Foley's Baby Boy
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
The Foley domicile feels smaller than usual.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Welcome to Vendetta, ladies and gentlemen. Over the past weeks, Felix Foley has been confronted with the terrible truth about his birth and circumstances.
MATT RUBY: It’s even worse than I could have imagined. Momma Foley isn’t dead!
Felix Foley paces back and forth, his hands running through his disheveled hair. Momma Foley sits in her worn armchair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her face a canvas of guilt and worry.
“So, it’s true then?” Felix snaps, breaking the silence. His voice cracks, more from anguish than anger. “What I was shown—the apple, the curse—it’s all true?”
Momma Foley doesn’t look at him. Instead, she stares down at her hands, trembling as if the weight of the truth is too much to bear.
“It’s true,” she whispers.
Felix stops pacing, his chest heaving with emotion. He lets out a bitter laugh. “So that’s it? I’m no different than him. Just another freak made from Illumination Antiques. Another Fernicus Foley Freak.”
“Felix—” his mother pleads, rising from her chair.
“Don’t!” he interrupts, pointing an accusatory finger at her. “You knew! All this time, you knew, and you didn’t tell me. You let me walk around like I was...like I was normal.” His voice shakes as tears well up in his eyes.
“You are normal,” Momma Foley says, stepping toward him. “You’re my baby boy, Felix. None of this changes that.”
Felix shakes his head, stepping back. “Your baby boy? Maybe once. But now? Now I’m just another piece of cursed junk left behind by Fernicus Lamplight.”
His mother reaches for him, but Felix moves to the door. His voice lowers, filled with bitter resolve. “The time for talking is over. Maybe Tombstone gets what he wants after all.”
He slams the door behind him, leaving his mother alone. She sinks back into her chair, her face pale with worry, tears silently falling.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t like the sound of that, Matt. Felix is being irrational.
MATT RUBY: Unluckily for him, I don’t think Tombstone cares.
Stage One: Denial
Inside The Gallery, CJ Thorpe cuts a forlorn figure. He’s been summoned here once again by Jasper Redgrave, who sits on a make-shift throne in then middle of the room.
Stood before him like a royal subject, Thorpe awaits.
“Enough of your games,” the World Champion angrily declares. He struts forwards towards Redgrave, aggressive in his approach. “What the hell do you want from me?”
Redgrave stands up. “I want to help you.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That's a joke. He's tortuing this poor bastard and his mom.
MATT RUBY: And now he wants to help. He can do both things, BB.
The Champion looks confused. Jasper kneels down slightly, resting on a knee.
“I want to help you come to terms with your grief, Joseph. Have you ever heard of the five stages?” He asks with a smug look on his face. CJ, not impressed by being called Joseph, shakes his head sternly. “We’re going to start with stage one: denial.”
That confuses Thorpe, who doesn’t get it.
“Tonight, I’ve spoken with Scott Sterling and convinced him that you’re desperate for a match in the Main Event; as the World Champion should be,” he informs the Champ, standing back up. “Against… Doom.”
“You’re an idiot,” CJ yells at him. “What’s beating him going to do for you?”
That forces a heartily laugh out of the Killer King. “Oh, you silly goose – you’re not there to beat Doom. I mean, if you can, then you should, but you’re there to get beaten up. Don’t you understand? I want you to step into that ring tonight and let Doom beat you from pillar to post. I don’t care who wins, as long as you get the denial beaten out of you and you had better let him, or else.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What did I say!? This sonuva bitch wants to watch CJ Thorpe get his ass kicked by Doom, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: It's on my Christmas wish list if that matters any.
The Artist begins to walk away.
“What denial?” CJ demands to know.
“We both know you think there’s a way out of this, Champ. You think there’s a way you’ll survive this, family and title intact. You’re in denial. Let’s change that. Have fun.”
The Killer King walks off, leaving the World Champion to take in the fact that tonight, he’s facing Doom in the Main Event.
Worse yet, he must let the Scientist beat him up.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: CJ Thorpe versus Doom has been confirmed as our main event, I'm being told. Jasper Redgrave has set Thorpe up to get beaten senseless.
MATT RUBY: It'll make for a good show, folks!
Gearing Up for War
Somewhere within the lower levels of Arcadia, a small group of Malakai's Owls are seen impatiently awaiting the arrival of something or someone. Just then, a crate is dropped in front of the group, who look at it expectantly.
"So it's a crusade that the virtuous Reverend wants?" Midnight's voice reverberates, despite not being present in the scene. "Then he'll get his bloodshed, but not in the name of his God."
One Owl, armed with a crowbar, pries open the lid with an oomph. The others look inside the crate with awe, with one of them reaching inside and pulling out a machine gun.
"After saving him from the deceiver that called himself the Devil, he decides to target me as thanks. If people like him follow God, then I might not need to bring the devil to Arcadia at all."
Another Owl reaches inside and pulls out a pistol along with a box of ammo. The two now armed cultists look at each other with a nod before calling for the rest to get theirs.
"He's killed more people in his lord's name than I, yet I'm the villain in his story. Well, my little owls, I say it's time to act like the villains that we've been painted as."
The cult members horde in on the crate, pulling out many weapons similar to what the first two grabbed. Meanwhile, the one with the machine gun hands over a sack of credits he had hanging on his coat.
"We'll attack the week before Red Snow. Arm yourselves and meet me at the Church to bring the fight to Ezekiel."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Looks like the mole got to tell Midnight everything he needed to know.
MATT RUBY: It's going to be an all out war between salvation and damnation, BB! I'm going to play it smart and pray at home for the next week!
The Owls then scatter out of sight as the scene cuts to ringside.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Both teams are quite the odd couple tonight! Can Locke and Ayame overcome the team of Captain Arcadia and Calypso?
Calypso and Ayame start us off and Wolf Fang rushes Calypso down! She lands a superman palm to the skull that rocks Calypso before laying into her with ferocious lefts and rights! She hits a kick to the gut-
AND CALYPSO SPITS BLOOD INTO HER FACE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BLOOD RITUAL RIGHT IN THE EYES!
MATT RUBY: THAT'S IT! TAME THAT GIRL!
Calypso nails Ayame with a massive right hand before dropping her with a back suplex in the middle of the ring! Calypso is quick to her feet, tagging in Captain Arcadia! The Hero rises to the top rope!
STAR SPANGLED SPLASH- NO! AYAME GETS THE KNEES UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That could have been it right there!
MATT RUBY: Coulda, woulda, shoulda, Bronco.
Wolf Fang gets to her feet, stumbling back towards her corner where Locke tags himself in! He leaps the ropes and runs Arcadia down!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SPIRITUAL AWAKENING! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!
MATT RUBY: TURNED THAT GIT INSIDE OUT!
Lutherian forces Arcadia back to his feet, rocking him with a headbutt to the nose before going to whip him across the ring-
NO! THE LAST LINE! RIPCORD LARIAT BY ARCADIA!
Arcadia doesn't have much time as he scales the ropes once again! He calls for the end as he leaps!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: STAR SPANGLED FROG SPLASH! ARCADIA GETS ALL OF IT!
MATT RUBY: Demi drops for the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Both teams fought hard, but only one odd couple can walk out victorious! Your winners are Captain Arcadia and Calypso!
Attention Gotten
Captain Arcadia and Calypso have left the ringside area, leaving Lutherian Locke and Wolf Fang Ayame by themselves. They stare each other down for a while before the Light Bringer proceeds to leave the ring, albeit seemingly forcing himself to do so.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can only imagine the amount of restraint Locke is putting up to not attack the Wolf right now.
MATT RUBY: A part of him is too chicken shit to take advantage of the situation. I'd listen to those inner demons and go to town on her.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You're disgusting, you know that?
As he reaches the middle of the entrance ramp, Ayame retrieves a microphone from the timekeeper's table. She taps on it a few times before speaking into it.
"Lutherian!" She yells, stopping him in his tracks. "I saw you running away after ruining my hunt last week! You wanted my attention so badly, well now you have it!"
The Light Bringer turns around with a demonic smile. He starts to head back towards the ring, only to stop a couple steps in, holding his head in agony. Ayame rolls her eyes at the display.
"Please kill it," he whimpers, The Wolf doesn't budge from the ring as he grips his head tight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That demon inside of him really likes to make things difficult. Hopefully Ayame's able to help him out.
MATT RUBY: I hope she kills him and we never have to see that possessed creep ever again.
"You need the demonic side of you killed, I know," Wolf Fang says with a groan. "You've been bugging me about that for these past couple months."
"Please!" Lutherian begs. Ayame watches wordlessly for a few seconds as he continues to fight with himself before sighing.
"Meet me in the Groves a week from now," she says with a hint of pity. "You'll get the help you need there and then some." Ayame then drops the mike and makes her way past a struggling Locke.
Cut.
Game Plan
The Cade domicile feels like a fortress under siege.
Jackson Cade stands near the window, his arms crossed, his jaw clenched. The dim light filtering through the curtains catches the edges of his frustration, his anger barely contained.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Next week, we’re going to see the Trial of Jackson Cade live on Vendetta.
MATT RUBY: It’s about damn time someone brought some justice on our supposed Sheriff.
Behind him, George Cade sits at the kitchen table, his face weathered and set like stone. A single glass of whiskey sits untouched in front of him. He leans forward, his voice low and deliberate, every word carrying the force of a command.
“You need to get your head on straight, Jack. This isn’t about what feels right. It’s about survival. Ours.”
Jackson turns sharply, his eyes blazing. “You think I don’t know that? She’s putting me on trial, Dad. And you’re telling me to what? Play along?”
George rises, meeting his son’s fire with a cold, steady gaze. “I’m telling you to endure. She’s going to try to break you, to show you as a bad guy. But you? You don’t give her the satisfaction.”
Jackson paces, his hands running through his hair. “She’s not playing by rules, Dad. Why should I?”
“Because we need her close,” George snaps, his voice cutting through the tension. “We’re handling things. In the background, we’re making sure this doesn’t end us. But for that to work, you have to hold it together.”
George steps closer, his voice softening but losing none of its edge. “Go about your business. You’ve got a match tonight. Narcissa will make the first move. Let her. Watch. Learn. Endure.”
Jackson lifts his head, his resolve simmering beneath the surface.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s not a very strong game plan by the Cades here, Matt.
MATT RUBY: It’s hard to defend against charges that are true!
Unlock The Truth
Sometime prior to Vendetta.
No Man’s Land remains a wreckage. So when we see Gemini walking through it, heading towards a large door at the back, things become clearer.
She approaches El Mariachi Muerte with confusion strewn across her face.
“Why here?” She asks demandingly. “Why now?”
“I can’t tell you everything,” Muerte admits, tapping the door. “But I can show you where this all began.”
Gemini’s confusion doesn’t cease. “I don’t understand.”
“This is where we killed Grimskull, Drewitt and John The Revelator. No-one knows this place exists; not the Arcadian people, not the OSW roster, no-body but certain members of the House of Judgement.”
Her face becomes white with shock.
“Why?” She says in shock. “Why did you kill our friends.”
Muerte looks at the ground shamefully. “I’m afraid that if I tell you, you’ll be in more danger than you are now.”
Again, that doesn’t help her confusion.
“How is that possible? Zeus wants us to kill one another at Red Snow. He sent Grizzly St. Claire to do so,” The Rogue reminds him. “How can it possibly be any more dangerous?”
Singing Death looks at the door, his face a picture of sorrow and despair. “Trust me, it could be worse. I'm hoping that bringing you here could help you unlock some of the truth between us; at the very least, what you can know safely.”
Having had enough of his being vague, Gemini scoffs, storming off.
“Wait!” He calls after her. “Please.. I know you think they were your friends but think about what JTR made you do to this place and the people you killed, Gemini.”
She stops for a moment, her head lowered shamefully, before continuing to leave.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Fresh off a massive Tag Team Championship win, Destructo Boy is looking to continue rising up against Nobody himself, Harold Attano.
MATT RUBY: Well he could do with some rising. That kid is short as hell. But how is Attano even here? I thought he got barbecued last week.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Reports of his death were clearly exaggerated, folks! HAROLD ATTANO LIVES!
The Kid comes out of the gates hot, clobbering Attano with a Running Elbow strike that staggers Nobody. He sends him reeling into the Turnbuckle with a DROPKICK!
SEE NO EVIL! SHINING WIZARD IN THE CORNER!
NOBODY FALLS TO THE CANVAS AND DESTRUCTO BOY CLIMBS!
Bronco Blackwood: The Kid is going for it almost right out of the gates!
MY FINAL BREATH! 630 SENTON!
NO!
ATTANO GETS HIS KNEES UP AND DESTRUCTO BOY CRASHES AND BURNS!
Matt Ruby: Little prick. He should know that he’s got to hit Nobody with a lot more before he tries shit like that.
Attano picks himself up off the ground, then Destructo Boy. He grabs the Kid into a FULL NELSON HOLD, then SLAMS HIM BACK TO THE CANVAS! Attano follows up, wrenching the arm.
THE COMMON MAN!
ATTANO HAS THE ARMBAR LOCKED IN!
River Moonfoot watches carefully, breaking the hold as soon as Destructo Boy grabs the ropes. Attano releases him, and the Kid stands.
BOOM!
NOBODY UNLOADS ON HIM WITH A HIDDEN BLADE ELBOW!
DIDN’T SEE IT COMING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo Boy sure as hell didn’t see it coming, and now he’s collapsed right into the clutches of Attano.
MATT RUBY: Armbreaker! He’s got it locked in!
Attano has the KIMURA locked in, but again, Destructo Boy reaches the ropes.
Moonfoot resets things and the pair clash once more.
ONE SHOT ONE KILL!
ATTANO HIT IT CLEAN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Harold Attano stops Destructo Boy’s momentum right in the middle of it’s upward swing. He’s sure as hell back baby!
The Chain
Mighty Mighty steps out of a buzzing venue, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. The echoes of music fade as he pauses under a flickering streetlight, exhaling deeply. The quiet feels unnatural. Then, the sharp metallic clink of a chain breaks the silence.
He freezes. The sound grows louder, steady, deliberate. From the shadows, Ajax the Adonis emerges, dragging a heavy steel chain behind him. His towering frame looms under the dim light, his cold eyes fixed on Mighty.
“Klaus Way sent me. The Circus doesn’t grow without strength. You’re the pillar it needs, Mighty. You don’t get a choice.”
Mighty drops his bag, fire flashing in his eyes.
“I don’t care who sent you. You’re not taking me”
Ajax smirks and swings the chain with brutal force. The steel cracks against Mighty’s ribs, sending him staggering. Another strike crashes across his back, dropping him to his knees. A small crowd gathers, murmurs rising as Ajax looms over him.
Ajax briefly glares at the onlookers, daring them to intervene. When he turns back, Mighty is gone. Ajax scans the area, a dark grin spreading across his face.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mighty slipped through Ajax’s grasp tonight, but he won’t keep escaping forever.
MATT RUBY: He can crawl into the shadows all he wants. Ajax isn’t done, and neither is the Circus.
The End of Civility
The Pantheon Office.
Cloaked members of the Pantheon sit around a table, only this time they’re joined by not only Zeus and Ares, but Nox and Doom. Their identities being known is quite the sore point, and the room has an air of tension.
“Something big this way comes,” Zeus warns the room from the head of the table.
Demeter is the first to speak up. “We’ve had a sacred covenant inside this room for decades, Baron. Something big this way has already came; them.”
He points at Doom and Nox, who remain seated and silent.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Can you feel the tension in that room?
MATT RUBY: I'm more concerned by what's coming, BB. Zeus seems.. dare I say scared?
“As of this moment, you don’t have the full picture. You’re looking at the glass half empty, but in a matter of weeks, it may be shattered,” Zeus warns to gasps from the pantheon.
Hestia stands up. “You can’t continue being vague, Baron. Each one of us at this table has a means to keeping Arcadia in good health. We each have a part to play.”
Ares walks immediately across the room, grabbing her by the shoulder and forcing her into her seat. Her body language, along with that of the others, is that of shock.
“The end of civility may soon arise,” Zeus once again warns, this time rising. “And you’ll be glad they’re inside our tent spitting out, instead of outside spitting in.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What's that supposed to mean? Our Baron legitimately seems worried, Matt.
MATT RUBY: I don't like it at all.
With that, The Baron storms off, leaving Doom and Nox to look at one another.
Cut.
Preparations
"Gravedigger!" Aurora's voice calls out through the empty streets of the Bleak. The Thrillseeker holds a baseball in hand as she searches the desolate streets. "Get the fuck out here!"
MATT RUBY: The Bleak? What's a fine piece of ass doing down there?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The last time we saw this level Aurora was forced down here by Redgrave. I can't imagine the reason now is any better.
"Oh, my dear Aurora." Gravedigger's chilling words echo back, the groom-to-be nowhere to be seen. "You came, you really came, didn't you?"
"Your little invitation came with a note about helping you 'plan' our wedding." She searches the empty homes as she speaks, clearly seething. "There's nothing to plan. We're not getting married because I don't love you!"
There's a silence in response, an eerie lack of any sound at all, in fact.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't like the look of this, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: Neither do I. I'd go crazy is a girl like Aurora rejected me, and Gravedigger was crazy to begin with.
As Aurora looks around, baseball bat tightly clenched, we see a lone shadow appear behind her.
WHACK!
IT'S GRAVEDIGGER! HE JUST KNOCKED AURORA OUT WITH HIS SHOVEL!
The Breath of the Heavens hits the ground with a thud, Gravedigger crouching down and caressing her face as he cradles her. "There isn't anything to plan because I took care of everything, dear. I just needed you down here so I could... Convince you to come with. I have such a nice surprise for you before our wedding, Aurora."
He stands up, holding Aurora bridal style as he begins to leave, a single tear dripping down his cheek. "You may not love me now, dear. But soon, soon your heart will sing for me just as mine sings for you. You'll see... I promise you'll see."
Gravedigger moves slowly, holding Aurora to his chest as he leaves the Bleak behind.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: My God, where is he taking her? Where is he taking her!?
MATT RUBY: Nowhere good, Bronco. Nowhere good.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big triple threat here tonight as Mighty Mighty faces off against Mr Sunshine and Arcadian's Own Sheriff, Jackson Cade. But after the brutal attack by Ajax, will this basically be a one on one?
MATT RUBY: Hey if Tons of Fun can't withstand a little action to the skull every once in a while, he probably shouldn't be in Olympus BB.
The bell sounds as Cade rushes forward, planting Sunshine to the mat with a big Breach And Clear Slingblade. He rolls through to his feet into a hard headbutt from Mighty before he grips him around the shoulder.
MIGHTY...NO! Cade elbows his way out of the Rock Bottom before rushing to the ropes, looking for a clothesline that Mighty ducks underneath before running to the ropes himself, springing off.
MATT RUBY: POUNNNNNCCEEEE! Mighty just yeeted our no good sheriff right out of the ring with some force BB.
The pounce takes a lot out of the hurting Mighty as he drops to one knee, not able to stop the onrushing Sunshine.
CATCH ME! Huge Crossbody Block takes the big man down as Sunshine rolls to his feet, a giant grin on his face but as he tries to pick Mighty up for the Dizzy Game, he can't quite lift him up before the big man delivers an Axe Handle to the back.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: POWERBOMB CITY! A massive ring shaking Powerbomb sends Sunshine nearly through the mat but Mighty isn't done as he rushes to the ropes, bouncing off.
BIG FUNK CITY! BIG BOY SENTON crushes Sunshine as Mighty drops down to cover, Demi Sky sliding in to count the fall
ONE
............
...................
TWO
..................
......................
SCREAMING EAGLE! JACKSON CADE BREAKS UP THE FALL WITH A DIVING ELBOW DROP OUT OF NOWHERE!
Jackson rolls to his feet, waiting for the hurting Mighty to slowly get up before rushing forward
HOSTILE DOWN! The Superkick hits hard, dropping Mighty but Jackson can't cover as he's suddenly rolled up from behind by Mr Sunshine. Jackson struggling as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
.............
..............
TWO
..............
.................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: HA! That's what you get Cade, All Sheriff's are Bastards and tonight, all Sheriff's are Losers.
Jackson Cade: Crooked Sheriff
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was a hell of a match, Matt.
MATT RUBY: I wish we could skip to next week and watch Jackson Cade get his just desserts.
Jackson Cade’s is heading up the aisle to the stage when the arena lights dim suddenly and the stage’s video screen flickers to life.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Uh oh, is this what George Cade meant by the first move?
Narcissa’s voice snakes through the speakers, smooth and venomous.
“Jackson Cade: the man, the Sheriff, the failure.”
The screen bursts into motion. Grainy bodycam footage shows Jackson Cade and C.J. Thorpe siccing the APD on Malakai Midnight and Gravedigger in the middle of the ring, their batons cracking down on the men who assaulted their parents.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is out of context. They assaulted George and Mary…
MATT RUBY: Abuse of power! Abuse of power! Thank Zeus Narcissa is on the case!
The camera lingers on the brutality, the indiscriminate chaos as officers swarm, fists flying. Narcissa’s voice drips with mockery.
“You said it was for justice. Arcadia saw a gang in uniform.”
The video shifts. Another clip, this time of Jackson leading his men into the Metalworks. The feed switches to bodycam footage: APD officers lining up in front of Tombstone, weapons drawn. Chaos erupts. Gunfire echoes, and the camera shakes violently before focusing on an officer’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground.
“You sent your men to die, Jackson,” Narcissa hisses. “For what? Your pride? Your rage? Your vendetta?”
The screen cuts to a slow-motion replay of Jackson awakening in Medical, storming past the covered body of the man who died for him. The crowd’s murmurs grow louder, tinged with shock and disgust.
MATT RUBY: How long have I been telling you, BB? This guy’s no good.
Jackson stands frozen at the foot of the ramp, his hands clenched into fists as Narcissa’s laughter fills the arena.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” her voice purrs, “this is your Crooked Sheriff. This is your law. How much more will you let him take from you?”
The screen goes dark. Jackson’s face is a storm of fury and shame as he turns and storms to the back, the crowd’s jeers following him like a shadow.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t see how Jackson Cade can endure like his father asked, not in the face of this.
MATT RUBY: He deserves every bit of it.
Thief's Lament
Anton Savor is busy in his kitchen. Slicing and dicing expertly with a large knife.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Anton Savor is preparing another one of his delicacies. We get to see the master at work.
MATT RUBY: Well, he’s not using the ingredients that he tried to have his people take from Calypso’s garden. Look at the size of that knife, I bet he compensating for something.
But the steady sound of his knife chopping slows, then stops entirely. His scowl turns to a look of confusion. He’s being watched.
“Who goes there?”
Silence.
Savor places the knife down, peering beyond the kitchen into nothingness.
“Steal from the Bayou, mon chè, and the Bayou will take back a pound of flesh.”
Calypso appears, Savor raising the knife again.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Savor is ready to defend himself. He looks like he’s about to strike at any sudden move.
MATT RUBY: The guy has a piece of ass like Calypso alone in a dark room. Dream come true!
Calypso tuts at Savor.
“I knew it when I saw Roland Gray meet his end. I know the powers of my own delicacies very well. You are a thief, another greedy human who takes what he wants and cares not who he steals from.”
Savor smirks.
“I’m not scared of you, or your tricks. You want me to plead innocence and beg for mercy? Of course I knew where I was sending my people to gather their supplies… I take what I want.”
He uses the knife to flick some of the ingredients he’d been cutting across the room at Calypso.
“I desire only the best ingredients. If I have to take them from you, I will.”
He leaps forward, swinging the knife. Calypso holds out an object, which the knife plunges into. Instantly, Anton Savor collapses to the ground, clutching at his leg.
Calypso takes the knife out of the leg of the voodoo doll that it had stabbed, stepping over a groaning Anton Savor with a warning.
“Stay away from the Bayou, or next time it will be your heart.”
MATT RUBY: Oh, I have some toys I’d like to let her play with.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Calypso has sent her warning. Savor doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who is going to be scared away.
Cut.
A Dirty Smile
The Sunshine Club.
Decorated with yellow paint, blissful clouds, and a big smiley face decorating the back wall. The titular Mister Sunshine himself tidies the room, whistling happily as he does.
CRASH!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: By Zeus! Captain Arcadia just kicked in the door!
MATT RUBY: God, I never thought I'd be happy to see this Nitwit! Tear this place apart, Cap!
Sunshine turns around, his smile forever etched onto his face as he looks Captain Arcadia down. The Patriot produces the file from last week, a sneer on his face. "Charlie Boye," he begins, approaching Sunshine. "I want you to explain this to me. Explain all of it to me before I set this entire clubhouse on fire!"
Arcadia throws the file onto a table in front of Sunshine, letting it fall open to reveal more than what we saw last week, including another photograph. One of a man we've come to known as Mr. Kleen. Sunshine looks at the folder, tilting his head.
"What's there to explain, friend?"
"Are you dense? You know Mr. Kleen. In fact, I can see that you've known him for years, haven't you?"
"Childhood... Friends." Sunshine says back, a small giggle in his voice. "Is it so wrong to have a bond, Captain? To hold someone near and dear to your heart?"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Sunshine knows Mr. Kleen?
MATT RUBY: As kids, Bronco! Do you keep up with everyone you were friends with as a child?
"It matters when the man you're close to got my own friends killed, Boye. Just who the hell are you?"
There's a pause, Sunshine tilting his head as he taps his fingers on the table nearby. "I'm afraid I can't say. And, I believe, it would be best of you to leave, my friend."
"I'm not leaving without my answers, friend."
Sunshine sighs, his smile unmoving. "Then I am so sorry, Captain."
WELCOME TO THE SUNSHINE CLUB! SUNSHINE JUST PUT CAPTAIN ARCADIA THROUGH A TABLE WITH A FULL NELSON FLAPJACK!
Cap lays in a heap as Sunshine looms over him, grabbing the file from the wreckage. "I promise, I'll lift your spirits for this another time, Captain. Another time."
And without another word he leaves, leaving Captain Arcadia in a heap.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This match could very well be what a House of Judgment implosion would look like as Narcissa Balenciaga takes on Gravedigger with a shovel on a pole.
MATT RUBY: The first person who gets the shovel will be able to use it, Bronco. This could be a knockdown drag-out affair with our Queen and The Ferryman’s Apprentice tonight!
Referee River Moonfoot calls for the bell. The contest is underway, with a shovel hanging from a neutral corner as both competitors rush toward the prize. Gravedigger manages to get to the corner first, scrambling for the shovel.
UPRISING – BICYCLE KNEE TO THE DIAPHRAM OF GRAVEDIGGER SENDING HIM SLINKING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE APRON SUCKING WIND!
Narcissa manages to perch herself on the middle rope and start her climb for the Shovel.
Just fingertips away...
*WA-BAM!*
SHOVEL GODDAMN READY – LEAPING BULLHAMMER ELBOW SENDS HERA TUMBLING TO THE CANVAS AND ALLOWING GRAVEDIGGER TO SNAG THE SHOVEL AND PERCH HIMSELF ON THE TOP ROPE.
Narcissa starts to get back to her feet and The Apprentice launches himself off the top rope!
FLYING SHOVEL SHOT!
SPINNING HEEL KICK – MODIFIED REVO-FUCKING-LUTION KNOCKING THE SHOVEL DOWN AND OUT AS HERA GOES FOR THE COVER AND MOONFOOT MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Narcissa thinks on her feet and manages to capture victory without needing the shovel!
MATT RUBY: I got to admit BB that was a slick move by my queen to walk away with the win!
The Right to Remain Silent
With the Circus no longer operational, or under “reconstruction” as Klaus Way has so elegantly put it, he now resides in Agora, surrounded by his troop. As they protect him from the crowds, they keep a distance for the most part.
Only when the APD storm through the market stalls towards them, do the freaks move aside and allow the dog to see the rabbit.
“Mister Way?” One of the officers says, holding a piece of paper in his hand. He thrusts the paper at Klaus, who nods at the mention of his name. “You’re under arrest.”
Within a matter of moments, officers are cuffing Way who barely has time to look at the warrant for his arrest.
“On what charge?” He begs exasperatedly.
“On MDK,” the officer repeats. “You have the right to remain silent…”
“Wait,” Klaus interrupts. “You’re arresting me for Murder Death Kill? How can that be possible?”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Is this over the bones they found at the remains of the circus?
MATT RUBY: He thought there would be trouble, BB. I hate to say it but maybe Klaus has a little sordid history we don't know about.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You think?
As the officers drag him away, members of the Circus disperse – some following, some walking away.
We watch through the crowd, noticing Michaela – only as she attempts to flee, she bumps into a familiar face.
Her father.
Harold Attano.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: IT'S ATTANO!
MATT RUBY: Cockroach! BLOODY COCKROACH! I BET HE DID THIS TO POOR KLAUS WAY JUST TO SPEAK TO HIS DAUGHTER!
“Michaela?” He asks. She looks up, shocked. “We need to talk.”
Cut.
The First Cut...
The Mortuary.
Felix Foley pounds on the heavy door with both fists, his voice raw and hoarse.
“Tombstone!” he yells, his words echoing in the stillness. “You wanted me? Here I am! Open the damn door!”
MATT RUBY: Talk about visiting death’s door.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley has gone mad, going after Tombstone after all this time.
The silence mocks him, the Mortuary giving no reply. Frustrated, Felix kicks the door before stalking around the building. He rounds the corner, his heart racing, and there it is—the River.
MATT RUBY: Ask and ye shall receive!
A boat glides toward the dock, Tombstone standing at its helm, gripping the oar. He pulls the boat forward with practiced ease, his gaze locking on Felix even as he ties the vessel to the dock.
“Well, well,” Tombstone says, his voice dry and cold. “I see you’ve come. A day I have waited a long time for, the moment when you’d lost everything. Do you accept the truth now, Felix?”
Felix stands firm, his fists clenched, his breath fogging in the cold air. “I know the truth. That we’re the same. Cut from the same damn cloth.”
Tombstone steps onto the dock, his grin as chilling as the night air. “I’m going to enjoy this… are you ready to die?”
WHAM!
Without hesitation, Felix leaps into the boat, tackling Tombstone with all the fury of a man pushed to the brink. The boat rocks violently as Felix grabs the oar from the floor.
“Ready to die?” Felix growls, gripping the oar tightly. “It won’t be that easy.”
He swings the oar with all his strength…
THWACK RIGHT ACROSS TOMBSTONE’S TEMPLE!
Static.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: No! We’ve lost the feed! Get it back, get it back!
MATT RUBY: Get the best people on it. What the hell is happening!
To be continued…
Gather
The new OSW Tag Team Champions storm confidently through The Slums. This place has rarely been kind to them in the past, but they seemingly have a plan of action.
They approach a small compound, knocking on the door.
What answers shocks everyone inside the arena.
A Juggalo.
“The fuck you want?” He hisses at Burning Justice.
“We’re looking for Chainsaw Chuck, is that you?” Destructo Boy bravely asks. The Juggalo cackles at him, looking him up and down.
The Burned Man takes exception, pushing him and the door out of the way and forcing himself inside.
“The fuck you doin’?” The Juggalo demands to know. Multiple members of his crew quickly rush to his aid, pistols drawn. “You fuckboys wanna get yourselves killed, is that it?”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can't believe Burning Justice are here. What happened to their plan to do things the safe and right way?
MATT RUBY: They just can't help but get themselves into trouble. They're troublemarkers, Bronco.
“We’re looking for Chainsaw,” Destructo Boy repeats. “He’s second in command to Hatchet. We think we know where he is.”
One of the Juggalo’s quickly whispers to another, who whispers to another, who finally gets back to the man who answered the door.
“I’m Chainsaw Chuckie and according to the boys, you two fuckers…”
“We have history with Hatchet,” The Burned Man interrupts. “You’re right. We do. But that’s not why we’re here. We think we know where he’s being held captive and we need your help to break him out.”
“Aight,” Chuckie says with a nod, telling his men to lower their pistols. “Let’s gather.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wait a second! Are you telling me The Gathering and Burning Justice may just... join forces?
MATT RUBY: I'll believe it when I see it!
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Now folks it might be time for our main event but this won't be pretty. This may well be an execution here tonight as per our Killer King's instructions, CJ Thorpe cannot fight back against DOOM or terrible things will happen.
MATT RUBY: Our Killer King has the world champ in the palm of his hands BB. DOOM's going to beat him to within an inch of his life and Jasper...well all Jasper has to do is tear apart the scraps and get what's rightfully his.
The bell sounds as CJ Thorpe and DOOM just stare one another down. Thorpe is furious but he stands his ground as DOOM's smile wraps wide on his face, the Corporate Scientist clearly loving every moment of this as he slowly walks forward, patting his jaw as if he's daring Thorpe to hit him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Look at Thorpe's face Ruby, mans tightly wound up here and DOOM knows it. Either he doesn't fight back and DOOM destroys him or he does and Redgrave does something terrible.
Thorpe tenses up, his hand throbbing in pain as he tries to stop himself striking out with everything he has. He eventually calms down, shaking his head as DOOM just sighs, shaking his own.
PUNCH OF DOOM! DOOM UNLEASHES A MAMMOTH SUPERMAN PUNCH NEARLY KNOCKING CJ OUT RIGHT THEN AND THERE!
Thorpe staggers back into the ropes as DOOM unleashes a barrage of strikes on him, Thorpe tanking each blow with clear pain before DOOM double underhooks him and begins raining down knee after knee to the unprotected dome of CJ.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: DOOM just battering a defenseless man here, this is allready getting sickening to watch.
A big knee rocks Thorpe, sending him backwards before DOOM rears back and delivers a mammoth Spartan Kick to the ribs, sending CJ tumbling through the ropes to the floor below.
Thorpe backs up into the apron, composing himself for a moment as the crowd call his name. He shakes it off, looking to the ring as DOOM rushes forward.
SUCIDE...THORPE ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AS DOOM STOPS AT THE ROPES!
MATT RUBY: What a genius Doomsie is. Not only beating Thorpe senseless but making a fool of him with that fakeout.
Thorpe looks up as he doesn't see DOOM outside or in the ring, but turning around he only sees a flash of metal before it flies at him
HOVER NO BOTHER! LEAPING KICK FROM THE RING STEPS TO THE SIDE OF THORPE'S SKULL!
Thorpe stumbles back stunned as DOOM backs up before sprinting forward
THE SPLITTER SENDS THORPE SPINE FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE POST, NEARLY BENDING HIM OVER IT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: AS ZEUS IS MY WITNESS THAT MAN IS BROKEN IN HALF! DOOM with that sickening Gore nearly breaking Thorpe's spine over the steel post and that sick bastard is loving every moment of it.
DOOM peels the hurting Thorpe up before slamming his head over and over into the post, trying to bust him wide open before dropping him down to his knees and backing up.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh No! Don't you do this DOOM.
THE SCRAMBLER INTO THE TURNBUCKLE POST! CJ THORPE IS BUSTED WIDE OPEN BY THAT SICKENING KNEE!
The crowd begin to heavily boo as DOOM soaks it in for a moment before lifting up the bleeding Thorpe and throwing him back into the ring. DOOM slides back in himself but doesn't cover, instead backing up as Thorpe slowly gets to his knees, blood trickling down his face.
THE SCRAMBLER! DOOM RUSHES FORWARD AND AGAIN DRIVES HIS KNEE RIGHT INTO THORPE'S SKULL!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That may well be it mercifully as DOOM hooks the leg, Mills Stanton beginning to count.
ONE
..................
.......................
TWO
.......................
...........................
DOOM PULLS THE SHOULDER UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This sick bastard. I knew that wasn't it, the so called good doctor wants to punish our world champion more for his sick pleasures.
DOOM backs up, waiting for Thorpe to get to his feet as he rushes forward.
THE SPLITTER! DOOM nearly tears him in half with the Gore but Thorpe somehow gets up. DOOM delivers a second and then a third before a fourth turns the world champion inside out, crumpling to the canvas in an unconcious heap.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Come on dammnit, cover the man for Zeus's sake. This is just obscene and Mills should probably call it soon.
DOOM casually covers Thorpe, Mills dropping down to count
ONE
..............
TWO
.................
.........................
THR.....
......................
THORPE KICKS OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD; THORPE KICKS OUT! THORPE KICKS OUT! That had to be instinctual somehow Ruby, the world champion's body refusing to stay down despite needing to.
MATT RUBY: And look at DOOM there BB, he looks pissed...maybe even nettled. This ain't gonna be good for Thorpe here.
DOOM furiously lifts Thorpe up, drilling him with hard knee after knee to the midsection before lifting him onto his shoulders.
IMPENDING DOOM! The Death Valley Driver hits hard as DOOM immediately hooks the leg, Mills dropping down to count
ONE
...............
......................
TWO
......................
..........................
THRE....
.....................
FOOT ON THE ROPE!
MATT RUBY: Zeus Christ Thorpe, just stay down. The idiot is acting like he wants his mom to suffer.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That's all intuition Ruby, Thorpe looks like he can barely think let alone fight at the moment.
DOOM gets up furious as Thorpe slowly gets up to his knees but DOOM is allready sprinting at him
BREAKING THE JAR! RUNNING PUNT KICK NEARLY EXPLODES THORPE'S SKULL
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That has to be it...but DOOM isn't covering. Oh no, what is he about to do?
The Doctor doesn't cover instead slapping a button on his chest as electricity begins to flow all over him. He doesn't back up, instead mounting Thorpe and beginning to rain down electrified punches on the helpless Thorpe.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is about to be a murder Ruby. Mills has to get in there to stop it.
Stanton trying to get DOOM to get off but DOOM just pushes him away and keeps striking. Stanton shakes his head and rings the bell.
MATT RUBY: Wait...did DOOM just get himself disqualified? What the hell call is that?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It's the right call from an official who knows DOOM has gone way beyond here. Now someone please come out here and stop this mad man before it's too late.
Stage Two: Anger
Having managed to get himself Disqualified, Doom rises from punching the holy hell out of CJ Thorpe and exits the ring, his frustration evident on the blood strewn canvas.
CJ’s face is a bloodied mess. His crimson mask is pouring all over the ring as Jasper Redgrave cockily makes his way out to meet him. He slides into the ring, looking down at Thorpe who kneels, gasping.
“Don’t you feel better?” Jasper asks with a big pearly white smile. “Now that you’re no longer in denial.”
“Fuck…. you,” The World Champion hisses, spitting blood.
“Stage two it is then?” He says with a shrug. “Right on cue.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ENOUGH OF THIS!
MATT RUBY: He's helping, BB! He's helping!
The Killer King quickly pulls him up and under…
PEDIGREE!
PEDIGREE!
PEDIGREE!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GOD DAMN THIS COWARD! He's too afraid to win a title on his own, that's all this is!
MATT RUBY: Ha! It's not that at all. There's a masterplan at play here, Bronc. You're just not on his level enough to see it.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And you are!?
MATT RUBY: Of course.
He plants Thorpe hard in the middle of the ring to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Chuckling to himself, he picks up his dropped microphone and towers over the fallen and bloodied World Champion.
“When you wake up, you’re going to feel angry. You’re going to want to do something about that anger, Joseph. That’s stage two. You’ll find me on my throne at The Gallery,” he beckons with a smirk, stepping backwards and dropping out of the ring. “I’ll be seeing you there.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: CJ Thorpe needs to stop this. Jasper Redgrave will end up killing him. He needs to stop.
MATT RUBY: And poor Mama Cade... what happens to her, Bronco?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't know Ruby. I just don't know.
Cut.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.