THE BOOK OF THE DAMNED I
BACKSTAGE
“I need that book.”
[A voice startles him into a quick closure, slamming shut the leather covers with haste. Newton turns around to see Mike Lane stood behind him in the shadows.]“I’ve sinned,” [Lane says stoically.] “I’ve torn my life apart at the seams and that book has my salvation. I need you to hand it over, Edward. I need you to understand.”
[The Riddler stands, his eyes now as dark as the black that surrounds them.]“I’ll never give it up, Shadow, and you won’t take it from me. I fought for this book. I turned the tables at Blood Drive using it and I sacrificed a piece of myself to do it. If you want salvation, you must find another way.”
[Lane steps forward, folding his arms.]“I’m not leaving this room without it,” [he says, poised to fight.] “So you have a decision to make. You’ll either hand it over, or I’ll take it from you. If I take it from you, there’s no guaranteeing Proteus won’t pick up the pieces.”
[The Riddler laughs.]“Come and get it.”
[The Shadow nods, slamming the door shut behind him.] [Cut.]ALIBISTAIR MONTIBLEAUX VS. CHRISTIAN RIVERS
SINGLES MATCH
Rivers tried to stop the fightback in its tracks and failed. Monty rolls through and stomps a hole in Rivers before he can get back to his feet. He pulls Rivers up and hits him with the BILOXI ROLL! The left jab, right uppercut combo leaves Rivers dazed on his feet.] [Montibleaux bounces off the ropes, ducks around Rivers and leaps into the ropes, slingshots backwards and takes out the knee of Rivers.] [He’s going for it! The SLAMMER 63!] [It’s locked in! Monty has the wristlock manoeuvre in tight and wrenches as hard as he can. Rivers shakes his head. He doesn’t want to give in. Monty moves and wedges his knees into the back of Rivers.] [He drops onto his back! The hold is still locked in but that could have ripped his arm off! Rivers can’t fight it any more can he?] [NO! HE TAPS OUT! Montibleaux is victorious!] [Rivers believes his submission style is better in every way but it wasn’t better tonight, as Montibleaux picks up his first win with a submission of his own. Rivers looks surprised as both men head towards the back.]
THE RETURN OF TERRIBLE
RINGSIDE
“You can’t be here,” [he mouths.] “How is zis possible?”
[Montibleaux immediately pulls for his weapon, but when he looks up, Jones has vanished. He turns around to see The Terrible stood before him, bravely and fiercely unafraid. He kicks out violently as Ali swings his weapon, kicking it from his hand.] [The Detective quickly blocks a right hand, but is powerless to stop a Spartan Kick that sends him flying back into the ropes. Alibistair bounces back towards him.] [THE HARBINGER OF THE APOCALYPSE!] [CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!] [HE TURNED MONTIBLEAUX INSIDE OUT!] [Jones The Brave and Terrible turns to face his enemies prone body, laughing sadistically at the carnage he’s caused. He bends over, smiling.]“I told you that prison couldn’t hold me, Montibleaux. Now, I’m going to destroy you.”
[He places his boot on his back.]“Jones has spoken.”
[Cut.]JONATHON HEARTSFORD VS. SERGEI SOKOLOV
SINGLES MATCH
CLARITY
RINGSIDE
“I won’t give in. I am not a monster, I am a man…and this is what proves the difference.”
[He looks back at Sergei, who’s starting to come to his senses.]“It’s time to wake up, Sergei. It’s time to shed some light on the situation…to gain some clarity.”
[With that, Heartsford does deliver one final punch…right to the temple of Sergei’s head! A ringing noise floods the ear of the Red Tsar, who screams in pain as he clutches his head. Sergei is down on his knees, a broken man without a purpose as Heartsford just stares him down.]“I see you for what you are, Sergei…a man imprisoned by forces beyond his control. I’ve freed you from those shackles…you can leave this place, before it consumes you.”
[Sergei gets back to his feet, fists clenched in rage as he lunges at the Aerial Knight…only for something inside him to shut off, freezing the Red Tsar in his tracks. Heartsford stares curiously at the now immobile Sergei, when he hears the sound of a woman’s voice, amplified to reach beyond Sergei’s hearing alone.]“Sergei, do you copy?”
[Cut.]D’VON CHAMBERS VS. MICHAEL GRAVES
SINGLES MATCH
Chambers is down and out, he slips from the turnbuckle and lies on the canvas. Graves grabs him by the ankles and drags him into the center of the ring. PIN!] [ONE!] [TW–KICKOUT!] [Chambers kicks out at two! Graves pulls Chambers to his feet and whips him into the ropes. Graves raises a foot – BIG BOO–NO! Chambers ducks. BACKSTABBER! Chambers hits Graves with a backstabber! A pin of his own now!] [ONE] [TWO!] [TH–KICKOUT!] [Chambers kneels up, he looks around the ring in disbelief. Both men get back to their feet, but Chambers is the fastest of the two. He swings wildly at Graves, who ducks.] [RED DEATH! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX!] [Graves hits a snap dragon suplex, crumpling Chambers into a heap on the mat!] [ONE!] [TWO!] [KICKOUT!] [Graves is back to his feet quickly and heads to the corner, sizing Chambers up, looking for the running big boot. Chambers is up, he turns, Graves runs across the ring but the boot is ducked! Graves turns. EYE RAKE!] [Graves stumbles backwards. Chambers signals to the crowd that he’s about to finish the match with his patented PASTOR’S PLUNGE! He aims a kick at Graves, but WHAT? GRAVES DISAPPEARS! Instead a flurry of bats swarm D’von Chambers! The cloud of bats rush around Chambers, who flaps his arms trying to fend them off! Suddenly the bats are gone and Graves is stood behind Chambers. Chambers, still dazed, turns to receive a boot to the midsection! Underhook, Graves looks for DAWNBREAKE–NO! Chambers lifts Graves into the air, hitting a back body drop!] [Chambers stumbles across the ring and collapses to the canvas as Graves holds his back, also lay on the mat. Both men are down, exhausted! Each man crawls to the ring ropes, pulling themselves back to their feet slowly, and with some effort. Graves turns and kicks Chambers in the gut! IMPALER DDT–NO! Chambers pushes Graves away, bouncing him off the ropes. He scoops Graves up onto his shoulder!] [PSALM 32!] [A running powerslam! SURELY!] [ONE!] [TWO!] [NO! KICKOUT!] [Chambers can’t believe it! He pulls at his hair and his eyes open wide! What will it take?] [Chambers stands in the corner, his arms resting on the top ropes, waiting for Graves who is across the ring in the opposing corner. Both men get to their feet and march to the center of the ring. They stare at each other for a moment before exchanging hard rights to one another! BAM! BAM! BAM! BA–Graves ducks, Chambers turns but receives a kick to the gut! Underhooks locked in by Graves! Chambers drops to his knees, his arms freed.] [LOW BLOW!] [Low blow to Graves, who crouches down in agony! Chambers steps over Graves and raises him into the air! THE PASTOR’S PLUNGE! A spinning Razors Edge!
[ONE!] [TWO] [THREE!] [D’von Chambers picks up the victory here tonight in a hard-fought contest.]INTO THE TOMB
RINGSIDE
“This ends here” [D’Von proclaims, pointing at the canvas beneath his feet.] “Tonight!”
“My druids should not trust their eyes” [The Prophet of the Bat God suggests.] “You are not our Bat God!”
“Of course I’m not and that’s why I forbid my congregation to be here tonight” [Chambers scoffs.] “When they see you, they see Christ!”
“You were correct to suspect the virus” [Graves sneers.] “It consumes their minds.”
“Which is why we must cleanse their perception” [Chambers proclaims.] “For if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you.”
[A devilish look overcomes Chambers and Graves squints. The building still groaning and writhing around them. Yet they are ready. Ready to defend. Ready…] [To kill!]“It is you who will be plucked!”
[The Bat God’s Vessel rushes Chambers. CLOTHESLINE! NO! DUCKED! Both men turn and KICK to the midsection by Graves.] [DAWNBREAKER!] [Chambers is out.]“BARBATOS!!!! BARBATOS!! ALL HAIL BARBATOS!!!”
[The druids. Their chanting. It enrages Graves as he rises to his feet. Moving to the ropes as the tremors seem to settle, yet his rage grows.]“LOOK AT HIM!!” [Graves points to a now unconscious Chambers.] “THAT IS NOT BARBATOS!! That is a miscreant! A fraud. A figment of your imagination! STOP IT YOU FOOLS!!”
[In his anger, The Bat’s Shadow does not realize Chambers has quickly come to; staggering to his feet.] [Graves turns to finish the job, BUT RECEIVES A KNEE TO THE GUT!] [Chambers positioning him and… PASTORAL PLUNGE!!!] [Graves is motionless, but The Bishop does not hesitate.]“The Tap Room isn’t big enough for two saviors, Michael” [Chambers mutters as he tightens his arms around Graves neck.] “It is time for you to go into the tomb!”
[SNAP!] [OH NO!] [Michael Graves lifeless body falls to the canvas. A flustered, almost confused look coming over Chambers as he rises to his feet over top of his fallen foe. His mannerisms twitching with guilt as he slowly glances over at the Chiroptera who continue on.]“ALL HAIL BARBATOS!! ALL HAIL THE BAT GOD!!”
[Michael Graves is GONE!] [Static.] [Cut.]PHOEBE OUTLAW VS. JAMES HUNTER
SINGLES MATCH
TRUE OUTLAW
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Let’s end this.”
[Feebs kicks at the kneeling Hunter, who retreats backwards up the aisle.]“I thought you were going to end me, or was that just another one of your empty boasts?”
[Hunter dives through a dark doorway, with Phoebe rushing after him.]“Quit running!”
[At the end of the hallway, Outlaw pushes through a set of metal double doors.] [WHOOSH!] [Outlaw barely ducked as an ax clangs off the metal door. James Hunter has death in his eyes as he looms over Outlaw, who glares up at him. She leaps up with a shot.] [CRUNCH! HUNTER USED THE HANDLE OF THE AX TO BASH OUTLAW IN THE FACE!] [Feebs spits out some blood, maybe even a tooth mixed in with it. She looks up at the Question, the rage gone from her eyes. Satisfaction has filled his.]“Well, Phoebe, I thought you would fight me a little more.”
[She spits at his feet before looking him in the eyes, her own swelling.]“You come at the queen, you best not miss.”
[The echoing of his words from several weeks ago seems to give Hunter pause. Nevertheless he raises his ax.]“Do it.”
[He obliges.] [Red.] [As a pool of blood forms beneath his feet, James Hunter hoists his now-bloody ax up over his shoulder. He looks down at his work with a contented sigh before turning around and walking away.] [His job is finished.] [Phoebe Outlaw is dead.] [It’s time to go back home.]SCARECROW VS. HELIOS
SINGLES MATCH
OF DARKNESS
RINGSIDE
“Why?”
[Helios looks up at Scarecrow, chuckling. Crow sneers as he wraps his hand around Helios’ throat, squeezing down, threatening to crush the Revenant’s throat.]“You chased me down, tried to immolate me at every turn, tried to play mind games with me. Why?”
[Helios wraps his hand around Scarecrow’s arm, Crow watching as flames dance upon his tattered fabric. Unflinching, he tightens his grip and lifts Helios into the air.]“You will not escape me.”
[Scarecrow forcefully pulls Helios’ hand from his arm, twisting it in the air. Helios looks down at Crow, still chuckling despite his position.]“It’s obvious, isn’t it?”
[Helios wheezes as Scarecrow slams him into the nearest turnbuckle! The Monster gets eye to eye with Helios, unmoving.]“When darkness fell and the night grew long, only one creature, one thing could thrive. You were born of darkness, and I am the torch that was meant light the way and bring you to your knees. But you simply refused to go down.”
[Scarecrow stares at Helios in confusion before the revenant turns to flames! Scarecrow steps back as the blaze crawls outside of the ring, Helios reforming near the entrance of the Tap Room.]“You survived me, Scarecrow, but though you still stand, you will never be able to stop the inevitable. Soon the whole world will go dark.”
[Helios disappears in a spout of fire, Scarecrow merely looking on as he does.]THE WATCHMEN VS. THE GREAT WAR
TRIOS MATCH
THE VINES THAT BIND US
RINGSIDE
“You’ll never be strong enough to withstand us,” [she growls, tightening their restraints with a twist of her hand.] “Do you know why?”
[None of them can talk, so she continues.]“It’s because there’s only three of you and three is not the magic number. Don’t you understand? The Watchmen were a group of four men with unrivalled powers. They fought off the end of times together. You’re a puzzle missing the final piece.”
[All three men look at each other, finally understanding why they could not withstand their assault this month. It all begins to make sense.]“And now, I’m going to end you before your mission begins.”
[She closes her fist as tight as possible, strangling The Watchmen.] [Darkness.] [When the lights return, The Watchmen are gone. Gaia looks around her broken vines in shock and horror, almost in disbelief that they escaped.] [Before she can react, The Boogeyman strikes as if out of nowhere, grabbing her violently.] [YOUR SOUL TO TAKE!] [HE NAILS GAIA WITH THE PILEDRIVER!] [The Monster swivels back to his feet, grimacing with a tilted head.]“You summoned me to your aide; bound me to your person. Your vines entered my being and wrapped around my soul. I am no-ones monster, Gaia. The Watchmen may not be complete, but their power is enough to relinquish your bonds over The Boogeyman.”
[He laughs.]“And thus, I removed yours from them.”
[The Boogeyman stands up.]“You will not control me any longer.”
[Static.] [Cut.]TAM VS. JACEN NOVAN
SINGLES MATCH
RETRIEVAL
RINGSIDE
“Hostile target… You have been warned. You are in possession of a stolen memory chip. My directive is to retrieve the chip at all costs. Assessment. Lethal force may be required.”
[The Automaton tightens his grip on Novan’s neck, receiving a gargle of discomfort in reply. Novan holds his hands up, as if surrendering and chokes out what words he can through the strangulation.]“You… never… chip.”
[The Automaton stops, processing the words to form sense. When it cannot make sense of the request, it loosens the grip on Novan’s throat and lets him crumple to the mat.]“Unable to determine dialogue. Repeat.”
[Novan holds his throat, massaging it as large red bruises begin to form around the hood of his robes. His voice sounds hoarse.]“If you kill me, you will never find your chip.”
[The Automaton picks him up once more, having understood this time.]“Hostile target forgets that I have already tracked the memory chip and know it to be in your possession. My trackers suggest that you are still currently in possession of the chip. Therefore, your life is meaningless to my directive.”
[Through the choking, Novan fishes his hand inside his robes and retrieves a small, black object. Smaller than a fingernail. He holds it up between his thumb and forefinger in front of the Automaton’s face. Instantly, the Automaton drops him again and Novan hits the mat harder this time.]“Where is the remainder of the chip?”
[Novan claws himself to his feet, backing away from the Automaton.]“Computer programmes, machinery… It is all built on one constant concept. Predictability. You see TAM, you are far too predictable. Did you really think that I would bring your memory chip with me? Of course not. Any human would be able to tell you that – it is an element of the grey areas of life that you cannot understand in your current state. All I needed to do was to bring the tracking chip, enough for you to think I still had the memory chip in my possession. It is safe and secure.”
[The Automaton moves to strike its killing blow but stops as Novan utters his next sentence.]“Now that its tracker has been removed, I am the only being that can tell you where it is. Kill me and you will never find it. All those classified memories, gone.”
[The Automaton freezes, unable to process what its next directive is given the circumstances. Novan exits the ring, just to be safe before outlining his directive.]“I will find a way to heal your virus, TAM. I will find a way to retrieve the true memories from your chip. Memories that can prove who you truly are. My directive… Is retrieval. Retrieval of the TAM I know, piece by piece. I will beat this virus, by Ashla.”
[As he makes his statement, he pulls back his own sleeve to reveal his infected arm, as if to symbolise how their afflictions are linked. Novan exits, leaving The Automaton to stand watching him go; still unable to proceed with its hunt. Even in its infected state, it realises. It needs Novan to get back the memory chip.]DECISION TIME
BACKSTAGE
“My son, you have found your way home at last. I welcome you to your new Family.”
[DTR grins as he steps forward and places a hand on his shoulder. Zappa seems a little hesitant but he lets it happen.]“I’m sure you have many questions about the future may hold, but don’t worry. I will tell you everything you want to know and more.”
“More lies from you, DTR?”
[DTR turns to see Solomon Rhodes standing behind Captain Zappa with a hand on his other shoulder. Despite the darkened state of the room, Rhodes nearly exudes light.]“You’ve failed him, Solomon. He’s killed one of your men, Rhodes, and he’ll gladly do it again if tempted.”
[Solomon Rhodes looks at Zappa who is staring straight at DTR.]“You have a choice here, Solomon. Will you choose to put your friend out of his misery and end his infection or will you just lock him away again and see how that goes this time?”
[Solomon Rhodes takes a step back, removing his hand before unsheathing his sword and looking at DTR and Zappa.]“I think my choice is clear.”
[Solomon Rhodes turns to Zappa who is just staring at him. BEFORE RHODES TURNS AND LUNGES AT DTR!] [DTR is able to dodge out of the way for a moment before Solomon Rhodes is blindsided from behind! Zappa lifts up the blade and looks at DTR who just shakes his head.]“You don’t want to do that. Not if you want the answers for your questions about The Virus, the end of it all… anything.”
[Zappa throws the sword away as he looks at both Solomon and DTR with a look of confusion before leaving out of the room in a furious state.] [DTR looks down at Solomon Rhodes who is beginning to come to.]“Step four… nearly complete.”
SOLOMON RHODES VS. DTR VS. CAPTAIN ZAPPA
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
THE BOOK OF THE DAMNED II
BACKSTAGE
“What are you doing?” [The Hayman demands to know, standing somewhat distanced from the book and Lane.] “Do you understand the power that book wields?”
[Lane nods.]“I do, but I don’t have a choice. Lux Bellator told me that my salvation was in this book and he was right; it is. I’ve read every page, every spell, every story, every notion, every word. I have to take care of it, Scarecrow. It’s the only way. But I won’t do it alone. There’s something you have to know.”
[The Scarecrow looks perplexed, however, he listens intently.]“Your creator is immortal,” [Lane says with an intensity.] “But she isn’t untouchable. There’s a way to stop her, Scarecrow; and she must be stopped. If we’re to stand a chance of saving the world, then you have to do it.”
“I understand,” [The Scarecrow says with a nod.] “And I understand what you have to do, Michael.”
[Mike offers a hand that The Hayman accepts, pulling him to his feet. They look at each other, these two hardened veterans, and nod. Lane takes a deep breath and continues.]“The end begins tonight.”
[Cut.]CREEPING DEATH VS. JAKE JECKEL
SINGLES MATCH
FLESH AND BLOOD
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“How does it feel?” [The deep and terrifying voice of Creeping Death asks.] “To lose the only thing that made you human.”
[Jake doesn’t respond.]“How does it feel, Jeckel? How does it feel to be wallowing in the flesh and blood of someone you loved? First Calypso and now Jack. Everyone is deserting you, aren’t they?”
“What do you want from me, Corey?” [Jake says, his eyes fluttering to a near close.] “Despair? Depression? Death?”
[He laughs.] “Amongst other things.”“Do you want me to apologize for what I did to you?” [Jeckel asks with a raised eyebrow. Death looks over at him, confused.] “Is that it? I tore your life apart, didn’t I? I used you to become the greatest wrestler in the IWF history. Whilst your meaningless existence meandered in meek battles over insignificant championships, I stood upon the precipice of greatness and it was I who relegated you to that fate.”
[Creeping Death stands up, becoming agitated by what he’s hearing.]“You confided in me your secret and I exposed it for all the glory I could muster. I destroyed careers in your name and propelled myself to heights you’ve never even dreamed of. Isn’t that why you run back to the WCF, Corey? Isn’t that why you accepted David’s offer to join his Family?”
[The Juggalo begins to laugh violently, coughing and spluttering in between.]“When all along, you know he’d rather I joined it instead.”
[Death reaches down, pulling him from the floor in a heap. As he dangles there, Death’s strength unmatched, he laughs in his face, his teeth bloodied.]“Go on, do it,” [Jake begs with a laugh.] “Finish what I started all those years ago.”
[He grimaces, holding onto his throat tightly.] [And then lets him go. Jake drops back to the floor, laughing all the while.]“It would be easy for me to snap your neck and end this right now,” [Death remarks, walking away. He stops suddenly, placing it foot onto something we can barely see.] “But where’s the fun in that? You’ll have your Judgement Day, Jake. Mark my words.”
[Creeping Death backheels something that flies in the direction of Jake.] [It’s the head of Jack Jeckel.] [The Juggalo looks at it, tears slowly forming in his eyes as we fade to static.] [Cut.]JACOB PHOENIX VS. JENSEN CUSSEN
SINGLES MATCH
OPEN
RINGSIDE
“This is all your fault, Jacob.” [Cussen taunts.] “You put us here. All the dead are on your hands.”
[Phoenix is angered, but Cussen grabs him.] [HEADBUTT!] [Jacob Phoenix is busted open! The blood is already forming a crimson mask. Cussen is not happy at this development.]“No.” [He mutters.] [Phoenix only sees red as he roars out in anger. Cussen, the mark placed upon him by Phoenix beginning to appear, starts to backpedal.] [Right!] [Left!] [Forearm!] [Cussen is battered and beaten across the length of the ring as both men are becoming covered in Jacob’s blood. With every blood-soaked strike, Cussen seems to recoil in an unworldly agony. We’ve seen how Phoenix’s blood interacts with the Virus, and it’s on full display now.]
“You’re wrong. I played my part, and I owe the world for that. But I’m not the one who did this.”
[HEADBUTT!] [Jensen goes to his knees, getting a shower of blood as Phoenix towers over him. Cussen sneers at his nemesis, but as more blood drips down, he seems to be shaken. His hands go to his head as his whole body seems to shake and lose its rigidity. Phoenix looks down at him, trying to understand. When Cussen looks back up, the eyes that meet Jacob’s are not the ones that just fought him.]“Jacob?” [The weak voice says.] “Finish it. Kill me.”
[Phoenix wavers.]“Please.”
[This is why he came back. This is why Jacob Phoenix has been on a war path for months. But in his moment of victory, in the moment of doing everything he said he was going to do, he wavers. This is the real Jensen Cussen staring back up at him, begging for death.] [Yet he wavers.]“DO IT!”
[At that gutteral scream from Jensen, Phoenix grabs him by the neck.] [LOW BLOW!] [Phoenix drops to his knees as Cussen slides out of the ring. Vengeance looks over the situation, seeing himself covered in blood, before taking a retreat. Meanwhile, Phoenix comes up to a knee, trying to decide what he just saw.] [Was that a ploy to escape death?] [Or did Jensen Cussen break free?]ISAAC DANVERS VS. CAEL GABLE
REWIND CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
COME
RINGSIDE
“Adriano, Never Dead Dan, and now, finally, the MIND of CAEL GABLE is MINE!”
[Danvers somehow looks bigger now. Stronger. More POWERFUL than ever.] [Cael crawls over to his masters leg, and leans his head against Danvers’ thigh. And SMILES.] [Danvers, Crowley, Helios and Proteus raise their arms in the air.] [Cut.]LEE CROWLEY VS. ORDELL TERMINUS
THE UNDERWORLD
“There’s nothing to protect you now.”
[SAND TO THE EYES!] [Lee is blindsided by the dirt flung into his eyes as Ordell Terminus is not above using these tactics to reclaim control of The Underworld! Terminus lunges forward before hitting a huge uppercut to flatten Lee to the ground. He staggers over to him and mounts him before looking down at him with disgust. Punches begin raining down from Ordell Terminus before Lee even has a chance to cover himself up! Ten or twelve straight rights and lefts before Lee is able to sneak a hand through a put a thumb into the eye of Ordell!] [Terminus staggers backwards clutching at his eye as Lee slowly gets up. Lee smirks at Ordell before running forward and leaping into the air…] [CHELSEA GRIN!] [The spinning heel kick hits hard as Ordell Terminus is knocked flat to the dirt and Lee looks down at his prey with a grin. He lunges onto his body and begins raking at his eyes, punching at his face, and basically throwing whatever he can at the downed Gateway to Greatness. Ordell Terminus isn’t moving after a moment or two as Lee Crowley staggers to his feet and begins to walk away. He disappears into the darkness for a moment as only Ordell Terminus’ chest moving up and down can be seen.] [Lee comes back into picture clutching the shield that Ordell Terminus had with him as he cannot control his excitement here. He brings the edge of the shield down across the chest of Terminus who sputters out a moan. Lee holds it there as he leans on it.]“Thank you for this little toy!”
[Lee removes the shield and takes a few steps back as he seems to be preparing for something big as a grin spreads across his face.] [Ordell Terminus staggers to his feet as Lee Crowley rushes towards him and…] [SHIELD BASHES HIM!] [Ordell hits the ground as Lee raises the shield high and begins BASHING Ordell’s head in with it! He’s not responding as red blood begins to pool around his head after the third or fourth brutal shot from Lee Crowley!] [Lee Crowley gets back to his feet and throws the shield away. He smiles down at his decimated victim.]BOW BEFORE YOUR KING
THE UNDERWORLD
“You fought valiantly,” [Crowley says breathlessly.] “But a mere mortal cannot defeat the King of The Underworld. These gates cannot be closed, Ordell.”
[He looks up, spitting blood at the feet of Crowley.]“I started this and I’ll be the one to finish it, Crowley.”
[The King laughs, looking at the blood on his boots.]“No, you won’t.”
[Suddenly, Crowley pulls a knife from within his waistband.]“You can’t kill me,” [Terminus spews.] “I have Janus on my side.”
[The King laughs, stabbing the knife through his throat. It pierces out the other side, blood dripping from the blade. Ordell grabs at his throat as Lee drags it back through, kicking him violently in the chest to the floor.] [Ordell spits up blood as the wound in his throat leaks crimson where he lays. His eyes slowly fade, with Lee stood over him.]“You killed him, didn’t you?” [The King says with a big smile.] “Just like I thought you would. There goes your immortality, friend. Never fear, it shan’t be gone forever.”
[Terminus passes away, right there in front of him, gurgling until his last fateful breath. Crowley drops his knife and closes his eyes, lifting his arms slowly into the air. The soul of Ordell Terminus leaves his body, but can’t escape to heaven – the pull is just too great. Lee Crowley captures it, pulling it in close before thrusting it forward.] [The soul vanishes.]“Wait for it,” [Crowley says with a wink.] “Just wait for it.”
[Thunderous footsteps approach from a distance. A revenant steps forward, wearing a black hood, a black face mask and a unique attire.] [He stops just before the King, bending a knee at his feet.] [Crowley puts his hand out, placing it on the Revenants shoulder.]“Welcome back, Ordell Terminus; take your place beside the King as his trusty Aion, master of time.”
[Aion looks up at him with dead eyes.] “Yes, my lord.” [Cut.]BRENT KERSH VS. MOTHER
SINGLES MATCH
A DEBT PAID
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“My child, you know what lies beyond that door.”
[The door swings open and Brent Kersh actually smiles. He walks into the room, Mother following him. Her jaw drops once she enters it.] [The bed is empty.] [Danielle Kersh is gone.]“What did you do?” [Mother shrieks.] “WHAT DID YOU DO?”
[Kersh walks over beside the bed, picking up a framed picture.] [Dani and Phoebe.]“You made a mistake, Mother. You counted out Outlaw. You expected me to finish her off last month, so you told her the whole story. Only death can pay for life, remember? She sure did.”
[He places the picture down reverently.]“You wondered why you couldn’t touch my son. You wondered why people fight you, why the forces of good seem to endure. It’s because of actions like the one Phoebe took tonight. An act of true love, giving your life so someone else can have theirs. That’s something that you haven’t quite figured out how to destroy yet. You can fight it, prevent it, or even pervert it, but you’ll never be able to eradicate it.”
[Kersh looks out the window with a resigned smile.]“I don’t know where Danielle is. Her instructions were just to run. There’s nothing you can pull from me, from any of these people. As far as you’re concerned, she’s a ghost. Nicole doesn’t have my blood, and you can’t touch my son.”
[He turns back with that focused rage we’ve come to expect from Brent Kersh.]“It’s me or nothing, and your kind have a hard time with me.”
[Mother snarls for a moment before letting out a sinister laugh.]“So human of you. You always believe you know the truth. Soon you will find out just how wrong you are.”
[The lights flicker as she vanishes. Brent Kersh lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding before collapsing down into the easy chair. He picks the picture frame back up, looking at the happy couple.]“Thanks kid, you were alright. I’d have been honored to call you daughter.”
[He places it back down as we linger on the face of Phoebe Outlaw, who made the ultimate sacrifice tonight to bring back the one she loves.]AN OLD MISSION
THE TEMPLAR TEMPLE
“You must stop,” [a stoic voice sternly says from the shadows. It belongs to Godfrey, who steps into the light, shaking his head.] “Zappa is lost. He must find his own way from the darkness.”
[Rhodes sneers back at him.] “I will not leave my brother behind.” [Godfrey walks forward, carefully closing the books.]“You must. I know this is difficult for you, but Zappa cannot be saved, not by you or I. The infection is too strong within him and only he can fight it now. Only he can tackle DTR. I’m afraid that we have other matters to attend to; matters on a global scale.”
[He stops, paying attention.]“The time has come to take a once trodden path. You have a new mission, an extremely important one. You must attempt to rescue a different brother.”
[Rhodes doesn’t understand.] “Who? Who must I rescue?” [Godfrey takes a deep breath, his brow furrowed, his eyes focused intensely on Solomon Rhodes.]“Lux Bellator.”
[Every Templar in the room stops what they’re doing, turning their attention to Godfrey who immediately notices their eyes glaring through him. Rhodes steps closer, his face contorted into one mixed between rage and confusion.]“I tried to save his soul once before. I tried to stop this entire apocalypse from happening, at your request, and he succeeded. How can I stop him now? Why should I even try?”
[Godfrey puts a hand on his shoulder.] “You know why, my son. Lux Bellator is a child of God; a man of the good word. He’s misguided and misinformed. You couldn’t stop him then, but you can now. Judgement Day approaches and you must try once again to make him see the light.” [Solomon grunts.]“It’s our only hope.”
[Cut.]MIKE LANE VS. LUX BELLATOR
SINGLES MATCH
NO
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“You look different,” [he says with surprise.] “You look better.”
[The Chief smiles.]“I told you, I won’t be broken. I want out of this confinement, kid. I want to take my rightful place on Earth amongst the damned.”
[Noah approaches angrily.] “You want to wake up?” [he asks.] “You want to drown with the rest of the lost souls? Why, Chief? Haven’t I provided you with answers? With Sanctuary? Haven’t I opened my heart and let you inside?”“You’re keeping me prisoner!” [The Chief yells so loud that spittle flies from his mouth.] “You have to tell me what you want from me, Noah. You have to tell me why I’m here and what my purpose is; I know you’re hiding the truth from me. I know that whoever is responsible for this doesn’t want me out unless I’m broken and pliant.”
“GOD wants this!” [The kid shouts.] “Why can’t you see that? We’re doing his work and I’m trying to save you. You could have killed me. You could have ended this before it ever even begun. I owe my life to you and I’m repaying the favour.”
[There’s an awkward silence before The Chief steps forward, getting into the face of the teenager.]“And if I could go back, I’d do it all over again,” [he admits with a lowered head.] “Because I’m not a murderer, Noah. You don’t have to be either.”
[Before he can say another word, Noah vanishes.]“Whatever you want from me, I won’t say yes. Do you hear me? I won’t say yes!”
[Cut.]EDWARD NEWTON VS. PROTEUS
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
TWO!] [……] [……….] […………………] [THREEEEEEEE!] [HE’S DONE IT! Edward Newton has managed to defeat yet another foe in Proteus. The referee hands him his title as his eyes are still a dark black as he holds his title close to his chest.]
368 DAYS WITHOUT ACCIDENT
RINGSIDE
“Can I be dreaming once again?
I’m reaching helpless I descend
You lead me deeper through this maze
I’m not afraid!”
[The soft piano line of ‘Lost’ by Red begins to play and the lights around the Tap Room darken – a purplish tinge of UV light illuminating the room. A single spot light scans as the introduction plays. When the song erupts into a wall of sound, Lux emerges on the balcony, head bowed and wearing a white hooded cape while the lights around the Tap Room flash and strobe.]“I’m lost in you everywhere I run
Everywhere I turn I’m finding something new
Lost in you, something I can’t fight
I cannot escape
I could spend my life lost in you! Lost in you!”
[Edward Newton’s eyes widen in shock as Lux Bellator raises his Invasion Briefcase. Oh Christ.] [HE’S INVADING!]EDWARD NEWTON VS. LUX BELLATOR
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“No!”
[WHAT?] [The referee points to the rope, where somehow, someway, Edward Newtons fucking foot rests.] [IT… ISN’T… OVER!] [Lux Bellator grabs the referee in a furious rage, nailing him with a right hand. He grabs and claws at his mask in frustration, unable to believe that Edward Newton is still in this God damned match. He slides to the outside and goes under the ring, grabbing a table and pulling it out. Once that’s inside the squared circle, Bellator decides that it isn’t enough. He reaches back under the ring, finding barbed wire.] [What the hell is he thinking? He’s going to kill him!] [A ladder follows.] [A chair follows.] [A light tube.] [WHATEVER ELSE?] [With all that inside the ring, Bellator follows. He sets up the table and places the barbed wire across it, dragging it to all ends and hooking it on. As Newton lays unconscious, he grabs the ladder and sets it up near the table, preparing for the end. This is absolutely unbelievable. Lux Bellator is going to pull out all the stops to become the new OSW World Champion.] [He grabs a light tube and stalks Edward, demanding that he get up. The Riddler is groggy, but slowly begins to stir. Come on Newton, don’t get up. Just don’t get up.] [LIGHT TUBE TO THE FUCKING HEAD.] [GLASS SHATTERS EVERYWHERE!] [EDWARD HITS THE CANVAS IN A HEAP, BLOOD POURING FROM HIS FACE. HOW THE HELL IS HE GOING TO SURVIVE THIS ASSAULT!?] [This has been entirely one sided.] [Lux grabs Newton and pulls him back to his feet, holding him close. He begins climbing up the ladder backwards, leaving The World Champion slumped against the rungs. Reaching down, he uses amazing strength to pull The Riddler up the ladder to meet him. Oh boy, what the hell does he have planned now?] [The barbed wire table rests below.] [HE’S IN POSITION FOR IT! DISCIPLE MAKER! DISCIPLE MAKER!] [NO!!! NEWTON HOLDS ON FOR DEAR LIFE! HE HOLDS ON FOR DEAR LIFE! He pulls himself up the ladder, BITING THE MASKED FACE OF LUX BELLATOR!] [THE LIGHT WARRIOR SCREAMS IN AGONY!] [NEVERMIND!] [NEVERMIND OFF THE FUCKING LADDER THROUGH THE BARBED WIRE TABLE! HOLY FUCKING SHIT! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!!] [THERE’S CARNAGE EVERYWHERE!] [LUX BELLATOR AND EDWARD NEWTON LAY MANGLED IN A MESS OF BARBED WIRE AND BROKEN TABLE. HOW THE HELL WILL EITHER MAN GET UP FROM THIS, LET ALONE MANAGE A PIN ON THE OTHER?] [It takes a good five minutes before the referee stirs and gets back to his feet, surveying the carnage inside the ring. Edward Newton and Lux Bellator have rolled themselves out of the carnage, looking very much so worse for wear.] [Lux Bellator is busted wide open now. He has a huge gash down the length of his stomach from the barbed wire and is holding the wound. Edward Newton meanwhile has a torn shirt, jacket and trousers to accompany his crimson mask.] [They both get back to their feet, Newton meeting Bellator with a knee to the injured midsection before slamming him face first off the steel ladder. He does it again.]“Do you think you can take my title?”
[Again.]“Do you think I’ll just give up?”
[AGAIN!] [THE QUESTION IS!] [He turns Bellator around and into a Snap Suplex. That surely takes a lot out of him but he’s currently on his second wind. He rolls into the cover.] [ONE…..] [……….] [TWO…..] [……….] [THREE!!] [KICK OUT! KICK OUT!] [Lux Bellator has no interest in giving up either.] [Edward looks absolutely exhausted. He rolls to the outside and grabs the OSW World Championship. With it in hand, he slides back into the ring, looking to finish this one once and for all. Lux Bellator slowly stirs to his feet, unaware that The Riddler is poised behind him to end this thing. He turns..] [WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE SKULL!] [NO!] [BELLATOR DUCKS!] [KICK TO THE GUT!] [HE DROPS THE BELT!] [DISCIPLE MAKER!] [DISCIPLE MAKER ON THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!] [190 DAYS AS CHAMPION.] [368 DAYS WITHOUT DEFEAT.] [THE COVER BY THE LIGHT WARRIOR.] [ONE…..] [……….] [……….] [……….] [THE KEY NO LONGER BELONGS TO NEWTON!] [TWO…..] [……….] [……….] [……….] [THIS HAS TO BE IT!] [THREE!!] [K.] [I.] [C.] [K.] [O.] [U.] [T.] [HOLY FUCKING SHIT!] [THIS STREAK IS THE THING LEGENDS ARE MADE OF! EDWARD NEWTON JUST WON’T FUCKING DIE!] [Lux Bellator furiously but slowly gets back to his feet, stumbling into the ropes. He understands this now. Edward Newton is holding on. Whether it’s the darkness inside or sheer instinct, he won’t quit.] [The Light Warrior grabs the referee again and rams him into the corner. He demands that he count the three. Lux turns around, ready for another pinfall.] [STEEL CHAIR TO THE SKULL!] [ANOTHER!] [ANOTHER!] [ANOTHER!] [HOLY FUCK ANOTHER!] [Newton grabs the bent chair and jams it into the throat of Lux Bellator. He pulls him into the DDT position, holding the chair beneath him, tucked up against his throat!] [IMPACT DDT! NEVERMIND! NEVERMIND WITH THE CHAIR DRIVEN INTO HIS THROAT!!] [LUX BELLATOR ROLLS AROUND IN AGONY, BUT NEWTON HAS TO COVER! HE PULLS HIM OVER!] [ONE…..] [……….] [……….] [……….] [COULD THIS BE IT?] [TWO…..] [……….] [……….] [……….] [THIS HAS TO BE!] [THREE!!] [IT’S OVER!] [Edward Newton retains his OSW World Championship. What a violent match. What a bloody match indeed.] [With a crimson mask soaking his face, Edward rolls away in exhaustion as the referee hands him his OSW World Championship. This competitor is absolutely incredible.] [190 days as OSW World Champion.] [368 days Undefeated.] [42-0.] [He’s survived the Ring King winner. He’s survived the Blood Drive Chamber. He’s survived the Invasion Winner.] [Who can defeat Edward Newton?] [Who!?]HOPE
RINGSIDE
“You wanted me to find the Book of the Damned, didn’t you Bellator? You said that it held the key to my salvation.”
[Lux looks up at the tron, smiling.]“And it does.”
[He places the book down near the fire, taking a deep breath.]“To rid myself of these terrifying visions, all it would take is one spell from this book. One spell and I would no longer see or hear her in my dreams. But if I did that, I would become as corrupted as the rest. If I did that, one of the founding fathers would be a pawn to your game and with my pillar crumbled, you could have your way with the Tap Room. You hoped that by taking this book from Edward, I would weaken him too, didn’t you? It was all a large part your master plan.”
[Mike Lane shakes his head, looking down at the book. He picks up a knife, and slices deep across the palm of his hand. As the blood begins to trickle, it splashes down onto the open fire.]“De tenebris lux venit.”
[The fire rises.]“Ego sum lux.”
[Another woosh.]“Spes sit profectus libero.”
[Mike picks up the book and throws it onto the fire, sending a plume of flames up into the air. He steps closer, leaning over the flames.]“No! No!” [Screams Bellator from inside the arena.] “No!!”
[The Shadow takes the blade, closes his eyes and whispers.]“I sacrifice my life so that hope can be set free. That was always my destiny, Lux Bellator. For I am the true warrior of light and it’s only the light that can destroy the darkness.”
[He draws the blade quickly across his throat, gargling and gushing blood into the fire as Lux Bellator screams with rage inside the ring. As the blood pours in, Mike Lane goes white, before a beam of light emanates from within his person, flashing out in a huge burst of energy.] [The light spreads throughout the arena, removing the infection from within the walls as it goes. The Darkness recedes, pulling back from all that it has touched.] [The Revenants remain. The infected remain. The virus too strong to be ripped from them.] [But inside the ring, light returns to Edward Newton’s eyes, banishing The Darkness from within them.] [We return to Mike Lane, who lays deceased on the floor, the fire having burned out. His eyes are open wide, and his mouth curled into a smile. The Shadow has sacrificed himself for us.] [For hope.] [Cut.]