WARZONE #381
Mourning
It's been two weeks since El Mariachi Muerte was killed, but a majority of Old School Wrestling and its fans only found out yesterday. This week, on Warzone #381, Old School Wrestling mourns the loss of El Mariachi Muerte.
Ten Bell Salute
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
The show opened in silence.
The arena, normally filled with the roar of the crowd, was eerily still. The ring stood empty, bathed in a single spotlight.
At the commentary table, Bronco Blackwood and Matt Ruby sat with somber expressions, their usual enthusiasm dulled by the weight of the moment.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s Warzone opens under tragic circumstances.
Matt Ruby swallowed hard before continuing.
MATT RUBY: Just weeks ago, OSW lost one of our own. A brother in arms. A warrior of Lucha Libre. Tonight, we begin with a ten-bell salute… for El Mariachi Muerte.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Really?
MATT RUBY: Show some respect, Bronco!
The crowd rose to their feet, heads bowed, as the solemn tolling of the bell echoed through the arena.
DONG.
On the entrance ramp, the Preservationists stood in a single line, hands behind their backs in a display of false respect.
Ares. Narcissa. Nox. Eclipse. Anton Savor. Jasper Redgrave. Mister Sunshine. Drewitt. Grimskull.
Each one held a stoic, unreadable expression as the bells continued to ring.
DONG.
The fans, unaware of the sick joke unfolding before them, remained silent.
DONG.
The bells finished, and the arena stayed hushed.
Then, Ares produced a microphone.
And just like that, the illusion of mourning was shattered.
"This is what happens when you choose to be a Seeker."
The words dripped with venom, sending a wave of boos cascading through the arena.
Ares took a slow step forward, relishing the outrage, the anger, the hatred.
"We killed him," his voice was calm, almost matter-of-fact, as if he were explaining the weather. "Let that sink in."
The crowd erupted, furious, disgusted.
"If Gemini, Attano, and The Night do not hand themselves in, their fates will be the same." Ares turned his gaze toward the camera, as if speaking directly to them. "This will not be the last ten-bell salute."
Narcissa stepped forward, taking the mic from Ares.
“Gemini, you may have escaped me once, but after what you did to Zeus—” She sneered, voice dripping with hatred. “There is NO escaping me again.”
She handed the microphone back to Ares, her cold smirk never fading.
Ares nodded. “At Kaos, the OSW World Championship will return to the Preservationists where it belongs.” His confidence was unshakable. “The odds are stacked in our favor.” He laughed. “Jackson Cade? He has no support and no chance.”
A pause. A slow, menacing smirk.
“We’re going to beat him. We’re going to take his title. And then, and only then, we will give him a choice—” Ares’ eyes darkened. “Surrender… or join his brother.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I know I have to watch what I say here and I'm not taking any sides in this war, but Zeus said that OSW would be a safe space and their treatment of Cade is proving it to be anything but.
MATT RUBY: Ares is doing things differently, it's true. But can you blame him? They tried to kill Zeus!
The crowd booed louder than ever, their hatred reaching a fever pitch.
But before Ares could revel in his own words—
The stage curtain rustled.
A shadow moved behind them.
And then—
Gravedigger burst onto the stage.
He didn’t stop. Didn’t hesitate.
He barreled through the line of Preservationists, shoving past them without a second glance, his massive frame cutting through them like a wrecking ball.
He went straight for Ares.
The God of War tensed, turning toward him, clearly unprepared—
Gravedigger leaned in close and he whispered something in his ear.
Ares’ eyes widened.
A rare flicker of uncertainty passed across his face.
Then—
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell? What did Gravedigger say?
MATT RUBY: More importantly, with what's going on with him recently, could he even be trusted?
The screen cut to black.
Consequences
Gravedigger steps through the curtain to the backstage of Olympus.
Thunk.
Only to find himself landing feet first onto his own ferry boat. However, he isn't the one rowing. No, the Valkyrie isn't the ferryman here. He's the passenger.
Cold air hits his face as he stumbles back into his seat, his eyes glazed over as he finally looks up to find the person at the bow.
Calypso.
The Voodoo Child turns to face Gravedigger, that venomous grin etched firmly onto her face as she rows. "Chile, you finally made it." She chuckles, sitting down as the current moves them forwards. "Do you feel it?"
"Get. Off. My. Boat." The words come out through gritted teeth, Gravedigger clutching the sides of the boat, his knuckles white.
"Do you feel it?" Calypso repeats the question, letting it hang in the air. The Valkyrie doesn't respond, merely glaring a hole through his former ally.
"Oh, chile. Let me tell you what you are feeling. The pit in your stomach as the waves rock the boat, the anxiety in your throat as you see the afterlife... You are feeling the consequences of your actions."
"Fuck. You." The words are once again stilted, bile dripping down the side of Gravedigger's lip as he speaks. "Give me. My boat."
Calypso merely shakes her head, standing up over Gravedigger. "If you want your freedom... Then take it from me, chile. Take it just like you took my life. Rip it from my cold, lifeless, hands."
SPLASH!
CALYPSO KICKED GRAVEDIGGER INTO THE WATER!
The Valkyrie sinks beneath the waves, down into the depths.
Splash.
Gravedigger's eyes flutter open, the new ferryman finding himself standing outside of Olympus, his heart racing in his chest.
A flash of light and his shovel appears in his hands, finally muttering out two simple words.
"Kill. Calypso."
Cut.
MATT RUBY: On deck we have Grimskull taking on the persistent pest Wolf Fang Ayame.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Persistent pest? Normally you’re head over heels for OSW’s female competitors Ruby.
MATT RUBY: It might tickle my pickle if she smiled more.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The always insightful Matt Ruby, everybody.
On the call for this match is referee Cole Holt as the bell sounds Ayame lets out a feral scream rushing Grimskull... and is caught, Drop Toe Hold!
DEATH TO HELLIONS – FACE FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE TURN BUCKLE GOES AYAME!
The Dark Spectre is quickly back to his feet hitting the ropes Cannon Ball!
MARTYR TO THE FUCKING TURN BUCKLES!
Conquest manages to land on his feet and Ayame leaps off the Middle Turn Buckle!
ON
THE
HUNT!
SPRINGBOARD ENZIGURI TURNS THE PREACHER OF PAIN INSIDE OUT LANDING ON HIS FACE AFTER A FULL ROTATION!
Ayame stalks The Preacher of Pain as he struggles to his feet... rushing in Step Up Axe Kick!
CRESENT MOON KICK – NO! COLE HOLT “TRIPS” OVER GRIMSKULL KNOCKING HIM OUT OF THE WAY AND AYAME LANDS FLAT ON HER BACK!
Grimskull Springboards off the ropes! Diving Headbut to the downed Ayame!
PRAYER! SKULL-TO-SKULL! GRIMSKULL CLIMBS INTO THE COVER AND HOLT MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Damn him! Damn, Cole Holt straight to hell he’s obviously on the Preservationist’s payroll!
MATT RUBY: Don’t cast aspersions where they’re not needed Bronco, he’s just a bit clumsy.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I smell a ton of bull crap with that last statement Matt.
Three Courses
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well folks, our ringside team has got the ring transformed in record time.
MATT RUBY: It’s dinner time, BB!
A white tablecloth stretches across a long table, pristine silverware glinting under the arena lights. Jackson Cade sits at one end, tense, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. Narcissa sits opposite, elegant, poised, a glass of wine untouched beside her.
Nox, Eclipse, and Jasper Redgrave stand behind Narcissa, Jasper looking particularly bored.
Anton Savor stands between Cade and Narcissa, smiling politely as he presents the first course on a silver tray.
“Tonight,” he announces, “we begin with Salisbury steak. Not my usual fare, but Narcissa dictated the menu.”
Cade looks down at the plate, then back up. “What’s the catch?”
Narcissa smiles. “Nothing you can’t chew on.”
She reaches into a manila envelope and slides a photo across the table. Cade doesn’t reach for it—he stares. Then, slowly, he pulls it closer.
His fingers twitch. His jaw locks.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can’t make it out, Matt. What did they find?
MATT RUBY: Me either!
“Bullshit,” Cade growls, his voice rising as he pushes up from his chair. “You’re fucking with me.”
Narcissa stays seated, serene. “I’m sure what Jasper and Chemical X found was tough to swallow.”
Cade storms off, fists clenched, shoulders tight with rage and doubt.
Narcissa doesn’t watch him go. Instead, she swirls her wine. “Hold the second course.”
She turns to Savor and Redgrave. “Follow him. We know where he’s headed. Myself and Chemical X have matches coming up. We’ll join you soon. But no killing.”
She smirks as Redgrave reluctantly nods.
“We still have two more courses to serve.”
MATT RUBY: They got the ring all dressed up, and they didn’t eat a bite of the amazing food.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: From what I’ve heard, they may not want to eat Savor’s cooking. But we’ve got Nox staying out here for his match.
MATT RUBY: This is a treat!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A week before Kaos one half of the tag team champions Nox goes up against the man who rightfully should be in the main event Mighty Mighty.
MATT RUBY: Hey, he knew what he was getting into. Narcissa beat him for the good of Arcadia and still this fat bastard is whining about it. I can't wait for the Chemist to teach him some respect here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mighty's no easy target Ruby, he might be stuck under Klaus's thumb but that doesn't mean he can't and won't make an example out of Nox tonight.
The bell sounds as Mighty rushes forward, Nox surprised by his speed that he can't avoid a rib crushing Running Crossbody that nearly splits him in half. Nox gets pulled up to his feet, Mighty delivering a few hard knees to the ribs before gripping him around the throat and Biel Tossing him into the corner.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: CANNONNNNBALLLLL! Mighty crushes Nox into the corner with massive force.
Nox staggers out of the corner right into the clutches of Mighty who throws him high into the air with the HIGH AND MIGHTY! Nox flies eight, nine feet in the air from the sheer power as Mighty begins to groove, the crowd very clearly on his side.
Mighty goes to pull Nox up
POISON MISTER! A blinding pulse of green mist right into Mighty's eyes. The big man is blinded as Nox slips behind, gripping him in the Full Nelson
BUT HE CAN"T LIFT THE BIGGER MAN!
Mighty delivers a hard elbow to the ribs, before throwing Nox over his shoulder to the mat. Nox staggers up as Mighty rushes forward but he manages to rock him with a hard kick to the jaw. Nox looks for an STO before swinging his arm around Mighty's head
DARKER GOOD! STO DDT SPIKES MIGHTY INTO THE MAT!
That may well be it as Nox hooks both legs for the cover as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
............
TWO
..............
.................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: See! I told you BB, that chunk lost like a chump to a real champion and he's still where he deserves to be under the thumb of Klaus Way.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mighty only just lost that Ruby and while Nox was the better man tonight, you know that given the chance, that could've easily gone the other way.
Security Measures
Grimskull walks through the backstage area with purpose. He passes by members of security, janitors, and maintenance workers on his way towards the ringside entrance.
Before he can make it there, however, he's stopped by Lucky Cassidy, who looks like he stumbled into an opportunity of a lifetime by meeting Conquest.
"Grimskull," the interviewer begins. "Mind if I ask you a quick question regarding your deal with Hatchet? It won't take long, I swear!"
MATT RUBY: Why the hell is this nosy bastard backstage? Can't keep his nose from where it doesn't belong, can he?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The man's just doing his job, Ruby. Besides, I'd like to know just what Ares and the Preservationists have planned for the Juggalo, myself.
The Dark Specter places his hands on his hips and sighs heavily. After a few moments of silence, he motions Lucky to hit him with his query.
"Two weeks ago, you promised the Clown Arcadia on a silver platter. However, he still appeared unsure of your offer. Is there a plan B to ensure he joins the Preservationists, or are you hoping that your bargain, assuming it's legitimate, is good enough to sway him?"
There is a pause that the former Preacher lets linger in the air before he pipes up.
"I'm not at liberty to confirm or deny the authenticity of my offer," Grimskull says plainly. "I can say that there are security measures in place in case Hatchet is somehow convinced not to join the right side of the fight."
This answer seems to draw the attention of the staff in the background. Neither Cassidy or Grimskull pay them any mind though.
"Does this back up plan involve any of your fellow brothers and sisters in arms?" Lucky asks, not caring that he said he'd only ask one question.
"Yes, and I'm late for my meeting with them, no thanks to you. Now get out of my way." The Specter pushes past Lucky before leaving the scene altogether. Lucky proceeds to walk toward the staff before the camera lingers on them, who look at each other with a nod before leaving as well.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That didn't tell us much. All we know is that someone is involved in case Hatchet says no.
MATT RUBY: It doesn't matter anyways. Hatchet has the deal of a lifetime and he'll take it at Kaos, I can assure you that.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a rematch a long time in the making here folks. Seven months ago Calypso made her Olympus in-ring debut against Narcissa Balenciaga inside a steel cage and that match was anything but pretty.
MATT RUBY: A travesty is what it was BB. Poor Narcy barely survived that match and only won because Calypso threw her off the top of the cage to the concrete floor. But that was seven months BB, Narcy's a lot more prepared and vicious now, she's gonna put this dead witch back in the ground where she belongs.
The bell sounds as Narcissa rushes forward, nailing Calypso with a hard flying forearm. Calypso staggers back as Narcissa rolls to her feet, peppering the Voodoo Child who hard strikes before leaping up
UPRISING! Bicycle Knee hits flush, leaving Calypso out on her feet as Narcissa rushes to the ropes, bouncing off as she handsprings forward.
TREND....CALYPSO CATCHES THE FOREARM!
She sneers, spinning Narcissa around before nailing the OFFERING double cross chop to the throat, taking all the wind out of Narcissa. Calypso slips behind her, grabbing her by the waist.
SNAP GERMAN RIGHT ON THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That may well be it there, Calypso destroying Narcissa with two brutal moves back to back.
Calypso scowls, lifting Narcissa up before rushing to the ropes, springboarding off but Balenciaga manages to duck underneath the Diving Backstabber. Calypso rolling to her feet as the Queen tries for a Spinning Heel Kick. She ducks underneath
BEFORE NEARLY TAKING NARCISSA'S HEAD OFF WITH A HOOK KICK AS SHE TURNS AROUND!
The Voodoo Child calls for the end, slowly stalking Narcissa as she staggers up to her feet, leaping onto her shoulders but Narcissa slips backwards, throwing Calypso forward. Black Magic lands on her feet
BOW TO THE QUEEN! RUNNING METEORA TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD OUT OF NOWHERE!
MATT RUBY: YES! Come on Narcy Doll, teach this undead freak who fortune truly favors.
Calypso is out on her feet as Narcissa ducks down, rolling her up into a schoolboy as Colt Holt slides down to count
ONE
..............
TWO
..................
NARCISSA HAS THE TIGHTS AND HOLT DOESN"T NOTICE
THREE!!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What a cheap victory there by Narcissa. She knows she couldn't go toe to toe with Calypso so she resorts to her usual underhanded tactics.
MATT RUBY: Hey you're talking to the Queen have some respect BB and besides, it ain't cheating if you win and Narcy Doll beat that undead minger once again here tonight.
Anti Hero
One of the lower levels in Arcadia, where those down on their luck call home. Here, Destructo is right at home, blending into the masses when he spots a figure that seems to blend in almost as well as him…
Almost but not quite.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s Captain Arcadia… that same hooded sweatshirt. Yet, we’re still not accustomed to seeing his face.
MATT RUBY: If you were as ugly as him, you’d hide it away too.
“You’re a fish out of water down here, Cap,” Destructo begins with a smirk. “You think that somebody down here knows the Zookeeper and will flip for you just because you took your mask off?”
Destructo hops off the ledge he was sitting on and starts walking over to Arcadia.
“Look at these people. They’ve been picked dry by life while you’ve been playing hero. You can’t change your feathers now.”
Cap isn’t surprised to see Destructo.
“That’s not why I’m here. I wanted to see… you.”
Destructo smirks.
“Well, if only you’d have called ahead. I could have put the fucking kettle on.”
Cap takes a deep breath.
“What happened last week. People cannot find out.”
“Oh, sweeping a body under the rug. Maybe there is hope for you yet.”
Captain Arcadia looks uncomfortable, but he nods slowly.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: In all of this searching in the shadows, our new darker Captain Arcadia is no closer than the former hero to finding what he needs.
MATT RUBY: You don’t make lemonade without screwing a few lemons.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Remind me never to drink your lemonade.
BOOM!
Before either Destructo or Captain Arcadia can react, they are both blindsided by a force neither saw coming.
A massive beast of a man attacks out of nowhere, taking both men to the ground with a single tackle. They scramble to their feet, but the mighty beast of a man isn’t having it.
He picks up Destructo with one hand, tossing him into a concrete wall as easily as if he were a small child.
He grabs Captain Arcadia by the throat and lifts him up into the air with both hands to meet his balaclava.
He growls.
Then throws Captain Arcadia clean through a window.
Destructo staggers to his feet in an attempt to fight back, but the manbeast drops him with a single frying-pan sized fist to the face.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who the hell is that?
MATT RUBY: A real man… Not some wannabe antihero. Somebody who finally silenced these two losers.
With another low growl, the beast of a man steps over the unconscious body of Destructo, past the shattered window where Arcadia’s legs still dangle out of and disappears into the night.
Cut.
For The Children
The arena was filled with a low, steady rumble of boos as Mister Sunshine sat alone in the middle of the ring.
A single chair. A single microphone.
His usual energy was absent. Instead, he was calm. Measured. His voice, when he finally spoke, was soft—almost gentle.
“Ladies and gentlemen…” Sunshine tilted his head slightly, his ever-present grin never quite leaving his face. “As you all know by now, I have joined the Preservationists.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I wondered when we'd get an explanation for this.
MATT RUBY: He doesn't have to give us a thing, BB. He's entitled to make his own mind up where his allgiences lie.
A fresh wave of boos rained down from the crowd.
Sunshine waited it out, his expression never changing.
“But that’s not a bad thing.”
The fans disagreed. Loudly.
Sunshine exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “You don’t know. You don’t understand.” He looked around, eyes scanning the crowd, almost as if he was disappointed in them. “No one knows what danger lurks behind that door. No one knows just how deep the Seeker's corruption runs. They want to destroy everything Arcadia stands for.” His voice lowered slightly. “They endanger all of us—including the children.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That's horsecrap! That's horsecrap and he knows it.
MATT RUBY: So, the man explains himself and because it's not what you wanna hear, it's horsecrap?
The boos grew louder, but Sunshine ignored them.
“I have made a commitment to the children of Arcadia. For years. And I refuse—I REFUSE—to fail them.” His grin widened, but there was something sinister behind it now. “I have joined the Preservationists… for the kids.”
The crowd erupted with anger, hurling insults and jeers.
Sunshine didn’t care.
Then—
Felix Foley.
MATT RUBY: Not this idiot!
The curtain on the entrance ramp parted, and the crowd EXPLODED as The Puppetmaster stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.
Felix waited for the deafening cheers to die down before lifting the mic to his lips.
“Sunshine.” His voice was calm, but there was fire behind it. “I always took pride in what I did,” he said, taking a step forward. “I was proud to inspire a generation of entertainers. To show them that art, laughter, and creativity had a place in this world.”
His gaze hardened.
“Until you came along.”
The crowd roared in agreement.
Felix shook his head. “I couldn’t be more ashamed of what you are and what you’ve become.”
Sunshine merely tilted his head, as if bored.
Felix took another step forward.
“Next week. Kaos.”
The crowd ERUPTED again.
Felix pointed at Sunshine, his voice booming.
“I challenge you to a match.” Sunshine leaned forward in his chair, intrigued. Felix continued. “And I invite the children of Arcadia to watch from ringside.” He paused. “Because only one of us deserves to influence them.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You tell him Foley!
MATT RUBY: Here he goes again, sticking his nose in where it isn't wanted.
His expression darkened.
“And it sure as hell isn’t you.”
Sunshine let the words sink in.
Then—He laughed.
A soft chuckle at first, growing into something more unsettling.
Finally, he stood, adjusting his jacket.
“I accept.” He lifted his microphone one final time, locking eyes with Foley. “And you know what, Felix?” His grin widened. “I agree.”
The challenge set in stone. The match set. Foley turned around and headed backstage, leaving his counterpart in the middle of the ring, grinning.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Up next, Sunshine takes on Eclipse but at Kaos, Felix Foley and Mister Sunshine will do battle to settle this once and for all. Only one of them can influence the children of Arcadia. Who will it be?
MATT RUBY: Hopefully not bloody Foley.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big matchup here as one half of the tag team champions Eclipse faces off against the newest member of the Preservationists, Mr Sunshine.
MATT RUBY: We saw Sunshine see the light last week and get with the winning team and now he's lucky enough to feel the embrace of a babe like Eclipse. I'm almost close to liking the weird bastard.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Careful Ruby, your bias is showing and team-mates or not, I doubt either competitor will take it easy on one another.
The bell sounds as Sunshine rushes forward, looking for that running Crossbody of his but Eclipse manages to dodge it, rushing to the ropes and bouncing off with a hard roundhouse kick to the jaw that staggers Sunshine. She rushes to the ropes, springboarding off again but as she leaps onto Sunshine, he manages to catch her on his shoulders.
AS CHEERFUL CHARLIE BEGINS A SPINNING!
Sunshine spins Eclipse around a few rotations in the Airplane Spin but she manages to slip out before he drops her down, grabbing his head as she falls down and slamming him face first into the mat with a Facebuster. Eclipse staggers forward before leaping off the middle rope
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: CRIMSON TIDE! Middle Rope Springboard Moonsault variation as Eclipse lands knee first into Sunshine's midsection. That may be all she needs for the setup to as the Black Bride heads up top
LIGHTS... ON BUT NOBODY'S HOME! Sunshine rolls out of the way of the Moonsault as Eclipse holds her chest in pain
Sunshine grabs her from behind, WELCOME TO THE...GROIN KICK!
MATT RUBY: YES! That's my girl, kick that creepy bastard low where he belongs.
Sunshine drops to his knees in pain as Eclipse rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
JOYFUL EMBRACE! SUNSHINE SPEARS ECLIPSE NEARLY IN HALF OUT OF NOWHERE! Charlie collapses onto Eclipse, hooking the leg as Cole Holt slides in to count
ONE
............
TWO
..............
..............
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: Creepy Charlie somehow picks up the victory here BB over the beautiful bride. You think she'd want me to console her BB? I'm quite good at making beautiful women feel better.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It'd be the last thing you do once Gravedigger found out you're creeping on his wife. Either way Sunshine picks up a huge victory over one half of the tag team champions here tonight.
Ante Up
Deep within the Cornerstone Church, Ezekiel Graves is seen sitting in his velvet-lined chair looking at his laptop, waiting for something, or someone to appear.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well I see the Reverend hasn't given up his comforts to regain the credits he lost.
MATT RUBY: Don't be so quick to judge, BB! He's probably living on bread and water in order to save some credits. You know, God made foods!
Just then, the doors to the church are rapped upon. The Apostle looks up from his laptop for a brief moment before turning his attention back to the monitor.
"Enter, Lucius," he says with a commanding voice. The doors swing open to reveal Ezekiel's right hand man, seemingly beaming with happiness.
"I bring good news, Minister Graves," Lucius says. "The match has been made official. You'll be facing Nero at Kaos." This brings a smirk to the face of the Reverend.
"That is good news," The Harbinger states. "Did you tell Mr. Sterling to have that sinful hacker put his gauntlet on the line?"
"I did," Lucius says, dropping the happy tone in his voice. "But he said that he wasn't going to force your foe to do anything you can resolve yourself."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That's a relief. I'm glad the acting authority of OSW isn't going to let some crazed zealots boss him around.
MATT RUBY: Scott knows how hard up the Reverend and his Disciples are, though! He should've granted his request and donated some credits out of the kindness in his heart!
Ezekiel takes a deep breath before running his hands through his hair. After a few seconds of silence, he smiles and stands up from his chair.
"Then resolve it I shall. At Kaos, I'll up the ante and ensure that he hands over the gauntlet, or else. Round up the others. Get them prepared to enact God's wrath at my command."
Lucius nods before leaving the room as Ezekiel sits back down on his chair, his smile now a mile wide.
"I know you're listening, Nero," he whispers into the computer. "You started this crusade, but I'll be the one to finish it."
Cut.
Dragon or Wolf
The clearing is still. Candles flicker in a circle around Ayame, kneeling alone in the dirt. Her eyes stare into the darkness haunted, defiant.
El Dragón Caído steps through the brush. He says nothing at first, observing.
“I was like them. Before the wolf. Before Ayame. I was Hana.”
She doesn’t look at him.
“The Temple chose me to seek out others. The worthy. I believed in it… until the forest answered back.”
Her fingers curl in the grass.
“They sent me into the woods… but I didn’t find something. Something found me.”
Caído watches. He does not speak.
“It killed Hana. It made the wolf. I didn’t survive… I became something else.”
Now she looks up. He steps forward, extending the ornate golden dragon mask, the firelight dancing across its edges.
“Then let the Temple protect you. Accept this mask, and the demon will never return. Become the Dragon Princess.”
“And what happens to the wolf?”
“The wolf dies.”
She rises slowly. The flames shift with her.
“I didn’t survive the woods to kneel in a temple.”
Caído lowers the mask.
“Then at Kaos, we fight. Win and you’re free. Lose… and the mask is yours and the wolf is gone.”
She steps forward. Eyes burning.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There ain’t room for both of ’em in this world, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: Kaos won’t crown a champion it’ll bury one.
Fade to black.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: As Klaus Way stands across from Tombstone, he may no longer ask for whom the bell tolls.
MATT RUBY: You're right, because it's going to toll for that washed up has been of a ferryman!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You wanna say that to his face?
MATT RUBY: Saying it from here is fine.
The bell rings and Tombstone wastes no time in marching towards Klaus! The Ringmaster ducks a haymaker and immediately fires back with a whip-like chop to the chest! Tombstone fires back with another haymaker only for Klaus to catch his hand and run up the ropes! He leaps off with a hurricanrana!
But Tombstone catches him!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ODE TO CHARON! THE JACKNIFE POWERBOMB PLANTS THE RINGMASTER!
MATT RUBY: Is he supposed to bend that way?
The Already Dead wraps a big hand around Klaus' face and forces him back to his feet! He flings him back first into the turnbuckle and follows up with a hellacious clothesline! The Oddball stumbles out of the corner and narrowly ducks beneath a monstrous big boot! He pops up behind Tombstone who turns around into a spinning roundhouse kick to the jaw!
Tombstone hits the mat with a thud! He immediately sits up only to catch a massive shining wizard to the jaw! Klaus refuses to let up his assault as he hits the ropes and comes flying back with a springboard moonsault!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: TOMBSTONE'S UP! HE JUST CAUGHT HIM!
MATT RUBY: YOU PUT HIM DOWN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE DOES! WITH A MASSIVE POWERSLAM!
Klaus is laid out on the ground and Tombstone hits the ropes, coming back with a leaping leg drop that crushes Way into the mat! The Already Dead goes for a pin!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
KICKOUT! KLAUS GETS A SHOULDER UP!
The Already Dead peels Klaus off of the mat and whips him into the ropes only for Klaus to leap over onto the apron! Tombstone rushes him as Klaus springboards, catching him with a massive blockbuster! He rolls through, watching as Tombstone immediately gets back to his feet! Klaus slips behind him and shoves him!
RIGHT INTO THE REFEREE!
Moonfoot hits the mat and Tombstone turns to assault Klaus-
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BRASS KNUCKLES TO THE JAW! THIS AIN'T RIGHT!
MATT RUBY: That's brains versus brawn, BB! And brains always wins.
Tombstone is out on his feet and Klaus hauls him up!
MATT RUBY: CIRQUE DOULEUR! THE STORMBREAKER TO THE HAS BEEN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: KLAUS GOES FOR THE COVER!
The official slowly rouses and crawls over for the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
KICKOUT WITH AUTHORITY!
Tombstone sits up and his head whips towards Klaus! The Ringmaster immediately begins to crawl away but Tombstone grabs hold of his ankle and drags him back! The Already Dead swings Klaus by his leg and sends him head first into the turnbuckle with a brutal show of strength! The Ringmaster goes limp as Tombstone forces him back to his feet and slams him back first into the corner!
CRACK!
Tombstone lays into Klaus with a massive chop to the chest!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You could hear that in the cheap seats!
MATT RUBY: I think it gave me tinnitus!
He goes to lay into Klaus with another chop only for Way to lash out with a headbutt to the bridge of the nose! He kicks out one of Tombstone's legs and immediately drops him with a brutal DDT! The Warden of Weird is in desperation mode as he lays into Tombstone with boot after boot! The Already Dead tries to get to his feet, fighting through kicks and chops from the cornered Oddball!
BIG HAND AROUND KLAUS' THROAT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GOOZLE! FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!
MATT RUBY: I can't watch!
Tombstone drags Klaus out of the corner and hooks the leg!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The bell rings and thus it tolls here tonight for Klaus Way! Your winner is Tombstone!
Cade Stew
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I’m being told we’ve got a camera with Jackson Cade.
MATT RUBY: He’s still got a dinner to finish!
Darkness reigns above the isolated burial mound of C.J. Thorpe as Jackson Cade stumbles into view, fury and desperation written across his face. He storms toward the grave—but he’s not alone.
WHAM! ANTON SAVOR CRASHES INTO CADE, KNOCKING HIM TO THE GROUND!
Before Cade can recover, Jasper Redgrave stomps down on his spine, laughing as Cade struggles.
“Chasing ghosts, Little Eagle?” Redgrave mocks, grabbing Cade by the collar.
They beat him down with surgical precision—mockery between each blow.
Then Redgrave grabs Cade’s battered form and drags him through the mud, stopping near a half-filled pit of rain and rot.
C.J. Thorpe’s grave.
“Look,” he snarls, forcing Cade’s face toward the earth.
A footprint. Deep. Clean.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wait! That’s what the photo was of!
MATT RUBY: Who’s footprint is that?
Cade’s breath catches.
“Maybe,” Redgrave hisses, “you should’ve been looking inside the room instead of striking out.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Inside the room!?!?
Footsteps approach.
Narcissa, Nox, and Eclipse emerge from the darkness, calm and composed.
“Redgrave,” Narcissa warns. “We need him alive.”
Without ceremony, they dump Cade into his brother’s half-filled grave, muddy water splashing up around him.
Anton Savor kneels by the edge, peering in. “Second course is stew,” he muses. “Needs time to percolate.”
Nox brandishes a vial, tipping a glowing chemical into the water. “Keeps him alert. Wouldn’t want him to drown just yet.”
Eclipse lifts a shovel. “Learned a lot about this from my husband.” She begins to pile wet earth into the pit.
Cade sputters, eyes wild.
"The third course will be even better." Anton Savor sneers.
Narcissa looks down, eyes shining.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They've left him buried in his brother's grave. How will he be ready to fight all five of them?
MATT RUBY: He won't. That's the point, idiot.
“We take the OSW World Championship at Kaos,” she says coldly. “Then we rip the Seekers apart—from the inside out.”
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.