Where it didn't belong ii
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Two weeks ago, at Ring of Dreams:
WHACK!
BASEBALL BAT TO THE SIDE OF BLAZE’S HEAD! OH MY FUCKING GOD, HE JUST SPLIT HIS DOME! THERE’S FUCKING BLOOD EVERYWHERE!
James looks for his weapon, but it’s not close. He looks down at his dad, tears in his eyes.
Continued:
“You don’t gotta be sad,” Hatchet says with a shit eating grin. “I’ll make this quick.”
He raises the bat, only suddenly and abruptly, something powerful wings its way through the crowd of Juggalo’s, knocking them all off their feet and snapping the bat out of Hatchet’s hand.
Enraged, he turns around to find a man we once recognised as The Yellow Python – only he’s not that now.
With a decision to make, The Juggalo wisely backs off and exits the building, leaving Destructo Boy now at the mercy of his savior.
“Don’t let him go!” Boy yells out, attempting to chase after Hatchet, only to be pulled back by the former Python. “Let go of me! Who even are you!?”
“You can call me Captain Arcadia,” he says proudly. He puts his hand out and his shield flies back to it, attaching itself to his arm. “And you need to get your father to medical, immediately.”
Boy thinks about it for a moment, the ire in him carefully subsiding enough for him to help his bloodied father to his feet. “What about Hatchet?”
“I’ll take care of him,” The Captain says with a stoic nod. “For you and for Arcadia.”
Destructo Boy reluctantly nods, not wanting to leave this to someone else but knowing that he has bigger problems with his injured father. They hobble out of the wreckage of their family home together, only Arcadia shouts after them.
“Check in under an assumed name, Destructo Boy,” he warns earnestly. “They may return.”
Cut.
Hydra
Explosions hit the stage as Vendetta kicks off from Olympus with aplomb. The camera circles the audience before settling in the middle of the ring whereby Zeus, Narcissa, El Mariachi Muerte and Ares await.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Vendetta! We’re being joined by Zeus to kick things off.
MATT RUBY: Shut up then, Bronco. Let the man talk!
“Allow me to introduce to you, the newest most dominant stable in Arcadia… Hydra!” He says to boos from the crowd. The sound of his people in disdain is quite a surprise to the Baron. He’s not accustomed to that. “We will be the dominant force in Old School Wrestling and it begins at Locked & Loaded when my beautiful wife defends her OSW World Championship against Harold Attano!”
The crowd cheer at the mention of Harold’s name.
“In the interim, El Mariachi Muerte will become the new Double Feature Champion by beating Lionel Troy in this very ring, here tonight.”
MATT RUBY: What a blessing that’d be! What a treat!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It seems a bit fishy if you ask me.
Gazump.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s never good. We’ve lost all the lights.
Smoke suddenly starts filling the entrance ramp.
The horns of O'Death sound loudly into the arena.
Immediately, the arena is thrust into darkness as smoke fills the entrance ramp. Purple flashing lights adorn the entrance area as Tombstone slowly steps out into the mist.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, this could be intriguing, folks.
"Now, what is this I can see, with ice cold hands, taking hold of me..."
The looming figure of the Ferryman now stands with smoke drifting around him. He looks down before making a slow paced walk to the ring. Once there, he walks carefully up the ring steps, across the apron and steps over the top rope, entering the ring.
As the lights return, Tombstone stands opposite Hydra.
“Despite what Harold Attano might’ve claimed, the queue does not begin behind him,” Tombstone says stoically and powerfully into the microphone. “It begins behind me. You must add me to the match.”
The fans boo. The Ferryman though doesn’t listen; he ignores them all, his eyes focused only on Zeus.
The Baron scoffs. “Do you know who I am, boy?” He says with an unthinkable grin in the face of such devastating danger. “There’s no queue unless I say there is and there’s no you, if I deem it necessary.”
MATT RUBY: C’mon guys, don’t fight! No-one wants to see that.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Listen to this crowd, Matt. Everyone wants to see them tear each other apart.
An unusual and sinister grin creeps across the face of the Ferryman. “You haven’t been paying attention, have you Zeus?”
Narcissa quickly whispers something to the Baron, who’s eyes widen and jaw drops. He doesn’t know what to think, but you know what she’s told him. He’s looking at the immortal. Tombstone can’t be ended, not even by him.
Before Zeus can say another word, the entire ring is surrounded. Gravedigger, Raven, Malakai Midnight and Mark Hayes take a side of the ring each.
Ares doesn’t hesitate. He calls out to the back and multiple troops storm down the ramp towards the ring.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We ain’t gotta wait much longer for that brawl! HERE IT COMES!
MATT RUBY: NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
To cheers from the crowd, the entire scene erupts into a mass brawl with Ares men fighting Six Feet Under outside the ring. Zeus, Narcissa, Muerte and Ares quickly hightail it, leaving Tombstone stood alone in the middle.
“You will grant my entry into that match,” he warns aggressively. Just then, a member of Ares army rushes him, walking into a thunderous Big Boot. He smirks. “And I will send you on your way.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is carnage! Six Feet Under have decimated Ares men!
MATT RUBY: Zeus has a decision to make and I wouldn’t like to be in his shoes to make it. What’s he gonna do?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Run? Run is all he can do!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and gentlemen, we have a big time triple threat match here tonight. Klaus Way exits the Freakshow to possibly try and recruit a few new members here in Mr Sunshine and the blackened heart that is Raven.
The bell sounds as Klaus rushes forward with a clothesline at Raven but the newest Owl simply rolls out of the ring. He backs up, smirking that sadistic grin before simply pointing behind him.
CATCH ME! RUNNING CROSSBODY OUT OF NOWHERE FROM MR SUNSHINE!
MATT RUBY: Smart tactics by Vengeance here, let the other two tire one another out before going in for the kill. Becoming an owl has done wonders for this kid.
Mr Sunshine pulls Klaus up to his feet, peppering him with lefts and rights before throwing Way across the ring. Way ducks underneath a clothesline, bouncing off the ropes himself before leaping up high
RUNNING SPIKE DDT! Klaus drives Sunshine right into the mat with force.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Klaus looking for something a little Bizarro here but Mr Sunshine headbutts his way out, before lifting him up onto his shoulders and beginning to play the Dizzy Game. Brutal Firemans Carry into a Samoan Drop nearly plants Way through the way.
Mr Sunshine has that mile wide grin on his face as he stalks the groggily rising Klaus, grabbing him in a Full Nelson.
MATT RUBY: FINAL APPROACH! SPEAR FROM THE TOP ROPE BREAKS BOTH MEN IN HALF! See this is what I mean Bronco, pick your moment and get that victory easily.
Raven lifts the broken Klaus up from behind, gripping him around the back of the head before nearly driving him through the mat.
WITH THE LAST ROSE! Brutal Reverse DDT knocks Klaus out cold as Raven hooks the leg, Moonfoot sliding in for the cover
ONE
...........
..............
TWO
..............
.................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: See that's what I'm talking about Bronco. The smarter man always wins as Raven barely breaks a sweat here tonight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I hate to agree with you Ruby but you're right, Raven played it perfectly and picks up his first victory as part of Six Feet Under.
You can trust her!
Previously, at Ring of Dreams.
All eyes are on Gemini. We return to No Man’s Land, whereby the door has just been shut on Grimskull, Drewitt and John The Revelator. Ares pulls his blade and walks over to Gemini, pulling her head from the floor towards it.
“Wait!” Muerte yells abruptly, stopping him in his tracks. The Master of War didn’t like it. He looks back with a scowl. “You can trust her to keep the secret, amigo.”
Zeus isn’t so sure, but he raises a hand to stop Ares briefly.
“I can take her back to Anthesteria and impose on her the importance of discretion,” Muerte eagerly suggests. He’s trying desperately to save her life, but why? “I have the songs of truth at my disposal.”
The Baron looks at Narcissa, who shrugs nonchalantly. “She could be a valuable ally,” Narcissa makes note. “And if she’s not, he’ll know what to do."
Zeus chuckles.
“Put the weapon down, dear Ares,” he commands. Ares obeys immediately, releasing Gemini to a thud as well. “You may take her, Muerte. But should you fail to impress upon her the importance of discretion, it’ll be your duty to carry out the deed my General was about to.”
Muerte reluctantly nods.
Cut.
Picking up the trail
We're welcomed to a scene drenched in black and white.
The Agora. The denizens of Arcadia walk through the streets as they always have, visiting shops, spending credits. However, we aren't here to follow them. No, we're here to follow a single trail of smoke that floats through the air, a signal that drags towards the owner. Candy Kane. The gumshoe maneuvers through the crowd and into an alley. She peaks out, eyes trained on a shop at the opposite end of the street.
Vincino's Bistro. The restaurant is eerily abandoned, a single sign showing the words 'closed' hanging haphazardly off of the door. Candy smirks, producing a notebook and writing something down. "Vincino, huh? Where have I heard that name before?" As she thinks out loud, the door to the bistro opens and two men exit hastily.
Gino Carelli and Lionel Troy. The reverend looks both ways, reaching into his pocket and handing an envelope to Carelli, speaking something we cannot hear through the ambient noise of the busy streets. Carelli nods in return, both men immediately parting ways, walking away as though they had never spoken at all.
With a sly smirk, Candy moves towards the restaurant, pushing her way inside. The bell rings, catching the attention of a single man behind the counter.
"Can't you read the sign? We're closed." He speaks curtly, staring down Candy who merely lights up another cigarette.
"Good, then you have time to answer a couple of questions, don't you?"
The door swings shut, the camera slowly zooming out.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Put your kids to bed folks cause this one's going to be bloody. The psychopathic clown Hatchet goes up against the apprentice to the Ferryman himself Gravedigger in an anything goes Street Fight.
MATT RUBY: And they're starting already as Gravedigger ambushes Hatchet from behind, swinging that shovel only to get that disgusting Faygo right in the face blinding him.
WIG SPLIT! A brutal headbutt drops Gravedigger but he's almost immediately up, clocking Hatchet with a Drop Dead Jawbreaker knee as he rises. Both men fight down the ramp, heavy lefts and rights before a brutal kick to the side staggers Gravedigger into the steps.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: PONY DOWN ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! Hatchet may have just shattered Gravediggers back in half from that brutal chokeslam but he's not done, lifting him up as he looks for some Hokus Pokus here.
NEVERMORE! Gravedigger counters the Powerbomb, spiking Hatchet into the concrete floor with a snap Evenflow DDT. He's not done though, picking up his fallen shovel from the floor and lifting it up high, looking to bust upon the clown here.
MATT RUBY: JUGGA-LOW! Everything's legal in a street fight Bronco and that includes low blows. Hatchet looking mighty proud of himself from that counter as he lifts Gravedigger up, oh My Lord in Zeus. HOKUS POKUS ONTO THE APRON!
Hatchet breaks Gravedigger nearly in half with a sickening Powerbomb onto the apron, rolling him inside the ring as he looks for the killing blow. He slides in, lifting Gravedigger up onto his shoulders as he spins him around
SELF TITLED! Firemans Carry Stunner snaps Gravediggers neck into unconciousness as Hatchet covers his limp body, Demi Sky counting the fall
ONE
..........
..............
TWO
...........
..............
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: A brutal match here Bronco as Gravedigger is downed by the clown here tonight. One thing's for certain thou, I sure wouldn't want to be anyone else in Olympus coming after these guys anytime soon.
Tampering
Backstage, the air buzzes with the peculiar energy of Klaus Way’s Circus—a cacophony of laughter, murmurs, and the occasional clank of props. They’ve come to Olympus to put Way’s show on the road.
But it’s not Way who stands before them.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s Mr. Sunshine.
MATT RUBY: More like Mr. Oblivious.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s got a good heart.
Mr. Sunshine stands before some of the misfits Way has assembled. His voice, syrupy sweet, rolls over those gathered.
“Remember, friends,” Mr. Sunshine chirps, “every cloud has a silver lining! Let's turn those frowns upside down and sprinkle a little joy into the—”
The door slams open with a crash, cutting through the saccharine air like a knife. Klaus Way, the ringmaster, storms in.
MATT RUBY: Daddy’s home!
Way’s face, usually hidden behind a mask of showmanship, is twisted into a scowl.
“Sunshine!” Klaus bellows. “What tomfoolery is this? Are you here to sabotage my talent with your washed-up cheer?”
The performers shift uncomfortably, eyes darting between the fuming ringmaster and the former children’s host.
“I... I was only spreading a bit of—”
“Enough of your drivel!” Klaus snaps. “My circus, my rules! And you’re out!”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I think someone doesn’t want his performers to hear anything that doesn’t come from him.
MATT RUBY: Yeah, that’s how it works to have hired help. Freaks, even.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You think he pays them?
The silence that follows is thick. Mr. Sunshine nods, a small bob.
“Of course, Klaus. My apologies to one and all.” His voice is hasn’t lost any of its usual pep.
As he shuffles out, the door begins to close. Way begins to yell at his performers.
“I don’t want to see you all…”
Click. The door lock slides into place, shutting us out.
MATT RUBY: The show must go on, Bronc!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The man we used to call Yellow Python has shed his skin for more patriotic colors!
MATT RUBY: Yeah, but I guarantee by the end of this he's looking up at Aurora. I know I'd want to.
The bell rings and Cap runs down Aurora with a leaping clothesline! The Thrillseeker is immediately back to her feet and ducks another clothesline before catching The Captain with a bulldog! She rockets up the ropes for a lionsault!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: PUNCH OF BROTHERS! THAT SPINNIN' SUPERMAN PUNCH TOOK HER HEAD OFF!
MATT RUBY: Total cheap shot! Where's the sportsmanship?
The Hero powers Aurora up and nails her with a German Suplex! He rolls through for another but Aurora backflips through and lands on her feet! Captain turns around as Aurora grabs him!
MATT RUBY: Northern Lights Suplex! That's how you suplex someone, Cap!
The referee drops for the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Captain kicks out with authority! He leaps to his feet and catches Aurora with a dropkick to the chest that knocks her flat! She kips up and gets clobbered with another massive clothesline! Captain ascends the ropes!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: STAR SPANGLED SPLASH! THE FROG SPLASH LANDS FLUSH!
MATT RUBY: Don't you dare hook that leg!
But Captain Arcadia does!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
MATT RUBY: This is nonsense! Restart the match!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Aurora didn't go down easy, but your winner tonight is Captain Arcadia!
Curious
The Observatory stands before us. Doom scans over the Odyssey Pool’s screen, scanning readout numbers and scribbling down calculations.
“Curious…”
Behind him, Felix Foley exhales a large sigh.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley looks dejected after what happened to him at the hands of Tombstone.
MATT RUBY: Crying over spilt milk, he just needs to suck it up and move on.
Doom turns around, taking his eyes off the screen to face Foley.
“You’ve been… angry. I’ve noticed your mood.” He mulls, eyeing up the diary in Felix’s hands. Foley follows his eyeline.
“I haven’t brought myself to open it yet. I can’t.”
The Odyssey Pool screen beeps and catches Doom’s attention again. As his back is turned, Malachi Midnight and Gravedigger enter. Foley moves towards them, their presence alone frustrating Felix.
“If you minions of Tombstone came to gloat, walk away before I throw you out.”
Foley, red-faced and uncharacteristically short-fused, lashes out and catches Gravedigger across the face. Both members of Six Feet Under pounce at Felix, but the tension draws Doom away from the screen.
“Leave him alone,” Doom speaks authoritatively, but is met with merely a laugh that only seems to anger him.
BOOM!
MIDNIGHT IS HIT WITH A PROPULSION FIST SENDING HIM SOARING BACKWARDS!
HE SLAMS INTO A CABINET!
Photos and files fall from atop the cabinet onto Midnight, as Doom holds Felix back. Gravedigger turns, helping Malachi to his feet. Midnight takes one of the photos and looks at it, pocketing it as he calls Gravedigger to leave, uttering a single word.
“Curious…”
MATT RUBY: What the hell did he see in that photo?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, Captain State the Obvious Question, that remains to be seen. Clearly, the presence of Six Feet Under had an effect on Foley. He’s not over Ring of Dreams by a long shot.
Cut.
Cashing in my chip
Backstage, in a lavish room crafted specifically for Hydra, Zeus sits on a golden throne with his head in his hands. He’s clearly frustrated after the incident earlier tonight; an insurrection that he’s not accustomed to in his role as leader of Arcadia.
Scott Sterling stands beside him, a clipboard in his hand.
“I’m not accustomed to such disobedience,” Zeus angrily mutters. “I need to get to grips with this roster and post-haste.”
Sterling nods, handing him the clipboard. “This has a dossier on every member of Old School Wrestling, sir. It should get you up to speed.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Didn’t he invite everyone to OSW?
MATT RUBY: So? You think he keeps track of every nobody in this company? He’s a busy man, Bronco.
Just then, with a knock at the door, in walks George Cade with CJ Thorpe in tow. The father and son await patiently at the feet of the Baron, who looks up from his clipboard to smile.
He quickly stands up, grabbing George’s hand and shaking it furiously.
“My old friend!” He roars gratefully, truthfully delighted to see George. “How long has it been!? Too long! Too long!”
George smiles uncomfortably. “It’s been a while, sir.”
“What can I do for you?” Zeus says, not yet releasing his hand.
George takes a deep knowing breath. He purses his lips as his brow furrows. He knows precisely what he’s about to ask.
“I’m here to cash in my chip,” George states matter-of-factly. “And with it, have my son CJ added to the OSW World Championship Match at Locked & Loaded.”
Zeus’ expression turns from excitement to sour. He finally releases George’s hand, scoffing to himself. Whatever their arrangement, it’s clear that The Baron can’t turn this down. He nods one singular nod, signifying an agreement.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Whoa. How the hell has that happened?
MATT RUBY: Those scumbag Cades! They’ve bargained their way into that match!
George and CJ exit the room as quickly as they entered, leaving a beetroot red and furious Zeus behind. The Baron starts tossing things around the room enraged, as we cut away.
This isn’t a decision he wanted to make, but he made it.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A six man tag coated in venom and blood as what remains of the Uprising fight off against the Cade brothers and Harold Attano tonight. You do have to wonder though with Narcissa running Arcadia once more why she doesn't just get her minions to fight for her.
MATT RUBY: Hey you put some respect on the good queens name Bronco, Narcissa is a fighting ruler and she's going to take apart these turncoats quick smart here tonight.
The bell sounds as CJ Thorpe starts off with Narcissa. Thorpe rushes forward at Narcissa who just smirks and tags out to Nox. In a fury, CJ still tries to go after her but gets pulled back by Nox
GET OVER HERE! Short Arm Clothesline nearly decapitates the Coyote.
Thorpe staggers back to his feet into a flurry of lefts and rights from Nox who spins him around, looking for the Paralytic Plex
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Thorpe fighting out with hard elbows to the jaw, a leaping one stunning Nox before he's flung overhead with a Northern Lights. Cole Holt dropping down for the pinfall.
ONE
..............
.................
JASPER REDGRAVE BREAKS IT UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Redgrave and Narcissa get into the ring, both beating down on Thorpe as Cole Holt does nothing. Clearly Narcissa has paid him off here.
MATT RUBY: Hey lay off the allegations on the fair lady Bronco. Cole's just letting this play out is all.
A brutal elbow drops Thorpe to one knee, HOSTILE DOWN TO NARCISSA!
Redgrave tries to get Cade but he's nailed with a HEADSHOT from behind by Harold Attano.
MATT RUBY: What is that idiot Cole doing here? There's clearly illegal interference going on.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hey fair's fair Ruby, Cole's just letting this play out.
Narcissa and Redgrave slowly stagger to their feet in the ropes as both brothers clothesline them over before backing up
LEAPING SUICIDE DIVES RIGHT ONTO REDGRAVE AND NARCISSA WIPING THEM BOTH OUT!
In the chaos, Nox stumbles to his feet, rushing forward...RIGHT INTO THE ONE SHOT ONE KILL! Attano saw him coming as he nails Nox with a brutal cutter, hooking the leg as Holt begins to count
ONE
..........
..........
TWO
...........
...........
THREE!
MATT RUBY: TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE! Harold Attano wasn't even the legal man, her majesty just got screwed here tonight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hey the referee's decision is final Ruby, Nobody foiled Narcissas plans here as he and the Cade Brothers beat the Uprising here tonight
Giving thanks
Backstage, Aurora is seen looking inside her locker, where an autographed poster of the Last Rose is hanging in the back. Balling her fists, she reaches into the locker and proceeds to rip it to shreds.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Poor girl. Being betrayed by your role model ain't something you can just move on from.
While she's doing this, Raven quietly approaches her with a mocking smile. He announces his presence with a laugh, which causes Aurora to stop tearing the poster apart.
"Thank you for the advice." Raven says, unable to contain his glee at the sight of her bubbling rage. "I listened to what you said and did exactly what my old self would've done."
Aurora doesn't say anything. She's too upset at her former idol's actions to speak. The Death Walker chuckles at her silence, using this opportunity to keep speaking.
"It wasn't just about getting to see my fiancé again. With the help of Tombstone and the rest of Six Feet Under, I'll be able to avenge the deaths of Sarah and my band."
Aurora grips the torn remnants of the poster tighter. Meanwhile, Raven's smile becomes a mile wide.
"The old me also wouldn't give a shit whose toes he stepped on in order to get what he wants. Even if that someone happened to be a so called fan of his music. You would've known that if you really listened to my songs."
That gets Aurora to turn around and throw the shredded paper bits at Raven. However, he had long since left the vicinity.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The gall of Raven to taunt her while she's down.
MATT RUBY: Raven's a moron for turning down a groupie like Aurora. What kind of man wouldn't want a piece of that action?
We then fade back to ringside.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The OSW Tag Team Titles are on the line tonight as we have The Besties taking on Tony Vincini and Candy Kane in what is certain to be a competitive contest. River Moonfoot is the official for tonight’s contest.
Foley and Kane start the match as Moonfoot calls for the bell and Kane staggers Foley with a series of Dropkicks.
Staggering the Puppeteer back into his own corner allowing Doom to tag himself in as he pats Foley on the back.
Doom enters the ring and launches himself at Kane.
SPLITTER!
NO!
CANDY KANE SIDESTEPS DOOM BEFORE GRABBING HIM BY THE MASK AND HITTING A REVERSE BULLDOG!
MATT RUBY: THE SWEETEST RIGHTHOOK IN ARCADIA JUST HIT DOOM WITH ONE HARD JAW BREAKER!
Candy tags in Vincini who comes out of the corner with a running Forearm Smash to the recovering Doom!
BADDA NO BOOM!
VINCINI GOES FLYING OVER DOOM WHO DUCKS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Fantastic situational awareness from Doom ducking that huge Forearm Smash!
Vincini staggers back to his feet as Foley rushes into the ring lifting him into the air and Doom catches Tony to complete the 3-D!
DOOMFACTORY DEATH DEVICE!
Lands full force as Doom slides into the cover and Moonfoot makes the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
MARK RUBY: With some slick thinking The Besties remain the OSW Tag Team Champions!
Looking Forward
The cramped office of Jackson Cade buzzes with tension as he eases into the high-backed chair that still smells faintly of his predecessor.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You think Jackson’s got it in him to be a good Sheriff?
MATT RUBY: Oh hell no, I’m anxious to see him fail.
“Sheriff Cade?” A young officer, breathless haste, interrupts the thick silence, holding out a battered envelope. Cade reaches out and accepts the envelope with a nod.
“What’s this?” Jackson’s voice carries a new blend of authority to it.
“A video tape,” the officer explains, his eyes flicking towards the old player on the shelf. “Our suspect monitoring team sent it over.”
As Jackson slides the dusty tape into the player, the officer shifts, uneasy.
“Sir, there’s more. Zeus—” he pauses, catching the weight of the name, “—he’s booked you in a number one contendership match for the OSW World Championship at Locked and Loaded.”
Jackson’s eyebrows arch, a smile threatening the corner of his mouth. “Really now? Who am I facing?”
The officer nods toward the flickering screen.
On it, a figure opens an barred door. As the camera zooms in, we can see both the who and the where.
Jasper Redgrave.
The Gallery.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Gallery’s been closed down for a year now.
MATT RUBY: That’s one gallery I hope to never see in person.
Jasper's grin is chilling as he steps into the void.
His void.
“I've been looking forward to this. Time for a new exhibit.”
The tape whirrs to a stop.
Jackson’s smile vanishes, replaced by a hard set to his jaw.
“Like hell it is,” he mutters, standing with a newfound resolve.
He turns to the officer. “Assemble a team. I’ll be damned if he reopens that hellhole.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: One week removed from the death of Colt Ramsey and Troy is forced to defend his title for the second time against Death himself.
MATT RUBY: Did you go to Colt's funeral? Me neither.
Muerte and Troy circle the ring when Troy breaks into prayer! He rants feverishly to the crowd, Muerte approaching him from behind with ill-intent!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What in Zeus' name is he doing?
MATT RUBY: Praying, you old geezer.
Singing Death goes for the axe-handle but Troy ducks!
HALLELUJAH LEG SWEEP!
EMM hits the mat and Troy mounts him to rain down thunderous forearms to the jaw of Muerte! The reverend peels him up before slamming him face first into the nearest turnbuckle! Muerte is dazed and Troy grabs his arm to whip him across the ring but Muerte stops him! He holds onto Troy's arm and springboards up the ropes!
AND BACKFLIPPING OFF WITH A LUNGBLOWER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THE LAST CARNIVALE! TROY'S SPINE HAS TO BE BROKEN IN TWO!
Lionel is left gasping for air as Muerte forces him to his feet only to drop him with a hurricanrana immediately afterwards! Troy is looking to be in dire straights as Muerte rises to the top rope!
48 ROSES! DIVING DOUBLE FOOTSTOMP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: AND THAT HAS TO BE ALL SHE WROTE, FOLKS!
Muerte goes for the cover!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE- A CHILD OF ZION PULLS MUERTE OUT OF THE RING!
MATT RUBY: That's what praying to Zion gets you, Blackwood!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A cheap way to stay in the match?
MATT RUBY: An effective way to stay in the match!
Singing Death lands outside of the ring and immediately takes his aggression out on Lionel's follower! He nails them with a vicious righthand before flinging him head first into the steel steps! The child of Zion lands in a heap but Muerte stomps him once more for good measure! He turns to slide back into the ring!
AND GETS ROCKED BY A GODLY FAMOUSER BY TROY!
Lionel forces Muerte back to his feet and plans him in the center of the ring with a massive teardrop suplex! Troy raises his arms to the sky before reciting a litany and dropping down on Muerte!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: RINGS OF ZION! MUERTE HAS NO WHERE TO GO!
MATT RUBY: Good! He should hear what a winner like Lionel has to say!
The Lion of Zion wrenches back on the submission as hard as he can, watching as Muerte fights to try and escape his clutches! There's no rope in sight and EMM looks like he might have to tap! Troy leans back as far as he can go and El Mariachi Muerte pushes back with him! He flips right on top of Troy with a makeshift pin!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
KICKOUT! TROY HAS TO LET GO OF THE HOLD!
Lionel rolls to a knee only to get caught with a massive knee trembler to the face! He lays down stomp after stomp onto Troy, leaving a mudhole in his chest before finishing off by hitting the ropes for a springboard senton! Troy is left looking worse for wear as Muerte forces him back to his feet and cracks him in the nose with a harsh headbutt!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Muerte's going for the end!
MATT RUBY: Not so fast, grandpa! Child of Zion on the apron!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: AND MUERTE WHIPS TROY RIGHT INTO HIM!
Troy slams into his follower and stumbles back into Muerte's arms!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: FADE TO BLACK! PACKAGE PIELDRIVER!
Muerte covers!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Troy played dirty, but no phony reverend is overcoming Death. El Mariachi Muerte is your new Double Feature Champion!
MATT RUBY: All because one of Troy's followers couldn't do his job!
Like Old Times
With the night almost over and El Mariachi Muerte having beaten Lionel Troy to become Double Feature Champion, Zeus and Narcissa sit in their comfortable room, watching the monitor. Narcissa gets up to turn it off, a clear ire about her person.
“What!?” The Baron angrily asks, his fuse short and his temper shorter.
Narcissa shakes her head. “You remember the plan, right? Attano and I, one on one. You do the thing and I walk away with the title.”
Zeus sighs, getting up to meet her. “What was I supposed to do? You don’t understand the intricacies of these matters, my love. I owed George Cade a debt and he cashed in that chip. I had to cede to his demands and truthfully, we’re fortunate that they’re as simplistic as this.”
The OSW World Champion snaps her head around with fury. “Simplistic?”
He rolls his eyes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t think Narcissa bargained for such a difficult title defence.
MATT RUBY: Who are we kidding here? Attano and Thorpe should take care of each other. This might be easier than we think.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We?
MATT RUBY: I mean they, dummy.
“You’ve now put me in a Triple Threat OSW World Championship defence at Locked and Loaded. What about that seems simple to you?” She roars enraged. “Our power in OSW isn’t just your position; it’s this title. It’s just like old times, isn’t it? You screwing me!”
There’s a slight pause. Zeus reaches out, putting his arms around his angry wife, who now stands looking in a mirror.
“You’ll retain your title, my love,” he promises – a plan potentially in the works. “And if not, we’ll get it back. We’re Hydra. They bow before us.”
Her frown turns into a smile, Zeus turning around and walking away. Suddenly the lights go off – the room now only lit by the scented candles Narcissa has placed.
The mirror glitches and flickers, a dark skinned woman looking back at them in the mirror with a sinister smirk. Narcissa screams.
The lights return. The figure is gone.
Zeus and Narcissa look at each other, their eyes full of terror.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What on Arcadia was that!?
MATT RUBY: I might need to go change my underpants.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You, Zeus and Narcissa three. Something untoward is ahead, folks!
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.