WARZONE #385
Hear Them!
The Hounds of Hades demand to know who will be the ten dogs of war stepping into the brutal War Games match live on Pay Per View. This week, we will definitely find out some, if not all.
What Did You Do?
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Cold Open – Nox’s Laboratory
The screen flickers to life, revealing the eerie, sterile hum of a subterranean chamber cloaked in shadows and science.
NOX’S LABORATORY.
Glowing green vats bubble ominously, casting a sickly hue across the room. Inside some of them—distorted human shapes float lifelessly, eyes closed, skin pale and bloated. The air is filled with the hiss of pressurized gas, the click of mechanical arms, and the faint buzz of fluorescent lights.
At the heart of the madness stands Nox, cloaked in green, his gasmask-like helmet strapped tight as he carefully adjusts chemicals and files.
He doesn’t look up when the steel door SLAMS open behind him.
Hatchet storms in, bandages still wrapped tight around his chest, rage simmering behind every step.
“We need to talk.”
Nox doesn’t flinch, calmly adjusting a dial. “I assumed you’d be dead by now.”
“Don’t push me,” Hatchet growls. “What the fuck did you put in that syringe? Whatever it was, it could've killed me… and turned Foley into some giggling psycho with a pair of scissors!”
Nox finally turns, his voice smooth, clinical.
“It was an experimental toxin. A blend of neurochemical destabilizers and cognitive accelerants. It was supposed to fracture his mind slowly.”
Hatchet glares. “Well it didn’t. It tore something out of him.”
Nox walks past a vat containing a floating corpse with clown-like makeup, an eerie mirror of what Hatchet nearly became. He looks back at The Juggalo.
“It didn’t break him. It unlocked him. That… thing? That’s Scissors. A deep psychological manifestation that’s been hiding in Felix Foley’s mind for years. My toxin didn’t create it—it set it free.”
Hatchet stares, half in disbelief. “So, what—he can just switch in and out now?”
Nox tilts his head.
“That depends. Either Foley will learn to control Scissors… or Scissors will control Foley.”
A heavy silence.
Hatchet shakes his head. “You fucked up, Nox. That wasn’t the deal. You owe me. You said I’d get my own toxin. One that makes me what I’m meant to be.”
Nox turns away, pulling a glowing blue vial from a tray and holding it to the light.
“I haven’t forgotten.”
He tucks the vial back into its containment case.
“Your time is coming.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Will darkness drown out the light tonight as “the Lightbearer” Chavito makes his debut tonight against The Darkness, which is The Night!
MATT RUBY: Man, how did Chavito get an invite to OSW? This wannabe wants me to believe one man’s heart can be enough to change the world. Yeah, look around, Arcadia is Warzone after Warzone, change that, Mr. Nice Guy!
Referee on duty for this match is River Moonfoot who calls for the bell as Chavito busts out of his corner...
CLOTHESLINE – NO! Ducked by The Enigma, who hits the rope!
*BAM!*
Leaping Shoulder Tackle – NIGHT CAP - lands full on center of mass on Chavito, who staggers against the ropes.
Frankensteiner! – No! The Night attempts the move only to be caught by Chavito and driven to the mat hard with the SITOUT POWERBOMB!
The Paragon backs away, watching as The Night struggles to get his footing near the opposite corner before launching himself like a rocket at the Enigma!
BITTER SWEET – NIGHTFALL!
THE NIGHT HITS THE SOL SNATCHER AS CHAVITO DIVES IN FOR THE SPEAR ROLLING HIM OVER FOR THE COVER AS MOONFOOT COUNTS!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
MATT RUBY: Well, so much for a man’s heart and determination being enough!
BRINCO BLACKWOOD: Chavito showed promise in his loss tonight, we can at least applaud that!
MATT RUBY: Yeah, and I can be applauded for knowing when and where to take a piss. It don’t make me special.
Spit and Flame
A camera follows Eclipse as she walks down the corridor, just arriving at the arena. Gear bag slung over one shoulder, shades on. She turns toward her dressing room and stops.
A woman is standing in front of the door. Older. Grief in her face. But it’s the anger that lands first. There are two kids at her side. A boy and a girl. Quiet and watching.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s Ignacio’s wife… and those kids…
MATT RUBY: Yeah, this ain’t a fan meet-and-greet.
Eclipse doesn’t speak. Doesn’t blink. Just watches.
“Do You remember him? The man you killed in the Temple of Bones? You didn’t even look him in the eye. You just snapped his neck and walked off like it meant nothing.”
The boy clutches a torn picture of his family. The girl doesn’t look up.
“He kept names. That’s all he did. Made sure the dead weren’t forgotten.Now my kids have nothing. BECAUSE OF YOU!!!”
Eclipse smirks. Lets out a slow, fake yawn.
“You’re not untouchable. You’re just a coward who hurts the ones who don’t fight back.”
She steps forward and spits in Eclipse’s face.
MATT RUBY: Well… she’s got guts. I’ll give her that.
Eclipse wipes the spit off slow. Her body tightens. Then she moves to swing…A hand catches her wrist.
El Dragón Caído.
Silent and Calm he stands already there.
“Not in front of the children.”
Eclipse locks eyes with him. Breath short. Tension rising. She yanks her arm free. Then steps closer to the woman and with a sultry, unnervingly calm voice:
“That was a mistake……a grave one.”
The woman doesn’t respond. She takes her children’s hands and walks away without a word.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That wasn’t about revenge. That was about forcing her to see what’s left behind.
Caído stays back as Eclipse watches the broken family go.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Fresh of her first title victory here in OSW, Wolf Fang fights off in this non-title matchup against the Warden in what well could have huge implications going forward these next few weeks.
MATT RUBY: It's all about right versus wrong here as Way takes down the skank who stole our queens title last week. The sooner he kicks her ass and gets a title rematch to give the good guys back that title, the better.
The bell sounds as Ayame rushes forward, clipping a surprised Way around the back of the head with a running enziguri. Way stumbles on his feet, falling to one knee as Ayame rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
HEAVEN'S...NO! Way manages to catch the attempt at the springboard knees, standing up to his feet as he holds Ayame up high, trying to lift her up onto his shoulders.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Way not messing around here, allready looking for that Freak You...NO! Ayame counters, slipping off Way's shoulders and sending him back first into the turnbuckles with a headscissors takedown.
Way slams hard back first into the buckles, Ayame rolling to her feet and immediately rushing at him
ON THE HUNT! Brutal Corner Enziguri crushes Way, driving him down to the corner before Ayame backs up, sizing up Klaus
MATT RUBY: TAIL STRIKE! Man Klaus is a lucky man, first getting her legs around his head and now getting a facefull of ass.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I think you're the only one who'd enjoy that type of punishment Ruby.
Ayame rolls out of the corner, watching Way slowly stagger out as she rushes forward again for another Tail Strike.
Klaus dodges, avoiding the Hip Attack before nailing her with a hard european uppercut. Way then grabs the stunned Ayame, double underhooking her arms before lifting her up and spinning
CIRQUE DOULEUR! STORMBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE!
Klaus gets up, calling for the end as he grabs Ayame, looking to rush up the buckles before slamming her down
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BIZARRO CONNECTS! The Unprettier knocks Ayame out cold as Way covers, Demi Sky sliding in to count
ONE
..............
TWO
................
................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: Told ya BB, only a matter of time before the Preservationists take back what's theirs as Klaus has to be in line for a title shot now.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You may be right Ruby but the rankings change at a moments notice here in Olympus. Who knows when, or if Klaus will get that shot, but either way, very impressive victory this week.
Off the Recipe
The Agora is bustling.
But in an area bustling with life, crime is always a factor if you have eyes to see it.
Anton Savor makes his way through the hustle and bustle of fresh produce, a list in his hand.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The best chefs select their own produce. And it’s only the best for Elysium.
MATT RUBY: Look at all these miscreants he has to deal with. Disgusting.
A slumdweller snatches a woman’s purse, looking to make a hasty exit. The thief runs right past Savor, who does nothing to stop them.
He steps towards the poor woman, now crying and shaking.
“Where are your heroes, Arcadia?” Savor speaks to the woman, and the crowd. “Off serving their own needs?”
He turns, leaving the weeping woman and scanning the crowd.
“Those that swore to protect you, to make Arcadia a safer place… They’ve abandoned you to serve their own selfish needs.”
There’s a murmur from the crowd before a familiar voice sounds out.
“That’s a lie, Savor…” Captain Arcadia steps forward. “And you know it.”
“Do I, Cap?” Savor smirks, waving the paper he’s holding. “You’re off chasing a list, when these fine people suffer. Why have you abandoned them, hero? Because Sunshine found some friends and you’re all alone?”
Cap clenches his fist. Savor smiles.
“Go on… Do it. Show them who you really are.” Cap’s fist unclenches momentarily, but Savor pushes on. “That your dead friends are more important than these people.”
Cap cracks. He turns, punching Savor right in the face. Savor falls backwards dramatically.
Frustrated, Captain Arcadia turns and begins to push his way through the shocked crowd.
MATT RUBY: Captain Arcadia shows his true colours. He doesn’t care about Arcadia.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This Sunshine Club issue has gotten to him, and Savor knows it.
Savor stands to his feet, lip bleeding but smiling.
“This confirms what I suspect, folks. Captain Arcadia is selfish and only interested in his own agenda.”
He wipes the blood from his lip.
“Don’t you fine people worry. I’ll teach Cap a lesson. I’ll burn Arcadia down if I have to, to prove that your Seeker hero is nothing more than a selfish asshole.”
MATT RUBY: Savor is definitely under Captain Arcadia’s skin.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s got to frustrate him almost at much as the fact that he still needs Savor’s help, somehow.
We pan out over the crowd, as from the back a figure chuckles to themselves.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Two of the biggest names in the Preservationists are fighting here tonight. The World Champion takes on a former Champion in her own right.
MATT RUBY: I don’t know who to root for here, Matt.
The bell sounds and Narcissa immediately darts around Graves, her agility keeping her just out of the reach of his grasping arms. She slaps him across the back of the head, twirls away, and curtsies mockingly.
Graves growls, charging with a lariat—but Narcissa ducks under and rebounds off the ropes—
HIGH FASHION! SUPERKICK CLIPS GRAVES’ JAW HARD!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She landed it flush—but it’s gonna take more than that to drop a mountain.
Narcissa rushes again, but Graves catches her out of midair—PENDULUM BACKBREAKER!
Her spine folds over his knee, and he doesn’t let go—a second, a third, each one more vicious than the last.
MATT RUBY: That’s not a man. That’s retribution in human form.
Graves whips Narcissa into the corner and unloads with slaps, elbows, knees—a flurry of righteous fury.
HOLY WRATH, AND HE’S NOT DONE YET!
He lifts her onto his shoulders for the Purgatory Plunge, but she slides out the back, gouging his eyes as she goes behind him!
Graves roars, blinded—
STO TO FOLLOW UP! BLINDED BY LOVE!
She waits for Graves to get to his knees.
UPRISING! BICYCLE KNEE TO THE FACE!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
KICKOUT!
Narcissa grits her teeth, guiding the big man to his feet by the wrist.
RIPCORD—NO! GRAVES NAILS HER WITH A SPINEBUSTER!
He pulls her up—THE FINAL JUDGMENT!
ONE…
…
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TWO…
…
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THREE!
MATT RUBY: Graves dished out the divine punishment here tonight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She danced around him, but I guess you can’t outrun Judgment.
Cutting The Strings
The bell had barely finished ringing. Ezekiel Graves, sweat-soaked and smirking, hoisted his OSW Championship in victory. Narcissa rolled to the outside, frustrated and snarling, leaving Graves to soak in the spotlight.
But that spotlight shattered as the crowd erupted—
FELIX FOLEY stormed down the ramp, steel chair in hand, rage in his eyes and vengeance in every step.
He slid into the ring, chair swinging wild and furious—CLANG! NO! Graves ducked just in time.
He bailed out of the ring, clutching his title, backing up the ramp with a crooked grin.
“Come back and fight me, you coward!” Foley roared, slamming the chair against the ropes. “You owe me a fight!”
Graves just chuckled, smug and measured, walking slowly backwards up the ramp, the championship slung over his shoulder.
But then—
The lights cut out.
Gasps.
Whistles.
Pitch black.
A low, static hum begins to build. Flickers of red dance across the darkness.
And then—
FLASH.
The lights return.
But Foley is gone.
In his place, standing ominously at the top of the ramp…
Scissors.
Painted grin. Wild hair. Blood-red smirk twisted with malice.
He stands perfectly still, head tilted sideways, staring at Graves.
Graves' cocky smile melts.
He stumbles back, terror replacing arrogance. He tries to raise the belt like a shield, but the fear is already consuming him.
“NO—NO, STAY BACK!” Graves yells.
We cut to black. Instant. Jarring.
A moment passes.
Then—
The lights return.
And the stage is empty.
No Foley. No Scissors. No Graves.
Just one thing remains:
A puddle of blood. Right where Ezekiel Graves was standing.
The camera lingers in stunned silence. The audience murmurs in horror.
Cut.
His Way
Backstage.
Jasper Redgrave waits in an empty corridor, leaning against a wall. George Cade stands beside him, arms crossed, always tense, always coiled.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Good things are never afoot when these two are lurking.
MATT RUBY: I’m sure they’re just having a smoke, BB.
Flutter.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They may need that smoke.
Tombstone appears.
Redgrave smiles. “Glad you came.”
Tombstone says nothing.
“I won’t bullshit you. Jackson Cade’s desperate. Flailing. Dragging anyone he can into a fight that doesn’t have a finish. That’s all he does—end things.” Jasper steps forward, casual. “But you, Tombstone? You were part of something bigger. Zeus’s vision. A secret protected. A purpose preserved.”
No reaction.
Jasper lowers his voice, just a touch. “This isn’t any different.”
“Your fight was with Igor Mortis. That ended at Pandemonium.” George Cade shifts beside him. “Whatever’s left of Gravedigger? That’s a product of your past, not your future.”
Still, Tombstone doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I hate them, but damn if these two aren’t good at this.
Redgrave presses on. “You said once that the Ferryman chooses his own way. Well... maybe it’s time you stop rowing circles and start steering again.”
MATT RUBY: Compelling argument to me, BB. How can Tombstone decline?
Silence.
“You want answers?” Tombstone finally says. “You’ll get them tonight after I go to war with Jackson Cade.”
Flutter.
Tombstone is gone.
George turns to Jasper. “You think that was a yes?”
Jasper grins.
“In his way, perhaps.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have an interesting matchup here as fellow Preservationists go at it here tonight. The Valkyrie taking on Conquest and this may well be a test under fire for both men having suffered hard losses at Pandemonium.
MATT RUBY: Grimskull took out the trash and Gravedigger stopped that wanabee Ferryman from winning Lambs. It was a win, win so I don't know what the hell Sterlings doing here.
The bell sounds as both men rush forward, Gravedigger ducking underneath a right hand before delivering an uppercut of his own that rocks Grimskull. He follows up with a few hard forearms that seem to barely affect the Skull who retaliates with a mammoth headbutt that staggers the Ferryman back, eyes glazed over.
Gravedigger shakes off the cobwebs, scowling before rushing forward
INTO THE DTH! Grimskull suckered Gravedigger in there but he's not done, sizing him up as he slowly sits up
MARTYR! CANNONBALL TO THE SEATED GRAVEDIGGER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was 250 pounds crashing down onto Gravedigger's head. Team-mates or not, these two aren't going easy on one another.
Gravedigger slowly staggers up, glass eyed as Grimskull backs up, rushing forward skull first
DROP DEAD NEVERMORE! Grimskull runs right into a leaping knee before Gravedigger quickly drives him into the canvas with a brutal DDT.
The crowd is into this hard as Gravedigger tries to pull Grimskull up to his feet but gets pushed away. Both men scowling as they rush forward
SHOVEL READY
LESSON
The Bullhammer hits hard first, Grimskull rocked before he's pulled up onto Gravedigger's shoulders
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE! GTS hits flush, Grimskull is out as Gravedigger covers, Cole Holt sliding in to count
ONE
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TWO
............
................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A brutal, brutal matchup here between these two but why the hell would you fight this hard against your own team-mate?
MATT RUBY: Think about it BB, if these idiots would batter their allies like this, what will they do to their enemies?
Trust
The Grove.
Drewitt walks quietly through the trees, Colt close by his side. He caresses one of the rotted trees when the sound of a stick snapping catches his attention.
El Mariachi Muerte.
Singing Death steps into the light, Drewitt relaxing for a moment.
"Are you following me?"
"Si Amigo," Muerte replies. "But only because-"
Colt's ears perk up, head whipping around, teeth bared as he growls at two figures who step out from behind the trees. The Night and Harold Attano, scowls on their faces, their distance kept from the growling dog.
"Still have my smell?" Night asks, rubbing the bite scar on his arm.
"You told me, amigo. Told me that you would meet him on our terms." Muerte says, the sound of betrayal bubbling in his voice.
"That we would meet," Attano interjects. "Not that recon would stop."
Drewitt narrows his eyes, looking back and forth between the Seekers, furrowing his brow. "You've been following me? Stalking me?" War squares up, immediately on the defensive. "Who the hell do you think you are?"
"Soldiers," Attano says matter-of-factly. "This is war, Drewitt. You know better than I do that war means trust no one."
"Agreed," Night says, glancing to Attano.
"We just need to talk," Muerte says, throwing up his hands. "Take a deep breath, amigos. We just need to find trust in one another."
"Trust?" Drewitt lets out an exasperated chuckle. "The only one I trust here is Colt."
War looks towards Night and Attano, both men getting ready to attack when Muerte steps beside him, arms crossed. Attano stops in his tracks, gritting his teeth.
"You're taking his side, Muerte?"
EMM nods his head. "If you cannot trust him, then I cannot trust you."
There's a moment of silence before Night shakes his head. He backs away into the shadows, Harold soon following his lead.
"Then the decision is made. Good luck, Muerte." Night speaks quietly, disappearing into the darkness with Harold by his side.
Cut.
Heart to Heart
Deep within the heart of Deathrow, we find Destructo honing his hand to hand combat skills by attacking a heavy bag. His strikes are precise and hit hard, evidenced by the sound of his fists hitting the sandbag reverberating off the walls.
As he continues to strike it, a feminine figure approaches him from behind and watches on. The Anti-Hero peeks over his shoulder for a split second before returning his gaze to his punching bag.
"What do you want, Ayame?" He asks, not stopping his assault on the bag.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I'm surprised Ayame's willing to face James after he acted like a little ingrate last week.
MATT RUBY: Hopefully she returned to teach that snot nosed brat some gratitude. She might be a Seeker, but I'd appreciate a fine piece of ass like that coming to my aid any day.
"A chance to get back on the right track," The Dragon Princess responds. "The last thing we need to be doing is fighting each other. Especially with Hounds of Hades creeping ever closer."
"So you interrupt me during training in order to try and make amends?" James scoffs as he continues raining blows upon the bag. "Give me a break. I know you're here to rub in the fact you provided unnecessary help."
"Look," the former Wolf says, "I know you're still upset about losing your father, but he'd want you to set aside your feelings and help us find out what's behind that door with the rest of us."
Destructo stops his regimen as she finishes speaking. He slowly turns to meet her with fire in his eyes, which causes hers to widen.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Damn it Ayame, why'd you bring up his dad?! Now he's even angrier than when you saved him from Hatchet!
MATT RUBY: Well she's not the brightest pup in the litter, but at least she's a looker!
"You think you know what my dad would want, huh?" The former hero says through gritted teeth. "You don't know shit. If you did, you wouldn't have said that."
"I'm sorry," Ayame says. "I was just trying to-"
"Get out of my sight," James spits. "Go before I show you exactly what he'd want."
Not wanting to fuel the flames, Ayame hurriedly leaves, causing Destructo to snap back to the punching bag, hitting it harder than he did before.
Cut.
MATT RUBY: Okay now this is just absurd. Why the hell are these two fighting one another when they should be teaming up to regain those tag titles?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Maybe Sterlings just messing with the Preservationists or maybe this is a punishment from Ares for losing the titles two weeks ago? Either way this is going to be another brutal matchup here I'm sure.
The bell sounds as both former champions circle around the ring, neither one taking their eyes off the other but it's Eclipse who is the first to strike, rushing at Nox who tries for a clothesline but she manages to slide underneath. Leaping off the ropes
POISON MISTER...NO! Eclipse saw it coming, dropping down into the splits just in time for the mist to fly overhead. Nox chuckles before he's doubled over in pain from a punch right to the groin before the Bride leaps up
DDT implanting Nox right into the mat. Eclipse doesn't let up, rushing to the ropes as she springboards off
CRIMSON TIDE! Lionsault hits flush as she drops down, Moonfoot sliding in to count
ONE
.............
NOX quickly gets the shoulder up, staggering up
KISS OF DEATH...NO! Nox saw it coming as he ducks underneath, grabbing Eclipse's arm in one swift motion
GET OVER HERE! Brutal Short-Arm Clothesline takes her damn head nearly off.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These two know eachother so well in such short a time, this is truly a coin toss matchup here.
Nox pulls Eclipse up to her feet, trying to slam her down onto his knee but she manages to slip out of the backbreaker attempt, nailing him with a kick to the jaw that drops him down to one knee before rushing to the ropes, bouncing off at Mach speed
FOR THE LUNAR LANDING! Running Meteora takes Nox down as Eclipse rolls to her feet, quickly rushing to the ropes and leaping up top
LIGHTS...KNEES! Nox manages to counter the Moonsault, wasting no time as he goozles the hurting Eclipse
NOX OUT! Brutal Double Handed Chokeslam drives her into the mat as he stays down for the pin, River Moonfoot sliding in to count
ONE
...............
TWO
.............
.................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: Damnit. My favorite part of Chemical X takes the hard fall, do you think she's going to need consoling? Maybe a backrub for the pain?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You know she'd murder you slowly Ruby but a big victory for Nox over his tag team partner here, and the question is will they get that rematch for the titles soon?
Sunshine and Lollipops
"One, a two, a three!"
Mr. Sunshine's singsong voice rings out through the grounds of Klaus Way's circus, Mr. Positivity licking away at a red lollipop as he approaches the main tent where Klaus Way resides.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What is Sunshine doing? Other than being unnerving.
MATT RUBY: That smiling ninny makes my skin crawl, I'm just glad he's on Ares' side.
"What the hell do you think you're doing here?" Klaus spits the question like snake venom, immediately waving for Ajax and Solus to come over, snapping his fingers impatiently as they slowly make their way to his side.
"Oh," Sunshine begins. "Is Mr. Way the only one allowed to intrude on another man's residence?" He chuckles, popping the sucker in his mouth.
"Yes." Klaus says, indignance in his voice. "I can do whatever I please when someone's actions threaten MY position in this war."
Sunshine takes a moment, holding the candy towards Klaus. "People are like lollipops, Klaus."
He licks it.
"They're around for a short time, and they're meant to slowly wither away as you savor them."
Lick.
"But some suckers simply don't last that long. They... Maybe aren't your favorite flavor."
Lick.
"Maybe it simply needs to go because it's getting its sticky little hands all over everything."
Lick.
"And when that happens... Well."
CRUNCH
Sunshine chomps down on the candy, the chunks of candy staining his smile. "You finish them. Now, Klaus, you said this wasn't over. But if you keep meddling in the Sunshine Club's affairs my little lollipop?"
He drops the stick onto the ground, stepping on it. "It will be."
MATT RUBY: Just what the hell is that nitwit trying to say?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: If you ask me, Ruby? I think he's telling Klaus to stay out of his way.
Klaus looks on, a sneer etched into his face as Sunshine turns to walk away, humming eerily to himself as he exits the tent. His words left to hang in the air.
Cut.
Social Engineering
Location: Deathrow – The Seeker Compound
The hum of old fluorescent lights and the distant murmur of rebel movement echo faintly through the walls of Deathrow as we fade into a confined, dimly lit operations room.
Nero sits hunched over a worn metal desk, fingers dancing across the keys of a beat-up laptop. Multiple screens glow with data streams, code, surveillance feeds, and underground message boards.
Behind him, Gemini paces silently, arms folded, anxiety flashing in her eyes like lightning behind a composed façade.
“You found anything?” she finally asks, her voice tight and low.
Nero doesn’t look up. Just keeps typing. Click clack. Click clack.
“Been digging for hours,” he mutters. “Social engineering, backdoor threads, burner groups… nothing.”
He finally pauses, eyes narrowing.
“No chatter. No outrage. No wanted posters. No one in Arcadia is talking about you.”
That hangs in the air like smoke. Gemini doesn’t respond immediately. She swallows.
“Why are you so worried?” Nero asks, finally turning toward her.
She looks away. Shrugs lightly.
“It doesn’t matter.”
She takes a deep breath, masking it as confidence.
“We’re both in the Hounds match, right? Just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.”
Her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
She turns and walks out before he can press further, leaving the faint scent of tension behind her.
Nero watches her leave, expression unreadable.
“…Liar,” he says under his breath.
Then—
A shadow stirs.
High in the upper vents of the chamber, tucked in darkness, a silent figure scribbles notes. A gloved hand holds a pen. The notebook is black. The insignia is unmistakable: The Preservationists.
Narcissa’s spy closes the book.
Gemini is panicked and soon, Narcissa will know it.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And now we come to our main event. Jackson Cade has seemingly four of the five he needs for Hounds of Hades but he lacks that final person to truly get the victory. That man may well be the former Ferryman but there's no love last between Jackson, the Seekers four and Tombstone. Tonight they fight it out in the deadliest structure in Olympus history, will Cade be able to get Tombstone's help or will the Already Dead remain neutral?
MATT RUBY: Tombstone's ain't joining the Seekers, he's got no reason to open that door and ruin everything. This is just a way to destroy their leader, after all, you remember the last Hell in a Cell Tombstone was in?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I still have no idea how Felix survived what Tombstone did to him there but that was a different Tombstone. I don't think he'll try and murder Jackson here.
MATT RUBY: I'm betting on a broken back at the very least.
The bell sounds, both men inside the insidious structure as they just stare one another down. The tension is thick in the air as Jackson finally steps up, not to attack but to outstretch his hand once more.
MATT RUBY: What is this idiot doing? I knew he was losing it from getting his ass handed to him by the rightful world champion and his dad kicking his ass to the curb but is he just suicidal now?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I have to wonder too, Tombstone isn't someone you take lightly at all and definetly doesn't look like he wants to be friendly with Cade at all.
Tombstone just stares the hand down, looking for a few moments like he may well take it before he just shakes his head.
BIG BOOT
NO!
Jackson ducks underneath, before pounding down on Tombstone with heavy lefts and rights. Jackson manages to back Tombstone into the ropes with his strikes but as he tries to throw the Already Dead across the ropes, Tombstone manages to reverse the irish whip
BIG BOOT AGAIN
NO!
Jackson ducks underneath it again, bouncing off the ropes as he plants Tombstone into the mat with the BREACH AND CLEAR! The Slingblade drops Tombstone to the mat for a moment but the Ferryman's already on his feet almost immediately as Jackson tries for a second one but Tombstone slips out
HEADBUTT! GOOZLE!
Tombstone allready looking for to toll the Bells but Jackson manages to escape with a rake to the eyes
MATT RUBY: Of course the former sheriff goes to his underhanded tactics.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You say underhanded, I say survival. Gotta do anything you can to beat someone like Tombstone.
Jackson stumbles back, spinning around before nailing the Incendiary Round Bullhammer right to the jaw.
AND IT BARELY DOES ANYTHING
Tombstone staggers back a few feet, cracking his jaw before urging Jackson forward again with the slight motion of his hand. Perseus agreeing as he leaps up
HOSTILE DOWN
BIG BOOT!
The taller Tombstone kicks Cade right out of the air, denying the attempted Superkick and nearly knocking him out cold with a single blow. Cade stumbles up into a pair of hands around his throat
Before He's Biel Tossed hard head over heels into the nearby corner.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here is where Tombstone's strength lies. Brutalizing his opponents with superior strength and just overwhelming them.
Cade barely is able to get up before he's nearly squashed through the buckles by a hard Avalanche Splash. Tombstone holding Jackson in place from falling as he begins to deliver hard elbow after elbow to the jaw before he pulls Cade out of the corner
AND BEGINS TO CARRY HIS SOUL LOCKING IN THAT RIB SHATTERING BEARHUG!
Jackson is screaming in pain, Mills Stanton asking if he gives but Cade refuses, even as Tombstone squeezes even tighter. Jackson tries to fight back, delivering elbows of his own to the dome but soon the pain seems to get the better of him as he slumps forward
As Tombstone yells out in pain
JACKSON CADE IS BITING HIM IN THE FACE!
MATT RUBY: I TOLD YOU! All Cade's are bastards but I didn't realize they were cannibals too!
Tombstone loosens the grip from the pain, Cade slipping out before spitting out a glob of blood onto the canvas. A thin trickle of blood oozing down Tombstone's face as he is absolutely furious. Rushing forward at Jackson, Cade dodges a Lariat, slipping between the ropes and nailing Tombstone with a hard kick to the jaw.
Jackson leaps up to the top rope, flying forward with a Lariat that Tombstone ducks underneath. Jackson rolling through, rushing forward into the arms of Tombstone
WHO THROWS HIM HEAD OVER HEELS WITH A RELEASE BELLY TO BELLY OVER THE ROPES INTO THE CELL WALL!
BUT JACKSON MANAGES TO CATCH HOLD OF THE CELL!
Cade quickly leaps off, using the ropes as leverage to leap forward as Tombstone turns around
BUT YOU CAN'T LEAP AT THE FERRYMAN! SWINGING BOSSMAN SLAM NEARLY DRIVES CADE THROUGH THE MAT!
MATT RUBY: That's it. Put a fork in him, Cade is donezo.
Tombstone smiles an evil grin, pulling the hurting Cade up to his feet before trying to throw him over the ropes into the cage wall. Cade manages to grab hold of the ropes, landing on the apron. Cade lands a hard right that stumbles Tombstone back a little.
BIG BOOT! A mammoth kick sends Cade flying back first into the unforgiving cell, blood oozing down his injured back. He screams out in pain, slowly stumbling forward into the apron as Tombstone looms over, trying to forcibly pull Jackson back into the ring.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: STEEL CHAIR TO THE HEAD OUT OF NOWHERE! Jackson Cade is fighting back anyway he can.
The chair shot staggers Tombstone back, allowing Cade to slip back into the ring. Cade nails Tombstone with a second shot, then a third that drops Tombstone down to the mat. Jackson sets the chair up in a seated position but as he goes to lift the Ferryman up,
GOOZLE!
Tombstone throws Jackson away with ease. Both men get to their feet, Tombstone rushing at Cade
DROP TOE HOLD ONTO THE STEEL CHAIR!
Jackson suckers in Tombstone there, the Ferryman staggering to his feet groggy as Perseus sizes up Tombstone, rushing forward and leaping off the steel chair
HOSTILE DOWN!
MATT RUBY: NO! DAMNIT THAT ASSHAT CAN'T WIN!
Tombstone crashes down but before Jackson can drop down for the cover, the air shifts suddenly
FLUTTER
Tombstone is no longer on the mat
But standing behind Cade
Perseus quickly turns around
GOOZLE
FOR
WHOM
THE
BELL
TOLLS!
Mammoth Chokeslam plants Jackson into the mat but Tombstone isn't covering, a scowl etched onto his face as he's looking at the turnbuckles and then back to Jackson.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh no! We may well have our answer here as Tombstone looks to kill Cade with fire.
Tombstone pulls Cade up to his feet, gripping him by the throat and once again throwing him hard into the corner. A brutal clothesline crushes Cade before he's lifted up top, legs placed onto the top rope before he's pulled away
CASUALTY OF
NO!
JACKSON CATCHES THE KNEE!
Screaming out a primal roar, he pushes the knee away, rocking Tombstone back with a headbutt before pulling himself back onto the top rope and diving off
SCREAMING EAGLE! STANDING ELBOW ATTACK DROPS TOMBSTONE! Cade rolls to his feet, rushing forward as Tombstone gets up
HOSTILE DOWN! Superkick drops Tombstone down to one knee as Jackson rushes to the ropes
HOSTILE DOWN! Superkick to the back of the head stuns The Ferryman but he's not down as Jackson pulls him to his feet
KICK
WHAM
THE RIGHT
TOMBSTONE SLIPS OUT
SOUL TAKER! Heart Punch out of nowhere drops Cade, Tombstone having just enough to drop down ontop of him for the pinfall, Mills sliding in to count
ONE
................
TWO
..............
...................
.......................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: I told you BB, Jackson Cade had no chance here against the man who's already dead.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson came agonizingly close here but Tombstone prevailed in the end. The main question is did this convince the former Ferryman to join up with the Seekers and Cade for Hounds of Hades or was this all just a futile gesture?
My Way
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That match was brutal!
MATT RUBY: I love watching two idiots fight each other!
Jackson Cade pushes himself to his feet, every breath earned. Across from him, Tombstone now stands tall.
Cade steps forward. Extends a hand.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is it, the moment for Tombstone to choose! He’s offering a gesture of respect. War-forged, hard-earned.
Tombstone doesn’t move. Not yet.
MATT RUBY: YES!
GRAVEDIGGER IS HERE, CRASHING INTO TOMBSTONE FROM BEHIND!
The crowd erupts in boos as Gravedigger mounts him, hammering down with fists.
“You always were too slow to choose!” he snarls. “Too slow to matter!”
Tombstone fights back, rolling to the advantage.
“And you’re just a dead man’s errand boy, now!” The Ferryman roars. “What do you matter?”
Gravedigger spits in Tombstone’s eye, and rolls back to the advantage.
Cade lunges in, pulling Gravedigger off and throwing fists of his own, but he doesn’t see the blur behind him.
MATT RUBY: JASPER REDGRAVE IS HERE!
HEIR TO THE THRONE TO JACKSON CADE!
Flutter.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There goes Tombstone!
In the center of the ring, Gravedigger and Redgrave stare each other down. George Cade is now in the ring, stepping over his son without a thought, mouthing ‘I told you so’ to Jasper.
“You ruined it,” Redgrave snaps. “I almost had him. I almost undid everything and secured our victory.”
George Cade steps between them.
“Let’s talk about this backstage.”
MATT RUBY: Listen to George, boys!
Gravedigger doesn’t back down, looking to George with disgust.
“I don’t do things his way, old man,” he growls, stepping in close to Jasper.
A pause. His eyes burn.
“I do things my way.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife. How will these teams come together going into Hounds of Hades?
MATT RUBY: The Preservationists will fall in line.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: But which side will Tombstone be on?
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.