SIR RENAULT & SANCTUS BELLATOR
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Outside of a mosque in New York City, Sir Renault is being led by Templars. Noticeably missing is Sanctus Bellator. Sir Renault looks confused and speaks up.
“Why are we here? No one here shares our faith. In the peak of my service, I slaughtered those who worshiped this false god.”
The templars nod and one replies.
“That is exactly why you are here, you’re from the original crusades and if faith drove your kind to do stuff like that, one mosque has to be minor to you if you still have the faith you claim you have.”
Sir Renault stands and responds to the Templars.
“So be it. If this is God’s will, It shall be done.”
Sir Renault marches with a purpose and the Templars are right behind him.
Renault swings the door wide open ready to unleash hell on whoever is worshiping in the Mosque.
Luckily for the ones who would be there, it is a day where there is no service or classes.
Only one person is there, Sanctus Bellator, who is shaking his head in disappointment.
Sanctus speaks up.
“Have you learned nothing? Only the first crusade was successful. We want people to come to the light and not pass away before we can reach them. Yahweh will never come back if we don’t let the world be a peaceful place. We’re here to spread peace and light, not enforce the crazy killing sprees of your day. ”
Sir Renault sighs and nods in defeat. He asks a question.
“So what do you want me to do? I failed in your faith challenge.”
Sanctus chuckles and replies.
“You didn’t, you passed with flying colors but we need to work in this century.
Renault replies .
“What do you want me to do then?”
Sanctus whispers in his ear and Renault’s eyes open wide. Sanctus nods and Renault smiles.
Renault begins to talk.
“They’ll never see it coming.”
Sanctus and Renault smile at each other.
The world might not be ready for their plans.
Cut.
FACES OF REASON vs. BAD MOTHER FUCKERS ©
Faces of Reason has once again been given a chance at tag team gold! Can they finally overcome two Bad Mother Fuckers?
Two-Face immediately flips his coin and shows the result to Simon who allows him to tag in! Zero marches over and immediately swings at Two-Face!
HE DUCKS IT! SUCKERPUNCH BY SIMON AS TWO-FACE FOLLOWS UP WITH THE SCHOOLBOY PIN!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THR-NO! PYRE INVADES THE RING AND BREAKS UP THE PIN!
Simon visibly tosses brass knuckles to ringside as the referee reprimands Pyre! She gets sent back to her corner and Two-Face capitalizes on the confusion by stomping a mudhole into Zero! The dual champ is uncharacteristically on the defensive as Two-Face peels him up and whips him across the ring to his corner!
LEAPING CLOTHESLINE- NO! ABSOLUTE ZERO! BIONIC CHOKESLAM GETS ALL OF IT AS TWO-FACE BOUNCES OFF OF THE MAT!
He goes for the pin on Two-Face but the referee breaks it up!
SIMON IS THE LEGAL MAN! HE BLIND TAGGED TWO-FACE AS HE GOT TO THE CORNER! CATALAN OPENING! KNEE TREMBLER TO ZERO TAKES HIM DOWN!
Faces of Reason are using their wits to their advantage as Simon gets the pin!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
NO! ZERO GETS A BIONIC SHOULDER UP!
The champ is fucking pissed and he makes it known as he fights to his feet, blocking strikes from Simon before hitting an uppercut that sends The Taskmaster right to the floor! He tries to rise but a one angry soccer kick to the face keeps him down! Zero leaps to his corner and tags in Pyre who hastily rushes across the ring as Simon rises!
FIRE AND ICE! BIONIC CLOTHESLINE FROM ZERO! SPINNING LEGSWEEP BY PYRE! SIMON GETS FUCKING OBLITERATED BY THE COMBINATION!
The ref tries to get Zero out of the ring but he refuses as he drags Simon up!
BAD TO THE BONE! CHOKESLAM BY ZERO AND A BACKSTABBER BY PYRE! SIMON GETS FUCKING PLANTED IN THE MAT!
Zero rolls out as Pyre leaps into a pin on the beaten down Grandmaster!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
FOUR?
FIVE?
TWO-FACE HAS DRAGGED THE REFEREE OUT OF THE RING! HE’S STOPPED THE COUNT!
Pyre gets up from the pin and heads to the ropes where she blasts fire at Two-Face! The former politician backs away from the flames in anger before flipping his coin! He shows the results… to Pyre?
Heads.
SIMON DOES THE HONORS! THE FIRE BITCH GETS CLOTHESLINED FROM BEHIND AND TURNS AROUND!
STUMBLING RIGHT INTO A SPINNING BACKFIST BY SIMON! SHE GETS SENT BACK TO TWO-FACE WHO’S ENTERED THE RING AND GETS PLANTED WITH AN OVERDRIVE NECKBREAKER! COIN’S GAMBIT!
Faces of Reason lay into Pyre with boots as the referee struggles to get into the ring!
BUT ZERO SHOVES THE REF BACK OUT AS HE RUSHES TO PYRE’S AID! FIREWALL TO TWO-FACE! CLOTHESLINE TAKES HIM DOWN!
Simon swings at Zero who ducks and counters with a massive headbutt that bloodies Simon’s nose! The Taskmaster gets assaulted with a barrage of lefts and rights before being hoisted onto Zero’s Shoulders!
CPU DRIVER- NO! TWO-FACE HITS A ROLLING ELBOW THAT DROPS ZERO AND SENDS HIM ROLLING TO THE OUTSIDE!
Zero is out of the ring and Two-Face goes to help up his partner-
DANCING FLAMES! PYRE WITH THE ECLIPSE FROM THE TOP ROPE! TWO-FACE GETS FUCKING DEMOLISHED BEFORE PYRE KICKS HIM FROM THE RING!
The Fire Bitch turns to go after Simon who has retreated to a corner!
FLAMES POUR FROM PYRE’S HANDS AS SHE BLASTS A MASSIVE FIREBALL AT SIMON WHO NARROWLY DUCKS THE ATTACK!
He rolls to his feet-
AND GETS HIT WITH A BIONIC RIGHT HAND FROM ZERO ON THE APRON! SIMON STUMBLES RIGHT INTO DANCING FLAMES! ANOTHER ECLIPSE AND PYRE PLANTS SIMON INTO THE MAT!
She covers as the ref finally slides back into the ring!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
BAD MOTHER FUCKERS RETAIN! THEY RETAIN!
Bad Mother Fuckers once again prove why they are the dominant tag team as they hold their titles high above their beaten opponents!
BANZAN, DARKLORD, & LEIF HELVIG
Backstage, Darklord is sat in front of an old monitor, studying the Tag Team championship match that just took place.
“Do you believe the little men on the screen would pose a threat?” A voice calls from offscreen.
Leif Helvig.
The Viking still doesn’t seem to be at his previous fighting weight, but there is an energy in his eyes that were not present at Invasion. He is gnawing on freshly cooked meat, dripping off the bone.
“A threat?” Darklord scoffs. “They pose no more of an issue the golden haired child we hunted down after last week.”
He pauses.
“Or you, in your present state.” He adds.
Helvig steps forward, coming face to face with a rising Darklord. Tension is thick in the air.
“Is that why you saved me?” Helvig whispers, menace in his voice. “Did you believe that you’d fatten up a lamb to slaughter? Why don’t you try me now? I’ll show you just how pathetic your Carthus tricks are.”
Darklord’s eyes widen, and the world seems to freeze.
“STOP!”
Both men freeze, looking at Banzan, who has been in the corner this entire time. He just was so still and silent, we just didn’t notice him. The Mountain walks over to the two men, regarding them cautiously.
“The day will come when we clash.” He begins. “But today is not that day. That child bore the mark of the snake. Viper Roberts has taken an interest in us. Either all of us…”
A pregnant pause with a glance at Helvig.
“…or just one of us. That girl is dead, and I do not feel that Roberts throws his snakes aside so frivolously. We know he’s paid a visit to the Faces of Reason. For now, we trust one another.”
He looks at both of them. Darklord sighs, while Helvig shrugs.
“Let them come.” Helvig says, meat juices running through his beard.
“They will.” Banzan finishes.
Darklord slams his fist down through the monitor causing sparks to fly.
“And they will regret every moment of it.”
Cut.
VOYNICH & LUKE STORM
“So you’re telling me they didn’t take out all the green M&Ms? Did those morons not read my fucking contract? Listen if they can’t read a God Damn rider then why the FUCK would I do work with them?”
The sounds of what could only be an enraged celebrity introduce us to the scene. ‘Hollywood’ Luke Storm shouts into his phone before ending the call and tossing it to a nearby assistant.
“Well? What’re you waiting for? Get out there and renegotiate or you’re FIRED!”
His assistant nods and rushes off as Luke walks through the halls, scoffing at the whole ordeal.
“So, were you always like this or is this new?”
Luke stops in his tracks, turning around to come face to face with Voynich, the young star being uncharacteristically snarky as he speaks.
“I’ve always been like this. I just ain’t had the chance to get what I deserve before now.”
Voynich sighs as Luke speaks, walking up to Storm and poking a finger into his chest.
“No, no I don’t think so. I remember a Luke Storm from a few months ago. The kind of guy who did stuff for his daughter and went out of his way to take down a demon for killing his brother-”
“Don’t you fucking talk about my brother.”
Luke sneers, shoving Voynich back. The Best Kept Secret frowns as he shoves Luke back.
“Your brother died for you. Is this how he’d want to see you now? Going from Scarlet’s hero to some kind of-
LIGHTNING STRIKE! SUPERKICK KNOCKS VOYNICH HEAD FIRST INTO THE WALL!
“DON’T YOU TALK ABOUT EDDIE! AND GET SCARLET’S NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!”
Voynich is out cold and Storm has to restrain himself from stomping a mudhole into the younger man! The Tempest straightens up, calming himself before he begins to walk away.
However, as he disappears down the hall, Voynich begins to stir, a knowing smirk forming on his lips as the scene fades out.
Cut.
CXDY
We cut to CXDY backstage, rolling his neck and stretching his muscles as he warms up, but looking very nervy. Suddenly, he hears a squeak and stops dead in his tracks, eyes flitting around.
8 hours previously
Kissing his wife, a much calmer looking CXDY leaves his suburban house and throws his duffel bag into the passenger seat of his car. He starts the engine, but as he pulls off onto the main road there is a quick flash of black followed by a shattering sound as his windscreen breaks.
CXDY slams on the brakes and gets out of the car to see what happened, only to find a small bat, now injured, lying on the bonnet of his car, leaving him looking perplexed.
6 hours previously
Having finished at the gym, CXDY returns home. Sasha is nowhere to be seen, but as CXDY walks into the main living area, a big ornate mirror is covered over with a dust sheet. CXDY checks the family calendar on the pinboard but there is no mention of Sasha hiring in any decorators that might explain it. The perplexed look from early now grows to a concern.
3 hours previously
At the supermarket now, CXDY walks down the fresh produce aisle as he cuts towards the refrigerated section to pick up some isotonic water ahead of his visit to the Slaughterhouse tonight. He walks past an exasperated supermarket worker, who is clearing a mess from the floor.
“Are you okay ma’am?” he asks, as she looks to be on the verge of a breakdown.
“No, I’m not okay, sir. This is the fourth time this week that someone’s come in here and defaced this same shelf.”
Looking now where the lady is working, CXDY sees that the empty shelf is where the cloves of garlic would sit, except they’re now all smashed up on the floor. His brow furrows intensely.
Back in the present now, CXDY looks agitated, and almost jumps out of his skin as the opening beats of “No One Will Save You” by Aviators hits somewhere in the background.
“It must be him,” CXDY thinks to himself, a steel returning to his eyes.
Cut.
KAINE KNIGHTLORD vs. ZERO ©
Zero has managed to elude many a challenger as the VHS Champion, but can he elude a Dark Detective hot on his heels?
From the outset, Kaine looks to use his size and strength to wear down the champion with some heavy punches, the impact wearing down on Zero before he drops to a knee. Kaine stays on the attack, taking a wild kick to bring the champ down…but Zero ducks it!
Rolling out of the way, Zero quickly unleashes a flurry of offense to keep the ShadowBat at bay. Zero really lays into Knightlord here with some hard kicks, hoping to wear him down…but the bigger man’s strength seems to help him take the brunt of the attack!
Zero shakes his head at this, sensing the need to escalate things, and he heads to the ropes to build some momentum for an even more devastating kick…but gets caught by Knightlord!
LEAPING FOREARM TO FACE OF THE CHAMP!
Zero goes down hard as Kaine goes for the cover!
ONE!
TW–NOPE! KICKOUT BY ZERO!
The champ won’t go down without a fight, a realization that has Knightlord frustrated as he lifts Zero up to his feet. Kaine sends him almost flying into the turnbuckle with an Irish whip, with such force that Zero ends up taking a step or two AWAY from the corner…and right into a lariat by Kaine!
Knightlord goes to work here, stomping away at the champ with a sense of vicious urgency as he looks to put Zero away. Kaine brings Zero up to his feet again, this time sending him to the ropes looking for a clothesline on the rebound…only for Zero to duck under, leaping off the ropes into a crossbody!
Zero’s got a chance to turn things around here, and makes the best of it as he jumps to his feet. Noticing that Kaine is still down, Zero hits a standing moonsault and quickly goes for the cover!
ONE!
NO! KAINE KICKS OUT RIGHT AWAY!
Zero quickly changes tactics here, trying to work the arm of Knightlord who is slowly building to a vertical base…until the champ drives a knee square in the back of the HellBat!
Kaine falls back down, clutching his back as Zero assesses what to do next. A cocky chuckle indicates that Zero’s come up with his next step as he heads to the nearest turnbuckle. Kaine slowly rises to his feet as Zero climbs to the top rope…
…HITTING A MISSILE DROPKICK ONTO KNIGHTLORD!
This could be a turning point in the match, as Zero starts to really feel confident. He goes so far as to taunt the Dark Detective, who manages to get back to his feet once again…but Zero charges at him, nailing Kaine with a handstand headscissors takedown! Zero’s sure this is it as he makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
TH–NO! KAINE JUST KICKS OUT ONCE AGAIN!
Kaine rolls out of the ring, looking to take a breather as he gets to his feet…just in time for Zero to come flying over the top rope, landing on him with a dive! Both men are down on the outside, but Zero is quick to his feet as Kaine stands up.
Zero grabs the ShadowBat, but Kaine quickly reverses into an Irish whip that sends Zero crashing into the steel steps with a thud! Kaine senses his opportunity to end this, as he takes Zero and sends him back into the ring.
He brings the champ to his feet, landing a nasty ripcord clothesline…and quickly follows it with a Northern lariat!
BLOODY STREAM!
But it looks like Kaine isn’t finished! He spins the champ around, but Zero catches him with a stunner!
PUNK CITY KILLER!
COVER BY ZERO!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Kaine gave him a run for his money tonight, but Zero takes the win to retain the VHS Championship!
JESSIE WILLIAMS & CORVUS
Backstage, we see Jessie Williams getting ready for his opportunity at the Rewind Championship later tonight…but soon finds himself confronted by the champion himself, Corvus. The sudden appearance of the Crow takes Jessie by surprise, one he is not thrilled about in the slightest.
“What’d you want?”
Corvus is silent at first, looking up and down as if to survey the Prince standing in front of him.
“Jessie Williams, a man still haunted by the legacy his father left behind…still pushing to build one of his own.”
Jessie scoffs at the slightly cryptic response, but Corvus pushes on.
“Tell me, O great Prince…what joy did it bring you taking down Tenchu? Because I’ve been watching…and it’s certainly raised my curiosity.”
Jessie rolls his eyes at this.
“Well that’s just great, ain’t it? This some kinda recruitment chat?”
Corvus is silent, which speaks volumes to a now-angry Jessie.
“Well, count me out. I don’t want any part of your little cult or whatever, I got enough on my plate as it is.”
Jessie walks off, but pauses at one final statement from the man he’s set to face for the title.
“Of that I’m aware, Mr. Williams. There are monsters out there, some that would love to take the sins of the father out on his son.”
Jessie refuses to give a look back to the Hidden Blade, but a sour look on his face reveals the message has gotten through to him as he makes his exit, drawing a slight smirk from the man who delivered it.
Cut.
TENCHU AND THE IMPALER
We move through the halls as we see Tenchu and Impaler looking cautiously around a corner. Just ahead of them is a door that reads “Pirate Gold”.
“Remind me, Impaler. Why are we after them?”
Impaler steps back and looks at his robotic partner.
“Because, Tenchu-san, as I was going through the records of our old friends in Odawara I saw that the Wokou and struck an alliance with a group of Western pirates.”
Impaler then points towards the door, making sure Tenchu is invested in what he is saying.
“Israel Grimwolf is the most recent in the line of those Western pirates. They intend on taking what rightfully belongs to the Odawara clan, so I think we should strike first.”
Tenchu grabs the hilt of his sword.
“Do you know what the Wokou did to the Odawara after you fell asleep?”
Tenchu shakes his head.
“I have looked into the histories, but I never found record of a Wokou presence near Odawara.”
Impaler sits back a moment, as he thinks.
“The records were damaged. It’s likely why you never saw any record of my alliance with the Odawara either. The Wokou attacked shortly after your peace was made. The Odawara didn’t get the chance to awaken you, and the battle was fierce. Your clan managed to win the skirmish, which is likely why you were never woken. But the casualities were numerous on both sides. It’s why they went and allied with Western pirates that had taken to the seas. To help bolster their numbers. They never did attack the Odawara, but the blood feud has existed since.”
Tenchu nods and begins to march on the door, ready to cut down his adversaries. The Impaler quickly cuts off the Odawara Shadow.
“Rest easy, my friend. We don’t want them to know we are onto who they really are.”
Tenchu resists for a moment before relenting. They return to the shadows and await the right moment.
Cut
SEESAW vs. JESSIE WILLIAMS vs. CORVUS ©
Will the Rewind title remain in the shadows, be introduced to the toy box, or thrown into the backseat of an Oldsmobile!?
SeeSaw and Jessie edge towards Corvus, who steps back warily. The challengers’ eyes meet, and they nod.
Jessie advances on the Rewind Champion – but SeeSaw grabs him from behind!
Mr. Make Believe spears Williams into Corvus, then dumps The Prince outside. SeeSaw mounts the middle rope and wails on The Crow; one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine… TEN-PUNCH!
Hopping down, he grabs a headlock and runs into the ropes, going for the bulldog… CATASTROPHIC COLLIDER CAC—Corvus shoves him off!
UPPERCUT by Jessie, who’s back in this! Dropping SeeSaw to his knees, Williams hits the ropes like they owe him money… Torpedo dropkick – GROOVY ECLIPSE! He covers him—
ONE!
…
Corvus drags him off, extending his reign.
The assassin pulls Jessie up—
BOOMSTICK!
DUCKED!
CORVUS KICK!
The backflip kick rings Williams’ bell, but the monster-hunter doesn’t go down. Corvus leaps up—
BLACK HAND’S BLADE!
DENIED!
Ash’s prodigal son avoids the RKO, shoving Corvus into a revived SeeSaw! Corvus, however, springs up onto his shoulders—
CUT THROAT DRIVER!
SEESAW CATCHES HIM!
The Toybox King blocks the hurricanrana driver. He hoists Jessie up into a powerbomb and runs towards the ropes – Freight Train Fergusson, eat your heart out!
CHOOCHOOOO BOMB!
CORVUS ESCAPES!
Landing on his feet, he stumbles right back into Williams! Wait—
UPPERCUT… PALM STRIKE… Here comes the JUMPING ELBOW… MURDER OF BLOWS!
BLOCKED!
Corvus nurses his funny-bone, but he ain’t laughin’ – he elbowed Jessie’s gauntlet!
The Deadite-slayer rears back…
BOOMSTICK!
THE BLACK HAND SIDE-STEPS IT—
SHOTGUN MOUTHWASH FOR SEESAW!?
NO – HE DROPS DOWN!
UPPERCUT TO JESSIE!
SURPRISE, YOU’RE DEAD!
Williams staggers back…
CORVUS POUNCES WITH THE GARROTTE!
THE REAR NAKED CHOKE IS LOCKED IN!
Jessie could tap out at a moment’s notice, if he doesn’t lose consciousness first!
SeeSaw lunges—
GORE, GORE, GORE TO JESSIE!
SEESAW LIFTS HIM AND CORVUS OFF THEIR FEET…
INTO A DOUBLE-DECKER SPINEBUSTER!
THAT’S A SUPER-DUPER-FINE TURBINE BLAST!
SeeSaw rolls off of them…
ONE!
…
Wait—
…
TWO!
…
What!?
…
THR—SEESAW BREAKS IT UP!
Jessie landed atop Corvus, whose shoulders were down, and the referee counted it!
SeeSaw himself hooks the leg of The Hidden Blade—
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
New Champion!?
…
SHOULDER UP!
No dice. SeeSaw scrambles into a cover on Williams—
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
He’s going to steal it!
…
KICKOUT!
SeeSaw slaps the mat in frustration. He rounds on the referee with a sinister grin.
“You never said you can’t count to three. Here, let me show you how…”
The Cackling Madcap goes to grab the official—
ROLL-UP BY CORVUS!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
He’s gonna retain the title!
…
JESSIE WITH THE SAVE!
The gutsy kid from Michigan ain’t about to let Corvus Sneak-100 his way outta this one.
All three men rise.
SLAPSTICK CLAPTRAP!
SeeSaw sends Corvus reeling with double-forearms to the temples! The Rewind Champion bumps into Jessie, who sandwiches his head…
HAIL TO THE KING!
He spikes him with the spinning Gotch piledriver. Williams looks up, spotting SeeSaw on the top rope. He flaps his arms—
FLIGHT OF THE ORNITHOPTER!
The sadistic clown crushes Corvus with the splash! He stays on him.
ONE!
…
JESSIE BREAKS IT UP!
SeeSaw holds up his hands, feigning innocence. Williams barges past him en route to the turnbuckles…
CALL OF THE CHOSEN!
The Swanton bomb drives the wind out of Corvus’ sails. Jessie reclines, draping his arm over the Champion’s chest.
ONE!
…
SEESAW CUTS HIM OFF!
The challengers fight over the scraps like stray dogs, each of them hungry for the gold!
SeeSaw takes control, mounting Jessie. He rains down with hammer-like blows – THE JACK ATTACK!
Peeling Williams off the mat, SeeSaw lifts him up in a torture rack.
“The wheels on the bus go round and round…” SeeSaw sings, as he spins.
THE BIG WHEE—GARROTE!
Corvus slaps the rear naked choke on SeeSaw, who drops Williams!
BOOMSTICK TO SEESAW!
The knockout blow breaks the hold and sends him through the ropes—
BLACK HAND’S BLADE TO JESSIE!
CORVUS LEAVES HIM FOR DEAD WITH THE CUTTER!
ONE!
…
Goodnight, sweet Prince!
…
TWO!
…
Corvus to retain!
…
THREEE!!!
SIMON, TWO-FACE, & VIPER ROBERTS
Stood in the shadows of the Slaughterhouse, Viper Roberts is observing all that takes place. His eyes are narrowed in a calculating gaze when his breath changes suddenly.
There’s a gun to his head.
“Do you know how badly we want to pull this trigger?”
Two-Face.
Simon is stood behind him, and the Faces of Reason have Roberts in a rather precarious situation. Or would, rather, if Roberts didn’t have a damn smile on his face.
“Oh, I know you do.” He says, slickly. “But I also know you won’t do it.”
“Why” Two-Face growls.
“You need me.” Viper says, slithering back out of range. “There are three very angry giants who have believe we’ve been sniffing in their business. Do you really want to face them alone?”
“Why would they believe we were involved?” Simon asks. “You said it was your snake that discovered Helvig’s return.”
Roberts grins even wider.
“That beautiful little snake is no longer among the living, I’m afraid. But before I sent her out into the lion’s den a second time, I made she sure she knew to mention the two of you before the end.”
Now Simon is pissed.
“Do you ever not find a way to drag people down with you?” He says.
Ignoring the question, Roberts looks at Two-Face. The former politician is so incensed he can’t even talk.
“Cat got your tongues?” Roberts teases before growing serious. “Those three creatures are threats to us all. Fine upstanding men like us can’t compete with ravenous monsters destroying everything.”
“So you propose we follow you to stop them?” Simon says, exasperated.
“I propose you trust me.” Roberts retorts. “Help me do this, and perhaps I will help you with something you desire.”
Simon looks at Two-Face, who is shaking with rage.
“Well?” Simon whispers.
Two-Face lowers his gun, and tension we never even noticed seems to escape Viper’s lips.
“I’m sure Vivian will be happy to…” He begins.
“Don’t say her name.” Two-Face cuts in. “Chance will decide.”
He flips his coin up into the air, and it lands with tails up. Roberts gulps.
“Damnit. We wanted to blow your brains out.” Two-Face says.
“But for now, we’ll trust you.”
Cut.
MORDECAI & SEESAW
Somewhere Else.
We find ourselves in an odd, curious place…something resembling a playroom, but it’s not the Toy Box.
No, this is something more dark…more twisted.
The playthings normally associated with Mr. Make Believe appear to have taken a life of their own here, having what appears to be a party…and in the center, the Toybox King himself.
SeeSaw.
Grinning and laughing, he seems to be quite enjoying himself…until his grin appears to be wiped from his face. He’s staring at something…someone, as we soon realize.
Mordecai.
“What are you doing here? You don’t look ready to play.”
This is met with a slow shake of the head by the Gatekeeper of Dreams, though the party continues on.
“I am simply here to understand you better, An–”
This completely slams the brakes on the festitivies.
“Don’t you dare call me that!”
The vitriol in which SeeSaw snaps his response cues Mordecai not to go that route, choosing instead to stick to his adversary’s more proper identity.
“SeeSaw.”
This, of course, is met with a smile by the Cackling Madcap…who then lives up to that moniker with some spinetingling laughter.
“Much better. Let’s try this again…why are you here, Mordy Pie?”
“I am seeking a better understanding of how you operate. In all the dreams I’ve visited, yours have been by far some of the most unusual.”
SeeSaw’s smile grows into a grin.
“Why, thank you.”
Mordecai nods in acknowledgement.
“So, where does such a vivid imagination as this come from?”
This is met with more cackling from SeeSaw, to which some of the toys even join in.
“Years and years of practice, of course!”
Mordecai doesn’t respond or react to this, carefully pondering…which leads to another sudden shift of mood from SeeSaw.
“If you’re all out of conversation, and you’re not here to play, then I have no use for you.”
He turns around, picking up an almost comically large mallet and setting it on his shoulder as he points to the door.
“Get out, or I’ll bop you out!”
His snarl softens as he starts laughing once again, the toys chanting to egg him on.
“Bop him out! Bop him out!”
SeeSaw rears back to take a swing…but Mordecai has disappeared. So too does this twisted version of the Toy Box when we suddenly find ourselves somewhere else entirely, where SeeSaw wakes up with a wicked grin on his face.
In the corner of this room, we can’t help but notice a table with a picture frame setting upon it.
The picture inside? Jessie Williams.
Cut.
VIPER ROBERTS vs. BANZAN vs. LUKE STORM ©
Hollywood goes into cyberspace tonight as Luke Storm defends his Double Feature Championship against two worthy opponents. Can Hollywood reign supreme , will his box office scores plummet to the foot of the Mountain or will the poison of Tinsel Town finally take its toll?
The bell sounds as Storm and Roberts go at it, furious lefts and rights as they continue on from their hellacious war last week while Banzan simply seats himself in the corner and meditates.
Storm lands a hard roundhouse right that staggers Roberts back before he whips him into the ropes, delivering a high beautiful Dropkick to the chin on the rebound.
Roberts staggers up to his feet into a kick to the gut,
GALE FORCE……
NO!
Roberts slips out, delivering a sharp headbutt before wrapping Storm’s arm around his back and dropping him with a stiff short arm clothesline.
Roberts peels Hollywood off the mat, thrusting him between his arms and trying for that devastating DDT but Storm manages to slip out,
CHIN CHECK! Storm just jacked Roberts jaw out of nowhere, Viper staggering back as Hollywood rolls back to his feet rushing forward
LIGHTNING STRIKE!! Superkick fells Roberts as Storm drops down for the first pinfall of this contest
ONE
……….
…………….
TWO
………..
……………..
Roberts just gets the shoulder up!
Storm backs up, looking for a second when his eyes get distracted by a flash of purple and he looks towards the corner
Where Banzan is gathering purple energy
Hollywood’s eyes go wide as he quickly pulls Viper up to his feet. Roberts swings wildly, looking to continue the fight but Storm backs up, pointing out the corner to Roberts in peace.
Viper thinks for a moment, pondering his chances before nodding as both men rush forward and begin to pound down on the meditating Banzan.
Lefts, rights, uppercuts, hard kicks, all go flying trying to get Banzan out of the wellspring but nothing works as the energy begins to radiate off the Mountain. Storm backing up with a smirk on his face
LIGHTNING STRIKE HITS FLUSH…but does absolutely nothing! Banzan doesn’t even flinch from the foot right to his cheek as Storm looks worried for a second.
Shaking it off, Hollywood signals for Roberts to follow him back, before they both rush forward
DOUBLE LIGHT…BANZAN CATCHES THEM BOTH!
The Mountain’s eyes fly open, the purple energy completely overflowing from him now as he effortlessly throws both men hard across the ring before slowly getting to his feet.
Eyes closed once more and with hands flowing and twisting, the purple energy recedes into Banzan’s hands, forming a ball of energy
THAT BANZAN UNLEASHES IN THE DIRECTION OF VIPER ROBERTS!
STORM SWEEPS THE LEG!
Hollywood Storm gets Viper out of the way just in time as the ball of energy splats against the ropes, sending seismic waves across the ring.
Hollywood mouths down ‘you owe me’ at Roberts before rushing forward
LIGHTNING STRIKE…IS CAUGHT AGAIN!
Banzan holds Luke up in the splits, looking to make him pay for that failed Enlightenment
STORM FLIPS OUT OF BANZAN’S CLUTCHES!
Banzan tries a hard right meathook of a punch but Storm splits under
NUT PUNCH! NOT EVEN BANZAN CAN WITHSTAND THAT!
FLIP KICK! Banzan is hurt and wounded, dropping down to one knee as Storm backs up for the killing blow
LIGHTNING STRIKE! That has to be it as Storm drops down for the cover
ONE
……….
…………….
TWO
………..
……………..
……………..
BANZAN GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Storm just shakes his head, knowing he needs a lot more to put down the Mountain as he looks up at Roberts who puts out 1 finger.
Storm motions for Roberts to lift Banzan up as Hollywood heads to the top rope, Roberts nails Banzan with a hard knee to the jaw before in an impressive feat of strength, lifts Banzan up onto his shoulders in an Electric Chair as Storm dives off
MAJOR BLOCKBUSTER! ASSISTED BLOCKBUSTER!
Storm slaps Roberts on the shoulder before trying to drop down for the cover but Viper spins him around
SNAKE OIL! Roberts blinds Storm out of nowhere as he drops down, trying to steal the victory
ONE
……….
…………….
TWO
………..
……………..
……………………
THREE….
STORM BREAKS IT UP JUST IN TIME!
Roberts gets up as Storm is still trying to see, getting peppered with left and right jabs before Roberts pulls him in
ODE TO…NO! Storm slips out
DOWNPOUR! CODEBREAKER HITS FLUSH!
But Hollywood isn’t pinning Roberts. Storm pulls Viper up to his feet, dragging him by the head to the corner before lifting him up into a seated position on the top rope
Storm rolls back, rushing forward
LIGHTNING STRIKE…TO THE GROIN! We hear something shatter as even the fabled cup ain’t enough for a Superkick.
Roberts is hurting and stunned as Luke heads up to the top, looking for a Superplex.
BANZAN IS UP ON HIS FEET! He grips underneath Storm
TOWER OF DOOM!
Both Roberts and Storm crash to the mat as the Mountain has the chance at the Double Feature title here
Storm slowly gets to his feet, rushing forward as he tries for another Lightning Strike but Banzan catches him
DUKKHA! Hollywood’s suffering indeed exists as Banzan looks for the end, Viper slowly getting to his feet right into an onrushing freight train
MAGGA! The knee hits flush but the Mountain isn’t done as he sees Hollywood struggling to his feet
MA…STORM SPLITS UNDERNEATH BEFORE FLIPPING UP
GALE FORCE!!!
GALE FORCE OUT OF NOWHERE! Hollywood collapses on the Mountain for the pinfall
ONE
……….
…………….
TWO
………..
……………..
…………………….
THREE….
………
THREE!!!
Hollywood Luke Storm does it, surviving two phenomenal opponents to retain his Double Feature Championship by the skin of his teeth here tonight
NIGEL ROYAL & BAD MOTHER FUCKERS
Just outside the Slaughterhouse doors, we find a group of Bad Mother Fuckers congregating. That is, until a small voice pierces through their conversation.
“Mister Storm!”
The voice of a young boy who has just seen his absolute idol in the flesh. The trio turn, slowly, menacingly, to face the youngster. He simply beams a massive smile back at them.
“It’s really you?!”
Hollywood Luke Storm scoffs, as if pointing out the stupidity of the young fan to his counterparts, who in turn laugh heartily.
“Can I has your autograph Mister Storm?”
The young boy holds out a piece of paper with hands shaking in excitement. Storm snatches the paper off him and scribbles his scrawl on it, then goes to hand it back to the kid. Only, he stops a few inches short and winks at Pyre.
In a flash, she had the damned piece of paper lit up in flames and the boy bursts into tears.
Crying loud enough to rouse an unlikely hero.
Nigel Royal.
“Oi! Now that’s just not cricket now is it?”
Three on one seems quite like good odds to bMf, and they’re only too happy to oblige an asskicking. With no time to waste, they’re on Royal like shit to a blanket. In mere moments, they’ve reduced him to a groaning heap on the ground. Then comes the spray-paint, just for good measure.
Zero bends down, spraying those three letters across the back of the thousand dollar jacket that Nigel Royal wears.
b… M… f…
The trio walk off, back into the doors of the Slaughterhouse. Royal groans, rolling over… with a shiteating smile on his face.
“Did you get it?”
He sounds out to the little boy. The boy nods earnestly.
“Well now… It appears you have a mission, my young fellow. Mister Alby Shaw would love to see that little recording. I’m sure it will… sway his thoughts on fighting at my side.”
Cut.
CAEL GABLE AND ISRAEL GRIMWOLF
Inside the locker room we see Cael Gable and Israel Grimwolf. Grimwolf is sitting on a chair, bottle of rum nearly finished held tightly in the Pirate’s hands.
“That doesn’t make any sense. I’m your partner, Grimwolf. What the hell happened?”
Grimwolf doesn’t look up. The look in his eyes show the torment he has experienced since the wreckage of his ship.
“Did you find your crew before the wreck?”
Grimwolf sits silently, the horrors still playing in front of his eyes. He shakes his head.
“I… I… I dunno wha’ I saw. A horror t’ great t’ describe.”
Gable sits back into the lockers. He puts a hand on Israel’s shoulder, letting his partner and friend know that he’s there.
“I can’t imagine what you saw out there. But you’ve got to let me in. You’re not alone, I’ve seen unexplainable horrors myself.”
Israel looks to Cael and shakes his head.
“I’ve heard about yer tales ‘n I be sorry. Wha’ ye’ve been through be naught like wha’ I saw out thar in the deep. Wha’ awaited me crew at the openin’ o’ Davy Jones’ Locker ain’t fer the feint o’ heart.”
Cael sits there and finds another bottle of rum for his pirate friend. Israel takes it greedily, taking a good long drink as he tries to drown the memories of what he saw.
Cut
SIGIL vs. THE SANDMAN ©
The bell sounds and it is Sigil who charges across the ring first. Sandman meanders menacingly toward the centre of the ring but is met with a solid Elbow Strike to the head. However, the strike seems to have no effect on the Dream Demon. Sigil reels backwards from his strike and the Sandman staggers a few steps before shaking it off. He charges again AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A LEAPING CLOTHESLINE!
HE GETS THE SANDMAN OFF HIS FEET!
SIGIL DROPS THE ELBOW TO PUNCTUATE THE BLOW!
NO!
SANDMAN SITS UP! HE GRABS SIGIL BY THE THROAT AS HE FALLS!
TO SAND! THE CHAMPION JUST DRILLED THE REALM WALKER RIGHT INTO THE MAT!
Moments later, the Sandman is on his feet. He grabs Sigil by the ankle and drags him across the ring towards the turnbuckle. He then picks his foe up with a single hand and drills him back first into the steel. A CLUBBING BLOW ACROSS THE HEAD KNOCKS SIGIL INTO LALA LAND!
With Sigil’s head bobbing around, Sandman unleashes a barrage of stiff body blows. Shot after shot after shot rocking his opponent’s frame. Sigil has no idea where he is, and the Sandman picks him up.
POWERBOMB INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
HOLY SHIT! SIGIL IS BENT IN HALF!
The Realm Walker lands in a heap at the base of the turnbuckle and doesn’t seem at all in a good way. But Sandman is on him again in an instant. Grabbing him around the neck, he picks Sigil up into the air AND TOSSES HIM LIKE A RAGDOLL OUT OF THE RING! SIGIL LANDS HEAVILY ON THE CONCRETE OUTSIDE THE RING!
The fans rise in a strange mixture of egging on the monster while also rallying behind Sigil. But Sigil does not rise. The Sandman slowly descends from the ring…
COSMIC LEAP! SIGIL APPEARS BEHIND SANDMAN AND CLOBBERS HIM ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH A DOUBLE AXE HANDLE!
SANDMAN FALLS FROM THE APRON TO RINGSIDE!
BUT CAN THE COLLECTOR CAPITALISE?
Sigil jumps down from the apron as Sandman rises once more,. He drives his shoulder into the Sandman’s guts and drills him back first into the crowd barricade.
There’s life in him yet!
Now, it is the Realm Walker’s turn to lay into the Sandman with a series of pummeling body shots. Though the blows seem to have no effect on the monster, soon, Sigil is driving him into the ground with each shot like hammering in a giant tent peg.
SIGIL BACKS UP A LITTLE… ONLY TO CHARGE AT THE SANDMAN ONCE MORE!
SPEAR! HE DRIVES THE SANDMAN BACK INTO THE BARRICADE WITH ALL THE FORCE HE CAN MUSTER!
BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!
But it is Sigil who staggers to his feet first. He grabs Sandman by the head and walks him forward, before Irish Whipping him into the steel ring steps. The tell-tale sound of monster meeting steel echoes out around the Slaughterhouse as the Sandman topples right over the steps and comes to rest beneath them on the floor.
Sigil waits a while, recuperating a little and catching his breath while the steps separate him from the Sandman. When he does attack once more, he climbs the steps…
SHINING WIZARD! THE EXTRA ELEVATION FROM THE STEPS ALLOWS SIGIL TO COLLIDE WITH MASSIVE FORCE TO SANDMAN’S SKULL!
SANDMAN GOES DOWN!
HE GOES DOWN HARD, SLAMMING HIS HEAD INTO THE STEEL ON THE WAY!
Sigil grabs the Champion and pulls him with all his might to his feet. Rolling the Sandman into the ring, he follows shortly after.
MERCIFUL! THE BRUTAL FUCKING CHOP!
AS SOON AS SIGIL IS IN THE RING, HE HITS THE MOVE!
SIGIL GRABS SANDMAN BY THE HEAD AND LOCKS IN A SLEEPER HOLD!
A GUTTERAL MOAN ESCAPES THE MOUTH OF SANDMAN!
IS IT… PAIN?
Sigil takes the cue to wrench even harder on the hold, using all his might to create maximum effect. The referee is in position, asking desperately if the Champion wishes to yield.
Would he, could he, make the Sandman tap out?
…
…
The Sandman replies by hoisting Sigil, on his back like a backpack, up off the ground as he staggers to his own feet. The guttural moan turns into a yell as he stands… BEFORE SLAMMING SIGIL BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE, STILL HANGING LIKE A MONKEY OFF HIS OWN BACK!
HE LEAPS INTO THE AIR AND PLANTS SIGIL BACK FIRST INTO THE CENTRE OF THE MAT!
ALL 360 POUNDS OF MONSTER JUST CAME CRASHING DOWN ON THE COLLECTOR!
With Sigil squashed like a bug underneath his weight, the Sandman holds on for the pin…
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
SHOULDER UP!
THE REALM WALKER IS NOT DONE YET!
Somehow, Sigil slips out from underneath the weight of the Sandman, pulling himself to his feet using the ring ropes. But it is a fruitless quest, as the Sandman is waiting for him when he finally reaches his feet.
Waiting for him, watching him.
Then he attacks….
DEEP SLEEP!
THE SANDMAN HIT ALL OF IT AND SIGIL IS IN A WHOLE TRUCKLOAD OF TROUBLE NOW!
THE REALM WALKER IS PLANTED RIGHT WHERE SANDMAN WANTS HIM AND THE DREAM DEMON ISN’T WAITING AROUND!
The Sandman doesn’t bother with the cover this time. Instead, he straddles his foe, toying with him. With the weight of the Sandman on his chest, the Shinigami is soon gasping for air. The Sandman waits until he hears the tell-tale sound of struggling. Only then does he move…
TO SAND!
SANDMAN PICKED UP SIGIL FROM THE GROUND AND DRILLED HIM BACK LIKE A CAT PLAYING WITH A MOUSE!
HE GOES TO PIN…. BUT THERE’S A FLASH OF PURPLE!
SIGIL DISAPPEARS!
The Sandman turns his frustration to the referee, who simply hightails it out of the ring for safety. When he slowly turns his attention back to Sigil, the Realm Walker is no longer there.
PLANESWALKER!
SIGIL TAKES SANDMAN BY SURPR- NO!
NO! SANDMAN GRABS SIGIL BY THE THROAT!
TO SAND! AGAIN!
THE CHOKESLAM DRILLS SIGIL AND SURELY THIS TIME HE IS DONE!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
THE SANDMAN RETAINS! SIGIL IS DONE!
The bell sounds the toll for Sigil, and the Sandman still stands as your OSW Champion!
But the Slaughterhouse is blinded with a flash of purple light and Sigil is gone… But so too is the Sandman.
Cut.
SIGIL, SANDMAN & DEATHNOTE
Somewhere Else
An unknown reality. Black, dark and empty. The only light that emanates around us seems to come from a singular object.
The OSW Championship. It lies upon the dark ground, as if fallen here from an unknown place.
Are we in a different reality? Death itself? Or just a dream?
A portal opens and three bodies fall into this realm.
Sigil. Deathnote. The Sandman.
Sigil’s hands are around the Sandman’s throat, but he removes them to lay a few decent strikes upon the Dream Demon’s skull. Deathnote looks about him, unsure of what to make of this world… And unsure who is in control of this particular reality.
A flash of light, another portal. Sigil planeswalks and reappears right beside Deathnote.
“You’re dreaming. Wake up. This is not your reality. He feeds on your fear.”
BAM!
Sigil doesn’t get another word out before he is blindsided by the Sandman. The Dream Demon does not plead, but seems to shout at Deathnote in nothing but a whisper.
“Don’t be a fool. When has that one ever told any of us the truth? He manipulates, and you’re nothing but another piece of the collection to him.”
Deathnote stands, pushing both beings away from him so that they stand in a triangle. He’s not sure what to make of any of this.
“I don’t trust you. I never will.” He directs his sentiment towards Sigil. “I look around and see society with you in it, and think to myself… It would be better off if I wrote your name in my book.”
He turns to the Sandman.
“And you…”
But the Sandman’s sadistic laughter cuts him off.
“Go ahead. Write my name, write anything you want. What power do you think you have over one who cannot die?”
Deathnote looks over at the Championship belt that stands between the three of them.
“That belt is mine. That is all I know. And I will destroy both of you if I need to in order to claim it properly.”
All three descend upon the belt at the same time.
A purple flash. All three disappear from this reality, and so too does the Championship.
…
Back within the Slaughterhouse, Deathnote opens his eyes and draws a deep breath.
Was he dreaming? Was that reality?
Who is manipulating him? Sigil? Sandman? Both of them?
No answers, just one mission in mind. He knows what he must do. Win at all costs.
Cut.