PROTOCOL V
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
We cold open into a dark space, metallic walls bearing intensely over us. It’s hard to see exactly what is going on but we see something piercing through the darkness. Round, violet eyes.
Grimskull.
He steps forward and his face becomes visible in the ambient glow in front of him. alongside another – unknown – man. We can’t see exactly what he can see, but we know that it makes him happy.
“This is perfect. It’s exactly what I envisioned when I formulated this plan.”
Grimskull turns to a person next to him, who appears to be sweating and dirty.
“You’ve done well,” he continues. “Just a few short weeks, and this will all be ready. We have now initiated Protocol V, and nobody will see this coming. Especially not Vision…”
He smirks ever so slightly at his own joke, and then looks to the bedraggled man next to him, menace in his eyes.
“I said especially not Vision.”
The man quickly lets out an obviously forced laugh, then hurriedly leaves Grimskull’s side, heading back into the part of the room we can’t see.
Cut.
Narcissa Balenciaga is on a mission to get into the APD database, and she’s set a plan in motion with a hacker and an Automaton…but not before she has to contend with both, with the VHS Championship on the line against Jinx and TEC!
TEC’s previous calculations seem to come to fruition at the outset, as Jinx and Narcissa focus their attention on the Automaton, driving it toward the ropes with a flurry of offense!
They look to send TEC over the top rope to the outside, but the Automaton fights back, sending Jinx over first before focusing on Narcissa…who catches it by surprise with a neckbreaker!
TEC drops to the canvas as Narcissa goes for the cover!
ONE!
NO!
The Automaton kicks out immediately, much to Narcissa’s chagrin as Jinx slides back into the ring.
Jinx is not pleased as she starts arguing with the Designer…which allows TEC to get back to its feet, hitting a double clothesline!
Except that Narcissa manages to evade it as Jinx goes down, instead connecting with a spinning heel kick on the Automaton!
HIGH FASHION!
TEC goes down, but Jinx is back on her feet as she rushes with a discus elbow!
DDOS–NO!
Narcissa counters, using the very move on Jinx instead!
DDOS IS THE LATEST TREND!
Narcissa quickly hits the ropes, waiting to see who rises to their feet first…and it’s TEC!
TEC gets caught with the dragonrana!
HAUTE COUTURE, AND THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Despite the best efforts of Jinx and TEC, Narcissa Balenciaga retains the VHS Championship as she looks to enacting her plan of attack!
WINNER AND STILL VHS CHAMPION: NARCISSA
THE ANSWERS WE NEED
The match is over, and the matter of who comes out of this as VHS Champion has been settled…but we still have an entirely different matter between TEC, Jinx, and Narcissa, one that the leader of the Uprising is more than eager to take care of.
Narcissa stares TEC down as the Automaton eventually gets to its feet, its focus shifting between the Fatal Error and the Designer…and considers the matter at hand closed, ready to move on to its search for answers as it leaves the ring and starting to head up to the entrance area.
With its back turned, however, the Automaton doesn’t notice Narcissa give Jinx a nod…nor does it catch on to the hacker pulling out a device to press a button. In an instant, the faint red light peeking just underneath TEC’s head changes to a green light that flickers, still masked among the rest of its circuitry.
TEC pauses, feeling something of a blip in its processes…but whatever that is, it passes so quickly the Automaton recognizes nothing further. TEC turns around to face its foes, but Jinx and Narcissa have taken off through the crowd…leaving the Automaton with even more questions left unanswered.
Unlike the leader of the Uprising and the hacker, who are just about ready to get whatever answers they desire…whatever answers they need.
Cut.
Tonight, Luther puts his trophy on the line to get what he desires most, a hunt free from the distraction of Aarman Fidel but will it backfire, and the Double Feature Championship hang on Eden’s wall at the end of it all.
The bell sounds and Grim launches himself at The Wishmaster Brogue Kick – BLOOD SPORT!
DUCKED BY FIDEL!
Who quickly punches Luther in the dick as he does so, dropping The Hunter to his knees. Aarman sets up the Hunter lifting him up for and dropping him with The Cradle Piledriver it’s… JUST… THE… TIP! Into the cover…
ONE…
…
TWO…
…
KICK-OUT WITH AUTHORITY AS GRIM SNAPS BACK TO HIS FEET!
Grim then surprises Aarman hitting the Brogue Kick – BLOOD SPORT – levels Aarman!
The Trophy Hunter looks to stay on his prey lifting him up for TROPHY HUNT Diving powerbomb…
But The Duke of Desire slips out the back, over the head of Luther.
The Trophy Hunter turns around straight into the Spinning Spinebuster – LAY THEE DOWN!
Has no effect, instead Luther Grim’s eyes grow wide with rage and Aarman Fidel begins to beg off as The Hunter gets to his feet whipping the Wishmaster into the ropes as dashes at the ropes on the opposite side.
Both men rebounding off the ropes…
Both men thinking alike…
Gore by Fidel…
Spear from Grim…
Their skulls meet in the middle with a sickening *CRACK* you could only call…
THE ARROW OF GREAT PURSUIT!
Momentum carries both of them together into a ball of flesh and bone that comes to rest with Grim on top of Fidel and the referee counts…
ONE….
….
….
BOTH MEN UNMOVING…
….
TWO…
….
….
NOT BUDGING AN INCH…
….
ANY LAST MINUTE MIRCALES…
….
….
NO… THREE!
Luther Grim is still Double Feature Champion after a head on collision, and I am sure someone will tell him that when he wakes up. While at least Fidel can return to Eden to nurse what is most likely a concussion.
WINNER AND STILL DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPION: LUTHER GRIM
SCRATCH
The match is over. Luther Grim breathes deeply, hoping that the battle he had just engaged in was message enough to silence the incessant Fidel. But the smiling face of Fidel recuperating in his own corner suggests that perhaps his message may have been misinterpreted. Grim shakes his head.
“You are one persistent little ant, aren’t you?”
He balls his fist, grabbing his spear from ringside and begins marching across the ring to do exactly as he said he would, silence Aarman Fidel once and for all. But as he comes into range, Fidel holds up a single hand.
“Wait.” Fidel’s face looks more serious now, any hint of a smile hidden behind determined eyes. “All of this toing and froing, we could dance like this forever. But I am a business man, so… let’s do this my way.”
Grim stops, the tip of his spear pointing straight at Fidel’s neck, but he does not drive home the killing blow. Not yet. Fidel continues.
“Let’s make a deal, shall we? One that could be mutually beneficial… that means for both of us.”
Grim glares, driving the spear forward so the tip breaks the skin, just a touch. Fidel smiles.
“I’ve made my side of the bargain abundantly clear. You help me, fight back Nergal and defend my Eden in the process. But what I haven’t yet told you is what I’m willing to do for you.”
Grim pauses, eyes blinking with a hint of confusion.
“You see, Luther, this is not a one-way negotiation. It’s a “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”. That’s what you’ve been missing the point of this whole time. You help me by defeating Nergal, and I will aide you in your own war against Jinx.”
Luther ponders for a moment, the spear still drawing blood from Fidel’s neck. Eventually, very slowly, he lowers the spear. The grin on Aarman Fidel’s face grows.
“I am a man with many friends, and many people that owe me favors. With your particular skirmish, a well-connected ally may be just what you need.”
Grim takes a moment to think things over, mulling the implications of the deal. Eventually, he nods.
“Okay. You have a deal, Fidel.” He raises the spear once more, pointing it back at the throat of his new ally. “But, should you cross me in any way, this spear will taste more than a trickle of your blood.”
With that, Luther Grim turns and exits. Aarman Fidel wipes the blood from his neck, in heed of the warning he’s been given. But it is not enough to wipe the shiteating grin off his face.
Before either man can leave the ring, there is the sound of the flapping of locust wings near the entranceway. Nergal has been listening the whole time.
Cut.
THERAPY
In the solitary confinement of Deathrow Wrestling, two guards stand outside the cell door belonging to Amataga Tuga.
He’s wrapped up in a straight jacket, double wrapped for extra security.
When the door opens and in walks Harvey Escher, he stands up growling.
“Take it easy big man,” Escher warns, holding a large baton. “I don’t want to use it but I will. Actually, that’s a lie.”
ZAP!
It’s a fucking cattle prod! He zap’s Amataga so hard and so long that the big man falls to his knees.
“I’ve been dying to have a chat with you for the longest time. It turns out, you know exactly what I did to your family,” he snarls.
Amataga grumbles, trying to get back to his feet.
ZAP!
Another vile zap of the cattle prod keeps him contained.
“Your brother was an accident. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I just happened to be angry,” he says with a shrug. “Such a waste, I know. But your sister? I had fun with her.”
Tuga roars, popping back to his feet and charging Escher back into the wall. He drops the cattle prod and squeals, forcing the guards to rush in.
“I’ll kill you,” Tuga roars at him furiously, as the guards drag him back.
Harvey straightens himself out.
“Not before I have a little fun,” he mutters with a sinister smile….
Amataga Tuga stands across from his sister’s killer inside the cell, stll beaten down from the earlier attack and confined to a straight jacket. May Zeus have mercy on Harvey’s soul should the Demon escape…
The match begins as Harvey heads back for the cattleprod from earlier!
ULUULU! AMATAGA RUSHES AT ESCHER WITH THE HEADBUTT! TUGA IS FUCKING FURIOUS!
The Demon is awake and he refuses to let Harvey get away, even if he’s trapped in that straight jacket!
There’s a rage inside Tuga, and Harvey is feeling every bit of it as the Demon unloads another hard headbutt against the Diorama Killer!
BLOOD GUSHES FROM ESCHER’S FACE!
Tuga has his sister’s killer down on his knees as he tries to escape the straight jacket…which gives Escher a chance to get back to his feet!
BLOOD RED LARIAT! DISCUS LARIAT LEVELS TUGA!
Harvey heads back to the cattle prod, a snarl on his face as he holds it up!
BUT TUGA RUSHES TO HIS FEET, DELIVERING A HEADBUTT TO THE GUT OF ESCHER!
Escher drops to the cell floor, crawling to the nearest corner as Tuga approaches him!
Tuga’s managed to loosen the straight jacket! He may well break free, and–
LOWBLOW TO TUGA!
Harvey gets to his feet, now standing over the fallen Tuga…and drops him down!
LET’S MAKE A SCENE! VERTEBREAKER ONTO THE CATTLEPROD!
KILLED!
WITH!
FIRE!
TUGA IS FINALLY KNOCKED OUT COLD!
Harvey Escher has put down the Demon inside this cell!
WINNER: HARVEY ESCHER
PLAY TIME
We find ourselves once again in The Shark Tank.
However there’s no one inside! The dance floor vacant, the music turned off, and a single chair sat in the middle of it with but a singular light hanging above it. And in the chair? Drexl. The Shark takes a sip from a glass of whiskey, sitting there watching, waiting.
“Come out, you freak. I said we’re going to end this, so we’re going to end this. If you aren’t here by the time I finish this drink I’m going back to my office.”
Drexl speaks out to the empty club, waiting patiently for a response, taking another sip from his glass when he gets exactly what he asked for. The spotlight above him slowly begins to change, turning a dark shade of Red.
“Oh Sharkie! You’re so impatient for our little play date.” Scissor’s voice echoes from the darkness surrounding Drexl, but the Shark doesn’t even move. He knows he has no power here.
“I have things to do. First thing? I need to get you out of my hair. Then I need to find some replacement bodyguards. You cost me a lot of credits, you cunt.”
Scissors giggles again, his voice seemingly jumping from place to place in the darkness.
“Aww, you sound like you haven’t been having as much fun as I have. Isn’t that just sad? I’m sure I can fix that! You want to play, Drexl?”
Scissors slowly emerges from the darkness behind Drexl, finally bathed in the red light.
“THEN I GUESS IT’S PLAY TIME!“
SCISSORS GRABS DREXL! THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
We’re left in darkness for a moment, the light slowly returning to its normal state to reveal both Drexl and Scissors to be gone.
Where did they go?
Cut.
There’s nothing more newsworthy then a parents search for a lost child but in Arcadia, it’s everyday news. Can the former Hero convince the Journalist for his help or will Colt remain steadfast in his belief it’s news no one cares about?
The bell sounds as Colt rushes TBM, taking him by surprise with a running hook to the jaw that stuns the former hero before he’s spiked into the mat with a stiff DDT. Bernie staggers up to his feet, throwing a wild right that Colt ducks underneath, grabbing TBM from behind
B-ROLL!
Colt spikes Burned Man into the mat with that brutal rolling cutter as the Journo doesn’t go for the pin but instead backs his way into the corner, sizing up the Burned Man for the perfect cover photo before he rushes forward
PICTURE OF…SHIELD! COLT RUNS KNEES FIRST RIGHT INTO THE KINGDOM SHIELD AS HE MAY WELL HAVE BROKEN BONES THERE!
Colt screams in pain, dropping down in agony as TBM grabs him from behind, HALF NELSON SUPLEX!
Colt gets dumped right on the back of his head as Bernie keeps hold, lifting Colt up again
ASHES TO ASHES! A SECOND HALF NELSON!
Bernie keeps hold of Colt, looking to prove his case with a murder of flames but Colt elbows his way out of the Dust to Dust, getting out of Bernie’s grasp as he rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
BACKDRAFT! COLT RUNS RIGHT INTO A STIFF SPINNING ELBOW!
Colt is out on his feet as Bernie drags him towards the fallen shield, lifting him up into the Pumphandle
THE THIRD DEGREE
ONTO THE KINGDOM SHIELD!
That has to be it as TBM drops down on the unconcious Colt, hooking the leg as the referee slides into position
ONE
………………
TWO
…………………..
……………………….
THREE!!!
The Burned Man picks up the hard fought victory here tonight but can he use it to prove to Colt the need to report his story?
WINNER: THE BURNED MAN
ON THE CASE
As the match comes to an end and the smoke finally clears, we’re left looking at The Burned Man and Colt Ramsey staring one another down from across the ring. The crowd goes quiet, waiting for one of them to make a move, for the tension to break.
And Burned Man begins to leave?
Maxwell moves to the ropes, sliding through the middle rope and onto the apron.
“Wait!” Colt Ramsey has a mic! “Burnie, get back here real quick. I don’t know if you know this, but we need to have a little conversation.” The Journo is surprisingly casual, watching as The Sole Survivor, one foot still in the ring, ducks back between the ropes.
“See, I tried telling you from the start, this kinda thing? It’s not my job… But I had a bit of time to think it over.”
The Burned Man gets his own mic, bringing it to his lips slowly. “Don’t beat around the bush, Colt. Are you stringing me along for the suspense or are you doing something?”
Ramsey reaches into his pocket, pulling out a picture, the exact same picture Burned Man handed him last week. “See, Burnie, I had a realization. I’ve been looking for the truth, but a good journalist needs to know which truth will help the people reading the papers.”
“And?” Burned Man closes in on Colt, the Journo handing him back the picture.
“I figure Arcadia could use a little hope. And if finding one of their own is going to do it? Well, I guess that’s my job.”
Colt offers his hand, Burned Man shaking it, a small smile forming behind his bandages.
“Thank you, Colt. Thank you.”
Cut.
Red Light bathes the ring! It flickers and Drexl and Scissors are in the center of the ring! The match is underway!
SMASH! DREXL JUST BROKE HIS WHISKEY GLASS AGAINST SCISSOR’S FACE!
The referee looks like he wants to DQ Big Slim but Drexl throws a handful of credits in his face! The referee backs off! Drexl advances on Scissors and stomps a mudhole in his chest as he tries to stand!
DREXL HITS THE ROPES! SPEED DIAL! SUMMERSAULT CLOTHESLINE- NO!
QUICK SNIP! POWER SLAM BY SCISSORS!
The Monster grabs Drexl by the hair and begins to slam his head into the mat over and over while giggling maniacally! He easily forces Drexl up and Biel tosses him across the ring! The Shark slowly rises-
AND LANDS A NASTY ELBOW TO SCISSORS!
Big Slim won’t go down easy! He nails Scissors with haymaker after haymaker driving him back! But Scissors catches a punch!
HEADBUTT!
BELL CLAP!
MANDIBLE CLAAAAAAAAAAW!
ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS!
Drexl’s eyes go wide as he fights for his life! But Scissors doesn’t let up as he lifts up!
HE SLAMS DREXL TO THE GROUND WITH THE MANDIBLE CLAW!
Drexl is fading! Is he out!?
NO! HE GRABS A PIECE OF THE BROKEN GLASS! HE STABS SCISSOR’S ARM!
Scissors stumbles back! Drexl gets to his feet!
IOU! SUPERKICK! SCISSORS GOES DOWN AND DREXL HOOKS A LEG!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
Drexl leaps off of Scissors victoriously before sliding out of the ring, making distance from the monster as fast as he can!
WINNER: DREXL
THAT APPEARS... TRUE
Flash!
Scissors rises to his feet just as there’s a flash of light inside the arena.
Then darkness.
“I can help you find the dominance within yourself.”
Flash!
“If you’re predominantly Scissors, then you will remain.”
Flash!
“Build it quickly.”
Flash!
“An Odyssey awaits.”
The lights return and someone stands behind Scissors.
The Puppetmaster slowly turns around…
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Drones fly in from seemingly no-where, dropping smoke cannisters all around them that explode upon impact with the ground. Smoke plumes in every direction, but neither Scissors or his foe are moved.
“It’s you,” Scissors says playfully – almost excited.
“That appears… true.”
HOVER, NO BOTHER!
A LEVITATING KICK TO THE HEAD OF SCISSORS STUMBLES HIM BACKWARDS!
IT’S STUBBINS DOOM!
Scissors recoils, holding his head.
“Who are you now, Stubbins?”
He begins powerfully walking towards him.
“You can call me,” he mutters breathlessly, “Doom.”
Doom grabs Scissors by the throat and lifts him off the ground, the sound of hydraulics in his gloves doing the work. He tilts his head and rolls down two explosive ordinance, tossing Scissors on them.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
They explode beneath him, rag dolling his body into the air with such force that the crowd gasp. The Marionette lands on his knees, his attire ripped from the force of the explosions.
Doom backs up…
BREAKING THE JAR!
RUNNING PUNT KICK TO SCISSORS!
With the monster laid out, the Mad Scientist backs away.
“I’m not finished with you yet,” he growls back at the monster who turned him into this. “That also appears… true.”
Flash!
He throws down a smoke grenade once more and this time vanishes into the mist.
Cut.
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Arcadia; unto Grimskull, and the others. [1:11]
And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; [1:12]
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. [1:13]
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; [1:14]
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. [1:15]
Mr. Nobody sure seems like somebody to Jackson Cade, who looks to fend off whatever Harold Attano and the attack on his reputation as Pegg watches on from ringside!
The two come to blows immediately, trading lefts and rights before Attano sends Cade to the ropes for a clothesline…but Cade ducks under to avoid danger!
Using the ropes for momentum, Cade instead catches Attano with a neckbreaker sending Mr. Nobody down to the canvas, before stomping away at him!
Cade backs off at the ref’s insistence, glancing at Pegg as he keeps an eye on the third party.
This gives Attano exactly the opening he needs, blindsiding Perseus with a flurry of offense sending both men to the outside!
Pegg stares down Cade from nearby, yelling at Perseus to take his lumps like a man as Attano locks in an armbar!
THE COMMON MAN!
Attano shouts some abuse toward Cade…who narrowly manages to fight out of the hold!
Cade is back up, sending Attano back into the ring before giving a glare at Pegg as he slides back in.
Attano manages to hit the ropes…only for Cade to catch him with a sling blade!
BREACH AND CLEAR!
Cade’s back on his feet, his eyes focused on Attano who gets to his feet…only to be met with a leaping superkick!
HOSTILE DOWN!
Cade goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Harold Attano took the fight to Perseus and came up short as Jackson Cade takes the victory!
WINNER: JACKSON CADE
BARTER
The hatred is palpable in the air as the ringing of the bell fades. But neither Cade, not Attano is looking like they’re heading anywhere just yet. The pair meet for a staredown in the centre of the ring, with Benjamin Pegg looking on, an equally as hate-filled glare directed at Cade as is on Attano’s face.
“Your days are numbered, Cade.” Pegg states, matter of factly. “My complaint will see the end of your career, I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw the inside of a cell for your troubles. Nobody else will have to go through what I went through. I filed the paperwork yesterday.”
He turns to walk away, while the other two continue to stare daggers at each other. Cade shakes his head and breaks the stare.
“I told you what I wanted. I needed information. My brother… You knew I’d stop at nothing to get it.” Cade reaches into his pocket and pulls out a bit of paper. He waves it in Attano’s face, watching as his foe’s face reddens with rage. “My barter. You remember, don’t you?”
Attano’s fists ball, looking ready to pounce. Cade continues.
“Tell these people exactly what you see when you look at this, Harold.”
Harold Attano remains silent, Cade thrusts the paper into his face.
“It is a photograph, that much is self-explanatory. Do you recognise the person in the photo?”
Attano remains silent, but with every second he begins to shake with rage a little more.
“That’s your daughter, is it not?”
Jackson Cade pushes the photo into Attano’s face once more, and we finally see the picture, and the reason for Attano’s rage. The girl in the photo, Harold Attano’s daughter, is dead.
Harold says but one single word before he snaps.
“Die.”
Before Cade can as much as flinch, Attano has begun laying into him. He knocks him to the ground with a few brutal punches and begins beating the holy hell out of Perseus. Brutal fists, elbows, kicks, anything at all hits home to bludgeon Jackson Cade. Attano wraps his hands around the throat of Jackson Cade and begins to squeeze the life out of him.
“No!” Benjamin Pegg steps in, pulling at Attano. “I agreed to file the complaint, to make Arcadia safer. Not this way…”
His pleads fall on deaf ears. Harold Attano is intent on killing now. The ring floods with security, all working together to pull Attano off Cade, and dragging him away from the ring where a battered, bloodied and very much unconscious Jackson Cade lies, a group of EMTs busy tending to him.
Pegg has gone, his complaint filed. Attano desperately tries to free himself from security but the mere numbers make his efforts fruitless as they drag him back to the entranceway. All of this, and things have never been worse for Jackson Cade… and that is saying something.
Cut.
INTRO
Some time ago.
The murky image of the past greets us as we venture deep into the heart of Arcadia and a familiar face.
Or not?
El Mariachi Muerte, shrouded in the shadow of his black sombrero, stands at the edge of destiny.
But this is not the EMM we know and love. No, this is an older version, a different man with the same mission. Wrinkles map his face, stories of countless melodies springing from his age-old guitar. Its sweet, melancholic voice has been a beacon of the end, an usher to those about to depart.
Now, it quivers with anticipation, anticipating fresh hands, a new voice to guide it.
El Mariachi Muerte lifts his gaze. Candlelight paints a canvas of silhouettes against the wall, observing this ritual.
These are initiates, ones who, if they are worthy, will one day bear the title of Mariachi.
But only one will earn it today.
EMM steps closer, his footfalls echoing solemnly against hard stone. His guitar, a dark mirror to the candlelight, seems to shudder sympathetically.
His legacy, and the legacy of those who have come before.
And those who will come after.
“We are bound by The Music,” he declares in smooth Spanish, his voice echoing through the chamber. “Keep it safe.”
“Unto death.” The voices return.
They have learned their lessons well.
Inside the crowd, there are those filled with optimism, happy to see legacy passed on. Others merely wish for him to get on with it, disdain for the mission in their hearts.
EMM’s gaze strays from the observers, falling on a figure stepping out of the shadows.
There’s a familiar face, only lacking the adornment on his face we’ve come to expect.
The new El Mariachi Muerte, the one of the present day.
Resolutely, the former passes his guitar to the future, the polished instrument glinting somberly as it shifts hands.
As the new El Mariachi Muerte cradles the instrument, the older man’s shoulders slump slightly, a great weight lifted. He smiles.
“Keep the Music safe,” he urges the successor, his voice but a whisper lost in the echoes of the chamber. “As the Mariachi of Death, you are the final note of Its song.”
In silent acquiescence, El Mariachi Muerte nods, the weight of responsibility seeping into the curve of his shoulders. The guitar strums a soft note, a promise to be there, a constant companion.
The ritual ends, and the now retired Mariachi steps back, disappearing into the darkness. The observers remain, specters of curiosity, skepticism, and faith.
The melody of life and death continues, the Music unbroken, the Mariachi unyielding.
A new El Mariachi Muerte reigns, the intro to his song has been sung, but will he be the last to bear the name?
Cut.
Desperate times make strange bedfellows as the violation of the Third Eye and the desire to keep it pristine has led V1sion to an unlikely team. Who will gain the upperhand in this intertwined war and who will falter and possibly fall in the process?
This massive six man tag main event is about to begin as darkness begins to engulf the arena and a single spotlight shines down on a single figure appearing in the entrance way. He raises a guitar into the crook in his arm but before he can strum a single note,
HE GETS ATTACKED FROM BEHIND WITH A SOLID STEEL CANE!
Dr Death getting some revenge for the sneak attack at Titanfall as he nearly breaks El Mariachi’s skull with that sickening cane shot. El Mariachi tries to stagger to his feet but Death just shakes his head before swinging for the fences
BUSTING MARIACHI WIDE OPEN WITH A BRUTAL SHOT TO THE DOME!
The guitar falls limp to the concrete as Death lifts it up, mockingly strumming a few chords before tossing it backstage, ensuring no musical trickery can be used this time. Death pulls the limp Mariachi up, looking towards the corner of the stage as a twisted idea of payback crosses his mind
RIGHT HOOK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Grimskull attacks Death from behind, saving his would be tag partner from further damage as he pummels Death with lefts and rights before backing up and delivering a brutal Lesson that sends Death tumbling head over heels down the stairs to the ringside area. Grimskull pulls Mariachi up to his feet, wiping the blood from his eyes as the two look down at the rising Death with menace in their eyes.
Mariachi staggers behind as Grimskull sprints down the ramp, trying to inflict more pain on Death but his solitary focus means he doesn’t notice the hooded figure jumping the apron from the crowd
IRON STRIKE! LEAPING ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL!
V1sion attacks his old friend out of nowhere, staggering him slightly as Death begins to join in on the beatdown of the Martyr. Mariachi tries for the save but V1sion ducks underneath a clothesline, leaping up as Mariachi turns around
THIRD EYE BLIND! LEAPING DOUBLE KNEES!
Mariachi is once again down as Death lifts Grimskull up to his feet, locking him in a full nelson while V1sion grabs a chair from ringside, looking to destroy it over the skull but as he rushes forward, Grimskull kicks back, drilling Death low. The good doctor breaks the nelson as Grimskull trips him up
AS V1SION CHAIRSHOTS DR DEATH!
V1sion looks shocked in accidentally nailing his tag partner, turning around into a brutal headbutt that sends the chair back into his own skull before Grimskull pulls him close
ETERNAL MISERY! HEADBUTT SYMPHONY LEAVES V1SION LIMP IN THE MARTYR’S ARMS!
This very well could be a short contest here as all Grimskull needs to do is roll V1sion into the ring to begin the match and he’s got this won but V1sion is dead weight on the ground as he struggles to lift his former friend to his feet before the lights go out
**FLUTTER**
and Tombstone appears behind him.
Grimskull visibly gulps, turning around with a wild right that the Ferryman catches
GOOZLE
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS ONTO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!
El Mariachi stumbles up to his feet, damn near drenched in blood as he walks into another Goozle, both hands this time but Tombstone doesn’t chokeslam him onto the floor but instead lifts him high up into the air and vaults him over the ropes into the ring. Tombstone then looks at the rising Death, signaling for him to get in the ring as the Doctor gladly does
And the bell finally rings.
Death shakes the cobwebs off the chairshot off, definitely not 100% but looking at the bloodied mess of El Mariachi, he’s very clearly the fresher man as he stalks Mariachi in the ring. Taking potshots at the struggling Muerte, a kick to the ribs here, a punch to the side of the head there before lifting him up off the mat with his foot underneath the chin as he leaps into the air
COMATOSIA! Brutal tornado kick to the side of the head and that may well be all she wrote as Death drops down for the lazy cover
ONE
………………….
…………………….
TWO
…………………..
…..DEATH PULLS THE SHOULDER UP!
The crowd begin to heavily boo as Death simply wants to inflict pain and torment upon his former friend. He lifts Death up by his boot once more, looking for a second Comatosia but Mariachi ducks underneath the Tornado Kick before nearly taking Death’s head off with a brutal Lariat. Death staggers up into a second and then a third as Mariachi begins to feel La Musica flowing through his veins.
He pummels the rising Death with lefts and rights, backing him into the ropes before throwing him across the ring and delivering a high Back Body Drop on rebound but Death lands on his feet on the apron. Mariachi turning around as Death leaps to the top rope
LETHAL
FUCKING
INJECTION!
Death out of nowhere drops Mariachi with that vicious leaping cutter. Death staggering back from the sheer force into the ropes as V1sion tags himself in. Death stares daggers at the Awoken One for a moment before shrugging as V1sion begins to stalk Mariachi, intent on punishing the one who denied help as he delivers a few brutal kicks to the ribs before lifting him up by the side
BLINDSIDE! SIDE SAITO SUPLEX RIGHT ON THE BACK OF MARIACHI’S HEAD!
V1sion doesn’t cover, instead lifting Mariachi up to his feet and inflicting a little Blind Fury onto Singing Death with a flurry of strikes before he lifts him up onto his shoulders
AWOKEN INTO….SCHOOLBOY! Mariachi slips out of the Gourdbuster attempt as he rolls V1sion up from behind, the referee sliding into position
ONE
………….
………………….
TW…..
V1sion manages to kick out.
Both men roll to their feet, V1sion rushing towards Mariachi but gets a superkick right to the jaw
IN THE END! PUMPHANDLE HALF NELSON DRIVER OUT OF NOWHERE!
But that took everything out of Mariachi as he can’t find the strength for the cover. Grimskull is up on the apron though as he’s begging for the tag, Singing Death slowly rousing on his feet as he drags himself towards his corner, merely fingertips away
ELBOW DROP TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BY TOMBSTONE!
The Ferryman stops the count with a brutal strike before clotheslining Grimskull out of his boots off the apron and dragging V1sion to the corner as he tags himself in.
Tombstone wants to end this quickly as he lifts the struggling Mariachi up to his feet, rushing forward
ODE TO CHARON INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! JACKNIFE BUCKLE BOMB!
That has to be it there as Tombstone drops down for the cover
ONE
……………..
…………………
TWO
…………………
……………………..
………………………….
THR…..
……………………….
MARIACHI JUST MANAGES TO GET HIS SHOULDER UP!
Tombstone looks impressed by the former world champions durablity as he looks at Dr Death, nodding before lifting Mariachi up into the air and into a Tombstone Piledriver position while Death leaps up onto the top rope, springboarding forward
ELYSIUM FLAT LINE! SHADES OF O’DEATH! And that may well be the final death of El Mariachi as Tombstone hooks both legs, the referee sliding into position
ONE
……………….
……………………….
TW……
THE LIGHTS GO OUT
**FLUTTER?**
They come back on and Drewitt is in the ring, holding a tape recorder in one hand while the other, the other flips Tombstone off
BEFORE TAKING THE FERRYMAN’S HEAD NEARLY OFF WITH A SICKENING BIG BOOT!
V1sion rushes in to try and help his team but Grimskull is there with a brutal spear that turns his former partner inside out as Death leaps back into the fray, trying for that brutal Lethal Injection on Drewitt but the Explorer catches him mid-jump, trapping him on his shoulders
AND DELIVERING THE TRAVLERS GAMBIT! BURNNING HAMMMER!
Grimskull and V1sion fight it out on the mat, both men rolling through the bottom rope to the outside as Drewitt tries to follow up on Death but gets whirled around by a risen Tombstone who begins to knock on the Explorers door but Drewitt blocks the finger thrusts, rocking the Ferryman with a brutal headbutt before the two big men begin a clubbering.
Lefts, rights, knees, headbutts. Both monsters begin to rock one another back and forth before a low knee stuns Tombstone and his skull meets canvas with the SIGHTSEER DDT! But Tombstone immediately gets to his feet, rocking Drewitt with a right hand, throwing him into the ropes
AND SHOWING HIM HOW YOU CAN’T RUN FROM THE FERRYMAN WITH THE BOSSMAN SLAM!
But it’s Drewitt’s turn to no sell Tombstone’s shit as he sits up.
Tombstone looks enraged as he goozles Drewitt around the throat, lifting him to his feet but Drewitt just scowls, gripping Tombstone around the throat too. Both men jostle for power before Drewitt knees Tombstone in the balls, softening him up just enough to power him up high
AND SEND HIM ON AN ARDUOUS FUCKING JOURNEY!
Drewitt Chokeslams Tombstone straight to Tartarus but his celebration is short lived as he turns around
INTO ENLIGHTENMENT! Torpedo Headbutt stuns Drewitt before not one, not two but three straight Lessons knock the Explorer out cold.
V1sion rushes back into the ring, stunning Grimskull with a stiff uppercut as the two begin to brawl in the centre of the ring, going hell for leather as the hatred runs pure between these two
DOUBLE
LETHAL
INJECTION!
The sadistic world champion out of nowhere with the pair of cutters, taking down both an opponent and a partner but from the sheer joy radiating through Death, you would think he was the victor as he looks to be the last man standing
But he doesn’t notice El Mariachi slowly pulling himself up on the apron with fury in his eyes
MALICIOUS SONATA!
SPRINGBOARD STUNNNNAAAH!
Mariachi is bleeding profusely as pure adrenaline is all that’s keeping him on his feet
That and the pure, raw hatred he has for Doctor Death as a single guitar string falls from his hands
El Mariachi is looking to choke out a bitch as he stalks behind the slowly rising Death
AND TRIES TO LOCK IN DREAM A LITTLE DREAM!
The Choke isn’t on full though as Death is fighting with everything he has to avoid it, trying to reach for the ropes but he’s pulled back and Mariachi’s fury gives him strength beyond the world champion can break. He’s desperate, as he rears back
KICKING MARIACHI RIGHT IN THE DICK!
BUT THAT JUST MADE MARIACHI EVEN MADDER AS HE SINKS IN THE HOLD TIGHT, LOOKING TO BREAK DEATH’S NECK
AS THE WORLD CHAMPION QUICKLY TAPS OUT!
El Mariachi gets the victory for his team here, forcing the world champion to tap out but judging from the brutality shown from all six competiors, very little if anything changed here tonight.
WINNERS: EL MARIACHI MUERTE, GRIMSKULL & DREWITT
UNDERWORLD FIRE AND BRIMSTONE
After that amazing Main Event, the ring has cleared – all except Drewitt and Tombstone.
Both men get back to their feet and come together in the middle of the ring.
GOOZLE!
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!
FALLING CHOKESLAM STRAIGHT TO THE FUCKING UNDERWORLD!
The ring shakes with the impact. Tombstone kneels there a moment, his head lowered.
“I did not want to have to do this,” he says sadly, almost defeated. “This was not the way I wanted it to be.”
He pushes Drewitt towards the edge of the ropes.
Slowly but surely, Druids begin appearing, coffin upon their shoulder.
“Igor’s apprentices,” he commentates, watching them slowly make their way towards the steps and up it.
They reach the ring and stop, placing the coffin down and opening the lid. Tombstone stands in the ring and rolls Drewitt out of it and into the coffin, using his foot.
The Druids close the lid and pick the coffin back up again.
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” Tombstone mutters. “Underworld fire and brimstone awaits.”
Slowly but surely the Druids retreat with the body of Drewitt inside their coffin, leaving Tombstone stood alone.
Cut.
THE EXECUTION
It’s time.
The Gallows have been built.
A crowd awaits.
Somehow, someway, The Uprising have gotten away with this. Ares, despite his best efforts, has been unable to find them. With the crowd waiting, Narcissa and Artemis appear the cell of Zeus, accompanied by their aides.
“It’s the end, my love,” Narcissa says at the cell door is opened and dishevelled Zeus is taken from within.
He doesn’t say anything.
His shackles clink and clack as he’s taken towards the Gallows. With the noose wrapped firmly around his throat, he’s left stood atop the wooden platform as Narcissa joins him.
“For the longest time we’ve known what it takes to change Arcadia for the better. It takes his death!”
The crowd roar.
“You’ve made us feel at home here, despite knowing the treachery his people will believe you’ve undertaken. The Uprising promises you a better Arcadia for today and tomorrow.”
She turns to face Zeus, stroking his face with her hand.
“Any last words?” She asks.
“You people are dead!” He roars.
WHAM!
He drops.
Before he can say another word, the gallows open and he drops, being hung there for all to see.
He kicks, gasps and wretches, his throat tangled in the rope.
Suddenly, the crowd begin gasping.
Their gasps turn to screams.
Because out of no-where, a monster of a man appears and he’s RUNNING through the audience.
He’s a brute.
His muscles have muscles.
And he’s fast.
As the crowd disperse in every which direction, this behemoth runs straight into the gallows at full speed, breaking one of the stanchions that hold it up in the air.
With that, the entire gallows collapses, dropping Zeus to the floor.
The Baron coughs and splutters on the floor, somehow alive. The monster of a man walks over and scoops him up, taking the rope from around his neck and placing him over shoulder.
He turns back, the eyes through his mask staring a hole in Narcissa and Artemis who dare not even moving, let alone do a thing.
Cut.