WARZONE #377
Your Friends
This week on Warzone, those who chose alliances last week will find out just how well they chose. Nero and Destructo will defend Destructo's tag titles against Eclipse and Nox. Jasper Redgrave takes on Felix Foley in the Main Event and Zeus will push those he's chosen to take part in the Invasion Match to make their decision on which side they choose in the Civil War.
Face to Face
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
No fluff, no pomp.
Just a ring, a microphone, and Jackson fucking Cade.
“If Redgrave wants to call me out—then I’m right fucking here.”
The challenge hangs in the air like a gunshot.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Last week, Scott Sterling booked a face to face between Champion and Challenger, but I didn’t think we’d get it right now!
MATT RUBY: More importantly, Scott Sterling said Jackson Cade can’t touch the Champ or he loses his shot.
A pause—then, the lights dim.
"Please allow me to introduce myself.."
MATT RUBY: Ask and ye shall receive!
"I'm a man of wealth, and taste.."
The arena falls into darkness. A single stage light beams down on the entrance way as it begins to fill with a thick fog. "Sympathy for The Devil" by The Rolling Stones begins hammering the sound system and the fog slowly begins to part until the silhouette of a man stands just behind the spot light.
Jasper Redgrave steps onto the ramp to a chorus of boos, with the OSW World Championship slung over his shoulder. He moves like a man who owns the world, smirking as he slithers down toward the ring.
Inside, Cade doesn’t move, but his jaw is set, his chest rising and falling like a man about to explode.
Redgrave slides through the ropes, stepping close, nose to nose. A stare-down. The crowd roars, electricity crackling between them.
Jasper grins, "Come on, Little Eagle—take your shot."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That son of a bitch is goading him!
Before Cade can make his move—
“Don’t make a bloody move!”
Scott Sterling walks out onto the stage, raising his hand up to both men.
“Now, now, gentlemen. We wouldn’t want to ruin my Invasion main event, would we? But I think we can find something for you boys to do later.”
Cade grits his teeth. Redgrave grins wider.
Sterling continues. “So tonight, in the main event—Jackson, your buddy, who I’m sure is in pristine condition after last week, Felix Foley, will face Jasper Redgrave.”
The crowd erupts.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s not fair! Felix lost his home and his mother last week! He’s in no condition to compete.
MATT RUBY: This is OSW, you always need to be ready!
“And more importantly… Jackson Cade will be the special guest referee.”
Cade’s glare darkens.
Sterling smirks. “One more thing. I’ve decided to revise my rule. Instead of just Jackson Cade, neither of you can touch each other before Invasion. Cade, you attack Redgrave, you lose your shot. Redgrave, you attack Cade? You forfeit the OSW World Championship.”
Redgrave is pissed now. Cade just stares him down, fists clenched at his sides.
“Now get the hell out of my ring. The Authority has spoken!”
Sterling walks away, while Redgrave and Cade stare at one another for a long moment, before Redgrave breaks first, heading backstage.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight, we have a new main event. Jasper Redgrave verses Felix Foley with Jackson Cade as the special guest referee!
Guerilla Warfare
Clack. Clack. Clack.
The familiar sound of heels click across the floor, introducing the scene. Narcissa, once more flanked by Nox and her Preservationists, walks through the well-lit halls of Olympus. She sips idly from a cup of tea before speaking, a hint of boredom in her voice. "We'll rendezvous at the meeting place later tonight. Is everything ready?"
"Yes, Hera," Nox says. "Should I bring the package?"
Narcissa pauses, tapping the tea cup thoughtfully. "No. They get their payment when I get their devotion."
"Of course." Nox chuckles, turning to their security detail. "Get ready to move out."
"Yes sir!" The Preservationists shout in unity.
Click.
A light goes out in the hall, a scream is heard as one of the Preservationists gets yanked into the shadows! Suddenly, more lights go out.
Click.
Click.
Click.
A chorus of screams are heard, a look of shock in Narcissa's eyes as her men get taken out one by one! Suddenly, the light above her and Nox goes dark. The sound of a cup smashing against the ground is heard and then silence.
Click.
The light turns back on to reveal Nox in a heap on the floor and Narcissa restrained by The Night as Harold Attano stares her down. "The meeting place. Where is it?"
"How did you get in here!?" She shouts.
"Nowhere is safe from me, Hera." Night says, tightening his grip. "What have you offered them?"
Narcissa merely laughs in response. "Something you could never hope to compete with. Something far beyond your pathetic reach. But," she smirks, "If you want to ask them then please, do."
"Then give us the meeting place," Harold spits.
"The Agora. An old warehouse that once housed my clothing. Happy?"
Attano and The Night share a look, nodding. "Inform the others. Let's g0 before help arrives."
Flicker.
And, like that, Night and Attano disappear, leaving Narcissa and her men in disarray.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big time championship matchup here tonight as Red defends his NXT Level Championship for the very first time against the underdog hero Captain Arcadia.
MATT RUBY: Looking forward to this one BB, I love watching that masked idiot fail constantly and can't wait for the Concierge to beat the living crap out of him.
The bell sounds as Red rushes forward, looking for a lariat but Arcadia ducks underneath, leaping upwards
GRASPS OF JUSTICE! Poisonrana drops Red right on his head as he stumbles to his feet groggy, just as Arcadia leaps off the ropes and spikes him down to the mat with a stiff tornado DDT.
Arcadia doesn't cover, instead backing up as he cocks his fist, waiting for Red to get to his feet as he rushes forward
PUNCH OF...RED-EMPTION! RING SHAKING SPINEBUSTER PLANTS ARCADIA INTO THE MAT!
MATT RUBY: About time Red got back into this, come on you underworld git, take this masked menace apart.
Red calls for the end, trying to lift up Arcadia but the Captain slips out, delivering a hard Superkick before grabbing him around the waist
EMBRACE OF JUSTICE! BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX plants Red as Arcadia rushes to the ropes, leaping up to the top before diving off and high
ONE FOR ALL! CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Arcadia hits all of it, staying down for the pin as Cole Holt slides in to count
ONE
...................
........................
TWO
....................
MATT RUBY: NOOOO! KICK OUT YOU CAPO BASTARD!
..................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: WE HAVE A NEW NXT LEVEL CHAMPION! Captain Arcadia has finally done it, he's finally won himself a title here in Olympus and most of us are happy about it.
MATT RUBY: Absolutely terrible refereeing here, I knew that bastard Holt was always on the take. Red got screwed by that no good dastardly Arcadia. HE"S A MENACE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Menace or not, Captain Arcadia is your new NXT Level Champion and here's looking to a long and eventful reign for the hero of the people.
Burn
We are back outside Destructo's domicile. Again, there is a gathering of Disciples of Christ formed, just as last week, although this time without Ezekiel Graves.
However, the vibe seems altogether different now.
They don't seem to come baring good tidings.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Last we saw of the Disciples of Christ, Destructo was refusing to join their ranks.
MATT RUBY: Bunch of freaky weirdoes, I don't blame him. But they don't seem to have taken his no very well.
They come pouring gasoline, leaving a trail that leads to the front door, where several gasoline cannisters are placed wedged against the domicile entrance.
“Brother Lucius,” one of the DOC faithful calls to the senior member of the group who carries a burning torch. “All is set.”
The one named Lucius steps forward.
“The Reverend Ezekiel Graves has labelled this a sinner's den. He who claims a gift from above without faith must be burned for his transgressions against our Lord and savior.”
He steps forward, torch held high. Those gathered with him chant in unison.
“Sinners all shall burn.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They're mad. Really, they're going to burn his damn home… after all Destructo has been through.
MATT RUBY: He's probably not home though right? It'll be fine…
At that moment that the door of the domicile bursts open. Gas cannisters fly from their pile as a pissed off Destructo storms out.
“Get off my property and take your righteous damnation somewhere else.”
He makes a beeline for the one holding the torch.
“Or better yet, shove this thing up your ass, then you'll truly have a light within you worth shining.”
The one named Lucius takes no notice of Destructo, moving to touch the torch to the trail of gasoline.
But Destructo kicks the torch out of his hands. It sails into the sky, Destructo swipes it out of the air. The Disciple screams and backs away, tripping and falling onto his ass.
MATT RUBY: That was a pretty slick move from Destructo.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo is playing with fire though Matt. One slip and his home goes up in flames… again.
“Fuck off. If you, Graves or any of you assholes show your face back here, your god better have mercy on your souls… because I won't.”
With that, he snuffs out the torch.
Cut.
Doom, Why?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and gentlemen, last week, we saw Felix Foley’s family domicile be destroyed. His mother is nowhere to be found.
MATT RUBY: Couldn’t have happened to a nicer lady.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Don’t even… we’ve got Lucky Cassidy standing by with Felix.
The OSW logo shines bright on the screen as Lucky Cassidy stands center frame, microphone in hand. Beside him, Felix Foley looms, his usual warmth replaced with a cold, simmering focus. His clothes are still singed at the edges, a faint trace of smoke clinging to him.
“Felix Foley, tonight, you face Jasper Redgrave in the ring. How are you feeling going into this match?” Lucky asks.
Felix rubs his hands together, his breath measured. “I’m here to compete, Lucky. That’s what I do.” His voice is steady, but there’s an edge to it—something barely restrained.
Lucky hesitates before pushing forward. “Now… I gotta ask, Felix. After what happened to your home—”
Felix exhales sharply, cutting him off. “It’s gone. Unsalvageable. That’s what they told me.”
Lucky shifts uncomfortably, pressing on. “But with the Civil War raging, Felix… why did you stay there in the first place?”
Felix’s jaw tightens. “For my Momma.” The words carry weight, the unspoken pain behind them lingering in the air.
Lucky takes a beat. “Have you—have you been able to find her?”
Silence. Felix clenches his fists, staring past Lucky. “No.”
A pause. Then, Felix turns to the camera, his expression darkening.
“I’m coming for you, Doom. This was supposed to be man to man.”
He leans in closer, eyes narrowing.
“And I will make you will tell me why you did this.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley sounds like a man possessed, I wouldn’t want to be Jasper Redgrave tonight, or Doom whenever Foley gets his hands on him.
MATT RUBY: Possessed by stupidity. He’s not 100%, and the Killer King’s not one to go easy on him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It's power against power tonight as El Juicio takes on Mighty Mighty.
MATT RUBY: Call it what you want. I'll call it two big sweaty fatties slapping meat.
El Juicio lumbers across the ring with a head full of enthusiasm and looking to make an instant impact.
But Mighty makes his own impact with a THROAT THRUST!
EL JUICIO IS CAUGHT DEAD IN HIS TRACKS AND GASPING FOR AIR!
WHACK!
OOOOOH!
MIGHTY MIGHTY SLAPS HIM RIGHT IN THE CHEST!
WHACK!
OOOOOH AGAIN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He's really playing to the crowd here, lighting up El Juicio with slap after slap.
MATT RUBY: Look at that flubber fly! It's hypnotic!
Mighty Mighty wrenches the wrist and pulls El Juicio into the ropes. He comes lumbering back at Mighty.
HIGH AND MIGHTY!
MASSIVE BACKDROP RELEASE!
MEN THAT BIG AREN'T MADE TO FLY!
El Juicio crashes down with a force that rattles the ring and shakes Olympus itself. But Mighty isn't done yet.
He pulls the big guy to his feet and lifts all of his hefty frame into the air.
STALLING BRAINBUSTER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The sheer power of Mighty Mighty here. Incredible show of strength.
MATT RUBY: He's manhandling him like a hooker that charges by the minute. I'm still shaking from that earthquake!
El Juicio is out, but Mighty pulls him to his feet once more.
MIGHTY CAROUSELL!
THE SWINGING ROCK BOTTOM ABSOLUTELY DESTROYS EL JUICIO!
Mighty plants a foot on the chest of his decimated opponent, counting with the crowd along with the ref.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was a destruction, plain and simple.
MATT RUBY: Well, not everyone is cut out for Olympus BB. Some guys are big enough to look scary, but end up being just a pussycat.
Do We Have A Deal?
A few days before Warzone...
Calliope music is heard as large crowd has gathered at the Circus entrance. Mighty Mighty is seen having a dance off with one of the patrons. The Chunk of Funk, despite dancing quite smoothly, is visibly exhausted and in need of a break. Nobody seems to notice or care, however, as they're to busy enjoying the spectacle.
As the music stops and the competition comes to a close, the crowd and his opponent applaud the larger man for winning yet another battle. Not long after the cheering stops and the crowd leaves for other attractions, a familiar Man in a Hat walks towards Mighty with a sinister grin on his face.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't like the way Red's looking at Mighty. There's some evil intentions running through his head, I can tell.
MATT RUBY: As long as that Mighty tub of lard sheds a pound or two, I don't care what he does to him.
"So, this is what you do at the Circus?" Red asks with a smirk. "Dance like an idiot for the circus goers until Klaus tells you to stop? Oh, what a tortured life you live."
"Except I'm never told to stop," Mighty says breathlessly. "I just keep dancing nonstop until I either pass out, I'm booked for a match, or the Circus closes."
"I can see how that's an issue." Red says, dropping his smile. "I at least give my men breaks when they need them." He discreetly offers the big man a flask of water, which he takes and chugs down at breakneck pace.
"Now can you see why I want out of my contract?" The dancing man asks. "Will you help me before I die from exhaustion?" Red rubs his chin for a second before responding.
"Alright. Give me a couple weeks and I'll find some sort of loophole in here." Mighty smiles before bringing in Red for a handshake. After a couple shakes, the Concierge quickly pulls his hand away and walks off before the Calliope music starts up again, forcing Mighty to dance some more.
MATT RUBY: God damn it Red, why'd you take him up on his begging? If there's one thing I hate seeing more than that fat bastard, it's him being happy.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Clearly he sees what's wrong with Klaus's treatment and is doing what's right.
Cut.
Liora
Location Unknown.
Drewitt marches forward, his boots scuffing against old stone, guiding a girl. She’s from Anestheria from the looks of her.
Her name is Liora.
Liora clutches her cloak tightly, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow. She walks with the urgency of someone carrying a secret too heavy to bear alone.
“I will only speak to the leader of the Watchers,” she insists for the third time.
Drewitt exhales sharply. “If they even have one.”
The Pilgrim’s remark only gets an eyebrow in return. Yet, Liora is resolute, and so he leads her through the darkness to a door that few know of. One that Zeus would love to learn the location of.
Stepping through, the Watcher’s compound is a patchwork of stolen tech, dim lanterns, and figures draped in hoods, their faces obscured by time and necessity. A man steps forward, his voice steady.
“She will be heard,” he promises.
Drewitt nods and watches as Liora is led away…
Sometime later, over a dimly lit table, Drewitt pushes a dented tin plate of food around with his fork. Across from him, John the Revelator eats in silence, until Drewitt finally speaks.
“That girl. Liora. What happened to her?”
John blinks, expression unreadable. “Who?”
Drewitt frowns. “The girl I brought in earlier. Said she had intel for the Watchers.”
John shakes his head. “Never heard of her. But new orders just came through.”
Drewitt leans back, unsettled. “Have you met the leader?”
John exhales slowly. “No. And I’m starting to wonder if anyone has.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s Way’s Circus taking on the Preservationists here tonight when former OSW Champion Narcissa Balenciaga takes on the Strong Man Ajax the Adonis!
MATT RUBY: The ever-attractive queen of Arcadia taking on the muscle behind the Circus.
Referee River Moonfoot calls for the bell and Hera looks to press the advantage using her speed rushing Ajax. Who manages to catch the Fashionista but she uses The Bigger Man as a springboard, staggering The Adonis with a Dropkick.
*CRACK!*
UPRISING! BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE CATCHES AJAX AND DROPS HIM TO A KNEE!
Brought down to her level, The Designer goes for Ajax's eyes, but the Muscle Man manages to snatch up the smaller woman in a giant Overhead Press!
MATT RUBY: Look at where Ajax’s hands are, he’s living my dream!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: But I don’t think those hands will be there for long!
TWO HANDS ANY-NO! AJAX SCREAMS OUT LOUD AND DROPS NARCISSA AS SHE CLAWS HIS NOSE AND EYES UNTIL BLOOD APPEARS!
Narcissa manages to slip out behind Ajax hooking up The Ripcord before...
UPRISING! SPINNING HEEL KICK LAYS OUT THE STRONG MAN ALLOWING HERA TO CRAWL INTO THE COVER AS MOONFOOT COUNTS!
ONE!
...
TWO!
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The former OSW World Champion topples OSW Strongman!
MATT RUBY: I wonder if I’ll be invited to the celebration tonight!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You are one Royal ass-kisser, Ruby.
The Weight of a Smile
Inside a dimly lit locker room, Mister Sunshine sits alone, bouncing a small rubber ball off the floor. No smirk, no jokes, just silence.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ain’t often you see Mister Sunshine sittin’ still. That ain’t a man at peace that’s a man caught in his own head.
MATT RUBY: Maybe he’s just finally realizing Arcadia’s not going away. I mean, the guy’s like an ex that won’t take a hint.
The door creaks open. A group of children step inside, led by Captain Arcadia. Their voices are light, innocent, a stark contrast to the storm in Sunshine’s head. His eyes flick up, caught off guard.
“They wanted to see you.”
Mister Sunshine raises an eyebrow but says nothing. The kids inch forward, hopeful but nervous. A small girl clutches a tattered Mister Sunshine plushie. Another boy, no older than ten, wears a yellow bowtie, too big for his frame. His eyes hold something Sunshine can’t ignore, a sadness too heavy for a child.
“MISTER SUNSHINE!!!! You’re real! I told my brother you were real!”
Mister Sunshine’s breath catches. His fingers twitch. He kneels, offering a real smile small, but real.
“Well, I’ll be. You lot just made my day.”
The kids swarm him, showing drawings, asking for autographs. But Sunshine’s focus drifts to the boy in the bowtie.
“What’s your name, champ?”
“Ollie.”
Mister Sunshine ruffles his hair.
“That bowtie looks better on you than it ever did on me.”
Ollie giggles, but his voice is small. Too small. Arcadia steps forward, his voice low.
“His brother was killed in the riots last week.”
Mister Sunshine’s body stiffens. The lightness in the room fades. His breath catches as he looks down at Ollie, who shifts on his feet but doesn’t break eye contact.
“He said you always keep people smiling. Even when things are bad.”
Mister Sunshine swallows hard. The usual jokes? The easy deflections? They won’t work here. The boy isn’t looking for a punchline, he's looking for the man he believes in. The man his brother believed in. Sunshine exhales, the mask slipping. For the first time in a long time he has no words.
Mister Sunshine takes the marker, staring at it for a moment before signing the notebook. His smile this time isn’t forced, it's for them. Because even if the world is burning outside… for these kids? He has to be something better.
Fade to black.
Howling at the Moon
The Groves.
Wolf Fang Ayame walks carefully through the Groves, watching her every footstep when suddenly, the cracking of a branch under foot brings her to an abrupt halt.
Whoosh!
A knife flies past her head, slamming into a tree. She turns to see Eclipse running at her. Eclipse tackles her, lifting her off the ground into the brush behind her. They struggle.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh my god! Are they really gonna hunt her!?
MATT RUBY: A little girl on girl action, BB!
Savor storms in.
Whoosh!
A large net captures him as he runs, scooping him into the air and holding him there. Ayame kicks Eclipse off, both of them getting back to their feet.
“Did you think hunting me would be that easy? Not only did I hear you a mile off, but you’ve set off every trap I have,” Ayame sneers at her.
Eclipse looks around. “Traps?” She asks, bending down to inspect a trip wire connected to a large screen with lots of text.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You know who’s responsible for that, don’t you?
MATT RUBY: That idiot hacker?
The screen suddenly flickers neon and Nero appears.
“Hunting people for sport, I see?” Nero says with a chuckle. “I’m sorry to scupper your plans, Eclipse. But I will give you a warning; stay at your peril – when the timer hits zero, if you’re in that area, you’ll end up unable to make it to your title match tonight.”
The screen flickers again, revealing a timer that counts down from ten seconds. She leaves it for a moment or two before looking towards Ayame and backing away. “This isn’t over,” she declares.
Wolf meanwhile looks up at the struggling Savor. “As for you, I think we need to talk.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Savor has been captured by Ayame with an assist by Nero! Eclipse hasn’t even tried to save him!
MATT RUBY: Choose your friends wisely, Bronc!
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Reverend Ezekiel Graves takes on the Night. Two Titans eager to make a statement and ride the momentum of a big victory here tonight.
MATT RUBY: Can Graves send a message to the rest of the golden ticket holders, or will the Night snuff out his light?
The Night comes quick out of the gates, running at Graves. Ezekiel leaps over the incoming shoulder tackle, but the Night springboards off the ropes.
SPRINGBOARD HURRICANRANA TAKES DOWN GRAVES!
GRAVES GETS FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN, BUT CLAWS HIMSELF BACK TO HIS FEET QUICKLY!
The Night comes charging back at the Reverend.
NIGHT CAP… NO!
GRAVES CATCHES HIM
SPINEBUSTER!
SPINE ON THE PINE DRILLS THE NIGHT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Bone rattling impact from Ezekiel Graves there.
MATT RUBY: It’s going to be hard for the Night to fly about if he’s got a broken spine.
The Night is busy crawling himself to safety when Graves pounces on him.
CAMEL CLUTCH!
GRAVES HAS IT LOCKED IN, WRENCHING BACK AS HE ATTEMPTS TO DRAW A CONFESSION FROM THE NIGHT!
But the Night claws his way to the ropes, forcing a break in the hold. In an instant, he’s off again before Graves can grab him.
NIGHT CAP! THIS TIME HE HITS IT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Night rocks Ezekiel Graves with that one!
MATT RUBY: Graves is in the corner now, not a place he wants to be.
The Night follows up, running at Graves in the corner.
SHINING WIZARD CLOBBERS EZEKIEL!
HE STAGGERS GROGGILY OUT OF THE CORNER INTO NOWHERE!
GOOD NIGHT VIENN-NO!
GRAVES SHAKES IT OFF AND GRABS THE NIGHT!
PURGATORY PLUNGE!
THE MASSIVE POWERBOMB HITS SQUARELY IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Night built up a head of steam, only to have it shattered.
MATT RUBY: This is where Graves is so dangerous. The Night has to have an answer for that power.
Graves grabs the Night by the throat, pulling him up off the canvas and into the air.
The Night fights back, kicking Graves to weaken the hold enough to slip out.
He charges the corner, running up the turnbuckle.
NIGHTFALL!
THE SOL SNATCHER!
NO!
GRAVES CATCHES HIM MID-JUMP AND LIFTS HIM INTO THE AIR!
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT!
CHOKESLAMMED HIM WITH FORCE AND COVERS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s over. The Night fought valiantly, but Ezekiel Graves picks up the win tonight!
Felix, This Is Why.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hell of a match between Graves and the Night, Matt.
MATT RUBY: Well, I don…
The screen glitches.
Static.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell?
Distorted audio screeching.
The air hums with the mechanical whirr of dozens of drones, their red eyes glowing like predatory beasts waiting for the kill.
And in the center of it all—Doom.
He stands amidst his metal creations, his mask reflecting their crimson light, his yellow eyes burning through the static haze. His voice is calm, calculated.
“Felix.”
The word slithers out, deliberate.
“You asked why? You refuse to understand. You were not supposed to be here anymore. You were not supposed to still be a problem. But you cling to existence like a virus, defying every measure taken to cure the disease that you are.”
A drone hovers in front of him, its camera feeding directly into the broadcast. Doom tilts his head, almost in mock curiosity.
“You must be destroyed. Root. And. Stem.”
He steps forward, the drones adjusting in perfect synchronicity, forming an impenetrable metal wall behind him.
“You wonder what happened to your dear mother?” Doom lets out something almost like a chuckle. “She is… safe. In my care. For now.”
His voice drops lower, colder.
“There was a time I loved you, Felix.”
Silence.
“But love is weakness. And in this new world, weakness is death.”
His glowing eyes pierce the screen.
“To survive… I must rid myself of you.”
The feed cuts to black.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Strong words from Doom there, Matt.
MATT RUBY: Felix Foley is so screwed.
Choosing Sides
An old warehouse in the corner of the Agora, the name 'Balenciaga' decorates the side in weathered paint. We hear the sound of a garage door being forced open and two men entering. There's a moment of silence followed by the sounds of lights flicking on to reveal, standing in the center of the warehouse?
Apokalypsis.
Or what used to be Apokalypsis.
"The fuck are you doing here?" Drewitt stands tall, glaring daggers at his former teammates. Grimskull places a hand on his shoulder that gets quickly shrugged off.
"We're here to talk, amigo," Muerte begins only for Grimskull to cut him off.
"So are we, but not with you." He tilts his head. "Where are Narcissa and Nox?"
"Occupied." Gemini says. "We... Saw you spoke with them. I thought you had forgiven us? I'm so sorry, but we were given a photograph-"
"So you had us tailed," Drewitt says, disdain dripping from his words. "And you wonder why the trust is gone."
"No!" Gemini tries to begin only for Drewitt to shake his head.
"You want to know why I was willing to speak with them? They brought a good point, Gemini. Zeus and his kind have the power to do things you couldn't even imagine. They have power that kind words simply can't bring."
"What have they offered you?" Muerte asks.
"Happiness," Drewitt replies. He turns to Grimskull who nods in agreement. "Something I could never bring myself to turn down." War produces the envelope from last week, holding it up towards his former allies.
Muerte and Gemini share a glance, a look of confusion on their faces for a moment before Gemini finally replies. "... Is there nothing we could offer in return? We need you. Arcadia, the Seekers, we need Apokalypsis."
"And I need my chance at happiness," Drewitt says back, matter-of-factly.
"This meeting is over," Grimskull says. "Go, before this meeting turns into a fight."
Without another word Gemini and Muerte back away, leaving their former teammates behind.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nox and Eclipse have been gifted one hell of an opportunity! But can they topple the Anti-Hero and the Cyberhound?
Nero and Eclipse start us off with the Black Bride assaulting Nero with a flurry of kicks! She leaps onto his shoulders and goes for a Hurricanrana!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NERO LANDS ON HIS FEET!
MATT RUBY: FIREWALL! HE JUST SUPERKICKED ECLIPSE IN HER PRETTY MOUTH!
Nero peels her off of the ground, whipping her to his corner and flying forward with a stinger splash but Eclipse moves out of the way! Nero stumbles back towards Eclipse!
MATT RUBY: KISS OF DEATH! BLACK MIST FROM THOSE PERFECT LIPS
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: AND SHE SLAMS HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Destructo angrily tags himself in and springboards into the ring!
WITH A DROPKICK THAT SENDS ECLIPSE SPRAWLING!
The Kamikaze begs for her to tag in Nox! She slowly begins to stand then tags him in!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GET OVER HER! NOX EXPLODES FROM HIS CORNER WITH THE CLOTHESLINE TO DESTRUCTO!
MATT RUBY: KNOCKED HIM BACK TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
Nox turns Destructo inside out with the blow! He forces the Anti-Hero to his feet, chopping him across the chest only for Destructo to chop back! Both men trade blows in the center of the ring!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ALL HIS RAGE! DESTRUCTO BOY UNLEASHES A FLURRY OF BLOWS! SHINING WIZARD- NO! NOX GRABS HIS FOOT!
MATT RUBY: OXYGEN DEPRIVATION CHAMBER! THE STEINER RECLINER LOCKED IN!
Destructo tries to fight free but the hold is in tight! Destructo refuses to tap!
The referee grabs his arm and drops it!
ONCE!
TWICE!
THRICE!
DESTRUCTO IS UNCONCIOUS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: By Zeus they've done it! Nox and Eclipse are your NEW Tag Team Champions!
Protest
We find ourselves back at the Circus, where the shouts of protesting voices chorus.
“Freaks and sinners all shall burn…”
The Disciples of Christ, led by their reverend Ezekiel Graves have set up placards outside the Circus tent. They're chanting, disrupting the clientele and handing out leaflets to further their cause.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Things sure have gotten heated here since we last left the Way & Co. Circus earlier this week.
MATT RUBY: No publicity is bad publicity. But a horde of screaming fanatic weirdoes surely can't be good for even Klaus Way.
Members of the DOC flock to several people leaving the Circus, thrusting their leaflets into unwilling hands.
“There is a higher purpose for your life than being entertained by this filth…”
BOOM!
The conversation never has a chance to finish, as an explosion hits put of nowhere. The trio of Disciples, along with the Circus patrons they were accosting are sent flying in all directions.
It's the Gathering.
And they're attacking in force.
They're hitting the Way & Co. Circus, in the middle of a protest.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Good Zeus almighty! What the - it's a full scale Circus Assault.
MATT RUBY: It's a damn party now!
Gathering and DOC members brawl, while both groups also smash their way through the doors of the Circus as well.
It's chaos.
Soon, there's a complete mess as Circus, DOC and Gathering all explode at whatever fucking moves.
Hatchet is in full swing, laying into Klaus's freaks as he makes his way towards Way inside the tent. Ezekiel Graves is busy downing a group of clowns that seemed to not like his leaflets.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Get the APD down there, this is getting out of hand.
MATT RUBY: There's smoke! There's fire! Let it burn baby!
Smoke fills the air of the Circus. Fighting turned to a mess, setting the tent alight.
Whatever Disciples and Gathering members are still conscious crawl away to safety.
Ezekiel Graves and Klaus Way find themselves face to face to face again. Hatchet smiles sadistically as he steps over bodies of fallen Gathering members to stare down his foes.
Klaus claps his hands and turns to Ajax, Damien and a small group of worse-for-wear members of the Way & Co. family.
“We need to put out the fire, save our home.”
He disappears to help his workers save the Circus, leaving Hatchet and Graves staring at each other until the smoke swallows them.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hatchet, Graves and Way are going to burn down Arcadia before they get to Invasion at this rate.
MATT RUBY: It's going to be war when they cash in those golden tickets. I can't wait.
Cut.
Hounds of Hades
The House of Sovereigns.
A private off camera meeting.
Ares looks truly exhausted. He’s been running around Arcadia, starting and putting out fires. Zeus sits opposite him, equally as exhausted. They lean back in their chairs, taking a moment of respite.
“It’s bad out there,” Ares breaks the silence. “Arcadia is truly split. There’re skirmishes across all levels. We need to do something.”
Zeus nods. He knows. He’s always known. “The people will follow Old School Wrestling. As the battle becomes clearer there, they’ll choose the right side.”
“Invasion?” Ares asks. “The participants know they need to choose.”
The Baron shakes his head. He gets up and walks over to a table, picking up a leaflet. He walks back to Ares and hands it to his friends.
Ares eyebrows raise with surprise. “Hounds of Hades?”
Zeus smiles. “War games. We need to find six competitors willing to fight for the Preservationists against six competitors chosen by The Seekers. When we win that fight, Arcadia will follow the victors.”
The Master of War thinks about it for a moment. He puts the leaflet down and folds his arms, his demeanour changing.
“If we lose that match, we lose the war. Are you sure this is where you want to take it? Taking it to Old School Wrestling like this will greatly sway favour amongst Arcadians,” he says with worry and caution. “The wrong six and we lose.”
The Baron stands again. “Then we need to make sure we get the right six. This is how we make the Uprising a minute force as opposed to the behemoth they’re slowly becoming.”
Ares stands to meet him. “I’ll increase pressure to choose a side and expand our pool.”
Zeus nods.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley is not in a good place tonight, Ruby. After everything Doom did to him, I don’t know if he’s mentally prepared for this fight.
MATT RUBY: And if he’s not, Jasper Redgrave will tear him apart piece by piece. But let’s not forget the other big factor—Jackson Cade. The Authority said they can’t touch, but if you think Redgrave won’t push that rule to its breaking point, you don’t know The Artist.
Jackson Cade stands between Jasper Redgrave and Felix Foley, his expression an unshakable mask of focus. Redgrave smirks, knowing he can poke the bear all night without consequences. Foley, however, looks lost. His eyes flicker with the weight of his suffering, his hands trembling at his sides.
Cade signals for the bell, and the match is on. Foley charges, throwing wild strikes, desperation evident in his every movement. Redgrave weaves between them, catching Foley with a sharp knee to the gut before slapping him across the face.
Foley doesn’t even react. His dead eyes just stare.
Redgrave grins and slaps him again.
This time, Foley explodes forward, tackling Redgrave to the mat and hammering fists into his face. The crowd erupts as Foley fights like a man with nothing left to lose.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This isn’t a wrestling match for Felix Foley—it’s an exorcism of pain!
Redgrave rolls through, escaping Foley’s grasp and driving a boot into his face. Foley stumbles back through the ropes, and Redgrave pounces—
BLOOD ON THE CANVAS! The rope-hung DDT spikes Foley’s skull into the mat.
Redgrave rolls into a cocky cover, looking straight at Cade as he counts.
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
FOLEY KICKS OUT!
Redgrave shakes his head, mouthing something at Cade about his counting speed. Cade doesn’t react. He just stares back, cold and unreadable.
Redgrave smirks.
Jasper drags Foley up and starts painting the canvas with stiff forearms, each shot snapping Foley’s head back. He whips him into the ropes—
COLLAGE OF VIOLENCE—NO!
FOLEY DUCKS!
REBOUNDS…
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN’!
The big boot lands flush, knocking Redgrave into the ropes. Foley wastes no time…
DOUBLE ARM DDT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Foley just Cut the Strings!
MATT RUBY: Watch the fast count here!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
REDGRAVE BARELY ESCAPES!
Foley sits up, his breathing ragged.
He’s barely here, barely holding on to himself. He looks at Cade, almost like he’s seeing someone else. Cade says nothing. Foley swallows his grief and turns back to the fight.
He drags Redgrave up, looking to end it, but Redgrave suddenly yanks him forward by the hair, pulling Foley in close to Cade. He leans into Cade’s ear.
"What’s wrong, Little Eagle? You’re just gonna let this one slip through your fingers too?"
Cade’s jaw clenches. His fist twitches.
Redgrave smirks.
Foley tries to capitalize on the distraction, throwing a forearm, but Redgrave steps back…
SUPER KICK HITS FLUSH!
BACK ELBOW FOLLOWS!
COLLAGE OF VIOLENCE!
REDGRAVE DROPS INTO A COVER!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THR—NO!
Foley kicks out again! The crowd explodes!
Redgrave sits up, his face twisting in frustration. He turns back to Cade, standing over him.
"Count fucking faster!"
Cade doesn’t move.
Redgrave grins and rises to his feet, stepping forward, toe to toe with Cade.
They lock eyes.
The crowd knows what Redgrave is doing.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That bastards pushing, testing, seeing just how much he can get away with.
Foley coughs, stirring behind them.
Redgrave pointedly looks at Jackson’s chest.
At the vial of blood, Cade blood, that Jackson wears. It’s small, subtle, but it’s enough to light the fuse.
The crowd gasps as Cade’s hand squeeze into fists at his side.
MATT RUBY: Careful, Cade. The Authority’s watching.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t know if he cares right now.
Redgrave chuckles. "Do it, Cade. Hit me."
Silence.
Cade doesn’t move.
He just points behind Redgrave.
Redgrave snickers and turns—STRAIGHT INTO THE PUPPETSHOW!
THE CROWD ERUPTS AS FOLEY LOCKS THE MANDIBLE CLAW IN TIGHT!
Redgrave thrashes, gasping, his arms flailing. Foley’s grip is insane, his fingers buried deep.
Redgrave’s knees buckle.
Foley sweeps the legs—AND PLANTS HIM WITH THE DOUBLE ARM DDT!
Foley falls across Redgrave, barely able to move.
Cade drops down.
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: FELIX FOLEY JUST PUT DOWN JASPER REDGRAVE!
No Mercy
The match is over.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Somehow, Jackson Cade called this match right down the middle.
MATT RUBY: I can’t believe it.
Felix Foley stumbles back against the ropes, sweat dripping from his brow. Jasper Redgrave stands across from him, eyes locked not on Felix—but on Jackson Cade.
Felix exhales, nodding once. His mind is elsewhere as he turns to leave.
Then Olympus shakes.
A high-pitched whine rips through the air, a dreadful mechanical hum that sends a cold shock through the audience. The rafters of Olympus began as pitch black.
But little red dots begin to appear.
And then Doom.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Let’s get out of here, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: Don’t have to tell me twice.
Drones flood from the rafters, their red eyes glowing like swarming locusts. The air rumbles as missiles streak down, the blasts sending debris scattering across the stage.
The crowd erupts in panic. Fans scream, scrambling for cover as seats are ripped apart, the assault relentless. Felix barely has time to react before the ground shakes beneath him, the heat of an explosion licking at his back.
Redgrave and Cade are caught in the chaos. They barely register one another now, ducking for cover, their impending war put on hold in the face of Doom’s onslaught.
Felix dives behind the barricade as another drone fires, missing him by inches. He grits his teeth, eyes burning with rage.
The screen flickers, the last shot of Doom’s glowing yellow eyes piercing through the smoke.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.