[Wrr.]

[Click.]

[The Labyrinth.]

[Edward Newton stands before a steel door.]

[No markings. No handle.]

[Just a small, square panel beside it.]

[Newton studies it. Tilts his head slightly.]

Edward Newton: “Subtle.”

[The panel flickers to life. A faint hum. The door unlocks with a sharp click.]

[Newton steps inside.]

[The door slams shut behind him.]

[A low hiss.]

[Gas begins pouring from vents along the ceiling.]

[Newton doesn’t react right away. He simply looks up, watching it spread.]

Dr. Cube (over loudspeaker): “Welcome, Edward.”

[A tracking line runs down the screen.]

Dr. Cube: “You’ve chosen to enter my world.”

[Newton slowly turns in place, taking in the room.]

[It’s empty… except for a cube-shaped console in the center.]

[Each face displays shifting symbols.]

Dr. Cube: “Every answer must be earned.”

[The gas thickens slightly.]

Dr. Cube: “Solve the puzzle… or suffocate.”

[Newton exhales softly, almost amused.]

Edward Newton: “You prefer theatrics, I see.”

[He approaches the console.]

[The symbols flicker faster as he nears.]

[Numbers. Letters. Patterns.]

[Newton places a hand on the cube.]

[He watches.]

[Not panicked. Not rushed.]

Dr. Cube: “Time is a variable, Edward.”

[The gas continues to rise.]

Dr. Cube: “And yours is running out.”

[Newton smirks faintly.]

Edward Newton: “No.”

[A beat.]

Edward Newton: “It isn’t.”

[His fingers begin moving; turning one face of the cube.]

[Then another.]

[The symbols align, briefly, then scramble again.]

[Newton stops.]

[His eyes narrow.]

[Something… off.]

Edward Newton: “Predictable.”

[Newton rotates the cube again, faster now.]

[Click.]

[Click.]

[Click.]

[The symbols lock.]

[The gas immediately cuts off.]

[Silence.]

[Newton steps back.]

[The room clears… too quickly.]

Dr. Cube: “Impressive.”

[Newton glances upward.]

Edward Newton: “Not particularly.”

[The far wall slides open.]

[Another corridor beyond.]

[Identical to the first.]

[Newton pauses at the threshold.]

[For a moment he looks back.]

[The room behind him is already clean.]

[Untouched.]

[Newton stares at it for a beat longer than necessary.]

[Then turns and walks forward as the door closes behind him.]

[Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.]

Signal: “We’ve got a wild night for you tonight!”

[Cut.]

Signal: We have a big matchup here folks as The Lost Idol finds himself going on one one against The Matador of Souls and one week before Invasion it may well have huge implications

Black Scar: Indeed, Del Toro might not have gotten a slot in Invasion but if he wins here and Idolo wins the briefcase, he may well have a case for a big time rematch.

[The bell sounds as El Idolo rushes forward, looking for a clothesline that Del Toro easily dodges, slipping aside while flapping his cape before leaping up with a kick to the back of the head.]

[CURSED CHARGE! Idolo gets dropped to one knee by that huge roundhouse, Del Toro backing up, allready looking for the killing blow as he rushes forward.]

[PHANTOM…EL IDOLO DUCKS UNDER, ROLLING DEL TORO IN A SCHOOL BOY.]

[ONE]

[………..]

[EASY KICK OUT!]

[Del Toro gets to his feet right into a headlock and a Snap Suplex to the mat before a Directors Cut style Rolling Senton crushes Del Toro into the mat. El Idolo rushes to the ropes, springboarding off.]

[BUT THE STANDING OVATION IS THWARTED BY A FLYING DROPKICK TO THE GUT!]

[Del Toro staggers to his feet right into a cape draped over his head, disorientating him before he’s dropped to the mat with a Sinister Forearm Smash. Santiago quickly raises one hand up high, signalling for the end before he leaps up to the top rope.]

[FALLING SHADOWS…GETS NOTHING BUT MAT! ]

[Santiago is stunned, getting to his knees before he’s powered up high in mid-air on Del Toro’s side before being slammed down hard with the Silver Screen Sidewalk Slam.]

[Del Toro bows low before slowly removing his coat, placing it neatly in the corner before climbing up to the top rope. Idolo pauses, soaking in the call of the audience, staring down at Santiago before leaping off. ]

[FADE TO…SANTIAGO MOVES AS THE ELBOW HITS MAT! Del Toro staggers up, holding his elbow as he gets to one knee. PHANTOM CORNADA!]

[Running Knee out of nowhere wipes out Del Toro, Santiago bows his head in prayer for a moment before hooking the leg for the pinfall]

[ONE]

[……….]

[TWO]

[…………]

[THREE!!!]

Black Scar: Brutal back and forth here but the Matador of Souls takes it and maybe another soul for his collection here.

[Backstage.]

[As Invasion looms on the horizon, the question of who will take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime is on everybody’s lips. Ram Jam, flanked by arm candy hanging off each side, arrives at the Temple with the confident saunter of a man who already knows his answer.]

[But the welcome party isn’t what he is expecting. Glitter blocks his path.]

Ram Jam: “Excuse me, groovy cat.”

[Glitter merely blows Ram Jam a kiss. Ram Jam moves to brush past, but is grabbed by the horn. The pair of girls scream and run off as Glitter knees Ram Jam in the face.]

[ORGASM BUTTON FROM BEHIND DRIVES RAM JAM INTO THE TEMPLE WALL!]

Glitter: “Getting a little horny there, big boy?”

[Glitter looks down at Ram Jam.]

Glitter: “Some just don’t have the stamina to perform.”

[Glitter chuckles as Ram Jam stirs. But without warning, Glitter is blindsided. A shoulder tackle drives him back first into the glass door, causing it to crack into a massive spider web.]

[Shot after shot after shot takes Glitter down.]

[Aranza hasn’t come to play. She’s come to hunt.]

[By now, Ram Jam is pushing himself to his knees. Aranza charges at him, leaping into the air…]

[10 POINTER! DOUBLE FOOT STOMP PLANTS RAM JAM!]

[Aranza sends a clear message in the wake of her destruction. Backing up her warning from last week.]

Aranza: “…”

[She growls, surveying her targets.]

[The huntress stalks off, leaving two battered but barely conscious victims in her wake.]

[Cut.]

Signal: “What do you think of this, Scar? OSW’s resident teacher takes on what may be OSW’s biggest slacker!”

Black Scar: “I think class is in session, Sig! I just hope Academius can make this lesson stick.”

[The bell rings and Academius immediately  leaps onto Frio with a collar and elbow tie up! He spins through, throwing Frio with a Judo toss! Frio pops back up, stumbling into a hip toss! Frio gets up once more and stumbles into a back body drop!]

[BUT HE LANDS ON HIS FEET!]

Signal: “CITRUS SMACK BY FRIO! SHOTEI PALM TO THE FACE!”

Black Scar: “Now that’s smarts! Or dumbs, De Frio’s case.”

[Tropico follows up with a quick leg sweep that downs Academius! The teacher tries to sit back up but Tropico already hit the ropes!]

[PINEAPPLE EXPRESS! DOUBLE KNEES TO ACADEMIUS!]

[The Professor is left in shambles, stumbling to his feet for a waiting Tropico to pounce, rushing Academius down!]

[AND GETTING CAUGHT WITH CHALK DUST! BUTTERFLY SUPLEX BY ACADEMIUS!]

Signal: “Look at him dust off his hands!”

Black Scar: “He’s moving onto the next lesson!”

[Tropico gets caught with a massive kick to the ribs as he tries to rise, Academius lecturing sharply with each kick!]

[Then Academius looks to the crowd, shushing them until the ring gets quiet.]

[CRACK!]

[THE SOUND OF FOOT MEETING RIBS SENT RIGHT TO THE CHEAP SEATS!]

[Tropico gasps, grasping the ropes as Academius advances on him! He fights to his feet and springboards!]

Signal: “TROPICANRANA- NO! A-PLUS! THE REGAL PLEX BY ACADEMIUS!”

Black Scar: “With the bridge! The Rulador drops for the count!

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “De Frio showed he was more than a slacker, but in the end it looks like he had much to learn. Your winner is Academius!”

[Backstage.]

[Warlord Mars storms through the corridor, Hardcore Championship slung over his shoulder, muttering to himself.]

Warlord Mars: “Stupid glitchy puke… hidin’ like a PUSSY— I’ll rip you outta whatever hole you crawled into!”

[He rounds a corner—]

[Marvolo stands waiting.]

[Still. Calm. Blocking the path.]

[Mars stops.]

Warlord Mars: “…Move.”

[Marvolo doesn’t.]

Marvolo: “You’re becoming a problem.”

[A beat.]

Marvolo: “A thorn in my side… and you don’t even realize it.”

[Mars snorts.]

Warlord Mars: “You got somethin’ to say, say it.”

[Marvolo steps closer.]

Marvolo: “Finish this with PixelShift at Invasion.”

[A pause.]

Marvolo: “And then move on.”

[Mars tilts his head.]

Marvolo: “Because if you don’t…”

[A beat.]

Marvolo: “We’re going to have a problem.”

[Silence.]

[Mars slowly grins.]

Warlord Mars: “You think I take orders from you?”

[He steps forward, getting in Marvolo’s face.]

Warlord Mars: “HEY, MEATBAG!”

[He jabs a finger into Marvolo’s chest.]

Warlord Mars: “Sometimes war don’t make sense!”

[A snort.]

Warlord Mars: “I do what I want. I crush who I want.”

[He leans in.]

Warlord Mars: “And no puny… what was it… Marshallovo?”

[A scoff.]

Warlord Mars: “Is gonna tell me what to do.”

[He shoulder-checks past Marvolo.]

Warlord Mars: “Stay outta my war.”

[Mars storms off down the corridor.]

[Marvolo remains still, watching him go.]

[His expression darkens.]

[Cut.]

Signal: “Talk about odd couples, Scar. Do you think Vinell and Aranza can coexist long enough to topple Jack Standard and the Colossus?”

Black Scar: “A better question is if Jack even finds his own teammate up to Standard! This is going to be a hell of a match.”

[Jack starts things off for his team by immediately nailing Vinell with a headbutt to the dome! He grabs The Doctor by his mask, whipping him into a corner and clobbering him with a massive clothesline!]

[He cracks a brutal elbow across Vinell’s jaw before wrapping a massive hand around his throat!]

Signal: “MEASURING STICK! CHOKESLAM- NO! OCCULAR ASSAULT! VINELL JUST THREW SOMETHING INTO JACK’S EYES!”

Black Scar: “Be careful about turning a match with Jack into a brawl, Doc!”

[Dr. Eric nails a kick to the back of the knee to drop Jack, nailing him with a knee to the skull before leaping to his corner!]

[ARANZA IS IN! SHE SPRINGBOARDS!]

[JACK WITH THE TAG TO COLOSSUS! THE BEAST LEAPS OVER THE ROPES!]

Signal: “TEN POINTERRRRRRRRRRRRR! DOUBLE FOOTSTOMP TO THE CHEST OF THE COLOSSUS!”

[The Huntress rolls through, hitting the ropes with terrifying speed before coming back with a massive dropkick! She hits the ropes again-]

[AND GETS CLOBBERED WITH A PALEO CRASH! STANDING STINGER SPLASH CRUSHES ARANZA FLAT!]”

[The Last Dinosaur crawls to the ropes, moving to the apron and letting out an ear piercing roar for Aranza to stand!]

Signal: “EXTINCTION’S LAMENT! BUCKSHOT HEADBUTT- NO! PARTING SHOT! ROUNDHOUSE KICK BY ARANZA TO THE SKULL!”

Black Scar: “She hooks the leg!”

[ONE!]

[Jack tries to run into the ring!]

[TWO!]

[CHOPBLOCK BY VINELL STOP JACK IN HIS TRACKS!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “This match was fast, it was furious, and in the end the team of Aranza and Vinell clawed their way to victory with equal parts skill and ferocity!”

[The Labryinth.]

[Edward Newton steps in slowly, eyes scanning the new chamber he’s entered.]

[A single chair sits in the center, facing a large screen.]

[The door shuts behind him.]

[The screen flickers to life.]

Dr. Cube: “Observation is the purest form of understanding.”

[Newton doesn’t sit.]

Edward Newton: “Is it?”

Dr. Cube: “Watch.”

[The film begins.]

[A man stands in the center of a dojo. Barefoot. Confident.]

[He moves with exaggerated precision; every strike perfect, every motion rehearsed.]

Martial Artist: “There’s no one alive who can touch me.”

[He laughs.]

[Cut.]

[A woman appears; calm, composed.]

Martial Artist: “You think you have something for me, Rose?”

[She says nothing. Just watches him.]

[Newton tilts his head slightly.]

[The man attacks first. Fast. Flashy.]

[Rose doesn’t match him, instead she redirects him.]

[Every strike avoided.]

[Every movement minimal.]

[The man grows frustrated.]

Martial Artist: “Fight me!”

[Rose steps forward.]

[One motion.]

[The man is on the ground.]

[Silence.]

[The film loops.]

[Again.]

[Again.]

[Again.]

[Newton’s eyes track it carefully.]

[Small details begin to stand out.]

[The man’s foot slips in the same place every time.]

Dr. Cube: “Tell me, Edward…”

[Rose’s hand moves before he commits.]

[Timing. Pattern.]

Dr. Cube: “Who wins?”

[A pause.]

Edward Newton: “That’s not the question.”

[Newton steps closer to the screen.]

Edward Newton: “You’re asking why.”

[The loop continues.]

[The man charges again.]

[Rose shifts.]

[Newton watches her, not him.]

Edward Newton: “He believes the fight is about him.”

[Beat.]

Edward Newton: “It isn’t.”

[Newton turns slightly, as if addressing Cube directly.]

Edward Newton: “She’s already seen the ending.”

[The film glitches, just for a frame.]

[Newton’s eyes narrow.]

Dr. Cube: “And yet…”

[The screen pauses.]

[The image freezes on Rose.]

Dr. Cube: “You’re still watching.”

[Newton doesn’t answer.]

[The screen shifts.]

[Now it’s Newton.]

[Standing where the martial artist stood.]

[Rose remains.]

[The loop resumes.]

[Newton watches himself rush forward: perfect, confident.]

[And fall.]

[Again.]

[Again.]

[Again.]

Dr. Cube: “Tell me, Edward…”

[Newton’s jaw tightens slightly.]

[Just slightly.]

Dr. Cube: “Do you still know the ending?”

[Newton steps forward.]

Edward Newton: “Yes.”

[Beat.]

Edward Newton: “I stop watching.”

[He turns his back to the screen.]

[The moment he does the film cuts to black.]

[Silence.]

[The door ahead slides open.]

[Newton doesn’t look back this time.]

[But his pace is slower as he walks through.]

[The steps of Academius Hall are already alive with noise. Signs sway above the crowd]

REPENT OR BURN.

FALSE GODS ARE LIES.

THE LAWd SEES ALL.

[At the center stands Reverend Blackheart, Bible in hand, voice cutting clean through the courtyard.]

Reverend Blackheart: “THIS PLACE IS A DEN OF BLASPHEMY!”

[Students slow. Some laugh. Some record. Most try to walk past.]

[Blackheart doesn’t let them.]

Reverend Blackheart: “You teach children about false gods and call it education? You poison their minds and dress it as truth!”

[He shouts, pointing toward the doors. His followers stomp in rhythm.]

FOLLOWERS:“WALK OUT! WALK OUT! WALK OUT!”

Reverend Blackheart: “Walk out of those classrooms! The LAWd does not share His kingdom with idols and lies!”

[The chant builds Then falters.]

[Darkwish steps forward. No sign. No chant. Just quiet presence. Blackheart watches him approach, unimpressed.]

Reverend Blackheart: “You here to repent?”

[Darkwish shakes his head.]

Darkwish: “No….I’m here to ask you something.”

[A faint smirk pulls at Blackheart’s lips.]

Reverend Blackheart: “Then ask.”

[Darkwish studies him not angry, not emotional.]

Darkwish: “My friend died last year.”

[The smirk tightens.]

Darkwish: “Good kid. Didn’t hurt anyone. Didn’t deserve it.”

[A pause settles over the crowd.]

Darkwish: “So tell me, Reverend… what kind of god lets that happen?”

[The courtyard quiets. Blackheart grips his Bible tighter, jaw set.]

Reverend Blackheart: “The LAWd works in mysterious ways.”

[A few followers murmur amen. Darkwish doesn’t react.]

Darkwish: “That’s it?”

[Blackheart steps forward, voice rising.]

Reverend Blackheart: “You question Him because you don’t understand His plan! The LAWd gives and He takes away! AMEN!”

[He points directly at Darkwish.]

Reverend Blackheart: “Your grief does not give you the right to question the Almighty!”

[Silence follows…..Then]

Darkwish: “But you didn’t answer me.”

[The chant stumbles. Darkwish takes a step closer.]

Darkwish: “My friend begged for help before he died and your god…”

[He tilts his head slightly.]

Darkwish: “…didn’t show up.”

[The words hang there. Heavy. Blackheart turns, ready to fire back But the moment’s already gone. Darkwish exhales softly, shaking his head.]

Darkwish: “That’s not mysterious.”

[A step back.]

Darkwish: “That’s absence.”

[He turns and walks through the crowd. No shouting. No anger. Just something left behind. Behind him, Blackheart raises his voice again]

Reverend Blackheart: “WALK OUT! WALK OUT!”

[But it doesn’t land the same because now… people are listening to something else.]

Signal: Up next, we have a battle straight from the Streets of Harlem to the Dreamhouse as Ram Jam does battle with Dolly Daydream. 

Black Scar: This is a drastic size differential in this match tonight, Ram Jam outweighing Dolly by over a hundred pounds and standing over five inches taller than Dolly in this affair.  I’m not sure how lil’ miss Daydream can overcome this deficit. 

[The bell sounds, and we’re underway as Dolly attempts to take advantage of her smaller size, hitting Ram Jam with a Dropkick that Brown Sugar just brushes off.] 

[The Dreamer stays on her horse, looking to stay out of the grasp of The Psychedelic Ram as she hits the ropes.] 

[Running Codebreaker – PERF – RAM JAM SLAM – CODEBREAKER COUNTERED INTO A MASSIVE SPINE ON THE PINE SPINEBUSTER DRIVING GOOD GOLLY MS. DOLLY ONTO THE CANVAS!] 

[Ram Jam smoothly transitions up to the middle rope looking for a Brett’s Rope Diving Headbutt Horns first – PSYCEDELIC – PER-FUCKING-FECTION!] 

[GOOD GOLLY MS. DOLLY JUST KIPPED UP AND HIT A CODEBREAKER ON RAM JAM CATCHING HIM OUT OF MID-FUCKING-AIR!] 

[Dolly starts clapping her hands, drawing Ram Jam back to his feet as the fans join her, and the Temple is filled with the sound of rhythmic clapping.] 

[The Dreamer rushes The Horned Hendrix of Havoc, Shining Wizard to the back of Ram Jam’s skull – Ducked!] 

[Ram Jam spins Dolly around.] 

[Pop-Up Powerbomb into a Spinning Slam – PURPLE – PORCELINE SHATTER! – DOLLY USES THE SWING MOTION TO COUNTER INTO THE IMPLANT DDT, JAMMING THE RAM ON HIS HORNED SKULL.  DOLLY ROLLS RAM JAM INTO THE COVER!] 

[ONE!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[TWO!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[THREE!] 

Black Scar: And Dolly manages to overcome the massive size difference with a masterful counter! 

Signal: Ram Jam was just upset by Dolly Daydream! 

[An upscale restaurant.]

[Ziggy Robbins steps through the door, dressed up more than usual.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Alright… dinner with a cartel guy. Totally normal. Totally fine.”

[The host greets him with a polite smile. His eyes linger just a second too long.]

[Ziggy is seated. A glass of water is placed in front of him.]

[He reaches for it, pauses, and tilts his head.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Huh… bubbles?”

[He casually slides the glass aside as a waiter approaches with bread. Ziggy thanks him, takes a bite, then freezes.]

[Across the room, another “guest” gives the faintest nod.]

[Ziggy immediately spits the bread into a napkin.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Gluten-free kinda night, I guess.”

[The waiter stiffens. Moves on.]

[Moments later, a server “accidentally” drops a tray of knives near Ziggy’s feet.]

[Ziggy leans back in his chair at just the right moment.]

[The blades clatter harmlessly.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Whoa! Butterfingers, man.”

[He chuckles. No one else does.]

[The room shifts. Subtle. Coordinated.]

[In the kitchen, shadows move. In the dining area, patrons stop eating.]

[One stands. Another adjusts their jacket. A third locks the front door.]

[Ziggy notices. Slowly sets his napkin down.]

Ziggy Robbins: “…Okay. Not normal.”

[A server approaches again, this time with a covered dish.]

Server: “Chef’s special.”

[Ziggy lifts the lid slightly, his eyes widen, and immediately slams it shut.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Yeah, I’m good.”

[He stands.]

[Two men move to flank him.]

Ziggy Robbins: “So… uh…”

[He glances around.]

Ziggy Robbins: “…does this place do takeout?”

[Cut.]

Signal: “I wish I could say we had a great match up next, but instead Propaganda is out here.”

Black Scar: “What a treat!”

[Propaganda stands in the center of the ring, surrounded by his followers.]

Propaganda: “Two weeks ago… a lesson was taught.”

[He paces slowly, hands clasped behind his back, eyes scanning the crowd.]

Propaganda: “Someone thought himself above the cause. Above the message. Above the people.”

[A follower steps forward, head bowed.]

Propaganda: “And what happens… when one raises their hand against us?”

[He stops. Tilts his head.]

Propaganda: “We raise ours higher.”

[A low murmur ripples through the followers.]

Propaganda: “We are not individuals. We are not weak. We are not alone. We are many. And when one of us falls…”

[He points to the mat.]

Propaganda: “We make the world bleed for it.”

[The followers nod in unison.]

Propaganda: “Mr. Grimm… you wanted to make an example.”

[He smirks.]

Propaganda: “So we returned the favor.”

[The lights suddenly dim.]

[A low rumble begins… distant at first.]

[Then—]

[VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…]

[The unmistakable sound of a motorcycle engine roars through the arena. Smoke begins to pour out from the stage, thick and suffocating.]

Black Scar: “I can’t see a thing, Sig.”

Signal: “Neither can Propaganda!”

[The followers turn. Uneasy. Shifting.]

[Propaganda doesn’t move, but his eyes narrow.]

[A voice rings out through the Temple.]

Mr Grimm (echoing): “Invasion…”

[The engine revs again. Louder. Closer.]

[The smoke thickens.]

[One follower stumbles back. Another grabs his shoulder.]

[Propaganda takes a slow step backward.]

[Another.]

[Then…]

[He leaves.]

[The followers scatter with him, retreating up the ramp as the engine continues to roar.]

Signal: “I’ve got word from the office. Propaganda will take on Mr. Grimm at Invasion!”

[The ring is left empty.]

[Only smoke.]

[Only sound.]

[Only Grimm.]

[Can the reigning World Champion, Dr. Cube, bounce back from his non-title loss at Slam #400!?]

[Venganza and Cube square off, black and white, yin and yang. Padre invites the Champ to tie-up – only to kick his knee out!]

Signal: “The back-and-forth mindgames with Newton have taken Cube off his game as of late!”

[The Virus cranks Cube’s neck with a chinlock, then hits the ropes… Basement dropkick!]

[ONE!]

[KICKOUT!]

Signal: “Venganza trying to wear the Champion down with early pinfall attempts…”

Black Scar: “Every time you throw your opponent off to kick out, it burns your lungs, Siggy!”

[Venganza stomps on Cube’s joints, then drags him to the corner and chokes him with his heel!]

[The Ruleador counts to FOUR and Padre relents.]

[Cube recovers. He steps forwards–]

[CHECKMATE!]

Signal: “Venganza DUCKS the spinning back elbow!”

[Evading Cube’s signature strike, Black Heart wraps him in a waistlock…]

[SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! SNAP MURDER BACKDROP SUPLEX!]

Black Scar: “The Doc’s LIFE just FLASHED before his eyes!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THR–SHOULDER UP!]

[Venganza pounds the mat.]

[He pulls Cube to his feet–]

[The Champ doubles Padre over with a shot to the ribs!]

[HAMMERLOCK DDT – RUSSIAN ROULETTE!]

Black Scar: “The momentum in this match just shifted!”

[The Game Master flips him over and locks in the REGAL STRETCH!]

Signal: “That’s the PUZZLE LOCK!”

[The Ruleador is in Padre’s face, asking if he quits, but the cult leader knows his followers mustn’t see him give in!]

[…]

[ROPE BREAK!]

[Cube breaks the hold. He bides his time as Venganza slowly rises…]

[CHECK–NO!]

[BLUNT FORCE–AVOIDED!]

Signal: “Venganza DODGED the elbow, but Cube SIDE-STEPPED the superkick!”

[STALEMATE!]

[Cube kicks The Virus in the gut. He scoops him up–]

[PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!]

Black Scar: “And it’s GAME OVER for Venganza!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “Dr. Cube sends a message to Edward Newton ahead of Invasion!”

[Backstage.]

[Ace Starshield and Benny turn a corner only to nearly bump into a man lounging against the wall.]

[El Tropico de Frio lazily lowers his sunglasses.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Whoa… almost spilled my drink, man.”

[Benny’s eyes light up instantly.]

Benny: “ACE! LOOK AT HIM!”

[He points excitedly.]

Benny: “He’s got a pineapple head! That’s awesome!”

[Frio grins, giving a slow thumbs up.]

El Tropico de Frio: “That’s Tropi-cool.”

[Ace doesn’t react. He stands tall, arms crossed, analyzing.]

Ace Starshield: “Unidentified individual. State your intentions.”

[Frio blinks.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Uh… chillin’?”

Ace Starshield: “This area is under heroic patrol. Maintain distance from my partner.”

[Benny tugs Ace’s arm.]

Benny: “Ace, he’s not bad! He’s cool!”

El Tropico de Frio: “Yeah, big guy. I’m just vibin’.”

[Ace narrows his eyes.]

Ace Starshield: “Vibing is not a recognized alignment.”

[Frio chuckles, shrugging.]

El Tropico de Frio: “You take things too serious, man.”

[The lights dim.]

[Benny immediately grabs Ace.]

Benny: “No no no no…”

[A shadow stretches across the wall.]

Santiago Del Toro: “And yet… not serious enough.”

[Del Toro steps into the hallway, cape draped behind him, eyes locked on Benny.]

[Benny freezes.]

Benny: “Ace…”

[Ace steps forward instantly.]

Ace Starshield: “Target acquired.”

[He raises his fists.]

Ace Starshield: “Step away from the child, Toro.”

[Del Toro smirks.]

Santiago Del Toro: “The heart… stands so bravely behind the shield.”

[He takes a step closer.]

Santiago Del Toro: “Let us test that.”

[Benny backs up, terrified.]

Benny: “ACE PLEASE—”

[Ace plants his feet, ready.]

Ace Starshield: “You want a fight? Then—”

[CRACK.]

[FRIO SUDDENLY EXPLODES FORWARD BLINDSIDING DEL TORO WITH A FLYING KNEE!]

[Del Toro crashes into the wall.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Hey!”

[Frio stands over him.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Don’t mess with kids, man.”

[Ace turns, furious.]

Ace Starshield: “That was my engagement!”

El Tropico de Frio: “Relax, Captain Pineapple’s got it handled—”

[THUD.]

[CRIMSON ECLIPSE BLASTS FRIO FROM THE SIDE.]

[Frio is driven into the ground violently.]

Benny: “ACE!”

[Ace doesn’t hesitate; he grabs Benny, pulling him back.]

Ace Starshield: “Fall back, partner!”

[Benny clings to him as they retreat.]

[Cut.]

[Shuddering breaths.]

[Lux Bellator walks through OSW’s backstage, skin slightly pale, a clear lack of sleep apparent in his eyes.]

Blackhand Moretti: “Well well, if it ain’t Mr. Bellator. Lookin’ a little pale there, friend.”

[Blackhand Moretti’s voice is mockingly friendly, the mobster flanked by Freddy Fingers and Tony Knuckles as he appears at the end of the hall, a baseball bat over his shoulder.]

Blackhand Moretti: “Now, normally I’d feel bad about puttin’ a preacher type in the hospital… But business is business.”

[Lux immediately squares up only for Moretti to snap his fingers! Freddy nails Lux with a blow to the gut! Tony cracks the Light Warrior with a blow to the jaw before both men restrain him!]

Blackhand Moretti: “I ain’t been to confession in a while, but you might know. How many Hail Mary’s is this?”

[Moretti places the bat beneath Lux’s chin, lining up his shot.]

Lux Bellator: “How many extra zeros do you think this will add to your bank account?”

[Moretti narrows his eyes, Lux merely looking at him with an steely resolve.]

Lux Bellator: “Greed begets greed, Moretti. But you’ll never learn that, will you?”

Blackhand Moretti: “Hold him still.”

[Moretti reels back!]

[THWACK!]

[TO MORETTI!? STEEL CHAIR TO THE SKULL BY DOLLY DAYDREAM!]

[ONE TO FREDDY!]

[ONE TO TONY!]

[All of I.C.E. are down and Dolly offers Lux a hand, the Light Warrior looking on incredulously.]

Lux Bellator: “…Why?”

Dolly Daydream: “Just because we’re competing doesn’t mean we can’t be kind to each other. Especially if they’re going to be mean.”

[Lux smirks, taking Dolly’s hand and rising to his feet.]

Lux Bellator: “Thank you, really.”

Dolly Daydream: “Don’t worry about it, Mr. Lux! You should just worry about your match later… I think there’s going to be a lot more meanness before tonight is over.”

[Lux looks at Dolly for a moment before nodding, both of them making their exit before I.C.E. can begin to stir.]

[Cut.]

Signal:Fresh off his first title defence, Pixelshift faces off against a man who very well could be competing for that world championship in the future Scar.

Black Scar: Glitter is…odd to say the least but they have skills and a victory here could mean momentum to a guaranteed title shot next week with that Invasion briefcase.

[The bell sounds as Glitter slowly slinks forward, taking in Pixelshift’s appearence with greedy eyes.]

Pixelshift: Do you need powering up because I’ve got the perfect D just for you.

[Pixelshift pauses, looking slightly uncomfortable all of a sudden as Glitter takes advantage, rushing forward.]

[BIG BOOT! Glitter stays on Pixel, stepping hard on his face with a smirk completing the Bukkake Bullet Train. He doesn’t let up, pulling Pixel up to his feet before he goes behind and starts rubbing down Player One.]

Pixelshift: Oh Pixey, can you show me your BFD?

Signal: Jesus Christ, Glitter’s trying to break the ESRB here.

[Pixelshift fights back, delivering a hard headbutt that rocks Pixelshift back before he’s stunned by a flurry of lefts and rights]

[A!]

[B!]

[DOWN!]

[BALLS!]

[Glitter grabs Pixelshift low, breaking the 8 Bit Combo before he throws him overhead into the corner with a huge Orgasm Button BallsPlex. Pixelshift barely hits the buckles before Glitter rushes forward]

[HIP ATTACK! Glitter smiles, rubbing himself down before turning around and delivering some ASS TO MOUTH with the Stink Face.]

Black Scar: Well we’re hitting an AO rating now.

[Glitter smiles, backing up as Pixelshift splutters and coughs. The Sinful One rubs himself once more before rushing forward, leaping up high]

[AND FREEZES MID-LEAP!]

[Pixelshift slips out of the corner just as Glitter unfreezes, crotching himself on the bottom rope. The Baron turns around, ]

[LAG SPIKE! Beautiful Cutter nails Glitter as the crowd begin to hype Pixelshift up, the 1Up Wonder powering up as he waits for Glitter to get to their feet. Glitter staggering up.]

[HARD…ER DADDY! Glitter counters the Codebreaker, locking in the Figure Four Necklock, digging their fingers into Pixelshift’s mask ]

[Pixelshift tries to fight out but his air is being sucked away, Glitter grinding on his damn mouth as he quickly taps out. ]

Black Scar: Well it wasn’t…orthadox or family friendly but Glitter finishes off Pixelshift here and has a big sway of momentum into Invasion.

[As Glitter legs go, Pixelshift rolls away and gets back to his feet, utterly exhausted.]

Black Scar: And here comes Mars!

Signal: Get out of there kid!

[As Warlord Mars stomps down to the ring, Pixelshift quickly escapes to the outside and through the crowd – stopping the big man in his tracks.]

Signal: This isn’t over here tonight!

[Jack Standard looks over his shoulder as he navigates the labyrinthine corridors backstage.]

[He knows he’s got it coming. The question that’s driving him mad is when and where…]

[Scraaape!]

[Backbone stops in his tracks. His eyes dart side-to-side.]

[He sets off with a sense of urgency.]

[Scratch, scratch, scratch!]

[Coming to a halt, the straight-shooter puts up his dukes and yells out.]

Jack Standard: “I know you’re there, lizard-boy! Show yourself and do your worst!”

[…]

[Licking his lips, Jack lowers his fists—]

[Thwap, thwap, thwap – scaly footsteps rushing across a hard floor!]

[Standard takes off!]

[Running through a green fire exit door into an adjoining parking lot, he slams it shut behind him.]

[Backing up, he pants for breath.]

Jack Standard: “H-how the h-hell was I supposed to know…”

[Hissssss!]

[Jack’s eyes bulge in their sockets. He looks up—]

[JURASSIC COLOSSUS DROPS DOWN FROM THE OVERHEAD AIR DUCT!]

[HE PINS STANDARD TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!]

[Backbone grunts and struggles, but his human physiology is no match for the Prehistoric Predator!]

[Jurassic leans in close, baring his teeth.]

[Jack sees his own reflection in those yellow, reptilian eyes.]

[He chokes out his last words!]

Jack Standard: “T-take your s-shot… F-freak!”

[STANDARD SPITS IN JURASSIC’S FACE!]

[COLOSSUS REARS HIS TAIL BACK, READY TO STRIKE—]

[ZZZZZZAP!]

[JURASSIC… COLLAPSES!?]

[Standing behind him is DR. ERIC VINELL!]

[Armed with a taser, he chuckles softly. Lowering it, he speaks in an eerily detached bedside manner.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “Tsk tsk tsk… Unruly patient.”

[Standing aside, he allows his orderlies—all dressed in white—to wrangle a writhing Colossus with multiple catchpoles!]

[As they drag The Last Dinosaur away, The Good Doctor observes Jack.]

[He offers him his hand.]

[Standard ignores it, rising unassisted.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “Thank you for being my live bait. Clinical trials offer valuable insight.”

[Jack cracks his back, then scrutinises Vinell.]

Jack Standard: “Beasts like that—”

[He points in the direction the orderlies abducted Jurassic.]

Jack Standard: “Don’t belong in wrestling.”

[…]

Jack Standard: “Nor do monsters like you!”

[He jabs a finger into the chest of the Doctor, then barges past him!]

[Vinell watches him leave, finger twitching on his taser…]

Black Scar: “Warlord Mars looks to finish what he started last Slam with Darkwish.”

Signal: “And Scarred Justice aims to even the score after that vicious punch. Who will get what they want here tonight?”

[Darkwish wastes no time charging after Mars with a dropkick to the knee!]

[The Warlord staggers back as Scarred Justice scrambles back up to his feet.]

[Mars attempts a lariat, but his foe ducks underneath and nails him with a chop block to the same knee!]

[The Bringer of War takes a knee as Justiciero Nocturno looks to fully drop him with the DARKNESS FALLS superkick!]

Signal: “Mars caught the leg! He counters the kick into a big Samoan Drop!”

Black Scar: “He went for the kill too early, and now he’s going to pay for his impatience.”

[The Warlord doesn’t give Darkwish a second to rest as he hoists him back up to his feet.]

[Mars biel tosses Scarred Justice over to a far corner before the Warlord charges at Darkwish with an Avalanche!]

[The Bringer of War holds on to his opponent as he backs away from the corner, delivering a belly to belly suplex that launches him across the ring!]

[Mars begins to beat his chest like a gorilla, signalling for the end.]

[The Warlord slowly climbs up to the closest top rope before leaping off with a moonsault!]

[The WAR CRIME hits flush as Mars hooks both legs.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!!]

[THREE!!!]

Signal: “The Warlord manages to pick up a victory over Justice here tonight, beating the man who pinned the leader of the War Machine just last Slam!”

[The same upscale restaurant from earlier.]

[But it looks much different.]

[Tables overturned. Glass shattered. Chairs splintered. The soft glow from earlier now flickers over bodies scattered across the floor, waiters, hosts, “guests”… all unmoving.]

[The front door creaks open.]

[Santiago Siniestro steps inside, slow… deliberate. His eyes scan the destruction, not with shock, but with quiet disappointment.]

Santiago Siniestro: “Qué vergüenza…”

[He steps further in, hands behind his back, surveying the wreckage like a man inspecting a failed investment.]

[From the far side of the room… applause?]

[Ziggy Robbins sits casually atop a broken table, clapping slowly, a little banged up but very much alive.]

Ziggy Robbins: “I gotta hand it to you… after the first two tries, I figured it out.”

[He hops down, rolling his shoulder.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Water? Cute. Bread? Less cute. Knives? Little aggressive.”

[Ziggy gestures around at the fallen cartel members.]

Ziggy Robbins: “But these guys?”

[He gives a respectful nod.]

Ziggy Robbins: “They committed. Real method acting stuff. Ten outta ten.”

[Santiago’s annoyance grows, just slightly.]

Santiago Siniestro: “You were supposed to die before dessert.”

[Ziggy shrugs.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Yeah, well… I don’t like skipping to the end.”

[They circle each other slowly now.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Truth is… you almost had me. Sneaky. Polite. Real hospitable.”

[He steps closer.]

Ziggy Robbins: “But if you’re gonna take a shot at me…”

[Beat.]

Ziggy Robbins: “You better be ready for me to take one back. “So here’s the deal, Siniestro…”

[He points to the carnage around them.]

Ziggy Robbins: “You tried to kill me in your house.”

[He steps right into Santiago’s space.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Now let’s do it in mine.”

[Beat.]

Ziggy Robbins: “You. Me. Match.”

[He leans in just a bit closer.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Call it… an exhibition. Get the blood pumping.”

[Santiago tilts his head, studying him.]

[Then… a slow, approving nod.]

[Cut.]

[The Temple parking lot.]

[El Idolo Perdido struts across the concrete to his limousine only to find an unwelcome figure leaning against the front of it.]

[Padre De Venganza.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “Perdido. So nice of you to join us.”

El Idolo Perdido: “What do you want, Padre?”

[Venganza smirks.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “What everyone wants. The Oscars or Invasion, we all want to improve our odds.”

[Before Padre can pounce however Ram Jam has arrived on the scene!]

[Quickly followed by Glitter!]

[Blackhand Moretti!]

[Dolly Daydream!]

Blackhand Moretti: “Why is that fat fuck still standing?”

[He asks Glitter, a finger jutting towards Ram Jam.]

Glitter: “Glitter had some coitus interruptus from a leopard printed skank. How is Lux still able to make it to his match? There’s so many people here you’d think Glitter was hosting another Gangbang.”

[Moretti points to Dolly.]

Blackhand Moretti: “A blonde bimbo got in my way. I should’ve known a freak like you wouldn’t be able to do your job.”

[Dolly frowns, hands on her hips.]

Dolly Daydream: “It’s rude to name call like that. But your rudeness is exactly what I’m here.”

Padre Del La Venganza: “Could none of you uphold your end of  the deal!?”

[There’s a pregnant pause, the lot so quiet you could hear a pin drop as the luchadores stare each other down.]

[BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA! SIDEKICK FROM PADRE TO MORETTI!]

[Padre strikes first and the parking lot devolves into chaos!]

[ELECTRIC AVENUE BY RAM JAM CLOBBERS PADRE!]

[Glitter meanwhile takes the fight to Dolly and Perdido! They duck a kick from Dolly, slipping behind!]

[AND NAILING THE ORGASM BUTTON! BALLSPLEX SENDS HER THROUGH THE LIMO’S WINDSHIELD!]

[Glitter pops up ducking a clothesline from Ram Jam!]

[AND STUMBLING INTO THE HARD CUT! CUTTER FROM PERDIDO ACROSS THE HOOD OF A NEARBY CAR!]

[Only Ram Jam and Perdido are left standing, both men circling one another as they jockey for position!]

[Right hand by Ram Jam!]

[Right hand by Perdido!]

[Both men lock up, fighting for control as someone rises on top of a vehicle behind them!]

[DEADFALL! DIVING METEORA FROM ARANZA COLLIDES WITH BOTH MEN AND SENDS THEM CRUMPLING TO THE CONCRETE BELOW!]

[Aranza rolls to her feet, an opportunistic huntress overlooking a battlefield of scattered bodies and broken glass.]

[The last one standing tall over the competition as the scene slowly fades to black.]

[Cut.]

[Backstage – not long after Warlord Mars’ match]

[Warlord Mars storms through the corridors, shoving equipment aside, snarling.]

Warlord Mars: “PIXEL-SHIT!”

[He kicks over a crate.]

Warlord Mars: “STOP HIDIN’, YOU GLITCHY LITTLE NEEERRD!”

Signal: “Mars is hunting PixelShift.”

Black Scar: “And when he finds him… it won’t be pretty.”

[Mars turns a corner—]

[—and stops.]

[An old arcade machine sits in the hallway. Dusty. Humming. Screen flickering.]

[Mars squints at it.]

Warlord Mars: “…What the HELL is this CRAP?”

[The screen lights up.]

[8-bit music chirps.]

[On screen: a pixelated version of PixelShift.]

[Mars pokes the buttons.]

Warlord Mars: “You serious?”

[He presses one.]

[The character jumps.]

[Mars blinks.]

Warlord Mars: “…I’m control—”

[He mashes the buttons.]

[The character fights enemies.]

[Mars starts to grin.]

Warlord Mars: “Hah! Look at this— I’m you, puke!”

[He leans closer.]

[The screen glitches.]

[The sprite freezes.]

[Mars’ grin fades.]

Warlord Mars: “…Nah.”

[The screen distorts violently.]

[The pixelated character turns toward the camera.]

[Silence.]

[Mars takes a step back.]

Warlord Mars: “I don’t like this. WHAT KIND OF FUCKING HEX is THIS!?”

[Suddenly—]

[PixelShift BURSTS out of the screen in a flash of light and static.]

Signal: “WHAT?!”

[PixelShift flies forward with a leaping punch—]

[—CRACK.]

[Mars is knocked flat onto his back.]

Black Scar: “NO WAY!”

[PixelShift lands, rolling through.]

Pixelshift: “Told you.”

[He stands over Mars.]

Pixelshift: “Walkthrough complete.”

[Mars groans, trying to get up.]

[PixelShift grabs him by the arm.]

Pixelshift: “I know exactly how to beat you now.”

[Mars roars, swinging wildly—]

[PixelShift ducks.]

[He pulls Mars toward the arcade machine.]

Warlord Mars: “GET OFF ME—!”

[PixelShift shoves him forward—]

[Mars is dragged INTO the screen in a burst of static.]

[PixelShift dives in after him.]

[The machine flickers violently.]

[Then—]

[Text appears on the screen.]

PLAYER TWO HAS JOINED THE GAME

Signal: “They just— they just went INTO the game!”

Black Scar: “I don’t even know what I’m looking at anymore!”

Signal: “What about their match next week?!”

Black Scar: “Are they about to fight in… 8 BIT MAYHEM!?”

[The arcade machine hums quietly as the screen loops.]

[Cut to black.]

[After all these years, there aren’t many firsts remaining in OSW – but this is one of ‘em! Two men of the cloth do battle in a house of God!]

[In the nave, Lux sits on a pew in his ring attire.]

Signal: “I never would’ve imagined I’d say this as a play-by-play commentator, folks…”

[Bellator looks up at the beautiful, stained-glass windows.]

Signal: “Earlier today, a coin toss determined that this bout will emanate from the church attended by Lux Bellator!”

Black Scar: “I heard that Reverend Blackheart accused him of using a double-headed coin, Sig!”

Signal: “If true, then that claim was certainly unsubstantiated, Scar!”

[The Light Warrior checks his watch.]

Lux Bellator: “Where is Blackheart?”

[Footsteps echo from the vestibule. Lux turns in his seat—]

[Creeeaaak!]

[The near seven-feet tall Reverend Jedidiah Blackheart strides into view.]

[Bellator smiles.]

Lux Bellator: “Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.”

Reverend Blackheart: “Sorry I’m late, my boy…”

[The Heart of Darkness removes a wide-brimmed, black hat and hangs it up.]

Reverend Blackheart: “Traffic was hell.”

[He chuckles malevolently.]

[Standing across from each other, both men clench their fists.]

[A Ruleador pops out of nowhere and brings his arms down – let’s get it on!]

Black Scar: “They’re gonna need to repent after this one!”

[The luchadors run towards each other, the narthex between them!]

[Lux leaps up onto a pew, WALL-RUNS several more, then sends the Rev FLYING with a HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN!]

[Blackheart gets to his knees with a growl.]

[Bellator advances…]

[SHINING WIZ—BEAR HUG!]

[The Root of All Evil SNATCHES him from mid-air with a vice-like grip!]

[Lux thrashes and peppers Blackheart with lefts and rights, but the big man’s arms only tighten more!]

Black Scar: “That’s gotta be like havin’ two boa constrictors around you at the same time!”

[The Light Warrior CRACKS Rev with a VICIOUS HEADBUTT!]

[The corrupted priest CHARGES whilst carrying Bellator—]

[CRUNCH!]

[HE DRIVES HIM THROUGH THE CONFESSIONAL!]

Signal: “Forgive these men, Father, for they have sinned!”

[Splintered wood litters the floor and sawdust fills the air.]

[Blackheart drags Lux out and covers him.]

[The slap of the Ruleador’s hand echoes off the cold, hard floor.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[KICKOUT!]

[Jedidiah glares at the official, who backs away.]

[Spotting a statue of the Virgin Mary, Rev smiles.]

Signal: “Evil machinations are unfolding in that mind, Scar!”

Black Scar: “What!? Look how Bellator just desecrated that confessional!”

[Blackheart heaves Lux onto his shoulders and hoists him up under the arms…]

[FALLEN CROSS!]

[NO!]

[BELLATOR HOPS DOWN, DODGING THE BORDER TOSS!]

[DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF JEDIDIAH!]

[REV GOES HEADFIRST INTO THE STATUE!]

[THE VIRGIN MARY TOPPLES OVER–]

[CLAAANG!]

[ITS HEAD BREAKS AWAY FROM THE BODY!]

Black Scar: “I told you Lux Bellator is the Devil, Siggy!”

[Shaking off the cobwebs, Blackheart looks at the defiled statue and cries out.]

Reverend Blackheart: “I’M GOIN’ OLD TESTAMENT ON YOUR ASS, BOY-UH!”

[He rises unsteadily and THUNDERS towards Bellator–]

Signal: “Lux DUCKS the GOD’S FOOT running BIG BOOT!”

[Lux jumps up…]

Signal: “He’s got the DRAGON SLEEPER locked in – CONFESSIONAL!”

[Jedidiah grunts and struggles in the hold. Bellator’s grip doesn’t slacken.]

[The Ruleador asks Blackheart if he submits, but he refuses.]

Reverend Blackheart: [muffled] “No!”

[Using his hundred-pound weight advantage, Rev walks them back through the vestibule, then through the ancient oak double-doors!]

Signal: “Where are they going!?”

Black Scar: “Hopefully to a police station, so they can arrest that criminal, Lux Bellator!”

[The action spills outside into the churchyard.]

[The Ruleador pleads with them to head back inside.]

[Gravel crunches underfoot as Bellator fights to keep hold of Blackheart–]

[HE TRIPS OVER A HEADSTONE, BREAKING HIS GRIP!]

[Landing on a grave, Lux hurriedly rolls off and apologises to its occupant.]

[Dirt sticking to his sweaty back, he turns round–]

[SWISH!]

Signal: “Blackheart almost DECAPITATED him with that SHOVEL!”

[The Reverend bears down on Bellator, brandishing the aforementioned weapon.]

[SWOOSH!]

[LUX DIVES OUT OF HARM’S WAY!]

[THUNK!]

[BLACKHEART STICKS THE SHOVELHEAD INTO THE TRUNK OF A YEW TREE!]

Signal: “Aren’t yew trees protected!? We’re going for sacrilege and environmental crimes tonight!”

Black Scar: “Add it to Bellator’s growing rap-sheet, Siggy!”

[Jedidiah tries to wrestle the implement free, but Lux SPRINGBOARDS off the handle–]

[LEAPING KNEE STRIKE!]

[The blow ROCKS Rev, who staggers away.]

[Crimson droplets bead from his nose and splash onto the green lawn of the churchyard!]

Signal: “The blood of the covenant has been spilled!”

[Bellator pelts him with strikes, pushing him through the lych gate and onto the footpath outside – where a minibus taxi waits.]

[Lux grabs Blackheart, but the sinful preacher elbows him in the ribs. Pie-facing Bellator, Rev winds back—]

[THUD!]

[HE RAMS THE BACK OF HIS HEAD INTO THE PASSENGER WINDOW!]

[Lux falls to his knees, cradling his cranium.]

Signal: “Look at that spider-webbed glass from where the Reverend slammed his skull!”

[The driver hops out and rounds on Jedidiah.]

Taxi driver: “What did you do to my cab!? Is that guy dead!?”

[The Root of All Evil looms over him, casting his shadow over the sidewalk.]

Reverend Blackheart: [growling] “The lawd is commandin’ you to drive us back to my church, son. Will you heed His word… Or end up like him-uh?”

[He nods at the downed Bellator.]

[The driver wilts under the Rev’s scornful eye – gulp!]

[…]

[He hops back in and dutifully starts the engine!]

[Blackheart turns to Lux—]

[DROP TOE-HOLD INTO THE WING MIRROR!]

[CRACK!]

[The smashed mirror flies off and the Rev groans in pain.]

[Bellator grabs hold of him and opens the sliding door, then bundles him inside!]

Black Scar: “He’s abducting the man, Sig! I bet he doesn’t pay the fare, either.”

[Lux steps in after Jedidiah.]

[He DUCKS a clothesline from Blackheart inside the minibus—]

[Bellator PULLS HIMSELF UP using the GRAB HANDLES!]

[GRIP-ASSISTED DROPKICK!]

[The Reverend flies back into the seat!]

Lux Bellator: “Safety first!”

[Lux leans over to buckle Blackheart in–]

[Click!]

[THE REV GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT!]

[Blackheart seethes as he crushes Bellator’s windpipe, blood streaming from his nose.]

Lux Bellator: [choking] “D-DRIVE!”

[SCREEEECH!]

[They peel away, leaving rubber – and the Ruleador – behind!]

Signal: “Wait, there’s no referee to officiate this match!”

[Turning purple, Lux FISH-HOOKS Jedidiah!]

[Eyes bulging, he DRIVES his head into Blackheart’s!]

[Light fading, Bellator WRAPS THE SEATBELT around the Rev’s throat!]

[Still, Your Brother in Violence maintains his DIVINE grip!]

[The two are jostled side-to-side as the driver throws the cab into turns!]

[Letting go of the seatbelt, Lux reaches down…]

[Click!]

[Jedidiah gasps—]

Lux Bellator: [spluttering] “S-STOP!”

[SCREEEECH!]

[THE TAXI COMES TO A HALT–]

[AN UNBUCKLED BLACKHEART LAUNCHES FROM HIS SEAT–]

[SMACK!]

[FACEFIRST INTO THE PERSPEX DIVIDER!]

[Squeeeaaak!]

[He slides down, leaving a bloody streak behind!]

Black Scar: “That’s attempted murder! Will nobody stop this maniac, Lux Bellator!?”

[Lux gasps for air, massaging his throat.]

Lux Bellator: [wheezing] “Ok, d-drive!”

[They pull away again.]

[A woozy Rev grabs the onboard FIRE EXTINGUISHER and SWINGS it backwards!]

[Bellator narrowly DUCKS it, then looks around frantically—]

[HE GRABS A FOLDED WHEELCHAIR!]

[LUX CHARGES INTO BLACKHEART, WHO SQUEEZES THE EXTINGUISHER HANDLE—]

[FWOOOOOOOSH!]

[The interior of the cab is filled with white powder!]

Signal: “Reverend Blackheart just discharged everywhere!”

[CLUNK!]

[The Reverend drops the extinguisher, and both men stumble around blindly whilst coughing.]

[SCREEEEEEEECH!]

[The taxi slams its brakes on once more – causing Lux and Blackheart to lurch backwards and land in a heap!]

[The sliding door is wrenched open by the driver, and they tumble out onto the curb!]

Taxi driver: “It’s on the house, assholes!”

[Shoes scuffing the pavement, the driver hurries back into his seat and burns rubber.]

[Lux and Jedidiah get to their knees, panting.]

[They look up at Reverend Blackheart’s church, then at each other.]

[THE BRAWL IS BACK ON AS THEY CLIMB TO THEIR FEET, EXCHANGING BLOWS!]

[Scrapping through the corpse-gate, they duke it out up the gravel drive.]

[In the background, a second taxi pulls up. The Ruleador hops out, pays his driver, then jogs after the combatants!]

[Bellator and Blackheart slug it out in front of the church facade.]

[Rev grabs hold of Lux–]

[SMASH!]

[BIEL TOSS THROUGH A STAINED-GLASS WINDOW!]

Signal: “HOLY HELL!”

[Blackheart climbs through the shattered window into the sanctuary.]

[Inside, a bleeding Lux Bellator crawls towards the pulpit.]

[The Heart of Darkness grabs his ankle and rolls him over–]

[LUX BOOTS HIM IN HIS BUSTED NOSE!]

[Blackheart wails in pain as blood spatters the floor.]

[Drip, drip, drip!]

[He turns back–]

[DIVING SPLASH OFF THE FREAKIN‘ PULPIT!]

Signal: “ANGEL WINGS BY LUX BELLATOR!”

[He covers the Rev.]

[Sneakers scuff the floor, as the Ruleador catches up to them.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[TH–SHOULDER UP!]

[Lux groans as Blackheart kicks out.]

[The two battered holy warriors scratch and claw their way towards the altar, glass and blood in their wake.]

[Rev swipes something from a gold lectern with an eagle on top…]

[Bellator grabs his shoulder—]

[WHAM!]

[BLACKHEART BRAINS HIM WITH THE BIBLE!]

[Lux collapses onto the altar.]

Black Scar: “Yeah, it always sends me to sleep, too!”

[Jedidiah chuckles. It echoes throughout the church.]

Reverend Blackheart: “I always tell people that the Bible is loaded with good advice!”

[He drops the book.]

[THUD!]

[It opens on landing to reveal a STEEL PLATE in its centre!]

Signal: “Blackheart had an ace up his sleeve!”

[Mounting the altar, Blackheart picks up Lux.]

Reverend Blackheart: “It’s over, my boy. Time to meet your make-ahhh!”

[REV SLAPS ON THE IRON CLAW—]

[BUT LUX KNEES HIM IN THE GUT!]

[BLACKHEART DOUBLES OVER; BELLATOR SANDWICHES HIS HEAD…]

[HE FLIPS THEM BOTH OVER—]

[KUR-RASH!]

[CANADIAN DESTROYER THROUGH THE GODDAMN ALTAR!]

Signal: “LUX HITS THE MOTHER OF ALL DISCIPLE MAKERS!”

[Lux covers him.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!!]

[THREE!!!]

Black Scar: “The Light Warrior outshone The Heart of Darkness, Sig – and it makes me sick!”

[The Labyrinth.]

[The next room is… different.]

[Warmer. Smaller. Quiet.]

[Edward Newton steps inside slowly.]

[The door shuts behind him.]

[No puzzle. No screen.]

[Just two children.]

[One sits on the floor, small, thin, clutching a book. Eyes down. Lips moving as he reads silently.]

[The other stands over him: bigger, broader, arms crossed.]

Bigger Boy: “What are you even reading?”

[The smaller boy doesn’t answer.]

Bigger Boy: “Lemme guess… more riddles?”

[He kicks the book from the boy’s hands.]

[It skids across the floor.]

[Newton’s expression tightens.]

Edward Newton: “That’s enough.”

[Neither boy acknowledges him.]

[The smaller boy stands.]

Nerdy Boy: “I can beat you.”

[The larger boy laughs.]

Bigger Boy: “You?”

[The smaller boy swings.]

[Wild. Desperate.]

[The larger boy doesn’t even flinch.]

[He backhands him.]

[Hard.]

[The smaller boy hits the ground.]

[Newton steps forward.]

Edward Newton: “I said—”

[The larger boy turns.]

[And now he sees Newton.]

[He smiles.]

Bigger Boy: “You gonna stop me?”

[Newton doesn’t hesitate.]

[He moves in.]

[The boy grows.]

[One moment a child, the next towering.]

[Newton barely has time to react before—]

[SMACK!]

[Newton is sent to the floor.]

[He blinks, stunned.]

[The boy looms over him.]

Bigger Boy: “You’ll never be as good as him.”

[Newton pushes himself up, shaking it off.]

Edward Newton: “He’s predictable.”

[The boy laughs.]

Bigger Boy: “No.”

[He leans down.]

Bigger Boy: “He’s better.”

[Newton lunges.]

[Too fast. Too reckless.]

[SMACK!]

[Newton hits the ground again.]

[This time he stays there a second longer.]

Dr. Cube: “You see it now, don’t you?”

[Newton clenches his jaw.]

Dr. Cube: “All the answers in the world…”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “…and none of them matter.”

[The smaller boy slowly picks himself up.]

[He looks at Newton.]

[Disappointed.]

Dr. Cube: “You’ll never have what you actually want.”

[Newton tries to rise again.]

[The larger boy grabs him.]

[Pulls him up.]

[SMACK!]

[Newton collapses.]

[This time he doesn’t get up.]

[Silence.]

[The door opens.]

[Dr. Cube steps inside.]

[Slow. Methodical.]

[He doesn’t even look at the boys.]

Dr. Cube: “Dispose of them.”

[Cube steps over Newton’s body.]

[He kneels beside him.]

[Studies him.]

Dr. Cube: “Curious.”

[A beat.]

[Cube leans in slightly.]

Dr. Cube: “Now…”

[His voice lowers.]

Dr. Cube: “The real game begins.”

[Cut.]