes him down with an arm drag before transitioning into an arm bar!
Rod Sterling: “Walker locks in that arm bar with precision! He claims to have the best arm in the game today, according to my research anyway.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “It’s a nice looking arm bar, but I don’t know if I would label it as the best.”
Rod Sterling: “It’s one of the best looking arm bars I’ve ever seen!”
Walker keeps the hold locked in tight and he wrenches back a little for extra added pressure. Fenix is trying to reach out for the ropes while wincing in pain, but Walker doesn’t relent. Savage watches on with concern and he looks out at the crowd as some of them try to rally Fenix back in this fight, and Savage looks dumbfounded by this. Sure enough, Fenix starts to muster up some strength and he starts to rise up before he flips Walker over with his own arm drag! Savage looks surprised that the support of the crowd worked, and Fenix seems even more surprised by it. Walker is immediately back to his feet however, but Fenix catches him with another arm drag and then a hip toss that sends Walker back first to the mat! Walker winces and clutches at his lower back and he rises up, but he eats a spinning heel kick from Fenix that knocks him back! Fenix struggles at first to lift Walker up off his feet, but he has him and he hits Walker with a running suplex! Fenix is feeling it now and as Walker is rising up to one knee…Fenix strikes with SHINING WIZARD! Fenix drops down into a lateral press and hooks the far leg…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Rod Sterling: “Fenix nearly pulled it off there but Walker stays alive for a bit longer!”
Fenix brings Walker up but Walker counters with a jaw breaker! Fenix stumbles backward and has his back turned toward Walker and Walker drops him with an American Leg Sweep! This time Walker makes the cover…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Walker drags Fenix up by the hair and he quickly applies a chin lock on Fenix! Walker wrenches back on the hold…
Rod Sterling: “Walker is slowing the pace down with a chin lock he’s dubbed, Fort Knox. He’s expertly working that hold and in doing so he’s keeping Fenix in check.”
Fenix is trying to reach out for the ropes but Walker does not allow that to happen. Nate Savage climbs up on the apron to gain the referee’s attention, and Grace-Lynn walks over to Savage but Walker breaks the hold and runs at Nate, who quickly hops off the apron and he feigns innocence.
”Fuck off, fat boy!”
Walker has some choice words for Savage that are picked up by the camera and Nate isn’t backing down, but just then Walker is caught from behind by Fenix with a school-boy roll-up!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Fenix almost stole the victory right out from under Walker!”
Rod Sterling: “Yeah, no thanks to the outside interference by Nate Savage! The referee needs to do something about him!”
Walker rolls through after he kicks out and he rises up and charges toward Fenix, but Fenix stops him with a standing dropkick! Walker stumbles back and Fenix hits him with a snap suplex! Fenix takes Walker up once more and this time he drops him with a falcon arrow into a pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Fenix is sizing him up and he goes for a superkick, but Walker side steps him and catches him with a chop block! Walker then takes Fenix up and hits an atomic drop on Fenix before transitioning into an abdominal stretch! Walker holds onto the ropes for leverage and to keep Fenix from breaking out of it. The referee begins to count and before she hits a five count, Walker releases the rope, but then immediately grabs it again. After another five count, Walker pounds away at Fenix’s chest and then goes to grab the rope again, but Fenix musters up enough strength and he flips Walker over with a hip toss! Fenix takes a quick breather before hitting the ropes and ducks underneath Walker and hits a slingblade! Fenix climbs to the second rope and does a crotch chop at Walker before he leaps off…SMD! Second rope diving meteora and Fenix keeps hold for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Fenix was so close to victory there he could taste it!”
Fenix has Walker in position for the Double Shot, but Walker spins out of it and he’s behind Fenix and he shoves Fenix sternum first into the turnbuckle! Fenix stumbles back out of right into the waiting hands of Walker…The Big Wheel! Walker with the twisting scoop slam!
Rod Sterling: “Now Walker is closing in on victory after hitting The Big Wheel! He has Fenix where he wants him as he sets him up for a pile driver…”
Walker goes to lift Fenix up but Fenix blocks it. Walker tries again but this time Fenix counters with a back body drop as he flips Walker behind him! Savage is hitting the mat and trying his best to rally Fenix, along with the crowd, much to Nate’s chagrin. Fenix turns around and he sizes up Walker…SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME!
Anzu Kurosawa: “There it is! That should be it but Walker is still standing somehow!”
Walker doesn’t go down though and he slowly falls into the ropes. Fenix drags him off the ropes and he hoists him up…SIN CITY HANGOVER! Fenix into the pin with the small package driver!
One…two…THREE!
{RESULT}Winner: Jackson Fenix by pinfall at 15:38.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The winner of the match, Jackson Fenix!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I can’t believe we’re in a world where I’m actually happy that Jackson Fenix has won, but here we are! It’s certainly a step in the right direction after suffering back-to-back losses before this week!”
Rod Sterling: “I thought Walker had this in the bag several times, but he was unable to capitalize unfortunately. I’m still not on board with this nice guy act, but well done to Fenix.”
Fenix celebrates with Nate Savage on the outside and some of the fans as well, much to Nate’s confusion. Meanwhile, Trevor Walker looks upset after suffering a loss in his debut match and he hits the mat in frustration as the attention shifts to the commentary table where both Rod and Anzu are sitting looking into the camera.
Rod Sterling: “Well, as Jackson Fenix has cause for celebration, someone who we suspect may not be as elated at present is the X Champion, Alyster Black.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This is of course despite him homing in on that record-breaking reign with the X Championship; he is just less than two weeks away from eclipsing Saint Sulley’s historic reign with that title and will walk into the King of the Deathmatch tournament as the longest reigning X Champion in history. What happened on Fallout 026, though, I don’t think anyone saw it coming, Rod.”
As the commentators speak, replays of what happened on Fallout 026 are shown, with the X Champion Alyster Black being assaulted by a seeming imposter version of himself.
Rod Sterling: “We have no idea who is under the mask of this fake Alyster Black, but they clearly have some sort of history and problem with the X Champion. Why else would someone go to such lengths to perform such a personal attack on him? Well, Anzu, you may be able to get some answers from the man himself which may shed some light on who it is that has targeted him so personally.”
With the Undisputed Alliance and Trevor Walker now out of the scene, Anzu Kurosawa rises from her seat at the commentary table to a good cheer from the crowd. She retrieves a microphone and then enters the ring. She waits for a moment before clearing her throat.
Anzu Kurosawa: “As we are all aware, the FWA X Championship will be on the line at the King of the Deathmatch double-header event, with the winner of the second annual King of Deathmatch tournament walking away with the championship currently held by Alyster Black and the coveted King of Deathmatch Crown of Thorns.
This Saturday on Fallout, we’re going to see two King of the Deathmatch tournament preview matches featuring confirmed participants in the tournament but for now, I am going to speak with the first person who was named as part of the field… he is the FWA X Champion, Alyster Black!”
The crowd cheers loudly upon that introduction, but there is some disapproval from them when ‘Black Jesus’ appears on the large screen in the arena as opposed to in person in the arena. Alyster Black is in front of the camera in a plain room with painted white walls and he sits on a steel chair in front of the camera with the X Championship resting on his lap. The body language being displayed by the champion shows that he is cutting a frustrated figure.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Alyster Black, thank you for joining me. For those unaware, you are currently being kept in a secure location within the arena for your own protection, after you were viciously assaulted on Fallout-”
Alyster Black: “‘My own protection’? No, let’s be clear… they didn’t put me here for my protection, it is for the safety of whoever the fuck thought they’d be cute and attack me while wearing one of my masks.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “That could be accurate, Alyster. As for who it was that attacked you, do you have any idea of who it could have been? With the King of Deathmatch tournament coming up and a very large field… someone could be wanting to soften you up ahead of it?”
Alyster Black: “Nah, this is something more than that. If they wanted to just hurt me physically they wouldn’t have felt the need to hide. Whoever this is, this is personal to them… and now it is personal to me.
So, I’m here tonight, forced into hiding, but I am not going to be this Saturday on Fallout. Whoever you are, maybe you’ll grow a set and meet me face to face in the ring-”
Alyster trails off and then looks away from the camera, immediately leaping to his feet.. AS A FIGURE JUMPS OVER THE CAMERA ONTO THE X CHAMPION! IT IS THE FAKE ALYSTER BLACK! The two masked men scuffle on the floor and then get up to their feet separately. They trade hands but the fake Alyster has the upper hand, hitting a low blow and then taking Alyster down with the ONE SHOT KILL!
Alyster hits the floor hard as his assailant picks up the steel chair and folds it closed. He waits for Alyster to stir and brains him with a chair shot right to the face.
With Alyster Black down on the floor, holding his forehead, the individual dressed as him reaches down onto the floor and slowly picks up the X Championship. The masked person seems to chuckle for a moment, and then he drops the belt down onto Alyster.
The masked assailant slowly backs away and then out of the room before some commotion is heard from behind the camera.
???: “HEY! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!”
After a few seconds after the shouting, Chris Peacock enters the room and immediately goes down to Alyster’s side and helps him to sit up.
Chris Peacock: “You good?”
Alyster nods his head slowly and then slams his fist against the wall behind him, infuriated.
Alyster Black: “I’m not taking this shit lying down anymore.”
The X Champion accepts his tag partner’s hand and allows himself to be pulled up from the ground with his title in his other hand. The scene fades away with FTN walking out of the room together.
After that vicious assault, we head elsewhere backstage to an interview set where Katie Baxter stands in front of the Meltdown logo.
Katie Baxter: "Ladies and gentleman, theys, and thems, you've seen the viral conversation going around the FWA Universe centered around the upcoming debut of weaselperson where they'll be facing "The Reaper" Logan Darwin on Fallout 27. Not since Cyrus Truth, could one say there has been as much excitement over an incoming talent as this one. I have the pleasure of being here backstage with the weasel themselves - oh god!"
Only getting a proper look at weaselperson for the first time as they step in to the picture, Katie Baxter is visibly disgusted by the bug-eyed hairy anthropomorphic weasel. weaselperson's eyes lock on Katie who gags but quickly remembers her professionalism and gathers her composure.
Katie Baxter: "My apologies-"
weaselperson: "Bark."
weaselperson's eyes remain on Baxter, not really acknowledging the camera, which does disturb Katie a bit as her eyes swing back and forth between camera and weaselperson.
Katie Baxter: "It's quite interesting to see the fever pitch anticipation that's been built around your arrival. Are you at all nervous about living up to that enthusiasm?"
weaselperson: "...Bark."
Katie Baxter: "Oh... kay. You have a tough challenge set out for yourself against Logan Darwin, a veteran of the sport who will be determined to build some momentum ahead of the King of the Deathmatch. How are you preparing for that match-up?"
weaselperson: "Bark. Bark... Bark."
Katie sighs.
Katie Baxter: "Do we have an interpreter around? Can we get an interpreter? No?"
Katie isn't totally deterred by this. She's a professional. Been at it for years. She can conduct an interview with a piece of paper given the challenge.
Katie Baxter: "Okay. Hmm. Bark if you're going to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time and the fastest grand slam winner in FWA history."
weaselperson: "Bark."
Katie Baxter: "You heard it here first. No hesitation on that. weaselperson making plain their intentions to take over the FWA in record-breaking fashion, and the first person on that journey is Logan Darwin. Any final words weaselperson, I bet you have at least one final word."
weaselperson: "...Bark."
Katie Baxter: "There you have it! I know you'd all love to hear more from weaselperson, but I understand that some of our crew have caught up with one of our... two?... kidnappings here in the FWA, we'll send it over to them."
We cut to an area of the back… no, not an area of the back. There are too many interfaces, too many control panels, too many buttons and levers and dials. The complexity of the room is more reminiscent of a spaceship than the backstage area of a wrestling show… and that is because we are indeed in the bridge of a spaceship, as indicated by the large number of Nephews scurrying around it.
Gerald Grayson: "I think you should give him some space.”
Maid of Death: "He doesn't need space, Gerald. He's tied up.”
Gerald Grayson: "Well if you aren't going to untie him, I think you should at least give him some space.”
Maid of Death: "And what would he do with all this space? He's tied up, Gerald. He can't move.”
Gerald Grayson: "He might be able to breathe a bit better. Although I guess the gag isn't particularly helpful in that regard.”
Kha'rina: "Next you'll be suggesting we ungag him.”
Quiet: "… …… ..!”
Marcus McClain: "After what happened last time!”
Gerald Grayson: "What happened last time? I only got here after the kidnapping, remember?”
Maid of Death: "He bit Harry's finger. And kidnapping is such a vulgar term, GiGi.”
Gerald Grayson: "Which finger?”
NOE-I: "Index finger.”
Maid of Death: "Real hand.”
Marcus McClain: "Good job he didn't try it on the animatronic one, really. Could've broken his teeth.”
Harry the Sane Wizard: "And what use is a hostage with no teeth?”
Thomas West: "He's not a hostage! And this isn't a kidnapping!”
There's a sudden silence in the bridge for Thomas’ declarations. All eyes turn to him, the Nephews forming a horse shoe around the podcast host and (albeit involuntarily) the prisoner - revealed now as the bodies clear to be, obviously, Bill Scorpane - is given a little room to breathe. Thomas, after a deep and controlled breath, turns to face Bill.
Thomas West: "He is our most honoured guest, and we are meant to look after him until Uncle and Dreamer join us and we decide what to do with him. And, unless he'd like to spend some time in the basement cells along with the T'Lok insurgents and Bahruzhi POWs, he will allow me to take this gag off him without screaming… without shouting… and certainly without biting… isn’t that right, Mr. Scorpane?”
Bill looks around at the faces of his captors, and at the surrounding setting of their spaceship, and reluctantly nods his head. What other choice does he have? Thomas removes the gag, and Scorpane stares at him with narrowed eyes.
Thomas West: "Now, SS_10000, can we get our guest a whiskey and a cigar? Nephews, untie him so he can drink and smoke them.”
Equally as reluctant as Scorpane was to promise to behave, Quiet and the Maid untie Bill from the chair that he is sitting on. A dumbwaiter in the bridge buzzes and then opens, the Avatar removing a Jameson’s and a Cuban and taking them to the captive. He holds the Cuban up to inspect it, and then places the end of it between his lips when Quiet offers him a light.
Thomas West: "Excuse the brand. Dreamer insists, I’m afraid. I hope you’ll also forgive us from our excitement. My friends need to remember that tonight has been a good night! No need for undue panic. In fact, SS_10000, more of those cigars! And vapes for the pure-lunged! I’m in the mood for celebrating!”
Harry the Sane Wizard: "Getting a little ahead of yourself, Thomas? There’s still one more match to go…”
Thomas West: "SS_10000, project Michelle’s match on the front window, please.”
Footage from inside the PPG Paints Arena is suddenly shown on the ship’s huge window, with all of the Nephews immediately beginning to watch sideways on, for some reason.
Thomas West: "It’s time… for the main event!”
{IN DREAMS || ROY ORBISON}[MEDIA=youtube]MVRunwyoTMA[/MEDIA]
A boo emanates in the PPG Arena as Michelle von Horrowitz appears on stage, the COSMIC HORROR at her side. She has her FWA World Tag Team Championship on her shoulder and bathes in the derision for a moment before beginning down the ramp towards the ring.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following is your Meltdown XXVII main event, and is a singles contest scheduled for one-fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Uncle J.J. JAY! and representing Cthulhu’s Nephews... from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, she weighs in at fifty four kilograms… she is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions… ‘Dreamer’... Michelle… von… HORROWITZ!!"
Rod Sterling: "Here comes one of the two number one contenders for the FWA World Championship, who - alongside Cyrus Truth - will challenge Chris Peacock in the main event of the Grand March. And, of course, it’s fair to say that she’s had a decent amount of help to get her to that point… once more we see Uncle J.J. JAY! at Dreamer’s side as she prepares to do battle in this champion versus champion match-up."
Anzu Kurosawa: "A decent amount of help is right, Rod, but that doesn’t really change the fact that she’s here in this position now, and it’s a position she’s been in before. Both MvH and Cyrus Truth have held the world championship multiple times, and both seem desperate to hold it again. Chris Peacock is in deep trouble at the Grand March."
MvH and Uncle climb into the ring, with Dreamer taking her trademark seated position in the corner, her head against the second turnbuckle. Her music fades out and is replaced by…
{COLA || LANA DEL REY}[MEDIA=youtube]lBakG7KtVZE[/MEDIA]
The booing continues as another champion walks out onto the stage. Shawn Summers also has his title belt upon his person, tied around his waist, and surveys the arena with disdain before striding down the ramp.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "And her opponent… from Laguna Beach, California and weighing in at two hundred and twenty five pounds… he is the current FWA Television Champion… ‘Der Basterd’... SHAWN… SUMMERS!!"
Rod Sterling: "The current FWA Television Champion in his second reign, after he dethroned Vampyra to return himself to the top of that division. ‘Der Basterd’ is set to defend the title for the first time of this reign against Tommy Bedlam at the Grand March, but tonight he has his work cut out for him in the form Michelle von Horrowitz."
Anzu Kurosawa: "It’s difficult to believe that this is a first time meeting outside of the 2021 Carnal Contendership, Rod. Both have been part of the FWA for several years now, and have historic associations with the CWA, too. But we’re about to see them face off in one-on-one competition for the first time, right here in Pittsburgh! Oh what a night!"
Rod Sterling: "If only the audience shared your excitement, Anzu. It’s difficult to work out which of these two they despise more…"
Summers climbs into the ring as JAY! climbs out of it, with Dreamer pulling herself up onto her feet. The two share a stand-off from opposite sides of the ring as the official makes his final checks and then calls for the bell… The match starts off with Summers sarcastically offering a test of strength, which Michelle takes up before kicking him in the gut to double him over. She follows up with some hard forearm strikes to back him up into the ropes, and then attempts an Irish whip into the opposite set. Der Basterd reverses with one of his own, though, and then takes Dreamer down with a shoulder block. Summers jumps over her and hits the ropes as MvH gets to her feet. She leapfrogs over him and then attempts a standing dropkick, but Shawn has held onto the ropes to check his momentum and Michelle hits the mat! Summers approaches and pulls Michelle’s head into position between his legs, hooking both arms as if he’s about to go for his patented sitout powerbomb, but Michelle drops to a knee to anchor her weight to the ground. Summers batters down on her with clubbing blows and then wrenches her up for a normal powerbomb… but Dreamer rotates through, and rolls him up with a sunset flip…
ONE… TW – NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: "Kickout from Summers! Lightning fast opening to this match-up, and both are quickly up to their feet…"
Summers sees Michelle coming at him for a discus forearm. He ducks beneath it, hooks her arm, and takes her down with a backslide…
ONE… TW – NO!
Rod Sterling: "Michelle with the kick out this time! Dreamer and Der Basterd matching like-for-like in the opening exchanges!"
Both are to their feet again, with Summers taking Michelle down with a deep armdrag… and then a second… then a hip toss. Dreamer is in a seated position as Der Basterd hits the ropes, attempting to wipe her out with a penalty kick… but Michelle lies down to avoid it and then kips up to her feet. Summers turns around to a mule kick from Dreamer, followed by a knee lift. Der Basterd is staggered, and the thrust kick knocks him back into the corner. Dreamer backs up and charges in with a dropkick… then a second… then a third! Summers is staggered into a seated position, with von Horrowitz taking him by the wrist, as if she’s going to Irish whip him into the opposite corner. She checks her momentum, though, and pulls Der Basterd back towards her… drop toe hold! Into the second turnbuckle! With Summers lying face-down on the turnbuckle, MvH rolls him up with a schoolboy…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Summers kicks out, and Michelle grabs his leg, looking to shift him into position for the stretch muffler. Shawn senses the danger there, though, and drags himself towards the ropes, hooking onto the bottom one. Michelle lays into him with stomps as the official begins a five-count, Summers instead gaining separation by pulling himself out onto the outside of the ring. Uncle is standing nearby, and the two share a few words, Der Basterd seemingly distracted by the appearance of COSMIC HORROR…
Rod Sterling: "I’m not sure Der Basterd wants to divert his attention away from the woman in the ring…"
… and Dreamer hits the opposite ropes inside the ring, looking to take Summers out with a suicide dive… but he catches her!! Summers has Michelle in a bearhug position and backs up towards the barricade, before throwing her into it with a belly-to-belly suplex!! Michelle hits the barricade upside down and then slides down into a heap on the top of her head!!
Rod Sterling: "WIPE OUT! Shawn Summers connects with the overhead release belly-to-belly!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Ugly landing for MvH!"
The crowd gasps at the move, with Summers chuckling to himself as he looks down at the wreckage that is his opponent. He shakes his head as he drags her up by the hair, and then throws her with an Irish whip into the steel steps! Michelle hits the hip first and lands in a heap on the other side of them!
Summers is slow and methodical as he throws Michelle back into the ring. He once more hoists her up to her feet and doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. He drags her head into position, hooks both arms, and then hoists her up for a sitout powerbomb!! Summers remains seated for the cover…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Michelle kicks out! Summers follows up by slowly grounding Michelle down with stomps and then a lengthy reverse chin lock, Michelle eventually managing to drag herself up to her feet but with Der Basterd applying all of his weight and pressure onto her. She backs Summers up into the ropes and throws him off her, causing separation as he hits the opposite set. Once again, Shawn wraps his arms around the top rope to check his momentum, and this time Dreamer charges at him for a clothesline. Summers ducks it and lifts her up and onto the apron with a back body drop, but when he turns he’s clocked by a forearm strike from MvH! Summers is staggered into the middle of the ring and von Horrowitz tees him up, before springboarding in off the top rope and attempting a cross-body…
… ONLY TO BE WIPED OUT BY A DISCUS ELBOW SMASH!
Rod Sterling: "Unbelievable anti-air from Shawn Summers!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle von Horrowitz might be out cold!!"
Summers neglects going for the cover, instead dragging the supine Michelle to her feet in a rear waistlock and hurling her across the ring with a release German suplex!! Summers is laughing as he slowly saunters across the ring. Michelle is face-down in a heap, and again Shawn wraps his arms around her waist, hoists her back to her feet in a rear waistlock, and then throws her to the other corner with a second release German suplex!! Summers performs a low bow, getting some boos from the audience for his sign of over-confidence, but also eliciting some cheers from the more vocal of the Nephews’ detractors. Then, he slowly saunters across the ring again, perhaps looking to repeat the act for the third time…
… but Michelle is waiting for him, and she collects him up in a small package!
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Kickout from Shawn!! Summers is up quicker than Dreamer, who doesn’t see him coming at her with the knee strike! He follows up with a headbutt! Then a rolling elbow!! Michelle is staggered, and Summers pulls her in with a front facelock. He hooks both her arms and takes her over with a double-underhook suplex!
Rod Sterling: "We’ve seen this before… Der Basterd isn’t done here! He rolls through, drags Michelle up, and delivers a second double-underhook suplex!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle is in trouble here, Rod. Shawn Summers is settling into a rhythm, and he’s throwing her around the ring like a rag doll… there’s the third double-underhook!"
After completing the trifecta, Summers is into the cover…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Kickout from Michelle! Summers momentarily glances at the official, admonishing him for a perceived slow count, before again hoisting Michelle up. He hits her with a European uppercut to stagger here, before charging at the ropes, springboarding off the second one, and taking her down with a knee strike!
Rod Sterling: "LIGHTS OUT! Shawn Summers giving us all the hits here tonight!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "And he's maybe shaping up for one more! Midsommar, perhaps? Der Basterd might be looking to finish this one off!"
Shawn Summers is stalking Michelle as she gets to her feet, and then he doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. He pulls her head into position between his legs and hooks his arms through hers…
Rod Sterling: "He is going for Midsommar… but Uncle’s up on the apron! I guess it was only a matter of time!!"
The official strides over towards JAY! and admonishes him, telling him to get down, and it causes a distraction for Summers, too. He looks over at COSMIC HORROR and barks a few words at him…
… and Michelle levels him with a low blow!!
Rod Sterling: "Jesus!! The referee’s back is turned for a moment, and Michelle instantly takes the opportunity to go below the belt!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "And now she rolls him up with an inside cradle! Summers’ shoulders are down!"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!!
Rod Sterling: "Summers kicks out!! Somehow!! He should’ve been blacking out and puking after that low blow!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "A lot of people want to punch Shawn Summers in the balls. I guess he wears a cup."
If not quite enough to get the win, the low blow is enough to shift the momentum, with Michelle now taking her turn to stalk Summers from the corner as he rises, much like he did to her only moments before. She charges at him…
Anzu Kurosawa: "BUSAIKU KNEE!!"
Michelle wastes no time, immediately climbing up to the top rope…
Rod Sterling: "Dreamer straightens up atop the turnbuckle… 450 SPLASH!! She lands it!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Picture perfect!! And into the cover…"
ONE… TWO… THRE – NO!!
Rod Sterling: "SHOULDER UP!! SHOULDER UP!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Shawn Summers is still in it!"
Dreamer seems momentarily incensed, and she rounds on the official, barking at him and backing him up into the ropes. She grabs him by the shirt and rears back, as if ready to hit him with a forearm, the referee flinching… and behind him, JAY! is up on the apron, removing the second turnbuckle cover…
Rod Sterling: "I thought maybe this was a moment of anger from MvH, but perhaps it’s more measured than that… all part of the plan?"
Anzu Kurosawa: "It would seem so! Uncle J.J. JAY! has that second turnbuckle cover off!"
Michelle eventually turns back towards Summers, the official breathing heavily and slightly pale… and Summers wipes her out with a standing dropkick! MvH gets to her feet as quickly as she can, but Summers is behind her, and he throws her back to the mat with a half-and-half suplex!! Dreamer attempts to roll towards the ropes, but Der Basterd grabs a leg and drags her back into the middle of the ring… and applies a Figure 4 Leg Lock!!
Rod Sterling: "CHARLOTTE’S WEB!! Shawn Summers has Charlotte’s Web locked in!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle von Horrowitz is sundered in the middle of the ring!!"
The official is in close, asking Dreamer if she wants to tap, her face contorting into a picture of agony. She raises her hand, her palm parallel to the mat… but refuses to give in… and turns the hold over!! Michelle reverses the pressure!!
Rod Sterling: "The tables have turned!! Now it’s Shawn Summers that looks close to submitting!!"
Indeed, Der Basterd has to show some resilience of his own, and with a huge roar of exertion he turns back over!! Summers is back in the driver’s seat, with MvH writhing in agony! But the constant rolling has brought her a lot closer to the ropes, and she wriggles towards them, digging in her hip… and then grips onto the bottom rope!! The official begins a count, Shawn Summers utilising all of it before finally relinquishing the hold at four.
Dreamer is clutching her knees in pain as she uses the ropes to help herself up to her feet. They appear to be giving her some trouble as Der Basterd comes at her again, and it’s almost a desperation move as she connects with a step-up enziguri! Summers is staggered, but shakes the cobwebs off and comes at her again… but walks into a heatbutt! Followed by a discuss forearm!!
Anzu Kurosawa: "Summers is rocked! Michelle grabs him by the wrist, and has a look back into the corner…"
Rod Sterling: "… at that exposed steel ring, no doubt!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "RING AWARENESS!"
Dreamer drags Summers towards her and hits a drop toe hold, again into the second turnbuckle, but this time onto the exposed ring! The crowd winces as Summers is instantly cut open by the hard metal! Just like earlier in the match, Michelle rolls him up with a schoolboy…
ONE… TWO…
And this time grabs a handful of tights, just for good measure…
… THREE!
{RESULT}WInner: Winner: Michelle von Horrowitz via pinfall at 15:52.
.
As Summers, his face bloodied from the impact with the exposed turnbuckle ring, rolls out of the ring, Michelle offers her hand out to the official and demands that it's lifted.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "The winner of the match… Michelle von Horrowitz!"
As soon as her name is read out, Michelle snatches her hand back from the referee. She moves over the ropes, asking for her championship belt to be handed to her.
Rod Sterling: "Another win for MvH, which moves her to 7-0 for this calendar year, but once again she's comes by it through nefarious means."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Well, yes… but it's against Shawn Summers, Rod! Surely you're not too cut up for Der Basterd?"
Rod Sterling: "Who the opponent is besides the point, Anzu. How many more Meltdowns are going to end with this cheater standing tall in the ring?"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Doesn't look like we're done just yet, Rod… Michelle's got a microphone."
Rod Sterling: "... of course she does."
As Roy Orbison fades out, Michelle stands in the middle of the ring with the microphone in her hand. She's still breathing heavily from the match, but the smile on her face suggests that she's rather pleased with herself.
MvH: "What an evening it's been, tulips!"
More boos. A chant of 'FUCK YOU DREAMER!' starts and quickly builds, to the point where it almost drowns the woman in the ring out.
MvH: "Not even a few thousand vulgar and basic trogs, like the few thousand vulgar and basic trogs that surround me now, could dampen my parade. And I always thought Pittsburgh was a dank and deprived hole. Who knew such magic resided here? It might even be my new favourite city here, if it wasn't for all the people. But I guess that is the problem with all of your cities."
Uncle has joined Michelle in the ring and appears to be the only person in the vicinity who is enjoying what is said.
MvH: "A glorious victory for the glorious Nephews in the opening contest, and an expected but still worthwhile triumph for me in the main event. A lovely sort of book-end effect, wouldn't you agree? But, tulips, tonight we also saw Chris Peacock and Cyrus Truth throw away their only chance of victory in The Grand March's main event. You all saw last year's show, I'm sure. Did they have electricity in Pittsburgh last March, Uncle?"
JAY! offers her a shrug and, deciding that it's not important whether they did or they didn't see last year's show, she continues.
MvH: "Gerald and I showed, for the most part, how easy a triple threat can be when two of the competitors are on the same page. This three-way could've easily become a two-way if Truth and Peacock abstained from squabbling and dealt with little old me: the natural antagonist in the situation, and the biggest threat to both of them. A large part of my strategy leading up to the Grand March was to sow discord between them in the hopes that this didn't happen. But, apparently, I didn't have to bother. In less than one night, both Cyrus and Chris threw away their best chance to stop the third glorious reign beginning. And for no reason other than their own pride."
If you've ever wondered what a few thousand people shouting 'FUCK YOU DREAMER!' for several minutes continuously sounded like, now is your chance to find out. The crowd is ferocious and unrelenting, and Dreamer takes a moment to admire their efforts before reaching her climax.
MvH: "I say all of this plainly, safe in the knowledge that Chris Peacock and Cyrus Truth would never let a mutual goal get in the way of their colossal egos. Disco’s Last Warrior and The Exile, two nicknames that imply solitude. The Last Warrior - temporary allegiances with a man far too good for him aside - has out-survived his allies, who have all fallen before him. The Exile chooses to be alone, shunning the meagre kinship on offer to him. But us?”
A sidewards glance at Uncle.
MvH: “We Are Legion, and we aren’t going anywhere. So take my hand, tulips. It’s later than you think.”
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Post by supinesnake on May 28, 2024 20:46:13 GMT
 027: “MOTOR CITY.”
Live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Saturday 18th Match, 2023.
The pyrotechnic display that begins the show is dominated by fallout blue, exploding high above the traditional Fallout stage, complete with the mangled DeLorean, as a raucous Detroit crowd introduces us to the show.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Welcome, wrestling fans, to Fallout 027, coming to you live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and we have no less than six contests in store for you tonight as we roll towards the Grand March weekend…”
Allen Price: “And the climax of it all will see Chris Peacock go one-on-one with ‘the British Apprentice’ Reagan Cole, as the FWA World Champion looks to prepare for his defense of that belt against Michelle von Horrowitz and Cyrus Truth in three weeks time in Chicago. Neither Dreamer nor the Exile are scheduled to compete here tonight in Detroit, but it’s difficult to imagine neither of them will want to take a closer look at Disco’s Last Warrior in our main event.”
The camera has made its obligatory pass over the faces of the crowd, before settling on the commentary booth. JLW and Price sit behind it in suits, conversing with one another whilst keeping their gaze intent on the lens.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I wouldn’t disagree, Price, but we’ve got a lot of pro-wrestling before we get to Cole and Peacock, including tag team action, as Keres and Princess Nova prepare to take on Doug and Dan LuPone of the Lumberjacks. We saw Eternal toying with Lizzie Rose on Meltdown XXVII, but tonight they’ll have their hands full inside the ring against Nova’s countrymen.”
Allen Price: “We’ll also see Tommy Bedlam return to singles action after his unsuccessful exploits in eight-person tag team action on Meltdown, as he prepares to take on the Boulder in hopes of breaking a losing streak. He’ll hope to shift his momentum in the right direction ahead of his FWA Television Championship match with Shawn Summers at the Grand March…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And we have a debut to look forward to on 027, too, as, um, weaselperson prepares to go one-on-one with Logan Darwin. weaselperson has already caused something of a stir on social media this week, but will hope to make a splash for the right reasons tonight at the Reaper’s expense. Darwin, meanwhile, is looking to pick up steam ahead of his appearance at the King of the Deathmatch tournament, scheduled for the two days directly before our night in Chicago.”
Allen Price: “Speaking of which, it’s time to get the action started, with the first of tonight’s two King of the Deathmatch preview matches…”
The camera cuts to the stage, just in time for…
{ONE HEADLIGHT || THE WALLFLOWERS}[MEDIA=youtube]Zzyfcys1aLM[/MEDIA]
There’s a positive reaction for XYZ as he marches out onto the stage. He has his hands on his hips and a smile on his face as he looks out over the arena approvingly.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for one-fall, with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Sitka, Alaska and weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… XYZ!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here’s another chance to check out some of the competitors ahead of the King of the Deathmatch tournament, as four of the entrants prepare to line up in this tag team contest."
Allen Price: "We saw XYZ in another preview match two weeks ago, where he emerged triumphantly alongside Trixie Bordeaux and Sawyer Xavier in a trios match, before facing the wrath of Death Walker after the bell."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Death Walker isn’t in this two-on-two match, but it’ll be interesting to see if those two collide as part of the tournament itself."
X slides into the ring and poses on the second rope as his music fades out, replaced by…
{GO TO SLEEP || EMINEM FT DMX & OBIE TRICE}[MEDIA=youtube]r2GEb4MrkvU[/MEDIA]
The reaction is a little more mixed but mostly positive for Jason Randall. ‘The Wildcard’ doesn’t break stride as he walks down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his tag team partner… from San Diego, California… he weighs in at two hundred and thirty four pounds… ‘the Wildcard’... Jason… RANDALL!"
Allen Price: "Jason Randall is realigning his sights on the Crown of Thorns following disappointment in his pursuit of the FWA Television Championship, and this is his first opportunity to get his hands on some of his fellow entrants in that tournament."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "‘The Wildcard’ is also familiar with Death Walker, given both of their involvement in that program with Shawn Summers and Vampyra. The deathmatch environment seems well-suited to Jason Randall. I guess we’ll find out first hand in three weeks time."
Allen Price: "But not tonight. This match-up will be contested under traditional rules. We’ll save the barbarism for the tournament!"
Randall ignores his tag team partner and loosens up in the corner as his music fades out. Next, we hear…
{FIREFLIES || OWL CITY}[MEDIA=youtube]QBgl4rVz3Ks[/MEDIA]
There are more cheers as Trixie appears on the stage, a nervous look on her face as she surveys the arena and then walks down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And introducing their opponents. First, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and weighing in at one hundred and twenty five pounds… Bellatrix BORDEAUX!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "‘Trixie’ Bordeaux has had an uneven start to her career in the FWA. She currently sits at a 2-2 record, with both of her wins coming in tag team contests, including the aforementioned trios match on Fallout 026."
Allen Price: "That’s right, but tonight’s a tag match, too! I think that sets Trixie in good stead. Worthy of note, though, that tonight she is against XYZ, a man she’s formed something of a bond with over the last month, going so far as to try and protect X from Death Walker’s post-match attack on Fallout 026."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe… but she’ll be all alone come the King of the Deathmatch."
Trixie waits at the foot of the ramp and waves to XYZ, who offers her one back. Randall doesn’t seem to approve of the friendliness. Bordeaux’s music fades out and is replaced with…
{PAINT IT BLACK || THE ROLLING STONES}[MEDIA=youtube]QBgl4rVz3Ks[/MEDIA]
There’s a decidedly mixed reaction for Kleio as she walks out onto the stage, but it does seem like there’s still pockets of positivity for KDS. She mostly ignores the fans, though, and locks eyes with her opponents in the ring before walking towards it…
Natalie Rosenberg: "And her partner… accompanied to the ring by Blair and Celestia Ravenwood… from Rio De Janeiro in Brazil… weighing in at one hundred and fifteen pounds… ‘the Boa Constrictor’... Kleio… De… SANTOS!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a woman who is very familiar with the King of the Deathmatch she tournament. She cam oh-so-close to victory in a star-making turn last year, before eventually falling just short to Thomas West in the final."
Allen Price: "She’ll be hoping to go one better this year, with tonight being her first taste of action in the series of preview matches leading up to the tournament. She was supporting the Coven in their efforts to become the number one contenders for the tag titles two weeks ago, but tonight they provide back-up for KDS as she prepares to team up with an unfamiliar partner."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An alliance that is by its nature very temporary, Price…"
KDS ignores her partner at the foot of the ramp and slides into the ring, not backing down from Randall and X. The official asks her to take a step back towards her corner, where Trixie is already in position on the apron holding the tag rope. She smiles nervously at De Santos, and it seems clear who is starting proceedings on that side of the ring. Randall is in position across from her, with XYZ retreating onto the apron beside him. The official issues some final instructions and then calls for the bell…The opening exchanges between Randall and KDS are heavy on strikes, with De Santos favouring her martial arts based offence and particularly kicks, landing at various points with a jumping roundhouse, a jumping scissors kick, and a crescent kick, the last of which knocks Randall to the ground and earns her a two-count. Randall is perhaps less technical but, when given his opportunity, is equally as effective, mostly with straight rights, but also forearm strikes, European uppercuts, and the occasional headbutt. At one point, he succeeds in ducking an attempted thrust kick from KDS before Irish whipping her into the corner. He proceeds to work the body with De Santos against the turnbuckle, knocking her into a seated position and following up with a vicious flourish of stomps…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall showing us a mean streak here in the opening exchanges. Perfect timing for this to be coming to the surface, so close to King of the Deathmatch…"
With the Wildcard continuing to stop his opponent in the corner, the camera cuts to the stage, where a familiar figure has walked out to observe proceedings…
Allen Price: "That's Death Walker, who we'll see tonight in the second of our King of the Deathmatch preview matches… his presence hasn't gone unnoticed, especially by XYZ…"
Indeed, X is staring up the ramp at Walker with a perturbed look on his face. Death has a smile for him in return. Meanwhile, in the ring, Randall earns a two-count with a snap suplex before reluctantly tagging in XYZ, who - having turned away from his brief staredown with Death Walker, who is still on the stage - is reaching over the rope and asking for an introduction to the match. XYZ continues the attack on his old rival in Kleio De Santos, who he knows very well from last year’s tournament, hitting some vicious kicks to the shins and thighs for over half a minute, before hitting the rope and hitting a three-sixty headscissors takedown! The crowd cheers X on as he pumps the fist, and then connects with a springboard moonsault! It’s only enough for a two-count, with X tagging Randall back in and offering the Wildcard a double suplex. Randall seems nonplussed at the suggestion, with X instead hitting the move on his own. X slides out of the ring with Randall hosting KDS up and applying a front facelock, hoisting her up for what looks like a delayed vertical suplex attempt. He lets the blood rush to KDS’s head, but then the Boa Constrictor brings her knee down onto the top of Randall’s head! And again! And a third time! Randall is forced to drop De Santos, and she connects with a front jab, elbow strike, spinning backfist combination, rocking Randall… and then she knocks him down with a superman punch! Kleio goes for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Randall kicks out, and Kleio drags him into her corner where Trixie tags in. De Santos has Jason in a front facelock, and Trixie connects with a half-dozen boots to the midsection before joining KDS in the front facelock on the other side. De Santos and Bordeaux take Randall over with a double suplex!
Allen Price: "Much better teamwork on display by Kleio and Trixie, it seems…"
We cut to a shot of Death Walker, who strokes his chin thoughtfully whilst watching on from the stage. In the ring, Trixie follows up with a series of punches and open-handed strikes, and then a sit-out jawbreaker that staggers the Wildcard… and then Bordeaux rakes the eyes! The official admonishes her, but Bordeaux just sort of laughs nervously at him, before taking Randall in a front face lock and spiking him with a snap DDT! Trixie goes for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall kicks out, but that’s an impressive introduction to this match for Trixie Bordeaux… perhaps even surprisingly impressive!"
Allen Price: "You shouldn’t underestimate Trixie, J-L… she’s here for a reason, and now she’s willing the Wildcard to get back to his feet…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A mistake, if you ask me. Trixie should be pressing home this advantage…"
Randall regains his vertical base and stumbles around towards Trixie, who winds up and hits him with a headbutt! It does stagger the Wildcard, who takes a step back and shakes loose the cobwebs… before firing back with a big headbutt of his own!! It rocks Bordeaux down to her knees, her eyes closed and her face contorted in agony. Randall drags her up by the wrist, hoists her onto his shoulders, and hits her with a Death Valley Driver!! Randall hooks the far leg…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Impressive resilience on display by Trixie Bordeaux, but the momentum has shifted firmly onto Jason Randall’s side, and by extension XYZ, in this one."
Another shot of Death Walker, who is now most of the way down the ramp, watching on with his arms folded… and then back to the ring, where Jason Randall again hoists Trixie up to her feet. He doubles her over with a boot to the midsection…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall going for his Snakes Eyes stunner… but Trixie pushes him away! Randall hits the turnbuckles chest first… and then turns around into a big enziguri!"
Allen Price: "A huge moment for Trixie! This is exactly what she needed! And she tags in Kleio De Santos!"
The first thing that the Boa Constrictor does is charge across the ring’s diagonal and knock XYZ off the apron with a shot dropkick. Then, it’s a pair of uppercuts (one left and one right) followed by a roundhouse kick for Randall, staggering the Wildcard back towards the corner. Kleio whips him HARD into the opposite set, with Randall hitting the turnbuckles and bouncing back towards KDS… who doubles him over with a boot to the midsection and then applies a front facelock. She’s going for a DDT, maybe, or perhaps even Letters to Kleio… but Randall drives her back into the corner with his shoulder, and then proceeds to throw it into her gut. Randall drags her from the corner and boots her in the midsection to double her over…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Wildcard is going for Snake Eyes again… BUT KLEIO IS BITING HIS NECK!!"
Allen Price: "A non-traditional but effective counter…"
Randall backs away from Kleio, aghast, who follows up with a spin kick to the gut. She applies a front facelock, again looking for Letters to Kleio, but notices XYZ sliding into the ring out of the corner of her eye…
Allen Price: "XYZ looking to make the save… but here comes Trixie Bordeaux! She clotheslines X over the top rope, and both land in a heap on the outside!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Which gives De Santos enough space… LETTERS TO KLEIO!!"
Allen Price: "She hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… THREE!
{RESULT}WInner: Kleio De Santos and Trixie Bordeaux by pinfall at 13:58.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners… Trixie Bordeaux and Kleio De Santos!!"
Santos is in the ring to have her hand raised, but she snatches it away again almost immediately. She doesn’t look for Bordeaux, instead climbing out of the ring to reconvene with the Ravenwood sisters. The three of them march up the ramp, passing Death Walker on the way, who gives Kleio a sidewards glance but continues to march towards the ring…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An impressive win here tonight for Trixie and KDS… but it doesn’t look like we’re quite done here at ringside. Death Walker, who is scheduled to compete against Madison Gray and Sawyer Xavier later on in the show, continues towards the ring with one man in his sights."
XYZ is getting to his feet on the outside and, after spotting Death Walker on the march towards him, he rolls into the ring to get the higher ground. He is clutching his ribs and breathing heavily, the exertions of the match still weighing heavily upon him. Death Walker is now three quarters of the way down the ramp, and pauses only for a second as Trixie Bordeaux joins X in the ring, standing at his side. He stares at the two in the ring, fancies his chances, and continues his descent.
Allen Price: "Trixie Bordeaux, just like last week, is taking a defensive stance here against Death Walker and alongside XYZ…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And Jason Randall stands with them! He’s still, of course, got issues with Death Walker himself. Maybe he wants to settle some old scores here, too…"
Death Walker looks at the (now) three people in the ring, standing against him, and continues to smile. He climbs up onto the apron…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think Death Walker still fancies his chances!"
Death is about to climb through the ropes when four more men, who have hopped over the barricade from their seats on the front row and slid into the ring, stand in front of XYZ. You and I, of course, would know them as Wild Jerry, Frank, Sierra, and PacMan Bert, collectively known as the Ménage, the close and personal friends of XYZ. The FWA audience, though, is not quite as familiar with the group.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Who are these guys?! Where are their credentials?!"
Allen Price: "That’s XYZ’s entourage, J-L. I’ve seen those guys in the back with him on more than one occasion, and it looks like they’re here to back XYZ up!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Only now, with seven people in the ring and standing against him, does Death Walker think better of it…"
Indeed, he climbs down from the apron, turns around, and walks back up the ramp. Jason Randall peels away from the group, climbing out of the ring and marching up the ramp, exiting through the curtain only a few seconds after Death Walker. XYZ and Trixie, meanwhile, share a stand-off in the middle of the ring. They shake hands, and both are smiling, but there seems an anxiety about Trixie that could be explained by the battle that lies ahead of them both. We fade out on the image of this uneasy handshake.
Fallout fades back in on with an unusual setting of a cartoon landscape including the vibrant green hills filled with frolicing animals like deer, rabbits, and bluebirds. This is the land of Friendtopia.
And Jeremy Best has once again returned to the land.
Jeremy finds himself on a playground, swinging back and forth in an animated swing. Keep in mind, Jeremy himself is not animated in this situation. A real Space Jam situation here. Jeremy is lightly swaying in the swing as he looks down at a group of papers in hands which appear to be some type of legal document. A contract even.
Jeremy is not alone. His imaginary friend Momo, a seven-foot purple, spherical-shaped furry creature, walks over and places his furry paw on Jeremy's shoulder.
Momo: "Something seems to be bothering you, Jeremy."
Jeremy Best: "Oh, hiya Momo. I'm just sitting here thinking about this contract."
Momo: "Contract? That sounds BORING. Come play with me and Krash!"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, that definitely sounds like much more fun, but I have a bit of a time crunch for this contract. I gotta make a decision real soon."
Momo: "Well... maybe I can help! You know I love to be helpful."
Jeremy Best: "Well, ya see Momo, Alyster Black challenged me to enter the King of the Deathmatch and..."
Momo: "Death? Match? Oh nononono... I don't like the sound of that AT ALL."
Jeremy Best: "That was my thoughts too. You know I'm not a big fan of that kinda violence. But I've told you about this guy right?"
Momo: "You sure have. Krash's former friend, right? Sounds like he might really want to hurt you!"
Jeremy Best: "I think you're right. He seems very jealous of the fact that Krash is my friend now. But... there's something I'm feeling inside me. Something I'm not used to. Like a burning... almost dark feeling... that I actually… want to hurt him too."
Momo: "What? Oh no, oh no, oh no. Not you, Jeremy. You would never hurt anyone like that!"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, believe me... I didn't like the feeling and it scared me. At first. But then I start thinking about what if he tries to take Krash from me. What if he tries to hurt Krash. I have to protect him right? Bryan has taught me all about how sometimes you gotta do what it takes... and I think this is one of those times where I gotta do what it takes. And maybe that means entering this tournament that will no doubt lead me straight to Alyster Black."
Momo: "I don't know, I don't know. The whole thing just feels really icky."
Jeremy Best: "What do you think Krash would want? What would he say?"
Momo pauses, reflecting carefully.
Momo: "I think Krash would be supportive of whatever decision you made. He would want you to be happy. So you have to ask yourself. Do you give into that dark feeling you're having... that feeling that makes you want to hurt Alyster Black... go to a place that you may never be able to come back from... OR... do you play it safe. Keep your mind and body protected from the darkness. After all, what good are you to Krash if you're in a bodybag?"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, Momo. You are wise beyond your years."
Momo: "Always happy to help, Jeremy!"
With that, Momo disappears along with the rest of the animated landscape of Friendtopia. The world around Jeremy transforms back into the real world where Jeremy Best is sitting on the swing of an actual playground in Detroit. He looks down at the contract one more time and nods knowingly before getting up from the swing and walking off.
{KICK THAT DUST UP || LUKE BRYAN}[MEDIA=youtube]Gz2oHRD2pF4[/MEDIA]
With the crowd semi-interested, mainly to see what kind of getup The Boulder is going to have this week, the tunes of Luke Bryan begin to play bringing out six men dressed like cowboys - denim pants, black leather vest, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and their faces are obscured by red handkerchiefs. As the six cowboys prance out onto the stage, The Boulder emerges from the back, dressed similarly except you can tell it was a struggle for him to get into the pants and the black vest clearly is at least two sizes too small.
Natalie Rosenberg: "This next match is scheduled for one-fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Birmingham, Alabama... weighing in at three-hundred eighty-five pounds... "THE COWBOY" BOULDY BEDROCK!
A mixture of laughter and scattered boos fill the arena as Boulder and his cowboy entourage make their way down to the ring.
Allen Price: "I didn't realize they made skinny jeans in The Boulder... I mean... Bouldy Bedrock size."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Judging by what we're seeing right now, I don't think they do. The Boulder, known for his parodies, has definitely targeted his opponent with his get up tonight."
Boulder climbs into the ring and tosses his cowboy hat aside as he awaits his opponent.
{WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE || BON JOVI}[MEDIA=youtube]8SiS9ZWaCLY[/MEDIA]
The crowd pop up to their feet as Tommy Bedlam trots out from the back, waving his cowboy hat in his hands to pump up the fans, but is less than pleased when he sees "Bouldy Bedrock" and the six men dressed as cowboys at ringside. Randi walks out behind him, and her smile quickly fading when she sees Tommy's reaction.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Randi Francis... from Sweetwater, Texas... weighing in at two-hundred fourty-four pounds... TTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMY BBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEDLAM!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This should serve as a nice warm up for Tommy Bedlam, who will be receiving a FWA Television Championship match at Grand March against Shawn Summers."
Allen Price: "Tommy had a great showing on Meltdown this week, though his team came up short in the eight-person tag against the Nephews. Something tells me his luck should be better in this one."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I don't think Tommy is going to underestimate The Boulder, while his record may not indicate it, a man of his size and strength should not be taken lightly."
Tommy and Randi begin to walk down the aisle as the cowboys at ringside suddenly charge towards them! Tommy instructs Randi to step aside and he takes on the cowboys head on! First one gets a hard right hand to send him down, the second eats a lariat and then a third one rushes in and gets a big back body drop to the ramp!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Those cowboys are more like henchmen as they attempt a pre-match attack on Tommy, but Bedlam is having none of it!"
The other cowboys back off as Tommy slides into the ring, tosses his cowboy hat and vest aside and is ready to right at The Boulder! Tommy wastes no time going right at The Boulder, unloading some fists to the bigger wrestler, rocking “Bedrock” backwards to the ropes. Tommy grabs his massive arm and Irish Whips Boulder into the ropes, but “Bouldy” reverses it, sending Tommy in instead. LARIAT attempt from Boulder is ducked by Bedlam, and Tommy bounces off the opposite ropes… SPEAR! The Spear takes the powerful Boulder down to the mat!
Bedlam pops back up, fired up and playing to the crowd as Boulder begins to try to get to his feet. Once Boulder is up, Tommy hits him with a Discus Lariat that rocks the big man. He hits another pair of Discus Lariats… continuing to stagger “Bedrock” until Tommy climbs up to the top turnbuckle, coming off with big Flying Clothesline to take Bedrock back down to the mat!
Tommy makes the cover!
One! Two! Kickout by “Bedrock!”
Tommy is right back up, taunting Boulder to get to his feet. The big man begins to stagger back up to his feet… into the BUCKSHOT superkick from Bedlam! DOWN GOES THE BIG MAN!
Bedlam is about to go for the pin, but IN COME THE COWBOYS to try and make the save for Boulder!
Allen Price: “Here comes the cavalry!”
But Tommy ducks a clothesline from the first, taking him out with a Buckshot of his own. Then the next one gets a Buckshot as well! Two more charge in but Tommy hits a DOUBLE SPEAR to take them both down!
A fifth cowboy enters the ring with a chair, but is quickly cut off by referee Larry Stevens! Stevens pulls the chair away from the fifth cowboy and admonishes the cowboy, while the sixth cowboy sneaks up from behind Tommy! But Bedlam sees him coming - boot to the midsection…. BULLSEYE!
While Larry Stevens is stil dealing with the remaining cowboy, Tommy goes over to confront him as well… when a.. SEVENTH cowboy slides into the ring and now he has a chair!
Allen Price: “Wait, my math isn’t always the best but I’m pretty sure there was only six of those cowboys at ringside!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "No you are 100% correct. These cowboys are showing up out of the woodwork like they were Nephews!”
CRACK!
The seventh cowboy cracks the chair across Tommy’s back! Bedlam drops to his knees and the cowboy gives SECOND chair to the back, sending Bedlam down onto the mat! The cowboy tosses the chair out of the ring, removes his cowboy hat and pulls the handkerchief down off his face to loud boos from the Detroit fans…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SHAWN SUMMERS!”
Allen Price: “That dirty, rotten scoundrel! He’s going to cost Tommy Bedlam this match!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “This cowboy charade must have all been orchestrated by Summers! There’s nothing more than he’d want to see than Tommy suffering such a painful loss heading into their match at Grand March!”
Satisfied with his work, Summers jumps to ringside as the other cowboy also finally leaves the ring. Official Larry Steven turns back to the action in the ring to find Boulder crawling over, rolling Tommy onto his back and making the pin.
ONE! TWO! THRE….NO!
Allen Price: “He kicks out! Tommy kicks out! There will be no tainted loss here!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And just look at the reaction of Shawn Summers at ringside! He’s livid!”
Summers is in fact beside himself at ringside, slamming his fists down on the apron in frustration while on the other side of the ring, Randi slaps the apron in support, trying to rally Bedlam back from the attack by Summers. Boulder grabs Tommy by the throat, and pulls him up… looking for The Chokeslam…
BUT TOMMY ESCAPES - he goes down the back of Boulder, puts his head underneath the big man’s arm… and just barely manges to get the big man up into the air for the ROUGH RIDE! Bedlam leans back onto Boulder, hooking his massive near leg for the cover.
ONE! TWO! Shawn Summers climbs the apron, trying to stop the pin… BUT RANDI HAS HIS LEG! THREE!
{RESULT}Winner: Tommy Bedlam by pinfall at 4:38.
Tommy sits up, holding his back in pain while a frustrated Shawn Summers jumps down off the apron and confronts Randi at ringside over her involvement.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… TOMMY BEDLAM!”
The brief pop for Tommy’s win is quickly turned to boos aimed at Shawn Summers as he backs Randi down at ringside, and gives her a SHOVE!
Allen Price: “OH COME ON! She’s pregnant! He shouldn’t be laying a finger on her!”
Spotting the interaction from the ring, a heated Tommy runs and DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES ONTO SUMMERS AT RINGSIDE! Bedlam begins unloading a flurry of punches to Summers, showing his outrage at Shawn for putting his hands on his woman. Tommy is unrelenting as he pushes Summers up against the railing as he continues to wail away on the Television Champ much to the delight of the fans at ringside.
Unfortunately, the fans would not get much of what they were enjoying as FWA security rushes down to the ring to pull Tommy off of Summers.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Shawn Summers better thank his lucky stars that security showed up when they did or he may not have made it to Grand March! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a look in Bedlam’s eyes like that.”
Tommy struggles against the FWA security, clearly wanting to continue to get his hands on Summers. Security also creates a barrier between Summers and Randi to ensure he’s not going after her again, but Der Basterd has a big smirk on his face as he leans up against the rails. He gets up to his feet and smiles as he watches Tommy trying to break free from the four security guards holding him back.
Summers walks over towards Tommy, security about to stop him but Summers isn’t looking to continue the fight. Instead, he simply leans in and whispers into Bedlam’s right ear as he’s being restrained. The camera rushes in closer but is unable to catch any of what Summers had to say to him.
But as Summers withdraws from Bedlam with a big shit eating grin, Tommy suddenly stops resisting against security and his face quickly loses all expression. Security pulls Tommy up to his feet as he shakes his head in what appears to be disgust.
Allen Price: “What… what was that all about?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure, Price… but whatever it was really seemed to spook Bedlam. His whole demeanor changed in an instant!”
As Tommy is hauled away to the back by security, Randi joins him by his side as Shawn Summers gives a disingenuous wave to the couple before he realizes he is still wearing the cowboy disguise he had used and he tosses away the leather vest in disgust. He gives it a good stomp for good measure before heading back up the ramp to loud boos from the crowd.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Like everyone, I’m not sure what to make of the end of that exchange, but if anything, it adds even more intrigue to what should be a hard hitting Television Championship match at Grand March!”
[EARLIER TODAY…]
The camera opens up on a dry but overcast and seemingly chilly day, a signpost welcoming us to a small recreational area adjacent to Lake Eyrie. There is a small parking lot to the right and, to the left, a green space with picnic benches leading down to a small pebble beach. There are a few cyclists sitting on one of the benches, staring out over the lake. A young couple takes a selfie before returning to their vehicle. The temperature is four degrees, or forty for our comrades from the States. Looks like it might rain later. Dreary, generally speaking. The quiet and calm nature of the scene is somewhat disrupted by a large, pink minibus careering into the carpark and pulling up over two spaces next to the water. The engine turns off and we cut to a close-up of the vehicle, its octagonal wheel trims and tentacled/floral (that’s tentacles with flowers, if you require more specific descriptors) design visible more clearly now. The doors (both front and back) open and a large line of Nephews in pink tracksuits step down onto the tarmac, holding towels and deck chairs and cool boxes and various other accessories necessary for a day at the beach. Role-call: Uncle J.J. JAY!, Thomas West, Gerald Grayson, Marcus & Micah McClain, Quiet, Harry the Sane Wizard, the Maid of Death, NOE-I, Kha’rina, a half-dozen McClones, Sting Ray, and - last to emerge from the van and doing so reluctantly - Bill Scorpane. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Well, has everyone brought a towel?”Most of the Nephews read the memo and hold up their towels, except for Sting Ray and (using the term Nephew loosely and against his will) Bill. Ray is already making a beeline for the water. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I guess he’s semi-aquatic, anyway. And he had all of the bags to carry. I suppose he doesn’t need a towel. I’ve brought a spare for you, Bill. It’s in the back of the van. Lovely day for it.”Harry the Sane Wizard: “It’s forty degrees, Uncle.”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Just keep your tracksuits on, Nephews. I bring you all of the beach, but with none of the melanoma. You should be thanking me!”The group picks a spot and begins to spread out, a few smaller circles of beach chairs and rolled out towels forming. The Maid tests out the water but finds it too cold for more than a foot. The Avatar begins to walk on top of its surface. Thomas has brought a boombox and starts to play through a playlist of the top sixty five FWA themes of all-time as voted for by the FWA Cosmos. All of the Nephews are pleased when their themes are played throughout the course of the day, except for Kha’’rina. Next year, Uncle tells her. Gerald Grayson: “Did you go to the beach much with Jeremy and Bryan, Mr. Scorpane?”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Please! Call him Bill!”Bill Scorpane: “Mr. Scorpane works just fine, kid. And no, not really. I think Jeremy suggested it once or twice. Suggested most things, really. But I didn’t go out of my way to spend too much time with him. Kept a professional relationship.”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Well, that’s one of the great things about us Nephews, old Billy-boy. There’s no such thing as a professional relationship for you, anymore!”Bill Scorpane: “Is it us already?”Harry the Sane Wizard: “This is how it starts, old Billy-boy.”Scorpane only becomes slightly more enthused when the first of several coolboxes is opened. He retrieves a can of pina colada, is somewhat surprised to find that pinacolada comes in cans, and then opens it to take a long swig. The half-dozen McClones have carried the volleyball equipment away from the group and are now setting up a court. Harry was beginning work on a sandcastle. Uncle takes his vape out of his tracksuit pocket and takes a long, satisfied toke. Fallout returns to the arena with something rather unexpected; a large, muscular man in a black and green singlet is marching down towards the ring, shouting to himself and no one else in particular to no music. The man has a deranged look in his eyes and has a rat tail haircut and he snatches a microphone from Natalie Rosenberg on his way into the ring up the steps. Allen Price: "Who is this?"Jean-Luc Watkins: "I have no idea who this man is or why he is here. I have never seen him before in my life and I can only assume that he does not work here. I’ve called security back as I understand that the situation with Tommy Bedlam has been resolved and he no longer requires restraint."The man stomps up the steps and gets into the ring, where he holds the microphone far too close to his mouth. ???: "ARGH! I’M SO PUMPED UP! I WANT AN OPPORTUNITY HERE IN THE FWA! I AM GOING TO MAKE THIS PLACE RAWRDLOW’S WORLD!"The man, who it is safe to assume is called Rawrdlow, seems to be unnecessarily intense but incapable of properly expressing his pent up rage. Rawrdlow: "I WANT A MATCH! NOT JUST ANY MATCH! I WANT A TITLE MATCH! I WANT A TITLE MATCH WITH ANY CHAMPION RIGHT NOW!"As Rawrdlow paces in the ring, the same security personnel which were present to restrain Tommy Bedlam file out from the back and they jog down to the ring. The first security member enters the ring AND RAWRDLOW KICKS THEM IN THE CHEST! The second comes in and takes a punch, as does the next six and Rawrdlow then takes the first man and lifts him up… and throws him over the top rope onto the remaining security members! Allen Price: "Hey! He can’t do that to security and face absolutely no repercussions! Surely FWA management is going to do something about this? We have no security now!"Jean-Luc Watkins: "You’d really think things like that would result in a fine or a suspension, wouldn’t you? Yet here he is, asking for a title shot."With the security taken out, Rawrdlow picks up the microphone once again. Rawrdlow: "TITLE MATCH! NOOOOOOOOOW!"{SONNE || RAMMSTEIN}[MEDIA=youtube]YtEWoavDlcM[/MEDIA] The crowd rises to their feet and they make their voices heard very loudly as Alyster Black walks out from the back! The X Champion has his belt over his shoulder and he walks towards the ring, as Rawrdlow is shown nodding in approval of this turn of events. Allen Price: "Wait a minute? Alyster Black is taking this guy up on his challenge? Alyster is just eleven days away from becoming the longest-reigning X Champion of all time and he’s risking it all against this lunatic?Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, apparently attacking company employees is grounds for rewards through title shots, who knew? Well, Alyster Black has quite a lot going on at the moment; there is of course his upcoming defence of the X Championship in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, Krash is still missing and being hidden by the Buddy System and now, someone has taken to impersonating him and attacking him. This Rawrdlow guy might actually be making one tremendously large mistake."Allen Price: "We saw this fake Alyster Black go after Aly on Meltdown on Thursday night and he got the better of Alyster once again; is Alyster even one hundred per cent?”As Alyster enters the ring, a referee slides in too and DJ Franchise confirms with Alyster that this is going to be a title match, and Alyster nods… AND BLACK GOES RIGHT AFTER RAWRDLOW AND THE BELL RINGS! The crowd are very amped as Alyster peppers Rawrdlow with strikes and he knocks him into the corner and starts unloading on his opponent with a Violence Party! Alyster Black is no security guard and he proves it by absolutely decimating Rawrdlow with his punches and elbow strikes and once he is content that he has done enough, he walks away towards the ropes and exits the ring. Alyster lifts up the ring skirting and looks to see what is available to him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Remember, this is an X Championship match, which means that anything goes, Price! Alyster Black is allowed to use any weapon at his disposal and I will reiterate that this could be something Rawrdlow lives to regret asking for, if he even lives at all."
Alyster pulls out a steel chair from under the ring and he slides it under the bottom rope, and a table follows. Alyster slides the table into the ring as well and then reaches underneath and he pulls out a small black bag! The fans cheer as Black leaves the sack on the apron and then climbs back into the ring where he picks up the steel chair. Rawrdlow, dazed and groggy after the Violence Party, staggers towards him.
“I’ll let you have one.” Alyster says to his opponent and he stands with his arms outstretched, the steel chair gripped by his left hand. Rawrdlow nods and seems to be ready to take advantage of the opening being offered to him. He leans back and puts both of his arms to one side.
Allen Price: "Is he charging it up or something?”
Rawrdlow lines it up AND THEN SWINGS FORWARD FOR A CLOTHESLINE - BUT IT DOES NO DAMAGE TO BLACK! Alyster takes the move with ease… AND THEN WRAPS THE STEEL CHAIR AROUND RAWRDLOW’S HEAD!!
Such was the impact, the chair remains around the neck of Rawrdlow as he falls to the ground and Alyster looks down at him with disgust. Black then flips the table and sets it up in front of the turnbuckle and he picks Rawrdlow up (with the chair still around his neck) onto his shoulders and backs towards the turnbuckle and stands on the top rope with his opponent on his shoulders and the crowd cheers loudly as ALYSTER DOES THE RIGHT THING AND RIDES THE BOMB TO HELL THROUGH THE TABLE!!!
The impact from performing his own move does more damage to Alyster than the offensive move of his opponent, but Black gets up relatively quickly and pulls the chair off of Rawrdlow and throws it outside of the ring. Alyster then retrieves the black bag and opens it, tipping the contents out onto the mat. The thousands of thumbtacks litter the canvas, and Alyster then drags Rawrdlow out from the wreckage of the table and pulls him up to his knees. Alyster opens Rawrdlow’s mouth and then grabs a handful of tacks… and shoves them in Rawrdlow’s mouth!
Allen Price: "This is the kind of thing we can be looking to expect from the King of the Deathmatch…”
Alyster waits for Rawrdlow to get up a little bit more, and he ignores the panicked look on his opponent’s face when he runs through him with the ONE SHOT KILL!!! Tacks spray into the air out of Rawrdlow’s bloody mouth as he is struck in it by Alyster’s arm, but Alyster is not done yet and he flips Rawrdlow over onto his front and grabs him by both arms in front of the tacks… CURB STOMP INTO THE TACKS!!! Alyster violently flips Rawrdlow over and gets on top of him, ignoring the thumbtacks that are piercing his own body as the referee counts;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
{RESULT}WInner: Alyster Black by pin fall at 3:16.
The bell rings, and Alyster is handed his championship and he stands up in the tacks, picking a couple out of his lower back before he beckons for a microphone, which he duly receives.
Alyster Black: "People need to be careful what they wish for, because they might just end up with me doing what I just did to this prick to them. It seems like there are a lot of people out to get me at the moment and even more pissing me off, but there’s one I’d like to address directly right now."
Alyster turns to the stage and then points around the arena.
Alyster Black: "I don’t care if you come out from the back, through the crowd, from under the ring or down from the fucking ceiling, I want that piece of shit who has been dressing up as me to come out here right now!"
Pacing in the ring, Alyster makes it clear from his body language that he is not fooling around and does not want to be made to wait.
Allen Price: "Alyster Black is calling out his imposter!"
To the surprise of everyone, the X Champion included, it does not take long for the individual concerned to appear, and they perform an almost leisurely stroll out from the back onto the stage. Just like every other time they have been seen, this mystery person is dressed exactly like Alyster Black. As soon as the real Alyster notices, he walks right up to and leans on the nearest ropes.
Alyster Black: "I don’t know who you are, and at this point it doesn’t even fucking matter to me. All I want is you in this ring so I can give you what you’ve got coming to you, you fucking coward. So get the fuck in here so we can do this!"
There is a grand approval from the crowd for that proposal, but the fake masked person shakes their head.
Alyster Black: "Why am I not surprised? Fine, well maybe you need some incentive… How about you put yourself down for the King of the Deathmatch tournament? If you really want to hurt me, being the one to take this from me will do it."
Alyster looks on intently and waits for an answer, which comes in the form of a slow and sinister nodding of the head. Black looks down at his X Championship and chuckles lightly into the microphone.
Alyster Black: "I’m glad you agreed to that, because I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I’m also not going to wait until then either!"
The microphone lands on the mat with a loud clunk and Alyster Black exits the ring quickly and makes his way up the ramp… but the fake Alyster realises what is coming and then legs it! Disappearing behind the stage almost as quickly as every other time they have appeared to attack the real Alyster, they’re gone! The crowd aren’t pleased and neither is the X Champion, but he decides not to chase his attacker and instead turns back to face the ring and the savagely beaten Rawrdlow, and he throws up one of his classic middle fingers as ‘Sonne’ plays once again.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think the main takeaway of the last few minutes is that Alyster Black means business right now and that can only spell danger for the rest of the field in the King of the Deathmatch tournament; which now apparently will include the fake Alyster Black!"
Allen Price: "Whoever that person is, I just really hope that the real Alyster gets his chance to get his hands on them and make them pay for everything that they’ve done to him."
A gentle glow lights the darkness as the girl holds a paper lantern in her hands. Returning to a familiar place, we are at a split between two paths. The right path, though it is darkened from the night, through very subtle glow purple plum leaves are visible along a cracked and broken road. The sign pointing towards it reads “罪.” A path of dishonour and indulgence. Sin. To the left, cherry blossom petals fall on a path which is more maintained. Its sign: “名誉,” honour. What is right? Keeping your head held high despite everything and staying true to who you are. Vampyra stands on the path, the camera only showing her from her elbows down. The white base and purple designs of her kimono remain stunning, crafted with care. The wind from earlier has died down as she continues where she left off.
Vampyra: “A path of honour? Or a path of sin?”
The young Joshi asks herself.
Vampyra: “Am I really doomed to suffer from my mistakes? My past choices…”
“私はいつもあなたを所有します!”
A woman’s voice in Japanese shouts from the right path. It echoes between the many trees. ‘I will always own you,’ the voice shouted. Vampyra takes a foot forward, looking down that path.
Vampyra: “Would it be wrong for me to indulge? To lash out against the world and those who have wronged me? I was not really wanted at first. I was just the little girl in the mask, too shy to even look up at the lights. But someone saw everything I felt. Neglect. Anger. Fear. They told me not to hide those problems…”
She balls her hand into a fist as the screen flashes a mix of some of Vampyra’s more aggressive moments from her career or times where she showed a hint of anger. A younger version of her, back in her days under Sin, unleashing a steel chair shot repeatedly, ironically on someone who would become a close friend years later, Ririko, with her fellow young wrestler crying out in pain. She hits her double knee strike to the back of Sawyer Xavier, sending him crashing into a post. She locks him in her Life-Drain Triangle Choke and it is so tight, he doesn’t even have a chance to tap out as he passes out. In a moment which is forgotten, she is slapped hard by the then double champion, Alyster Black, and the young star is fired up, getting in the champion’s face, before fighting back with extra vigour.
Vampyra: “And what happens when you are stepped on? You have every right to lash back. In a new strange world where nobody seems to play by the rules, would it make sense to just… fight fire with fire? It is the MAYHEM way. But why wait for the first shot…”
Vampyra takes a step forward, almost entranced by the path in front of her.
Vampyra: “-When you can shoot first?”
The whispers from before return, its voice goes through the air with a chill.
“これがあなたの性質です。”
She is drawn even closer to the path and its seductive pull.
Vampyra: “Imagine. Rather than being on the mat in pain and suffering… Those who would dare strike me down meet an early end before it happens. Vampyra will never be laughed at. Vampyra will be respected through fear. Fear of her name. Fear of what she brings. Losses become irrelevant.”
“これが本来あるべき姿です。あなたは選択肢がありません。”
The voice echoes again in Japanese.
Vampyra: “I am the foreign girl in a new world. How many people really like me? I’m different.”
Vampyra’s speech is oddly entranced. It is somewhat monotone and seems completely unlike her, as if something is possessing her. She drags her feet.
Vampyra: “How else can I survive? I was not good enough to stay champion. I was not good enough to compete with the best. Why worry about acceptance? They will just turn against someone like me. Because that is all I see. I see hate. Why show what I’ll never receive in the end?”
Hoot, hoot. An owl is heard in the distance. Vampyra stops. She looks back and forth, the light from her lantern sways as she moves. The echo of the owl fades and Vampyra… is all alone again.
Vampyra: “All alone. All I am. Many friends are separated by an ocean and I have nobody else to rely on. I suppose in a world where everyone else has someone they can rely on, from your Covens, to Eternals, to thousands of Nephews, I can only reply on myself… and my true natur-”
“すべてのオプションを検討してください。”
A voice comes through the air from the left path. It is of a woman’s and it is soft and motherly. Vampyra stops in her path and slowly turns around. She looks at the left path with some cherry blossom leaves falling down to the ground.
Vampyra: “-But is it?”
Whatever trance she was seemingly under is broken. She moves closer to the other path.
Vampyra: “What is my true nature? Am I this vengeful spirit? A woman out to steal and take? Or do I want to explore and grow? And how far have I come? Almost twenty two years of age and yet, I have done more in the past several months than I have in years.”
Vampyra holds her hands to her chest and thinks back. She climbs up a post to grab a briefcase, revealing it to be a chance at the FWA Television Championship. Not too long later, it was announced that she was being put as a replacement in the F1 Climaxxx field. Previously unseen footage for FWA fans of Vampyra’s surprised reaction backstage, doing her best to keep a poker face, but you can tell she is going through a mix of shock, anxiety, and excitement. Then, each match. Tommy Bedlam and her exchanging a nod of respect after their match, though not an ally, a branch extended. She spikes the then World Champion’s head into the mat with a Death Spike. Her getting the pinfall to win her first championship in FWA, though the less said about the aftermath, the better. Her powering out at ONE against a former World Champion, fighting through injury, and landing Nightfall on Kayden Knox. Finally, it is her walking down the aisle as FWA Television Champion, her belt hanging over her shoulder due to the size of the belt in comparison to her.
Vampyra: “I have to keep reminding myself, and yet I always forget. It is so easy to focus on the negatives. And yet, each time I fall, I just climb up higher and higher. ”
She has a small, warm laugh.
Vampyra: “There is plenty of hate which weighs you down. But in a world filled with hate, all you can really do is just bring in as little as you can to it. Do not hurt because others hurt you. Instead, stand up for yourself. Stay firm in what you fight for. If you fall to the depths of their reach, then are you really better?”
“あなたは良いものではありません！嘘をやめなさい！”
The voice from the right path screeches in desperation. The wind blows the skirt of Vampyra’s kimono as she tenses up. Unlike before, she isn’t drawn into its allure.
Vampyra: “No. If I do that, then who will really win? Is it even about winning at this point? Or is it just about doing what is right? Right for who I AM!?”
She takes more steps towards the left path and she is now looking down it. Water streams are heard in the distance.
Vampyra: “And what if I fall back into those old ways? I’d be moving backwards. Not forward. There are reasons why I left that behind long ago. It was not real. I could not look myself or those whose opinions mattered in the face. Those who did not support me… were proven right, and I was not happy.”
Taking a single step forward, Vampyra doesn’t hesitate.
Vampyra: “And that is what I need to be. I need happiness. I need…”
“止まる。行かないで!”
The right path’s voice cries out.
Vampyra: “-I need to be true to myself.”
Her mind is made up. Vampyra begins to move down the left path. The sun begins to rise on the horizon, leaving an orange hue in the sky. The trees and path become visible. She walks comfortably down the path, keeping a brisk pace, moving away from the path behind her. The warm voice whispers to her.
“あなたを誇りに思います。”
Vampyra has a warm laugh. She moves down the path with cherry blossoms and gets instructions from a sign. It is printed in both Japanese and English.
“ドラゴンズゲートでお会いしましょう。そこから、本当の仕事が始まります。”
“See you at Dragon's Gate. From there, the real work begins.”
Continuing along, Vampyra is seemingly at some sense of peace. Cherry petals float in the air with their pink shine covering the sky. The sun continues to rise, removing the darkness from the world. In the distance, the sounds of water roars as it crashes down from a waterfall.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The next contest is a tag team match and it is set for one fall!”
{RAGE BENEATH THE MOUNTAINS (COVER) || LINDSEY STERLING}[MEDIA=youtube]hU0Zbpf0OS8[/MEDIA]
The lights of the arena dim as the lights near the stage flash purple and gold in tune with the strings of the music. All video screens are off apart from the one showing the main entrance video. The music builds for eight seconds then Princess Nova makes her way out first. Her long skirt flowing behind her with her arms out near her hips. She spins and does a curtsy near the stage as her tag partner and “little sister,” Keres is carried out by two followers. Meeting Princess Nova on the stage, she lightly taps Nova’s head before the two make their way down the ramp, Princess Nova walking, and Keres being carried.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing first, from The Residence, the TORN Angel, Princess Nova, the Daughter of Demise, Keres, they… are… Eternal!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here comes Eternal, Price. Their last outing was an unsuccessful one, but they still came off looking impressive and they’ll be looking to right that wrong tonight.”
On her way down the ramp, Princess Nova has a wide, almost disturbing grin, giggling as she does a “Princess wave” to some of the fans. Keres remains unflinching, being carried by her followers. At ringside, Princess Nova turns to the steps and goes up them. Wiping off her boots, she enters the ring between the middle and bottom rope as Keres is gently placed on the apron, her feet not touching the ground. Nova raises the middle rope so her sister may enter.
Allen Price: “Yeah, but that’s not all we’ve seen out of Eternal as of late, Jean-Luc. They’ve seen to have taken a keen interest in Lizzie Rose. They gave her money and what happened on Meltdown this past week with Lizzie was something out of a weird horror movie, I don’t think I could even explain it!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It’s probably best you don’t do that, Price, and it’s probably in the best interest of Eternal that they shift their focus from Lizzie Rose to their opposition tonight.”
Keres stands in the middle of the ring, still as Princess Nova circles around her, spinning her skirt before she stands next to Keres and does a long curtsy to her sister. Keres turns to Nova and gently removes the tiara from her head. The two TORN sisters head to their corner as Princess Nova unclips her skirt as their theme music fades away.
{THE LUMBERJACK || JACKYL}[MEDIA=youtube]A52p9jc-gOo[/MEDIA]
Dan and Doug march out on stage to a rousing ovation from the Detroit fans. The twins posture on stage and feed off the energy of the crowd. Soon enough, the twins share a fist bump and then stomp down to the ring with their focus set firmly on what awaits them inside the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing their opponents, from The Yukon, Canada and weighing in at a combined weight of 625 lb…Dan and Doug LuPone…The Lumberjacks!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “The Lumberjacks are also coming off a loss in the same match that involved Eternal, so these two teams are not strangers to each other. The Lumberjacks are still trying to find their footing and a win over Eternal could be a step in the right direction for them.”
Allen Price: “I could be wrong but this might be the first time we’ve seen a two sets of siblings square off here in FWA.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t know but I’m sure there’s a fact checker out there that will know whether or not if that’s true.”
Dan and Doug are in the ring and posture more for the fans before they turn their attention toward Eternal that stand across from them. Match official Giovanni Blanco checks things over with both teams before calling for the bell. DING! DING! DING!
Dan LuPone is kicking things off with Princess Nova and Dan has the obvious size advantage over the diminutive Nova. Nova does her usual curtsy toward Dan, but he ignores that and he tries to grab her in a tie up but Nova is much too quick for Dan and she skirts around behind him and she begins to wallop him repeatedly on the back with forearm strikes. The strikes have little to no effect on Dan as he slowly turns around and he clutches Nova with a claw hold and he hurls her across the ring with a biel throw!
Allen Price: “Yikes, he launched her across the ring like she was a lawn dart!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Princess Nova may want to rethink her strategy here if she wants to get any sort of offense in on Dan LuPone.”
Dan stomps across the ring toward Nova, and he brings her up in a front face lock with both hands wrapping around her skull. Nova starts to swing wildly at Dan and she gets some good shots in, but Dan simply sends her off toward the opposite ropes and on the rebound Nova ducks underneath a clothesline from Dan and she launches herself off with a springboard crossbody. Dan catches her though and he’s thinking of dropping her with something devastating, but Nova wild strikes begin to take their toll and this brings Dan down to one knee. Nova frees herself from his grip, and she starts laying in some more forearm strikes on Dan. Nova then wraps her hands around his head and starts smashing her knee into his skull repeatedly! Dan is in a daze and Nova uses this opportunity to plant him face first to the canvas with a snap DDT! Nova drags the massive Dan over to her corner and she makes the tag Keres. The sisters have Dan trapped in the corner and lay it in with double team stomps in the corner before Nova is admonished and sent to the apron.
Keres sizes up Dan as she backs up and she charges toward him in the corner with a running elbow strike, but Dan catches her and tosses her forward! Dan then tosses Keres in his team’s corner and he squishes her in the corner with a running splash! Dan tags in Doug and the brothers take Keres by the hands and send her across the ring, and they catch her on the rebound with a double canadian flapjack! Doug drops down for the pin!
One…two…NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Great teamwork on display by the brothers there and just like that they have shifted the momentum in their favor, wrestling fans!”
Doug drags Keres back to his corner and tags Dan back in. The brothers begin to go to town on Keres with a barrage of chops, and the brothers begin to get competitive with each other as they try to one up each other on poor Keres. Eventually Doug is sent back to the apron by the official, and Dan goes for another chop but this time Keres slips out of the way in time and she crawls between Dan’s legs and leaps across the ring to tag in Princess Nova. The Princess immediately climbs to the top and just as Dan turns around he’s hit with a diving missile dropkick by Princess Nova! Nova drops down on top of Dan for the pin…
One…two…NO!
Nova hits a double knee moonsault adding insult to injury on Dan and drags him to the corner in a prone position. She starts to choke the life out of him with her boot on his throat and she giggles gleefully as she does this. She’s forced to break up the choke by the official and she adds in a few stomps for good measure before tagging Keres back in. Keres holds Dan in the corner now in a sleeper hold and Princess Nova strikes with a running dropkick! Dan is still slouched down in the corner and Keres strikes with a running crossbody! Keres drags Dan away and makes the cover…
One…two…NO!
Dan with a forceful kick out that sends Keres flying off of him to the opposite end of the ring!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “An authoritative kick out by Dan LuPone! That could be the jolt he needs to bring himself back in this.”
Allen Price: “The crowd is certainly getting behind Dan to make that tag and now is as good a time as any!”
The crowd is doing their best to rally Dan and Dan makes the tag to Doug! Doug comes in hot and Keres is up and she charges forward but Doug catches her with a spin kick to the face! Doug takes Keres in position and he launches her across the ring with a release german suplex! Keres rolls over near her corner and Princess Nova tags herself in. Nova charges forward and Doug does a cartwheel before clobbering Nova with a lariat! Doug drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Allen Price: “He damn near took her head off with that lariat!”
Doug lands a somersault senton for good measure on Nova before he tags in Dan and Dan is fired up now as he takes Nova and drops her with a scoop slam! He follows up with another and one more with the crowd firmly behind him and Dan is feeling it now as he tries to hype up the crowd even more. Dan tags Doug back in and Doug climbs to the top and he’s calling for it as Dan holds Nova in position, but slips out of Dan’s grip and she kips up and she connects with a dropkick that knocks Dan back into the ropes and that causes Doug to slip and crotch himself on the top rope! Doug slumps down off to the apron and meanwhile Dan is on the receiving end of Kiss of Destiny from Princess Nova!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Princess Nova with that deadly koppu kick! This could be her opportunity to capitalize on a victory right here!”
Princess Nova tags in Keres and Dan kneeling now she locks in the Clutch of Woe! Keres has the tongan death grip submission applied. Keres stares at her sister and does a throat slash and thumbs down, which signals Princess Nova to strike with the Execution Elbow! Dan drops to the mat and Keres stays on top for the cover while Nova kicks Doug off the apron to the outside…
One…two…THREE!
{RESULT}WInner: Eternal by pinfall at 11:57.
One…two…THREE!
Natalie Rosenberg: “The winners of the match, Princess Nova and Keres…Eternal!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Just when it looked like The Lumberjacks were in the driver’s seat and had this one locked away, but they wasted far too much time and Eternal capitalized!”
Allen Price: “I suppose with The Lumberjacks in the rear view, the sisters can now turn their focus back to whatever it is they’re doing to Lizzie Rose.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It remains to be seen what else they have in store for Lizzie Rose but the show moves on after this short ad break, wrestling fans.”
Allen Price: “Is it another ad for that Undisputed Appliance? I gotta get me one of those!”
Keres and Nova revel in their victory and leave the ring while Doug checks on his brother. As they do, the familiar and triumphant theme of Joe Burr plays through the speakers of the arena as Eternal, in the ring, looks up to see, on the big screen, Joe walking through the corridors of the arena [maybe what he is wearing, etc]. He doesn’t seem to have much pageantry, but he is moving through the backstage area, not in a good mood.
“JOOOOOE BUURRRR”
“JOOOOOOOOOOOE BURRR!”
The fans chant.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Joe Burr! He’s coming to confront Eternal!”
Allen Price: “Are we sure he should get involved? He was demolished by Shawn Summers back the other week and something tells me, him picking a fight with Eternal will not bode as well!”
The music continues to play as Keres gets up in the ring. The Daughter of Demise doesn’t appear phased as Joe’s music plays. As for Princess Nova, she seems to have a playful expression.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Since coming to FWA, the duo of Eternal have made their primary focus related to his close friend, Lizzie Rose and she has yet to wrestle since the duo cost her the match at Back in Town against Bryan Baxter.”
Making his way out, there is no pyro for Joe Burr as he has a microphone. He is here to talk to the unique new duo in FWA. “Invasion” fades as Joe speaks.
Joe Burr: “Alright, what’s going on?!”
He shouts on the microphone. Princess Nova in the ring just giggles as Keres doesn’t seem to care. Whispering to Nova, Keres asks her to grab microphones from ringside, just in case they are needed.
Joe Burr: “Since day one of you two arriving as a pair, you have done nothing but make Lizzie’s life hell. I’ve never seen her this off! First, you two tried to get her ‘flowers’ and decided a bouquet wasn’t enough and somehow spawned a flower out of nowhere!-”
Princess Nova interrupts, complimenting Keres.
Princess Nova: “And that flower was SO pretty, Keres!”
Shaking his head, Joe Burr continues.
Joe Burr: “-Then you two stalked her constantly, and I already fear what ELSE you’re going to do to her. I’m here to stomp this out before it goes out of hand. You’re NOT going to mess with my friends. What’s the deal? Why are you so obsessed with her? If you just want to make a splash against a former champion, there are better ways than acting like Disney villains!”
Keres: “Mess with her?”
Keres asks.
Keres: “The last time I checked, giving someone gifts is a gesture most people take as an act of kindness. Not to mention my sister was so kind to use her $10,000 cash prize and donate it to her family as a way to pay off their debt-”
Allen Price: “So THAT’s where the money came from.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not like Nova really needed it anyways.”
Keres: “It is not our fault she feels very insecure. and is not used to such acts of kindne-”
Joe Burr: “No, no no! I don’t buy that!”
Joe Burr interrupts Keres, who speaks up.
Keres: “Do not talk out of turn, Joseph.”
Joe Burr blinks at his name being fancied up.
Keres: “The truth you forget is that this matter is between us and Elizabeth. We do not wish harm to your friend. Far from it, in fact.”
Princess Nova turns to Keres, trying to show a little understanding.
Princess Nova: “But Keres, I know he means well! He’s just trying to be a friend! He has good intentions. He’s doing what he thinks is best for Elizabeth!”
Keres plainly responds.
Keres: “But is it what’s actually best for her?”
Shaking her head, Nova responds.
Princess Nova: “Nope! But his heart is in the right place, so I really should not hate him for his judgment being clouded for a moment. It happens to better, so I should not fault him.”
Looking at Joe Burr down at the ramp, Princess Nova grins, trying to give her friendliest smile but instead just puts Joe at unease.
Princess Nova: “So, Joseph. I have the best-est of intentions when I tell you this…”
And her smile slowly fades. Nova’s eyes become cold. Her body stiffens like a doll. As she speaks, her voice becomes harsh.
Princess Nova: “You should run and never EVER interrupt us again! Or else we will be chewed up, spat out, then gutted like a fish…”
The crowd blinks, just unsettled by Princess Nova’s very sudden shift. Joe Burr is as well as he looks, shocked at the very sudden shift before Princess Nova suddenly goes back to her very cheerful self.
Princess Nova: “Kay’?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “...I think I might need to change my underwear after that…”
Allen Price: “Uh, Yikes.”
Joe is put off by the sudden change from Nova. He’s used to being an underdog, but not for this reason of facing a girl who is off her FUCKING ROCKER. Burr is trying to find the words, but a cheer is heard from the crowd as:
Lizzie Rose rushes out. She has a light tank top on and shorts. She grabs Joe by the arm, microphone in her hand. The former North American Champion has some unease into her voice.
Lizzie Rose: “Joe. I-I know you mean well, but they have issues with ME… FOR SOME REASON! Not you. I know you have my back, but I don’t want you to get messed up for a problem I’M part of!”
Looking up at his friend, Joe Burr tries to stand his ground.
Joe Burr: “‘Liz, no! I said nobody is going to push you around back at Lights Out and I mean it still! These CRAZY girls, they’re trying to make your life hell! I want to stop this before it gets out of hand!”
Lizzie Rose: “But Joe, Shawn CRUSHED YOU last week and I still remember when Saint Sulley crushed your larynx, it’s taken you a while to recover from that. Are you SURE you’re ready for this?”
Keres: “Trust your friend, Joseph. You don’t know what is in her best interests.”
Keres interjects, slowly… pushing on the tension between friends.
Keres: “Why get hurt again over this? Why risk your neck again for someone else? Especially someone who doesn't believe you can do it?”
Some of the fans gasp at the dig.
Keres: “You have fluked your way this far in FWA and your luck has continually ran out again and again. Why get hurt… When you can just-”
Lizzie Rose: “SHUT UP!”
Lizzie is losing patience as she yells at the top of her lungs, sparking a cheer from the fans for Lizzie Rose standing her ground after several weeks of insecurity. But no. Now she’s standing up FOR her friend.
Lizzie Rose: “You don’t know him! You’ve only been here a few weeks and all you’ve done is mess with me!”
Seeing his chance, Joe Burr gets an idea and interjects.
Joe Burr: “So, how about we solve this at The Grand March? Let’s make it a tag match. Keres, Nova, you two against Lizzie and myself? And in that match, you know what’s going to happen-”
Joe pauses before shouting with some of the fans getting involved.
Joe Burr: “YOU’RE GONNA GET YOUR FUCKING SHOULDERS PINNED!”
The fans chant Joe’s catchphrase repeatedly as the Eternal sisters exchange glances in the ring. They don’t even really need to say a word to each other to know how the other’s feeling. Nova lets Keres take the floor.
Keres: “Joseph… You do realize that pinning someone’s shoulders to the mat in a wrestling match is not a magical solution to all problems? We will not go away with a simple loss if you sneak one.”
Princess Nova follows.
Princess Nova: “We think higher than traditional industry standards. We see a big picture. One match will not change it.”
Raising her finger, Keres gives a proper answer.
Keres: “But we will entertain your idea- if Elizabeth accepts. We want her committed to the match, not forced unwillingly, because we VALUE her input, unlike you.”
All eyes turn to Lizzie Rose. She looks down towards Eternal and looks at Joe Burr. He nods his head and gives a small smile. Then the fans chant their answer.
“YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!”
Over and over again, Keres is having none of it as she yells on the microphone with a toddler-like rage.
Keres: “QUIET!!!”
The lights flicker as she yells and some fans cover their ear as her audio screeches into their ears. Keres composes herself and speaks calmly.
Keres: “This is Elizabeth’s answer. Do not speak.”
The fans, slightly freaked out by the girl in pigtails, oblige as Lizzie Rose thinks it over more. She takes a deep breath and thinks. This may not end it, but a match might allow her to stand her ground, this time.
Lizzie Rose: “-You’re on…”
And the microphone slips from Lizzie’s hand. Joe Burr gives her a pat on the shoulder, encouraging her as the fans cheer. Eternal in the ring… oddly smile. Did they actually want this.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And there we have it. Set for The Grand March: Joe Burr and Lizzie Rose, New York’s Finest, try to take on a team that is not just making Lizzie’s life hell, but have been making waves in such a short time, Eternal.”
Allen Price: “This is the first stand for Lizzie, and her and Joe better be careful because one match might not put an end to Eternal’s games, but one misstep and it might be the end of theirs.”
Eternal’s theme music plays us out as we cut to a commercial break.
[EARLIER TODAY…]
The McClones had been rallying the volleyball for almost two hours, which is the time that has elapsed since we were last with the Nephews on Lake Eyrie. The two teams of three Micahs are proving so well-evenly matched that neither has managed to score a single point. Thomas watches on in impressed fashion, drawing parallels between the endless rally and his own enjoyment of his paddleball. Amongst the main group, Bill Scorpane is working through his sixth pinacolada of the day. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “That’s the spirit, OBB. It’s short for ol’ Billy-boy. Only one less syllable, but still a twenty five percent time saving, which is worthwhile considering all the time we’re going to be spending together.”Nearby, Harry is staring at his animatronic hand. Harry the Sane Wizard: “Hey Uncle, do I need to put sunscreen on this? Not today, of course. But in general.”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “No… just be careful it doesn’t overheat. Bury it in the sand maybe.”Harry the Sane Wizard: “Once again, Uncle. It’s cold.”Scorpane finishes his drink and lets out an uncomely belch. He reaches for the coolbox and collects another can. He seems emboldened by the drink he’s already consumed. Bill Scorpane: “Uncle, I can understand that a man wants to protect his own interests. Further them. Everyone has different limits that they’re willin’ to go to. Mine are a little looser than most people’s granted. But I ain’t got nothing on you in that regard. And I can understand that, as I say. I’m not judgin’. But I’m sort of invested in the other team. Got hours spent with Jeremy and Bryan. So… I’m grateful for the drinks and all, even if this stuff is a bit too fruity for my liking, but this ain't gonna work. You might have those tag belts for now, but my boys are coming for them, and your girl’s got split priorities. I think I backed the right horses already.”Uncle smiles and sucks on his vape. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “It’s still early, Scorps.”Bill Scorpane: “Scorps?”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Trying out different things. I’m not settled on OBB yet.”From the boombox, Cochise begins to play. Gerald smiles. Gerald Grayson: “Never wanted to change it.”Following a brief snippet of AFI’s ‘The Sinking Night’... {GOD’S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN || JOHNNY CASH}[MEDIA=youtube]6BBFQUh6Dko[/MEDIA] There’s a torrent of derision for Logan Darwin as he appears on the stage. He pays the audience absolutely no mind, walking down the ramp with a sneer on his face. Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one-fall and with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and weighing in at two hundred and thirty pounds… ‘The Reaper’... Logan… DARWIN!!"Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan Darwin will be looking to return to winning ways tonight after he came out on the wrong side of last week’s trios match, where he teamed with Death Walker and Madison Gray in a King of the Deathmatch preview match."Allen Price: "‘The Reaper’ will no doubt want to salvage some momentum here in Detroit ahead of that tournament in just three short weeks."Darwin waits in the ring impatiently as his music fades out and is replaced by… {EVILEST MAN || KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD}[MEDIA=youtube]cDGvduVEweg[/MEDIA] weaselperson’s highly anticipated arrival is met with a surprising amount of adulation from Detroit, after their viral signing was announced some weeks ago. There’s even a slew of “BARK!” chants emanating from a portion of the crowd that carries on throughout the arena. They are reasonably tall and gangly, but their defining feature is the mass of hair that covers their entire body, and the bug eyes that give them a perpetually surprised look. It’s still hard to tell whether they’re beast or human as they make a straight path to the squared circle. Natalie Rosenberg: "And introducing his opponent… from The Meadows… weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… weaselperson!!"Allen Price: "Pardon my language J-L, but what the HECK is that?"Jean-Luc Watkins: "An abomination, Allen. It’s bad enough with Ratin and Steve, but perhaps we need to have a conversation with our talent recruiters. Worse yet, there rumours circulating that weaselperson has declared for the King of the Deathmatch tournament, but hopefully Darwin can ensure they don’t make it that far.."weaselperson rolls into the ring and stares across it at Logan, who looks slightly insulted at the opponent that he’s been matched with tonight. He shakes his head but then steps out of his corner, ready to start things off. The official conducts his final checks, being rather thorough with the heavy mass of hair he has to sift through, and then calls for the bell… It doesn't really seem like Logan Darwin knows what to make of weaselperson, much like JLW on commentary, and he concludes to regard his hairy opponent with a perplexed look on his face as weaselperson begins to circle the ring. Darwin again chuckles before reciprocating the motion. The Reaper shortens the radius of the circle, appearing to shape up for a collar and elbow tie-up… only for weaselperson to lash out with a right hand! It catches Darwin flush in the face, and he’s momentarily staggered, allowing weaselperson to hit a second right! Darwin stumbles back into the corner and goes for a cornered spear… only for Darwin to dive out of the way!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Evasive manoeuvres from Logan Darwin, and weaselperson hits the steel ring post shoulder first!"
Allen Price: "Yeah, that looked ugly, and immediately Logan Darwin is back on the offence…"
Darwin drags weaselperson out from the corner and into the middle of the ring, where he proceeds to stomp away at the shoulder and arm. He then wrenches weaselperson’s arm up behind their back with a grounded hammer lock. weaselperson yelps in pain, but then steadily begins to fight up to their feet. They send an elbow back into Darwin’s head, but The Reaper responds by wrenching further on the hold. weaselperson tries to throw a second elbow back into Darwin, but Logan ducks beneath it and then throws his opponent across the ring with a hot shot suplex! Darwin with the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Allen Price: "weaselperson kicks out! A little bit of resilience on display from the newcomer…"
Darwin hoists weaselperson back up and throws him into the corner, where he works away with shots to the body and then knife edge chops. The hairy coating on weaselperson’s chest means the strikes don’t quite echo like they usually do. Darwin drags weaselperson out of the corner and applies a cobra clutch, wrenching his lighter opponent around in the hold before throwing him down with a cobra clutch slam. Darwin places a boot on weaselperson’s chest in the cocky cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
weaselperson kicks out again! Darwin hoists him up and applies a front face lock, maybe looking for Logan’s Last Rites as he drags him up for the brainbuster… only for weaselperson to slip out through the back. He lands on his feet behind Darwin and doubles him over with a boot to the midsection, before spiking him on his head with a DDT!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "weaselperson with the big desperation move, but it doesn’t seem like he can follow up."
Allen Price: "The Reaper maybe lucky that weaselperson can’t cover him, here. Both men lie in the middle of the ring, unable to rise to their feet…"
Indeed, the official starts a ten count, the audience following along with him until the competitors finally rise to their feet. They exchange straight right hands in the middle of the ring, going back and forth for over half a minute, until the Reaper finally gains the upper hand and backs weaselperson up into the ropes. Logan takes them by the wrist and throws them across the ring with an Irish whip, before attempting to take their head off with a big discus clothesline. weaselperson ducks underneath though, and picks up some serious pace…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SPEAR!! Surprisingly effective offense from weaselperson!"
Allen Price: "And now the cover… weaselperson might have him here!"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan Darwin with the shoulder up! weaselperson is proving a more serious challenge than The Reaper thought at the start of this one…"
weaselperson backs themselves up into the corner as Darwin stirs, rolling onto his front and then getting to his hands and knees. weaselperson thinks this is the perfect time to strike, and comes in for the double foot stomp he calls 'the Weasler'... but Darwin stands up at the right time, propelling the lithe frame of weaselperson into the air… and then clocking them on the way back down with a hellacious European uppercut!!
Allen Price: "Lights out!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But Logan Darwin isn't pinning him… he wants to make absolutely sure."
Darwin hoists weaselperson up and applies a front facelock with a single underhook. He hoists weaselperson up… and plants them on the top of their dome with his patented brainbuster!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan's Last Rites!!"
Allen Price: "That's it!"
The Reaper with the lateral press…
ONE… TWO… …
Logan lifts weaselperson's head and shoulders off the mat!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe not! Logan Darwin isn't quite done with weaselperson yet!"
Darwin stands up with a shit-eating grin on his face, earning some jeers from the Detroit audience. He takes a deep bow, standing over weaselperson's frame, and then with a chuckle he hoists his opponent up to his feet. weaselperson seems to be almost dead weight as Darwin puts them into a front facelock again. He surveys the booing audience with a smile on his face before hooking the arm and hosting weaselperson up…
… but weaselperson begins to wriggle…
… he slips out of Logan's grasp, and manages to catch him with a sunset flip roll-up!!
ONE… TWO… THREE!
{RESULT}WInner: weaselperson by pinfall at 12:01.
Allen Price: "He got him!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Unbelievable!!"
Darwin kicks out just after three, but the bell has already been rung and weaselperson's music begins to play. The Reaper is incensed, backing the official up into the corner and barking at him in a manner more befitting of a weaselperson…
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… weaselperson!!!"
Logan kicks the bottom rope in frustration before climbing out of the ring. He shakes his head and has his hands on his hips as he matches up the ramp. We cut back to the ring, where the referee lifts the victor's hand.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Not what Logan Darwin would’ve wanted, or expected, only three weeks away from the King of the Deathmatch, but that’s exactly the kind of start weaselperson would’ve hoped for in their debut match."
Allen Price: "And I think they want to say something, J-L… can they speak?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, they’ve got a microphone…"
weaselperson looks at the microphone oddly, as if unsure exactly what to do with it. They slowly raise it to their mouths, the entirety of Detroit at attention.
weaselperson: “...Bark.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe we ought to get Katie Baxter out here to handle this."
weaselperson: “Bark.”
A bold crowdmember yells out “WHAT?!” weaselperson is caught off guard by it.
weaselperson: “Bark.”
The rest of the crowd joins into the bold crowdmember’s question. “WHAT?!” weaselperson looks around dazed, and uncertain at the question.
weaselperson: “Bark.”
“WHAT?!”
weaselperson: “Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark.”
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!”
Before the back and forth can continue on any longer, FWA’s resident interviewer Katie Baxter - alas Todd Salum was presently occupied - hurries down the ramp with a microphone in hand.
Katie Baxter: “If I may… I think weaselperson, what you’re trying to say, and bark if you agree here, is that you are OFFICIALLY declaring for the King of Deathmatch and vowing to walk away with a crown and having ended the record breaking reign of Alyster Black, is that what you’re trying to say weaselperson?”
weaselperson: “...Bark.”
The crowd joins in a ‘barking’ approval with much more expessiveness than the weaselperson.
"BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!"
Katie Baxter: “There you have it! A blockbuster announcement, and one that will certainly have the rest of the King of Deathmatch field reconsidering their strategies. It doesn’t get any bigger than this! If I were Alyster Black, and I’m certain he needs no reminding, I would be counting my every remaining day. Thank you, weaselperson, passing it on over to Todd backstage.”
We rejoin the show backstage where Todd Salum is standing by with the FWA North American Champion, Big Bryan Baxter.
Todd Salum: "Bryan Baxter, on Meltdown we witnessed your agent Mr. Scorpane being abducted by the Nephews. And since then, it seems like he is willingly staying with them... can you comment on this?"
Bryan Baxter: "No comment."
Todd Salum: "No comment? That's it? Your manager who has been more than instrumental in many of your wins including in the F1 and for that North American Title seems to be working with the enemy. Let us not forget that the Buddy System has a date with The Connection of the Nephews at Carnal Contendership. And now, we've found out that you are defending the FWA North American Title at Grand March against a mystery opponent! It just feels like a pretty big deal that you won't have Mr. Scorpane in your corner for that ma..."
Bryan begins to stare intensely at Todd as he was saying that last sentence. His breathing is getting heavier.
Bryan Baxter: "What are you trying to say, TODD? That I couldn't have won those F1 matches by myself. That I wouldn't be North American Champion if it wasn't for Mr. Scorpane?"
Todd takes a couple steps backwards, nervously, as Baxter looms over him.
Todd Salum: "I mean... he... he... did... play a pretty big role..."
Bryan Baxter: "Look, it's become quite a misconception around here that I NEED Mr. Scorpane. I don't NEED him. The only thing I NEEDED him for... was so that he could connect me and Jeremy once again. But now that's done. Me and Jeremy are stronger and better than ever. I didn't NEED Mr. Scorpane to beat Lizzie Rose. To beat our now WORLD CHAMPION CHRIS PEACOCK. I didn't need him to beat the guy GETTING A FUCKING TITLE SHOT CYRUS TRUTH... I didn't NEED HIM, OKAY? I would've done it with or without him. I know how to win, Todd. Will I do whatever it takes to win? Your goddamn right, I will. But I can do that with or without him in my corner. So no, I don't know the fuck is going on with the Nephews and him. Does anyone really know what's going on with the Nephews? Maybe he finds that he likes it with them... seems like a weird fit, but whatever. But whether he's in my corner at Grand March or our corner at Carnal Contendership - when all is said in done, the Buddy System will have the North American AND Tag Titles!"
Todd Salum: "But what about the factor of the unknown. There has to be some concern not knowing who you should prepare for. And based on that mysterious note from Meltdown, it's someone you have some sort of history with. You certainly have not made many friends here in FWA."
Bryan Baxter: "Whatever, Todd. I don't care who it is. Lizzie Rose? She wants me to destroy her again, fine by me! Peacock and Truth are busy having title matches even though I destroyed both of them, figure that out. Who else could it be? The Undisputed Assholes? Sure, bring on either one of them - or Hell, both of them. I just don't care. The results will be the same. This title ain't goin nowhere Todd, and this interview is over."
Bryan finishes abruptly and pushes Todd out of the way to go off screen as Todd kicked it back to the ring.
Things return back to the arena with a shot of the commentators at the desk, both seemingly intrigued by what they have just witnessed.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, Bryan Baxter seems prepared for whoever it may be that he will be defending the North American Championship against at The Grand March. He’s got no shortage of enemies, so who it is is anyone’s guess. Could even be you, Price."
Allen Price: "Whilst I will gladly go on record and say that I think everyone associated with The Buddy System is the equivalent of human garbage, no, I will not be having a match at The Grand March-"
{RAT IN MI KITCHEN || UB40}[MEDIA=youtube]jausD8qsnKU[/MEDIA]
Allen Price: "Wait… this wasn’t supposed to be happening tonight, was it?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "No, it absolutely was not. Oh, there’s more of them…"
The crowd seem just as enthused as the commentary team (i.e. not at all) for the unexpected intrusion prior to the penultimate match of the night as Ratin Mikichin and Steve the Techno Vampire both enter together to Ratin’s music, despite being embroiled in a rivalry for what has been several months where neither could definitively overcome the other. However, the two of them are not alone as they stand next to each other on the stage, and in between them appears someone seen on Meltdown for the first time in what was a while; Greg.
Allen Price: "Even I can’t stand this guy, Jean-Luc."
The appearance of Greg causes the crowd to descend into loud boos and together the trio walk down the ramp towards the ring, with Greg collecting a microphone as they enter the ring together through the ropes. The usually outspoken personalities of Ratin and Steve seem much more muted tonight; whilst both are in their usual attire (mankini and flowing cape, respectively), they are almost stone faced in their approach.
When they reach the centre of the ring, Ratin and Steve pause and then sit down on the mat in the middle of the ring. Audience members both in front of and behind Ratin can be seen recoiling and one even retching at what they have witnessed. The music fades out and Greg, an apparent spokesperson, raises the microphone to his mouth and he speaks over the loud boos from the fans.
Greg: "Hi, I’m Greg."
The statement gets a loud boo from the fans once again, but the ever-oblivious Greg pays no heed to it whatsoever.
Greg: "Tonight I’m out here with my friends Steve and Ratin to talk about the disrespect that these two guys have been shown for quite a while here in the FWA, specifically on Fallout."
Greg turns to the commentary table, where a completely perplexed Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins are sitting, almost in disbelief.
Greg: "These two guys have been involved in a competitive exchange for months and all they want to do is prove which one of them is the better man, but instead they have been mocked, snubbed and ignored. All by the two men sitting behind that desk - Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins. They have abused their power enough times… and we will not stand for it anymore."
To show that he was being literal, Greg sits down on the mat in the same manner as Ratin and Steve, who have been nodding along.
Greg: "So tonight, we will be performing a sit down protest until action is brought against the Fallout commentary team for the disrespect that my friends have been shown."
Greg then lowers the microphone and places it on the mat in front of him as the three men in the ring all sit down in silence, showing a surprisingly serious side to themselves.
Allen Price: "They can’t be for real, right?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Don’t worry about this, Price. They’ll get moved along soon enough…"
Allen Price: "By who? The security team were all taken out earlier on! They could bring the show to a standstill, Jean-Luc!"
The silence from JLW is an indication that Price might actually be onto something and ‘Baby’ can be seen standing up from his position at the desk with a look displaying a mixture of concern and confusion. However, before anything can escalate in any way, another voice is heard.
???: "That’s enough!"
From the back, Jon Russnow walks out onto the stage, waving his hand and shaking his head. He calls to those in the ring.
Jon Russnow: "With abductions, masked attackers and weaselpeople, it is clear to me that things have gone too far and I am not going to let something like this take this show hostage, not when we are so close to The Grand March.
Now, Ratin and Steve, I understand that you are upset about what happened on Fallout 026; not only was your match interrupted several times on the live broadcast but you were unable to reach a conclusion to… whatever this has been… because of the physical involvement of the commentary team. That was not acceptable behaviour.
However, I will not allow yourselves and… I’m sorry, what is your name?"
Greg: "My name is Greg."
Jon Russnow: "Thank you. I will not allow yourselves and Greg to dictate terms on my shows. However, I do have a compromise. Therefore, at The Grand March… there will be a match.
It will be Ratin Mikichin… TEAMING with Steve the Techno Vampire… to face the team of Jean-Luc Watkins and Allen Price!"
The crowd does show some sort of positive reaction for that, and both of the commentators are visibly outraged.
Jon Russnow: "You guys win, I’ll give you sixty minutes on Fallout 028… uninterrupted. However if you don’t, I’m banning you both from Fallout. Does that sound reasonable, sir?"
Greg: "It’s Greg… and yes, it does."
Jon Russnow: "I don’t care. Now get out of my ring."
Seemingly satisfied with the outcome of their protest, the trio rise to their feet in the ring and make their way towards the ropes and they soon trek back up the ramp, as Russnow also disappears. Once again, the camera lingers on the commentary team.
Allen Price: "What just happened?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You need to dust off that ketchup costume. Let’s just get on with it, we can deal with this later, Price."
{SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT || NIRVANA}[MEDIA=youtube]Q6SHkQMFVlc[/MEDIA]
The popular song garners a good reaction from the Detroit crowd, and their spirits grow further when the first of the three competitors taking part in the penultimate match of the night makes their appearance on the stage. Sawyer Xavier walks out from the back and he raises his arms in the air to another good response, before pacing down towards the ring and he rolls inside under the bottom rope.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is a Triple Threat Match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit, and it will serve as a preview for the upcoming King of the Deathmatch tournament! Introducing first, from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one-hundred and seventy-six pounds… SAWYYERRRRRRR XAAAAAAVVVVIIIEERRRRRRR"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is now time for the second of our previews for the upcoming King of the Deathmatch tournament which will be taking place on both April seventh and eighth and well, we could be looking at one of the dark horses to win the whole thing and leave the undisclosed location with the X Championship currently held by Alyster Black!"
Allen Price: "Sawyer Xavier was on the winning side of things on Fallout 026 in his previous preview match and well, he could be building some serious momentum going into the tournament. I’m just waiting for this kid to pop off at any time, I know he’s got it in him."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Choose your wording more carefully, Price. But I do agree with your sentiments; Sawyer Xavier has had some standout moments as part of the FWA, but he is still looking for that defining one. Getting a win tonight against some strong opposition could really do him wonders."
Xavier rises to his feet in the ring and then stands on one of the top turnbuckles where he poses for the fans, before he flips backwards and lands on his feet. The crowd applaud his athleticism as he shows it off to them.
{YOUR LOVE || THE OUTFIELD}[MEDIA=youtube]F_uMrB1Klos[/MEDIA]
Whilst the crowd was vocal in their positive support to Xavier, the first of his opponents comes out to more of a mixed reaction as it is clear that the FWA fanbase is still unsure of what to make of young Madison Gray. The accomplished young mixed martial artist adjusts her headband as she appears at the top of the ramp before taking in the atmosphere around her and then making her way towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing his opponents; first, from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England… she is ‘The Young Lioness’ MADISSSONNNNNN GRAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!"
Allen Price: "Another young competitor with a lot of potential for me here, J-L. Madison Gray is yet to really find her place here in the FWA, but when she does, I think she could be a contender. She could be a somebody, instead of a bum, which is what she could end up being. Let’s face it."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Who let you watch ‘On the Waterfront’, Price? I agree with the first part of your hypothesis, though. Madison Gray is still very new to this whole rasslin’ stuff, but I think as far as natural fighters go, she could end up being one of the best that we have out of everyone in the entire company if she keeps at it."
Allen Price: "The King of the Deathmatch tournament is probably not something that young Madison Gray expected to find herself in so soon after joining us here with the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, but she could find her first win here tonight and put herself in very good position to have a deep run in that tournament with a win."
Gray walks up the steel steps and then gives a respectful bow before entering the ring where she opts not to go for any sort of theatrics before taking her place in a vacant corner. As Gray settles, the lights in the arena shut out and there is some minor confusion until the music begins to play as a red spotlight shines down onto the stage.
{THE DEMONS CAROL || BLAQKOUT}[MEDIA=youtube]kHYdLveMYxc[/MEDIA]
A figure emerges onto the now smoke-filled stage and the crowd boo in unison as this man is of course the former Darius Wright, who now goes by the name of Death Walker. Another hooded figure is also visible and together these two slowly make their way into prominence as the arena lights flash a series of red and white and slowly, the intimidating duo of Death Walker and The Dark Guardian make their way towards the ring; Death throws up an ‘X’ sign in front of him with his forearms crossed.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Their opponent… accompanied to the ring by The Dark Guardian… from the DEPTHS OF HELL… DEATH WAAAALLLLKKERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This of course is not our first time seeing Death Walker out here as he attempted to follow up on his heinous assault on XYZ from Fallout 026 after tonight’s opening contest, but thought better of it when he was confronted with odds that even he felt he could not overcome, clearly!"
Allen Price: "It is a growing list of enemies that this very intimidating man is amassing here in the FWA and earlier tonight there was a united front against him - with Trixie Bordeaux and Jason Randall standing with XYZ and his Menagé against Death Walker. Could we see Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray teaming up here against him?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It could be a solid strategy for them both, for sure, especially with this Dark Guardian character around… Death Walker could be one of the favourites for when the King of the Deathmatch tournament comes around, Price. I can’t think of many better suited for such an environment - and there you can see that chain which was used to attack XYZ last time out…"
The camera focuses on the chain in Death Walker’s hands as he slowly enters the ring, with the Dark Guardian occupying a spot outside of the ring. Both Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray share uneasy looks with one another as their opponent places the chain down underneath one of the turnbuckles before the match is set to get underway. The bell rings, and immediately Sawyer Xavier wastes no time in going after Death Walker, and he ploughs his boots into the chest of the much larger man with a Shotgun Dropkick, which sends DW flying back into the corner. Madison Gray seems to be watching on only at this point as Xavier tees off on Walker with some punches to the top of the head, which hammers onto Death Walker until he is pushed away. Sawyer rolls through though and charges straight back at Walker, who catches him with an elbow as he approaches.
With a very strong grip around the neck and shoulders of Xavier, Death Walker lifts him clean off of his feet and deposits him over the top rope, but Xavier manages to land on the apron and avoid falling to the floor. As Walker walks out of the corner, thinking he has disposed of Xavier for now, Sawyer gets his boot up and he cracks Death Walker in the back of the head with an Enziguiri!
This staggers the big man and DW turns around to face Xavier once again and Sawyer grabs onto the top rope and looks for a Springboard DDT - but Death Walker blocks it and catches him!
It is a nervy few seconds for Sawyer, but Death Walker remains strong and then rushes forward whilst carrying another man… and this time he dumps Xavier down to the floor and out of the match temporarily!
Allen Price: "Hey, you’ve got to respect Sawyer Xavier for trying it, I suppose… it takes something to stand up to a guy like Death Walker."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know that Sawyer Xavier is no stranger to putting his body on the line, but some could argue that taking such a direct approach against Death Walker and putting his back up against a wall was reckless. I think we’re about to get a glimpse of how Madison Gray will deal with this, Price."
As The Dark Guardian expresses his approval of Death Walker on the outside next to the decommissioned Xavier, Death Walker has set his sights on Madison Gray on the other side of the ring. Gray gets down low, ready to tangle with the much larger competitor in the way that she knows how.
As Death Walker lunges forward and attempts to grab her, she evades his clutches and gets a hold of one of his legs and uses this to get behind him. The dragging of his leg does not down Walker, but does give him cause to bend down and try to grab Gray once more, but this time she is up and in position to connect with a kick directly to his face!
DW backs away, his hand on his face and Gray follows up with a stiff kick to the back of his knee and she then follows it up with a couple more, with a clear aim of taking Death’s vertical base out from underneath him. These prove to be effective, as Death Walker is forced to drop to a knee due to the number of strikes suffered.
Gray quickly adjusts her headband and then runs the ropes, coming back towards Death Walker, but he explodes from his downed position and catches her… and then takes her over with a release Suplex! The man formerly known as Darius Wright then picks himself up from the mat and opts not to follow up on Gray, instead heading back out of the ring through the ropes.
Allen Price: "Again, Madison Gray showed some good heart then by going for Death Walker on her own, but really, these two should consider working together to eliminate the greatest threat in this match."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is every man or woman for themselves in a match like this, Price. When they find themselves in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, there won’t be anyone there to help them or hold their hand through it. Winning is done on your own in matches like this."
Allen Price: "But you’ll be having my back at The Grand March, right, Jean-Luc?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Yes, Price. Tag team matches are obviously different… give me strength..."
Death Walker stalks Sawyer Xavier, who is up to a knee, and Sawyer does manage to get off a couple of punches on Death Walker, but Death grabs him harshly with a fistful of hair and he drills him with a punch to the top of the head. DW keeps a grip on Xavier’s hair and then pulls him by his hair towards the ring apron, and he lifts him up into the air, looking to drop him down, but Xavier gets his hands on the apron and then pushes himself back, landing on his feet.
Looking to avoid further damage, Xavier then rolls underneath a Clothesline attempt from Death Walker and he jumps onto the top of the steel steps, and looks to catch DW with a Mule Kick - but Death Walker catches his boot and yanks him forward, and Xavier faceplants onto the steel steps! With Xavier down once again, Walker is about to follow up, but Madison Gray is on the ring apron and she jumps from the apron onto Death Walker’s back.
As Death Walker scrambles to remove Gray from his back, it becomes apparent that ‘The Young Lioness’ is attempting to apply some sort of hold on Death Walker, and she negotiates her body around him and applies an Octopus Hold on Death Walker on the outside of the ring! Death Walker groans as Madison contorts his body as much as she can and she pulls back as hard as she can on the hold.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Of course, Madison Gray cannot win the match should she compel Death Walker to submit on the outside of the ring, but it could definitely boost her chances if she is able to incapacitate him!"
Despite being caught in the submission hold, Death Walker is able to move around relatively freely and he stands up straight whilst still trapped in the Octopus, and then looks behind him… and he backs into the steel ring post, with Madison’s back cracking against it! A repeat of the same motion is enough to force a break, and Gray drops to the ground at Death Walker’s feet. He seems very angered about being caught in the submission like that, and he picks Gray up and tosses her through the ropes back into the ring with ease.
Death Walker then pulls himself up onto the apron, looking to follow up, but he fails to see Sawyer Xavier also standing on the ring apron having just pulled himself up and Sawyer charges at DW, catching him with a knee to the back of the head! The Brain Squasher connects from Xavier, and the blunt force of the knee is enough to knock Death Walker down from the ring apron to the floor! The larger man is down on his back, landing on the back of his head, and The Dark Guardian shows some concern for his ally.
Allen Price: "Sawyer Xavier takes care of Death Walker, and now he has a chance to get the win here with Madison Gray in perfect position!"
Indeed Madison Gray is in the perfect position for Sawyer Xavier to finish her off as she lays on her front adjacent to the turnbuckle. From the ring apron, Sawyer pulls himself up onto the top rope and steadies himself as he gains his balance and he takes flight… GENESIS OF TRUTH - GRAY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Sawyer lands on his feet and rolls through and Madison Gray also makes it to her feet and she quickly approaches Xavier from behind and hooks his arms and drives him into the mat with a Dragon Suplex!
She impressively manages to maintain a bridge on it, and the referee drops down to count;
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
‘The Young Lioness’ shows that she is capable of keeping her cool as the kick out by her opponent does not show any signs of rattling her in any sense, and she immediately has Sawyer up once again, and she looks to finish him off with THE DISAPPOINTED MASTER - BUT SAWYER BLOCKS THE BACK ELBOW! With his hands in a cross, Sawyer repels Gray’s move… but before either can do anything else… THEY’RE BOTH BOWLED OVER BY DEATH WALKER!
Allen Price: "Death Walker is back in the match and he’s just wiped them both out, Jean-Luc!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "As Triple Threat matches can go, Price; you have to have eyes in the back of your head at all times when dealing with multiple opponents and that’s something that I don’t think Xavier or Gray really appreciated here."
The force of the tackle to both of his opponents from Death Walker was enough to send Madison Gray tumbling through the ropes, with Sawyer Xavier crashing into them and bouncing back into Death Walker’s clutches… where he scoops him up around his waist and then turns around to face the centre of the ring and DEATH WALKER PLANTS XAVIER INTO THE MAT WITH THE DARK CLOUD!!
The impact from the move on the mat was enough to cause Xavier to bounce back onto his back, allowing DW to get on top of him and push his face down whilst pinning him;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
{RESULT}WInner: Death Walker by pin fall at 9:48.
The crowd are not best pleased with the outcome of the match, but this of course makes scarce difference to Death Walker, who rises to his feet and then intimidates the referee out of trying to raise his arm. The Dark Guardian joins Death in the ring and seems pleased with DW’s handiwork and impressive victory. Madison Gray is shown on the outside next to the ring barricade, holding the back of her head and she grits her teeth in frustration.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… DEATH WALKER!!"
Allen Price: "A very impressive victory for Death Walker here tonight on Fallout and I think we said it earlier on, but he is definitely someone to keep an eye out for in the King of the Deathmatch tournament next month… something tells me that he is going to be very much at home in an environment where anything can go."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That was definitely a message to the rest of the field, which of course includes a couple of people in particular who he has brewing issues with; Jason Randall and more recently, XYZ."
Allen Price: "That was after what we saw earlier on tonight, with a united front of sorts against ‘The Dark Traveler’, spanning from his actions towards XYZ on Fallout 026… and we may be about to see something similar, because Death Walker is going for that chain once again!"
The chain stored earlier under the turnbuckle in the corner becomes the object of Death Walker’s attention once again and he picks it up… and starts to wrap it around his fist! The crowd boos loudly as it becomes evident that Death Walker is planning on revisiting the assault he did on XYZ previously, but this time with Sawyer Xavier as the intended target.
With Xavier still not fully with it after being on the receiving end of the Dark Cloud at the conclusion of the match, it takes him some time to get back to his feet, and he struggles up to a knee whilst holding his chest, completely unaware of the danger that he is in. The fans start to stir though, as Madison Gray rises to her feet on the outside and is seen looking at what is transpiring in the ring with some intrigue…
Allen Price: "Come on, Madison! Get in there and put a stop to this!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’m not really sure that this has anything to do with her, really, and I would assume that the same thoughts are running through Madison Gray’s head, too. She seems like a very switched-on young lady, and entering the ring to confront someone like Death Walker who is in possession of a weapon is probably not the smartest move one could make…"
Despite the intimidating prospect in front of her, Gray seems to be contemplating getting involved to stop this and she tentatively places a hand on the bottom rope with an apparent view of reentering the ring whilst Sawyer is about to be introduced to the chain, courtesy of Death Walker…
…BUT IN MADISON’S HESITANCE, SOMEONE ELSE EMERGES… AND IT IS XYZ!!
The crowd cheers very loudly as XYZ sprints out from the back, with the Menagé not far behind him and this immediately draws the attention of Death Walker, who drops the chain whilst dropping down and rolling out of the ring and he meets XYZ at the bottom of the ramp and immediately the two of them begin brawling!
Allen Price: "Death Walker definitely fancies these odds, J-L, and I think he is the one getting the best of XYZ right now before the Menagé can make it down there to help XYZ out! "
The heavy punches from the natural brawler Death Walker repel XYZ back enough to the point where Walker is able to stalk XYZ as the Menagé watch on, unsure whether to intervene or not. XYZ is now in retreat, although he does kick out at DW a few times… but Walker and The Dark Guardian follow the group out of sight and into the back.
This leaves Sawyer Xavier in the ring, and he quickly puts two and two together and realises that Madison Gray was not going to step in and stop whatever it was that Death Walker had planned for him… and he gives ‘The Young Lioness’ a piece of his mind before he exits the ring as well, holding his ribs. This leaves a very stoic Madison Gray on the outside on her own, as the scene fades away…
As well as finding out that for a limited time only, one can get 50% on orders of ‘The Undisputed Appliance’ blender, we learn that the next range of kitchenware sponsored by the FWA will include a line of hot dog makers - ‘Glizzy Rose’ - is coming soon.
Little Caesar Arena has broken into somewhat of a lull between matches, when the crowds attention is suddenly piqued by an unfamiliar song being played into the arena. That triggers some murmurings, some mumbles but generally just some discontent.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What the hell is this?”
Allen Price: “I-I I’m not quite sure. It could b-“
Price is cut off as the video display at the top of the stage has just displayed one word that gives the entire game away
PRODIGY
The crowd react, a split between those excited to unexpectedly see Mike Parr with those that boo as they are pretty unforgiving of past transgressions. Either pool of people has much time to properly digest as Mike walks out into the bowl of the arena, standing at the top of the stage, microphone in hand. His hair is slicked to the side, and he all in all looks much more comfortable and capable than the point of his re-emergence when attacking Kayden Knox a few weeks back. Indeed, while his customary jet black sunglasses are covering his eyes, his grin is pretty evident in being ear to ear.
Allen Price: “Maybe we are going to find out exactly what Mike Parr has planned – he was supposed to be in Pittsburgh on Thursday but that show went out without any sort of confirmation either way. Why is he in Detroit?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not his biggest fan, but even I admit I’m curious as to what Mike sees in his future. Consecutive wins for the first time in quite some time, against Knox and Cole, have certainly announced to the wider audience that he is back.”
Mike whips his arms into the air and tries to cajole the crowd into more of a frenzy, and they give him the appropriate response. Probably one of the better ovations of his career. As he raises the microphone to his mouth, the crowd naturally simmer somewhat to hear exactly what he has to say.
Mike Parr: “Good evening Pittsburgh!”
The crowd boo as expected, and the grin on Mike’s face has now transformed into a smirk that lets you know that he knew exactly what he was doing as he feigns, very poorly, an element of surprise.
Mike Parr: “Oh, my bad, I forgot that I was directed to go to Pittsburgh to disclose exactly what I want to do moving forward BUT I decided to tell FWA management to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine…so good evening Detroit!”
Again, an expected and appropriate reaction as you would expect, one that rivals the ovation from moments ago.
Mike Parr: “I came back to FWA because I couldn’t resist it. I had something to prove. I had someone to shut up once and for all….”
A short cheer interjects.
Mike Parr: “I didn’t come back because anyone missed me.”
The atmosphere suddenly got a bit tense, the crowd not sure how to respond.
Mike Parr: “You’re right to be quiet, I’m not going to go all cliché and blame it on ‘the people’ or anything like that but I will say, I wasn’t exactly bowled over by the crowds wanting to see me back. And management? Management were just happy for me to ride off into the sunset, unfulfilled, and put myself into such a deep and dark hole that I was possibly never going to scratch and claw my way out of. 8 years of my life, 8 years of getting to know me, and you think I’m going to go disappear because I lost my smile or some sort of sh!t like that?”
The atmosphere in the arena remains tense, as Allen Price offers his apologies for the language to viewers at home.
Mike Parr: “So I’ll turn up where I want, when I want, and do what I want. I don’t owe anybody a single thing because when the time came and I needed a hand to reach out and help me back to my feet, there wasn’t one outstretched. I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my past or future actions and even if there was the argument that I may exactly owe that, nobody is getting it unless I feel like it.”
It has taken the Detroit natives some time, but it feels like they are landing more on the boo side of the boo/cheer divide. It is far from unanimous though.
Mike Parr: “Again, don’t take it personally, I can’t blame any of you. You had your new shiny toys to be preoccupied with like Vampyra. You had your old relics to preoccupied with like Devin Golden. You had Peacock’s, Black’s, Michelle’s and…..Summers’….”
There is an ‘oooooohhhhhhh’ audible around the arena, the crowd fully aware of Mike’s history with Shawn of course.
Mike Parr: “….to keep you distracted and to keep you entertained and that is what it is. I always understood that I was underappreciated, I also felt that I was underrated and if anything you managed to eliminate that little nagging doubt questioning myself in relation to that, so I probably should be thanking you for that. As a token of my appreciation, I’ll let you know part of what to expect. Am I planning to be here for Back in Business? Absolutely. Do I want to main event three years in a row? Absolutely. Do I think it's particularly likely?......”
The answer goes unsaid but is obvious.
Mike Parr: “What I want is to change the answer to the last question. What I will say is that for the Grand March, I’m not particularly interested in sitting in the sidelines much longer, I’ve done plenty of that as late. However, I’m not going to go scrounge and beg for a fight and challenge someone for the sake of it…..I’m going turn up next week when I want and we will see if anyone has the nerve to think they can take me on or take me out at or before the Grand March. My plan….is to let whoever ‘you’ are……”
Mike closes up to the camera, his nose almost pressing against the lens. He lifts his shades.
Mike Parr: “….come and find me.”
Mike shoves the camera back out of his face, drops the microphone as his new music plays in the arena and exits without another pause or word.
[... RIGHT NOW]
In Dreams plays on Thomas West’s boombox on the Lake Eyrie beach. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “What position is this?”Thomas West: “Eleventh.”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Thank Bog she’s not here. Kennedy and Peacock ahead of her? Jeez.”The sun has already set, and Uncle has brought a chiral-powered heater from the back of the van to give the Nephews some warmth as they continue to drink on the beach. Scorpane is only half-awake, having consumed his body weight in canned pina colada and now intermittently smoking one of the Maid’s cigars. As he had periodically been doing for the last forty minutes, he awoke with a start and turned towards Uncle. Bill Scorpane: “Not going to work, Uncle.”JAY! smiles at his guest again. The tentacles around his face bristle. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “You’re quite certain you backed the right horses, as you so vulgarly put it?”Gerald Grayson: “Michelle would hate that.”Thomas West: “She’s not here, GiGi. You’re allowed to think about something else.”Gerald Grayson: “You are literally playing her theme song through your boombox right now.”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I asked our guest a question, Nephews. If you’d let him answer...”Bill struggles around in his chair, trying to find the lighter that he dropped earlier in the sand next to him. He eventually finds it and takes a sip out a half-full (or half-empty) pinacolada, forgetting that he had ashed his cigar in it earlier. He lights the end of it again, making Uncle wait for his response. Bill Scorpane: “Those titles is ours, Uncle. Jeremy’s and mine, and the big bastard’s, too.”Uncle J.J. JAY!: “And with them, all the success and fame and, most importantly, wealth that comes with it? Your ten per cent? Or is it fifteen?”Scorpane lets out a low chuckle. Bill Scorpane: “Don’t you worry about the deal I got with those boys, Uncle. It’s enough.”Uncle nods his head. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Enough.”JAY! joins Bill in staring out over the lake, night having now descended upon the peaceful scene. Uncle begins to shuffle around in his chair as if he is looking for something, in a perhaps overly animated fashion that even draws the attention of Mr. Scorpane, who watches Uncle’s struggle to locate whatever it is he is searching for. Eventually, JAY! retrieves a small device from his pocket. It looks like a remote control, but has only one pink button in the centre of it. Uncle looks back at the lake and sucks on his vape. Then, he presses the button. The water in the middle of Lake Eyrie begins to ripple a couple of hundred metres from the shore. It is barely noticeable at first, but soon the irregular tidal pattern - with water seemingly being sucked inwards towards the depths - is unmistakable. It is accompanied by a low rumbling, distant at first but getting closer and closer and closer… until the water almost appears to part, and from it emerges the roof of a huge vessel. This roof is angular and comprised of pink metal and thick, frosted glass, water running from the top of the octagonal structure in thick, gushing sheets. More and more of the vehicle emerges until, hovering above the surface of the lake with its chiral blasters roaring, we can see the entirety of the Octopi, its eight pink headlights channeled on the group upon the beach. Most of these beings continued to drink or smoke or vape or do whatever it was that they were doing in a lethargic fashion. This sight wasn’t new to them, and they were expecting it. Bill Scorpane, however, rose to his feet and wandered towards the ship. He stepped into the encroaching lake, the water filling his shoes, and barely seemed to realise it. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Thirty percent… fifty percent… ninety percent… whatever it is, Bill, you already know what an FWA champion can expect to make. I’ve no doubt you’ve calculated what you stand to gain by more gold coming into your stable. But I ask you to put aside your meagre ambition, and think of what I can give you. When it comes to the universe, Mr. Scorpane, we don’t have to quibble over percentages. I offer you all of it.”Bill turns to face Uncle and the Nephews. His face is somewhat aghast. Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Nephews, I think it’s about time for another adventure.”{ALONE || JONATHAN YOUNG & LEE ALBRECHT}[MEDIA=youtube]ldlbNY4iNiI[/MEDIA] The reaction inside the arena is not as positive as it once was, but there are still a vocal few who show their support for Reagan Cole, despite his appearance on the stage with both Jeffry Mason and TYLER either side of him. ‘The British Apprentice’ keeps it simple tonight with a black t-shirt adorning a Union Jack worn underneath a maroon jacket. There is a clear look of focus on the face of Cole as he makes his way towards the ring with Mason and TYLER in tow. Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is your Fallout 027 main event and it is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, being accompanied by Jeffry Mason and TYLER… from Essex, England and weighing in at two-hundred and fifteen pounds… he is ‘The British Apprentice’ REAAAAGGAAANNNNN COOOOOOOOOOLLLEEEEE!!!"Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, wrestling fans we have reached the main event contest of tonight’s show and for those who may not realise, there is a whole lot of history to be revisited between Reagan Cole and Chris Peacock tonight."Allen Price: "Whilst no argument can be made for Chris Peacock leading the way, Reagan Cole will sit near him as one of the most successful Ground Zero exports in history as a former Gauntlet and FWA World Tag Team Champion. I would argue that this young man has lost his way as he seems to be content with aligning himself with the likes of Jeffry Mason and TYLER."Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reagan Cole is doing what he believes is right to protect his family, and well, the connections he has developed with Mason and TYLER could prove very useful in the King of Deathmatch tournament next month. We saw at Back in Business that Cole has it in him to thrive in matches of that style."Allen Price: "He’s also complicit in the bullying and tormenting of poor Trixie Bordeaux! Just another reason why Chris Peacock wants to teach him a lesson."Cole enters the ring and indicates that he would prefer to go in there alone, and Mason and TYLER seem happy to go along with it for now and allow him to take the spotlight. He walks over to one of the corners and positions himself on the second rope, looking out to the sold out crowd with a nod. {HE’S THE GREATEST DANCER || SISTER SLEDGE}[MEDIA=youtube]TDwutKpVyas[/MEDIA] Whilst the crowd were mixed in their reaction for Cole, they are unanimously in support of his opponent and Chris Peacock shuffles into view backwards from behind the curtain. He wears a white suit jacket and trousers and has his Singapore cane over his shoulder before he turns around to face the camera and points his finger into the air as purple fireworks shoot up from the stage to loud cheers. This action of course also revealing the FWA World Championship around his waist, and he grins before making his way towards the ring. Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing his opponent… from Boogie Wonderland by way of New York City and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and ten pounds he is the FWA World Champion… ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ CHRISSSSSSSSSSSS PEEEEAAACCCOOOOOOOCCCKKKKKKK!!!"Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’ll admit it, Price. Chris Peacock looks like a champion tonight and that’s saying something compared to how we’ve seen him recently. Peacock has not done the best job of hiding his nerves and anxieties and well, he’s going to need to get on top of them when he defends the FWA World Championship against both Cyrus Truth and Michelle von Horrowitz at The Grand March."Allen Price: "There’s no arguing that both Cyrus and Michelle have done this dance more times than Chris has, but he’s main evented one Pay-Per-View now and he wants that feeling to continue for as long as it can. I know that he is going to overcome whatever else he is battling and also Reagan Cole tonight, probably."Jean-Luc Watkins: "Peacock is going to need to keep things in check for sure, Price. Obviously he knows all about the Nephews, but both Jeffry Mason and TYLER are very likely going to be thorns in his side tonight, and that is not even mentioning the difficult prospect that Reagan Cole is to face on his own!"Peacock reaches the bottom of the ramp and approaches the steel steps where he notices both Mason and TYLER getting a little too close for his liking so he motions for them to move with his cane. Mason sarcastically bows and motions for Peacock to pass them and Chris decides to pay them no more mind and he enters the ring where he glances at Cole momentarily and then shimmies out of his jacket and removes the championship from around his waist. Someone at ringside grabs the title, cane and jacket and Peacock sways from side to side for a moment as the referee - Larry Stevens - completes his checks and then calls for the bell! There is no cagey opening to the match in front of the hot crowd, and this is due to the insistence of Jeffry Mason, who demands that Cole immediately rushes Peacock upon the match beginning, but the FWA World Champion is ready for it, and the two of them begin to exchange punches in the middle of the ring! The crowd lap it up as they take turns striking each other with punches to the head and face with neither giving an inch. As the strikes continue, the level of crowd noise increases and the cycle only stops when Cole manages to block one of Peacock’s punches and he cracks Peacock on the nose with a Headbutt! The Headbutt to the nose that was fractured last year in a match with Gerald Grayson causes Peacock to recoil backwards, but Peacock responds with a kick to the midsection which doubles Cole over, and Peacock leaps into the air, looking for a Famouser - but Cole catches him and then lifts him up by the back of his leg, but Peacock flips backwards and lands on his feet! With the two of them face to face once again, Peacock connects with a punch, and then a second. Peacock spins on the spot and strikes a pose, looking for a third punch - but Cole cuts him off with another Headbutt! This one had a lot more sauce on it, and as a result it sends Peacock down to the mat on his back where he is forced to shake out some early cobwebs. Jeffry Mason approves of the force behind the move and Cole drops to his knees, tightly hooking both of Peacock’s legs, wanting to get a quick victory over the FWA World Champion; ONE-NO!! The crowd cheers loudly as Peacock emphatically kicks out at just one and he then rises to his feet from the ground in front of a slightly shocked Cole, and Peacock ploughs through Cole with a Running Forearm to the face! Allen Price: "Haha! It is going to take a lot more than that to keep Chris Peacock down, Cole! Look at him now, running to the outside."Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reagan Cole looking like he wishes to regroup with the assistance of Jeffry Mason after his plan to overwhelm Chris Peacock in the early stages of the match seemingly have not paid dividends."As Cole slides under the bottom rope, checking on his mouth after the stiff forearm strike from Peacock, Peacock attempts to reach out and stop him. He is unsuccessful and Cole drops to a knee with his arm resting on the ring apron and Mason takes a moment to tell him to regain his focus before getting into the ring, but Peacock is not the type to allow his opponent to escape like that, and he exits the ring on an adjacent size and approaches Cole from behind and globs him in the back of the head. With Cole rocked momentarily, Peacock strikes him with a few punches to the top of the head, and he then grabs Cole by the back of the head and bounces Cole’s forehead off of the ring apron! Peacock then shifts Cole’s weight and rolls him back into the ring under the bottom rope. The FWA World Champion pulls himself up onto the apron but then feels something on his foot and notices that TYLER has grabbed onto his shoe! The fans boo and TYLER releases Peacock’s foot immediately upon Stevens telling him to. It seems that TYLER’s involvement was just a nod to Peacock to let him know that both he and Mason are there and are potential factors in this match, but Peacock isn’t going to take it lying down! Peacock drops back to the floor and advances towards TYLER, who backs away until he feels the ring barricade behind him… and after giving him a piece of his mind, PEACOCK PIMP SLAPS TYLER ACROSS THE FACE!! The crowd cheers, and does so even more when Peacock grabs TYLER AND SENDS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! Allen Price: "Yeah, that’s what you get, TYLER! No one messes around with Chris Peacock and gets away with it, and TYLER just found that out the hard way, J-L… as you know all too well."With TYLER sprawled out across the floor and out of commission temporarily, Peacock turns his attention to Jeffry Mason and steps up on him as well, with Mason holding his hands up in innocence… AND REAGAN COLE THEN WIPES PEACOCK OUT WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!! Peacock flies back into the ring barricade and Cole is back up to his feet a couple of seconds later and he plucks Peacock from the floor in front of a laughing Jeffry Mason and he sends Peacock into the ring under the bottom rope in the same manner in which he was put in just a minute ago. ‘The British Apprentice’ gets into the ring after Peacock and quickly drops a knee down across the back of his head, before he rolls the champion over and drops another one, this time across his face. Cole drops down and takes his forearm and grinds it across Peacock’s face, and Peacock has to shove him away, but Cole is very quick to get to his feet and he takes Peacock back down onto the mat with a Running Single Leg Dropkick. With Peacock down on his back, Cole goes for another pin; ONE… TWO-NO!! It was closer than the previous pin, but Cole is fully aware that more work is required if he wants to put away the resilient champion and he picks him up from the mat with ease and Cole takes Peacock over with an INVENTED SUPLEX!! Allen Price: "Did he really invent the Suplex, Jean-Luc?"Peacock smarts from the impact, but Cole neglects to go for another pin attempt off of the move and he picks Peacock up and holds him down with a Double Underhook, and he drives his knee into Peacock’s ribs whilst keeping him held down, before he adjusts his grip and brings Peacock towards the corner and looks to drive his head into the top turnbuckle, but Peacock places his foot on the middle one to block it, and he cuts Cole off with Fight Fever! The fist connects with Cole’s face and Peacock is quick to grab his opponent and he puts Cole up against the turnbuckle in the corner. After taking a second to clear his head, Peacock climbs up onto the second rope and he holds his fist up and starts landing punches down onto Cole’s head! “ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”The fans cheer as Peacock completes the sequence and he drops down onto the mat and motions for the groggy Cole to come forward towards him and when he does Peacock dips down and brings Cole up onto his shoulders into a Fireman’s Carry… and he turns this into an Airplane Spin! The fans start counting once again for each rotation! “ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”After the tenth time around, Peacock falls back and drops Cole down onto the mat with a Samoan Drop! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dance Dance Revolutions! Both of them must be dizzy after that, but Peacock is able to back into a cover!"ONE… TWO… NO!! Reagan Cole kicks out and Peacock slams his fist down onto the mat and displays some frustration, but he moves past it and pulls himself back up to his feet and then makes his way back to the corner. Some of the fans chant “STRUT!” at Peacock, but it is not what he has in mind, as he ducks through the ropes and then begins to ascend the turnbuckle as Cole stirs on the mat. Peacock gets up onto the top rope and steadies himself, seemingly about to take flight for a Glitterball Drop, but TYLER is back up and he’s on the apron! The fans boo loudly for another unwelcome intrusion from the Ground Zero competitor, and Peacock uses several expletives which are picked up by the camera to tell him to go away, but the distraction is enough for Reagan Cole to charge forward into the ropes, causing Peacock to crotch himself on the top rope! There is a collective wince as the FWA World Champion holds his tender region and TYLER drops down from the apron under threat from Stevens that he will be ejected if he does not stop getting involved in the match. With Chris Peacock on the top rope in a very vulnerable state, the opportunity for Reagan Cole to make a big statement in the match becomes present and he lands a hard punch to Peacock’s face, before stepping onto the middle rope in the corner. Allen Price: "Reagan Cole clearly has something in mind here, Jean-Luc, and I don’t think it is going to be good new for the FWA World Champion…"Cole gets his head tucked under Peacock’s arm and then pulls Peacock back up onto the top rope before joining him there too and Cole LIFTS PEACOCK UP… AND DROPS HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING WITH AN OLYMPIC SLAM FROM THE TOP ROPE!!! Despite their mixed feelings towards Reagan Cole, ‘The British Apprentice’ has the entire crowd on their feet with that move, and an exhausted Cole slowly crawls towards Peacock and then drapes an arm across his chest once he is close enough; ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!! Jean-Luc Watkins: "A fantastic move there from Reagan Cole and he almost, so nearly, made the most of the advantage presented to him by TYLER’s distraction of Chris Peacock. Perhaps you were right, Price, dealing with The Nephews may have rendered Peacock immune to succumbing to outside interference."Allen Price: "These guys are just as crafty and just as nefarious as The Nephews are, Jean-Luc. I don’t think there’s any better way that Chris can prepare for anything at The Grand March and what they may throw at him there than this."Reagan Cole has a bewildered look on his face as he holds up three fingers to the referee, with Jeffry Mason showing some signs of frustration on the outside that Reagan was not able to get the victory there and he slams his hands on the ring apron to get Reagan’s attention before motioning for him to finish the match off. Cole nods his head, and then pushes himself back up to his feet as Peacock rolls onto his front in an attempt to pick himself up too. Under Mason’s instruction, Cole sets himself up in the corner and then motions for Peacock to rise to his feet and it takes people a few seconds to get up but when he does… COLE LOOKS TO HIT HIM WITH THE COLE-BREAKER… BUT PEACOCK CATCHES HIS LEG AND THEN DROPS DOWN INTO THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE!!! The fans cheer loudly as Peacock counters the Jumping Superkick into his Kneebar; the same move he used to defeat Cole’s friend Devin Golden with at Back in Business. Reagan Cole’s eyes widen as he realises the severity of his situation and he tries breaking Peacock’s grip but it is futile as the FWA World Champion has the hold locked in very tightly and Cole finds himself in the middle of the ring with not many places to go! Allen Price: "It is in Reagan Cole’s best interests to submit here, and to admit defeat, because we know that Chris Peacock will not hesitate to snap that leg if it comes to it; we’ve seen him do it before."Reagan grits his teeth and reaches towards the ropes but realises that he is far too far away from them to force a break. Cole pushes himself up from the mat and tries to shuffle towards the ropes and he manages to carry both his and his opponent’s weight with him across half of the ring’s length… and he is finally able to lean back and get both hands around the bottom rope! The referee forces a break by Peacock and Cole grapevines the bottom rope whilst next to them to ensure that he cannot be put straight back into the hold. Peacock stays on his back with his head in his hands, exhausted by the length that this match has gone thus far. With both men down on the mat and the crowd showing their appreciation with a strong showing of support for them both, a loud siren blares through the arena. Natalie Rosenberg steps forward at ringside. Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans this is your Fallout Four-Minute Warning! Four minutes remaining…"Jean-Luc Watkins: "Four minutes left, and Reagan Cole is really pushing the FWA World Champion to the limit tonight. You can see the worry creeping onto the face of Jeffry Mason; he knows how important it is to his cause for Reagan Cole to beat Chris Peacock tonight."Allen Price: "Chris Peacock knows how to last for long stretches, Jean-Luc. I don’t doubt for a second that he can wrap this up in time remaining, despite what other crap Mason and TYLER have up their sleeves."The sounding of the warning creates a new sense of urgency in the arena for everyone who is not competing in the match as both Peacock and Cole remain down on the mat. Jeffry Mason is shown nodding at TYLER before walking deeper into the ringside area and TYLER quickly jogs around to the side of the ring next to the entrance way and he hops up onto the apron once again! The fans boo loudly and Larry Stevens is forced to come across and admonish TYLER once again. However, with the referee’s back turned, there is no one keeping an eye on Jeffry Mason who walks out from the timekeeper’s area with the FWA World Championship in his hands! Allen Price: "I can’t believe we have to say that Jeffry Mason has touched the FWA World Championship now!"Mason takes the championship belt, and he places it into the arms of Reagan Cole who is still down by the ropes and Mason nods his head as Cole questions what he is doing with it, until things finally click for Cole! The crowd are very unhappy with the events transpiring in front of them and Cole does his best to hide the championship as he gets up by the ropes, with the referee still occupied by TYLER. Chris Peacock gets to his hands and knees also, unaware that Cole has his championship in his possession. As Reagan lines up a shot to Peacock with his own title, a small portion of the crowd begins to cheer and this swells AS SOMEONE IS CHARGING DOWN THE RAMP!! IT’S BELLATRIX BORDEAUX!! The fans cheer loudly as Trixie approaches TYLER from behind and pulls his foot… and TYLER’s face bounces off of the ring apron! The referee now leaves the ring to get things to calm down on the outside as Reagan Cole watches on in shock. Jeffry Mason charges around towards Bordeaux and gets in her face, and she screams back at him showing some defiance against her bullies. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Bordeaux has been the object of torment for Mason et al for weeks now but she is coming out here to thwart them and balance the scales back in Chris Peacock’s favour!"After Cole witnessed Bodreaux’s intervention on the outside, he remembers the task at hand and notices Peacock back to his feet and COLE LOOKS TO STRIKE PEACOCK WITH THE TITLE, BUT PEACOCK DUCKS IT! PEACOCK RUNS THE ROPES AND COMES BACK AT COLE WITH A SPEAR!!! The crowd cheer wildly as Peacock scrambles back up to his feet and picks Cole up from the mat and then charges him into one of the corners… ROLLER DISCO CONNECTS!!! Peacock stacks Cole up after the move and Larry Stevens notices from the outside that a pin is taking place, and he slides back into the ring to make the count! ONE… TWO… THREE!!! {RESULT}WInner: Chris Peacock by pin fall at 18:05. The crowd cheer loudly in approval of the result and Chris Peacock grabs his championship from the mat and puts it in front of his waist before he rises to his feet and has his arm raised in victory. A furious Jeffry Mason on the outside looms over Bellatrix Bordeaux, who seems to be about to realise the severity of her actions. Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… CHRIS PEACOCK!!"Jean-Luc Watkins: "Victory for Chris Peacock tonight on the final stop before The Grand March, making it an important one, but you do have to give an assist to Trixie Bordeaux, Price."Allen Price: "I’d call that evening up the playing field, Jean-Luc! We’ve got Mason and TYLER out here causing trouble for Peacock the entire match when really, based on that performance, Cole definitely had a chance to win that match legitimately. Strong performances against the likes of Chris Peacock and Mike Parr are definitely strong preparation for the King of the Deathmatch."Jean-Luc Watkins: "A tournament that Bellatrix Bordeaux will also be in, and I think that she may be about to get a bit of a taster from Jeffry Mason!"The feed focuses on the outside of the ring, as Jeffry Mason is now being joined by TYLER in intimidating Bellatrix and together they back her up in the corner on the outside of the ring. Chris Peacock notices this and looks to be about to intervene… but he stops when he is halfway out of the ring, because he senses something else which the fans have also noticed. Peacock slowly gets back through the ropes and turns around to see the person who had just snuck into the ring through the crowd. Who else came through the crowd but a Nephew? Chris Peacock listens to the loud boos from the fans as he stands opposite Michelle von Horrowitz, and as they lock eyes, some of the life seems to drain out of his eyes. Michelle slowly nods and reality could be beginning to sink in for Chris Peacock about the challenge he has coming for him at The Grand March. Allen Price: "Both of these individuals know that the next time they will be in a ring together it will be in Chicago on April 9th at The Grand March, it will be the two of them and-"{THE SOUND OF TRUTH || AS I LAY DYING}[MEDIA=youtube]K91qwxCWmrs[/MEDIA] The fans cheer loudly as the third part of the equation that is the main event of The Grand March makes an appearance and Cyrus Truth shows his complete disdain for his two opponents in Chicago as he marches towards the ring. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Cyrus Truth refuses to be forgotten in this scenario and he will want to be a part of whatever is going to follow here between Chris Peacock and Michelle von Horrowitz!"Cyrus slides into the ring and the three of them form a triangle in the ring and all duck down slightly to show that they are ready to fight. However, just as they are about to… XYZ AND DEATH WALKER EMERGE FROM THE BACK ONTO THE STAGE! The trio in the ring do not react to it, and the Menagé and The Dark Guardian both follow the scrap down the ramp and they continue to fight down at ringside! Upon seeing this, TYLER and Jeffry Mason also both set on Bellatrix Bordeaux, with an angered Reagan Cole joining in! Allen Price: "Things are starting to boil over here on Fallout and we don’t even have any security to put a stop to it! HERE COME MORE!"SAWYER XAVIER sprints out from the back and he launches himself at Death Walker, wanting some revenge for the attempted assault on him earlier on tonight. Not far behind Sawyer is MADISON GRAY, who has Sawyer in her sights, but she has XYZ pushed into her by Death Walker, and Gray and XYZ start getting into it! Peacock, Truth and MvH remain unmoved in the middle of the ring as the brawl at ringside continues to expand with the arrival of KLEIO DE SANTOS and THE COVEN, who also want some of XYZ and his Menagé, and JASON RANDALL sprints out from the back after that and he cuts KDS off before she can get to XYZ! Randall likely displeased that Kleio did not stand with him and the others earlier on in the face of Death Walker! As the fighting surrounds the ring with all involved taking part in the King of Deathmatch tournament, things take another turn as WEASELPERSON meanders out from the back, wanting to get involved too! The crowd barks along with them as they near the brawl, but LOGAN DARWIN is quickly on the scene and he barrels into weaselperson from behind and puts them in a headlock! There are sounds of shouting, punching and other commotions as Jason Randall sends a Ravenwood sister into the ring steps, Bellatrix Bordeaux bites TYLER’s hand as she tries to escape them, Death Walker swats a steel chair out of Sawyer Xavier’s hands. Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is utter PANDEMONIUM out here and the three world title contenders are still in the ring sizing each other up!"The arena seems like a powder keg about to ignite due to how much is going on, then… {SONNE || RAMMSTEIN}[MEDIA=youtube]YtEWoavDlcM[/MEDIA] Jean-Luc Watkins: "A lot of these individuals are in the King of the Deathmatch tournament and for them this is who it is all about! HERE COMES THE X CHAMPION ALYSTER BLACK!"The crowd are going ballistic for the sighting of ‘Black Jesus’, and the fighting on the outside comes to a temporary stop as Black drops the X Championship on his way down to the ring and ALYSTER BLACK JUMPS INTO THE FRAY AND IT ALL KICKS OFF AGAIN!! The final stop before the KODM/TGM triple header weekend ends with the known participants in the King of Deathmatch tournament and their allies brawling on the outside of the ring and the trio of Michelle von Horrowitz, Cyrus Truth and Chris Peacock standing in the middle of the ring, about to come to blows, as the criminally underrated sounds of Rammstein echoes through the arena… |
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