WARZONE #379
Kaos > Theory
This week on Warzone, new two time OSW World Champion Jackson Cade steps into chaos itself when he becomes the hunted. Can he survive the show and make it to Kaos next month in defence of his title? With Ares on the hunt and a brutal two versus one match with the Tag Champions ahead, The Seekers are in trouble.
Hunting Season
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Warzone. I'm being told that our telecase is heading immediately to the House of Sovereigns.
The House of Sovereigns stood tall, an imposing monument to the power of the Preservationists. Inside, within the grand war chamber, a meeting was already underway.
At the head of the table, clad in battle-worn armor, Ares sat—his piercing gaze sweeping across the gathered elite warriors of Arcadia. Around him, the Preservationists listened in silence: Nox, Narcissa, Eclipse, Anton Savor, and Jasper Redgrave.
Ares leaned forward, his fingers tapping the heavy oak table.
“Hunting season has begun.” His voice was low and lethal. “At Kaos, we’re going to end Jackson Cade and the Seekers in one fell swoop.”
Nox folded his arms, his expression grim. “The Seekers have gone to ground. They’re hiding, regrouping.”
Ares smirked. “Cowards.” He exhaled sharply. “We need to find out who tried to kill Zeus. But first, we focus on the idiots who didn’t run.”
His fist slammed against the table.
“Jackson Cade.”
Ares turned his gaze to Nox and Eclipse.
“Tonight, you’re going to punish that bastard. A two-on-one match. No mercy. No hesitation. I want him to know that Zeus' will lives on in us.”
Eclipse chuckled, cracking her knuckles. “And here I thought tonight was going to be boring.”
Nox simply nodded. “Consider it done.”
Ares shifted his gaze to Anton Savor and Jasper Redgrave.
“And if El Mariachi Muerte is stupid enough to show up for the Main Event?” He leaned back, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Break him.”
Anton smirked, stroking his chin. “You mean tenderize him, yes?”
Jasper rolled his eyes. “Of course you would put it like that.”
Ares ignored them, his voice growing darker.
“Tonight, we send a message. The Preservationists are stronger than ever. And when Kaos arrives…” He let the words hang in the air.
Narcissa smirked. “We finish what was started.”
The Warzone had just begun.
A Better Role Model
Inside the Sunshine Club, a room bursting with vibrant colors and painted murals of smiling suns and cheerful rainbows, Mister Sunshine stood in front of a dozen eager children—his little sunbeams.
He spread his arms wide, his grin stretching across his face.
“…And that, my little sunbeams, is how I learned that anger isn’t the answer!” His voice was animated, his tone soothing, almost syrupy. “No matter how angry or sad you get, you can always overcome it.”
The children clapped and cheered, a few of them nodding with bright-eyed admiration.
But then—
More clapping.
From the back of the room.
Felix Foley.
The Puppetmaster himself stood there, smiling, dressed in his usual worn suspenders and vest, with an air of mischief and wisdom.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Look at those kids and their faces!
MATT RUBY: Pff, it's just Felix.
The moment the children saw him, they squealed with joy.
"Felix!"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You were saying?
They rushed him, swarming him like he was the hottest toy at Christmas. They hugged him, pulled at his sleeves, clamored for his attention.
Mister Sunshine’s smile stiffened. His eye twitched.
His little sunbeams… were now Felix’s little fan club.
Sunshine folded his hands together, watching with barely concealed annoyance.
Felix gently patted each child on the head before flashing Sunshine a knowing grin.
“Hey kids, mind if I have a quick word with Mister Sunshine?”
A chorus of “Okay, Felix!” followed as the children scampered off to play.
Sunshine’s grin returned, but this time, it was different—wider, but somehow… sharper.
“That was a nice speech,” Felix said, crossing his arms. “And an even better story.” He leaned forward slightly. “But I’m not sure I believe you.”
Sunshine chuckled, rocking on his heels. “Oh?”
Felix sighed. “I’ve spent years trying to be a better role model. Even now, I falter.” He glanced at the murals, the bright, innocent artwork of children who deserved better than this war-torn Arcadia.
“No one really believes you’re good, Sunshine. Not really.”
Sunshine tilted his head, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Felix, Felix, Felix…” He waved his hands theatrically. “If that’s true, then let me ask you this—is it really wise of you to interrupt my precious time with my sunbeams?”
Felix raised an eyebrow.
“To steal their attention?” Sunshine continued, stepping closer. “To confront me—here, of all places?”
His voice dropped, just slightly.
“I think you might be a glutton for punishment, Foley.”
Felix’s lips curled into a slight smirk. “I might just be.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This isn't good. I have a bad feeling about Sunshine.
MATT RUBY: Foley sure knows how to pick em.
He turned, making his way toward the door.
But before he left, he glanced back over his shoulder.
“The children of Arcadia are more fragile than ever with this war ongoing.” His voice was softer now, more thoughtful. “We both need to choose sides.”
He paused.
“I know where my allegiance lies—with the kids.”
Felix let that linger.
Then, with a final glance at Mister Sunshine, he asked:
“What about you?”
And with that, he was gone.
Sunshine’s smile remained, but behind it, something darker flickered.
He hated pop quizzes.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight we bear witness to the in ring return of Calypso as she takes on Wolf Fang Ayame.
MATT RUBY: Back from the dead and straight into a catfight. Does it get better than this?
Both charge at each other on the toll of the bell, meeting in the center of the ring and exchanging a flurry of blows. Ayame lands a strike across the cheek of Calypso, digging her claws into Calypso’s cheek, but this only seems to urge Calypso on.
CALYPSO RESPONDS WITH A DOUBLE HANDED CROSS CHOP TO THE THROAT!
OFFERING!
WOLF FANG AYAME COLLAPSES FROM THE IMPACT…
AND CALYPSO LOCKS IN THE PACT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Calypso has started out strong, and now has Ayame right where she wants her.
MATT RUBY: Bending her like a game of twister, I love to see it!
Ayame struggles to the ropes to break the hold, but Calypso is still in control. She pulls Ayame to her feet and flings her into the turnbuckle. Calypso comes charging after her.
BUT AYAME MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AND CALYPSO CRASHES FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL!
Calypso tries to shake off the effects of steel to face, but Ayame comes charging after her.
ON THE HUNT!
THE CORNER ENZUIGIRI HITS CLEANLY!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wolf Fang Ayame has turned the tides here, and now the hunted becomes the hunter.
MATT RUBY: Let’s see her get those kinky claws back out. That’s when things get really interesting.
Wolf Fang Ayame backs up across the ring, as Calypso collapses to a seated position in the corner. Ayame comes charging back at her.
TAIL STRIKE!
NO!
CALYPSO DODGES THE HIP ATTACK!
Ayame collides with the turnbuckle and comes bouncing back across the ring.
RIGHT INTO A BLOOD RITUAL FROM CALYPSO!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Calypso got her right in the face with that blood red mist!
MATT RUBY: Well, we know if she spits or swallows.
Blinded, Ayame staggers about the ring, trying to clear the mist from her eyes. But the opening is clear and Calypso takes the chance.
HUMAN SACRIFICE!
THE STANDING DIAMOND DUST!
Calypso nails it and covers for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Calypso is successful in her return, putting away Wolf Fang Ayame!
Empty Promises
Death Row.
Jackson Cade, the new OSW World Champion is stood in a dark room in the Seeker’s camp.
But he’s not alone.
The room is silent except for the rhythmic tap of George Cade’s fingers against the table.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These men have a lot on their mind right now, Matt.
MATT RUBY: They need to be thinking about how they’re going to survive Kaos, BB.
George exhales through his nose. “No security footage. No signs of entry. Nothing.”
Jackson’s brow furrows. “Bullshit. Somebody got in.”
George nods, his voice steady. “Yeah. But not Redgrave.”
Jackson scoffs, shaking his head. “Who the hell else would pull some sick shit like this?”
George studies him for a long moment. “Not his style, Jack. You know that. If Redgrave dug C.J. up, he’d have displayed him in some grotesque masterpiece, not left an empty grave. Think.”
Jackson grits his teeth.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He wants it to be Redgrave, doesn’t he?
MATT RUBY: Wouldn’t be the first time he’s made up a perp.
“Forget that for now.” George shifts gears. “Let’s talk about the bombing.”
Jackson runs a hand through his hair, exhaling hard.
“I know they’re coming for me. It’s a fucking death trap.” His voice drops, sharp with resolve. “But if I keep it inside Olympus, I’ve got Zeus’s rules protecting me. They can’t just rip me apart.”
George nods but doesn’t look convinced. “That’s fine and dandy, Jack. But we need to figure out who bombed the Pantheon—before the Preservationists do.”
Jackson nods, slow. "There are some people from the force who may be able to help. I’ll call in some favors. See what I can dig up. But it’s gonna take time.”
George stands. “Then you better start now. Tick tock.”
With a nod, they part ways.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Time may be running out for Jackson Cade.
MATT RUBY: Thank Zeus!
Feeding Time At The Zoo
Backstage, deep in the underbelly of Olympus, a lone steel cage sat in a dimly lit room.
Inside, Mighty Mighty lay slumped against the bars, his once-mighty frame weak and dehydrated, his body trembling from a week of starvation and thirst. His lips were cracked, his throat dry as sandpaper.
He had no idea how he got here.
No idea why he was here.
No idea what the hell was about to happen.
What he did know? He was really, really hungry.
Footsteps echoed on the concrete floor.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is so wrong. You can't treat another human being like this!
MATT RUBY: Human? He's not a human, he's an attraction.
Klaus Way approached, dressed in his usual absurd yet menacing ringmaster attire, twirling a cane between his fingers like this was all some twisted performance.
Mighty lifted his head, eyes hollow, voice barely above a whisper.
“…W-water…” he croaked. “F-food…”
Klaus grinned, crouching down beside the cage. “Oh, training has gone well, I think.” He tapped the bars lightly. “Certainly has taken its toll, huh?”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Someone stop this.
Mighty’s stomach growled aggressively, almost as if it were attempting to leave his body in protest.
“I’m gonna die,” he groaned.
Klaus gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest. “Die?! No, no, no, my dear Mighty! Not if you listen.”
Mighty’s bloodshot eyes blinked slowly. “L-listen?”
Klaus nodded. “I will feed and water you, like the good boy you are…” His grin widened. “But first, a job.”
Mighty’s weak, trembling hands clutched at the bars. “A-anything, just… f-food.”
Klaus patted his head like he was a misbehaving puppy. “You’ve got a match tonight. Defending your precious NXT Championship against Narcissa.”
Mighty blinked. “W-wrestle?”
Klaus shook his head, chuckling. “Oh, no no no. Not a fight. See, if you want to eat…”
His voice dropped, the sweetness in it turning to something poisonous.
“…You’re going to go out there, lay down, and let Narcissa beat you.”
Mighty’s heart sank.
Klaus clapped his hands together. “If you fail, if you refuse, if you win—you come right back here. And this time?” He leaned in, whispering through the bars. “You starve.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THAT'S WRONG!
MATT RUBY: That's the contract, BB!
Mighty’s vision swam.
His body screamed at him for food, for water, for something—anything.
“…Okay,” he rasped.
Klaus beamed, reaching into his pocket for a golden key. “I knew you’d see reason!”
He unlocked the cage. The door swung open with an ominous creak.
Mighty stumbled forward, his legs barely holding him up. His stomach twisted in pain, his head pounding with dehydration.
Klaus patted him on the back, guiding him toward the entrance curtain.
“Now, go be a good little freak, Mighty.” He chuckled, stepping back into the shadows.
Mighty took a deep breath and stepped forward—toward the ring, toward the lights, toward defeat.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is disgusting! That bitch Narcissa is gonna steal that title!
MATT RUBY: Careful. Be careful, BB.
With Narcissa stood in the ring, Mighty – wobbly legged, dehydrated and exhausted, steps out from behind the curtain with Klaus Way in tow. The latter holds the NXT Championship as he ushers his circus act into the ring.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can’t believe what we’re about to witness.
MATT RUBY: The crowning of a new Champion is what we’re about to witness. We see it all the time.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not like this we don’t.
Mighty stumbles through the ropes and falls to his knees. His lips are cracked and his face gaunt.
Narcissa smirks, grabbing him by the head and throwing him to the canvas. She drops into the cover..
The fans boo.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
MATT RUBY: NEW CHAMP! NEW CHAMP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Disgraceful!
Klaus hops into the ring and hands her the title, grinning as he does.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They should be ashamed of themselves.
MATT RUBY: You’re such a spoilt sport.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Poor Mighty Mighty is in trouble, folks. Klaus Way has taken everything from him; his freedom, his title and maybe even his life. May God help him.
A Shadow That Hunts
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The night air is thick, humid, clinging to Ayame’s skin as she wades through the tall grass. Her fingers clutch a faded parchment, its edges worn from time. The further she walks, the faster her pulse pounds in her ears. The Temple of Bones looms ahead an ancient ruin, cracked stone and towering pillars standing like the grave markers of warriors long forgotten.
Then a booming voice cuts through the silence.
“Ayame! You accepted my invitation!”
She stiffens. At the temple gates, El Dragón Caído stands. His obsidian-black mask gleams under the moonlight. His stance is proud, arms spread wide, his presence commanding. His voice is filled with reverence.
“The Temple of Bones watches. It waits and now, a mask shall be granted to one. To the worthy.”
Ayame’s breath shakes. The words settle into her like a stone. The parchment in her hand suddenly feels heavier. Something about this feels wrong. Then it happens.
A feral SNARL rips from her throat as she CHARGES Caído, clawing at his mask, his robes, his skin. Her nails tear at his arm, her fists hammering wildly.
El Dragón Caído staggers back, caught completely off guard. His arms instinctively rise to defend himself, but he does not strike back.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell?! Ayame just lost it!
MATT RUBY: Wow, Ayame must be your type of woman, Bronco a total mess!
Ayame lunges for his mask. Her fingers hook into the obsidian fabric but Caído catches her wrists, restraining her.
For a moment, they are locked in a struggle. Then, her lips curl. Before he can react she BITES HER OWN LIP.
A second later she MISTS HIM WITH HER OWN BLOOD. The crimson spray coats Caído’s mask. He staggers, blinded. His grip loosens Ayame rips free, panting like a wild animal.
El Dragón Caído wipes at his face, his breaths sharp, confused. He does not retaliate. Slowly, he lifts his head toward her.
“What… are you?”
Ayame doesn’t answer. She just runs.
Fade to black.
Understand
We cut back to Olympus to find Captain Arcadia sitting on a chair in the middle of the ring. His head bowed, eyes fixed to the ground. Slowly, methodically, he begins to speak.
“There are things about my past that I must understand.”
A long pregnant pause hangs in the air.
“I need to find the Zookeeper. At every twist and turn, I’ve had to face my heart being ripped from my chest.”
He clenches his fist, punching himself in the chest.
“And I’m no closer because I’m not the person that I need to be in order to find those answers.”
Captain Arcadia reaches up to, slowly removing his helmet.
MATT RUBY: Get ready to see the face only a mother could love.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Captain Arcadia is taking off his helmet and laying it down on the canvas. What is he doing?
Cap looks down at his helmet, eyes not moving from it.
“I need to find this ledger. I’m not going to figure anything out about my future until I understand the past. Why my name is -”
*Clap, clap, clap*
The slow sound of clapping interrupts Captain Arcadia. From the entranceway, Destructo appears, clapping in mock appreciation of Arcadia’s gesture.
“Well, well, well…” He begins, sauntering towards the ring. “You are finally getting it. A little slow on the uptake aren’t we? Perhaps that helmet doesn’t protect the blows to the head like you think it does.”
Captain Arcadia’s eyes slowly move from the helmet to the intruder as Destructo enters the ring.
“You’re surprised that people don’t want to tell their secrets to some flag waving hero?” Destructo laughs with malice. “I walked that path and look where it got me. Sure, lay down your helmet. But deep down, we all know that you’re still just a boy scout. Prove me wrong, hero.”
Destructo beckons Cap forward, and Arcadia rises to his feet to stare into Destructo’s eyes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Captain Arcadia’s fist is balled tighter than ever.
MATT RUBY: He’s still a pussy. Mask or no mask, he’s still the good guy. It makes me sick.
Cap backs away, slowly. Fist still balled and eyes still staring daggers into Destructo. He seems torn, as if one more second would have tipped him over the edge.
Destructo smirks as Captain Arcadia walks away.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Both these competitors came up short at Invasion, so one has to think they have a bone to pick tonight.
MATT RUBY: Destructo always has a bone to pick.
The bell rings, and Destructo launches himself at Nero like a missile, throwing reckless haymakers with zero hesitation. Nero ducks and counters…
FIREWALL! THE SUPERKICK SNAPS DESTRUCTO’S HEAD BACK!
But Destructo doesn’t stop.
He grabs Nero mid-motion, pulling him in—BROKEN SCALES!
The Spinning Uranage slams Nero hard into the mat.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo fights like he’s trying to break bones!
MATT RUBY: No regard for his own body, and certainly none for Nero’s!
Destructo doesn’t go for the cover. Instead, he drags Nero up, shoving him into the corner, and throws his whole body into a running elbow to the face. Nero stumbles out of the corner, dazed—
SEE NO EVIL! SHINING WIZARD!
Nero collapses, barely moving.
ONE…
…
…
TWO—NO!
Nero kicks out!
Destructo grins. He loves the pain. He backs up, eyes burning with chaos.
He charges—A flurry of strikes.
He FLIPS BACKWARDS WITH A KICK TO THE JAW!
INTO THE ROPES!
ALL MY RAGE—NO!
NERO DODGES THE SHINING WIZARD!
PACKET STORM! Springboard Cutter out of nowhere!
MATT RUBY: WHERE DID THAT COME FROM!?
Both men are down, the match at a stalemate. Nero drags himself to the ropes, scaling them despite his battered state.
He leaps—CRASH OVERRIDE!
Top rope moonsault—AND IT LANDS!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The kid gave it his all, but Nero emerges with the win.
MATT RUBY: Maybe if he’d slow down, he’d stand a chance against a superior opponent!
Thou Shall Not Steal
With the match over, Nero rolls out of the ring and starts to head up the entrance ramp. Just as he makes it halfway up, O Fortuna by Carl Orff blasts through the arena speakers. Reverend Ezekiel Graves and a small number of his Disciples block his exit as the Harbinger walks towards the Red Reboot.
MATT RUBY: That idiot hacker is in for some divine punishment now, BB! Graves is going for round two!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: With no escape in sight for Nero, his goose might be cooked here tonight!
"You've broken one of the ten commandments." Ezekiel says in a booming voice. "You stole from the Cornerstone Church and left us with nothing. Return what you've taken from us at once, or suffer the wrath of God."
The Cyberhound simply laughs in response. "As if you haven't stolen from all these people in your so called God's name?" Nero says. "Those credits haven't left your pockets ever since you arrived in Olympus. If anything, I'm doing Arcadia a favor by emptying that bank account of yours."
"This is your first and only warning." Ezekiel snarls, getting closer to Rogue Code as the words escape his lips. "I will not be so kind as to ask again."
MATT RUBY: He better use his brain for once in his damn life and give those credits back! Less fortunate Arcadians need them for food, and they'd keel over if they aren't returned soon!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Since when have you given a darn about the less fortunate, Ruby?
Nero shrugs before using his gauntlet. Not a second later, at least twenty copies of the Cyberhound flash into existence!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Now You See Me, Now You Don't! I can't tell which Nero is the real one!
They start gathering up on the Purifier as he slowly backs back toward the ramp! Just as all twenty pounce, the Disciples rush in and proceed to come to their leader's aid! Ezekiel and his followers swing and strike at all of the Red Reboots, but their punches just phase through them!
Not a moment later, they sputter out of existence, revealing that the real hacker had vanished up the entrance ramp! Graves orders them after him, which they do, leaving Ezekiel at ringside seething!
MATT RUBY: Nero's lucky that Ezekiel has a match coming up, otherwise no mercy would've been shown here tonight!
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big team matchup here as the Harbringer and the Chef face off against Conquest and the Warden. This should be good old fashioned tag team action here Ruby.
The bell sounds as Graves starts off against Klaus, the bigger man rushing forward with a Lariat that Klaus manages to duck underneath before rolling low, wrapping up Ezekial into a prawn hold rollup. Demi Sky sliding down to count the struggling pinfall
ONE
............
TW...GRAVES EASILY KICKS OUT!
The Harbringer gets to his feet into a kick to the jaw by Klaus who wrings Graves arm before rushing to the ropes
SPRINGBOARD ARM...NO! Graves catches Klaus in mid-leap, slamming him down hard over his knee with a mammoth backbreaker. Ezekial stumbles back right into a blind tag from Anton who rushes in as Klaus is getting to his feet.
MATT RUBY: CREME BRULEE! The Chef is cooking here as the weirdo goes down hard from that brutal Superkick.
Savor doesn't cover, instead pulling Klaus up to his feet and delivering a hard series of rapid fire chops before rocking Way with a Flambe' grilled spinning back elbow. A hard DDT drives Klaus into the canvas as Anton calls for the end, lifting Way up onto his shoulders.
THE FINAL...CHIN CHECK! Way counters the GTS into a Jawbreaker at the last moment, stumbling backwards and tagging in Grimskull as Conquest rushes in like a house on fire.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Grimskull exploding into the ring, hard clothesline to Savor. Another one before he rolls back and urges the Chef forward. Savor rushing at him right into the DTH!
The Drop Toe Hold sends Savor crashing to the mat as Grimskull quickly heads up to the top, sizing up Savor for a moment.
PRAYER! Picture Perfect Diving Headbutt hits hard but as Grimskull gets up, he staggers into a Goozle
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT! Chokeslam from Ezekial Graves out of nowhere as he throws the out Savor onto Grimskull, nailing Klaus off the apron with a running Big Boot as Demi Sky slides down to count
ONE
.............
TWO
................
..................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The team of Ezekial Graves and Anton Savor pick up the big victory thanks to the raw power of the Harbringer here tonight.
The Hunt for Gemini
Deathrow was a fortress of rusted steel and broken men. Its hallways reeked of sweat, desperation, and the kind of bad decisions that turned a prison sentence into a death wish.
But Narcissa moved like a shadow, slipping through back tunnels and hidden corridors, weaving between inmates like she belonged there. She wasn’t a prisoner.
She was a predator.
And she was hunting Gemini.
She ducked past a pair of brawling inmates, sidestepped a Seekers guard too lazy to do his job, and finally arrived at her target’s cell.
Sykes.
A rat in human form. If whispers were currency, he was a millionaire—but only because he had the good sense to keep his mouth shut unless properly motivated.
Narcissa stepped inside.
Sykes looked up from his cot, his face pale. In a panic, he yanked his sheet up, as if fabric could protect him from what was coming.
“Oh no. No, no, no. Get the hell out.”
Narcissa smirked, dragging her fingers along the cold bars. “Sykes,” she purred. “Let’s have a chat.”
Sykes gulped. “Listen, I don’t know what you think I—”
“I need to know where Gemini is. Now.”
Sykes’ eyes darted to the hallway. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to snitch for the Preservationists?” He hissed.
She tilted her head. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to not?”
Sykes shivered.
He weighed his options. Talk and die. Don’t talk and die slower.
“…Did Sinon know not to kill me?” he asked, desperate.
Narcissa’s smirk grew wider. “I sent him with instructions. I knew my little pet would be safe.”
Sykes muttered something about regretting every choice he’d ever made, then sighed.
“Fine,” he grumbled. “Gemini’s waiting for Muerte to fight tonight. After that, they’re meeting in Agora.”
Narcissa grinned.
“Good boy.”
And just like that, she was gone—melting into the shadows, her hunt for Gemini leading her to Agora… and revenge.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight the new Baron's war against the Seekers goes full force as the tag team champions face off against the new OSW World Champion Jackson Cade. Mere weeks before KAOS where Jackson will be all alone against the Preservationists, they look to soften him up to gain that title once more and it sickens me.
MATT RUBY: It's war BB, you can't play nice when Arcadia itself is at stake and Ares knows more about War then anyone else. Cade chose his side and now he's about to pay the price for it.
The bell sounds as Nox starts off in the ring, barely able to turn around before Jackson Cade rushes forward and turns him inside out with a brutal Lariat. The Chemist staggers up into
BREACH AND CLEAR! Slingblade puts Nox down on the mat, Jackson rolling backwards as Nox stumbles to his feet, rushing forward but Nox grabs hold of the ropes, avoiding Cade's attack. Cade tries to pull him away but Nox wraps himself in the ropes as Cole Holt seperates the two.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Holt doing the right thing here as he tries to get Nox away from the ropes, WHAT THE HELL?
FIELD GOAL KICK TO THE LITTLE JACKSON'S! Eclipse slides in, delivering a brutal kick to the groin that Holt didn't see, doubling Jackson over as she gets back onto the apron. Nox smiling as he lets go of the ropes before spinning Cade around
PARALYTIC PLEX! Dragon Suplex dropping the world champion right on his head but Nox isn't done as he walks over, tagging in Eclipse as the pair stalk the hurting Cade. Nox grabbing Cade from behind as Eclipse rushes to the ropes, springboarding off
BLACK FIRE! RELEASE GERMAN INTO A BACKSTABBER NEARLY BREAKS CADE IN HALF!
MATT RUBY: I told you BB, the tag team champions are dismantling Jackson here and it's only a matter of time before he's finished.
Eclipse goes up top as Nox lifts Jackson up into an Electric Chair, the pair grinning sadistically before Eclipse leaps off, grabbing Jackson as she flies downwards
FALL OF THE DARK MOON! DOOMSDAY DESTROYER DAMN NEAR KILLS JACKSON CADE! That has to be it as Eclipse hooks the leg, Cole Holt sliding in to count
ONE
...............
..................
TWO
...................
....................
THREE!!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And the tag team champions get the handicap victory from Jackson Cade here, the deck was stacked against the world champion and he stood no chance tonight.
MATT RUBY: It's only going to get worse BB, he's the only champion the Seekers have and this was the first trial. It's only going to get worse before Kaos if Jackson can even make it there.
Promises Made, Promises...
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ring that bell again! Chemical X has decided to attack the World Champ after the bell!
MATT RUBY: Well deserved!
Jackson Cade gasps for air, his body battered from the fight. Eclipse grips his shoulders from behind to hold him down. Cade strains against her, but she wrenches his arms back, keeping him vulnerable.
Nox crouches in front of him. His gloved hand snaps up, grabbing a fistful of Cade’s hair, yanking his head back. Their eyes meet—Cade’s burning with defiance, Nox’s cold and precise.
“You took so many from us. Doom…”
Cade grits his teeth, but Eclipse digs a knee into his back, keeping him grounded.
MATT RUBY: No matter what Cade says, I have to believe he was behind the attack!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It doesn’t make any sense.
MATT RUBY: That’s why its him!
Nox tilts his head, voice dropping to something even more sinister. “You better be glad Zeus said no casualties inside Olympus… because I’d love to take a head for a head.”
Cade tenses, breathing hard, refusing to show weakness.
But Chemical X doesn’t wait.
Eclipse releases him just as Nox strikes. A crushing blow sends Cade sprawling to the mat, vision swimming.
His body screams at him to move—but the world goes dark.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Somebody needs to get out here, and get the Champ out of here!
MATT RUBY: They’re toying with him, BB. They need him to make it to Kaos. You already saw their plan begin with what happened with the NXT Level Championship earlier.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Will they be able to keep the no casualty rule?
Rage
After Invasion.
The Mortuary.
Flutter.
Gravedigger arrives at the entrance to his domain, that rancid black bile still dripping down his face, pooling onto the ground beneath him. He clutches the doorway, using it to aid him as he pushes himself into the mortuary.
The Valkyrie stumbles, his vision growing blurry as he collapses into the bathroom. Dragging himself up to the sink, knuckles white as he clings on for dear life, he looks in the mirror.
But Calypso's face is the one he finds smiling back.
"Rage." Her voice booms, shaking the room!
"All I feel... Is RAGE!" Black Magic shrieks at her former ally, every last word causes the room to shudder, the tiles beginning to fall away to reveal an endless abyss beneath. Gravedigger hugs the sink tightly as the floor gives away, slowly inching towards him until the tiles beneath tumble into nothingness.
Calypso crawls from the mirror, that wicked smile still etched onto her face. "Do you know what it feels like to die, Gravedigger? The feeling of helplessness as your soul gets ferried into the void?"
The Valkyrie can only grimace, teeth grit as he summons all of his willpower to say back "And I'll make you feel it again!"
Push.
Calypso cackles as she shoves Gravedigger, the Ferryman falling endlessly.
Gasp.
Gravedigger wakes up on the Mortuary floor, a puddle of vomit and bile beneath him as he begins to stir.
Cut.
MATT RUBY: Up next BB we have the most deranged individual in Arcadia taking on Hatchet.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What do you have against Felix Foley, Matt, I must know?
MATT RUBY: He’s a diluted rube Bronco. At least Hatchet is a psychopathic killer clown but at the end of the day Felix... well... he’s just a clown.
On the call for this match is referee River Moonfoot who calls for the bell and Hatchet just starts slugging Foley with Haymaker Right Hands. Moonfoot gets in warning Hatchet about the closed fist but Foley pushes River out of the way grabbing the Wicked Clown and tossing him into the corner as he starts laying Boots into the Mid-Section of Hatchet dropping him before Stomping a Mudhole in him and Walking it Dry!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THOSE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN’ MATT!
Out of a daze, Hatchet grabs Foley by the singlet pulling him in and hitting a sharp, sudden Headbutt to The Puppetmaster!
MATT RUBY: AND HATCHET JUST SPLIT HIS WIG, BB!
Foley staggers back and Hatchet jumps up throwing Foley onto his shoulders!
SELF-TITLED! TKO STYLE STUNNER-NO! FOLEY MANAGES TO SHOVE HIS FINGERS INTO THE MOUTH OF HATCHET MANIBLE CLAW, A SELF-TITLED PUPPET SHOW, FELIX CRANES HATCHET’S NECK BACK DRIVING HIM INTO THE GROUND WITH THE MOVE, MAINTAINING THE HOLD COVER AS RIVER SLIDES INTO COUNT AS THE JUGGALO’S SHOULDERS ARE ON THE CANVAS!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
MATT RUBY: That Puppet-Loving momma’s boy stole this one!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You really are a shameful man, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: I’ve got no shame, BB.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That we agree on Matt.
A Keen Interest
Felix Foley has left the ringside area as Hatchet recovers in the ring. The Juggalo is about to follow suit when the sound of clapping stops him at the ropes. He scans the arena for the source of the noise, causing the crowd and spotlight operator to do the same.
"You've managed to impress all the right people," the clapping man speaks, bringing a stop to his applause as he does. The spotlight shines out into the crowd, revealing Grimskull making his way through the audience with a microphone in hand.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't like this, Ruby. When someone like Grimskull says something like that, it can only mean bad things.
MATT RUBY: Nonsense, BB! You're just salty that he and Drewitt joined the right side of this battle. Besides, someone's gotta fill in the void left by Doom's death!
"Ares thinks you could be a valuable asset in the war against the Seekers, despite you and your posse's assault against him a month ago. He'd come himself, but he's too busy leading the fight to do so."
The Dark Specter stops at the guardrail, resting his arms over it as he keeps his eyes on Hatchet. The Clown does the same to the top rope.
"What's in it for me?!" Hatchet shouts. "I ain't ganna fight for any dumb schmuck for free! Not after what happened between me and that wack gas man!"
"Oh, Nox made me aware of how your last agreement went," Conquest chuckles. "That's why we'll make sure that you're paid handsomely for your services. Not only that, you'll be given all the Faygo you can drink and all the women you can fornicate."
Hatchet remains skeptical, but he looks as though he's weighing his options carefully. Noticing this, Grimskull laughs before backing away into the crowd once more.
"Think carefully, Juggalo. We wouldn't be offering you all of this if we weren't serious about having you on our side." Conquest tosses the microphone to the timekeeper and makes his exit, leaving the Wraith to ponder his words.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can't believe they'd want an agent of chaos like Hatchet on their side!
MATT RUBY: After his performance at Invasion? They'd be crazy not to take him and the Gathering under their wing!
Cut.
Marching Orders
Backstage, in the dim glow of a private lounge, the four Preservationist champions and Jasper Redgrave sit in a loose circle.
MATT RUBY: You’ll never find a better group of people.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t know about that. Is this a Kaos planning session?
MATT RUBY: Should be simple. Beat Jackson Cade. Done.
At the center, Narcissa, the new NXT Level Champion, holds court, lounging with the casual poise of a queen addressing her subjects.
“You two almost took it too far earlier.” She clicks her tongue, shaking her head at Nox and Eclipse.
Eclipse crosses her arms, eyes sharp. Nox leans back against the wall, arms folded, saying nothing.
“Jackson Cade needs to make it to Kaos.” Narcissa’s gaze sharpens. “He needs to walk into that ring still breathing so we can finish this.”
A chuckle from the couch.
“And so I can get my Championship back.” Jasper Redgrave, smirking, swirling a drink in his hand.
Anton Savor raises a brow. “Assuming you win it back. Perhaps someone else will leave Kaos as World Champion.”
The air shifts—tension curling between them.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is the problem with alliances like this. Any one of them could leave World Champion.
Narcissa lifts a finger. “No. What happens in the ring happens in the ring. The only thing that matters is that Jackson Cade doesn’t leave World Champion. Leave your egos until Kaos.”
Silence.
Then, she sits forward, voice sweet but laced with steel. “Here’s what’s going to happen.”
She turns to Redgrave. “We’ve confirmed George Cade wasn’t lying. Someone dug up C.J. Thorpe’s corpse. Since you’re so eager to reclaim your throne, take Chemical X. Find out what happened. Nothing would rankle Cade more than you finding out before him.”
Nox’s eyes flicker, intrigued. Eclipse nods once.
She then fixes her gaze on Savor. “You and I? We handle the rest of Jackson Cade’s torment before Kaos.”
Anton Savor grins and rubs his hands together.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This doesn’t sound good.
A slow smile spreads across her lips.
“Let’s make every second count.”
MATT RUBY: I can’t wait!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and gentlemen, this is the match we’ve all been waiting for! Two legends of Arcadian wrestling are about to collide in what could be the most high-stakes Luchador bout in Olympus history! The Fallen Dragon himself, El Dragón Caído, against the haunting melody of destruction, El Mariachi Muerte!
MATT RUBY: This one is personal, Bronco. It’s about legacy. It’s about proving who stands atop the mountain when all is said and done. Draco’s looking for one last run, and Muerte? He’s out to write the final song in his opponent’s book.
DING DING DING!
The crowd is electric as both men circle each other. El Mariachi Muerte extends a single red rose toward Dragón, a twisted grin on his painted face. Dragón swats it away, stepping in for a quick lock-up.
They grapple in the center, each legend testing the other’s strength. Muerte manages to twist Dragón into a standing side headlock, wrenching down before Dragón shoves him off into the ropes. Muerte rebounds—
BIG SHOULDER BLOCK from Dragón! Muerte hits the mat, but kips right back up, hitting the ropes again—
FLYING HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!
Dragón is sent rolling, but he flips back onto his feet! The fans erupt as both men face off again, staring each other down.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Look at the athletitism on display!
Dragón charges first! Muerte ducks the clothesline, runs into the ropes and springs off—
SPRINGBOARD ARM DRAG!
Dragón rolls through and immediately pops back up alongside Muerte, leaping with a basement dropkick, sending Muerte sprawling backward. Dragón is already on the move, rushing the ropes—
BASEBALL SLIDE—NO! Muerte ROLLS AWAY and Dragón sliding to the outside. He quickly gets back up and leaps over the top rope onto the apron—
48 ROSES! DOUBLE FOOT STOMP OFF THE APRON ONTO THE STANDING SHOULDERS OF EL DRAGON CAIDO!
Muerte crashes down onto Dragón’s neck, driving him hard into the arena floor!
MATT RUBY: Oh my god! He might have cracked Dragón’s spine in half!
Muerte rolls back into the ring and plays an imaginary guitar, the crowd clapping along to his deadly tune. Dragón is stirring on the outside, clutching his back, and the referee starts the count.
ONE...
TWO...
THREE...
Dragón pulls himself up using the barricade.
FOUR..
FIVE...
Muerte isn’t waiting. He hits the ropes—
SUICIDE DIVE—NO! FIRE BREATH!!
Dragón catches Muerte mid-air with a brutal double-handed chokeslam onto the ring apron!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GOOD LORD! EL DRAGÓN CAÍDO JUST DROPPED HIM LIKE A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING!
Dragón rolls Muerte back inside and follows, signaling to the crowd. He grabs Muerte—
CHASE THE DRAGÓN!! STEINER SCREWDRIVER!!!
Muerte is SPIKED into the mat! Dragón makes the cover!
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!
NO! KICKOUT!!!
The crowd erupts! Dragón nods, his experience showing as he remains composed. But his eyes betray his fury. He thought that was it. He pulls Muerte up and hooks him for a suplex—
REVERSAL! MUERTE FLOATS OVER AND DROPS DOWN BEHIND!
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM!! HE’S GOT THE GUITAR STRING! HE'S GAROTTING THE FALLEN DRAGON!
Muerte wraps the string around Dragón’s throat, pulling back with all his might! Dragón thrashes, gasping for air!
MATT RUBY: CHOKE HIM! CHOKE HIM OUT!
Dragón claws at the string, his movements slowing. The ref warns Muerte—
ONE...
TWO...
"BREAK THE HOLD, DAMNIT!"
THREE!
HE BREAKS IT AT FOUR!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The damage is surely done. Caido looks out on his feet. That deadly garotte has surely ended this...
Dragón collapses, coughing violently. Muerte places the rose between Dragón’s lips and pulls him up—
FADE TO BLACK!!! PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!!!
He sits on his chest, hooks the leg and falls backwards...
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!
DING DING DING!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Muerte did it! In the battle of Luchadors, he defeated the legend to perhaps begin, if not continue his own!
MATT RUBY: That could've been a huge upset here tonight. El Dragon Caido might be a legend on the indies, but this is the big time, Bronc.
The crowd erupts in chants of “LUCHA! LUCHA! LUCHA!” as Muerte slowly rises, his eerie melody playing through the arena. He kneels beside Dragón, watching as he recovers limply. The luchador legend rolls back onto a knee and looks up at The Mariachi who offers him a handshake that Dragon duely accepts.
MATT RUBY: Would it be corny to say the final verse belonged to El Mariachi Muerte here tonight?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not at all. This was more than a match. This was history. And tonight, El Mariachi Muerte has cemented his legacy as the man who silenced The Fallen Dragon.
Muerte raises his arms as the arena fills with his haunting song.
Hunting Season II
The crowd roared, the Main Event finally over. Inside the ring, El Mariachi Muerte stood on wobbly legs, sweat dripping as he steadied himself.
El Dragón Caído had taken him to his absolute limit, but he had survived. Barely.
Then, his music abruptly cuts—
“It is BAFFLING to me…”
The voice boomed through the arena, cutting through the noise like a blade.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I knew this would happen, I just knew it..
MATT RUBY: Maybe you should've told Muerte, cause that idiot showed up anyway.
On the entrance ramp, Ares stood with a microphone in hand, his expression twisted in disgust.
“Truly, I cannot comprehend the level of stupidity it takes for you to show your face here, knowing what you did.”
Muerte blinked, still catching his breath. “Hold on, amigo—” he wheezed. “We didn’t do it.”
Ares chuckled darkly.
“Oh, your devil’s tongue won’t work on me.”
Muerte barely had time to process the words when he noticed it—movement outside the ring.
His stomach dropped.
Narcissa. Nox. Eclipse. Anton Savor. Jasper Redgrave.
They had surrounded the ring like a pack of starving wolves.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Get out of there Muerte!
MATT RUBY: Too late!
Ares gestured toward them, finally letting Muerte in on the trap.
They pounced.
Muerte was torn down under the sheer force of the attack. The Preservationists rained down punches, stomps, and vicious blows, each strike hammering away at him.
For a moment, El Dragón Caído watched.
Then—
He leapt forward, fists flying.
The crowd erupted as he threw himself into the fray, swinging wildly, landing a few good shots before the numbers overwhelmed him too.
Five on two.
A massacre.
Suddenly—
Jackson Cade.
He sprinted past Ares, charging to save them.
Ares saw it coming.
With a wicked grin, he swivelled quickly—
BOOM!
Ares’ clothesline sent Cade spinning through the air, damn near knocking him out of his boots.
The crowd gasped.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They've decimated him! Holy God in heaven, Muerte has been decimated!
MATT RUBY: He's lucky to be alive!
Back in the ring, Muerte was barely conscious, his face half bloodied, his body motionless as the five Preservationists dragged him toward Ares.
Narcissa knelt beside him, gripping his bloody face.
“Time to go meet Gemini,” she whispered.
The screen cut to black.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black