HOUNDS OF HADES
Hounds of Hades
The biggest night in the history of the War see's the Preservationists battle the Seekers in a five on five War Games Match. Ares has promised to increase the stakes, but how?
The Stakes
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play â–º symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Cold Open – House of Sovereigns
A single, stark camera feed. The glow of firelight dances against ancient stone walls. The camera flickers into focus. Sitting before it is Ares, dressed in ceremonial battle armor, his face a grim, emotionless mask. Behind him, the insignia of the Preservationists glows red-hot like molten iron.
The show doesn't begin with music.
No pyro.
No cheering.
Just silence—the calm before the storm.
“Tonight, the war enters its final act. For months, blood has spilled in the streets. Loyalties shattered. Legends buried. And all of it—every ounce of pain and fire—has been for control of one truth…” A pause. He leans forward, intensity rising. “That door... must never open.”
He takes a breath, measured and cold.
“Narcissa reminded me this week that our stakes? They weren't high enough. Not yet. Not for the magnitude of what we’re fighting to protect. Not for Arcadia’s soul.So let me make it clear to every man, woman, and child watching. To every Seeker and every Preservationist who steps foot into that arena tonight…”
His voice grows colder, deadlier with each word.
“The losing side… will not go home. They will not get to regroup. They will be met with a firing squad. Executed. Removed from this war permanently.”
The crowd explodes in the background, their reaction echoing off the chamber walls—shocked gasps, furious roars, stunned silence.
Ares ignores it.
“That’s the cost of rebellion. That’s the price of defiance. And I don't care if it’s them... or us. There is no place in the new Arcadia for the weak. No mercy for the defeated.”
He stares dead into the lens.
“Tonight, the gods choose and the dogs of war that aren't worth their bite will be put down.”
The feed cuts to static.
Cut.
Wandering Eyes
The depths of Death Row.
We hear the muffled thud of boots on concrete as The Night slinks through the shadows of the former prison complex. He begins to round a corner when a voice calls out, stopping him dead in his tracks.
"Can you come here, please?"
The words hang in the air, Harold Attano's voice beckoning Night into another room. There's a moment of hesitation, Vengeance slips into the room, his face illuminated by the flickering of a television screen. Attano stands next to it, a video playing depicting Night's attack on Muerte and Drewitt.
"What is this, Night?" Attano's voice is cold, serious.
"It's what had to be done," Night shoots back matter-of-factly, arms crossed. "If Muerte cannot be trusted, then he's a liability like anyone else."
Harold shakes his head, a sneer forming on his lips. "This? This is what we call a shattering. You can say Muerte broke our trust, and he certainly stressed it to its limits... But what you did? What you did fractured that trust into pieces, Night. Muerte-"
"If all it took to shatter it was pressure," Night says, cutting him off. "Then I don't think there was much trust to begin with, Harry."
For a moment there is silence, the only sound being the silent hum of the television, before Attano sighs, shrugging his shoulders.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe. The only thing I know for certain is this match got personal for them. I just pray you understand why."
Night merely nods, unwavering as ever.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NXT Level Title is on the line tonight as Wolf Fang Ayame defends against Destructo.
MATT RUBY: Ayame touched a nerve when she brought up Destructo’s dead daddy. But her apology went down like a cup of cold sick, and now we’re here.
Ayame starts strong, coming right at Destructo with claws bared.
DESTRUCTO DUCKS UNDER A WILD STRIKE!
SPINNING URANAGE! BROKEN SCALES DRILLS AYAME!
Destructo moves to stomp her body, but Ayame rolls out of the way to the outside of the ring momentarily. She slides back in, where Destructo scoops her up into a collar and elbow tie.
AYAME SWINGS AGAIN, BUT DESTRUCTO PUSHES HER AWAY!
OMEGA DRIVER!
NO JUSTICE DROPS HER RIGHT ON HER HEAD!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ayame has come out of the gates hot, but Destructo has her calculated right now.
MATT RUBY: You don’t want to fight an angry woman, and definitely not an angry woman with claws.
Destructo picks Ayame up to her feet, looking to continue his advantage. But Ayame slaps him across the face and whips him into the corner.
ONE THE HUNT!
CORNER ENZIGUIRI! DESTRUCTO IS DAZED!
A HIGH KICK CATCHES HIM RIGHT IN THE MOUTH!
BRUTAL SHOTS FROM AYAME!
LEFTS, RIGHTS! OVER AND OVER… THERE’S NOTHING HE CAN DO!
AYAME IS TAKING ALL OF HER RAGE OUT ON HIM!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She just wants Destructo to show some remorse for attacking her when she tried to do the honourable thing. Now, she’s going to try and beat that remorse into him.
MATT RUBY: Oh, I’ve been here before. Kitty’s got the claws out now. In my experience, Destructo needs to put his pants back on and run.
CRESCENT MOON KICK FROM AYAME!
BUT SHE’S NOT PINNING HIM!
SHE CONTINUES WITH HER ASSAULT, STOMPING HIM OVER AND OVER AND OVER!
UNTIL DESTRUCTO FINALLY PUSHES HER AWAY.
He staggers to his feet as Ayame runs at him again…
And he holds his hands up in front of him.
“I’m… sorry.” Destructo utters two simple words that stop Ayame dead in her tracks.
She pauses, caught off guard, so Destructo repeats the words.
“I’m sorry.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ayame’s assault beat an apology out of Destructo.
MATT RUBY: It looks like she wasn’t expecting it either.
Ayame is stunned, unsure how to respond.
DESTRUCTO ROLLS HER UP INTO A QUICK PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Roll up! And a quick pin. Destructo has taken the NXT Level Championship from under Ayame’s nose!
Taken to Consideration
Not long after the bell has rung, both competitors get up to their feet. Ayame stares daggers at Destructo for his apparent deception, with the Anti Hero reciprocating the glare.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Something tells me that things are just beginning to heat up.
MATT RUBY: I'd hope so! I'd love to see them kill themselves right here and now! It'd mean two less filthy Seekers to worry about!
After what feels like an eternity, James breaks eye contact from the Dragon Princess with a heavy sigh. He looks down at the ground, purposely avoiding her gaze as he proceeds to speak.
"I had time to think things over since our... disagreement," Destructo says through gritted teeth. He takes a while before continuing, causing the former Wolf to drop her glare. "You were right about me needing to accept help when it comes."
MATT RUBY: Wait, so his apology was genuine? He wasn't just saying that as a way to lower her guard? That's fucking bullshit, man.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I'm as surprised as you are, Ruby. Given his attitude as of late, I thought for sure he was faking it.
Ayame also seems quite stunned by the Anti Hero's sudden sincerity. She starts to ask something, but James cuts her off before a single word can be formed.
"I'm sorry for not thanking you when you fought off Hatchet. I'm sorry that I escalated the situation by throwing the first punch last week."
The Dragon Princess allows a smirk to form on her face.
"However," James continues, "I don't want any help from you in the future."
MATT RUBY: And there's the usual shithead behavior I'm used to seeing from the kid.
"You spoke on behalf of my late father, which I can't forgive. You don't know what he'd really want, which is for you to leave me the hell alone."
The Princess's still forming smirk transforms into a scowl.
"You want me to stay out of your way?" Ayame says, irritated. "Fine. Don't expect my help when you're getting your bratty ass beat in the middle of the ring again."
The former Wolf then rolls out of the ring as Destructo watches her go, shaking his head as he does.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, it seems that James has finally learned a lesson regarding help. Hopefully he won't shun the next person that offers it next time.
Cut.
A Hero's Cost
Captain Arcadia is backstage, alone. He’s sobbing. He’s frustrated.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is the sight of a man who’s come to the end of himself. He knows that he’s done wrong. Cap is worried that he’s gone too far and cannot come back from it.
MATT RUBY: Or he’s just seen himself in the mirror without that helmet on and remembered how fugly he actually is.
Arcadia’s helmet sits before him, but he can’t bear to put it on.
In the corner of the locker room, there’s a poster for Elysium. He hears the voice of Savor goading him one last time.
“You could just walk away from it all. Put the hero’s life behind you, take the vengeance you so desperately seek. Be done with this facade.”
Cap isn’t sure if he’s hearing the voice in his head or out loud. A soft chuckle lets him know the answer as Anton Savor steps into view.
“Or you can fight. You want to hurt me, I can feel it.” He narrows the distance between them until he’s standing over the seated Arcadia. “Show everybody just how low their hero has fallen.”
Cap grimaces. He stands, pushing Savor against the wall and slamming his head into the poster, putting a hole into the wall behind it. But it only makes Savor smile.
“You’re nothing without them, Cap… But they don’t need you anymore. Where does that leave you? Just a washed up, angry sob-story that nobody cares about… Just like the rest of your friends.”
“The reason you can’t find the answers you seek… is because nobody cares enough to find out.”
Cap punches straight, socking Savor right in the mouth. He drops like a sack of bricks.
Arcadia dons his helmet and steps over the stirring carcass of Savor.
“You’re wrong.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Captain Arcadia has had it with Anton Savor’s mindgames. The question is, has Anton Savor gotten to him enough to throw him off his game?
MATT RUBY: He has game? Could have fooled me.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: El Marichi's dogged desire to open the door hasn't endeared himself to anyone as of late. That and his anger of the lack of trust for his defecting friend, we may well see the fracturing of the Seekers here even before the Hounds begin to howl.
MATT RUBY: I mean do you blame them BB? Drewitt's a turncoat who only joined the losing team because he was ousted. I wouldn't trust him either and I'm hoping that these four idiots kill eachother here tonite.
The bell sounds as EMM and the Night start for their teams, the two high flyers sneering at one another for a moment before they rush to the ropes, bouncing of
DOUBLE DROPKICK BOUNCES BOTH MEN OFF THE OTHER!
EMM caught The Night more with his dropkick, glancing off his temple as the Night staggers backwards, allowing Muerte to leap off the ropes behind him
THE LAST CARNIVALE! The Night nearly gets snapped in half from that brutal Lungblower
BRONO BLACKWOOD: Muerte looking absolutely vicious there but before he can follow up, The Night manages to tag out to Nobody.
Attano rushes in like a house on fire, taking Muerte down with a clothesline, then a second before a big KneeCap shotgun dropkick drops Muerte down to one knee. Attano rolling through, elbow primed
BUT MUERTE SAW THAT COMING! Ducking underneath the hidden elbow before flipping up with a hard enziguri to the back of the head that rocks Attano, Muerte rolls to the apron, sizing up Attano
MATT RUBY: Come on Nobody, knock that traitorous asshole out allready
Muerte leaps up to the top rope, springboarding forward
HEADSHOT! Attano nails Muerte out of mid-air, rocking him but Attano isn't done. Begging for Muerte to get up as he slowly stalks him
WAR CRY! Drewitt out of nowhere stops the OSOK with a brutal Discus Clothesline.
The Night springboards into the ring right into a GOOZLE!
ARDUOUS JOURNEY CHOKESLAM DAMN NEAR THROUGH THE RING!
Drewitt pulls up Muerte, signalling for the end on the dazed Attano as the Explorer backs up into the corner
Muerte pulls Attano up, gripping him around the waist as Drewitt rushes forward
WHISKEY DESOLATION! BELLY TO BELLY INTO A CLAYMORE KICK KNOCKS ATTANO OUT COLD!
Muerte rolls him over, hooking the leg as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
.............
TWO
...............
..................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: Of course the ingrate cheats to beat his own friends, thank god he's not on the winning team anymore BB.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Winning team or not, Muerte and Drewitt pick up the big victory here tonight but can they pull it together after this or is this one of the final nails in the coffin of the Seekers?
The Truth
The match was over, the bell long since rung, but the weight of the loss still clung heavy in the air.
The Night lay flat on the canvas, chest heaving with exhaustion. Harold Attano — bruised, battered, and every bit the mentor — stood over him, offering a hand. His eyes were tired but kind, the sort of tired that came from carrying a legacy and a conscience too heavy for most.
The Night accepted the help… for a moment.
But as Attano pulled him upright, The Night ripped his arm away.
A hush fell across the arena. Confusion rippled like electricity.
Harold stepped forward, his brow furrowed. “What’re you—?”
CRACK!
The Night surged forward, crashing into Attano with a brutal Night Cap — the leaping shoulder tackle snapping Harold’s body back to the mat like a ragdoll.
The crowd exploded in a chorus of stunned boos.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: No—no way! That’s his protégé! That’s his student!
Matt Ruby was for once, speechless.
Harold rolled in pain, clutching his ribs, trying to understand what had just happened. But The Night wasn’t done.
He climbed the turnbuckle with purpose. Cold. Silent. A shadow in motion.
And then — Darkness Falls.
The Seanton Bomb connected with punishing grace, and Harold’s body convulsed beneath the impact. The arena was seething now, jeers echoing from every corner, but The Night didn’t hear a single one. He knelt beside the man who once mentored him, not with remorse… but with clarity.
Then, like a phantom fading into twilight, he rolled out of the ring.
As he stepped up the ramp, he didn’t look back — not until he reached the top. And then, just barely above a whisper, audible only because every soul in the arena had fallen into silence…
“I know the truth.”
With that, he vanished backstage — leaving Harold broken, the fans bewildered, and the bond between mentor and student shattered beneath the weight of revelation.
Grave Promises
Previously Recorded
A modest casket rests on a shallow rise of dirt. Mourners stand quiet, most in tattered black, heads bowed. Two children hold each other’s hands. They don’t cry. They’ve already cried everything out.
Caído stands off to the side. No robes, just a man now. One foot planted forward, like he’s ready to step into something he can’t walk back from.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He came to pay respects. But you can see it—he’s holding back more than words.
Then footsteps. Click clack, click clack.
Eclipse appears, her walk slow and deliberate. Dressed in black, but it doesn’t mean anything. Not with that look on her face.
She stops at the edge of the grave. Hands folded. That same grin.
“She wanted her voice heard. She got her echo.”
The kids freeze.
Caído moves without warning, lunging. Elders hold him back—barely. He doesn’t scream. Doesn’t curse. Just glares, like he could burn her down with his eyes.
“This is the part where you say I’ve gone too far. But we both know… you were never gonna stop me.”
“At Hounds of Hades… your anarchy ends.”
She steps a little closer—still calm, still very cruel.
“Then dig deep, dragon.”
She turns her back on him. Walks off. Not in a rush. Just like she always knew she would.
Caído stays behind—jaw clenched, with rage under skin.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Eclipse has taken great offense to El Dragon Caido… well, existing really.
MATT RUBY: When you’re as beautiful and powerful as she is, you can’t abide fools like this luchador.
The moment the bell tolls, Eclipse strikes—
KISS OF DEATH!
The black mist sprays into Caido’s face, blinding him. She doesn’t wait—
LUNAR LANDING! THE RUNNING METOREA SMASHES HIM INTO THE CORNER BEFORE HE’S EVEN CLEARED HIS VISION!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That mist hit him flush! Eclipse playing dirty, as always.
MATT RUBY: She’s not playing. She’s here to win.
Eclipse climbs high—
CRIMSON TIDE! THE LIONSAULT LANDS ACROSS HIS RIBS!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
CAIDO POWERS OUT, COUGHING, EYES STILL BURNING.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s going to take more than that to take down El Veterano.
Eclipse slaps the mat, frustrated. Pulling him up by the mask, she hooks his arms, looking for UNHOLY MATRIMONY—BUT CAIDO SHOVES HER OFF, ROARING IN DEFIANCE.
He wipes the mist from his eyes as Eclipse charges back in—
FIRE BREATH! DOUBLE-HANDED CHOKESLAM FLATTENS HER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There’s the dragon! You can blind him, but you can’t bury him.
He grabs Eclipse—DANCE WITH DRAGONS! THE MEXICAN DESTROYER SPIKES HER!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
KICKOUT!
Caido nods, breathing hard. He climbs to the top—FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN—NO! HE GETS NONE OF IT!
ECLIPSE ROLLS AWAY!
She pounces—locks in UNHOLY MATRIMONY! THE DOUBLE FISH-HOOK CROSSFACE WRENCHES HIM IN AGONY!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s not a hold—that’s torment.
MATT RUBY: Then she can torment me any day.
Caido claws toward the ropes—powering up—he surges to his knees with Eclipse still on him—
CHASE THE DRAGÓN!
STEINER SCREWDRIVER OUT OF NOWHERE!
He stumbles, peels Eclipse off the mat—MIST TO THE FACE FROM ECLIPSE! ANOTHER KISS OF DEATH!
CAIDO STUMBLES TO THE MAT ON HIS BACK! ECLIPSE IS UP TOP...
LIGHTS OUT HITS FLUSH!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Fallen Dragon stayed fallen here tonight. Eclipse was too much for him.
MATT RUBY: Come on Eclipse, baby, let me help you celebrate!
Freaks and Shrieks
A high pitched, horrified screech explodes from the innards of the Sunshine Club. The door is bashed inwards, a commotion heard inside.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That's one girly scream! Did they get Miss Joy!?
MATT RUBY: From the looks of it they got someone better!
Without warning Deanie Hungie bursts forth from the broken doorway, feet naked, a smiley face buttons and glitter flowing forth from his pockets as he escapes from the room. "Sunshine people! Sunshine people there's big frownies in your room!"
Deanie rushes by a perplexed Sunshine who, flanked by his fellow Sunbeams, make a beeline to the Sunshine Club! They crowd the room, coming face to face with Klaus and his freaks. The Ringmaster himself sitting at a table, feet kicked up.
"So glad you could make it, Sunshine," Klaus says with a mocking smirk. The Sunshine Club has been ransacked, made a mess by Klaus and his men. A shattered 'Employee of the Month' photo of Deanie sits amongst the wreckage.
"Klaus..." Sunshine says, the smile on his face faltering, slowly turning into an unamused frown. "What has you meddling in my club, you little storm cloud?"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Storm cloud? That's a new one.
MATT RUBY: I think I actually prefer when he says sunbeam.
"Eye for an eye, Charlie," Klaus says with a chuckle. "You take from me, I take from you. You crunch, I crunch." Klaus stands up, wagging a finger as the Sunshine Club posture to fight.
"In fact, we must be going." Klaus motions to Sunshine to move as he walks towards him. "And don't lay a finger on me until our match. This close to war? Ares would have our heads. Or maybe just yours."
There's a moment of contemplation before Sunshine reluctantly steps aside, allowing Klaus to pass.
"See you in the ring, storm cloud."
Cut.
Ping
In a hidden room in Ezekiel Graves’ Church, Lucius sits alone.
The room hums with static. A dozen monitors flicker across the wall, streams of camera feeds, data trails, and digital residue—all converging on one paused frame.
Lucius stands at the center, arms folded, eyes locked on the screen.
Behind him, the door creaks open.
Ezekiel Graves enters.
Lucius doesn’t turn. “I found it.”
Graves steps closer. “Where?”
“Below the Foundry. In the tunnels. Hidden behind a false relay station—he’s been broadcasting from there.”
MATT RUBY: Let’s burn out this idiot!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can’t fathom to think of what happens if Lucius and Graves are able to ambush Nero in his lair.
“Put together a group of those you know you can trust.” Graves’ says as his jaw tightens.
Lucius finally turns. “You want to hit it now?”
Graves shakes his head.
“No. Not yet. Tonight, I face him in the Hounds of Hades match. If I finish it there, we’ll walk in at our leisure.”
“And if you don’t?”
Graves’ voice lowers, firm and final.
“Then we burn it all. The lair. The machines. Any fool that dares shield the Red Reboot.”
Lucius nods.
Graves turns to leave, pausing at the doorway.
“The Lord is a jealous God. Vengeance is mine,” he says, then disappears into the hall.
Lucius exhales, the screens still pulsing in front of him. He reaches for the keyboard, and for a split second, the bottom corner of the central monitor glitches.
Nero’s sigil—bright red, unmistakable—flares and vanishes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Did you see that?
MATT RUBY: See what?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nothing, just something my eye.
MATT RUBY: Idiot.
Lucius doesn’t see it.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This battle of technicians might just turn into a brawl! Arcadia looks ready to pounce at a moments notice!
MATT RUBY: Like a dog that Savor needs to euthanize.
The bell barely has a chance to ring before Arcadia flies at him with a flying knee that Savor sidesteps and counters with a back suplex! He begs Arcadia to get up, goading him to attack!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: PUNCH OF BROTHERS! SUPERMAN PUNCH- CREME BRULEED! SUPERKICK BY SAVOR!
MATT RUBY: He's so mad it makes him look stupid! Er, stupider.
Arcadia stumbles back to his feet just for Savor to drop him with an arm drag! Then another and another as Arcadia keeps popping up! A devastating snap kick to the jaw echoes to the cheap seats as Arcadia slumps towards Savor!
MATT RUBY: FINAL COURSE! GTS THIS NITWIT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ARCADIA SLIPS BEHIND! THE LAST LINE! RIPCORD LARIAT TO THE CHEF!
Anton scrambles to his feet as Arcadia springboards off the middle rope!
DOUBLE ELBOW DROP TO THE CHEST OF SAVOR! FREEDOM FANG!
Cap slowly gets to his feet, dragging himself towards the turnbuckle and rising to the top as Savor begins to stir! The crowd gets on their feet as Arcadia leaps!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: STAR SPANGLED FROG SPLASH- NO!
MATT RUBY: HAHAHAHA! SAVOR CATCHES HIM! GTS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: IT NEARLY TOOK HIS HEAD OFF!
Demi Sky slides in for the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Try as he might Captain Arcadia let his emotions get the best of him as Anton Savor claims victory here tonight.
Segment Title
The bell rang.
Captain Arcadia and Anton Savor, both exhausted, lay sprawled in the ring after a hard-fought, brutal contest. The crowd stood in applause, admiration spilling from their lungs despite the murky allegiances of both men. It was a war — the kind Arcadia knows too well and Savor refuses to lose.
But before either could even gather their breath…
The lights dimmed.
A twisted, familiar jingle began to play over the speakers.
“Sunshine... Lollipops... and Rainbows…”
From the top of the ramp, like a disease spilling into a wound, Mister Sunshine and The Sunshine Club emerged — Mister Smile, Mister Cheerful, Miss Joy, and Mister Chipper — all moving with eerie synchronicity, like puppets on the same broken string.
They slid into the ring with sickening speed.
SMACK!
A steel chair cracked against Arcadia’s spine.
THUD!
Savor took a stiff boot to the face from Mister Smile.
They never stood a chance.
Like hyenas, the Club pounced — raining fists, stomps, and twisted laughter. Their smiles — painted or real — turned the whole affair into a nightmare circus.
Finally, as both Captain Arcadia and Anton Savor lay broken beneath his feet, Mister Sunshine called for a microphone.
He stood tall, brushing back his curly hair, and surveyed the wreckage. The crowd rained boos, but Sunshine… only smiled.
“You all want answers,” he cooed, soft as syrup and twice as sickly. “You all want the truth, don’t you?”
He walked slowly around the ring, stepping over Arcadia’s hand like trash on the sidewalk.
“Who is the Zookeeper?” he mused. “Why did I put out the contract on Roland Gray?” He crouched beside Savor’s slumped frame, whispering into the mic, “What secret did Roland try to bury so deep he had to die for it?”
He stood again, his voice now sharpening like a blade.
“You want truth?” he growled. “Then come get it.”
He turned to the ramp, to the camera, to the world.
“At Ring of Dreams, after we’ve fought… I’ll tell you everything.”
He paused.
“But be warned…”
His smile disappeared. His face dropped. And in a rare flicker of genuine menace, his voice dipped to a rasp.
“Rainy days are coming.”
He dropped the mic.
The jingle played once more.
And the Sunshine Club stood tall amidst the wreckage, the calm before a promised storm.
Ain't So Far Down
Backstage.
The hallway is quiet as George Cade rounds the corner. He looks up just as someone steps into his path.
Jackson Cade.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is an impromptu father-son meeting here. They haven’t been face to face since George betrayed his own blood.
MATT RUBY: Yeah, and Jackson Cade betrayed all of Arcadia!
Neither of them speaks for a moment.
“So this is it, huh?” George says. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with a bomber and a monster.”
Jackson doesn’t blink.
“You’re working with Foley,” George continues, “who almost killed Zeus. And Tombstone? That thing barely remembers it used to be a man. I thought I taught—”
“And you’re walking beside Redgrave.” Jackson’s voice is low. “You know what he is. Same as the rest of the Preservationists. When did my dad turn coward? I don’t know, maybe you belong with them. What kind of man digs up his own son’s grave.”
George stares at him. “I didn’t dig up C.J.’s grave.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What?
“You’re a liar.” Jackson retorts. “I just want to know why, goddamnit!”
“I’m doing what I have to do,” George snaps. “Stay the hell out of it, kid.”
“For who?” Jackson asks. “Because it sure as hell isn’t for me. It definitely isn’t for C.J.”
George steps forward. “If you were half the man your brother was, you’d have already taken me out.”
Jackson doesn’t move.
“But you’re not,” George says. “So good luck tonight, you’ll need it.”
He walks off without waiting for a response.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Is George telling the truth?
MATT RUBY: Does it matter?
Jackson stands still, jaw tight, watching his father disappear into the shadows.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The most powerful subgroups in the Preservationist explode, as Klaus Way of Way & Co. takes on the leader of the Sunshine Club, Mr. Sunshine.
MATT RUBY: And it looks like things may be about to explode already!
Mister Smile and Ajax the Almighty have Mills Stanton pinned in between the two massive masses of muscle...
“Alright!” Stanton yells, snapping two mountains of flesh back to reality. “You!” Stanton points at Klaus’s Freaks. “And you!” Mills points at the entire Sunshine Club. “GET THE HELL OUT OF MY RING!” Stanton ejects both groups from the ringside, sending both groups packing before he calls for the bell.
ROLL UP! ROLL UP! - GANNOSUKE CLUTCH ON A DISTRACTED SUNSHINE WHO WAS BUSY COMPLAINING ABOUT THE EJECTION OF HIS SUNSHINE CLUB! STANTON MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TW-KICK-OUT!
Sunshine rolls through the clutch...
SUNRISE! SUNSET! - THE BIG FUCKING SWING SENDS KLAUS WAY FLYING AFTER ABOUT SIX REVOLUTIONS!
Sunshine begins to stalk the Warden of the Weird in the corner as he dizzily gets back to his feet...
Cheery Charlie locks in the Full Nelson, tossing Klaus into the Air...
WELCOME...
TO...
THE...
SUNSHINE CLUB!
Sunshine drives Way into the canvas face first before rolling him into the cover as Stanton slides in to make the count.
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
MATT RUBY: No one’s going to be able to wipe that creepy smile off the face of Sunshine after tonight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A victory like that, I’m not sure Mr. Sunshine will want to stop smiling.
Rebellion
The bell echoed like a death knell.
Klaus Way sat upright on the canvas, disbelief stretched across his bloodied face. Defeat clung to him like the stench of failure. His eyes bulged with rage as he slammed his fists into the mat, spitting curses between his teeth.
“AJAX! SOLUS!” he screamed, his voice venomous, cutting through the arena like a whip crack. “NOW! GET IN HERE AND KILL HIM!”
Mister Sunshine stood nearby, his arms outstretched, inviting chaos with a smile that promised he was unafraid.
The crowd hushed as Ajax the Adonis and Damien Solus stepped between the ropes.
The tension was a knife.
Klaus pointed, frothing. “DO IT! DO IT!”
But Ajax didn’t move.
Solus didn’t budge.
Instead—they turned.
They faced Klaus Way.
The crowd roared.
Klaus blinked, confused. “What… what the hell do you think you’re doing?”
His voice cracked under the weight of rejection.
Ajax folded his arms. Solus mirrored him. Silent defiance. Loyal no more.
“YOU OWE ME! I MADE YOU!” Klaus bellowed. “YOU’RE NOTHING WITHOUT ME! YOU’RE FREAKS! YOU'RE MINE!”
Still—nothing.
Then it happened.
SLAP.
Klaus’ hand flew across Ajax’s cheek with a sickening crack.
And the world stopped spinning.
Ajax’s chest heaved once. Twice.
Then—BOOM.
A thunderous powerslam shook the ring as Ajax drove Klaus into the mat, the crowd erupting into a frenzy. The Ringmaster had fallen.
Damien Solus dropped to his knees, raining down furious fists. Left. Right. Left. Again. And again. Blood splattered. The painted mask of the maestro cracked and crumbled.
The crowd surged in disbelief.
The Freaks had finally broken their chains.
When it was over, Klaus Way lay motionless in a puddle of his own blood, the once-proud ringmaster now a discarded relic in the center of the ring.
Ajax and Solus stood above him, bruised, bloodied, but free.
The camera lingered as the crowd chanted.
“YOU DESERVE IT! YOU DESERVE IT!”
And in that ring, amid the broken dreams and shattered tyranny, justice rang louder than any bell.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here we go, the biggest match in Olympus history and possibly Arcadian history as ten individuals fight it out in a matchup that may very well determine the outcome of this Civil War. And with Ares announcement earlier, they're also fighting for their very lives.
MATT RUBY: For the first time in a long time, I'm shocked and appalled at Ares here. I mean kill those Seeker losers all you want but the World Champion? The Valkyrie? Hell even my precious Queen could be on the chopping block here tonight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It's definetly a desperate tactic by the Gods to end this war tonite no matter what. I don't think they even consider that they'll lose but it may well be a necessary sacrifice if they do. But the question is, who is going to be the first to enter this deadly structure?
On either side of the stage we see two large enclosures. The Preservationists are on one side, clearly arguing between themselves and very angry about the earlier announcement by Ares while the Seekers, they're quiet....too quiet. Lost in their own thoughts but with looks of pure determination on their faces.
The lights dim in the arena as the opening of 'For The Glory' plays throughout the arena A spotlight shine on the entrance as Jackson Cade slowly begins to rise from the floor on a platform.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here he is. The leader of the Seekers coming into Olympus for possibly the final time. The weight of the world on his shoulders but he looks ready Ruby, ready for the final fight.
Jackson makes his way over the the Seekers enclosure, no words exchanged as he fist bumps Gemini, Nero and Foley before staring at Tombstone. The pair don't move for a moment before both men nod and Jackson Cade slowly walks his way to the ring and the sinister structure that awaits him. The Seekers all step into their enclosure as River Moonfoot locks it afterwards
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The biggest match Olympus has ever had figuratively and literally, two rings side by side surrounded by a massive cage. One competitor on either team will enter first and then every five minutes, someone from one team will enter then five minutes later, someone from the other team until all ten competitors have entered Hounds and the match officially begins. Until everyone is in, no pinfalls or submissions will count as until the match officially begins, it is a mere brutal war.
MATT RUBY: And thanks to Hatchet winning at Warzone last week, the Preservationists have the advantage. Meaning there's no way for this to end for the Seekers but with a fiery demise, I love it BB.
Mills Stanton opens the cage door, Cade sliding in as the crowd roars. Perseus is focused as he stares up at the Preservationists, waiting for the first of their team to enter. The Preservationists are still arguing before they stop...almost as if on a dime and all stare with wide eyed grins at Cade. Jasper looks like he's about to walk out of his enclosure only to be stopped by the large hand of Gravedigger.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gravedigger looks like he's going to be the first to fight for the Preservationists but he's just standing there...menacingly.
MATT RUBY: Oh no, he's not walking into the ring BB, you don't have to when you're the Valkyrie.
Jacksons' urging him on with one hand as Gravedigger just smiles before clicking his fingers as the lights go out
FLUTTER
The lights come back on as Gravedigger is in the ring, dark smile etched on his face with the shovel in hand as he swings at Jackson
WHO DUCKS!
Cade swirls around, leaping upwards with a hard uppercut that rocks Gravedigger causing him to drop the shovel before Cade begins to pound on him with heavy lefts and rights, backing him up into the ropes before a big clothesline takes him over the ropes to the dividing steel between the rings.
Gravedigger stumbles to his feet, sliding into the second ring as he tries to get some distance, composing himself but he barely manages to turn
BEFORE CADE DIVES ACROSS RINGS AT HIM WITH A CROSSBODY BLOCK!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Cade all over the Valkyrie here, months and months of anger and frustration boiling here all onto Gravedigger.
MATT RUBY: I call hax BB, how in the hell did Cade get the upperhand in the first place? The Flutter always works.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson's had a lot of experience being on the other end of that, he knows that trick inside and out by now.
Cade pounds down on Gravedigger with heavy lefts and rights before he's thrown off with tremendous strength. Cade rolls to his feet before rushing forward
HARD KICK TO THE JAW OF GRAVEDIGGER!
The Valkyrie spits out of a glob of blood onto the mat, urging Cade to try that shit again as Jackson backs up,
RUNNING RIGHT INTO SHOVEL READY!
The Bullhammer hits hard but Cade doesn't go down, spitting out blood of his own and maybe a few teeth before he cracks his neck and both men rush at one another.
SHOVEL ROUND! Bullhammers all around as both men blast one another with pin point elbows to the jaw. Both men crashing to the mat for a moment, but Gravedigger is the first to capitalize, rolling over onto Cade
AS HE BEGINS TO GRAVE GROUND AND POUND Jackson into the mat
Cade manages to kick Gravedigger off him but a hard kick to the jaw rocks Cade as he's wrapped in a headlock
NEVER...NO! Cade manages to slip out, nailing Gravedigger with a knee to the gut before lifting him up
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: MASTER KEY! BRAINBUSSSTTTTAA! Cade nails Gravedigger down just before the buzzer rings.
****BZZZZ******
Cole Holt unlocks the enclosure for the Preservationists as Jasper Redgrave rushes out, sprinting down to the ring but stopping just short of entering as Jackson Cade is shaking with fury on sight. Urging his most hated enemy in the ring, Jasper just smirks as Gravedigger gets to his knees behind him
LOW BLOW!
MATT RUBY: HA sucks to suck Cade. Dumbass took his eyes off the ball and now he's about to get double teamed into oblivion.
Gravedigger mounts the hurting Cade, Gravel Pounding him again as Jasper pulls up the apron, looking for a few pieces of plunder. He grabs a chair, throwing it in the ring, before pulling out a kendo stick and sliding in the ring with it. Gravedigger pulls Cade up to a seated basis as Jasper swings the stick in the air
BEFORE NEARLY BREAKING IT OVER JACKSON'S BACK!
Cade screams in pain as Jasper slams the stick over and over onto Cade, eventually snapping it in half from the sheer force. Jasper throws it away with a sickening grin before both he and Gravedigger begin to put the boots to the defenseless Cade.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here is what winning that advantage match gives you, even in these early goings, a two on one could very well dictate the end of the match. If these two can pick Cade apart and make him a non-factor, they can do the same to every other Seeker and easily win. That's if they can continue the team work.
MATT RUBY: Why wouldn't they? They're not the Seekers who a little bit of miscommunication would break them, the Preservationists are strong and will easily continue this domination. Ares may as well kill the rest right now.
Jasper tells Gravedigger to pull Cade up, holding him as Redgrave spins around
SANGUINE ABSURDISM...TO GRAVEDIGGER! CADE SLIPS OUT AS JASPER NAILS GRAVEDIGGER WITH THE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE!
Jasper turns around shocked right into a headbutt that rocks him as Jackson rushes to the ropes, leaping off
BREACH AND CLEAR TO JASPER!
BREACH AND CLEAR TO THE STAGGERED GRAVEDIGGER!
BREACH AND CLEAR TO THE BOTH OF THEM!
Jackson Cade is cleaning house with the Slingblades, energy pumping through his veins as he hypes himself up to the crowd, not realizing Gravedigger is slowly getting up behind him
SHOVEL TO THE LOWER SPINE!
MATT RUBY: He never learns does he BB? The fans aren't gonna help you not get your ass handed to you Cade.
Cade drops to his knees as Gravedigger holds him in place. Jasper picking up the steel chair he threw in earlier as Gravedigger lets go, backing up for a moment
BEFORE BOTH MEN SWING AT CADE! CON-SHOVEL-TO! CADE GETS CRUSHED BETWEEN THE STEEL!
Jackson slumps down, busted open from that impact and barely concious but Jasper's not done, lifting Cade up high before rushing forward
VANISHING POINT! RUNNING CRUFICIX POWERBOMB INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And again, the Preservationists are beating the living hell out of Jackson Cade. But who will come to save him?
****BZZZZ******
River Moonfoot opens the Seekers enclosure as Gemini sprints out, stopping at the apron as she pulls it up, throwing a few more foreign objects into the ring. A steel chair, a pair of kendo sticks before grabbing a trash can and sliding into the ring with it.
Jasper rushes at her but she manages to throw the can at him. Redgrave catches it only for the can to be dropkicked right back into his face. Gravedigger rushes at her but Gemini manages to duck, kicking him in the face before she grabs him in a headlock and rushes to the ropes
THE CURE! TORNADO DDT SPIKING THE VALKYRIE INTO THE MAT!
Gemini rolls to her feet, pulling Jackson up to his as Cade shakes off the cobwebs. Both stand up as Gravedigger and Jasper get to their feet. Jackson scowls, rushing forward and spearing Jasper to the mat as Gemini goes after Gravedigger.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson pounding down on Jasper as Gemini peppers the much bigger Gravedigger with strikes.
A big headbutt rocks Gemini but she manages to duck underneath a Lariat, rocking him with a knee to the jaw before wrapping his arm into a wringer as she leaps up to the top, walking on the ropes before leaping off
THE LAST...GRAVEDIGGER HOLDS HER MID-LEAP! She pounds down on his face, trying to complete the hurricanrana but he doesn't let go, walking to the turnbuckles
AND SWINGING HER HEAD FIRST INTO THE BUCKLES!
Gemini goes limp for a moment before Gravedigger lifts her up high and Powerbombs her down hard into the mat.
Jasper and Jackson are going at it as Jasper nails Jackson with a hard elbow, rolling backwards but a Superkick attempt is blocked. Jackson swinging Jasper around into a
KICK
WHAM
THE RIGHT THING! PEDIGREE PLANTS JASPER INTO THE MAT!
Jackson turns around into a kick to the gut of his own NEVERMORE! Gravedigger plants Jackson into the mat with a brutal Evenflow DDT as the buzzer rings again
****BZZZZ******
MATT RUBY: OH YES! THE QUEEN HAS ENTERED THE MATCH! Come on Narcy Doll, kick these insurrectionists asses and put them to the gallows.
Cole Holt indeed opens the Preservationists door, Narcissa slowly walking out as she strolls down to the ring, soaking in the boos of the crowd before getting to the ring. She slowly enters it, signaling for Gravedigger to pull Gemini up to her feet as she grabs a steel chair.
Gravedigger pulls the Rogue up
SNAPSHOT! SNAPSHOT! Codebreaker out of nowhere nails Gravedigger before Gemini rolls to her feet, staring cold eyes at Narcissa who just sneers rushing forward
SUPERKICK! Gemini kicks the chair right back into Narcissa's face, leaving her out on her feet before Gemini grabs her by the back of the head and throws her head first into the buckles. Gemini keeps her grip, slamming Hera over and over into the buckles before one final hard slam sends her flopping down into the corner.
MATT RUBY: NO! You can't do this to the Queen you jealous bitch.
Gemini begins stomping an absolute mudhole into the defenseless Narcissa, the crowd chanting with each stomp before she's suddenly pulled away
SANGUINE ABSURDISM! Jasper Redgrave out of nowhere with a brutal Discus Clothesline, nearly decapitating the Rogue before pulling Hera out of the corner who's furious.
She stalks the rising Gemini, peppering her with heavy strikes and some Fast Fashion before a brutal return Superkick nearly knocks the Rogue out cold. Narcissa isn't done though as she tells Jasper to take her over to the ropes while she backs up. Jasper picking Gemini up and holding her on the bottom rope as Narcy rushes forward
CATWALK OF DEATH! NARCISSA WALKS UP GEMINI'S BACK BEFORE SLINGSHOTTING DOWN INTO A MODIFIED METEORA TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Narcissa torturing Gemini here as once again the Preservationists take control.
Narcy throws Gemini into the corner, choking her out with her boot as Redgrave begins to do the same with Jackson. Gravedigger standing tall as he looks to the entrance, the buzzer about to sound for the third Seeker entrant.
****BZZZZ******
Nero is next out for the Seekers, the Cyberhound sprinting down to the ring, stopping on the stairs before he gets in the ring as all three of the Preservationists wait him, urging him inside.
Nero nods, clicking a button on his gauntlet as fog begins to fill the ring. The fog remains for thirty seconds or so before it dissipates and then standing on the other side across from the Preservationists isn't one Nero, not two, nor three
But five as the gauntlet whirs and shines purest red.
MATT RUBY: HAX! That damn cheater and his hacks, this can't be legal here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hey, anything goes in this match. It ain't even started officially yet so this is all legal here, especially in a match of life and death.
The Neros rush at the trio, all swinging wild, their strikes swinging through the Preservationists as they all wait for the one blow...that doesn't come. Indeed the Neroes in the ring aren't real, just holograms as they look all around the ring for the real Cyberhound only to be alerted by a howl high above them
As the real Nero is perched ontop of the cell.
CRASH OVERRIDE FROM THE VERY TOP! SUPER MOONSAULT WIPES OUT NARCISSA, GRAVEDIGGER AND JASPER REDGRAVE!
MATT RUBY: WHAT IN THE NAME OF ZEUS?! That man is gosh damn insane!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You've gotta go all out in this war and Nero just evened the odds right here.
Nero somehow rolls through, stumbling into the ropes but he manages to stand tall. Clicking his gauntlet, the holograms vanish just as Gravedigger somehow stumbles to his feet. He rushes forward
RIGHT INTO A FIREWALL!
Narcissa stumbles up into a second one as does Jasper. Both of them falling but Gravedigger doesn't, tanking the first and a second before nailing Nero with a hard headbutt and throwing him across the ring
Nero ducks underneath a clothesline attempt before leaping off the ropes
PACKET STORM FINALLY TAKES DOWN GRAVEDIGGER!
But Nero doesn't follow up as he hears the buzzer and sees who's coming next.
The OSW World Champion.
****BZZZZ******
Reverend Ezekiel Graves slowly walks down, the World title strapped to his waist as he heads into the ring. Nero is ready as he tries for another Firewall but Graves catches it, spinning him around before nearly decapitating him with a brutal Lariat. Graves pulls Nero up, pounding down on him with heavy lefts and rights before throwing him to the ropes. Nero ducking underneath another Lariat before springboarding off
PACKET STORM...NO! Graves catches him, pushing him off back into the ropes before lifting him up high on the rebound
PURGATORY PLUNGE! POP UP POWERBOMB!
Graves can't follow up on Nero though, getting a hard forearm to the back of the head before he's spun around and dealt some heavy lefts and rights by Jackson Cade.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ezekiel Graves has a lot of enemies here Ruby, as now the former world champion tees off on the man who dethroned him.
MATT RUBY: Jackson's just jealous, the man beat him fair and square for the title and tonight he's going to beat him fair and square into a shallow grave.
Graves fights back with lefts and rights of his own, both men pounding down on one another as Gemini begins to fight it out with Narcissa in the other ring. Gemini nails Narcissa with a hard kick to the jaw, dropping her with a Snapshot before she leaps off the ropes into the other ring just as Graves drops Cade to his knees with a hard uppercut
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GEMINI SPRINGBOARDING OFF CADE WITH THE CURE ONTO EZEKIAL GRAVES! The Seekers are finally fighting back into this match.
MATT RUBY: You speak too soon BB.
Gemini and Jackson celebrate for a moment before they're both whipped around by the hulking Gravedigger
DOUBLE GOOZLE!
ODE TO TOMBSTONE! DOUBLE FALLING CHOKESLAM!
Gravedigger nearly sends the both of them through the ring as he stares daggers at the Seekers enclosure and Tombstone within it.
****BZZZZ******
Tombstone looks like he's about to walk out but much to the anger of Gravedigger, he's stopped by Felix. Both men nod at one another, before Felix rushes to the ring, sliding in as quick as he can before going face to face with the Valkyrie who doesn't pay him any attention, still staring daggers at Tombstone.
MATT RUBY: What are you doing you dumbass? Beat the pants of this moron first then you can fight daddy dearest.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He ain't listening Ruby, Gravedigger wants revenge that badly for Igor Mortis that he's gone single minded. That may well be a death sentence for the Preservationists here.
Foley goes to strike Gravedigger but gets attacked from behind by Graves who pounds down on Felix with heavy lefts and rights as Gravedigger just sits down in the corner, still staring at Tombstone. Graves backs Foley into the ropes, sending him across but Foley reverses the whip, grabbing Graves as he rebounds
THE FALL GUY! FOLEY SENDS GRAVES FLYING ACROSS THE RING WITH A FALLAWAY SLAM!
Foley kips up to his feet, adrenaline running through his veins as Narcissa leaps at him with a crossbody, Felix catches him in mid-air before hoisting Hera up to his shoulders.
BUMPED HER HEAD! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER SPIKES NARCISSA INTO THE MAT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix is going wild here, Redgrave tries to attack him but Felix side steps, sending Redgrave shoulder first into the corner. The Artist staggering out
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING! Redgrave is busted wide open by a huge Big Boot!
Felix turns only to get a hard forearm to the back of the neck, the Reverend spinning him around
GOOZLE....
THE FINAL...NO!
Felix slips out
KICK TO THE GUT
CUT THE STRINGS WITH THE DOUBLE ARM DDT!
Felix Foley has taken damn near everyone on the Preservationists out, nearly shaking from the energy flowing through him
When suddenly he collapses to one knee
And red lights begin to pulsate throughout Olympus.
MATT RUBY: Oh no, this isn't good BB. This can only mean one thing.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: If Scissors comes out, this won't be good for anyone. That sadistic maniac may well try and kill everyone.
A red glow begins to flow from Felix, visibly shaking in the dim light as he closes his eyes, screaming out into the darkness.
'NOT NOW! NOT EVER! GO AWAY!'
As the red lights begin to fade away.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Through sheer will alone, Felix looks like he's actually winning against Scissors. He may actually be keeping him at bay.
MATT RUBY: Maybe BB but look at the old git. He's wiped, that took everything out of him. Damn stupid decision for a soon to be dead man if you ask me.
Felix is on his knees, breathing hard, sweat dripping down his face but he's managed to stop his dark transformation...at least for now.
And his prize?
The wrath of a furious Valkyrie.
Gravedigger rushes in, booting the jaw damn near off Foley before lifting him up to his feet.
GOOZLE!
But a chokeslam doesn't come, instead Gravedigger just pulls him in tight, fury in his eyes as he paintbrushes the absolute fuck out of Foley with teeth breaking slaps. A final one glazing Felix's eyes over
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gravedigger punishing the man who brought Tombstone into this fight and it's not even remotely fair, Foley has nothing left to fight back with.
MATT RUBY: Hey, the old bastard should know by now to not get in supernatural business. Did he learn nothing from everything he suffered with Tombstone?
Gravedigger lets go of the choke for a moment, only to reel Felix in
ASHES TO ASHES! RIPCORD BICYCLE KICK BUSTS FOLEY WIDE OPEN! But Gravedigger isn't done as he lifts up the bigger man with ease, driving him down to the canvas
DUST TO DUST! EMERALD FLOWSION! Felix Foley is down and out as the buzzer rings for the final Preservationist entrant.
****BZZZZ******
The crowd's boos echo throughout Olympus as the always cocky, arrogant King of the Juggalo's exits his enclosure. He takes his time, soaking in the boos, drinking deep a faygo as he saunters his way down to the ring. He gets to the cage, Mills opening up the door but he doesn't go in. Placing the faygo on the apron, he slides up the skirt, and begins to pull a multitude of weapons from under the ring.
A pair of chairs.
A few kendo sticks.
A table or two.
And the crown jewel.
A barbed wire baseball bat.
Gripping the bat with his left hand and the faygo bottle with his right, Hatchet slides into the ring right as Jackson Cade staggers to his feet.
FAYGO TO THE EYES!
BEFORE HE BREAKS THE BOTTLE OVER CADE'S SKULL!
Cade drops to his knees in pain, glass falling from his open wounds as Hatchet grips him by the hair, raising the bat high before beginning to rake it over the freshly opened wound.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This sick fuck has no respect for anyone here. No rules doesn't mean you've gotta mutilate the guy.
MATT RUBY: Hey this is life and death BB, if Hatchet doesn't maim the Seekers, he's gonna die and Hatchet is nothing if he's not a man all about himself. A man I kinda...almost respect.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He's a goddamn scumbag is what he is and I hope he gets his ass kicked.
As Hatchet carves up Jackson, Graves and Redgrave are dismantling Gemini and Nero, brutalizing the duo with heavy lefts and rights before both men lift the pair up high in the air, running forward
AND POWERBOMBING GEMINI AND NERO INTO ONE ANOTHER!
Felix manages to stagger to his feet, swinging wildly at Gravedigger, knocking him down with a wild hook before rocking Hatchet with a lariat to the back of the neck, causing him to drop the bat and allowing Jackson to get free. Felix pulls Jackson up to his feet as they go to square off with the Preservationists.
DOUBLE JUGGALOW! Hatchet nails both men low as the wolves pounce.
Jasper pulls Jackson in with a
KICK
WHAM
SYMPHONY OF SYMMETRY! Pedigree planting Cade into the mat
Both Gravedigger and Graves lean down, Goozling Felix around the throat before lifting him up high
JUDGEMENT OF THE GODS! BRUTAL DOUBLE CHOKESLAM NEARLY BREAKS FELIX IN HALF!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Foley is somehow still fighting here, trying to get to his feet but that damn Hatchet nearly breaks a steel chair over his back.
Felix crashes down onto his chest, barely breathing through the pain as Hatchet opens the chair, placing it right over the broken Felix. Beside him, Narcissa, Redgrave, Gravedigger and Graves have a foot on Nero, Gemini and Jackson.
MATT RUBY: The Preservationists are all standing tall, the Seekers are about done. Tombstone is coming but can even he withstand the full might of the Gods?
****BZZZZ******
The bell sounds, the final Seeker member to enter as Tombstone exists the enclosure but just stares at the ring. A mixture of sickening grins, wide eyed smiles and piercing rage follows him. Gravedigger almost shaking from his rage as Hatchet
Hatchet just puts his foot on the back of Felix's throat, and with a shit eating grin, urges the Ferryman to come get them.
As the arena's light shut off suddenly.
FLUTTER
They come back on as the Preservationists are ready but they don't notice that not only Tombstone is behind them.
Nero, Gemini and Jackson Cade are no longer under their feet.
Felix Foley is no longer under the chair of Hatchet.
Tombstone didn't just use his powers for himself...he used it on them all.
As broken, bloodied and battered they might be, but Jackson Cade, Gemini, Nero, Felix Foley and Tombstone...the Seekers as a whole are standing tall behind the Preservationists.
***DING DING DING***
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And the bell finally rings. Both teams going at it with a fury, how in the hell do any of these people have any strength left?
MATT RUBY: It's a fight to the death BB, you can't give up or it's curtains so everyone here are gonna fight to the very end.
The action is fast and furious, Gemini and Narcissa battle it out through the ropes to the first ring. Nero and Jackson Cade brawling with Redgrave and the World Champion as Gravedigger and Tombstone...they finally go at it.
LEFTS
RIGHTS
HEADBUTTS
UPPERCUTS
These two supernatural giants unleashing every bit of anger and rage onto one another. Gravedigger using his speed and agility to run circles around the Ferryman but every blow Tombstone just tanks before urging his former protege to give him another.
Felix is still slow and hurting as he swings wild that Hatchet dodges before rattling him with a huge Wig Split Headbutt. Foley drops down to one knee, stunned as Hatchet picks back up the barbed wire bat. Shit eating grin on his face, he twirls it in the air before placing it against Foley's head.
He taps it a few times before wrapping both hands around the handle as he rears back
AND FELIX SLAMS HIS HEAD FORWARD BREAKING THE BAT IN HALF AND SENDING IT FLYING BACK AT HATCHET!
MATT RUBY: ....the fuck? How?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hatchet underestimated Felix Foley, you don't do that and come out unscathed.
Shards of wood impale Hatchets face, dangerously close to his eye as he screams in agony. Hatchet is furious, swinging wild but Foley ducks underneath, pounding the Juggalo with heavy lefts and rights as Mrs Foleys Baby Boy starts firing up once more.
Tombstone tanks another hard shot by Gravedigger, and another before slightly backing up
Into Felix.
MATT RUBY: HA! Yes now this is where the Seekers fall apart. These two idiots are gonna beat eachother up now for sure.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You don't go through the wars these two did and not have at least a little respect. We may well see something we never thought possible.
Felix and Tombstone look back at one another, tension in the air for a moment before Felix nods. Tombstone nods back as they link arms for a moment and swing themselves the other direction
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE TO KICK THE SHIT OUT OF GRAVEDIGGER!
THIS LARIAT WAS MADE TO RIP THE HEAD OFF A CLOWN!
Tombstone and Felix beat down on Gravedigger and Hatchet, both men lifting them up into the air
RUNNING ODE TO CHARON INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
THE FALL GUY INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Felix points at Tombstone who nods once more as they switch again, gripping the ropes as Hatchet and Gravedigger are staggered in the corner.
MATT RUBY: Are we about to see what I think we're about to?
WELCOME TO FELIX FOLEY AND TOMBSTONE'S CORNERS!
AS THE FERRYMAN AND FRIENDLY STOMP A MUDHOLE INTO THE PRESERVATIONISTS!
In the other ring, Nero gets planted damn near through the mat with a huge Spinebuster by Graves as Gemini gets Annihilated by the Trendkiller Twisting Forearm. Narcissa goes to cover but gets stopped by Graves who just points out the table to a wicked grin from Hera.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The unlikely team may not matter in the end as the world champion and Hera have some brutal intentions for Gemini here.
Narcissa sets up the table, as Graves pulls Gemini up by her hair, dragging her up the ropes to the top rope. Jackson Cade rushes forward, trying to stop the blow but a steel chair to the back by the Artist stops him in his tracks. Jasper does put up one finger, stopping Graves for the moment before he pulls something out of his tights
LIGHTER FLUID
All three of the Preservationists grin wickedly as Jasper pours the fluid onto the table, before Narcissa pulls out a lighter
And sets the table ablaze.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh no, this will be the end here if this connects. And there may not be enough of Gemini to even execute afterwards.
Before Graves can lift Gemini up, Jasper and Narcissa are spun around
FIREWALL!
INCENDIARY ROUND!
Graves is distracted by his team-mates getting taken down, allowing Gemini to rake his eyes before leaping up onto his shoulders
AND DELIVERING A SUPER HURRICANRA FROM THE TOP THROUGH THE FLAMING TABLE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: OH MY GOD! GRAVES HAS TO BE DEAD!
Fire Erupts as the table explodes on impact, The World Champion screaming out in pain as Gemini dives onto his injured back with a Moonsault. She covers for the first time in this contest, Mills sliding in to count
ONE
..............
TWO
..................
.......................
NARCISSA WITH AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD TO BREAK THE FALL!
Narcy pounds down on Gemini, lifting her up and nailing her with a hard enziguri, Gemini's rocked as Narcissa backs into the ropes, Handspringing forward
BUT GEMINI DUCKS THE SECOND TRENDKILLER!
She flips back, nailing Hera with a Pele Kick before rushing to the ropes and leaping off
EXPOSURE SHOT! SPRINGBOARDING LEAPING CODEBREAKER!
Nero gets stopped in his tracks by a hand on his foot, somehow, someway Graves is concious.
Fury in his eyes, Graves tries to pull himself up Nero but gets only a headbutt for his trouble before he locks him in the guillotine ch9oke, lifting him up high
AND NAILS THE RED REBOOT!
In the other ring, Tombstone and Felix pull Gravedigger and Hatchet out of their corners. Each man slicing their thumbs across their throats
Felix kicking Hatchet in the gut
Tombstone goozling Gravedigger around the throat
CUT THE STRINGS
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!
Jasper watches this go on, trying to rush at Nero but he's blindsided at the last moment
AS JACKSON CADE TAKES DOWN THE BIGGEST HOSTILE IN HIS LIFE WITH THE LEAPING SUPERKICK!
Jackson Cade is shaking with fury, pulling up the groggy Jasper and gripping him around the face
"This is for Joey you son of a bitch'
KICK
WHAM
DO
THE
RIGHT
THING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: All of the Preservationists are down, the Seekers all look at one another and in unison, Gemini, Nero, Jackson Cade, Tombstone and Felix Foley pin their fallen foes.
Mills Stanton slides in, counting all five pinfalls.
ONE
................
......................
TWO
...................
.......................
...........................
THREE.....
.......................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: The Seekers won....how? Why? And what the hell is going to happen next? Will Ares actually kill his own warriors? Would Zeus allow his own wife to be killed like this for one failure? This can't be the end.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Normally I'd feel happy about the good guys winning here but I agree, this is wrong. Five people are about to die for a stupid war and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
MATT RUBY: It was just a ruse right? Surely Ares won't just outright kill them all. There's gotta be some deus ex machina right?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not this time Matt. For Narcissa Balenciaga, Gravedigger, Hatchet, Ezekial Graves and Jasper Redgrave, this is the end of the line and no matter how they felt, I don't think any of the Seekers will take this victory as anything but hollow.
Firing Squad
Smoke hung thick in the air, the scent of sweat and blood choked beneath the twisted steel of the War Games cage. Broken bodies littered the battlefield—Preservationists strewn across the mat, their armor dented, their spirits crushed.
The Seekers had won.
Gemini. Foley. Cade. Nero. Tombstone. Scorched but standing. They didn’t wait for fanfare. There was none. No music. No lights. No glory. Just silence as they slipped through the broken side of the cage and disappeared into the crowd like ghosts who’d finished their haunting.
Inside the cage, the wounded Preservationists stirred. Hatchet. Narcissa. Redgrave. Graves. Gravedigger. All bloodied. All defeated. All on their knees.
Then—he came.
ARES.
Flanked by black-armored soldiers wielding rifles, the God of War stormed down the ramp and through the open cage door. His jaw was stone. His eyes, fire. A man turned tyrant by loss.
“KNEEL.” he commanded.
The soldiers moved swiftly, jamming rifle butts into backs and shoving the five to their knees. None resisted. Not anymore. Their war was over.
Ares stalked between them like a general at a failed execution. The crowd watched in breathless disbelief.
“You were told,” Ares spat. “You were warned. You were chosen to win. And you failed. Not just me… but Zeus.”
He motioned.
A soldier stepped forward, rifle primed. He placed the cold steel barrel against the back of Gravedigger’s skull.
Gravedigger didn’t flinch.
“Do it,” Ares commanded.
Gravedigger snarled. “You can kill me, Ares… but I’ll come back. And when I do—you’ll beg for penance.”
Ares nodded.
BANG.
The shot rang out like thunder through a funeral hall.
Gravedigger slumped forward. Gone.
The arena gasped in horror.
Ares turned to the next.
Narcissa.
The rifle pressed against her temple. Her eyes burned with defiance.
“When Zeus sees what you’ve done…” she hissed, “he’ll end you himself.”
“This is for Zeus.” Ares replied coldly.
The finger curled around the trigger.
Then—
“ENOUGH!”
A hoarse, ragged voice.
The crowd gasped.
Every head turned.
ZEUS.
Weak. Pale. Alive.
The Baron of Arcadia—long presumed comatose—descended the ramp flanked by medical staff, barely holding himself upright, but walking nonetheless. His eyes met Ares’, filled with something ancient.
Disappointment. Shame?
He stepped into the cage. The soldiers parted.
Zeus raised a trembling hand and placed it gently on Ares’ shoulder.
“Enough,” he repeated. “This… is not the way.”
Ares froze.
Then slowly, his body sank to one knee before Zeus—head bowed, jaw clenched. The soldiers followed suit.
Zeus turned to the arena, voice still gravel but filled with finality.
“The war… is over.”
Silence.
Then murmurs.
Then a swell of voices—confused, relieved, furious, mournful.
The camera lingered on the kneeling soldiers, the slain Gravedigger, the stunned Narcissa, and the broken battlefield.
No one knew what came next.
But the war had ended in fire and blood.
And now came the ash.
Cut.