“CUT MY LIFE INTO PIECES”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Proof of life,” [Manson yells, pacing back and forward, tapping his rod on the ground.] “That’s what you needed, ain’t it?”
[Manson fiercely smacks the rod across her back, a vile scream ripping from her gagged mouth.] [Eli steps forward but Judah pulls him back.] [Manson’s men and women chuckle.]“Is that enough for you two heroes?” [He asks, looking at Berengar and Spero.] “Do I have your attention now?”
[Spero nods.] “You do, but hurt her again and we’ll have an issue.” [David laughs, only to snap straight out of it and into intensity.]“Oh, this isn’t for her.”
[He turns his attention to the crowd.]“Amongst us are traitors!” [He bellows.] “Traitors who followed Eli Forever into the dark of night and conspired against us!”
[Manson shakes his head.]“And that just can’t be, can it?”
[He nods.] [Suddenly, two members of the Manson Family grab a man from behind Eli Forever and drag him forward. One of them punches him in the face, dropping him to his knees. Manson walks over, looming over him, the fire pit crackling in the background.]“I warned you, didn’t I? I warned you that if you didn’t follow me, I’d kill this fucking bitch!”
[He turns to look back at Magdalene, but sneers.]“And since I can’t do that right now, it looks like you’ll have to send a message for me.”
[David smiles, nodding once more.] [His two men drag the follower, kicking and screaming towards the flames. He begs for Eli’s help, reaching out for him, crying, screaming, bellowing for his leader to step forward and save him.] [But Judah has his arm tightly clasped.]“Think about the consequences, brother.”
[Spero and Berengar rush forward but find themselves stuck between a blockade of men, women and children.] [The Manson Family toss the man into the fire pit, watching him writhe and scream in agony. Manson uses his rod, pushing it down on the mans back until he stops squirming in the flames.]“You people owe a loyalty to me and only to me,” [Manson says, pointing at the rest of Forever’s followers.] “And if I find you’ve conspired with the outcast, I will purge you in the fire like your brother.”
[He laughs.]“Welcome to the horror show.”
[Cut.]TOMMASO VITALE VS. NATE WASHINGTON
SINGLES MATCH
“DISSECT”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Scalpel.”
[Arthur reaches to the side table of surgical instruments, retrieves the small blade, and hands it to Danvers.] [Quinn looks up at The Plague Doctor. Dehydrated, he speaks only a word.]“Don’t.”
[Isaac replies.] “HUSH! I need to concentrate.” [Danvers chuckles as he places the sharp end of the scalpel just beneath the Quinn’s sternum and cuts him down the middle of his stomach.] [Quinn SCREAMS in agony! He can’t believe it! They are truly going to dissect him. And there is nothing he can do.] [BANG! BANG! BANG!] [Gunshots blast the lock on the door open, and ten black men, dressed all in black, flood into the room.] [All of them armed.] [Five guns pointed at Danvers. Five more pointed at Arthur.]“How dare you SAVAGES interrupt my procedure!?” [Danvers snarls. Arthur realizes they are in a prone position and backs away from the table. Danvers starts to do the same.]
“Don’t. Fucking. Move.”
[Luther Creed steps into the room. He looks around before pointing his own gun at Danvers.]“Place looks like a Stephen King novel.”
[Danvers cocks an eyebrow.] “Who the HELL is Stephen King!?” [Creed ignores him.] “Sew the man up and get him off this table. He’ll be coming with us.”“And if I don’t comply?” [Danvers asks.] [Creed, whose hearing is slowly returning to form, strains to hear the question. He answers.]
“There’ll be so many bullet holes in your cranium, you won’t have enough brain matter left to find out what lies beneath my brother at Chain Reaction.”
[Danvers smiles gently.]”What are you proposing?” [Again, Luther has to strain to hear him.]“I’m not proposing. I’m demanding. You will sew this man up. He will be leaving with us. And at Chain Reaction, he and I will show you exactly what lies beneath.”
[The guns move in on Arthur and Danvers, each of their hammers pulled back and ready to fire.]“ALRIGHT!” [Danvers screams, a mixture of disappointment and intrigue on his visage.] “Alright, I’ll close the opening.”
[Danvers grabs his stitching materials from his bevy of surgical tools.] [After a short time, Quinn is sewed up. Some of the men help him to his feet and help him leave the room.] [Creed looks around.] [He points to the rest of the men.] “Dissect them.” [Eight men begin stomping and beating Arthur and Danvers right there in the middle of the room. Boots, punches, body slams, and piledrivers galore. Danvers and Arthur aren’t much for fighting back. They see clearly that the tables have turned as they are left beaten and bloody on the ground.] [The Revolution leave the room. Arthur and Danvers lay on the ground, bleeding.] [Danver’s blood coated teeth reveal an entertained smile.] [Cut.]VENGEANCE VS. JIGSAW
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“TRIALS II: STEEL”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“The human mind is fickle. With the right kind of pressure, any man can be driven to the brink of madness. Paranoia, distrust… These are emotions you are capable of creating in them. Do your worst.”
[The voices start once more, muttering until Yahweh’s voice pierces through again.]“But you will not touch them physically. Not till their trials are over. Should they tear each other apart, that is up to them. But even at the brink of madness, faith does not waver. There is nothing you can do to make them denounce me.”
[The light begins to cloud, shapes begin to form and Yahweh’s voice begins to fade as a new scene slowly forms.]“I have asked them to congregate here. Let us see how your bidding fares.”
[Bruce Van Chan enters a room, wooden floors with a lush rug. A sitting room of sorts. He does not sit. He looks bedraggled, out of sorts. Soon, Luther Creed and D’Von Chambers both enter. Each looking equally as crazed as Van Chan.]“Have you seen them?”
[Bruce’s voice is hoarse, stretched thin and desperate. It is the word ‘seen’ that causes a reaction in Chambers.]“Every time I close my eyes, I see them. Bloodied, torn to shreds. I cannot unsee them. Do you see them too?”
[Bruce shakes is head wildly, rabidly.]“No, no, no, no… I’ve lost them. They’re everything and I’ve lost it.”
[Creed cuts in.]“What are you talking about. Bruce… D’Von. What is happening?”
[Bruce grabs Creed by the scruff of his collar. Though Creed’s hearing is all but back to normal, he still shouts at him.]“My family. They’ve been stolen. The only memories I have of them, my pictures… It’s all gone. I know them but I can’t see them any more. WHERE ARE THEY?!”
[Chambers steps in.]“I have the opposite problem. I see too much. My congregation, the blood…”
[His voice trails off. Creed then utters his confession.]“I’ve had something stolen too. My following. My cause. They’ve walked away from me. You know what’s worse? I know why… I know who.”
[Both BVC and Chambers listen on, wild looks of madmen in their eyes.]“The one who is not here. Gameboy. He stole their loyalty. He who died and rose. He who we called brother.”
“He’s to blame for it all. My family, your congregation and your following…”
[All three men look like their minds have been pushed to the limits, clutching at straws and conspiracies. But a conspiracy that threatens to tear them apart needs not be based on logic in the minds of madmen. They nod at each other and Chambers speaks.]“We know what must be done.”
[Cut.]“DISCORD”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“I didn’t think you’d come,” [Newton says in surprise.] “But I’m glad you made the journey. I’m afraid that you’re out of your depth, Mr. Manson.”
[David laughs, folding his arms.]“Like you, I believed Eli Forever to be questionable. I thought I could turn his precious family against him but it all proved to be a rouse.”
“I have his mother,” [Manson replies.] “I don’t fear him.”
“Oh, but you should. I assume that greed is your motivation for Chain Reaction?” [He asks, somewhat irritating David.] “Should you lose to me, it grants you another opportunity. Should you win, you could get Eli over the line and retain.”
[The Nightmare smirks.]“However, to achieve this, I suppose you’ve made an agreement with Spero and Berengar that offers poor Magdalene protection? This is where Eli Forever thrives, Mr. Manson. This is where the Heir Eternal will strike.”
[David disagrees.] “I have his congregation, his gaggle of meek and mortified followers. He won’t risk their hides, Newton. You’re just trying to sow discord before our match and I won’t see to it.”“Eli doesn’t care about his followers. He’s the Red River Jack, to, well… your David Manson.”
[That pisses The Nightmare off. He steps forward, grabbing Newton by the throat and slamming him backwards against the wall.]“You’d better watch what you say to me, boy.”
[Edward grimaces.]“You’ll see it to be true, Mr. Manson. You’ll see that with Magdalene protected, you won’t be able to trust Eli Forever.”
[They look at each other.] [And Manson releases him, abruptly walking off.]“I’m not deceiving you,” [Newton shouts after.] “You must watch your back.”
[The Riddler turns away with a smile.] [Cut.]SPERO © VS. GAMEBOY VS. CHAMBERS VS. REDWING
VHS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“QUESTIONS”
BACKSTAGE
“Hey you. I’ve got some questions for you.”
[The man standing at the end of the hallway blocking Vengeance’s path is none other than Tomasso Vitale who has a smirk on his face as he slowly brings a hand into the breast pocket of his jacket.] [Vengeance quickly drops his bag and reaches towards a weapon holstered on his waist.] [Vitale freezes and raises his other hand.]“Whoa there big guy! It’s not what you think.”
[Vitale slowly pulls his hand out as he has an envelope in his hands, the same one from last week. Vengeance doesn’t relax an inch as his hand is twitching on his holstered weapon. Vitale takes a step forward as Vengeance’s hand moves over his weapon.]“Hey man, look… no tricks!” [Vitale holds up his hands with only the envelope in them.] “I just want to ask a few questions and get some answers from the culprit himself.”
[Vengeance’s head turns a bit before pointing a thumb behind him.]“And who are the tails, Tomasso? Some friends of yours looking to find themselves in a body bag?”
[Vitale looks where he’s pointing as Tony The Muscle and another gentleman are trying to look incognito at the end of the hall.]“You’re a dangerous man, V. It wouldn’t be wise of me to come alone. I’ve seen how you treat everyone who’s part of the family.”
[With that, Vitale slides the envelope to Vengeance. V slowly lifts it up and opens the envelope before nodding at the pictures and throwing them aside. He lifts up his bag and continues walking without a word as he passes Vitale who pivots, angrily.]“What? Where do you think you’re going? I said I have questions for you, and I’ll be damned if you brush me off. You slaughter my friends, and you don’t even have the balls to talk to me.”
[In a flash, Vengeance whirls around and grabs Vitale by his jacket collar with a fierce expression upon his face as his eyes study Vitale.]“Like the pigs you are, I will mark you all alive if it means finding out the truth.”
[Vengeance pushes a piece of paper into the hand of Vitale as the sound of footsteps echoes as the two associates of Vitale charge down the hallway.]“Your friend Franky already squealed, but he won’t be the last, kid.”
[Vengeance pushes Vitale back into his pursuers as he disappears around a corner. The other man catches Vitale as Tony gives chase only to round the corner and see no one is there.] [He slowly walks back as Vitale begins unfolding the wad of paper in his hands. His eyes scan from left to right as they slowly widen as he quickly fumbles his phone out of his pocket and makes a quick call.]“Hey, hey ‘Zo! Look, I need you to get The Boss! It’s important, okay?!”
[Vitale grits his teeth as his cheeks flush.]“Franky talked, ‘Zo.”
[Cut.]FOREVER & MANSON VS. DANVERS & ARTHUR VS. THE REVOLUTION VS. THE OUTCASTS ©
TAG TEAM MATCH
“THE BENCH II”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“And what does come next?”
[That question lingers in the air.]“When the world was close to being over, I had to make a difficult decision,” [The Chief admits.] “I could sit idly on my hands like the rest of the Gods and allow it, or I could act.”
[He stands.]“The Tap Room is a sacred building designed to house the ultimate battles between good and evil across generations. It was designed to be the last bastion of hope for all life on earth.”
[The Chief shakes his head, turning to face the empty bench.]“But more importantly, it was designed to stop something greater than us.”
[He lowers his head.]“Something more powerful.”
[A slight pause as The Chief closes his eyes.]“We thought we could beat it. We devised the Tap Room to save humanity, to protect it, but to also protect ourselves. Whilst we ruled in our paradises, we couldn’t be touched. The same cannot be said for down there.”
[He opens his eyes and takes a breath.]“The Gods are desperate to ascend back to their paradises, in safety, and to do this they need the belief of humanity. They need people to believe in them as much if not more than they believe in me. Only then can they escape what’s coming.”
[It’s been so long since the person spoke, we’re surprised to hear his voice.]“You sacrificed the Gods for humanity?”
[The Chief walks back over to the bench and carefully takes a seat.]“I did.”
“And in return, you granted yourself salvation from their fate?”
“I did.”
[There’s another pause.]“Why should I help you, Yahweh?” [They respond.] “What makes you think I of all people would try to save humanity once more?”
[The Chief turns.]“Because all along, you were designed for that purpose.”
[Cut.]EDWARD NEWTON © VS. GALLOWS LYNCH
SINGLES MATCH
“MISSING”
BACKSTAGE
“Where is it?” [Redwing growls.] [Solman is confused, seemingly not knowing what the hell Redwing is talking about.] [POW! ANOTHER VICIOUS SHOT FROM REDWING!] [The Red Knight throws Solman to the ground, and puts a knee into his back.]
“Jigsaw’s been silent. He seems to have forgotten about his game, and I know why.”
[Solman tries to croak out something, but Redwing digs the knee in further.]“It was all a diversion. He wanted my suit. He’s trying to taunt me, to take my identity away. His little games are going to catch up to him this time. But it won’t work.”
[Redwing turns Solman over, lifting him up by his shirt.]“Where is Jigsaw?”
[Solman doesn’t try to fight.]“I don’t…”
“WHERE IS HE?” [Redwing roars.] [Solman shakes his head, as much as he can.]
“I told you. I don’t know where Jigsaw is. We haven’t heard from him in a week. I thought you took him.”
[Redwing throws Solman down to the ground, his head bouncing off the concrete.]“You’re lying.” [The Caped Crusader growls.] “More games.”
[Redwing stalks back into the shadows as Solman leans up against the wall, his bell having been rung by that one.] [Where the hell is Jigsaw?]“TRIALS III: STEEL”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“YOU! You are yo blame for everything. Give me back my family!”
“… My congregation!”
… My following!”
[Gameboy is understandably flummoxed. His teammates speak no sense, yet seem bent on maiming him.]“Err, guys. Take the gamer rage down a notch and explain what’s happening.”
“You know what we’re talking about!”
[Creed gets right up into Gameboy’s face. But it is Gameboy who backs down.]“You’re all mad. This is not you. Don’t you see?”
[Chambers takes offense to the phrasing.]“All I can do is see, I can’t help them.”
[Gameboy’s voice lowers, starting to diffuse the anger in the air.]“They want us to be pushed to our mental limits. Yahweh’s trials of faith. But our bond must be strong as steel. Not broken with loose lips and careless unfounded words. Search your hearts, gentlemen, in the hearts of those who believe… We find faith.”
[Chambers backs down, closing his eyes as tears fall down his cheeks.]” Only by His grace am I here. Only by your sides will I remain.”
[Van Chan pats him on the shoulder.]“A trial, losing what we could not stand to lose. What do we stand to lose should we fail? We cannot… By faith we must stand.”
“Strong as steel.”
[Creed’s voice sees all four men stand stoic ally together. Differences and madness cast aside. Then, it is Yahweh’s voice that greets them from on high.]“I knew you had faith. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. I never lost my faith in any of you, and you not in me. You must stay strong, for the gods that seek to dethrone me will stop at nothing. You need each other. For these trials were the easy part. The hardest test comes in the form of war. I hope you’re ready for it, my children.”
[Cut.]NIGHTSTICK © VS. TROY SOLVEIG
DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“LEADERSHIP”
BACKSTAGE
“Thank you for joining me.” [Lynch begins.] “We have one week until the heralding of our Chain Reaction victory. But in that week, there is much to be done.”
[Arthur interrupts.]“Thou still seek an alliance?” [He snorts.] “Thou wish us to fly thy banner, cloak ourselves in similar armaments?”
[Lynch offers a slight bow of his head, continuing his odd show of respect to King Arthur.]“We can fly whatever banner you wish, my liege. And I wouldn’t suggest any of us change our clothes.” [He looks at Rain.] “Though some of us might smell a little better if we did.”
[Rain stands to his feet, but Danvers cuts in.]“Your stench, Mister Lynch, is one of falsehood. You want us put together by you, so that you can break us apart once we’ve defeated our foes. I’ve smelled many rats in all my years, but you try to cover it with the perfume of Shezmu.”
[Lynch sneers at Danvers, much as one would to a begging man on the side of the road. Sheer disgust.]“Go back to Anubis then, Danvers. Tell the god you serve that you lost Chain Reaction, all because you couldn’t let your lovesick mind allow for someone else to stand next to the King.”
[Arthur cuts back in.]“Enough!” [He begins.] “Gallows Lynch, thou wilt not spread discord here. Our servitude to Anubis indicates our allegiance to this war. But take thee poison elsewhere.”
[Lynch shakes his head, a common expression these days, and walks off. Arthur and Danvers look on as Rain shrugs and walks off.] [He never got a word in during this parlay.]MYSTERION VS. ZANDER ZANE
THE MAIN EVENT
“FOLLOW THE LEADER”
RINGSIDE