Business as Usual II
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Previously Recorded.
Illumination Antiques.
It’s a horrible sight to behold. Well, not from the outside. From the outside, Illumination Antiques just looks like its closed. The windows are boarded off, and the door has a large CLOSED sign on it.
But inside is a different story. Wreckage is strewn everywhere, the wares of Fernicus Lamplight mostly destroyed. Black soot covers most everything. What’s left anyway.
It’s something of a mirror of the young man knelt in the floor, trying to sweep up the remnants of some unrecognizable antique.
On the outside, he’s going about his business. But on the inside…
Well, you can probably guess.
The door chime rings out as a man enters the closed shop.
“We’re clos…” young Albert begins, but he quickly shuts up.
Igor Mortis stands before him, an expression on his face that’s all business.
“I’m sorry about your father,” he begins, “our agreement didn’t include his untimely demise.”
“Your agreement?” Albert asks, befuddled and angry at the same time.
Igor nods as Albert gets up and walks over to the remains of his father’s great desk, taking a seat on one end. Mortis doesn’t sit.
“Yes, I brought your father a boat not too long ago. I told him that a man would be looking for a way to cure a terminal illness. All he had to do was sell the man the boat.”
Tears welling up, Albert shakes his head. “So you’re the reason why this happened?”
The older man shakes his head.
“A man’s actions are his own. My Ferryman made his own choices. He will soon forget he ever did, though he is unaware of this side effect of his purchase.”
“So why are you here?” Albert responds.
“To reach a new agreement with the proprietor of Illumination Antiques,” Igor says forcefully, “before he does something rash in his quest for vengeance.”
The young Albert doesn’t respond, getting a respectful nod from Igor.
“This will be the last time I step foot in this shop, the same for Tombstone. We have business of our own that will keep us from your shop. I will ensure you can rebuild and resume business as usual, though it may take some time.”
“And what do you ask of me?” The grieving son asks.
“Wait,” Mortis says, flatly. “Bide your time. Grow your shop. Grow yourself. But know, there will come a time when you will be able to seek your revenge on the man who killed your father. You’ll know when.”
Albert Lamplight looks down at his soot-covered suit, ill-fitting from his gangly body. He takes it all in around him, before looking up at Igor Mortis. He rises and holds his hand out.
“Deal.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a big debut here Nick as the Creek Water King makes his Olympus debut against some very tough competition.
NICK DIAMOND: Vengeance got his big debut victory last week Johnny and if he has anything to say about it, he'll continue that winning streak here.
The bell sounds as both men rush at eachother, fists a clubbering as Mud Mouth tries to fight through Raven's superior striking but a hard knee to the jaw rocks the King before he's sent rushing into the ropes. Mud Mouth ducks underneath a roundhouse kick before springboarding off the ropes
JOHNNY GOMEZ: CREEKWATER DDT! The Tornado DDT spikes Raven onto his dome as that may well be all she wrote there.
Mud Mouth quickly hooks the leg, Mills Lane beginning to count
ONE
...............
.................
TWO
.....................
RAVEN GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Mud Mouth pulls him up to his feet but gets a surprise uppercut to the jaw that rocks the Creek Water King. Mud Mouth gets staggered back by a brutal roaring elbow to the jaw, leaving him out on his feet as Raven bounces off the ropes
FINAL APPROACH! A brutal Spear nearly turns Mud Mouth inside out but Raven doesn't cover, instead heading up to the top rope as he sizes up the Ol' Boy for a moment.
NICK DIAMOND: THE FALL...HITS CANVAS! Mud Mouth moving out of the way just in time of that diving elbow. Raven staggering to his feet
RIGHT INTO THE BUCKSHOT BLASTER! Superman Punch hits right on the button as Mud Mouth calls for the end here.
He pulls Raven up to his feet, kneeing him in the gut before lifting him up
SPINNERBAIT...LAST ROSE! Raven slips out the back of the Fishermans, nailing that brutal Reverse DDT out of nowhere as he drops down for the pinfall
ONE
...............
................
TWO
...............
..................
THREE!!
NICK DIAMOND: Brutal hard hitting contest from two newcomers here Johnny but only one could emerge victorious
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Sometimes all it takes is one move Nick and Raven countered perfectly into that Reverse DDT for a much deserved victory here
Going Up...
With the match over, Raven gets back to his feet and retrieves a microphone, clearly with questions. Why was Mud Mouth watching him? Why does he always check above? Vengeance stands over his fallen enemy and demands answers.
“I don’t like being watched,” he growls. “So, why were you observing me? This is your last chance to tell me the truth.”
Mud Mouth shakes his head.
“I was abducted,” he blurts out in reply.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I’m sorry, what?
NICK DIAMOND: Did he just say he was kidnapped?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: No no, he said abducted.
Raven looks confused.
“One minute I was sittin’ in my canoe drinkin’ some mudweisers and the next I was on an operatin’ table gettin’ all these implants,” he says getting back to his feet. The Ol’ Boy from down the road shrugs his shoulders. “Every level I go, I always go up. I always look for answers from above.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He wasn’t observing him after all?
“When I heard ‘bout a bird who likes to spy from above, I thought maybe you’d know why I was taken and who did it,” he continues with disappointment. “I see now that you ain’t know shit.”
Raven scrunches up his face.
“After my girl was murdered, I like to go up too,” he admits. “I like to see the bigger picture from above.”
NICK DIAMOND: It looks like they have some common ground at least.
“I don’t know who abducted you,” he says with a shrug of his own. “But if I see anything, I know where to go.”
Mud Mouth nods back.
Flutter.
And Raven is gone.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What an insane start to Attitude. Mud Mouth was abducted by Zeus knows what and Raven likes to observe from above. These two were on a collision course for the simplest of reasons.
NICK DIAMOND: What’s next for Mud Mouth?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The investigation continues, I suppose? Who or what abducted h
The Elders Part VIII
Many Years Ago.
As images flash before our eyes, we hear the voice of Zeus.
Rioting.
The people of Arcadia are incensed. They’re attacking Agora and many other levels, hunting for the Elders.
“A civil war began after the Classic.”
Fires rage and infernos burn.
“A group that called themselves the Pantheon decided to start a revolution. They took a war to The Elders, who were not prepared for that response.”
The Elders hide inside the House of Sovereigns, protected by armed guards.
“I remember sitting in this room with my father, all those years ago. I remember what he asked of me; what he said. I’ll never forget that moment, son.”
Hercules voice now booms over the images of children crying.
“What did he ask of you?” He asks.
“Well….”
To be continued.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: After dealing with Hoax's antics at his university, Bartholomew Finkle is out for revenge!
The two immediately charge at each other with lefts and rights, with Hoax gaining an upper hand as he sends the Professor to the corner...only for Finkle to escape a clothesline attempt!
Finkle catches him with some right hands to keep Hoax at bay, before following up with a bulldog that drives him mask-first into the canvas!
The Professor sees his chance to take Hoax to school, pulling him in as he starts to wrap around for a figure four leg lock!
VOLATILITY!
NICK DIAMOND: Hoax is struggling, but he's immediately scrambling to get to the ropes! The ref's calling for a break!
Finkle reluctantly obliges, rising to his feet as Hoax takes his leave for a breather...only for the Professor to give chase!
Finkle grabs the back of Hoax's head, slamming him into the apron before rolling him back into the ring...but his foe is already back on his feet!
Hoax hits the ropes for speed, setting up for a massive clothesline on the rebound...but Finkle ducks it!
Hoax comes back around, but this proves to be a fatal error as he gets caught with a spinning heel kick by the Professor!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SUPPLY & DEMAND! Hoax looks like he's out cold after that one!
Finkle quickly scrambles to the fallen Hoax for the cover, as the ref makes the count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Bartholomew Finkle with a win over Hoax, and hopefully the revenge he seeks after what he's been through!
Black, White & Red
Backstage, Narcissa Balenciaga strides purposefully through a corridor, her steps silent but deadly. She rounds a corner and spots Colt Ramsey leaning against a wall, lost in thought.
She approaches him, her eyes cold, her demeanor controlled.
“Colt,” she begins, her voice dripping with a mix of pity and scorn, “for old times' sake, I came alone. No Uprising behind me, just me telling you how pathetic you’ve become.” She pauses, her gaze piercing. “Following around a charlatan like Lionel Troy, doing his dirty work. You could have been someone in Arcadia, but look at you. Destined to be a toady for greater men and women.”
Colt straightens up, his face darkening with anger. His voice is tight as he responds, “I’ve found a place to belong, Narcy. A place where I don’t have to be someone I’m not just to scrape up whatever glory I can.”
His fists clench at his sides. “The Lion of Zion has made me a new man, not the one you remember and want to trample over.”
The air between them crackles with the tension of a brewing storm.
Narcissa's response is swift—
THWACK!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: She just slapped Colt Ramsey clear to Anthesteria!
NICK DIAMOND: Just like he remembered, I’m sure.
The sound echoes in the confined space, a shocking crack in the quiet.Before Colt can react, another figure emerges from the shadows.
Jackson Cade.
He steps between them, his hand firmly pushing Narcissa back.
“You always liked asking people who they want to be, Narcissa,” Jackson's voice booms, heavy with disdain. “But you can't seem to handle it when it's not whatever you want them to be.”
He fixes his gaze on her, unblinking and intense.
“You think you’re the center of the universe, but tonight, you’re getting put in your place.” He turns slightly, nodding at Colt, his words sharp as knives. “I hope you believe all the crap you just said, because tonight, it’s all on the line.”
Cade stalks off, followed by a flustered Narcissa in the other direction. Colt Ramsey rubs his face, vengeance in his eyes.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Colt Ramsey says he’s a new man, thanks to Lionel Troy. It’s time for him to prove it.
NICK DIAMOND: He started this fight, now he has to end it, you mean?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: If he doesn’t, Hera or Cade will end it for him.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Master Ken looks to defend his honor and his Dojo as he takes on Jash Khan!
Khan charges at the Sensei, blindsiding him to gain the early advantage as he sends Ken to the corner!
He quickly follows up with a series of stomps, taunting Ken all the while...but not for long, as the Sensei manages to escape!
Ken lays in a flurry of kicks on the Raja Roadman, but Khan grabs him by the neck to shove the Master to the canvas!
Jash approaches the Sensei...who catches him with an inside cradle as the ref makes the count!
ONE!
NO!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Khan kicks out, and he does not look happy about what the Sensei just did!
Jash is enraged as he pulls Ken back to his feet...and starts nailing him with powerful punches to the stomach!
THE LOOSE MOTIONS!
Ken is doubled over, giving the Raja Roadman an opening as he hoists the Sensei up for a massive powerbomb!
GANTO--NO!
NICK DIAMOND: Master Ken just escaped in the nick of time!
Kick to the gut of Khan by the Sensei...who follows up with a big chop!
ALONG THE WHITE PINE!
Khan is reeling, but the big man is still on his feet...until the Sensei goes for a spinning backfist!
HAND OF--NO!
Khan blocks it...and responds with a thumb spike right to the Sensei's throat!
KHANT SPEAK!
Jash makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jash Khan picks up the win over Master Ken...and hopefully this spells the end of the issues between them!
Done Deal
NICK DIAMOND: Hold on a minute Johnny, here comes Jash Khan's crew!
The group of men surround the ring, hopping onto the apron...with one of them holding a set of papers on a clipboard, which he hands over to the Raja Roadman along with a microphone.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What's going on here? Is that what I think it is?
"Well bruddah," Khan finally remarks with a chuckle. "This scrap between us is all fine and good, but it's time to come to grips with reality...and the reality is, this is a done deal."
Khan shows the clipboard to Ken, whose face twists to a mix between surprise and anger.
"Your little Dojo's in my hands now, innit," Jash continues with a smirk. "But no dramas, I'm gonna let you run your operation as you choose...so long as you pay your respects."
Jash drops the mic, leaving with his boys to a chorus of boos as they head up the ramp...the Raja Roadman keeping that smirk on his face the whole time. Ken is without words, choosing instead to leave the ring as he ponders what running his Dojo will look like going forward.
NICK DIAMOND: What does this mean for Master Ken's methods of teaching?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I'm not entirely sure Nick, but it sounds like the business between the Sensei and Jash Khan is settled all the same...at least for now!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We're set for the match to begin but The Black Panther hasn't come out to the ring!
NICK DIAMOND: Do you think he's scared, Johnny?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don't know, Nick. I don't think that man is scared of anything.
Yellow Python stands in the ring looking utterly confused as the referee begins to count! Python demands a microphone, yelling as the count begins.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
"Come out here, Panther!" He paces back and forth on the canvas, practically spitting his words. "Are you just going to hide from what you did? Come out here and fight. It's just you and me."
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
NINE!
TEN!
The referee calls for the bell and Python drops the mic, placing his hands on his hips as he looks at the empty ramp, Black Panther nowhere to be found.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well that settles it. It looks like The Yellow Python has won this bout by count out!
The Fallen Falcon Ultimatum
In the middle of the ring, baffled and confused, The Yellow Python stands victor without ever lifting a finger.
He’s not amused. He doesn’t feel like a winner. What he wanted tonight was to rip The Black Panther limb from limb for murdering his friend The White Bear and attempted to murder Falcon and Shark too.
Suddenly, the tron flickers and The Black Panther appears.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This guy is such a coward!
The camera follows him into a room in which The Red Falcon is tied to a chair, his mask cracked and blood seeping from it. Panther picks his head up, squeezing him by the throat.
He grunts at him.
Again, no words spoken.
NICK DIAMOND: What has broken in this man’s mind? He got shot, for Zeus sake.
“He… says…” Falcon mutters, clearly worse for wear. “He wants…”
Coughing up blood interrupts almost every word, so Panther squeezes his throat tighter to encourage action.
“H-He wants the OSW Tag Team Championships at Pandemonium,” Red finally gets the words out. “If you and Shark… don’t… retrieve them….”
Panther violently pushes the chair over and grabs the camera forcibly, drawing a line across his own throat.
Static.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no!
NICK DIAMOND: Did you expect any different? If The Kingdom don’t win the Tag Team Championships at Pandemonium, The Black Panther is going to kill The Red Falcon. There’s no escape this time, kid. You’ve gotta do it. You must.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This poor kid has been through enough and it’s not over. He has to take The Blue Shark to Pandemonium and win, or he loses the life of yet another friend. Why is The Black Panther doing this?
Numbers
Somewhere in the depths of Olympus we find the Pool Boys gathered in a large open area. There is a clear division now, as Burning Justice stand together opposite the Besties.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Last week, Scott Sterling laid down the law. The Pool Boys will be forced to compete against each other for the Tag Team Championships.
NICK DIAMOND: The question is, will they all be on the same page? Doom and Foley are expecting an advantage to retain their titles.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: As long as Burning Justice are going to play ball with Doom’s plans.
They stand in somewhat awkward silence before Doom addresses them.
“Nothing has changed, let us just be clear on that. Our plan is still firmly in place.”
He pats his hand over his Tag Team Championship.
“We walk away with these. They cannot fall into the hands of the Uprising… or Apokalypsis for that matter.”
Felix Foley smiles as he adds in.
“We have the numbers on our side in that ring. What must be done, must be done. You two pals understand, right?”
There is a long pause, before both members of Burning Justice nod, somewhat reluctantly. But Destructo Boy isn't about to just roll over.
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” He states, matter of factly. “One way or another, our alliance will retain those belts... one of us. Should the plan need to be adapted slightly for this to happen, we will not let them fall into the hands of the enemy.”
Doom’s body language screams of a man not happy, but he knows sacrifices must be made and the war won't be easy.
BANG! FLASHBANG!
SHOUTING FROM ALL AROUND!
NICK DIAMOND: What is happening?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Flashbangs, blinding light. This is a surprise attack Nicky! The Uprising are looking to work their own numbers game to their advantage.
Each of the Pool Boys are disoriented as members of the Uprising storm in from all sides.
Harvey Escher, Roderick Pym, Haywire, Aster Grey and Dahliah Black take the fight to their foes. Chaos reigns, and security rush in to try and gain some kind of control of the situation.
But as the scene seems to only become more and more volatile, we zoom out, to where a duo watch on calmly. Gemini and Drewitt stand with their steeds, watching as the brawl erupts.
Gemini points a finger in their direction.
“See? They will tear each other to pieces over their greed for power. Now?”
Drewitt tips his hat, nodding at her as they saddle up.
“We ride.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: One of these teams will walk out champions. But will it be the team that walked into Attitude with the belts?
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Harold Attano gets a chance at revenge for his daughter tonight Nick!
NICK DIAMOND: Will he even try to win or just go for destruction? We find out now!
DING!
DING!
Harold Attano sprints out of the corner at Redgrave! He's delivering rapid fire rights to Redgrave until Redgrave is against the ropes! Harold hits a hard elbow and runs the ropes! He nails a clothesline that sends Redgrave over the ropes and out to the floor!
ATTANO RUNS THE ROPES!
REDGRAVE IS QUICKLY BACK IN AND NAILS A SUPERKICK!
ATTANO BOUNCES INTO THE ROPES FROM THE MOMENTUM!
REDGRAVE NAILS THE SPINNING BACK ELBOW ON THE RETURN!
NICK DIAMOND: Redgrave survived the early assault but is in control now!
Redgrave starts stomping away at Attano! He pulls Attano up just to drop him with a DDT! Attano just got spiked and is looking out of it! Redgrave pulls him up again and nails another one for good measure!
REDGRAVE PULLS ATTANO UP AGAIN AND THIS TIME HE'S GOING FOR THE PEDIGREE!
HE HAS HIM SET UP!
SYMPHONY OF SYMMETRY!
NO!
VENOM!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Attano countered the pedigree attempt with a scorpion kick!
NICK DIAMOND: Brilliant way to get out of that Johnny!
Both men are down and Attano is slowly getting up first! He pulls Redgrave up and shouts “This is for her you son of a bitch!”
QUICK KICK TO THE GUT BY REDGRAVE!
SYMPHONY OF SYMMETRY!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Redgrave said not today and covers!
ONE!
. . .
TWO!
. . .
. . .
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Harold Attano has been denied the sweet taste of revenge as Redgrave snatches the victory away from nobody!
Where is he?
After that gruelling match, Harold Attano and Jasper Redgrave get back to their feet, storming into war once more.
As they collide in the middle of the ring, referee’s and security pour out of the back to separate these two volatile men.
“Where is he!?” Redgrave yells at him.
The referee’s and security become the middlemen, a wall between both warriors.
Attano scoffs.
“You should’ve come for him, you coward,” he baits. Jasper sneers, understandably frustrated. “Because now you’ll never see him again.”
Jaspers eyes widen with ire.
“He’s in the hands of a colleague – a very capable, dangerous, important colleague,” Harold says with a smirk. Jasper tries to get through the crowd to get to him but can’t. “A man that taught me all I knew. When I came through the ranks for Zeus, I was paired with him, a few years between us and he mentored me.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That doesn’t sound good for young CJ Thorpe. That puts him in the hands of someone worse than Attano.
NICK DIAMOND: May Zeus have mercy on his soul.
“You son of a bitch!” Jasper yells, though it’s impossible to tell whether he’s sincere. He didn’t come for his ‘friend’ after all – not this time. “We’re not finished, you and I.”
Harold rolls to the outside and retrieves his invasion briefcase from ringside. He holds it up, microphone in one hand and case in the other.
“You’re right,” he baits again. “Because if you beat Tombstone at Pandemonium, guess who’s waiting in the wings.”
That makes Jasper smile.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jasper is smiling now but imagine winning the title and having Attano immediately take it from you. He’d snap.
NICK DIAMOND: I wouldn’t want Jasper Redgrave on my tail, especially then.
“I will avenge my daughter death!” He proclaims. “I will either kill you or send you back to Deathrow where you belong. That’s not a prediction, that’s a promise.”
Attano’s music hits as the crowd cheer him on.
Seek Him Out
In the Mortuary, Tombstone stands before Igor Mortis, his presence filling the room with palpable anger.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Last week, Tombstone learned the fiery truth of what he did to Fernicus Lamplight.
NICK DIAMOND: Igor’s known all along, Gomez.
“Why was this kept from me?” Tombstone demands, his voice thick with betrayal.
Igor Mortis, undisturbed by the fury in Tombstone’s eyes, leans back in his chair, regarding the Ferryman with a grim sort of resignation.
“It is the curse of the Ferryman,” he begins slowly, “to have his memories fade over time. This is the nature of your existence, to ferry souls without the weight of your past deeds.”
Tombstone's anger simmers as he processes Mortis's words, the revelation does little to quell the storm raging within him.
Seeing this, Igor adds, “If it pleases you to learn more of your past, then know this— the boy lived.”
Tombstone’s eyes narrow, his interest piqued despite his anger. “The boy, Albert, has grown into a man, one you have already faced in the OSW ring not so long ago. Though, you would have not have recognized him without what the Mariachi did to you.”
“Seek him out,” Igor advises, his voice steady and clear. “He will guide you in understanding what truly happened to you, now that you both share the burden of that night.”
Without a word, Tombstone turns tail to walk out of the Mortuary. But he quickly finds another figure lurking just outside the Mortuary’s heavy doors.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh boy, Nicky. It’s El Mariachi Muerte!
Before Muerte can speak, Tombstone cuts him off.
“Thank you,” he says sincerely, “for showing me the truth.”
Then his expression darkens. “But I must apologize to you. Your favor to me has only made what I’m going to do to you at Attitude even worse.”
The threat hangs between them, stark and inevitable, before Tombstone leaves.
El Mariachi Muerte watches as Tombstone walks away, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
“Distract the Ferryman with the Lamplight, rob him blind in the center of the ring,” he murmurs to himself.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I still don’t think Muerte’s plan is a good one.
NICK DIAMOND: No, Gomez. I think it’s a GREAT one. Tombstone is so angry about his past that El Mariachi Muerte’s going to skirt away with the World Championship!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We’ll have to see which of us is right.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Tag Team Championships are on the line. The Besties defend not only against The Uprising and Apokalypsis, but Burning Justice as well.
NICK DIAMOND: Can the Pool Boys stay on the same page tonight?
Escher, Doom, Destructo Boy and Gemini begin in the ring. The bell sounds and all eyes turn to Escher.
NICK DIAMOND: DESTRUCTO BOY NAILS ESCHER WITH A STIFF ELBOW STRIKE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: YANG! GEMINI FOLLOWS UP BY DROPPING HIM WITH HER BACKSTABBER!
Doom steps back, allowing Destructo Boy to grab Gemini and lock horns with her.
TRUE JUSTICE! BACKDROP DRIVER! GEMINI IS PLANTED BY THE KID!
It’s Doom and Destructo Boy now, eyeballing each other. But they do not come to blows. Each picks up their own foe and marches them over to their respective corner where simultaneous tags are made.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Doom and Foley pick Escher up! Burning Justice grab Gemini!
THE HANDS OF DOOM CHOKE ESCHER… AND FELIX WITH A BIG BOOT THAT NEARLY TAKES HIS HEAD OFF! THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING!
DOUBLE SPINNING URANAGES TO GEMINI! TIP THE SCALES AND BLACKENED SOUL TOGETHER TAKE HER OUT!
NICK DIAMOND: But there’s a tag!
Drewitt manages to sneak a tag in. While the referee is trying to gain control, he lines up Blaze…
WAR CRY! THE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE SENDS A MESSAGE!
ONLY TO BE SILENCED BY A FALL AWAY SLAM FROM FOLEY! THE FALL GUY DROPS DREWITT!
But a commotion at ringside steals the attention away. The Uprising surround the ring. Haywire, Dahlia Black and Aster Gray look ready to ascend into the ring, when Doom hits a button on his gauntlet.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DRONES! THEY’RE SWARMING THE UPRISING!
In the commotion, Roderick Pym enters the fray, lining up Felix Foley!
DOUBLE ARM DDT! PERRY WINK! NO!
FELIX REVERSES INTO ONE OF HIS OWN!
CUT THE STRINGS!
Doom protects his buddy from any oncomers as Foley covers for the pin.
ONE!
…
…
…
TWO!
…
…
…
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It is The Besties tonight. They retain their Tag Team titles once more. They cannot be stopped!
The Chamber
NICK DIAMOND: Where... are we?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Nowhere good, Nicky.
The scene opens in the interior of a long forgotten level, one containing a plethora of old test tubes, barrels of chemicals, and other assorted lab equipment. In the center, however, is a large glass walled gas chamber that ominously looms over the level. And inside? Nox. He sits knowingly, as though waiting for someone.
"WE FOUND HIM, CHILDREN! THE DEVIL LIVES WITHIN THESE WALLS!" The voice of Lionel Troy enters the scene as a plethora of crazed followers storm into the room! They all look emaciated, eyes still filled with fear. Troy smiles as he walks between them, arms outstretched.
"They still listen to you...?" Nox leans against the glass walls of the chamber, head tilted as he examines the Children of Zion.
"Of course! My Children are truly devoted... And your Lion Tamer has only made them more willing to listen. I'm the only thing they see as safety in this world. I am the road to paradise and they would do anything to follow me." He chuckles. "Even if that means spending the last week sleeplessly looking for your lab."
NICK DIAMOND: He's been using the effects of Nox's mixture to make them work for a week straight?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Sounds like being one of his children costs a lot more than seven credits now doesn't it, Nick?
"Now," Troy says, walking up to the chamber. "Give me the cure for their psychosis. They're great workers, but a few more days like this and the might start dropping like flies. And, while we're at it, I'll take that belt of yours too."
"Come and get it."
NOX KICKS OPEN THE DOOR AND PULLS TROY INTO THE CHAMBER! THIS MATCH IS ABOUT TO BE UNDER WAY!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This match was slated to happen but there's no referee! It looks like the only way this is ending is by knock out!
Nox flings Troy across the chamber and pulls a lever! Gas begins to flood the chamber! Lionel hacks and coughs as it burns his lungs! The Chemist grabs him!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: PARALYTIC-PLEX!
NICK DIAMOND: SNAPDRAGON SUPLEX TO TROY!
The Preacher is already looking out of it as he tries to stumble to his feet but falls back to his knees! Nox goes to put a boot to his skull but Troy lashes out!
NICK DIAMOND: IT'S A MIRACLE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A LOW BLOW IS NOT A MIRACLE, NICKY!
Lionel grabs the bent over Nox and slams his face against the glass wall! He slams him over and over before hitting a Russian legsweep into the levers!
NICK DIAMOND: THE GAS IS GETTING SIPHONED OUT OF THE CHAMBER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NOW THAT MIGHT BE A MIRACLE!
Mr. Gas hits the ground and Troy takes the time to catch his breath! He backs up and begs Nox to rise before flying full speed towards him!
NICK DIAMOND: COTHESLIONEL FROM HELL!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: GET OVER HERE! CLOTHESLINE FROM NOX! BOTH MEN CONNECT!
Both Titans slam into the ground of the chamber from that collision! A moment passes and both men slowly try to get to their feet Lionel Troy reaches into his coat but Nox is on him!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NOX OUT! THE REVERSE FULL NELSON BOMB PLANTS TROY!
NICK DIAMOND: I THINK HE'S OUT, JOHNNY!
Lionel Troy doesn't move and Nox stands tall before exiting the chamber and fleeing the lab with his title in tow!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This match was brutal! Can anyone dethrone Nox?
Lion Tamer, Part II
The match is over, the smoke has cleared, but Lionel Troy hasn't left the lab! He stumbles through the chemical plant, his fidgety followers looking at him with wide eyes. "Paradise! Deliver us from the demons within our minds!" They plead, praying with Troy who looks at the work benches, eyes landing on a cannister sitting amongst the shelves.
NICK DIAMOND: Do you think that's the cure, Johnny?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: For the sake of his followers, I can only hope so.
Troy reads the label with a smirk, turning to his congregation. "My children! Your beloved reverend has done as he has promised! In my hands is eternity! The cure to your plight! Come, breath in the winds of Zion himself!" His followers surround him and Troy opens the cannister! A blue smoke escapes, the followers breathing deeply! Many of them fall to their knees, crying as, seemingly, their affliction is brought to an end!
"Praise be to Zion," one says, with others joining in with a much louder "Praise be to Zion!" The exhausted Children of Zion kneel at Troy's feet, the reverend putting his trademark style back on his face.
"Praise be! Now, my loyal followers, you see what Zion can truly do for you. Go forth, rest, and we shall congregate at our beloved Church in the morning." Troy watches as his followers nod their heads, shuffling out of Nox's lab. However, Troy stays back for a moment, eyes going to another cannister on the wall. One labeled 'Lion Tamer'. He glances over either shoulder, grabbing the can and placing both it, and another cannister of the antidote in his coat! Without another word he begins to whistle, taking his leave from the lab as well.
NICK DIAMOND: I don't like what we just saw, Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Neither do I, Nicky. Neither do I.
Cut.
NICK DIAMOND: Well Johnny the Double Feature Championship is on deck next with Narcissa defending in a Triple Threat Contest against the challengers Colt Ramsey and Jackson Cade.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Right, you are Nicky, and Narcissa doesn’t have to lose the fall to lose the Championship in this encounter, and Demi Sky has drawn officiating duties for this one.
Demi calls for the bell and this Championship triple threat is underway and Narcissa rushes out...
*BAM!*
Running Bicycle Knee to the jaw of The Jorno.
UPRISING KNOCKS RAMSEY BACK INTO THE CORNER!
*CRACK!*
RUNNING BULL HAMMER ELBOW!
THE INCENDIARY ROUND BLINDSIDES THE DESIGNER SENDING HER ROLLING THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE!
Colt is able to snap Cade in a Front Chancery Acing a Huge Flash Forward DDT!
SAY CHEESE OFFICER CADE RAMSEY ROLLS CADE OVER FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
...
NARCISSA PULLS RAMSEY OFF THE COVER FROM THE OUTSIDE BEFORE ROLLING BACK INTO THE RING!
Colt gets back to his feet, Narcissa wraps him up, Ripcord Spinning Heel Kick!
REVOLUTION CATCHES THE JORNO IN THE FACE AND HERA MAKES THE COVER!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
CADE DIVES!
...
...
TOO LATE! THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Narcissa manages to retain her Championship in the face of some game competition!
Two Faces of Foley
Felix Foley sits across from his mother in her quaint living room, the room awash with a bright light that seems incongruous with the weight showing on the face of Mrs. Foley.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A mystery man visited Mrs. Foley not too long ago, Nicky. He said Felix needed to know the truth about his father.
NICK DIAMOND: I guess she’s about to tell him.
Mrs. Foley, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, takes a deep breath before she speaks. Her voice, when it finally comes, is heavy with emotion.
“Felix, there's something about your father... something I've kept from you all these years,” she begins, her gaze not wavering from her son's.
“What is it?” He asks, bothered by her tone. “He can’t hurt me anymore.”
She sighs. “Felix, your father led a double life. When he wasn’t here with us, he was with others. He had another family. I knew about it, but I couldn’t…”
The words hang in the air as she trails off. Tears well up in her eyes as she beholds Felix’s own face. His initial reaction is a mix of disbelief and confusion.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s a shocker! Mr. Foley lived a double life!
“That might explain... why he was the way he was with you,” she continues, her voice cracking slightly. “He was pulled in two directions, and I suppose it made him harder, more closed off, especially towards you.”
Still no words from Felix. He’s at a complete loss.
“He got involved in some dangerous dealings through his other life,” Mrs. Foley adds, her voice now a whisper. “It’s what got him killed.”
She pauses, her eyes searching Felix’s face for understanding. “There’s more, Felix. This was the hardest part to keep from you.”
He takes a deep breath before nodding, as if to give permission.
“You have a brother.”
The air practically explodes out of Felix as he takes this revelation in. Mrs. Foley lowers her eyes, not wanting to feel the burst of anger she expects.
“I want to meet him,” Felix says suddenly, his voice firm, cutting through the heavy silence. “I need to know who he is.”
Mrs. Foley nods, her expression a mixture of relief and apprehension.
“I thought you might say that,” she says, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “It’ll take some time to arrange, but give me a couple of weeks, and I will take you to him.”
He nods, taking in the revelation.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Felix Foley has a brother, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: And he’s going to get to meet him?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Let’s hope he doesn’t regret that decision!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And here we go folks, our main event of the evening should be a doozy as Death itself challenges the Ferryman for his World Championship and El Mariachi has gone a very psychological route to take down Tombstone these last few weeks Nick.
NICK DIAMOND: EMM continues the trend of using Tombstone's past to try and rattle him but if the first tape was anything to go by, Death may well find himself a very pissed off Tombstone to contend with.
A single spotlight illuminates the stage as the arena falls into darkness. A single repeated note played over the eerie silence is followed by the voice of El Mariachi Muerte.
“Remember me...” As Apokalypsis’s Death enters the spotlight, lights hued with purple and teal illuminate his entranceway. He plays as he walks, stepping into the spotlight.
BIG FUCKING BOOT!
Before EMM can sing another note, Tombstone rushes him out of nowhere nearly breaking his jaw with that brutal Big Boot. EMM staggers up to his feet, holding the guitar in his hands as he takes a wild swing
TOMBSTONE CATCHES IT.
The Ferryman rips it out of Mariachi's hands, nailing him with a skull rattling headbutt before tossing it down the ramp with one hand before the other hand goozles Death.
ONE HANDED OVERHEAD CHOKE TOSS!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: You were certainly right there Nick, we have never seen Tombstone this pissed off as he is absolutely dismantling El Mariachi Muerte here.
Death tumbles down the ramp, rolling down the hard steel before falling face first onto the concrete in a thump. He barely gets to register the hit though before he's picked up by the back of the head
AND THROWN HEADFIRST INTO THE NEARBY TURNBUCKLE POST!
EMM flies through the air, practically bouncing off the post from the sheer force of the toss as blood begins to pool down his face. He stumbles up to his feet, turning and seeing the furious growl of Tombstone as he tries desperately to rush into the ring but the Ferryman...the Ferryman isn't letting him run away.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This contest may not even officially start Nick, Tombstone's looking murderous here as another Boot fractures the skull. He lifts him up.
NICK DIAMOND: YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! ODE TO CHARON INTO THE TURNBUCKLE POST!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: You could hear the crack of bone against steel from that Jacknife Powerbomb from here Nick, that has to be it as Tombstone finally throws a hurting EMM into the ring.
Demi Sky calls for the bell, Tombstone turning over the bloodied and battered EMM and covering him with a lateral press as Sky counts the fall
ONE
.................
.......................
TWO
.....................
.........................
EMM GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Tombstone doesn't look shocked, instead he just shakes his head as he peels EMM up off the mat
SONATA! STUNNER OUT OF NOWHERE!
Tombstone stumbles backwards into the ropes, rebounding off with a Lariat that EMM ducks underneath before flying off the ropes
TORNADO DDT SPIKES TOMBSTONE INTO THE MAT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: El Mariachi going wild on Tombstone here even bloodied and battered as he is. Death going up top as he may well be looking to give the Ferryman his flowers
EMM leaps up to the top rope, pulling a rose out of his jacket before placing it in his teeth and diving off
48 ROSES...NO! Tombstone rolls out of the way as El Mariachi lands on his feet, turning around and rushing forward
NICK DIAMOND: BUT YOU DON'T RUN AT THE FERRYMAN! Brutal Bossman Slam further damages those bad ribs of EMM
Tombstone doesn't let EMM stay down on the mat, pulling him up as he rocks him with a few hard knees to the ribs before picking him up and wrapping those thick arms around his midsection and begins to CARRY EMM'S SOUL around the ring, with that brutal Bear Hug locked in all the while.
EMM screams out in pain, Tombstone squeezing the air out of his lungs as Demi Sky sees if EMM wants to give up but Death refuses. He begins to try and break the hold but Tombstone takes all the fight out of him with a brutal headbutt before rushing forward
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Tombstone is trying to break El Mariachi in half here as he runs him into a second buckle and then a third all the while he still has that deadly Bear Hug locked on.
EMM is slammed into the fourth buckle, screaming out in pain but that may be his last gasp as he fades away in Tombstone's arms, Demi pulling up his arm
It Falls Once.
Demi grabs his arm again
It Falls...
KICK TO THE DICK!
NICK DIAMOND: EMM playing a little possum there as he takes Tombstone by surprise with a trip to dick kick city.
WHISKEY LULLABY! The low blow loosened Tombstone's grip enough for EMM to turn the tables with that overhead Belly to Belly out of nowhere. Tombstone crashes to the mat as he tries to sit up but he's sent back down with a running double stomp before EMM leaps up to the top rope
48 ROSES! EMM hits the diving footstomp on the second attempt as he rolls through, hooking both legs as Demi Sky begins to count
ONE
.................
..........................
TOMBSTONE POWERS EMM OFF
JOHNNY GOMEZ: As resilient as El Mariachi is, Tombstone is even more so. Death's going to need a lot more to become world champion for a third time here.
EMM pulls Tombstone up, trying to get him to Fade to Black but Tombstone easily backdrops his way out of the Package Piledriver. EMM gets back to his feet into a skull rattling Big Boot, the blood again flowing down Death's forehead as he stumbles back up
GOOZLE! FOR WHOM...NO!
EMM escapes the Chokeslam with a rake of the eyes before rolling back and nailing Tombstone with a Superkick. EMM nails a second before grabbing him by the head and rushing to the ropes
TORNADO SPIKE DDT! Death doesn't cover instead running to the ropes as Tombstone slowly staggers to his feet
JOHNNY GOMEZ: MALICIOUS SONATA! Death nails the Springboard Stunner as he's unleashing everything he has at the Ferryman here.
EMM drops down, almost collapsing onto the Ferryman as Demi Sky counts the fall
ONE
................
...................
TWO
...................
.........................
DO WE HAVE A NEW WORLD CHAMPION?
...........................
..............................
TOMBSTONE JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
NICK DIAMOND: 2.999 there for EMM, Tombstone just barely keeps the title around his waist as EMM needs to bust out the fire here.
Tombstone slowly rises to his feet as EMM rushes to the ropes, springboarding off
RIGHT INTO THE DOUBLE GOOZLE!
Tombstone stares daggers into El Mariachi's eyes for a moment before lifting him up high with both hands
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS! FULL FORCE KNEELING CHOKESLAM!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And that's all she wrote for EMM here Nick as Tombstone covers, Demi Sky rushing in to count
ONE
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..................
TWO
..................
.......................
THREE!!!
NICK DIAMOND: A valiant effort by EMM there but you don't piss off the Ferryman and survive Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Indeed you don't Nick, Tombstone is still the OSW World Champion but with the Artist's second course coming next, will this be his last title defence?
Now, Then, Together
Sometime Later.
In No Man’s Land, John The Revelator sits on a rickety chair by the forbidden door, with Drewitt, Gemini and El Mariachi Muerte sat nearby, on guard.
They’re looking ahead, watching and waiting.
“What’re we waiting for, boss?” Drewitt is eager to know.
“This…” JTR responds, nodding towards the entry point.
As he does, Vision and Grimskull enter together. Two former best friends turned enemies now approach in tandem, a force, much like they used to be. John stands up, met by Gemini, Drewitt and Muerte.
“Why have you brought him?” John asks Grimskull, confused. After what Vision did to him, you’d never expect to see them on the same page. “He’s the reason.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I can’t believe these two are together.
NICK DIAMOND: I never thought I’d see the day.
Grimskull nods.
“He’s also the choice,” The Preacher says sternly. “Scott Sterling has picked him to lead the OSW team against The Uprising at Ring of Dreams.”
“We have bigger fish to fry,” Gemini interrupts, looking back at the door.
“No you don’t, young lady,” Vision chimes in with a shake of his head. “The Uprising want what you want. Whatever is behind that door, they’re now aware of. They’re coming for it, whether you like it or not.”
John audibly sighs.
“He’s right,” their leader says to them all. “We still need to find the fifth key and we’re running out of time. What do you propose, Vision?”
The leader of the Third Eye folds his arms.
“Grimskull and I know Deathrow like the back of our hands. We know all its secrets, but thanks to Narcissa, he’s unable to fight,” he says looking at his former friend. “If you three join me and fight for team OSW, we can eradicate the Uprising and protect your door, protect OSW and protect Arcadia.”
John thinks about it for a moment. Drewitt and Gemini share a look before Muerte steps forward.
“I’m in, amigo,” he agrees with a nod.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Wow! Team OSW is Apokalypsis and Vision!?
NICK DIAMOND: I think the Uprising might be in trouble, Johnny.
“Very well,” John also agrees, looking at Gemini and Drewitt as if to say that they’re in. “But first, we need your help, Vision. We need to find our fifth key and progress has been slow. Our next targets are Lionel Troy and Colt Ramsey – do you think you and The Third Eye can assist?”
Vision thinks about it for a moment.
“Consider it done…”
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.