SOMEWHERE ELSE[Click.] [Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.] [Continued.] [The Hammer barrels through the air at such velocity that only a freight train could truly stop it. It’s mere moments from crashing into the skull of D’von Chambers when a white light protrudes from somewhere, casting a cloud of invisibility in all near directions.] [When the light fades, Troy Solveig has been felled.] [He’s on his knees, his hammer resting by his feet, a grimace on his face.] [However, perhaps more importantly, Shadow and D’von Chambers are no-where to be found. Troy looks up, surveying the abandoned warehouse, cursing his misfortune as a good plan goes awry.] [Elsewhere, D’von Chambers and Shadow suddenly appear as if out of no-where, landing hard inside The Tap Room. Shadow collapses immediately, hitting the deck with such a thud that D’von quickly rushes to check on him.]
“How did you do that, boy?” [Chambers asks passionately, shocked that he’s somehow still in one piece.] “How?”
[The Fallen Angel can barely speak at first.]“My grace,” [he mutters.] [The Preacher pulls him off the ground and quickly begins to whisk him away somewhere safe.]
“You don’t look so good, kiddo, that took a lot out of ya huh?”
[Shadow nods.] “I’m weakened, Chambers. Using my grace weakens my angel side, leaving my humanity exposed. I can’t fight like this.”“Don’t worry, I’m gonna get ya somewhere safe,” [D’von says proudly.] “And I’ll make sure Troy can’t get to you. I’m sorry for not trusting you, man. I didn’t know.”
[The Angel cuts him off.] “The Trickster played his hand. Let’s get somewhere safe and concern ourselves with that later.” [Chambers nods, puling his ally away into the halls, looking to escape what will surely be a searching Troy Solveig later tonight.] [Can he recover in time for their match?]MYSTERION VS. CHARLIE PRYCE
SINGLES MATCH
“VINDICATION”
BACKSTAGE
“No matter what happens, my friend,” [Berengar says, continuing an ongoing conversation.] “Gameboy is still our ally. His anger and need for blood are but a passing phase. We must endure the flood to stand tall in the sunlight.”
[Spero nods, still bothered by the events of recent memory.]“A passing phase?”
[Both men turn as Gameboy enters the room. He looks at the other men with anger in his eyes.]“Is that how you see me? That’s how you’ve always seen me, isn’t it? Just a hotheaded fool that will never understand your mighty royal words. I may not have a ring of power or a talking sword, but I have power of my own.”
[He jabs his finger into Spero’s chest.]“And my power saved my life. Not yours. You brought Berengar back from death, but I was just the passing phase that assisted you. No different from your ring or Vigilkeeper. When you lose your weapon, you may feel sadness, but you don’t mourn it. You don’t weep to bring it back.”
[Gameboy snorts at Berengar.]“I’m not your weapon, anymore. This isn’t about what happened in the past, it’s how you react to it even today. Stop trying to read my instruction manual, because there are no answers there.”
[The masked man takes a step back towards the door.]“You boys are playing blind on hard mode, and you better bring that ring, Spero, because I’m done playing with the two of you. It’s time to put this matter to bed.”
[Gameboy charges off, while Spero and Berengar exchange a glance of remorse.] [The Vindicators collide tonight, but their bonds has been torn apart for some time now.]“HERO’S LAMENT”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“I’m sorry.”
[The Caped Crusader’s voice is raw, still reeling from his failure to save the hostages that Jigsaw executed last week.]“I have no excuses for you. I failed. I was too arrogant. I thought being a hero meant preventing loss. Now you’ve lost a sister, a girlfriend, and lifelong friends.”
[He looks down at a manila envelope on the unused food tray. A picture of the man is there, with his name listed as Jason Richards. Redwing takes mental note before turning back to the man he was able to save.]“But after Gameboy. After Troy’s betrayal. After last week. I know that being a hero means going forward despite loss. Jigsaw is still out there. He’s going to kill more people if I don’t keep going. If I walk away to find a new war to fight after losing a battle, then I’ll never bring justice to those that deserve to feel its sting.”
[He looks down, resolve burned in his face.]“I took up this mantle to be a hero, to do more than I could as a man. But in doing so, I rubbed shoulders with gods and people imbued with so much power that I forgot that being a man is just as important as being a hero. Their gifts come from outside. But mine come from within.”
[The Red Knight gathers the folder up.]“I promise you, Jason. I will avenge you. I am not a hero because of this uniform. I am a hero because of my actions.”
[He steps back to the open window.]“And my next step is veng…” [He takes a deep breath.] “…is to bring Jigsaw to justice.”
[CREAK.] [The door opens as a nurse comes in. She walks over to her patient, the room now empty. She reaches up to close the open window, shaking her head at it even being open.] [Cut.]REDWING VS. JIGSSAW
SINGLES MATCH
“THE TWO ROADS”
BACKSTAGE
“The choice is simple, Edgar.”
[Edgar’s fingers twirl his moustache, but his eyes don’t leave the symbols. Bruce Van Chan appears behind him with a slight smile.]“You say my choice is easy, old chap, yet… the way you speak of Mr. Royal. You knew him well, would you say?”
[Bruce Van Chan steps closer to Edgar Nevermore who doesn’t respond to his approach.]“Very well.”
“Then you know that his death was partially my fault. He was used as an instrument of intimidation against me by the former Ring King. Lee snapped his neck just to send a message to me.”
[Bruce touches the shoulder of Nevermore who shrugs him away. Edgar steps forward and picks up the cross and turns to Bruce who is beaming.]“It was your god that stood idly by and allowed that happen. How can I choose to represent a god that would just appear when he wants, yet turn a blind eye when the dead are literally pulling themselves from beyond the grave?”
“You don’t understand! He can’t leave Heav-“
[Edgar tosses the cross aside as Bruce’s eyes grow wide as they follow it.]“For all of my life, I never heard a whisper from your god, yet, when the gates of Olympus were finally open, it was Apollo who spoke to me. Your god sent a messenger while MINE came himself.”
[Bruce’s smile fades as his eyes narrow on Edgar who holds up the lyre.]“’Two roads diverged in a wood, and I’m taking the road less travelled.’”
[With that, Edgar strums the lyre as the lyre begins to glow with a radiant energy matching the heat and power of the sun’s rays. The glow spreads out and covers Edgar Nevermore as well as he takes a deep breath, breathing in this newly bestowed power. A harmonic voice enters the room as if casted by the lyre itself.]“Mmmm….a wise choice, my squire.”
[Bruce Van Chan has no choice but to leave the room shielding his eyes, yet his hands are shaking as he leaves Edgar Nevermore basking in the rays of his new-found fealty.]EDGAR NEVERMORE VS. BRUCE VAN CHAN
SINGLES MATCH
“BY THE GRACE II”
BACKSTAGE
“What do you think you’re doing?” [Asks Luther Creed, moving to behind them and in front of the door.] “What’s going on?”
[Chambers lowers Shadow down to the floor, looking terrified.]“We’re being hunted, boys.”
[He catches his breath.]“We need your help; the almighty Lord himself needs your help.”
[Luther looks at Redmond, who immediately stands up with a question of his own.] “Yahweh?”“Yes sir,” [D’von continues.] “There’s a war brewing between the God’s and tonight, you have to make a choice what side you’re fighting for. I need your help.”
[The Preacher looks down at Shadow.]“Protect us.”
[Cut.]THE REVOLUTION VS. THE OUTCASTS
TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“BELIEVE”
BACKSTAGE
“All you have to do is believe.”
[It’s Bruce Van Chan. Edward looks up, trying to place which location the voice is coming from.]“You still haven’t forgiven yourself, have you?” [Bruce continues, taking a seat next to him.] “Is that why you’ve not prayed for salvation?”
[Newton doesn’t respond.]“All you have to do is believe in yourself and our Lord, Edward. He sent me to offer you forgiveness yet you’re reluctant to accept it. If he can forgive your sins, why can’t you?”
[The Riddler bows his head in shame.]“Because I killed them,” [he mourns.] “Overcome by the Book of the Damned, I slaughtered women and children. I’ve never felt shame for my actions. I would’ve murdered you in cold blood and felt no remorse, but them? They were innocent.”
[Van Chan nods, lowering his voice to a mere whisper.]“He knows that. God knows who you are and what you’ve done. He forgave your sins and it’s about time that you forgave them too. If you don’t, and you don’t pray to him, you’re going to lose everything tonight. You can’t let Zander Zane win your Championship or break your streak. If he does, they leap forward in this war.”
[The Angel stands up, placing a hand on his once nemesis’ shoulder.]“Forgive and believe in yourself, Edward. He’ll restore your eyesight if you do.”
[He walks away.]“ Just believe.”
[Cut.]KING ARTHUR VS. ISAAC DANVERS
SINGLES MATCH
“My liege.” [Danvers says, spitting blood from his mouth.] [Arthur rolls his eyes.] “Yes?”
[Danvers grins.] “I’m going to hurt you now.” [Danvers lunges in and BITES ARTHUR’S FACE!] [Arthur screams, and tries to pry Danvers’ teeth out of his cheek, but Danvers won’t budge! He’s growling like a dog as he CHEWS on Arthur’s old flesh. Arthur sends a knee into Danvers sternum, which forces Danvers away–but not without a piece of Arthur’s cheek flesh hanging from between his blood-painted teeth.] [Danvers isn’t done! He spits out his bite of Arthur, and tackles Arthur to the ground! He mounts Arthur and begins unloading an absolute whirlwind of punches! Left, right, left, right, left, right! Danvers lifts Arthur to his feet, noting the position of the steel steps that only moments ago threatened his very existence. He whirls Arthur around and scoops him up with his shoulders. Oh no!] [ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP! KING ARTHUR’S SKULL COLLIDES WITH THE STEEL STEPS!] [Isaac immediately places Arthur in a camel clutch! Arthur screams and tries to wrench his body away from Danvers’ clutches, but the Plague Doctor only locks it in tighter!] [Arthur taps out! He taps out! It’s over!] [No! He stops his hand from hitting the floor just in the nick of time!] [Arthur will not tap! He refuses! No matter how tightly Isaac keeps it locked, the Lich King will not tap. Danvers doesn’t seem to mind, however, a look of pure, drunken elation in his eyes as he keeps the camel clutch locked in. Arthur nearly passes out from the pain before desperately shoving his thumb up into the eye of Danvers, who frees Arthur and staggers away!] […But only so far, because Arthur has the chain and he’s winding it around his fist as he reaches his feet. He continues wrapping it, more and more, until finally there’s only jabbing distance between them. And jab he does! The chair layered punch sends Isaac to the mat. Arthur drives his knee straight into Danvers’ throat as he makes a pin attempt!] [ONE…] [TWO…] [THREE!] [KING ARTHUR HAS DONE IT!] [NO! With not a second to spare, Danvers get the shoulder up and Arthur’s knee off of his throat. Danvers quickly gets to his feet and sends a swift boot into the old King’s gut! Danvers lifts him up!] [GORILLA PRESS SLAM!] [Danvers laughs and pulls the King back up. Arthur is woozy, and Danvers takes the opportunity to LICK HIS CHEEK WOUND! EWW!] [HE THEN PROCEEDS TO HEADBUTT ARTHUR! OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN!] [Headbutt after headbutt, Danvers is simply destroying Arthur. Arthur falls to his knees, the headbutts still reigning down onto him, just absolutely demolishing him!]“One more.” [Danvers quips.] “In the name of the Dog.”
[Danvers rears his head back and slams it against Arthur’s head! But Arthur moves out of the way just in time! Arthur quickly reaches his feet!]KING’S CROSSING! HOLY SHIT! DANVERS DROPS TO THE GROUND! ARTHUR MAKES THE COVER!] [ONE…] [TWO…] […] […] [THREE!!!!!] [King Arthur has bested his tormentor here tonight, an exodus of frustration of sorts as he finally relaxes and rolls over onto his back. This one’s over.] [Suddenly, the obsidian chain and the golden collars around their necks disappear.] [And just as suddenly, so do they!]
“DOG”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“My word. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Rise, Old King.”
[King Arthur lifts himself up, to find he is standing in the presence of a being who is all man, but has the head of a wolf.] “Hello, King Arthur. I am Anubis.” [Isaac quickly rises and kneels before Anubis.] “I’ve done as you asked me to, sire.” [Anubis places ‘a hand on Isaac’s head.] “You have, just as you always do.”“Who art thou?” [Arthur demands.] “Why am I here?”
[Anubis grins, exposing sharp canines.] “Why, I’m the protector of graves, the guardian of the underworld. I determine which souls get to go there, and which ones get destroyed.” [Arthur scoffs.] [Anubis chuckles.]“And what cause do you have to doubt my words, King?” [Anubis replies.] “Have you not seen enough in this moment to understand? Do you not see the bigger picture?”
[Anubis looks King Arthur dead in the eye.] “Do you not recognize my voice?” [Arthur lifts an eyebrow. It is familiar.] “Long ago.” [Anubis begins.] “The old wizard and his company convinced you to obtain immortality. Foolish though it may seem now, Merlin knew precisely what he was doing. He knew what would happen when you died.” [King Arthur looks at Danvers who remains kneeling. Danvers smiles at Arthur as though he were a brother. Arthur looks at his arm. Old flesh.] [Before the two of them appears a set of scales. In one of the scales sits an ostrich feather.]“My ritual is this, King.” [explains Anubis.] “When the dead come to me, I place their heart on that scale. On the other side of it? Ma’at. The truth. It may appear to you as merely a feather, but that is merely the truth’s physical representation. If a soul is heavier than Ma’at, it gets devoured. If a soul is lighter, why, it ascends to whichever heaven it has access to.”
“And?” [Arthur asks, impatiently.]
“Your heart was quite peculiar, old King.” [Anubis walks up to Arthur and places his open palm on his chest.] “When I weighed your heart against Ma’at, it was neither heavier, nor lighter. It weighed exactly the same.”
[Arthur stammers.] “Wh– What art thou prying at?”“My liege,” [Danvers asserts.] “It was good, old Anubis who gave you your new life.”
[Anubis smiles.] “And it was good, old Anubis who whispered those fateful letters that woke you from your slumber once more.” [Arthur looks Anubis in the eyes (and are those tears welling up in Arthur’s own?).] “E.F.” [Anubis nods. Arthur can’t believe it.]“So thou hath placed me in reserve for hundreds of years. Why?”
“Because now is the time in which a man like you is most needed, King Arthur. Now is the time in which a man like you can fulfill the destiny he always had, one greater than merely the King of England. No. You are far more than that. You are… the changing of the tide.”
“And Danvers?” [Arthur glances back over at Danvers.]
“Danvers has known of me for quite some time now. He is the most loyal friend a man, or a god, could ever ask for. And I think that, if he has shown you anything at all this past month, he has an undying resolve to accomplish his ambitions. And now? His ambitions are my ambitions.”
[Arthur thinks for a moment. He takes off his crown and kneels before Anubis, right beside Danvers.] “And my ambitions.” [Arthur replies.] [Anubis takes Arthur’s crown and places it back on Arthur’s head. He lifts the King’s head up by nudging him under the chin.] [Anubis smiles warmly.] “The two of you are going to accomplish great things.” [Arthur looks over at Danvers. Danvers, with that fucking brilliant, insane smile of his.] [Arthur, for some reason or other, can’t help but to smile back.] [Cut.]“CHAOS AND DESTRUCTION”
BACKSTAGE
“I promise you chaos.”
[Mysterion’s head darts around, trying to find the source of the whisper. But as he does so, his attention turns back to the monitors. One of the weapons slowly begins to change on the screen. Instead of blueprints and directions, it forms into an actual weapon. It fires a ray that slowly travels the screen, as the blue background turns into a cityscape. Skyscrapers begin to melt as people run around, frightened and wounded.]“I promise you destruction.”
[As the city begins to fall apart around them, the people somehow find themselves to one gathering. They cry out words of pain and hurt, but slowly but surely each one begins to bow, broken by the chaos and destruction befalling them. Their eyes cast downward, Mysterion nevertheless looks to see what they bow to.] [Ahriman.] [The embodiment of evil turns to look out of the screen at Mysterion. He holds out his hands, letting power fill them.]“Time is up, Mysterion. Join me, and you will be by my side, as these pathetic fools worship at the greatness before them. You will have all that I have promised, and it will be beyond your wildest dreams.I have shown you this tonight, have I not? What do you choose?”
[The god waits, but Mysterion doesn’t linger.]“They will tremble before Mysterion.” [The Cloaked Conundrum whispers, standing to his feet.]
“I will serve you, Ahriman.”
[Cut.]SPERO VS. GAMEBOY VS. BERENGAR
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Spero goes to pull Gameboy to his feet but gets pushed away,
[MAX POW…SPERO DODGES IT! He rushes to the ropes, dropping Gameboy with a huge springboard roundhouse before leaping up to the top rope,] [BRIGHTEST DAY!] [The 630 Senton hits flush as Spero hooks the leg for the victory] [ONE….] [TWO…] [THRE…BERENGER BREAKS IT UP!] [The Void Knight just saves his title in time as he and Spero stare at one another for a moment before Spero strikes first, drilling Berenger with a hard kick to the ribs before rushing to the ropes] [SPRINGBOARD…BIG BOOT! Berenger kicks Spero clean out of the air as he pulls the Lantern up, trying to finish this match while he can. He hoists Spero up high, VANQUISH…ETERNAL SPRING!] [The Reverse Frankensteiner plants Berenger on the back of his head, the Void Knight groggy on his knees, Spero backing up as Player One is on his feet] [LEVEL ONE-HARD MODE! The Dual Superkick hits flush as Berenger is out. Gameboy turns to Spero, LEVEL…DUCKED UNDER, ETERNAL SPRING! Gameboy gets a Frankensteiner of his own as the Lantern rushes to the top rope once more] [LAST BEAC…NO! TIME REWINDS ITSELF JUST BEFORE SPERO HITS GAMEBOY! SPERO LOOKS CONFUSED AS GAMEBOY RUSHES UP TO THE TOP ROPE, DROPPING SPERO WITH A MASSIVE DDT INTO THE MAT!] [Gameboy looks down at his friend, before rushing to the ropes, bouncing off, THE RESET! This has to be it as Gameboy hooks the leg for the victory] [ONE…] [TWO…] [THRE…FOOT ON THE ROPES!]Gameboy looks furious, a red glow flowing over him as he goes to pull Spero up but suddenly gets pulled into a small package out of nowhere] [ONE…] [TWO…] [THREE!!! NEW CHAMPION!] [The Lantern pulls the victory out of nowhere, becoming the new VHS Champion and just saving himself from the rage filled fate his best friend had in store for him]
“BY THE GRACE III”
BACKSTAGE
“Now you,” [he demands.] “Get in the car.”
[Chambers shakes his head.] “Sorry friends, I can’t do that. Please take Shadow away from here and to safety. Whilst his grace is weakened, he can be killed. Don’t let that happen.”“What about you?” [Creed asks.] “You’re not going after Solveig, are you?”
“He doesn’t need to.”
[The voice of the Viking himself reverberates with a deep growling sound attached.] [The driver of the car quickly punches it, wheel spinning away from the lot with as much as speed as he can muster, the back door still open.] [Chambers turns to see Solveig, joined by his new allies.]“This pathetic entourage is all you could muster to stop me?” [Solveig scoffs.] “I’m almost as offended as I am amused.”
[The Preacher steps forward.] “Enough of the games, son. Shadow is out of here, he’s gone, he’s safe; you won’t be able to finish what you started.” [Solveig chuckles.]“You pathetic little human. The most powerful ally Yahweh has against us is his fallen angel and tonight, whether you know it or not, it has been foretold that his destiny is to die at my hand.”
[The Revolution looks shocked.]“I’ll see you in the ring,” [Solveig remarks, causally walking away.] “And I’ll show you the future.”
[As Solveig walks away, Quinn turns to Chambers.]“He hasn’t been hunting you for sport. He’s been hunting you because he knows that this story between Shadow and he, ends tonight.”
[Cut.]NIGHTSTICK VS. WOLFGANG
DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Justice,” [he growls.] “It’s a fickle thing.”
[He opens the lighter, looking at the flame.]“I debated my choice, I did; I didn’t choose lightly. I’ve always been a firm believer in Yahweh, but where was he when you invaded my home and abused my wife?”
[He shakes his head.]“Where was he when Redmond Quinn was your captive and slave?”
[Nightstick looks disgusted.]“Themis offered me truth. She offered me the opportunity to be the sword of justice; to be what I’ve always wanted. That’s the reason I joined the force. That’s the reason I swore to protect and serve.”
[He sighs.]“Justice.”
[The Cop walks away, towards the door, leaving Wolfgang there in a puddle of his own blood and sweat. At his feet? A gas can.] [Nightstick shakes his head, throwing the lighter towards the now obvious pooling of gas by the walls and on the floor, watching as it erupts in flames.] [Shutting the door behind him and exiting up the stairs to the outside, he leaves the towering inferno to burn with Wolfgang stuck inside.] [Waiting for him is Themis.]“Justice has just been served,” [she says proudly.] “Balance has been restored.] [Nightstick nods.] [Cut.]
ELI FOREVER VS. DAVID MANSON
REWIND CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“UNHAPPY ENDINGS”
RINGSIDE
“Where is my mother?” [Eli demands, recalling the ultimatum he set last week.] [Manson’s face is crossed with a sinister grin.]
“I’m sorry, Eli.” [He snaps his fingers at one of his followers.] “Don’t leave the man waiting.”
[Instead of leaving ringside, the follower reaches under the ring, and produces a box. Bloody fingerprints stain the outside, and Eli lets out a gasp.]“You wanted the bitch brought to you, but I don’t do what I’m told.” [Manson chuckles.] “So we’re going to make a deal.”
[Eli shakes his head, but ceases when he’s handed the box.]“What’s in the box?” [Eli shakily asks.]
“Open it.” [Manson responds with glee.] [Forever slowly peels back the tabs to the box, and opens it.] [SPLAT!] [He drops the whole thing in shock as he sees what’s inside.] [A HAND! A HUMAN FUCKING HAND! SAWED OFF AT THE WRIST!]
“See that ring, boy?” [Manson says as he steps towards Eli, who has fallen to his knees.] “I got a lot of boxes, and if you don’t want the bitch in all of ’em, you’d better do what I say.”
[Eli looks up at Manson with rage in his eyes, but he dares not attack.]“What do you want?”
[Manson grins.]“The keys to the castle. I got you on your knees already, but make the rest of them do it. Give me my Nightmare Family.”
[Eli Forever doesn’t even protest, he just holds his hands out to the Martyrs around the ring.] [They all bow.]“Now it’s a fucking River of Blood.” [Manson yells to the crowd.] “You’ll never wake up from this Nightmare.”
[David Manson stands in the center of the ring, with both his followers and the Forever followers bowed to him. Including Eli Forever himself.]“Welcome to the Horror Show.”
[Cut.]“THE PHONE RINGS”
BACKSTAGE
“Just the man I was looking for.” [A new voice calls.] [Gameboy.] [Redwing stands to his feet, and the two masked men share a moment of silence. Breaking it, Gameboy reaches out his hand and the estranged allies shake hands.]
“What did you want me for?” [Redwing asks.] “I’m not looking for a partner.”
[Gameboy laughs and shrugs.]“Good, cause I’m not trying to be one. I’m here to…”
[Both men quickly turn an about face, ready for a fight.] [A new form has entered the room.] [Bruce Van Chan.] [Seeing their agitated stances, Bruce raises his hands up in a gesture of peace.]“I’m not here to fight, boys.” [A smile crosses his face as neither man stands down.] “But I know where the real fight is.”
[Gameboy rolls his eyes, but Bruce gets an edge in his tone as he addresses the gamer.]“I see you, tumbling around like dust in the wind, but all you can do is lash out and wonder. Why are you here? What is your mission? I bring you answers.”
[He turns to Redwing.]“And you. You’ve forgotten that you had a purpose. You’ll never bring justice to Jigsaw by becoming him.”
[The masked men look at one another, softening at his words.]“I’ve been sent to tell you the Lord needs you. What God puts together, no other will tear apart. But the Vindicators have torn from within. Swallow your pride. Your need for vengeance. Spero and Berengar will never serve God, but the two of you can still do His work by coming together.”
[BVC holds out a hand.]“God calls you now. Will you answer that call?”
[The heroes step forward almost simultaneously, placing their hands on Bruce’s.]“We’ll try.” [Gameboy states, Redwing nodding along.] [Cut.]
TROY SOLVEIG VS. SHADOW & D’VON CHAMBERS
TWO V ONE MATCH
“STARTING FRESH”
BACKSTAGE
“Why did any of this happen?”
[Rain’s eyes open as he turns to face his pacing friend.]“What do you mean Heath?”
“Like why did any of this happen? Why did we try and take on the champions? None of it makes sense. Why shoot for the top instead of something more manageable?”
[Rain sighs, standing up from his position on the boiler and moves towards his friend. He puts a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm his more antic tag team partner.]“It was a challenge. We were forced to try for our very best. To reach where no Outcast had done before. The truth was, it mattered little if we won the titles or not. It was a chance to show our worth, why we should stick around.”
[He turns, giving space between him and the now shocked ally. Instead of leaving silence between them, he speaks on.]“Things are changing my friend. I do not know how, or why. The worlds of the dead churn and thrash at the coming changes. Sides are being drawn, and we are not going to be left behind.”
[Solman pauses, considering the words of his closest friend. Silence fills the room as he takes everything in. It is only broken by a single question from Heath.]“What is it going to be worth though?”
[Rain chuckles, shaking his head.]“It’ll be a fresh start after all of this. No matter who wins, we’ll be there at the end. And at that point, we’ll no longer be outcasts. All it takes is a little faith.”
EDWARD NEWTON VS. ZANDER ZANE
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“CHAIN REACTION”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Thank you once again for joining me at this summit,” [he says proudly.] “Our war against Yahweh has begun.”
[Zeus nods.] “We’ve appeared to our soldiers and offered them glory under our guidance if they fight for us in the coming war. All have accepted.”“Have you assembled a squad for Chain Reaction?”
[Themis interrupts.] “Two of them, in fact.” [Odin looks surprised.] “That’s astonishing. Chain Reaction is an opportunity to sway the favour of the Tap Room in our direction. Victory is extremely important.” [Xochipilli pipes up.]“Troy Solveig, Zander Zane, Mysterion and Nightstick form one of those two teams.”
[Anubis then chimes in.]“Rain, Isaac Danvers, King Arthur and Gallows Lynch form the other.”
[Odin rubs his hands together, a smile so large it beams from ear to ear.]“Do we have to worry about Shadow? [Shiva asks.] “If he assembles a team, they will be difficult to beat.”
“You needn’t worry about Shadow,” [The All father shakes his head.] “Troy will take care of that. Yahweh is running out of allies. We’ve every hardened and valuable warrior available, working for us. From The Outcasts and their loyalty to Shiva, to Nightstick’s search for justice with Themis, we’re soon to be unstoppable.”
[Jupiter, who has been awfully silent so far, isn’t so encouraged.]“You wish to simply win Chain Reaction, Odin? That’s your masterplan?” [He mocks.] “What could that possibly achieve?”
“We need humanity, Jupiter,” [Odin responds sternly.] “Their demise does not increase our power. We need faith to regain our standing. When people have faith in them, they have faith in us. Before we enact my masterplan, we need believers.”
“You have a plan?” [Jupiter continues.]
“When I’m finished, Yahweh will be but a distant memory in the minds of our flocks. We’ll have the power to return home, to our paradises, and rule humanity from there like times of old. His introduction to the world took our power away, banished us from the paradises we created and stuck us here, on Earth, with no choice but to fight.”
[The Gods are all in agreeance.]“Chain Reaction is only the beginning.”
[Cut.]FORETOLD DESTINY
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“I told you it was our destiny, did I not?” [He growls at the struggling Angel, dropping him to his knees before him.] “I made a mistake in underestimating how much your God needed you.”
[He looms over Shadow, who bows his head.]“That’s a mistake I won’t make again.”
[Solveig thrusts his hand into the throat of Shadow, snapping and crunching through his skin, trachea and bone to grab at a glowing substance. It’s blue hue glows weakly as Troy clutches it, holding it tight in place.]“This is your life force, your grace, your ability to be an Angel, isn’t it?”
[The Viking smiles.] [Cut to D’von Chambers, arriving at the motel in a hurry. He steps out of the car and runs towards the now open motel room. He trundles inside, stopping dead in his tracks.] [His mouth is open.] [His eyes are full of tears.] [Because there, his throat ripped open and his grace gone, is Shadow.] [D’von drops to his knees, cradling the body of his friend; the body of the angel that saved his life earlier tonight. His eyes are full of rage, his heart broken, and this war between he and Solveig far from over.] [Cut.]