TWIT-TWOO
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Fireworks explode from the stage as NXT Level #349 kicks off live from Olympus, just weeks away from Pandemonium. The fans are in full voice and spirits here tonight, cheering rampantly as the show gets underway with our commentary team, Johnny Gomez, and Nick Diamond.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to NXT Level! We’re just three weeks away from Pandemonium, in which Lambs to the Slaughter will headline.
NICK DIAMOND: Before that though, we’ve got Mark Hayes in the middle of the ring. Our newest Old School Wrestling recruit is scheduled for debut action against Spiros the Great.
Darkness.
Suddenly darkness envelopes Olympus.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Who turned out the lights?
The tron flickers red between glimpses of static, finally settling on a blood dripping occult symbol.
Smoke begins filling the arena.
NICK DIAMOND: What the heck is going on, Johnny? Who is this?
A voice eerie crackles across the speaker.
“Can you feel it in the air, little Owl?” The voice asks, seemingly aimed at Mark Hayes who stands looking confused at the tron, which has now become a bouncing line with the audio. “The temptation of our Dark Lord sweetens the aroma of victory. Come to me, Mark. Come.”
The lights suddenly and abruptly come back on to find Mark asking the referee “what the fuck was that?” as he stands awaiting his opponent.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don’t know what the heck that was, but it was terrifying.
NICK DIAMOND: Welcome to OSW, Mark. It’s Lambs to the Slaughter season and things are already getting weird.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And now he’s gotta compete against Spiros the Great. Would you be able to keep your composure after that? The Sharpshooter has a mountain to climb.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a highly anticipated debut here Nick as the Sharpshooter enters Olympus but he has a tough challenge in Spiros the Great.
The bell sounds as Spiros rushes out of the gate, nearly turning Hayes inside out with a huge Lariat. Hayes staggers up to his feet into a flurry of lefts and rights before sending him back into the ropes. Hayes ducks underneath the second clothesline, rocking Spiros with an uppercut before lifting him up onto his shoulders
NICK DIAMOND: GUSTER BUSTER! Hayes drops Spiros gut first in a modified stomach buster. Hayes doesn't cover thou, looking like he's going for that STO
Spiros spins out of the STO attempt, rocking Hayes with a headbutt before grabbing him around the waist
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SPINE ON THE PINE! Spiros rocked Hayes there as he floats over for a cover
ONE
..............
................
TWO
...............
HAYES GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Spiros pulls Hayes up to his feet, irish whipping him into the corner but the Specialist reverses the whip and sends Spiros back first into the buckles. The Great barely gets to hit the steel before Hayes rushes forward
THE RATTLER! Stinger Splash hits flush as Spiros staggers out of the corner right into
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BOTB! Hayes slams Spiros into the mat with that lightning fast STO but Hayes isn't done as he quickly floats over to Spiros's legs and locks in the Sharpshooter!
Spiros is trapped in the middle of the ring, the hold locked in tight as Hayes pulls back with all his strength. Spiros tries to fight out but he's forced to tap out as Demi Sky calls for the bell
NICK DIAMOND: Dominating victory for Mark Hayes here as he overcomes the power of Spiros to make the Great tap out.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Very impressive from the Sharpshooter here as he could well be a force to reckon with in the future.
CLOSED SHOP
The bell above the door jingles softly as Tombstone steps into the dimly lit interior of Illumination Antiques. The shop lies silent.
Strangely silent.
Tombstone moves deeper into the shop. His eyes scan the room, noticing utter disarray. A display case lies shattered on the floor, its contents strewn about like discarded memories. Chairs are overturned, and papers flutter slightly in the breeze from a broken window.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What in Arcadia happened in Illumination Antiques?
NICK DIAMOND: It doesn’t look good, Gomez.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Where’s Albert Lamplight?
The signs of a recent struggle are unmistakable. Tombstone's gaze narrows, his instincts on high alert.
NICK DIAMOND: Albert Lamplight’s been out of the spotlight, no pun intended, since he left OSW. Who would go after him like this?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Men like Lamplight make a lot of enemies.
Moving towards a heavy desk, Tombstone spots something out of place among the chaos—a thick, leather-bound book with a simply engraved title.
The Diary of Fernicus Lamplight.
Just then, the silhouette of Igor Mortis fills the doorway.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Igor sent Tombstone to Albert Lamplight, does he know something Tombstone doesn’t?
NICK DIAMOND: And what about the deal between Albert and Igor?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Something stinks here.
His figure casts a long shadow into the shop, and his eyes, cold and calculating, sweep the scene before landing on Tombstone.
Without a word, Tombstone brushes past Igor, the diary tucked under his arm.
"Troubling findings?" Igor inquires.
Tombstone stops, turning to face Igor.
"Some truths refuse to stay buried," he replies gruffly, then steps out, leaving Igor in the doorway.
Cut.
WHEN THE SCALES OF JUSTICE TIP I
An isolated room, with all of the light illuminating a single figure who scans over a large drawing board. Blaze traces the lines of string, leading from different photographs, to clippings of Arcadian news articles.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Blaze is deep in his work, hunting for the one responsible for setting the fire that killed his wife.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s going to stop at nothing until he has got the answers he seeks. And when he finds that person…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: There’s nothing he won’t do.
Blaze continues his work, frantically putting up pictures and printouts of data sheets. But as he traces the string to a set of new photos he is pinning up, he stops abruptly. Blaze rips a photo from the wall, looking at it more closely. His eyes close for a moment as his memories flood back.
Then stops dead. He drops the photo, and almost like a robot he leaves the room.
“Ken… Ken… Ken…”
He repeats the name over, and over and over as he steps through the doorway and into a hallway, where Destructo Boy stands waiting.
“Ken… Ken… Ken…”
Blaze barges past Destructo Boy without so much as a glance of recognition. As Blaze exits, Destructo Boy looks completely confused, bewildered by Blaze’s actions.
NICK DIAMOND: Destructo Boy looks puzzled, and for good reason. Blaze is seeing nothing but his vengeance right now.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: His robotic response to that photo has set his sights on what looks to be Master Ken. This cannot be good, and Destructo Boy looks concerned.
Destructo Boy goes to follow Blaze as he searches for Master Ken, but then stops. Pausing for a moment, he turns on his heel. And Destructo Boy leaves in the opposite direction.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Something doesn’t sit right about this with Destructo Boy. But instead of following after Blaze, he’s leaving.
NICK DIAMOND: Why, Johnny? Why?
Cut
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Up next, the Professor takes on the Creek Water King as Bartholomew Finkle takes on Mud Mouth!
Finkle goes to lock up, but Mud Mouth has other plans as he ducks away, heading to the ropes for speed before launching himself at the Professor for a crossbody!
With his opponent down, the Creek Water King nails a couple stomps...followed by an elbow drop!
Mud Mouth has his eyes locked on Finkle who slowly gets back to his feet...only to be sent reeling back by an uppercut from the Creek Water King!
Finkle falls to the outside, struggling to stand as Mud Mouth jumps to the top turnbuckle for a spaceman plancha!
Both men are down as the ref begins the count...but Finkle is back to his feet, sliding into the ring.
Mud Mouth follows close behind, only for the Professor to catch him with a forearm strike before sending him to the corner!
Finkle charges in for a clothesline, the impact sending the Creek Water King toward the center of the ring...allowing Finkle to jump off the top rope for a dropkick!
NICK DIAMOND: INFLATION! Finkle takes Mud Mouth down hard as he goes for the cover!
ONE!
TW--NO!
Mud Mouth kicks out, rising back to his feet as does the Professor...only to get rattled with a Superman Punch!
BUCKSHOT BLASTER!
But he's not done as the Creek Water King hoists Finkle up for a spinning fisherman's driver!
SPINNERBAIT DRIVER!
Mud Mouth with the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Mud Mouth picks up the win over Bartholomew Finkle!
NIGHT OWLS
With the match over, Mud Mouth and Bartholomew Finkle get back to their feet. Suddenly, an image of a Raven flashes upon our screen before the arena is plunged into darkness and a single spotlight forms on the entrance ramp.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: You know what that means!
NICK DIAMOND: It’s time to Quote the Raven!
But nothing happens.
As Mud Mouth and Finkle look on from inside the ring, the spotlight remains empty. There’s no Raven. There’s nothing.
Until the singular spotlight turns red.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What the hell is this!? Tonight has been freaky as all get out, Nicky.
Within moments, Raven is tossed into the spotlight, his make-up skewed and his face bloodied. Two large men step out either side of him, standing in the darkness before a figure looms behind The Death Walker.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no, this is terrifying. Who is that?
NICK DIAMOND: And why have they brutalised Raven?
“Welcome to the Midnight hour, night owls,” a sinister voice booms loudly into the darkness. The lights return and we finally see the face of the man we first heard from as the show opened tonight. It’s Malakai Midnight.
The fans boo. Mud Mouth looks at Finkle, who looks back at him.
“With Lambs to the Slaughter is upon us, I find it only fitting that I share a sacrifice with the Dark Lord – a lost lamb that needs his guidance,” he mutters lowering his head. “Rise, Raven…”
The two men pull a groggy Raven to his feet as Midnight forms a vertical hand…
HEART PUNCH TO VENGEACE!
THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO!
NICK DIAMOND: WE NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR RAVEN! HE COULD BE DEAD!
As Raven falls to the floor in a heap, convulsing in pain, Mud Mouth and Bartholomew Finkle nod at one another and make a b-line up the entrance ramp.
DOUBLE BIG BOOTS!
DOWN GOES MUD MOUTH!
DOWN GOES FINKLE!
The two henchmen nearly take their heads off!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Holy moly! They could’ve decapitated them! What’re they doing now? No… not this.
NICK DIAMOND: DOUBLE POWERBOMBS OFF THE STAGE! MUD MOUTH AND FINKLE HAVE JUST BEEN SENT CORRENING INTO THE PA EQUIPMENT BELOW!
Malakai smiles a sinister grin, chuckling to himself.
“Join me at Lambs to the Slaughter, little owls. It will be here that I sacrifice the roster of Old School Wrestling for an opportunity to praise the Dark Lord on the grandest stage.”
BIG BOOT TO BIG MAN NUMBER ONE!
WHAT THE FUCK!?
Malakai immediately runs away towards the ring as one of his henchmen gets taken out with a thunderous big boot on the stage. The fans immediately roar, watching as Mark Hayes grabs the second henchman and pulls him onto his shoulders.
GUSTER BUSTER!
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT INTO A SEATED STERNUM BUSTER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Mark Hayes! Mark Hayes! The Sharpshooter has his sights set on Malakai Midnight! He just came to the rescue folks.
NICK DIAMOND: Malakai doesn’t look phased, Johnny. He’s smiling.
With Mud Mouth, Finkle and Raven down, Mark Hayes stands at the top of the stage, looking back towards the man who interrupted his debut earlier tonight.
“Oh dearest Sharpshooter,” Midnight says with a grin, making a pair of finger guns and pointing them to his own head. “If you’re going to take a shot at the Devil’s Advocate, you best not miss.”
Mark scoffs, chuckling to himself - his eyes focused on the leader of the occult.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Lambs to the Slaughter is going to be incredible, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: You just wait until Mud Mouth, Raven and Bartholomew Finkle seek their revenge. I don’t know who the bloody hell this Malakai Midnight is, or why we’re his little owls, but revenge will be sweet, no doubt.
WELCOME
Previously Recorded.
Pitch Black.
There is nothing at all for a few seconds, until a single spotlight appears in the darkness with a mechanical thunk, and then some distant footsteps begin to make their way closer, in a somewhat eccentric pattern. They stop, and it’s silent until…
…a cane thwacks onto the floor in the spotlight, and holds there, for just a few seconds. A moment later two feet also step into the light, and though we can still only see up to the knees, the feet are clad with well-worn, black, high boots, bedazzled with flaking gold ornamentation.
That is all we can see, until a hand also appears in the light, and places an old, dusty radio in the light. The hand begins to tune the radio, until it settles on something resembling a song, though distant and muffled. The feet turn and walk away without revealing who they are, and we’re left to hear the song play through, distorted, until its creepy end. As the static fades out at the end of the musical number and the dust finally settles from when the radio was placed in the spotlight, there’s another mechanical thunk as the spotlight turns off, leaving us once again in pitch black darkness.
And then.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tonight it’s Lionel Troy’s prized acolyte Colt Ramsey doing battle with one of the Kingdom’s surviving members Blue Shark in what’s sure to be a hell of a contest.
NICK DIAMOND: That’s right Johnny, and the referee Demi Sky has drawn the honors for this contest.
Sky calls for the bell and Shark darts out of his corner looking for a Flying Knee laser-focused on the face of The Jorno who sidesteps the contact. Ramsey snatches the Wave Warden by the head bending him backwards...
Rolling Cutter by The Newshound!
NICK DIAMOND: COLT RAMSEY LAYING DOWN SOME B-ROLL AND LAYING OUT THE BLUE SHARK!
COLT GOES FOR THE COVER AND DEMI IS THERE TO MAKE THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
KICKOUT BY THE SHARK!
Colt attempts to keep himself in control lifting Shark up but The Defender of the Deep counters landing a DDT on The Acolyte before rolling to the apron and standing up waiting for Colt to get back to his feet.
Springboarding off the top rope...
*KAR-RAK!*
OCEAN’S OVERDRIVE!
A FLY FOREARM TO THE NOSE STAGGERS THE JORNO!
LANDING ON HIS FEET BLUE SHARK SETS UP COLT FOR THE RIPCORD AND PULLS IT...
RAINMAKER!
THE RIPTIDE TURNS COLT INSIDE OUT AND THE TIDAL TERROR GOES FOR THE COVER AS SKY MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE BLUE SHARK HAS COME BACK FROM THE BRINK OF DEATH TO PICK UP THE VICTORY!
RISE UP
We cut backstage, where we find Jash Khan speaking with his men.
NICK DIAMOND: I wonder if the Raja Roadman is talking strategy here ahead of the tag title match against The Besties?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I'm not so sure strategy is quite what's on his mind, if he's not talking to Master Ken...but Khan is definitely not alone!
We soon see who Johnny is referring to, as Narcissa Balenciaga approaches the group...who immediately take notice of the Uprising leader.
"And to what do we owe the pleasure, Miss Balenciaga?" asks Khan, a smile on his face that draws a chuckle from his men. "It's quite a scene for someone of your stature to come mucking about, innit?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Jash," replies Narcissa, staring the Raja Roadman down. "I'm here strictly to talk business."
"Blimey," retorts Khan. "No need to get uppity, deary. Business it is, then. What brings the leader of the Uprising to this here bloke?"
"We're closing in on something big," says the Uprising leader with a smirk of her own. "Something that will get us precisely where we need to be...and we're keeping track of where people stand."
Khan gives a nod and a chuckle to this.
"I think it's clear where I stand, innit," he replies. "I stand on business, Miss Balenciaga, I don't faff around with politics...unless it's absolutely necessary."
Narcissa simply scoffs at this, shaking her head.
"I promise you, this will be very necessary," she says. "When the time comes, we will take what's rightfully ours...and if you aren't a part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
"I don't think I like your attitude, sis," Khan replies, his demeanor becoming somewhat sharper as he stares the Uprising leader down...until Victor Doom steps into view, drawing another smirk from the Raja Roadman as he backs down. "But I can tell you're being serious, so...I'll think on it."
Narcissa seems less than satisfied with the response.
"Think hard on it, Khan," she says with a snarl. "I won't be taking no for an answer."
With that, she and Victor take their leave as Khan watches on, the smile never leaving his face.
Cut.
BEHIND THOSE DOORS
No Man's Land. The desolate wastes of the former Red Light District are empty for all but a single massive door. However, we are soon greeted by the sounds of footsteps and from the distance a group of figures wander onto the scene. Vision, Drewitt, Muerte, and Grimskull leading what could only be Lionel Troy, Colt Ramsey, and members of the Church of Zion!
"This better be important, boys," Troy says as he leads his congregation. "We were just about to have our sermon and you felt the need to drag us away from our paradise for... This?" He motions at the door, urging his followers to murmur in agreement.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Do they really think Troy could be the key?
NICK DIAMOND: I think they're getting desperate, Johnny.
"Well," Vision begins. "This door needs a key to open it, Troy. You claim to be Zion's chosen, so who's to say that the key isn't you?" Vision smirks as he speaks. "I figured you would like to show your congregation just how all powerful Zion has made you to be. All it needs is your touch and we can open these doors. Care to show your followers the power vested in you?"
There's a pause as Troy looks past Vision and co at the door, furrowing his brow. He glances to Colt who tilts his head. "You can do anything through Zion, right?"
"Of course," Troy begins, hesitation in his voice. "But! Through Zion I also know that whatever lies behind those doors is blasphemy!" The congregation gasps, and the members of team OSW merely scowl in response as Troy struts back and forth. "I refuse to use my holy powers to release whatever lies in wait behind those doors! My heart, nay, my soul would never harm my congregation like that!"
"Just touch the door, Lionel." Drewitt growls, approaching Lionel only for Colt to step in his way.
"Let us go back to the church, my children! Follow me from this wasteland to safety and to paradise!" Troy rushes into his crowd of followers, taking his leave as quickly as possible! Ramsey is quickly behind him, the Children of Zion absconding from the scene.
"I truly thought he'd touch it if his followers pressured him," Vision says, frowning.
"He's smarter than that," Grimskull says. "If he fails he knows they'll lose faith in him."
"If we cannot do it peacefully," Muerte interjects. "Then we can do it by force."
Team OSW nods, watching as Troy and his followers disappear from No Man's Land.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tonight, it’s The Yellow Python taking on The Death Walker, Raven.
The bell and both competitors charge, colliding in the centre of the ring.
DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!
RIGHT OFF THE BAT BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!
NICK DIAMOND: This started with a hiss and a roar, but who can capitalise?
Both men pull each other to their feet, using the other for stability. They lock horns. An Irish Whip from The Yellow Python sends Raven running, but Raven pulls his foe through, reversing the whip.
YELLOW PYTHON IS SENT RUNNING INTO THE ROPES!
SPEAR!
NO!
YELLOW PYTHON LEAPS OVER THE INCOMING SPEAR!
SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK DAKES DOWN RAVEN!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Yellow Python showing off his athleticism there, he got all sorts of height to leap frog over that Spear.
Yellow Python rushes over to the turnbuckle.
HOLLOW FANGS! THE SECOND ROPE DOUBLE ELBOW DROP!
NO!
RAVEN ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!
NICK DIAMOND: Raven got outta there like a mouse escaping with a chunk of cheese.
Raven pulls himself to his feet, and waits for Python to rise a little before charging.
SPEAR! FINAL APPROACH!
HE NAILED YELLOW PYTHON THIS TIME!
Raven pulls Yellow Python to his feet, looking to seal the deal. But Yellow Python slips out the back door and rushes into the ropes.
CROSS BODY! BUT RAVEN STANDS HIS GROUND!
YELLOW PYTHON BOUNCES OFF HIM BUT LANDS ON HIS FEET!
RAVEN HITS HIM WITH THE SCORPION DEATH DROP!
THE LAST ROSE!
RAVEN COVERS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Raven takes the big victory over The Yellow Python!
"DO YOU SHARE MY MADNESS?"
Months previously.
A singular drip repeatedly falls from the dark damp room’s ceiling, falling into the same puddle on the floor with a plop. A figure sits in the shadows, darkness covering his face. He doesn’t move to reveal himself.
A woman’s voice echoes softly.
“Why are you afraid?” She asks carefully, her voice soft and calm.
The figure groans.
“They won’t accept me. They never have,” he bemoans. “I’ve been abandoned here; left to rot and decay.”
“You don’t have to,” she reminds him. “You can be free of this dank and miserable void of self-pity. Let me show you the way.”
“N-no,” he cries out.
There’s a shuffle. The woman walks towards the figure, only we can barely see her frame. She’s petite and hidden by darkness.
“It’s time to go,” she says with a deep breath. “When I joined you here I told you that I’d prepare you to leave this place and become.”
She holds out a hand.
“And that time is now,” she beckons, waving it at him. The figure reaches out, putting his large hand in hers. “There, see? It’s you and I against them all. Forever, my friend.”
The figure rises.
“Are you sure?” He asks. “Do you share my madness?”
The woman cackles.
“Share it?” She queries humoured. “I’m going to help you become it. You were abandoned here. Let’s show Arcadia why that was a mistake. Let’s show those who abandoned you. Vengeance… revenge…”
She stops at his request – his eyes telling her something we cannot see.
Cut.
THE ELDERS IX
Many Years Ago.
Pure unadulterated panic. The Elders hide inside the House of Sovereigns – barricaded in for their own protection. Their armed forces have dwindled, but what’s left not protecting Arcadia, is a mere two men. Cronos, Zeus, Atlas, Calypso, Crius, Hyperion and their children sit in a large room.
There’s terror in the air.
Things are about to come crashing down. The end for the Elders is seemingly on the horizon and they fear for their lives.
To one side, Cronos has taken Zeus. They stand privately in a corner, away from the others.
“My boy,” he says, placing a hand on his face. “My precious boy. You were too young to remember what came before. You were too young to remember what we were or how we came to be.”
Zeus places a hand on his fathers.
“The Pantheon have no idea what they’re doing,” he says with knowledge and fear. “Their way is not the way.”
As father and son look around the room, Cronos has a request of his boy. Something only a father could ask a son.
“I need your help,” he considers, understanding the implications. Zeus nods at him, offering whatever assistance he needs – though we’re unsure of his allegiance or trustworthiness. “I need to protect these people. Everyone in this room. The leader of the Pantheon will come and when he does, I may need to do the unthinkable to stop him.”
Zeus’s eyes widen.
“I ask that you join me in protecting our world,” he almost demands. “For Arcadia.”
“I’ll do what’s right for Arcadia, father – that’s a promise.”
To be continued.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a tag team championship match for you folks!
NICK DIAMOND: That's right Johnny, the Besties defend their titles against two of our newest competitors in Jash Khan and Master Ken!
DING! DING! Master Ken and Felix Foley start out the match! Foley does his impression of a crane pose! Master Ken doesn't like the taunting at all! STREET SWEEPER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Foley was only standing on one leg and that spinning leg sweep makes him fall hard!
Foley looks embarrassed and upset that Ken didn't even want to have fun with him! He tags in Doom! Doom gets in the ring and rushes right at Ken! THE SPLITTER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Ken learned not to hurt Foley's feelings after that powerful gore by Doom!
NICK DIAMOND: That's why they're besties!
Doom is not nearly done as he starts stomping on Ken! He lets up and Ken is pulling himself up! Doom charges with a running knee! No! Drop toe hold to the rushing Doom who falls onto the middle rope! ALONG THE WHITE PINE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He nails the chop to a prone Doom and tags in Khan!
Khan doesn't let up and nails a big boot to a draped over Doom then steps into the ring to wait for Doom to get up! Doom is getting up! Khan runs the ropes! Doom snatches a leg and lifts Khan up! 3D!
NICK DIAMOND: Perfect timing for the lift as Foley jumps in the ring and catches Khan with the cutter! Doom covers!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NICK DIAMOND: That's why they're champions Johnny! They know each other so well and because of that, they nailed that 3D out of nowhere!
THY KINGDOM COME
With the tag team match over, The Besties get back to their feet in celebration of another fantastic Championship defence. This one marks their third, tying the reigns of O’Death and Skulltography.
Suddenly, "Snakes" by PVRIS begins to play over the speakers, and as the beat drops the lights flash yellow, the spotlight shining down onto The Yellow Python alongside The Blue Shark.
Both men make their way to the ring purposefully, The Python holding a microphone. They enter, standing opposite The Besties.
“We’re sorry to interrupt your celebrations but it’s of the utmost importance,” The Yellow Python says earnest and honestly. “Our friend The Red Falcon has been kidnapped.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s right folks. That so and so the Black Panther has kidnapped Falcon.
NICK DIAMOND: It doesn’t look good.
Felix Foley looks mortified. He immediately rushes over and grabs a microphone.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry,” he says apologetically. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
Python nods.
“We need an OSW Tag Team Championship opportunity at Pandemonium. If we can’t become Champions then The Black Panther is going to kill our friend.”
DOOM looks at Foley, who seems really taken aback by the young man. The Scientist takes the microphone and leans in, looking at the Yellow Python eye to eye.
“No.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh come on Doom!
NICK DIAMOND: Heh, that was blunt.
He says sternly before abruptly tossing the microphone aside to boo’s from the crowd who don’t much like it. Foley tries to calm the audience down by waving his hands.
“Wait a minute,” he pleads. “Doom is just kidding, aren’t you buddy?”
Doom shakes his head.
“He is,” Felix assures us. “He’s just joking around.”
Again, Doom shakes his head.
“We’ll give you the match,” the Puppeteer agrees, much to the angry annoyance of his partner. “But we can’t promise you any more than that. Fair is fair, right?”
Felix offers a handshake that The Python accepts, booking our tag team titles for Pandemonium, much to the frustration of Doom, who cuts an annoyed figure.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well folks, Felix Foley has booked The Besties against The Kingdom for Pandemonium, much to his partners annoyance.
NICK DIAMOND: Doom does NOT seem happy about it.
Cut.
WHOLE
The Grove. Once overflowing with beauty and life is now overrun with insects and plagued with rot. However, despite it's ravaged appearance, Gemini still skips through its soil, Pestilence finding herself oddly at home in the wretched lands. She comes to a stop in front of a large oak, kneeling down and watching as a slew of parasitic bugs fall from its rotted trunk into her hands.
Then she pauses, eyes glazed over.
Flash.
Gemini, or rather, Good Gemini, sits at the base of this tree held in Kaiju Chiba's arms. The Grove around them isn't blackened and withered, but rather bustling with life! She leans into Kaiju's touch, nuzzling his chest. "I can't wait for what comes next, you know?" Her words are soft, light. Nothing like the Nergal we know now.
"Next?" Kaiju asks, the giant glancing towards Gemini, head tilted.
"Mhm! About what happens in the future. We could start a family, couldn't we? Live in a nice cottage here in the Grove... Enjoy our lives together?" She speaks hopefully, locking eyes with Chiba who simply smiles back at her.
"That would be wonderful. Such a peaceful, quiet life. We could get started as soon as you are ready." He hugs her closer, Gemini merely nodding her head.
"It would be fantastic. I think it would make me whole... I don't think I could ever give up on the idea of being whole." She hums, closing her eyes. Chiba raises an eyebrow at the mention of being whole, but merely opts to sit quietly with Gemini in his arms.
Flash.
We find ourselves back in the desecrated Groves, Gemini shaking her head and looking around herself in confusion as the scene fades out.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Mr. Kleen makes his return to Olympus, taking on Lionel Troy up next!
Troy seems to offer a handshake to the Custodial Manager, who won't have any of it as he takes the ropes for a crossbody...but Lionel catches him in mid-air for a powerslam!
Zion's Child starts stomping away at Kleen before bringing him back to his feet, sending the janitor to the ropes for a clothesline...but Kleen ducks it!
He builds up speed before taking the Lion of Zion down to the canvas with a headscissors on the rebound!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Kleen really catching Troy off guard here!
NICK DIAMOND: Lionel's just trying to hear the word of Zion for the right moment to strike!
Troy gets back to his feet, but the janitor dropkicks him into the ropes...only for the New Messiah to spring forward, looking for that massive lariat!
CLOTHESLIONEL FROM--NO!
Kleen just saved himself from danger once again, ducking under as he slides out of the ring!
But he's not safe for long as Lionel follows him, pulling the janitor toward the steel steps...but Kleen jumps onto them instead!
He leaps back into the ring, forcing Troy to do the same...only to be sent into the ropes by the Cleanest Man in Arcadia!
Kleen puts on his gloves before rushing against the ropes, connecting with a 619!
KLEEN SWEEP!
NO!
Lionel evades in the nick of time, distracting the ref long enough to Kleen with a low blow and DDT!
DIVINE INTERVENTION!
Troy covers!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Lionel Troy takes down Mr. Kleen for a less than clean victory!
THINKING CLEARLY I
In a secluded location of Arcadia, we find Destructo Boy. He is waiting, partially hidden by shadows, waiting.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: After seeing Blaze’s reaction to his pinboard, and his response to his newfound target, last we saw of Destructo Boy was when he left in the opposite direction instead of following his father.
NICK DIAMOND: Perhaps he’s gone to pre-warn Master Ken that there’s a whole fist of justice coming his way. Blaze knows that Ken set that fire, and he’s going to right the scales of justice.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Something about this doesn’t sit right with Destrcuto Boy though. He looks confused.
Destructo Boy doesn’t have to wait for too much longer, as his face flickers in recognition. He soon steps out of the shadows as another figure approaches. It is not Master Ken at all, but Nox.
“To say I’m surprised you’re the one reaching out to me would be an understatement.” Nox begins. “You do know we exist on different sides of this war, don’t you?”
Nox’s wheezy laugh escapes his mask, but Destructo Boy isn’t fazed.
“That alone should tell you how serious I am.” Destructo Boy looks torn. “I don’t want to be reaching out to you any more than you want it, but here I am.”
Destructo Boy holds his hands out as if to signal that he comes in peace. Nox laughs again.
“Isn’t the human psyche fascinating. One can be a mortal enemy, but the second they need something for themselves, alliances be damned.” Nox closes the gap between them and speaks quietly. “What is it that you have come to me for?”
“Blaze.” Destructo Boy starts. “I fear he is on the wrong path. He’s followed his clues and reached his conclusion, but I see it in his eyes… He’s solely focused on what he can see.”
Nox shrugs his shoulders.
“I fail to see where this concerns me. What do I care where he targets his justice, unless it is pointed in my direction.”
Destructo Boy shakes his head.
“No, that’s not it. I need a chemical, something unique.” He pauses, finding the words. “I need you to provide me with something that clear my father’s mind. Something to help him steer himself onto the right path.”
Nox ponders for a moment, but then nods his head.
“Very well.” He agrees. “I know of just the concoction. Perhaps having you in my debt will be a good thing. I will get you what you seek and hopefully before it is too late.”
Destructo Boy nods and slinks back into the shadows.
NICK DIAMOND: A desperate man turns to Nox for help, especially when they are not a member of the Uprising.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Nox agrees to help Destructo Boy get his father to see things more clearly. I just hope that Destrcuto Boy finds Master Ken before Blaze does.
Cut.
LIGHT YOUR WAY
Darkness.
“Grave Digger” by Blue Saraceno begins thumping through the speakers. Smoke fills the entrance ramp. Purple flashing lights adorn the entrance area as Tombstone slowly steps out into the mist.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The World Champ tried to pay Albert Lamplight a visit earlier, but he came up short.
NICK DIAMOND: So what’s he want to say now?
Grabbing a microphone once in the ring, Tombstone’s hoists the World Championship over his shoulder, looking ready to hold court.
“In a couple weeks, 20 people will enter Lambs to the Slaughter. And that’s exactly what they are. I’m here to tell all of Arcadia that it doesn't matter who wins,” he declares. “They'll just be another soul for me to ferry. But before that, I've got other business to attend to.”
Before he can continue, the giant video screen flickers to life, cutting him off. Jasper Redgrave, his features twisted into a smirk, appears on the screen.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tombstone’s gotta get through Redgrave before he can worry about Lambs.
NICK DIAMOND: Somehow, I don’t think he forgot, Gomez.
“I hope you didn’t forget, Tombstone,” Jasper begins, “the time I spent hostage, watching your old video tapes.”
His smile widens. “So, of course, you'd want to find Albert Lamplight. You seek revenge... answers... whatever it is that lights your way.”
Redgrave looks over his shoulder, moving to reveal Albert Lamplight, shackled to a large canvas.
Jasper leans closer into the screen, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Turns out, I got there first,” he reveals. “And if you want to get to him, you’re going to have to play by my rules.”
Tombstone’s voice betrays his rage. “This is not a game you want to play.”
“Game?” Redgrave snorts. “Games are for children. To me, this is something far more special.”
He grins.
“Art.”
The video screen goes blank. Tombstone is incensed.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This didn’t go the way the Champ wanted, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: But there’s going to be hell to pay when Tombstone gets his hands on Jasper Redgrave.
NICK DIAMOND: We have a big main event tonight here Johnny as Vision makes his Olympus return against two incredible opponents in Jackson Cade and Harold Attano but will the time away be a benefit or will that ring rust be his downfall?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Not only that but Cade and Attano both had cases for being part of the fight against the Uprising so being overlooked might see a little bad blood here that even Vision couldn't see.
The bell sounds as Cade and Attano rush out of the gate, bumrushing Vision who can barely see the assault before he's rocked by a sandwich Lariat. Cade pulls Vision up as both men begin rocking Vision back and forth with heavy lefts and rights before a double Suplex sends him crashing to the mat.
Vision slowly gets to his feet as Cade and Attano back up into opposite corners before rushing forward
SHOTGUN DROPKICK
LEAPING SUPERKICK
HOSTILE RIOT!
NICK DIAMOND: A brutal double teaming here by Cade and Attano, both clearly wanting to prove something here tonight against the returning Vision.
Cade tells Attano to lift Vision up as he heads to the top rope, Harold pulling Vision up into a bearhug before holding him out chest first as Jackson sizes him up for a moment, diving off with a loud scream.
POLICE BRUTALITY! ASSISTED DIVING ELBOW DROP!
That has to be it for Vision there as Attano drops him to the mat, looking to cover but Cade rolls to his feet, and nails him with the BREACH AND CLEAR!
NICK DIAMOND: Slingblade out of nowhere as Cade begins to ground and pound down on Attano with heavy lefts and rights with fury in his eyes. I think that may well have been a ploy by Jackson here Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: No doubt Jackson knows what Attano has been doing these last few weeks. The Cade brothers might have their problems but CJ is still his blood and I know if someone did that to my family, I'd want my pound of flesh.
Attano manages to get a thumb to the eye, staggering up to his feet but he barely gets up before a brutal Lariat turns him inside out. Attano staggers to his feet into a kick to the gut
MASTER KEY! An almost Sheer Drop Brainbuster rattles Nobody's skull as Cade quickly scrambles up to the top rope, sizing up Attano before diving off
SCREAMING...NOPE! Attano manages to roll out of the way of the elbow as Cade lands hard on the canvas with a sickening pop.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no, that did not sound well for Jackson at all there. Blood in the water now and Nobody is a shark who craves it.
Jackson staggers up to his feet holding his arm as he swings wild, Attano ducking underneath before landing an enziguri to the dislocated elbow that sends Cade staggering back in agony. Attano rushes forward, leaping up as he grabs Cade, rolling through
AND LOCKING IN THE ARMBREAKER!
Cade screams from the pain of the Kimura, Attano pulling back with all his might as he's trying to break the arm of Jackson. Perseus refuses to tap though, ignoring the agony radiating through his body as he slowly pulls himself towards the ropes to break the hold.
NICK DIAMOND: Look at the sheer determination from Jackson Cade here Johnny. Any other man would quit but he refuses to give Attano the satisfaction.
Cade can't quite reach the ropes with his free hand as Attano holds him down with all 220 pounds but with an almighty scream, Jackson swings around, locking his foot on the ropes as he forces the break.
Cole Holt yells at Attano to break but Nobody just smirks, letting go just briefly to pull Cade back into the middle of the ring and lock the Kimura back on tight.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jackson might be tough but Attano looks like he's ready and willing to snap his arm here. He may be forced to give Attano exactly what he wants one way or another.
Jackson's hand is raised in the air, the pain almost unbearable as it looks like he may tap out at any second.
EYES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Springboard Coffin Drop out of nowhere from Vision who breaks up the hold just in time!
Vision rolls to his feet, waiting for the pair to get to theirs. Attano is the first one up, swinging wildly at the Awoken One who ducks underneath before unleashing a lighting fast set of strikes. Punches, Kicks, Forearms, Elbows. Vision unleashing out a blind fury before a big roundhouse kick drops Attano to the mat.
Cade gets to his feet, a hard forearm with the good hand stuns Vision but an attempted left hand clothesline is ducked underneath.
IRON STRIKE! Brutal back elbow to the base of the spine drops Cade to his knees as Vision backs up before running forward
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ONE FLEW OVER! The throwback hits hard as Vision is all over Cade and Attano right now, the Awoken One truly fired up in his first match back.
Vision pulls Attano up to his feet, locking him in a headlock before flipping around. MIDNIGHT SHADOW! Headlock Spike DDT hits flush but Vision isn't done as he flips over, gripping both hands around Attano's face, his thumbs moving close as he tries to lock in the Blindspot
HOSTILE DOWN! CADE NAILS VISION OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE LEAPING SUPERKICK!
NICK DIAMOND: That has to be it as all Cade has to do is cover Vision and he has this won...no what are you doing Jackson?
Jackson trembles in rage as he looks down at the groggy Attano, pushing Vision out of the way as he lifts Attano up, rocking him with a brutal Incendiary Round Elbow before backing up
HOSTILE...ONE SHOT ONE KILL! Attano nails the cutter out of nowhere, Cade collapsing to the mat but before Attano can cover, he's spun around by Vision.
THIRD EYE BLIND! Leaping Double Knee Facebuster hits flush out of nowhere as Vision collapses onto Attano, Cole Holt dropping down for the cover
ONE
...............
TWO
..................
......................
THREE!!!
NICK DIAMOND: Vision picks up the big return victory here, outlasting two incredible competitors but you have to figure the rage of Jackson Cade gave him the victory here Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jackson had the match won there but let his anger get the better of him. Either way, incredible victory for Vision here as he proved why he's the man chosen to lead the war against the Uprising here tonight.
MY BROTHERS KEEPER
As Harold Attano and Jackson Cade get back to their feet in the middle of the ring, they come together once more, shaking hands.
The fans cheer, until the tron flickers.
Upon it we visit CJ Thorpe, sat on a wooden chair, recovering. When we last saw him, he was bloodied and bruised – some of which has begun healing. This time, he sits with his shoes and socks off, feet in a bucket of water.
Jackson looks at Attano in confusion.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Do you think Cade knew about this?
NICK DIAMOND: I think he knew Attano took him, but I don’t think he knew about this. His expression says otherwise.
A man approaches from behind wearing a black balaclava and holding a cattle prod. He places it on the water and pulls back the head of a nearing unconscious Thorpe.
“Have you seen the error of your ways yet?” He demands, his voice deepened and clearly self-altered to sound different.
Thorpe weeps.
“P-Please…” he begs.. “D-D…”
ZAP!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He’s gonna kill that poor kid!
NICK DIAMOND: Look at Cade’s face… He’s furious.
Another jolt courses through the water, electrocuting CJ Thorpe into a convulsive state. When he stops convulsing and the voltage has stopped, the man checks for a pulse.
“I’m sorry….”
Cut.
The tron suddenly cuts to static, causing Jackson Cade to turn and look at Harold Attano in disgust. Nobody tries to explain, but Jackson is having none of it.
INCENDIARY ROUND!
BULLHAMMER ELBOW TO HAROLD ATTANO!
CADE HAS LOST IT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: JACKSON CADE HAS GONE BALLISTIC! HE’S LOST HIS MIND!
NICK DIAMOND: Attano needs to get out of there!
Perseus leaps atop Attano, slamming fist after fist into his skull. He quickly grabs his arms, transitioning into the KIMURA WITH A BODYSCISSORS!
THREAT CONTAINMENT! THREAT CONTAINMENT!
Referee’s and security rush down to the ring as Cade applies as much pressure as he can on the hold, making Harold pay for what he’s done to his brother.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Someone needs to break this up. Someone needs to stop what’s happening to CJ Thorpe. I hate to say it, but where the hell is Jasper Redgrave?
We fade away with an angry Jackson Cade making Harold Attano scream in the Kimura, his face a picture of rage.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.