WARZONE #380
SoulBreaker
After last week in which El Mariachi Muerte was brutalized to within an inch of his life by The Preservationists, we look to see what comes next when his supposed meeting with Gemini in Agora is on the line. Elsewhere, Jackson Cade is forced into a Lumberjack Main Event against not only Anton Savor, but the Preservationist as a whole.
Soulbreaker I
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play â–º symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Last week - post Warzone.
The bustling streets of Agora were alive with noise, a sea of bodies moving through the neon-lit market city. Merchants peddled their wares, voices clashing in a cacophony of shouts, laughter, and barter.
Through the crowd, a hooded figure moved with purpose. His gait was slow, methodical—his face obscured beneath the shadows of his cloak. But beneath the hood, the pink and blue streaks of face paint hinted at El Mariachi Muerte.
Or so it seemed.
At the far end of the market, Gemini stood in the alleyway, half-shrouded in darkness, watching. Waiting.
The figure reached her.
A beat of silence.
Then, in one swift motion, he snapped the hood down.
Not Muerte.
But Drewitt.
His face remained hidden, but his presence was undeniable.
Before Gemini could react, he reached into his cloak, pulling out his mask—the mask that has always defined him. He slid it back on before his true face could be seen.
“Don’t run. Don’t move.”
His voice was low, filled with something that wasn’t anger—but wasn’t peace, either.
Gemini’s jaw tightened.
Drewitt exhaled. “My rage—it’s faded. Being reunited with Colt… it gave me clarity. But what comes next?” His fingers twitched. “What comes next, I wanted nothing to do with.”
Gemini’s breath hitched.
Drewitt’s eyes softened, just for a moment.
“I’m sorry.”
Gemini’s fists clenched. “For what?”
Drewitt didn’t answer.
Instead, he simply turned and looked back into Agora.
Gemini's eyes left his and looked back too.
Her stomach dropped.
The streets had parted.
And standing there, in the bright lights of Argoa, waiting for her…
The Preservationists.
Item of Interest
Just beside the entrance to the ringside area, Nero is seen tinkering with his gauntlet. He presses some buttons, causing the contraption to make high pitched beeping noises.
"That was quite the trick you pulled off last week," a voice blares through the backstage. The Red Reboot jerks his head toward the source, finding Ezekiel Graves walking towards him with an ominous smile.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't know what the Reverend is thinking going up to the Cyberhound alone. If he couldn't take him out with his Disciples, what makes him believe he can do it solo?
MATT RUBY: He's being strategic, BB. Attack while the idiot's too busy playing with his toys to fight back. Smart move, if you ask me.
"Didn't I make it clear you're not getting those credits back?" Nero says, annoyed. "Why don't you go back to the church and ask your God for more?"
"Funny," Ezekiel responds. "While the lord provides, he also works in mysterious ways. Sure he allowed you to take everything from me and my congregation, but he also showed me how to get everything back."
The Rogue Code tilts his head in confusion. Before he can ask what he means by that, Graves makes a leap for Nero's gauntlet!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What in Sam hell is Ezekiel doing!?
MATT RUBY: He's taking his credits back, BB!
They wrestle over the gauntlet for what feels like forever, neither man giving or gaining an inch over the other. They back into a nearby wall, with Nero's arm being pressed against it. Just when it looks like The Apostle has what he's looking for, Nero kicks him low, dropping him to his knees!
With a huff, the Red Reboot makes his way through the ringside curtain, leaving Graves to hold his little Disciples while he looks on in anger.
"That invention will be mine," he says to himself. "Even if I have to pry it off your cold, dead hands!"
With that, Ezekiel stands up and walks away, knowing that he needs to save his energy for Gravedigger later tonight.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big triple threat tonight here for you folks as the Cyberhound faces off against one half of the tag team champions Nox and the newly reincarnated Voodoo Child Calypso.
MATT RUBY: With any luck they'll both beat the crap out of Nero here BB. Serve the bastard right for abusing other's privacy like he does.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Spoken like a man with a million things to hide Ruby.
The bell sounds as Calypso explodes out of the corner, nailing Nox with a bullet like Shotgun Dropkick that sends him flying into the ropes, he staggers out as she spins around.
OFFERING! Hard double chop to the throat that sends Nox stumbling through the ropes barely able to breath. Calypso tries to follow up but she's spun around on her feet suddenly.
FIREWALL! Hard Superkick doesn't knock her down but she staggers back as Nero rushes to the ropes, springboarding off
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BLOOD RITUAL! Nero leapt right into that mist of sickening blood right into his eyes. The man is blinded as Calypso is just stalking him.
Black Magic rushes to the ropes herself, leaping off with GRAVE MISFORTUNE! A brutal Backstabber nearly snapping Nero in half but she can't capitalize as she's gripped in a Full Nelson
PARALYTIC PLEX! Nox out of nowhere with that Dragon Suplex but he keeps hold of Calypso, swinging her around into a brutal backbreaker.
MATT RUBY: Nox doing what he does best here and making the crazy bitches submit to his will.
Nox drives Calypso onto his knee over and over, slamming her down particularly hard the tenth time before driving her across his spine, trying to make her submit but suddenly he drops her to the mat, stepping away.
CRASH OVERRIDE! MOONSAULT FROM NERO OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES OUT JUST CALYPSO AS NOX MOVED OUT OF THE WAY IN TIME!
Nero gets to his feet right into a questionably low kick before Nox grips him around the throat, NOX OUT! REVERSE FULL NELSON BOMB SLAMS NERO INTO THE MAT!
Nox kicks Calypso out of the ring before covering Nero as Mills Stanton slides in to count
ONE
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TWO
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THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: YES! I told you BB, that bastard would get his for his stealing ways and the great Chemist has done just that tonite.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: As much as I hate to say it, Nox did absolutely deserve that victory tonite with that dominant victory...he's still an asshat though.
Actions Have Consequences
The circus was a place of spectacle and wonder for those who came to watch. But behind the velvet curtains and dazzling lights, in the dark belly of Klaus Way’s empire, there was only captivity.
Deep within the twisting corridors of the circus, locked away in a cold, steel-barred cell, sat Mighty Mighty.
He had been fed and watered since his humiliating loss to Narcissa, forced to surrender his NXT Championship on Klaus’ orders.
He was stronger now. His body wasn’t failing him like it had before.
But he was still a prisoner.
And tonight, it was Ajax the Adonis who brought him his meal.
The massive Russian strongman stepped into the room, his broad frame barely squeezing through the narrow space. His face was unreadable, his presence intimidating as always. With one hand, he held a tray of food, setting it down through the slot of the cage.
Mighty pounced on it, devouring the meal with ravenous hunger. But after a few bites, he stopped—watching Ajax carefully.
Then, in a low whisper, he spoke.
"Let’s end this, Ajax."
Ajax didn’t react.
Mighty’s fingers tightened around the metal tray. “Klaus is using us both. You know that, right?”
Still, Ajax said nothing.
“We can take him down together.” Mighty leaned forward. “You’re the strongest man I’ve ever met. And me? I’m not gonna rot in this cage forever. We can get out, Ajax. We can be free.”
Ajax finally looked at him.
But instead of consideration, there was something else in his cold blue eyes.
“Why would I want freedom?” Ajax rumbled.
Mighty frowned. “...What?”
Ajax’s jaw tightened, his tone firm. “I have family.”
Mighty opened his mouth, ready to argue—but stopped.
Because for the first time, he saw it.
Ajax wasn’t Klaus’ prisoner.
He wasn’t being held against his will.
He belonged to the circus.
Mighty’s stomach sank.
Without another word, Ajax turned, his boots thudding heavily against the floor as he left the room.
The door creaked open again.
But this time, it was Klaus Way.
He walked in clapping, his usual grin stretched across his face.
“Oh, Mighty, Mighty, Mighty.” Klaus shook his head, feigning disappointment. “You really thought you could turn my freaks against me?”
Mighty glared up at him, but said nothing.
Klaus crouched beside the cage, peering in like he was observing a misbehaving pet.
“I admire the effort,” he admitted. “But you have to understand something—this isn’t about chains or cages.” His grin widened. “They don’t want to be free.”
Mighty’s hands balled into fists.
Klaus sighed theatrically. “And actions have consequences.”
He reached through the bars, grabbing the half-eaten tray of food—ripping it away.
Mighty lunged, but Klaus was already standing.
“Maybe next time,” Klaus teased, turning on his heel and heading for the door.
“No! Wait!” Mighty slammed his fists against the bars, but Klaus didn’t stop.
The door closed.
The lights flickered.
And once again, Mighty was left in the dark.
Ceaseless
The Mortuary.
Gravedigger walks through the halls of his domain, bags beneath his eyes, heart pounding in his chest from exhaustion. The Valkyrie stumbles into the morgue, a plethora of bodies left unburied decorating the room, thin sheets being the only thing hiding them from our eyes.
"Sleepless..." The word echoes off the walls in a whisper. Gravedigger stops dead in his tracks, eyes darting to find the source.
"Tireless..." He grabs hold of his shovel, marching around the room, ripping sheets off of the corpses left and right, unable to see one of the corpses behind him begin to sit up.
"Ceaseless." The sheet slowly falls away, Gravedigger turning around to find himself staring down Malakai Midnight. The former Night Owl is grotesque, his skin taught, eyes sunken, his body lifeless.
"No," Gravedigger says, his voice emotionless, tired. "I ferried you. I killed you."
Midnight's corpse gurgles out a horrid, raspy chuckle. "Did you?"
The Valkyrie stomps forwards, shovel ready when a chorus of corpses begin to rise. Cloth falls to the wayside, a jury of freshly dead speaking in unison as Gravedigger stands surrounded. "The dead don't stop, the dead don't forget. We shall only rest once you do."
"No." He says, gritting his teeth, choking up on his shovel. "No!"
"Aren't you tired? Aren't you-"
"SHUT UP!"
THWACK!
Splatter.
Gravedigger swung his shovel into Midnight's forehead, blood splattering his face.
Then he blinks.
There's no shovel in his hand, no corpses, no blood. Only Gravedigger standing in the center of the room, his bloodshot eyes twitching as he desperately tries to comprehend what just happened, a single thought on his mind.
Was that even real?
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, this next match is an unstable one.
MATT RUBY: Understatement of the century BB, it’s a virtual who can hold their team together better. Can Wolf Fang Ayame keep Arcadia and Destructo from distracting each other or can El Dragon Caido keep Sunshine and Foley from their arguments?
The bell sounds as Foley and Arcadia start this one out with River Moonfoot calling the action. The Captain launches himself at Foley with a Spinning Superman Punch...
PUNCH OF THE – FALL GUY! FELIX CATCHES CAPTAIN ARCADIA WITH A FALLAWAY SLAM SENDING THE HERO INTO HIS CORNER WHERE DESTRUTCO TAGS HIMSELF IN!
Destructo Springboards into the ring over the fallen Arcadia's body and drives a flying Shining Wizard to the Skull of Felix!
SEE NO EVIL! SENDS FOLEY STAGGERING BACK, DAZED WHERE MR. SUNSHINE TAGS HIMSELF IN WHILE CAIDO YELLS AT THEM TO WORK TOGETHER!
Sunshine rushes Destructo Running Cross Body!
CATCH ME! DESTRUCTO GETS HIT BY A FLY RAY OF FUCKING SUNSHINE MANAGING TO STRETCH HIS HAND OUT TO AYAME BEFORE GOING DOWN!
Sunshine instantly stands up and plays to the crowd pointing to Caido soaking in the crowd's reaction. Before tagging in El Dragon Caido the crowd pops for Caido and Ayame going face to face, but Ayame gets tripped up by the downed Anti-Hero as she gets into the ring...
INTO THE SPINNING CLAW SLAM – WINGBREAKER DRIVES AYAME INTO THE MAT AND CAIDO LANDS ON THE COVER AS MOONFOOT MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, we knew some form of miscommunication would be the deciding factor.
MATT RUBY: Come on Bronco, Destructo’s in business for himself and himself alone. He cost his team that match.
A Pro
C.J. Thorpe’s burial mound is eerily quiet, tucked away in a forgotten corner of Arcadia where even the wind whispers low.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is absolutely disgusting. How low will they go?
MATT RUBY: They’re just searching for answers!
Jasper Redgrave leads Nox and Eclipse forward. The earth beneath their feet is dry, cracked—touched only by grief and now, by something else.
“You really tucked him away, didn’t you?” Redgrave lets out a low whistle as he whispers in reference to the Cade family. “A place so isolated, it’s a wonder Narcissa found it.”
Behind him, Nox and Eclipse take their time, scanning the disturbed ground. Nox runs a gloved hand through the dried mud, inhaling slowly as if the air itself holds secrets. Eclipse crouches, running a finger over the jagged edges of the hole.
Nox speaks first. “No trace of who did this.”
Eclipse doesn’t look up. “Not yet.”
Redgrave sighs, stepping closer to the grave’s edge, hands still in his pockets. “Had to be a pro.” His tone is almost admiring.
Nox tilts his head, curious. “Why?”
Redgrave shrugs. “It’s clean. Some hothead would be sloppy, shit would be everywhere. This becomes a lot more curious if it’s a pro. Could be someone trying to get to Cade.” He pauses, then smirks. “Could be someone trying to get to us.”
Nox and Eclipse exchange a glance.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who would care enough to dig up a dead man?
MATT RUBY: I think that’s the question we’re all asking, idiot.
Eclipse calls out. “Got something.”
They circle up, eyes locked on something half-buried in the dried mud.
Redgrave kneels, lips curling into an intrigued grin. His fingers brush over the discovery, his voice silken with curiosity.
“Now this… this is interesting.”
Cut.
Soulbreaker II
Last week - post Warzone, cont.
Agora stood still.
The usual bustling of Arcadia’s market city had vanished, replaced by an eerie hush. The crowd had parted, forming a ring around the impending storm.
At the center of it all, Ares and The Preservationists stood tall.
Behind them, Jasper Redgrave and Anton Savor dragged a limp El Mariachi Muerte, his body battered and broken. His head hung low, his face bloodied torn, blood streaking the dirt beneath him as they threw him to his knees before Ares.
On the other side stood Gemini, her breathing sharp, her eyes burning with fury.
Everyone could see each other clearly now.
But in the crowd, two other figures watched.
From one side of the street—Felix Foley.
From the other—Mister Sunshine.
Their eyes locked for just a moment.
Then, almost at the same time, they both looked toward the standoff.
Foley’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t going to let this happen. Not here. Not now.
He began pushing his way through the crowd, shoving people aside, moving with purpose, with determination.
He was almost there—almost at the open space—when a dark shape crashed into him from the side.
WHAM!
Foley stumbled, disoriented, before Mister Sunshine drove him back into the crowd, fists flying.
Left. Right. Left. Right. Sunshine didn’t stop.
Foley tried to fight back, but the ambush was too quick, too precise.
CRACK!
A final, brutal punch sent Foley crashing down, dazed and bleeding.
Sunshine straightened up, adjusting his tie like he had just handled a mild inconvenience.
Then, with a deep breath, he turned and walked back towards Ares.
The Preservationists didn’t react.
They had been expecting trouble.
Ares tilted his head, eyes flickering toward Foley’s unmoving form in the crowd.
"Is he neutralized?"
Mister Sunshine smiled.
“Yes, sir.” He nodded, glancing briefly at Gemini before looking back to Ares. “For the children.”
And with that, the war had gained another soldier.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The cage is coming down and I have to wonder if Gravedigger can even fight Ezekiel! He looks exhausted!
MATT RUBY: Must be Eclipse. If she was my wife I'd be up all night too.
Gravedigger sinks into his corner, head whipping from side to side! Graves looks on in confusion as the Valkyrie lashes out!
"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!"
SHOVEL READY! BULLHAMMER TO GRAVES!
Gravedigger lays into the Harbinger, pelting him with wild lefts and rights!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gravedigger is unhinged! He's fighting like a wounded animal!
MATT RUBY: Maybe Eclipse kept him up a few nights...
Ezekiel catches a punch, grabbing Gravedigger and flinging him head first into the cage! He rakes Gravedigger across the unforgiving steel, dragging him from one end of the ring to the other! Graves hauls him up!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: PURGATORY PLUNGE RIGHT INTO THE STEEL CAGE!
MATT RUBY: That religious freak broke him in two!
The Valkyrie goes limp from the slam and Graves wraps a hand around his throat and forces him up against the ropes!
THUMB TO THE EYE BY GRAVEDIGGER!
He kicks Graves away and begins his climb! The Harbinger gives chase, both men trading blows as they climb up the cell walls!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Get down from there! By god you'll kill each other!
MATT RUBY: Bury him, Gravedigger! Put him down!
Both Titans get to the top of the cage, refusing to relent in their brawl!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE HAS HIM BY THE GOOZLE! CHOKESLAM! CHOKESLAM INTO THE RING!
MATT RUBY: ODE TO TOMBSTONE!
Ezekiel Graves hits the mat with a disgusting thud! Gravedigger begins a rapid descent out of the cell!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And his feet hit the outside! Gravedigger has escaped the cell and claimed victory here tonight!
Another Turn
We cut to a dark and forgotten corner of Arcadia. The type of place that people don’t end up in by accident. A figure appears, hood drawn up on his sweater.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, this is the type of place that no good tends to come from.
MATT RUBY: Shady places attract shady people. I’d never do business with any ladies of the night in a place like that.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh, sure…
The figure pulls out a slip of paper, checking the scrawl written on it. Satisfied, they look around, giving us a glimpse of their face. It’s Captain Arcadia. Unmasked as we saw him last week. Inconspicuous in amongst the shadows, he searches.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Cap… But what is he looking for?
MATT RUBY: What is a boy scout like him doing in a place like this?
A second figure, who seems somehow more adapt to his surroundings approaches from around a corner. Destructo. He smirks as he watches Arcadia approach a dusty doorway and knock.
“Aren’t you a fish out of water?”
He approaches, Cap spinning around to face him.
“Why are you here? How did you…”
“Even without your mask, you’re quite easy to track. Naturally, I wondered what you wanted with the new found freedom from your shiny helmet.”
Captain Arcadia knocks on the door again, but there is no answer.
“Get out of here. I don’t want anybody else wrapped up in this crap.”
“Oh, I’m invested. I can’t wait to see somebody like you fail again, slowly losing their innocence. It won’t be long before you’re… somebody like me.”
Cap knocks again, and there is no answer. Only… a scream.
From out of nowhere, a body falls from above.
SPLAT!
Right onto the concrete ground between Destructo and Captain Arcadia.
Lifeless. Dead.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell?! Get Medical down here!
MATT RUBY: To some shady, undisclosed location? Screw that, get the hell outta here.
Destructo smirks again.
“Is this the one you’ve been looking for? She’d rather jump out of a fucking window than talk to you. Why does that not surprise me.”
Destructo walks away, while Captain Arcadia bends down to check on the body.
From the shadows, a figure watches from afar. They growl a low growl.
Cut.
The Hunter Calls
The flames of the Temple of Bones flicker wildly as a tournament begins. The sacred battleground is alive with movement, warriors testing their skill, eager to prove themselves. The Council of Lucha watches from their thrones, murmuring with approval.
El Dragón Caído, however, is silent. Arms crossed, mask tilted downward his expression is unreadable, but his frustration is obvious. While the Council seems pleased with the tournament’s progress, he is not.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Caído doesn't look impressed. The Council’s all smiles, but their golden boy ain’t feelin’ it.
MATT RUBY: Maybe he’s got somethin’ else on his mind. Like a certain woman who tried to rip his damn mask off!!
Caído’s gaze drifts beyond the ring, searching the temple, scanning the shadows. He knows she is here. He can feel it.
Then a deep, powerful sound splits the air.
A VIKING WAR HORN.
The Council of Lucha stops murmuring. The warriors in the ring freeze. Even the torches seem to falter for a moment. Caído’s head snaps upward.
High above, perched on the edge of the ruins, Ayame stands, framed against the moonlight. Her golden eyes burn through the night. She is not hiding anymore. The horn’s echo fades, replaced by silence. All eyes are on her now. Ayame lifts a hand then points directly at El Dragón Caído.
“Enough games. Next week. You meet me. Alone. My home.”
The Council of Lucha stirs uncomfortably. A warrior has never demanded terms of the Temple but Ayame is no ordinary warrior. Caído tilts his head, considering. He has never been summoned before. But then he nods. Challenge accepted.
Fade to black.
Exercising Caution
Deep inside the Dark Carnival, Hatchet is gathered around his fellow Juggalos. They are all conversing about the deal offered to their leader just last week, almost all of whom seem eager to take it.
That is, except for one.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hatchet still looks uncertain about working with the Preservationists.
MATT RUBY: I don't know why! That deal's too good to pass up, if you ask me!
"All the fucking cotton candy and Faygo in Arcadia is a fresh deal!" One of the posse members say. "Why the shit are we even debating it?"
"You fucking retarded or something?" Another one responds to the first. "They got that gas man that fucked with Hatch's mind in their crew! He ain't taking no offer to get down with their set when that stale bitch is there!"
"So what?" A third pipes up. "Skullface is offering an escape into Shangri-La! The fact we're sitting around like dopes waving our popsicles around is fucking embarrassing!"
"Shut your fucking mouths before I split your wigs!" Hatchet yells, causing all the discussion between the Gathering members to cease. The Gathering's leader looks out at his crew with disgust in silence for but a moment before continuing.
"Critical thinking, fuckboys. Try it sometime. I don't know if Grim and his posse are fronting or what, but I say we put our heads together and think of something to see if they're legit."
The Juggalos look at one another as Hatchet proceeds to smile.
"And I gotta plan to find out. So let's gather and put this fucking thing in action."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What do you think the plan is? Think it involves their usual repertoire of violence and bloodshed?
MATT RUBY: I don't know, but if Hatchet is half as smart as I believe he is, he'll find out that Grimskull is serious with his offer and take it while he's still being friendly!
We then fade to ringside as the mumbling picks back up.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and Gentlemen tonight we have a main event that may as well be an execution. Our OSW World Champion Jackson Cade stands against the Double Feature Champion in a Lumberjack match where all around the ring are the Preservationists. Narcissa Balenciaga, Jasper Redgrave, Eclipse, Nox just to name a few. Over a dozen people here to put a hurting on one man and it sickens me.
MATT RUBY: Hey calm down old man you'll give yourself a heart attack...if they don't get to you first for the shit you're saying BB. Cade knew what he was getting into when he formed the Seekers and hell, much as I don't like to admit it, the bastard's pulled off miracles before. Maybe he can do it tonight?
The bell barely sounds before Jackson Cade explodes out of the corner, taking Anton off his feet with a high clothesline. Savor stumbles up into a second clothesline and then a third before he grips Anton by the back of the head and Biel Tosses him head over heels into the corner. Savor slowly stumbles up to his feet into a brutal Spear that sends him nearly through the buckles, collapsing back down into the mat as Cade grips the ropes
AND STOMPS AN ABSOLUTE MUDHOLE INTO SAVOR
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson Cade giving it everything here but he's clearly on fumes with the absolute beating he got last week. He needs to finish this and fast if he hopes to have any chance of winning here.
A hard stomp to the jaw rocks Anton before Cade rolls back, running to the ropes and nearly breaking Anton's jaw with a running facewash. He throws Savor out of the corner before pointing to the heavens as the crowd roars. Jackson climbs up to the top, a little slower then he usually would as he sizes up the fallen Savor.
AND CRASHES TO THE CANVAS SUDDENLY! The ropes were shaken as Cade falls off the top, Jasper Redgrave "accidentally" having tripped and fallen back into them.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh what Bullshit! That bastard may as well have thrown Cade off the top himself.
Cade stumbles up to his feet, holding his back in pain right into the CREME BRULEE! Massive Superkick nearly knocks Cade out cold, the World Champion barely still on his feet completely rocked as Savor smiles before gripping him by the back of the head
And throwing him over the top rope.
To the wolves below.
Jackson slowly stumbles up to his feet backing up into Drewitt. He turns around into a massive headbutt by War that sends Jackson staggering back into a Full Nelson.
PARALYTIC PLEX ONTO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!
Nox smirks getting to his feet as he clicks his fingers
And the wolves pounce.
Grimskull, Eclipse, Narcissa, Drewitt, Jasper and Nox begin kicking the living shit out of Jackson Cade. The World Champion trying to protect himself but it's almost futile from the sheer amount of blows being rained down.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is just sickening. Can the official actually do her damn job and do something about this? Lumberjacks doesn't mean a handicap beatdown on the outside of the ring for gods sake.
A hard boot to the jaw nearly breaks it before he's lifted up high by the Artist, who smiles wild before throwing Cade forward
VANISHING POINT! CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!
Cade screams in pain but he's not even able to move as Nox grabs his arms, pulling them back
FOR THE LUNAR LANDING! RUNNING METEORA FROM ECLIPSE DRIVES CADE'S SKULL BACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLE POST!
Demi Sky looks like she's had enough, about to call for the bell but stops herself as Narcissa and Jasper look towards her, shaking their heads with malice in their eyes. Sky gulps before lowering her hand and letting the violence continue.
MATT RUBY: Demi made the right call there, with how blood thirsty the Preservationists are tonight, she may well have been a casualty if she ruins their fun.
Cade is lifted off the steps and roughly thrown back into the ring. Anton smiles sadistically, slowly lifting up the barely concious Jackson, laying in a few hard skin cracking chops before spinning around
FLAMBE' ELBOW TO THE JAW!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That has to be mercifully be it. Please let that be it.
Anton drops down, casually covering as Demi Sky reluctantly drops down to count
ONE
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TWO
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THR...JACKSON CADE KICKS OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE KICKS OUT! HE KICKS OUT! Our World Champion is hurting but he's not broken. That heart still beats...which means there's more for them to beat down.
Anton just nods his head before slipping down and wrapping his arm around Jackson's neck, locking in the Gastronomy Guillotine Chokehold. Jackson is struggling here, barely able to breath as it is but the Lord Emperor's deadly hold makes it that much worse. He refuses to tap though, Anton sinking the hold in deeper and deeper as Cade slowly begins to fade. Demi Sky picking up his arm and dropping it
ONCE
She picks it up again and drops it
TW...NO! Jackson's arm flies up into the air as he slowly rises, lifting up Anton who's still pulling back with all his strength. Cade roars in anger before rushing forward
CRUSHING ANTON INTO THE CORNER WITH A MODIFIED POWERBOMB BREAKING THE HOLD! Anton staggers out,
RIGHT INTO AN INCENDIARY ROUND! SPINNING ELBOW TO THE JAW OUT OF NOWHERE!
Cade staggers back, feeling it as he begins to stamp in the corner, looking for the end.
When Grimskull gets up onto the apron, drawing Demi Sky's attention. Cade walks over, not noticing Narcissa slide in behind him.
THE TRENDKILLER! HANDSPRING TWISTING FOREARM TO THE BACK OF JACKSON CADE'S HEAD!
Narcissa grabs Savor, dragging him onto Cade as Grimskull drops off the apron. Demi Sky sees the cover, sliding down to count
ONE
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BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not like this damnit! This bullshit cannot stand!
TWO
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MATT RUBY: Come on Jackson, just stay down man. It's not worth it.
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FOOT ON THE ROPES! JACKSON CADE SAVES HIMSELF AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!
AND THE PRESERVATIONISTS ARE PISSED!
Anton slowly staggers to his feet as Nox signals for him to throw Jackson back out. Savor pulls Cade up to his feet but as he goes to throw him out, Cade reverses at the last second, sending Savor out of the ring instead. Savor crashes into Nox as the rest of the Preservationists pull them up for a moment, looking up
AT A JACKSON CADE MOONSAULT WIPING THEM ALL THE FUCK OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HOW IS HE DOING THIS? How is Jackson Cade still fighting?
Cade explodes to his feet, the crowd chanting his name as he picks Savor up, throwing him back into the ring before sliding in after. He dodges a surprise elbow by Anton, rocking him with a headbutt before lifting him high up into the air
MASTER KEY! BRAINBUUSSSTTTTAAHHH!
Cade rolls to his feet, nearly leaping up to the top in one bound before diving off
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SCREAMING EAGLE! PICTURE PERFECT ELBOW TO THE BLACKENED HEART OF ANTON SAVOR
Cade is shaking with adrenaline, as he slowly waits for Savor to get to his feet. Stamping his foot to the tune of rythmic claps from the crowd as the Double Feature Champion slowly staggers up
RIGHT INTO HOSTILE DOWN! Leaping Superkick sends blood flying through the air as Savor crashes to the mat, Cade collapsing onto him as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
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TWO
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THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE DID IT! Somehow he did it and survived this lumberjack match. But what more will Ares and the Preservationists do to the world champion before Kaos?
MATT RUBY: It's nothing he didn't bring on himself BB. I don't like the guy usually and sure he doesn't deserve this punishment but he asked for it by going against Zeus. Price of war sometimes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Speaking of war, the Preservationists don't look like they're happy with how this match meant. They're all jumping up onto the apron Ruby, this can't be good for Jackson Cade.
Boiling Over
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What else do they have in store for Jackson Cade?
Jackson Cade stands alone, his chest rising and falling as he glares at the four Preservationists, each stationed on a different side of the ring.
Then, Narcissa steps in, joining Anton Savor in the ring.
She moves slowly, deliberately, an air of amused superiority about her. Her eyes gleam as she speaks.
"Jackson," she purrs, "I thought you might be interested in what we found out from little Joey’s grave."
Cade’s jaw tightens. He takes a slow step forward, rolling his shoulders like he’s ready for a fight. “I don’t give a shit what you found.”
A low chuckle.
Jasper Redgrave leans against the ropes, arms crossed, his smirk widening. “Oh, Little Eagle… you will.”
Cade’s eyes flick to Redgrave, then back to Narcissa.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They’ve got him between a rock and a hard place as tensions are boiling over here.
MATT RUBY: Maybe he should just listen to them?
“We’ll be happy to share,” she coos. “But let’s be civilized, shall we?”
A pause. A smirk.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They’ve set a trap.
“Next week, Anton Savor will prepare a meal for you, right here, in the middle of the ring.” Her voice is honeyed venom. “We’ll sit. We’ll talk. Like civilized people.”
Cade snorts, shaking his head. “You think this is gonna break me? It’s not.”
A chuckle from the side. Anton Savor finally speaks, his tone smooth.
“You may be premature in saying that.”
With that, the Preservationists leave, slipping to the floor one by one, their presence lingering like smoke.
Cade is left alone, fists clenched, breathing heavy.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Next week, will Jackson Cade be a lobster boiling alive in the pot?
MATT RUBY: That makes me hungry, BB.
Soulbreaker III
Last week - post Warzone, cont.
The air in Agora was thick with tension, the usual murmur of traders and hagglers replaced by a stunned, horrified silence. The neon lights of Arcadia’s market city flickered overhead, casting shadows over the growing scene of violence.
In the center of the street, El Mariachi Muerte knelt, held up only by the grip of Anton Savor and Jasper Redgrave, his once-proud frame limp, battered, and broken. His blood-streaked face barely clung to consciousness, his breathing shallow, his body trembling from the relentless beatings that had brought him here.
Before him, standing tall like a conquering warlord, was Ares, his presence commanding, terrifying.
Opposite them, standing alone, was Gemini.
Her face was stone, but her eyes were wild with fire.
From the fringes of the crowd, Felix Foley lay crumpled, groaning in pain. Mister Sunshine, his grin sharp as a knife, had already rejoined the Preservationists, standing beside Narcissa, Nox, Eclipse, Anton Savor, and Redgrave.
Ares lifted his voice, his voice booming like a war horn.
"Gemini!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the narrow streets of Agora. "This is over. You will give yourself up. You will come quietly with Drewitt, or we will take you by force."
His gaze narrowed, cold and unrelenting.
"Either way, you are our prisoner."
Gemini stood her ground, her hands clenched into fists.
"Let. Him. Go!" She demanded, her voice like cracking thunder.
Ares smirked, shaking his head. "You're in no position to negotiate, girl."
From beside him, Narcissa stepped forward, a cruel smirk on her face.
In her hand—a knife.
The crowd gasped as she grabbed Muerte’s motionless head, pulling it back and pressing the blade to his exposed throat.
Gemini took a step forward.
"Don't."
A warning. A plea. A promise.
"If you harm him," Gemini growled, her voice shaking but lethal, "I will scorch Arcadia in revenge. I will make you all burn."
Narcissa only laughed.
"You think you're some unstoppable force?" Ares mocked. "You're trapped. You lost. Stop pretending you have leverage."
Drewitt, still standing near Gemini, exhaled quietly. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Don't do this."
Gemini's head snapped toward him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice.
"If you go to them," Drewitt muttered, his words only for her, "you're both dead."
Gemini hesitated.
For all the hate she held for Drewitt, there was something… off about this. He wasn't mocking her. He wasn't playing the role of the Preservationist lapdog.
For a moment, she almost believed he was telling the truth.
Then—
Narcissa pressed the knife tighter against Muerte’s throat.
"Enough stalling," she purred, "let’s end this."
She began to draw the blade across his flesh—
Only for Grimskull to step forward.
"I'll do it."
Narcissa hesitated, looking back at Preacher.
Grimskull, his dark, horrifying expression visible alongside the hatred he feels for the man who trapped him inside the door, reached for the blade, taking over. His wrapped tightened on Muerte’s head, lifting it.
Gemini and Grimskull locked eyes across the empty space.
For a brief, fleeting second—there was silence.
Then Drewitt leaned into her ear, one final whisper.
"Hit me in the face. Now. Run for your life."
Before she could react, Grimskull's blade flashed.
SHNK.
Blood spurted.
Muerte gasped, his body jerking violently before slumping to the ground. His lifeblood poured onto the stone streets, pooling beneath him.
A cold hush overtook Agora.
Gemini’s heart stopped.
Her entire body froze, horror gripping her like chains made of ice.
She wanted to run to him. To fight. To tear them all apart.
Tears burned at her eyes.
But Drewitt had given her an out.
She took it.
With a snarl, she turned—and punched Drewitt as hard as she could in the jaw.
The blow sent him crashing to the ground, his body slumping as if knocked out cold.
Before Ares or the others could react, Gemini turned on her heel and ran—vanishing into the alleyways, disappearing into the labyrinth of Arcadia’s Agora.
The Preservationists watched her go.
Narcissa, taking control of Grimskull's now bloodied knife, spat on Muerte’s lifeless body.
"One down." She turned toward Ares. "Many to go."
Drewitt, groaning, slowly pushed himself up, rubbing his jaw.
Grimskull shook his head as he approached cumbersomely. "You let her get away."
Drewitt only smirked, rolling his shoulders.
"Don’t worry," He wiped the blood from his lips. "I'll be the one to capture her."
The Preservationists turned, walking away, leaving the carnage behind.
As the crowd crept forward, murmurs of horror and disbelief rippled through the streets.
Then—
A lone figure emerged from the sea of onlookers.
A figure in a golden mask.
El Dragón Caído.
He rushed forward, his boots splashing through Muerte’s blood, kneeling beside the fallen luchador.
His hands trembled as they reached out, as if desperate to hold onto something already slipping away.
The scene lingered—
Muerte, motionless, dead in his own blood.
Caído, on his knees, grief-stricken.
The crowd, whispering, watching—helpless.
Then—
The screen cut to black.