Post by Mongo the Destroyer on Oct 29, 2020 20:33:52 GMT -6
If you want to see if real prettylike go to this link drive.google.com/file/d/0B-8YUmKSXvLBYlViLXAtZmZnRWc/view?usp=sharing
That's the PDF version of the show and is downloadable. Shows even come with mp3 files built into the pdf for a more immersive viewing.
Onslaught #1
Seated in the ruins outside of Dublin, this facility has gone up in less than a week. No one knows how such a building was erected in such a quick time as it is also said to hold prisoners of war in an underground dungeon. This will be the location of Imperial Wrestling's very first Onslaught!
Opening
As people file listlessly into the arena, an emotionless female voice is heard over the PA system.
"Attention Irish Ticket Holders. If you have any weapons, proceed through to Hallway Section B to surrender them. Any personage of Ireland citizenry found with weapons beyond the designated point will be treated with lethal force. Any violent acts against British military or IWA security will result in an entire Irish village being selected at random and punished with the most severe of methods. Thank you and have a most pleasant experience watching Onslaught as displayed by the talents of Imperial Wrestling Alliance, and have a wonderful evening."
*****
The lights in the arena dim as the British Imperial anthem begins to play. Not the accepted anthem, but something much darker...
The lights come on and we look around the the dispirited Irish crowd in the brand new arena. We go to the commentary desk where sit Jane Coughlin and Neil Dizon.
Dizon: "This is some arena, Jane. How exactly do you think they built this place so quickly?"
Coughlin: "There's blood in these walls, Neil. This place was built as an arena and a stronghold both. I don't doubt that they have prisoners of war imprisoned in the depths of this hell hole. You know the very name of this place means 'Under the Boot' in Irish? It's a disgusting display of arrogance!"
Neil Dizon waves at the British Imperial soldier walking by that's armed with an assault rifle that's glaring at Jane.
Dizon: "No problem here, sir! God save the Queen and all that!"
Once the soldier is out of ear shot, Neil turns to Jane with a growl.
Dizon: "We're in a military state! Remember when they arrested Matthew Empson with trumped up charges for running his damn mouth? These people make those people look like damned sissys! Just do the job and keep your head down!"
Coughlin: "Aww, I didn't know you cared. Fine. I'll do my best to be good."
Dizon: "Good. We have a large show planned for you guys tonight. A lot of talent having their debut matches tonight. Valora Salinas and Brice St Vient are having their match to see who would get a shot at missing World champion, KD Bacchus. Where do you think he's hiding at?"
Coughlin: "Better be a good place or else he's going to get sniffed out. I'm not even sure that I would come out to defend that title if I were him since you know that these slime will only try to capture him and torture him to reveal the rest of the Royal Family so they can be executed. It's the only way for the current Queen to totally claim the Crown."
Neil does a face palm with a loud sigh.
Dizon: "Well, duh. Kronin gets his chance to fight Sikarin Tsooth to gain the freedom of Lilly in the fight while she goes on to fight Lenneth. I'm sure in their minds, Kronin is the stake for their match."
Coughlin: "Has Lenneth displayed any desire to actually bed Kronin?"
Dizon: "Does it matter? She's one of those Valkyrie people! That's what they do!"
Coughlin: "Jealous much?"
Dizon: "Jealous? No! I ahh. You see..."
Coughlin: "I'm waiting."
Dizon: "I'm perfectly happy where I'm at now. Yeah. Perfectly happy!"
Coughlin: "Let's get down to the ring where Stephan Theobald is ready with opening match."
Dizon: "Let's do that."
Delacroix vs York
Theobald: "This next match is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first, weighing in at one hundred and thirty-five pounds...Roux Delacroix!"
"Sadness Part One" by Enigma begins playing as Roux walks out of the back. She smiles as the fans cheer her on, despite every indication that they are not supposed to. She steps into the ring, waiting in the corner for her opponent.
Coughlin: "The people here say that Roux is the Queen of a magical Thorn Kingdom that is hidden somewhere within Ireland. They say that this kingdom will never fall to British invasion."
Dizon: "Then they better keep it well hidden or else it will be found. I heard that Admiral Bartholomew Kane was very thorough in his bombardment of places that might provide a threat to landing troops."
"Down with the Sickness" by Disturbed begins and Stephan Theobald looks down the aisle with a look of disgust as Will York comes out to his music.
York: "The Sickness needs no introduction, yo! I'm here to kick some chick ass! But you know, if you feel really bad about me kicking yo' ass there, Roux? We can *beep* later. It's all good!"
Coughlin: "Has he totally lost his mind?"
Dizon: "He might. Roux looks pissed."
"The Sickness" Will York gets into the ring and is met by an eye gouge before the bell even rings to start the match. He is tossed back into the corner and takes a lunge, a knee finding its way to smashing him with a low blow. Will lets out a high pitched cry of pain before falling on his face to the mat.
Now the bell rings to start the match...
Roux rips Will up off of the mat by the hair.
Delecroix: "You wanted to be funny? You wanted to be a pervert?"
Roux grabs Will by the crotch, causing him to scream out again. She quickly shifts her hand to cover his open mouth with her palm and shouting out a word of power.
Coughlin: "Did fire just escape from the side of her hand?"
Dizon: "I don't know, but the back end of Will's trunks just darkened and I smell burnt hair!"
Roux throws Will York to the mat so she can climb to the top rope, wait for Will to start to rise, and-
Coughlin: "Dragon's Thorn!"
Dizon: "The Sickness didn't even stand a chance in that ring!"
Coughlin: "Not after making Roux so angry that she cast a fireball down his gullet from the looks of it!"
Dizon: "That was sort of badass. I would have thought that she would have been called on the use of powers, but I guess not."
A quick three count later...
Theobald: "Winner of the match via pinfall...Roux Delacroix!"
Roux gives a slight bow to the crowd, smiling as they cheer for her. She heads to the back with her head held high.
Dizon: "Lady Apathy might have a rival for power here in Roux."
Coughlin: "True."
Protect the Queen
Outside of the arena, "Lady Apathy" Elizabeth Devereaux steps out of the royal limo. She looks around at the homeless Irish people with cold, cruel eyes and a mirthless smile. These are people whose homes have been destroyed during the recent invasion to reclaim the Emerald Isle into the whole of the British Empire.
Devereaux: "Go sign up for the military. You'll find places to live in the barracks..."
"BITCH!"
"FRENCH WHORE!"
"MURDERER!"
A stone is thrown that stops inches from Elizabeth's head. She looks at it like it's a curiosity before letting it drop to the ground.
Devereaux: "Kill them."
Zareth Korbin launches out from nearby Lady Apathy, swinging his hammer with a blood mad expression. The man who threw the stone falls first with his head smashed into bits.
Korbin: "No one threatens the Lady Apathy! DIE!"
Elizabeth stifles a bored yawn as she walks into the building. Blood splattering the door as it closes behind her.
Manzell takes on Lady Apathy's pet
Theobald: "This next match is scheduled for one fall. Featuring first, weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds..."Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne!"
"Cthulhu, High Priest of Madness" by Nox Arcana begins as "Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne walks out from the back. She glares at Stephan Theobald.
Osborne: "My name is Zolothach! You say my name right or I will come down there and cut you!"
Theobald: Your official listed name is Tab-"
Osborne: "I said that's not my name, bitch! SAY IT RIGHT OR I"LL CUT YOU!"
Stephan Theobald stares at Tabitha for a time before grunting.
Theobald: "Coming down to the ring first, weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds...Zolothach!"
"Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne giggles, skipping down to the ring with ritual dagger in hand.
Coughlin: "She's wound a bit tight, you think?"
Dizon: "Just a little..."
Theobald: "And her opponent, weighing in at two hundred and thirty-four pounds...Tony Manzell!"
"Cigaro" by System of a Down begins as Tony Manzell walks down to the ring with a British Imperial soldier on either side of him. The crowd cheers, despite the lit sign saying for the fans to be booing. Tony rolls into the ring with a smirk.
Coughlin: "The fan want to test the system, don't they? I wonder how many of the fans here are Irish who just had their homes destroyed?"
Dizon: "Build an arena inside of a week, but not rebuild homes."
As the bell rings to start the match, Tony reaches for Tabitha, but she spins to the side, nailing him in the back of the head with an elbow. She grabs him, bringing him down for a russian legsweep before kicking him in the side of the head with a giggle.
Coughlin: "Tabitha is pretty vicious in the ring."
Dizon: "Zolothach. I don't want her coming over here with a knife."
Tabitha reaches down for Tony, but he grabs her as if to do a small package. He gets to his feet quickly, bringing Tabitha up into the air, and then down with a suplex. He quickly glides over her for a cover, but stops in mid-air as Tabitha's hand finds his throat. She rolls over to perch on him, slamming the back of his head into the mat a few times in a choke.
Tabitha rolls away with a giggle as the ref yells at her for choking. She gets to her feet into a run at the ropes, coming back into a baseball slide drop kick to the face of Tony as he starts to rise, sending him under the ropes and out of the ring. Tabitha jumps to her feet, grabbing the top rope, and looking to the fans with a mad laugh.
Coughlin: "Is she insane?"
Dizon: "Let's think. She's spent the batter part of what, eleven years or more in an insane asylum on Killswitch Island? Yes..."
Tabitha slingshots herself over the top rope, but Tony launches himself up to catch her, turn, and land her on her head in what would have been a powerslam. Tabitha lays on the ground as if dead.
Dizon: "That'll adjust her attitude though!"
Coughlin: "Or make it worse..."
Tony picks Tabitha up, rolling her into the ring. He follows in behind her, putting her into a straightjacket position, and-
Coughlin: "It's the Jimmy Burton Special! I don't think that Tabitha will even feel it though."
Dizon: "It's like slipping a finger into a drunk girl on the subway."
Coughlin: "What?"
Dizon: "Nothing."
Tony goes for the cover, which becomes a simple three count. Tony rises to his knees with his hands in the air to celebrate his victory when Tabitha sits up, and-
Coughlin: "When the hell did she get her dagger? That's messed up!"
Dizon: "She was knocked out? I don't know how she would have unless she was faking? I don't get it..."
Tabitha shoves the bleeding Tony Manzell away as he holds onto his lower ribcage, trying to staunch the bleeding. Tabitha stands up with her dagger in hand, laughing at Tony and aiming a kick to his midsection.
Osborne: "You knew this was going to happen. Maybe not the knife, but you knew I was going to see at least about breaking a rib!"
Theobald: "Winner of the match via pinfall...Tony Manzell!"
Coughlin: "Tony won the match, but I bet he doesn't feel like he did."
Dizon: "Damn. I bet not."
Girl Talk
"Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne laughs as her opponent is taken away on a stretcher. She flips her knife through the air and catches it with practiced ease as she walks in a circle inside of the ring.
Coughlin: "Did she forget which way to exit the ring?"
Dizon: "I think the crazy bitch has something to say."
A microphone is slid to her, which she smiles as she picks it up.
Osborne: "I have heard some noise around here. It seems that someone might be a bit jealous of my current position as the teacher's pet."
The crowd boos at Tabitha, calling her a variety of unwholesome names. Tabitha giggles and points to the lit up sign that says that the fans must cheer.
Naturally, they do not listen.
Osborne: "Remember when you bought your ticket that non-compliance will about being ejected from the arena in pieces."
This quiets the fans down, bringing out a few cheers. Tabitha giggles a little at the fans being manipulated in such a way.
Coughlin: "I think that Tabitha is a crazy bitch!"
Dizon: "You would be too. Her family abused her. She spent time in an asylum. She escaped and Roux Delacroix tried to execute her. She survived and was put back in the asylum on Killswitch Island. Anyone would be crazy!"
Coughlin: "You seem to be pretty educated on Tabitha Osborne."
Dizon: "Zolothatch. Yeah, I was a big fan of THW while it was open. It's a shame that they closed."
Osborne: "Oh, Valora Salinas. You don't scare me. You've been killed once, you can die again."
"Oh honey, you were supposed to have died once too. Does that make you a non-threat as well?"
Tabitha stands in the middle of the ring, the microphone hitting the mat as she stares at the entrance stage with her mouth hanging open. Her face drains of all color.
Osborne: "YOU!"
Roux Delacroix walks out onto the entrance stage with a regal smile.
Delacroix: "What? Didn't watch the opening match of the night? Me. Ready for another execution?"
Tabitha stands in the ring, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
Coughlin: "I take it this is the Roux Delacroix that tried to have her killed?"
Dizon: "It is."
Osborne: "I am the favored servant of the British Queen! No one can stop me anymore! Not you, not that undead little skank, Valora Salinas! I won't be stopped!"
Roux Delacroix doesn't lose her smile as she slowly steps towards the ring, power seemingly coming off of her in waves.
Delacroix: "I had you stripped naked of power and clothes before casting you out to die. Do you think that I cannot do this to you once again at a whim?"
Tabitha steps back away from Roux as she enters the ring, looking more and more pale.
Osborne: "I...I...I am the High Priestess of Cthulhu! There is nothing that can lay me forever low if He deems that my power should be high! I'll prove it! I'll kill you now! Far away from the protection of your Thorn kingdom!"
Tabitha holds her dagger with the blade laying along the outside of her wrist for a strong slash. She lunges at Roux with the intention of ripping open her belly, but flies right through and lands in a sommersault.
The vision of Roux Delacroix vanishes with a cold laugh.
Tabitha stands up, screaming her anguish to the skies.
Now the fans cheer.
This doesn't make Tabitha Osborne any happier. She points her ritual dagger at the fans with rage on her face.
Osborne: "You idiot fans can't even follow a *beep*ing sign to tell when to cheer right to save your lives!"
"Death Triumphant" by my Dying Bride begins playing on the PA system.
Osborne: "Now what?"
Valora Salinas walks out. No, the fans boo her as well, but she pays them no mind as she glares at Tabitha.
Salinas: "Tabitha Osborne! You can back off of what's mine!"
Coughlin: "Someone have issues with Tabitha hanging around the new Queen?"
Dizon: "Sure looks like it."
Osborne: "My name is Zolothatch, you little undead hussy!"
Valora shakes her head, walking towards the ring.
Salinas: "I bet your family is disappointed in Hell. Watching from down below as their daughter can only manage to act like a knock off version of me. You know what's mine, Tabitha. You stay away from her, or your own dagger will be deep in your belly!"
Tabitha paces back and forth in the ring, looking much like the bull about to charge.
Osborne: "Screw it. I'll just cut you now!"
Tabitha runs across the ring, diving over the top rope and catching Valora across the shoulder with her dagger before slamming into her. She perches on Valora, driving her fingers into the deep slash with a crazed smile.
Osborne: "You think that just because you were reborn by her hands that you are better than me! Just because you and her share a tale of death and empowerment that she belongs only to you! I am the new! I am the power! I am the whisper in the shadows that brings you to tears because you know that there is nothing that you will ever hear in your life ever again that will bring more truth into your life! I-"
Valora turns and slams Tabitha's face into the ring railing, pushing her off.
Salinas: "Talk too much."
Valora grabs Tabitha's dagger from the floor and slams it home into Tabitha's thigh, splitting the bone within.
To her credit, Tabitha doesn't scream out in pain.
Valora stands up, looking down on Tabitha with a smirk.
Salinas: "Just call this a little girl talk. A little warning to let you know that worse things are on the way."
Valora gets to the entrance stage before Tabitha moves again. She begins to giggle, sitting up, and placing her hand on the hilt of the dagger.
Osborne: "You think you frighten me. You don't. I have seen death in the eyes. I know the feeling of wishing to be claimed by death. I know the feeling of being sent out to die. I am stronger than you! Thanks to Cthulhu, I am stonger than everyone!"
Tabitha wrenches the dagger out of her leg with a smooth motion, the pain and agony of the move written all over her face, even if she says nothing.
Valora looks at the move and nods.
Salinas: "You'll get the chance to prove that soon enough."
Medics run down the aisle to help Tabitha and bind her wound so she can be taken to the back for other help.
Dizon: "That was something else!"
Coughlin: "The IWA has some bloodthirsty women in it now. That's for certain."
Lytle vs Korbin
Theobald: "This next match is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first, weighing in at two hundred and forty-five pounds he is "the Ironman" Elliot Lytle!"
"Ironman" by Black Sabbath begins as Elliot Lytle walks out from the back. The crowd looks uncertain what to make of him, but the lit sign high above the ring indicates that they should boo. So the crowd half-heartedly boos Elliot Lytle as he makes his way down to the ring. He doesn't seem the least bit happy that the crowd has booed him, but rolls into the ring.
Coughlin: "So now we have signs so that the crowd knows who they are supposed to be cheering for and what not? This is-"
Dizon: "Brilliant! The people in the crowd are often so stupid that they don't know if they should be cheering or not. This will keep the crowd in check!"
Theobald: "And his opponent, weighing in at two hundred and seventy-five pounds...Zareth Korbin!"
"Hall of the Mountain King" by Apocalpytica begins as Zareth walks out from the back with an arrogant smirk. The crowd begins to cheer, but without much spirit. Zareth just walks down to the ring with his hammer over his shoulder.
Coughlin: "See? The crowd has a signal there to cheer for this man. They don't know this man to cheer for him! I hear he's offered himself as a personal servant to Devereaux."
Dizon: "Then he has good taste to serve Lady Apathy. The crowd should also share that good taste and cheer."
Zareth struts around in the ring, swinging his hammer around in lazy circles by the strap at the end of the handle. Elliot looks uncertain about the weapon, looking to the ref for advice.
The ref walks over to get Zareth to set the hammer down, which he does do. Elliot tries to rush in to get an attack in, but Zareth swings the hammer up to catch him in the side of the head. Zareth puts the hammer down with the ref yelling at him, a grin still locked into place. Elliot sits against the corner where he landed, holding the side of his head which is now covered in free flowing blood.
Coughlin: "That was a disgusting assault by Zareth!"
Dizon: "His dad is some demon king? That's probably how he asked to pass the salt back home."
Zareth walks over to Elliot, grabbing the top rope and smashing Elliot's face with his boot. He turns the kicks into a choke with a laugh. He breaks the hold as he feels the ref coming to pull Elliot to his feet up into a press slam that goes over the ropes and into the ring railing!
Coughlin: "I thought we were not to be using powers in the ring?"
Dizon: "Must not be enforced against allies of Lady Apathy."
Zareth rolls to the outside, picking Elliot up by the throat with a grin. Elliot manages to kick him in the gut to get Zareth to release him. Elliot shoves Zareth backwards into the ring post with lefts and rights before grabbing Zareth by the face to try to smash the back of his head into the post. Zareth slips a hand behind Elliot and turns things around to slam Elliot's face into the post before flinging him into the ring.
Dizon: "The nerve of that guy! Calling himself Ironman when he's bleeding all over the dang place!"
Coughlin: "It's a nick name? Next, you'll wonder why he doesn't have a suit of power armor to fight back in."
Dizon: "I know, right? No way he's earned that nick name!"
Once back in the ring, Zareth grabs Elliot, and-
Dizon: "What the heck did he do there?"
Coughlin: "In my notes it is listed as Clavicula Salomonis. His finishing move."
Zareth goes for the cover with a laugh.
1...2...3!!!
Coughlin: "Well, Zareth has shown the world some of his capabilities. He might do well here."
Dizon: "And it doesn't hurt to kiss the Queen's ass in these things."
Coughlin: "No, I suppose not."
No Holds Barred,
Pinfalls Count Anywhere,
Winner Gains Control of Lilly
Theobald: “This next match is scheduled for one fall! The winner of this match will gain control of Lilly afterwards! Featuring first, weighing in at two hundred and sixty-five pounds...Kronin!”
“Ich Will” by Rammstein begins as Kronin walks out from the back. He looks around at the fans, but looks to be totally focused as he makes his way down to the ring.
Coughlin: “You would have thought that Lenneth would have come down to the ring with him to make sure that everything went alright.”
Dizon: “She's probably in the back preparing herself for a match that she thinks in her head has similar stakes regarding him against Lilly.”
Kronin stands in the ring, stretching while keeping his eyes on the entrance stage.
Theobald: “And his opponent, wiehging in at more than you can imagine? Who writes this?”
Lilly comes running down the aisle with Sikarin Tsooth walking behind him, walking with his dark wooden staff with the glowing blue gemstone with the human skull on the inside. Lilly leaps over the rope from the floor, landing next to Kronin, and wrapping her arms around him. Sikarin walks down to the ring with a guarded expression.
Tsooth: "Have no worries, Stephan. I am not an official wrestler here. This is more of a special event kind of match anyway. Kronin? Are you ready to die again today, Kronin? When you died in Cologne on the soil of your home land, did you know even then that your Lilly was already mine? It is why she didn't come down to the ring to support you. She had already left! You were so full of yourself and dreams of silly little belts that you probably didn't even notice her missing."
Kronin looks at Lilly, but she shakes her head. A blink later and Sikarin Tsooth is standing in the ring in front of Kronin.
Tsooth: "Should I tell you of the carnal pleasures that we shared? All while she called out your name like you were going to save her. She knew you died, and yet called out for you anyway. Did you respond? No. For FIVE YEARS, she has been mine. She has worried herself sick over that you would side with harem girl of Odin and kill her over her acts to try to get you back. Now, you think you can claim her like some leftover prize at a carnival. What? The bed of that harlot go cold for you, or did you discover how many times that you thought that she was wet for you that it was really Loki's sloppy seconds that you were dipping into?"
Kronin punches Sikarin, but his fist passes through empty air. He looks around the ring to see if he had merely teleported, but sees nothing.
Dizon: "Did Sikarin Tsooth run and hide?"
Coughlin: "I don't think so."
Lilly turns Kronin's face to her, tears running down her face.
Lilly: "I am so so sorry, Kronin."
Kronin: "Everything is forgiven, Lilly. I'm sorry it's taken this long to get you back."
Lilly: "I am also sorry that you're a fool..."
Kronin: "What?"
Lilly places both hands against Kronin's chest and laughs wickedly before releasing a stream of power that sends Kronin across the ring and into the ropes. These ring ropes stretch nearly to the breaking point while Lilly's power breaks against his body. When she stops, Kronin is slingshotted back across the ring onto Lilly's waiting fist into his midsection.
And we do mean "into".
Dizon: "What the Hell?"
Coughlin: "Is Lilly trying to murder Kronin?"
With a sickening wet sound, Lilly pulls her hand out of Kronin's side, her laughter becoming more and more male sounding. She rises up, her form shifting until Sikarin Tsooth is seen standing over the bloodied Kronin.
Tsooth: "A simple trick. A simple shape shift and illusion. Even the most inept of my students would know to be able to avoid such a trap. You wish so much that your Lilly would just return to you and all would be well that you fell for it."
Sikarin kneels by Kronin, his right hand glowing bright red with murderous power.
Tsooth: "I can only imagine how easy it will be to fool her when I wear your form. Goodbye, Kronin...Hela won't be so willing to let you go a second time."
Sikarin sends a blast down, but Kronin brings a hand up, a shield forming around his forearm to block the spell. Kronin lunges up, smashing the shield against the side of Sikarin's face before it fades away to knock him backwards into a roll. Sikarin stands up quickly, wiping at his face in alarm.
Tsooth: "Blood? No mortal can..."
Kronin stands up, his open wound starting to close, even as blood pours onto the mat.
Kronin: "I was raised by a Valkyrie after death. Did you think I would remain mortal?"
Before Sikarin can react, Kronin is on him with a belly to belly suplex to bring him to the mat and a kick to the head. Kronin grabs Sikarin by the front of his robes, but barbed gray tendrils lash out from the robe, wrapping around Kronin's arm, and tearing into the flesh. Sikarin stands while Kronin tries to free his arm.
Tsooth: "Did you think we would exchange fisticuffs like foolish barbarians? Made up of Asgardian flesh or not, you should have known there was only going to be one outcome for this fight between you and I."
Sikarin makes his point by backhanding Kronin across the face, short blades forming along the tendonin lines of Sikarin's hand. The impact sends blood flying across the mat.
Tsooth: "Tell me you thought that you were going to come here and fight some honest battle against the foul villain to regain your love. Tell me so I can laugh and laugh at your misery."
Kronin tries an attack with his fee hand, but Sikarin catches his fist with a sneer. He follows this up with a stunning headbutt that knocks Sikarin back and frees Kronin from his grasp.
Dizon: "Kronin better come up with something awesome or he isn't going to be able to put Siarin down."
Coughlin: "I think the odds of him being able to do this in the first place were rigged against him from being able to do so."
Kronin grabs Sikarin by the long silver hair as it comes free from the robe, and sinks a fist into his belly. Sparks seem to fly from the impact before his fist comes tearing out through the back of Sikarin's robes with a gray ichor flying everywhere. Sikarin falls to his knees, his blood pouring out onto the mat as a sword materializes in Kronin's hand.
Kronin: "Yield! Yield or be slain by my hand!"
Tsooth: "I yield."
Kronin stares at Sikarin as if he didn't understand what was just said.
Tsooth: "I said I yield. She's no good to me anymore anyway. Look."
Lilly stands at the entrance stage, looking at Kronin with a large smile of relief.
Tsooth: "Are you certain she's real? She could be another illusion..."
Kronin: "Then tell me."
Tsooth: "Drop the sword and I will tell you. You've already won the match."
Dizon and Coughlin: "Don't do it!"
Kronin drops the sword, and as he does so it become to transform into a mist. Still, Sikarin reaches for the blade with a certain glee in his eyes.
Lilly: "NO!"
A blink later and Lilly had the sword that Kronin dropped in her hand and has run Sikarin through with it and in the air. Lilly tosses Sikarin to the side, the sword melting into mist as he hits the ground.
Lilly: "Kronin!"
Kronin: "Lilly!"
The reunited couple lean in to kiss, but the haunting laughter of Sikarin Tsooth and as both look to where he was laying, only a burnt spot remains on the mat.
Tsooth: "Enjoy your victory, Kronin. Rest assured that nothing has disrupted my plans for this world. Nothing."
Nullifier Dome
Coughlin: “And now, we have another important match that, at first glance at least, is heavily tilted against one of the competitors, Lenneth vs. Lilly and magic is forbidden, putting Lilly at a huge disadvantage.”
Dizon: “But we thought the same thing about Kronin vs. Sikarin Tsooth and he surprised us all. Lilly might surprise us too.”
‘Grace’ by Apocalyptica plays over the PA as Lilly comes out from the backstage area, escorted by Kronin. The two make their way down to the ring and Lilly hops up to the apron, then to the top turnbuckle playing to the crowd before jumping off in a moonsault landing on her feet, playing to the crowd again.
Coughlin: “And Kronin back by Lilly’s side after having beaten Sikarin Tsooth earlier to free her from his grasp. But he’s also tied in with Lilly’s opponent, Lenneth. It will be interesting to see how things play out.”
Dizon: “I’m not sure why Kronin hasn’t traded up.. I mean Lenneth can kick ass and is freaking HOT!”
Coughlin: “You know, the nullifier dome hasn’t been activated yet. Lilly can still make you pay for that.”
Dizon: “Umm… forget I said anything.”
A golden light bathes the arena as ‘Die with Honor’ by Manowar plays over the PA and, after a few moments, the Bifrost opens and Lenneth appears, with another Valkyrie, looking around at the crowd as she raises her spear and cries out “ODIN!” She makes her way to the ring, slowly removing her helmet, cloak, spear and shield and entrusting them to the other Valkyrie to guard as she steps into the ring, awaiting her opponent and taking in the crowd again. The crowd cheers as Lenneth takes her spot in the corner and Kronin leaves the ring as both fighters are there. Once the ring is cleared, A number of runes begin to glow and energy forms around the ring, forming a domed area and both Lilly and Lenneth winch as they feel the ability to use their magic blocked.
Coughlin: “And there we see the activation of the Nullifier Dome. Neither fighter can use magic which means they have to rely only on physical fighting ability.”
Dizon: “Now we’ll see if we’ll get another surprise.”
As the bell rings, Lenneth and Lilly circle around each other a bit before Lenneth pauses and urges Lilly to attack, giving her the first attack. Lilly narrows her eyes and makes a motion for a lock up, but boots Lenneth in the gut and plants her with a DDT. With no wasted movement, Lilly jumps to her feet and waits, measuring Lenneth and as Lenneth gets up, she turns and nails Lenneth with a Mick Kick style roundhouse kick, sending her to the mat with a stunned look on her face, shaking her head seemingly dazed by the blow.
Coughlin: “Gypsy Kick!” Lilly caught Lenneth by surprise there and is coming out fighting!”
Dizon: “Even Kronin looks surprised by that offense from Lilly”
Lenneth gets to her feet but Lilly rebounds off the ropes and jumps up, planting both feet into Lenneth’s face, sending the Valkyrie to the mat before mounting her and pummeling her face.
Lilly: “That’s for messing with my man, you Asgardian bitch!!!”
Dizon: “Lilly sounds a bit pissed. Now that she’s back with her man, she wants to make sure she stays her man.”
Coughlin: “Jealousy seems to be in fashion these days.”
Dizon: “You telling me you wouldn’t be pissed if some hot viking Goddess put the moves on your man?”
Coughlin: “Considering she brought him back from the dead, and hasn’t even flirted with him? I think I’d be grateful.”
Lilly tries to follow up the offense, pulling Lenneth to her feet, but Lenneth cuts her off with a punch to the gut and then a powerful European uppercut that sends Lilly stumbling backwards. Lenneth rebounds off the ropes and as Lilly charges towards her, Lenneth spears Lilly, nearly breaking the girl in half before pulling her to her feet and hitting Lilly with a massive haymaker that sends blood spraying from Lilly’s mouth and nose. Lenneth then grabs Lilly and lifts her up, holding her for a few moments before trying for a vertical suplex, but Lilly shifts and drives her knees into Lenneth’s back, hitting her with a backstabber.
Dizon: “Lilly is really showing some skill. I didn’t think Kronin had that much time to train her.”
Coughlin: “He didn’t. Her and Sikarin have obviously found a way to cheat the nullifier dome. Though I can’t imagine how.”
Both women roll on the mat trying to recover, getting to their feet at about the same time, only for Lenneth to level Lilly with a short arm clothesline, bringing the gypsy woman back to the mat. Rebounding off of the ropes, Lenneth jumps up and tries for a elbow drop, driving it into Lilly’s chest and pinning her…
1…
2….
Lilly kicks out!
Dizon: “Lilly kicks out of the pin attempt, she isn’t going down just yet.”
Coughlin: “Well, considering she just got her freedom, she has a lot of fight in her.”
Kronin, meanwhile, watches the mat carefully, looking over the battle and raising an eyebrow as both women get back to their feet and Lenneth tries a discus clothesline and Lilly almost seems to sense the blow coming, dodging backwards, bending backwards matrix style before recovering and trying for a German suplex, which is countered when Lenneth smashes her elbow into Lilly’s face and tries to take Lilly over with a snapmare, but Lilly lands on her feet, trying another Mick Kick, but Lenneth catches the kick, Lilly jumps and spins around, trying for a variation of an enziguri but Lenneth ducks and as Lilly lands, Lenneth grabs her and plants her with a German Suplex…
Dizon: “Holy shit! Lilly and Lenneth had a great exchange there! Lilly has definitely managed to learn a thing or two!”
Coughlin: “Indeed. Even Lenneth seems to be giving Lilly some respect. This match is turning out to be much closer than people thought!”
Lenneth rolls over and grabs Lilly and sends her into the ropes and as she comes back to him, he grabs her and spins her around three times before planting her with a Black Hole Slam and then rolls over into the pin one more time.
1…
2…
3!
DING!
Dizon: “Lenneth wins with the Valkyrie slam, but only barely. I think Lilly really put up a fight here..”
Coughlin: “And we might be in for another surprise here… Kronin is climbing into the ring and Lenneth stands over Lilly.”
After waiting a few moments, Lenneth holds out a hand and helps Lilly to her feet and her, Kronin, and Lilly confer for a few moments before the trio walks backstage.
Dizon: “Well this is an interesting development… is Lilly going to be joining the Asgardians as well?”
Coughlin: “We’ll definitely have to try and keep an eye on this situation and see what happens. Personally, I don’t trust Sikarin and would be cautious..”
Steel Cage Match
Winner gets shot at World Champion
Dizon: "We have a minute or two as the steel cage is being set up for this match."
Coughlin: "They are also taking down those odd components for the Nullifier Dome. Why don't they just leave them installed? Would cut down on a lot of chaos in the ring."
Dizon: "That would be why they won't keep it."
Coughlin: "So they really want people using supernatural powers in the ring even while telling them that they should not be using those powers in the ring? Makes no sense."
Dizon: "Doesn't it? With Britain, Carthage, and Russia supporting this company, what nation that they tour to is going to tell them no?"
Coughlin: "The United States? Germany? Brazil? China? Japan? Free countries?"
Dizon: "Can any of those nations stand alone against the might of the Three Empires right now?"
Coughlin: "Maybe China..."
Dizon: "And right now Tsar Miranov of Russia has people over there to treat China to an alliance! There's nothing stopping the IWA from doing whatever it wants."
Coughlin: "Well, the steel cage is ready. Let's get to Stephan Theobald."
Theobald: "This next match is being held within a fifteen foot tall steel cage! The first to escape from the cage will win the match and go on to face KD Bacchus for the IWA World Championship! Featuring first, weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds...Valora Salinas!"
"Death Triumphant" by my Dying Bride plays as Valora walks out from the back to the boos of the fans. She ignores the fans, walking down to the ring like she was the owner.
Dizon: "Valora walking down to the ring in an awful brave way after she stabbed Zolothach with her own ritual dagger."
Coughlin: "She expects to defeat Brice St Vient in the ring tonight and get her chance at winning the World championship."
Theobald: "And her opponent, weighing in at two hundred and thirty-three pounds...Brice St Vient!"
High Wire Escape Artist by Boysetsfire begins to play as Brice St Vient walks down to the ring. He doesn't run, he doesn't wave to the fans or curse them, he just walks down to the ring with a calm expression.
Coughlin: "It says here that Brice St Vient lives in Ireland with his wife and child. They were here when Britain's invasion came."
Dizon: "No wonder he looks like someone pissed in his Cheerios."
The match begins with Brice hitting a number of chops before putting Valora down with an arm drag. He follows with a rear naked choke that only brings a laughter from Valora. He releases her, and she stands to her feet.
Salinas: "My breathing is for decoration, fool!"
Brice responds with a short arm clothesline, sending Valora to the mat. Valora turns, catching Brice's legs with her own, and send him through the ropes and face first into the steel cage. Before Brice can recover, Valora is on him, dragging his face across the cage wall.
Coughlin: "Is this the kind of company that they really want to present? Bloodshed in nearly every match?"
Dizon: "People do dig a good juicing."
Brice blindly strikes back with an elbow, catching Valora in the side of the head. He grabs her as if for a cutter, walks up the side of the cage quickly, spin with her so that he drops her across the top rope with his cutter.
Dizon: "Now that's a come back move if I ever did see one!"
With Valora down, Brice St Vient begins climbing the opposite wall of the cage to get to the top and over. He gets up to the top and is getting ready to put his foot over when something slams into the side of the cage right by him!
Dizon: "Holy shit! Did you see Valora leap across the ring to land right there next to Brice so she can toss him to the mat?
Coughlin: "No, I was watching the other match in progress."
Dizon: "Really? What other match?"
Coughlin: "Don't be dense."
Valora turns and dives at Brice, but he catches her and slams her down with authority. Valora sits up quickly, but a back kick plants her back on the mat. Brice slips through the ropes to get to the cage wall, but Valora reaches up to grab him by the ankle. She drags him to the center of the ring, slapping on a Camel Clutch.
Coughlin: "Brice looks like he's deflating?"
Dizon: "Oh I forgot! Valora has some ability to drain vitality or something. Like a real world effect of what women do anyway."
Coughlin: "The *beep* you say?"
Dizon: "Nothing, hon-I mean nothing, Ja-just nothing...right...nothing."
Brice gets his arms back to hook Valora's legs to bring himself up with her on his back, throwing himself into a corner to get the hold broken. He turns around to kick at her, but Valora springs out of the corner into a spear to send Brice sprawling into the center of the ring. Brice holds on before hitting the ground, bringing Valora down to the mat with a ddt. Both Brice and Valora lay, sprawled out on the mat.
Dizon: "Wo is going to escape the cage to win the match?"
Coughlin: "Hopefully someone gets up."
Valora gets up first, slipping through the ropes to the cage wall. Brice is up right after her, grabbing her to throw her back over the ropes to the inside of the ring. Valora rips open the cage with her hands, shoves Brice's arm in through the hole, and closes it around his arm. Brice looks on in shock, trying to pull his arm out, but the torn cage sinks into his arm.
Valora pats Brice on the head, walking to just out of reach, climbs over the cage, and drops to the floor. The bell rings as medics start coming down to the ring with bolt cutters.
Theobald: "Winner of the match and number one contender for the World title...Valora Salinas!"
Dizon: "How is KD Bacchus going to defend his title when he's off hiding someplace with the old Royal family survivors?"
Coughlin: "Good advertising? They'll find a way I'm sure."
2/3 Falls Rematch
Theobald: "This next match is a rematch scheduled to be for two out of three falls! Featuring first, weighing in at four hundred and fifty pounds...Xerios Kubisa!"
"Back in Black" by AC/DC begins with Xerios walking out from the back and bathing in the hatred of the fans. He walks down to the ring with his chest thrown out and a prideful smile on his face. He steps over the ropes as if daring someone to challenge his might.
Coughlin: "Xerios lost to a single punch last time when he underestimated the might that Clare had. He vows this time to not repeat his mistake."
Dizon: "Kind of hard to get around the kind of power that Clare Miller has, but it seems like Xerios is one that might be able to do it."
Theobald: "And his opponent, weighing in at one hundred and fifty-nine pounds...Clare Miller!"
"Zachem" by 5iveSta Family begins as Clare Miller walks out from the back to the cheers of the crowd. Well, more like a standing ovation from the crowd. She makes her way down to the ring, waving at the fans as she passes with a smile, her toes hovering a few inches above the floor.
Dizon: "I think I heard from the back that Lady Apathy was going to relax the rules for this match a bit...okay a lot. She wants to see what limits Xerios has."
Coughlin: "This sounds dangerous."
Dizon: "At least it isn't an invading army..."
As the bell rings, Xerios steps up to Clare, looking down on her. Clare responds with a punch that doubles Xerios over right away with blood splattering out of his open mouth. Clare steps back and allows Xerios to fall to the mat.
Dizon: "Clare opens up with a mighty punch!"
Coughlin: "Clare wants to make a point in that she wants to show Xerios exactly what she can do."
Xerios gets back up to his knees, growling at Clare. She casually walks back over to deliver another powerful punch, when Xerios catches her fist. There is still a mighty thunderclap from the impact and Xerios looks to be gritting his teeth in pain. Clare turns into him and flips Xerios over in a one armed bodyslam. Clare stands by the fallen form of Xerios with a grin when his hand shoots up and palms her face.
Dizon: "Uh oh. Looks like Xerios is going to take control here."
Coughlin: "Could be bad for Clare."
Xerios gets to his feet while holding Clare by the head. He turns, whipping her body into the corner, and shifting the entire ring about three feet from the impact. He drapes her arms over the top rope and begins pounding her with his fists. The ref manages to get in there to tell him to back off. Xerios laughs as he does so. The ref checks on Clare. She gives him a thumbs up, despite looking like the loser at a street fight. Blood drips from her face, and her right eye is nearly swollen shut.
Miller: "I got this..."
Before Clare can take more than a couple steps away from the corner, Xerios catches her with a boot that plants her back into the corner, and once again shifts the entire ring.
Coughlin: "How can Clare take that kind of punishment?"
Dizon: "The way her sisters do. By not being human."
Xerios grabs Clare Miller by the hair, slamming her face first into the mat. He grabs her ankles in one hand and her hair in another, placing his foot on her back. He lifts her up, stretching her back across his foot.
Dizon: "That's some kind of backbreaker!"
Coughlin: "You can heard the bones popping from here. Xerios might get the first fall."
Clare seems to consider, but then she motions to the ref that she submits. Xerios releases Clare with a laugh, stepping to his corner at the instructions of the ref.
Coughlin: "That was a wise move by Clare. It gets him to release the move and she can make up the two falls and still win this match."
Dizon: "I think it was a give before the end."
Clare Miller stands up as the bell to restart the match begins. She doesn't look the least bit happy at giving the first fall of the match to Xerios.
Kubisa: "Now you know my power, you little bitch!"
Clare Miller flies at Xerios, grabbing Xerios under the arms, and flying toward the ceiling at a speed that brings a thunderclap. Once she gets near the roof of the place, she throws Xerios down at the mat. He hits the mat with an impact that sends the ref flying out of the ring. Xerios goes through the mat, slamming into the floor with a impact hard enough to jar the cheap seats. Clare glides down to the floor, helping the ref back into the ring, and healing his head injury. She pulls Xerios up back onto the mat and pins him.
1...2...3!!!
Coughlin: "Now the pair are tied at one fall each! The next fall will win the match!"
Dizon: "I don't know if Xerios can keep going in this match. He doesn't look too well."
And indeed, Xerios Kubisa has not moved since being slammed through the mat. Clare kneels by his form and slaps him. Nothing. She slaps him again. Still nothing.
Miller: "Come on. Don't let our rematch be what goes on your tombstone."
Xerios opens his eyes, looking at Clare.
Kubisa: "Tombstone? I hadn't considered such an end, but I will now. I'll kill you!"
Xerios brings his hands together while the ref dives from the ring.
Dizon: "Get down!"
Coughlin: "What?"
Neil Dizon ducks under the desk, and when Jane Coughlin doesn't follow, he reached up to put her down by the top of her shirt. She ducks down with before he exposes her.
The middle of the ring explodes with fire, action continuing in the ring despite the fact that no one can honestly see what's going on. When everyone can see again, both Xerios and Clare are standing in the ring. Most of Clare's clothing is burnt away (down to covering the naughty bits), but she stands strong.
Xerios wobbles for a moment and falls to his back. Neil Dizon and Jane Coughlin peek back over the commentary table as Clare goes for the cover.
One...Two...Three!!!
Coughlin: "Clare brought the giant down! I was wondering if she was going to be able to do it!"
Dizon: "Can't keep a good dragon down."
Hanging On
In a secret underground room below London. A room that looks to have been chiseled out of the very bedrock of the Earth itself. The room is lit by four oil soaked torches, the soul occupant in the room stands naked save for a white loin cloth.
Nebiryau.
He paces around a circle in the room that has been drawn in his own blood, a dark trail from the crook of his right arm revealing the source of the macabre ink.
Five small circles around this circle intersect with it, and within each is a small stone. The five Stones of Power that Nebiryau weilds in his belt that magnify his powers.
Nebiryau: "Stone of White!"
A white stone rises into the air to just above waist level and it is here where it floats, glowing a soft white.
Nebiryau walks slowly around the circle until he stands by the Stone of White. He lightly presses the palm of his hand onto the floating stone, closing his good eye as if in prayer. His artificial eye dims to a dull red.
Nebiryau: "Let Druscilla Bathory, Daughter of Shadows, return to this place. Protect her spirit from whence it has been sent and bring her back to hwere it belongs. At odds with and at my side."
The Stone of White begins to glow brightly as tiny cracks begin to rip open in the floor inside of the circle. A black mist rises up from the ground to hang in the air.
Nebiryau opens his eye to look upon the mist as it takes on a shape that vaguely resembles Druscilla.
Nebiryau: "As you have done for me, I shall do for you."
Nebiryau walks a few more steps around the circle, placing his hand in the air over another stone.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Green!"
Nebiryau runs his finger nail across his palm that is facing down to the stone. Blood meets stone with the sound of thunder.
Nebiryau: "Of my blood, I surrender! Of my life, I give! Grant Druscilla a new form of flesh!"
The Stone of Green flashes a brilliant emerald, searing away the blood in a flash. From the cracks in the floor, blood begins to pour upwards as if being poured into a container. It takes on the shape of Drsucilla's lithe form as it fills out. The blood thickening and changing to the nubile form of Druscilla Bathory herself.
She doesn't say anything, but her dark eyes bore into Nebiryau. He walks around to the next stone.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Blue!"
The Stone of Blue rises up to Nebiryau's hand so quickly that the sounds of breaking bones can be heard upon the stone's impact with his hand. Nebiryau grits his teeth, but says nothing about the damage done to his hand.
Nebiryau: "Grant her the speed of mind and thought to counter the attacks sent her way. May she escape battle unscathed."
The Stone of Blue flashes bright casting it's glow onto Druscilla, her form seems to ripple a moment before settling into place. Nebiryau nods at Druscilla before moving onto the next stone.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Red!"
The stone flies up into Nebiryau's waiting palm, a fireball through the air.
Nebiryau: "Grant Druscilla the power she needs! The strength that she craves! The might that she deserves!"
The Stone of Red glows with the rage of a fiery inferno, sending the stream of power into Druscilla.
Nebiryau: "We are almost finished with your final rebirth, my love."
Nebiryau holds his hand over the final stone on the floor with a grin.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Black!"
The Stone of Black rises slowly to hover under his hand without touching.
Nebiryau: "Fill her veins with the venom, the terrible dark strength, the trademarks of being the Daughter of Shadows!"
The Stone of Black seems to shine with a violet light, sending a beam into Druscilla. Shadows along the wall seem to grow bold and dance on despite the light. Druscilla's eyes begin to glow violet, her fangs lengthen, and her skin pales. Nebiryau smiles, taking his hand back from the Stone of Black.
He begins chanting in Phoenician and the Stones respond by flying around Druscilla, moving faster and faster as they send streamss of energy into Druscilla's body. A fine red dress forms from black mist, solidifying onto Druscilla's shoulders.
When Nebiryau finishes his chanting, the Stones fly back to him and attach to a belt that forms around Nebiryau's waist.
Druscilla takes a halting step outside of the circle, keeping her eyes on Nebiryau.
Bathory: "You killed me."
Nebiryau strides to Druscilla, putting his arms around her.
Nebiryau: "You destroyed my brother's empire. You saved me. I died. You brought me back. It's only fair."
Bathory: "What am I?"
Nebiryau: "You are the Daughter of Shadows as you always have been. I have transferred some of my own power into you. So you are so much more...my love."
Druscilla returns the embrace.
Bathory: "Thank you, my love."
Round Two
Nebiryau watches as Druscilla Bathory leaves the room to attend to those still loyal to her within Britain.
Nebiryau: "I can hear you."
Sparks fly in the shadows, revealing in chaotic pattern the form of "Deathstryke" Cyan Komar. Nebiryau says a single word, causing the stones on his belt flare to life and transform him into his armed and armored form.
Nebiryau draws his sword with a confident smile.
Nebiryau: "The last time that we met, you lost your hand and only the Playboy Hero saved your life. Is he here now? It will make things so much easier."
Komar: "He is not here, and nor will he need to be. I am capable of handling the middle sibling by myself. The question you must ask yourself is. Will Druscilla be willing to bring you back after you cost her the throne in Britain?"
Nebiryau sneers, holding out a palm.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Red!"
Lightning streams out from his palm, striking along Cyan's sword, and washing energies over Cyan's body.
Komar: "You are most generous. My turn."
Cyan slashes at Nebiryau with his sword, sending out a wave of fire at the warrior. Nebiryau blocks with his sword while his Stone of Blue glows. The wave of fire splits in half, shattering into steam.
Komar: "No need to call each stone out loud?"
Nebiryau chuckles, sliding into an offensive fighting stance.
Nebiryau: "I like theatrics."
Nebiryau lunges in with a series of blows intended to open Cyan's belly. He parries each blow, dodging to the side as Nebiryau brings a hand up in a slashing motion while his Stone of Green flashes. The stone wall behind Cyan sizzles and begins melting as streams of acid strike it.
Cyan turns to the side of Nebiryau slashing along his left ribcage with his sword, drawing sparks and a thin line of blood. Nebiryau reacts quickly, backhanding Cyan to knock him nearly ten feet away. Cyan rolls with the blow, getting back to his feet.
Nebiryau sheathes his sword with a laugh.
Nebiryau: "This fight is over."
Cyan narrows his eyes, holding his sword in his hand.
Komar: "This fight is over when I kill you."
Nebiryau rubs his thumb and forefingers together with a smile, a small sphere forming within.
Nebiryau: "I have other things to attend to right now, but I don't want to leave you unhappy. So take this as my parting gift."
Nebiryau tosses the sphere to the floor between him and Cyan, speaking a single word.
Nebiryau: "The creature that killed many of your comrades and your friend. I made one just like him, but boosted up a bit. Enjoy!"
Cyan curses as Nebiryau fades away and the sphere explodes into a giant lizardlike humanoid with lots of teeth and sword-like claws. Cyan grits his teeth.
Komar: "This is for you, Takeda."
The creature looks at Cyan, letting out a tremendous roar that sends spittle out all over the place. It lunges at Cyan with its claws, but Cyan dodges out of the way. The claws gouge out a section of bedrock from the earth. Cyan brings down his sword, but a backhanded parry sends the sword flying out of his grasp.
The monster turns to face the now unarmed Cyan with a growl like laughter.
Komar: "I'm not easy prey still, monster. A legacy of fighting your grotesque creator."
The monster slashes at Cyan, but he dodges the blow, and sends two fingertips of his artificial hand into the soft underside of the monster's jaw.
Komar: "Know my power!"
Electricity arcs throughout the monster's body until the whole thing explodes into fiery ash. Cyan dusts himself off before getting his sword and sheathing it.
Komar: "We will meet again, Nebiryau..."
On the Scramjet to Ethiopia
In the Scramjet, Allen Anderson and Terel Walker sit in luxury chairs. Across a small table sit Sebastian Basurto and Captain Trevor Maathai.
Anderson: "I'm glad you decided to come aboard, Captain Maathai. This show in Ethiopia is bound to be dangerous."
Maathai: "This is a poor country were going to put a show on at with minimal advertising. How are you guys making any profit from this show?"
Walker: "Let me take this one, Allen."
Anderson nods, pouring himself a whiskey on the rocks.
Walker: "This first full event has been fully funded by the United States of America. We make a profit no matter what, and a nice tidy one at that. So tickets are free for the locals along with vouchers for food and such at the stands. We are going there for diplomatic and strategic reasons as well as putting on a free show."
Anderson: "So, Sebastian. You've been handling the recruiting side of things for the roster. What do we have?"
Sebastian hands out folders to everyone at the table which all begin reading.
Anderson: "Tarrasque is still alive? I lost track of him after Rome, five years ago. I figured he died in the fighting."
Basurto: "We found him in what was once Northern Italy. He had been preying on some of the Goblin tribes that had moved into the mountains. He was happy to find himself with regular meals and opponents to fight."
Walker: "Candice Kingston. I'm glad she chose to stay with us."
Anderson: "Clare's loyalty is likely still with you, Terel. She's not wearing the insignia of any of the Three Empire. Just fighting from within the system."
Walker: "True enough. The Order of the Dragon have so much power, I worry sometimes that this might be turned against us."
Anderson: "Only natural. Marty Sandal? Wasn't he just in the Return to London pay-per-view?"
Basurto: "An inside man in the IWA managed to slip a few people out of the company that were being earmarked for possible execution. It's us thumbing our nose at them while gaining what could develop into excellent talents at the same time. We also acquired Frietag, Will York, Terence Jennings, and Elliot Lytle from the same person."
Walker: "A huge win for us then."
Basurto: "Yes, sir."
Anderson: "Dixie Clement and Father Nathan O'Connell? I thought they died when going out to fight Gtuhanai? They vanished a good long time ago! Father Nathan was last seen leading a team from the Vatican and Dixie heard he was found during Penance at Cologne and went to find him!"
Basurto: "I have no records of what happened to them, only a phone call saying that they were ready to side with us and fight for what was right."
Anderson: "Terel? I don't know where you found this man, but that was some amazing work!"
Walker: "Who is Khloe Kapla?"
Basurto: "She's an odd sort. Some kind of tech wizard, but her technology she uses is right out of Steampunk novels?"
Anderson: "Interesting. Boris Drago and Dasha? You recruited Russians to the ASA? Sebastian?"
Basurto: "Not every Russian agrees with the change of the guard performed by Tsar Ionis Miranov. Don't be racist."
Anderson: "I didn't say...what I mean is...fine."
Anderson drains his glass and slams it down to refill it, bouncing some ice from the glass.
Walker: "Plate Gilby? Allen, didn't this one also vanish at Cologne?"
Anderson drains his glass again before opening the folder and frowning.
Anderson: "Gilby and Vale both vanished then, yes. How?"
Basurto: "If I told you all of my secrets, then I wouldn't seem like a miracle worker now would I?"
Anderson chuckles, refilling his drink a third time. This draws a side long glance from Terel, but he says nothing. Out loud anyway.
Walker: "Lyght, the Goblin King?"
Basurto: "I think he's human, but leads a group of unified goblin tribes. Should be interesting as I think he has a variety of supernatural powers."
Walker: "Indeed."
Anderson: "Longbeard and Trainwreck? Who the?"
Basurto: "You wanted brave people. I found you some."
Anderson: "And this one?"
Brasurto: "Brave enough to come to Ethiopia."
Anderson: "Fair enough. This will be a show to remember. Jessica Tendonin ready?"
Walker: "Look outside..."
Anderson looks out through a window on the ScramJet to see Jessica Tendonin flying alongside the uber-fast jet. She waves at Anderson, who raises an eyebrow.
Anderson: "Great. Hopefully these people will be ready to take on someone with a Superman complex...or is it a Supreme complex? I hadn't read comics in so long..."
Walker: "Supreme complex. If it was a Superman Complex, she would have been trying to save everyone. Supreme was on a power level with Superman, but was full of himself."
Anderson: "Right. Captain Maathai? Security?"
Maathai: "As good as we can get it without throwing up red flags to Carthage in the north."
Anderson: "Good. With any luck, we'll have a great show, succeed in our mission, and make it out alive."
Walker: "Fun times. And here I wondered why I never toured like WWI did..."
The four laugh as we fade to black.
That's the PDF version of the show and is downloadable. Shows even come with mp3 files built into the pdf for a more immersive viewing.
Onslaught #1
Seated in the ruins outside of Dublin, this facility has gone up in less than a week. No one knows how such a building was erected in such a quick time as it is also said to hold prisoners of war in an underground dungeon. This will be the location of Imperial Wrestling's very first Onslaught!
Opening
As people file listlessly into the arena, an emotionless female voice is heard over the PA system.
"Attention Irish Ticket Holders. If you have any weapons, proceed through to Hallway Section B to surrender them. Any personage of Ireland citizenry found with weapons beyond the designated point will be treated with lethal force. Any violent acts against British military or IWA security will result in an entire Irish village being selected at random and punished with the most severe of methods. Thank you and have a most pleasant experience watching Onslaught as displayed by the talents of Imperial Wrestling Alliance, and have a wonderful evening."
*****
The lights in the arena dim as the British Imperial anthem begins to play. Not the accepted anthem, but something much darker...
The lights come on and we look around the the dispirited Irish crowd in the brand new arena. We go to the commentary desk where sit Jane Coughlin and Neil Dizon.
Dizon: "This is some arena, Jane. How exactly do you think they built this place so quickly?"
Coughlin: "There's blood in these walls, Neil. This place was built as an arena and a stronghold both. I don't doubt that they have prisoners of war imprisoned in the depths of this hell hole. You know the very name of this place means 'Under the Boot' in Irish? It's a disgusting display of arrogance!"
Neil Dizon waves at the British Imperial soldier walking by that's armed with an assault rifle that's glaring at Jane.
Dizon: "No problem here, sir! God save the Queen and all that!"
Once the soldier is out of ear shot, Neil turns to Jane with a growl.
Dizon: "We're in a military state! Remember when they arrested Matthew Empson with trumped up charges for running his damn mouth? These people make those people look like damned sissys! Just do the job and keep your head down!"
Coughlin: "Aww, I didn't know you cared. Fine. I'll do my best to be good."
Dizon: "Good. We have a large show planned for you guys tonight. A lot of talent having their debut matches tonight. Valora Salinas and Brice St Vient are having their match to see who would get a shot at missing World champion, KD Bacchus. Where do you think he's hiding at?"
Coughlin: "Better be a good place or else he's going to get sniffed out. I'm not even sure that I would come out to defend that title if I were him since you know that these slime will only try to capture him and torture him to reveal the rest of the Royal Family so they can be executed. It's the only way for the current Queen to totally claim the Crown."
Neil does a face palm with a loud sigh.
Dizon: "Well, duh. Kronin gets his chance to fight Sikarin Tsooth to gain the freedom of Lilly in the fight while she goes on to fight Lenneth. I'm sure in their minds, Kronin is the stake for their match."
Coughlin: "Has Lenneth displayed any desire to actually bed Kronin?"
Dizon: "Does it matter? She's one of those Valkyrie people! That's what they do!"
Coughlin: "Jealous much?"
Dizon: "Jealous? No! I ahh. You see..."
Coughlin: "I'm waiting."
Dizon: "I'm perfectly happy where I'm at now. Yeah. Perfectly happy!"
Coughlin: "Let's get down to the ring where Stephan Theobald is ready with opening match."
Dizon: "Let's do that."
Delacroix vs York
Theobald: "This next match is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first, weighing in at one hundred and thirty-five pounds...Roux Delacroix!"
"Sadness Part One" by Enigma begins playing as Roux walks out of the back. She smiles as the fans cheer her on, despite every indication that they are not supposed to. She steps into the ring, waiting in the corner for her opponent.
Coughlin: "The people here say that Roux is the Queen of a magical Thorn Kingdom that is hidden somewhere within Ireland. They say that this kingdom will never fall to British invasion."
Dizon: "Then they better keep it well hidden or else it will be found. I heard that Admiral Bartholomew Kane was very thorough in his bombardment of places that might provide a threat to landing troops."
"Down with the Sickness" by Disturbed begins and Stephan Theobald looks down the aisle with a look of disgust as Will York comes out to his music.
York: "The Sickness needs no introduction, yo! I'm here to kick some chick ass! But you know, if you feel really bad about me kicking yo' ass there, Roux? We can *beep* later. It's all good!"
Coughlin: "Has he totally lost his mind?"
Dizon: "He might. Roux looks pissed."
"The Sickness" Will York gets into the ring and is met by an eye gouge before the bell even rings to start the match. He is tossed back into the corner and takes a lunge, a knee finding its way to smashing him with a low blow. Will lets out a high pitched cry of pain before falling on his face to the mat.
Now the bell rings to start the match...
Roux rips Will up off of the mat by the hair.
Delecroix: "You wanted to be funny? You wanted to be a pervert?"
Roux grabs Will by the crotch, causing him to scream out again. She quickly shifts her hand to cover his open mouth with her palm and shouting out a word of power.
Coughlin: "Did fire just escape from the side of her hand?"
Dizon: "I don't know, but the back end of Will's trunks just darkened and I smell burnt hair!"
Roux throws Will York to the mat so she can climb to the top rope, wait for Will to start to rise, and-
Coughlin: "Dragon's Thorn!"
Dizon: "The Sickness didn't even stand a chance in that ring!"
Coughlin: "Not after making Roux so angry that she cast a fireball down his gullet from the looks of it!"
Dizon: "That was sort of badass. I would have thought that she would have been called on the use of powers, but I guess not."
A quick three count later...
Theobald: "Winner of the match via pinfall...Roux Delacroix!"
Roux gives a slight bow to the crowd, smiling as they cheer for her. She heads to the back with her head held high.
Dizon: "Lady Apathy might have a rival for power here in Roux."
Coughlin: "True."
Protect the Queen
Outside of the arena, "Lady Apathy" Elizabeth Devereaux steps out of the royal limo. She looks around at the homeless Irish people with cold, cruel eyes and a mirthless smile. These are people whose homes have been destroyed during the recent invasion to reclaim the Emerald Isle into the whole of the British Empire.
Devereaux: "Go sign up for the military. You'll find places to live in the barracks..."
"BITCH!"
"FRENCH WHORE!"
"MURDERER!"
A stone is thrown that stops inches from Elizabeth's head. She looks at it like it's a curiosity before letting it drop to the ground.
Devereaux: "Kill them."
Zareth Korbin launches out from nearby Lady Apathy, swinging his hammer with a blood mad expression. The man who threw the stone falls first with his head smashed into bits.
Korbin: "No one threatens the Lady Apathy! DIE!"
Elizabeth stifles a bored yawn as she walks into the building. Blood splattering the door as it closes behind her.
Manzell takes on Lady Apathy's pet
Theobald: "This next match is scheduled for one fall. Featuring first, weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds..."Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne!"
"Cthulhu, High Priest of Madness" by Nox Arcana begins as "Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne walks out from the back. She glares at Stephan Theobald.
Osborne: "My name is Zolothach! You say my name right or I will come down there and cut you!"
Theobald: Your official listed name is Tab-"
Osborne: "I said that's not my name, bitch! SAY IT RIGHT OR I"LL CUT YOU!"
Stephan Theobald stares at Tabitha for a time before grunting.
Theobald: "Coming down to the ring first, weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds...Zolothach!"
"Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne giggles, skipping down to the ring with ritual dagger in hand.
Coughlin: "She's wound a bit tight, you think?"
Dizon: "Just a little..."
Theobald: "And her opponent, weighing in at two hundred and thirty-four pounds...Tony Manzell!"
"Cigaro" by System of a Down begins as Tony Manzell walks down to the ring with a British Imperial soldier on either side of him. The crowd cheers, despite the lit sign saying for the fans to be booing. Tony rolls into the ring with a smirk.
Coughlin: "The fan want to test the system, don't they? I wonder how many of the fans here are Irish who just had their homes destroyed?"
Dizon: "Build an arena inside of a week, but not rebuild homes."
As the bell rings to start the match, Tony reaches for Tabitha, but she spins to the side, nailing him in the back of the head with an elbow. She grabs him, bringing him down for a russian legsweep before kicking him in the side of the head with a giggle.
Coughlin: "Tabitha is pretty vicious in the ring."
Dizon: "Zolothach. I don't want her coming over here with a knife."
Tabitha reaches down for Tony, but he grabs her as if to do a small package. He gets to his feet quickly, bringing Tabitha up into the air, and then down with a suplex. He quickly glides over her for a cover, but stops in mid-air as Tabitha's hand finds his throat. She rolls over to perch on him, slamming the back of his head into the mat a few times in a choke.
Tabitha rolls away with a giggle as the ref yells at her for choking. She gets to her feet into a run at the ropes, coming back into a baseball slide drop kick to the face of Tony as he starts to rise, sending him under the ropes and out of the ring. Tabitha jumps to her feet, grabbing the top rope, and looking to the fans with a mad laugh.
Coughlin: "Is she insane?"
Dizon: "Let's think. She's spent the batter part of what, eleven years or more in an insane asylum on Killswitch Island? Yes..."
Tabitha slingshots herself over the top rope, but Tony launches himself up to catch her, turn, and land her on her head in what would have been a powerslam. Tabitha lays on the ground as if dead.
Dizon: "That'll adjust her attitude though!"
Coughlin: "Or make it worse..."
Tony picks Tabitha up, rolling her into the ring. He follows in behind her, putting her into a straightjacket position, and-
Coughlin: "It's the Jimmy Burton Special! I don't think that Tabitha will even feel it though."
Dizon: "It's like slipping a finger into a drunk girl on the subway."
Coughlin: "What?"
Dizon: "Nothing."
Tony goes for the cover, which becomes a simple three count. Tony rises to his knees with his hands in the air to celebrate his victory when Tabitha sits up, and-
Coughlin: "When the hell did she get her dagger? That's messed up!"
Dizon: "She was knocked out? I don't know how she would have unless she was faking? I don't get it..."
Tabitha shoves the bleeding Tony Manzell away as he holds onto his lower ribcage, trying to staunch the bleeding. Tabitha stands up with her dagger in hand, laughing at Tony and aiming a kick to his midsection.
Osborne: "You knew this was going to happen. Maybe not the knife, but you knew I was going to see at least about breaking a rib!"
Theobald: "Winner of the match via pinfall...Tony Manzell!"
Coughlin: "Tony won the match, but I bet he doesn't feel like he did."
Dizon: "Damn. I bet not."
Girl Talk
"Zolothach" Tabitha Osborne laughs as her opponent is taken away on a stretcher. She flips her knife through the air and catches it with practiced ease as she walks in a circle inside of the ring.
Coughlin: "Did she forget which way to exit the ring?"
Dizon: "I think the crazy bitch has something to say."
A microphone is slid to her, which she smiles as she picks it up.
Osborne: "I have heard some noise around here. It seems that someone might be a bit jealous of my current position as the teacher's pet."
The crowd boos at Tabitha, calling her a variety of unwholesome names. Tabitha giggles and points to the lit up sign that says that the fans must cheer.
Naturally, they do not listen.
Osborne: "Remember when you bought your ticket that non-compliance will about being ejected from the arena in pieces."
This quiets the fans down, bringing out a few cheers. Tabitha giggles a little at the fans being manipulated in such a way.
Coughlin: "I think that Tabitha is a crazy bitch!"
Dizon: "You would be too. Her family abused her. She spent time in an asylum. She escaped and Roux Delacroix tried to execute her. She survived and was put back in the asylum on Killswitch Island. Anyone would be crazy!"
Coughlin: "You seem to be pretty educated on Tabitha Osborne."
Dizon: "Zolothatch. Yeah, I was a big fan of THW while it was open. It's a shame that they closed."
Osborne: "Oh, Valora Salinas. You don't scare me. You've been killed once, you can die again."
"Oh honey, you were supposed to have died once too. Does that make you a non-threat as well?"
Tabitha stands in the middle of the ring, the microphone hitting the mat as she stares at the entrance stage with her mouth hanging open. Her face drains of all color.
Osborne: "YOU!"
Roux Delacroix walks out onto the entrance stage with a regal smile.
Delacroix: "What? Didn't watch the opening match of the night? Me. Ready for another execution?"
Tabitha stands in the ring, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
Coughlin: "I take it this is the Roux Delacroix that tried to have her killed?"
Dizon: "It is."
Osborne: "I am the favored servant of the British Queen! No one can stop me anymore! Not you, not that undead little skank, Valora Salinas! I won't be stopped!"
Roux Delacroix doesn't lose her smile as she slowly steps towards the ring, power seemingly coming off of her in waves.
Delacroix: "I had you stripped naked of power and clothes before casting you out to die. Do you think that I cannot do this to you once again at a whim?"
Tabitha steps back away from Roux as she enters the ring, looking more and more pale.
Osborne: "I...I...I am the High Priestess of Cthulhu! There is nothing that can lay me forever low if He deems that my power should be high! I'll prove it! I'll kill you now! Far away from the protection of your Thorn kingdom!"
Tabitha holds her dagger with the blade laying along the outside of her wrist for a strong slash. She lunges at Roux with the intention of ripping open her belly, but flies right through and lands in a sommersault.
The vision of Roux Delacroix vanishes with a cold laugh.
Tabitha stands up, screaming her anguish to the skies.
Now the fans cheer.
This doesn't make Tabitha Osborne any happier. She points her ritual dagger at the fans with rage on her face.
Osborne: "You idiot fans can't even follow a *beep*ing sign to tell when to cheer right to save your lives!"
"Death Triumphant" by my Dying Bride begins playing on the PA system.
Osborne: "Now what?"
Valora Salinas walks out. No, the fans boo her as well, but she pays them no mind as she glares at Tabitha.
Salinas: "Tabitha Osborne! You can back off of what's mine!"
Coughlin: "Someone have issues with Tabitha hanging around the new Queen?"
Dizon: "Sure looks like it."
Osborne: "My name is Zolothatch, you little undead hussy!"
Valora shakes her head, walking towards the ring.
Salinas: "I bet your family is disappointed in Hell. Watching from down below as their daughter can only manage to act like a knock off version of me. You know what's mine, Tabitha. You stay away from her, or your own dagger will be deep in your belly!"
Tabitha paces back and forth in the ring, looking much like the bull about to charge.
Osborne: "Screw it. I'll just cut you now!"
Tabitha runs across the ring, diving over the top rope and catching Valora across the shoulder with her dagger before slamming into her. She perches on Valora, driving her fingers into the deep slash with a crazed smile.
Osborne: "You think that just because you were reborn by her hands that you are better than me! Just because you and her share a tale of death and empowerment that she belongs only to you! I am the new! I am the power! I am the whisper in the shadows that brings you to tears because you know that there is nothing that you will ever hear in your life ever again that will bring more truth into your life! I-"
Valora turns and slams Tabitha's face into the ring railing, pushing her off.
Salinas: "Talk too much."
Valora grabs Tabitha's dagger from the floor and slams it home into Tabitha's thigh, splitting the bone within.
To her credit, Tabitha doesn't scream out in pain.
Valora stands up, looking down on Tabitha with a smirk.
Salinas: "Just call this a little girl talk. A little warning to let you know that worse things are on the way."
Valora gets to the entrance stage before Tabitha moves again. She begins to giggle, sitting up, and placing her hand on the hilt of the dagger.
Osborne: "You think you frighten me. You don't. I have seen death in the eyes. I know the feeling of wishing to be claimed by death. I know the feeling of being sent out to die. I am stronger than you! Thanks to Cthulhu, I am stonger than everyone!"
Tabitha wrenches the dagger out of her leg with a smooth motion, the pain and agony of the move written all over her face, even if she says nothing.
Valora looks at the move and nods.
Salinas: "You'll get the chance to prove that soon enough."
Medics run down the aisle to help Tabitha and bind her wound so she can be taken to the back for other help.
Dizon: "That was something else!"
Coughlin: "The IWA has some bloodthirsty women in it now. That's for certain."
Lytle vs Korbin
Theobald: "This next match is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first, weighing in at two hundred and forty-five pounds he is "the Ironman" Elliot Lytle!"
"Ironman" by Black Sabbath begins as Elliot Lytle walks out from the back. The crowd looks uncertain what to make of him, but the lit sign high above the ring indicates that they should boo. So the crowd half-heartedly boos Elliot Lytle as he makes his way down to the ring. He doesn't seem the least bit happy that the crowd has booed him, but rolls into the ring.
Coughlin: "So now we have signs so that the crowd knows who they are supposed to be cheering for and what not? This is-"
Dizon: "Brilliant! The people in the crowd are often so stupid that they don't know if they should be cheering or not. This will keep the crowd in check!"
Theobald: "And his opponent, weighing in at two hundred and seventy-five pounds...Zareth Korbin!"
"Hall of the Mountain King" by Apocalpytica begins as Zareth walks out from the back with an arrogant smirk. The crowd begins to cheer, but without much spirit. Zareth just walks down to the ring with his hammer over his shoulder.
Coughlin: "See? The crowd has a signal there to cheer for this man. They don't know this man to cheer for him! I hear he's offered himself as a personal servant to Devereaux."
Dizon: "Then he has good taste to serve Lady Apathy. The crowd should also share that good taste and cheer."
Zareth struts around in the ring, swinging his hammer around in lazy circles by the strap at the end of the handle. Elliot looks uncertain about the weapon, looking to the ref for advice.
The ref walks over to get Zareth to set the hammer down, which he does do. Elliot tries to rush in to get an attack in, but Zareth swings the hammer up to catch him in the side of the head. Zareth puts the hammer down with the ref yelling at him, a grin still locked into place. Elliot sits against the corner where he landed, holding the side of his head which is now covered in free flowing blood.
Coughlin: "That was a disgusting assault by Zareth!"
Dizon: "His dad is some demon king? That's probably how he asked to pass the salt back home."
Zareth walks over to Elliot, grabbing the top rope and smashing Elliot's face with his boot. He turns the kicks into a choke with a laugh. He breaks the hold as he feels the ref coming to pull Elliot to his feet up into a press slam that goes over the ropes and into the ring railing!
Coughlin: "I thought we were not to be using powers in the ring?"
Dizon: "Must not be enforced against allies of Lady Apathy."
Zareth rolls to the outside, picking Elliot up by the throat with a grin. Elliot manages to kick him in the gut to get Zareth to release him. Elliot shoves Zareth backwards into the ring post with lefts and rights before grabbing Zareth by the face to try to smash the back of his head into the post. Zareth slips a hand behind Elliot and turns things around to slam Elliot's face into the post before flinging him into the ring.
Dizon: "The nerve of that guy! Calling himself Ironman when he's bleeding all over the dang place!"
Coughlin: "It's a nick name? Next, you'll wonder why he doesn't have a suit of power armor to fight back in."
Dizon: "I know, right? No way he's earned that nick name!"
Once back in the ring, Zareth grabs Elliot, and-
Dizon: "What the heck did he do there?"
Coughlin: "In my notes it is listed as Clavicula Salomonis. His finishing move."
Zareth goes for the cover with a laugh.
1...2...3!!!
Coughlin: "Well, Zareth has shown the world some of his capabilities. He might do well here."
Dizon: "And it doesn't hurt to kiss the Queen's ass in these things."
Coughlin: "No, I suppose not."
No Holds Barred,
Pinfalls Count Anywhere,
Winner Gains Control of Lilly
Theobald: “This next match is scheduled for one fall! The winner of this match will gain control of Lilly afterwards! Featuring first, weighing in at two hundred and sixty-five pounds...Kronin!”
“Ich Will” by Rammstein begins as Kronin walks out from the back. He looks around at the fans, but looks to be totally focused as he makes his way down to the ring.
Coughlin: “You would have thought that Lenneth would have come down to the ring with him to make sure that everything went alright.”
Dizon: “She's probably in the back preparing herself for a match that she thinks in her head has similar stakes regarding him against Lilly.”
Kronin stands in the ring, stretching while keeping his eyes on the entrance stage.
Theobald: “And his opponent, wiehging in at more than you can imagine? Who writes this?”
Lilly comes running down the aisle with Sikarin Tsooth walking behind him, walking with his dark wooden staff with the glowing blue gemstone with the human skull on the inside. Lilly leaps over the rope from the floor, landing next to Kronin, and wrapping her arms around him. Sikarin walks down to the ring with a guarded expression.
Tsooth: "Have no worries, Stephan. I am not an official wrestler here. This is more of a special event kind of match anyway. Kronin? Are you ready to die again today, Kronin? When you died in Cologne on the soil of your home land, did you know even then that your Lilly was already mine? It is why she didn't come down to the ring to support you. She had already left! You were so full of yourself and dreams of silly little belts that you probably didn't even notice her missing."
Kronin looks at Lilly, but she shakes her head. A blink later and Sikarin Tsooth is standing in the ring in front of Kronin.
Tsooth: "Should I tell you of the carnal pleasures that we shared? All while she called out your name like you were going to save her. She knew you died, and yet called out for you anyway. Did you respond? No. For FIVE YEARS, she has been mine. She has worried herself sick over that you would side with harem girl of Odin and kill her over her acts to try to get you back. Now, you think you can claim her like some leftover prize at a carnival. What? The bed of that harlot go cold for you, or did you discover how many times that you thought that she was wet for you that it was really Loki's sloppy seconds that you were dipping into?"
Kronin punches Sikarin, but his fist passes through empty air. He looks around the ring to see if he had merely teleported, but sees nothing.
Dizon: "Did Sikarin Tsooth run and hide?"
Coughlin: "I don't think so."
Lilly turns Kronin's face to her, tears running down her face.
Lilly: "I am so so sorry, Kronin."
Kronin: "Everything is forgiven, Lilly. I'm sorry it's taken this long to get you back."
Lilly: "I am also sorry that you're a fool..."
Kronin: "What?"
Lilly places both hands against Kronin's chest and laughs wickedly before releasing a stream of power that sends Kronin across the ring and into the ropes. These ring ropes stretch nearly to the breaking point while Lilly's power breaks against his body. When she stops, Kronin is slingshotted back across the ring onto Lilly's waiting fist into his midsection.
And we do mean "into".
Dizon: "What the Hell?"
Coughlin: "Is Lilly trying to murder Kronin?"
With a sickening wet sound, Lilly pulls her hand out of Kronin's side, her laughter becoming more and more male sounding. She rises up, her form shifting until Sikarin Tsooth is seen standing over the bloodied Kronin.
Tsooth: "A simple trick. A simple shape shift and illusion. Even the most inept of my students would know to be able to avoid such a trap. You wish so much that your Lilly would just return to you and all would be well that you fell for it."
Sikarin kneels by Kronin, his right hand glowing bright red with murderous power.
Tsooth: "I can only imagine how easy it will be to fool her when I wear your form. Goodbye, Kronin...Hela won't be so willing to let you go a second time."
Sikarin sends a blast down, but Kronin brings a hand up, a shield forming around his forearm to block the spell. Kronin lunges up, smashing the shield against the side of Sikarin's face before it fades away to knock him backwards into a roll. Sikarin stands up quickly, wiping at his face in alarm.
Tsooth: "Blood? No mortal can..."
Kronin stands up, his open wound starting to close, even as blood pours onto the mat.
Kronin: "I was raised by a Valkyrie after death. Did you think I would remain mortal?"
Before Sikarin can react, Kronin is on him with a belly to belly suplex to bring him to the mat and a kick to the head. Kronin grabs Sikarin by the front of his robes, but barbed gray tendrils lash out from the robe, wrapping around Kronin's arm, and tearing into the flesh. Sikarin stands while Kronin tries to free his arm.
Tsooth: "Did you think we would exchange fisticuffs like foolish barbarians? Made up of Asgardian flesh or not, you should have known there was only going to be one outcome for this fight between you and I."
Sikarin makes his point by backhanding Kronin across the face, short blades forming along the tendonin lines of Sikarin's hand. The impact sends blood flying across the mat.
Tsooth: "Tell me you thought that you were going to come here and fight some honest battle against the foul villain to regain your love. Tell me so I can laugh and laugh at your misery."
Kronin tries an attack with his fee hand, but Sikarin catches his fist with a sneer. He follows this up with a stunning headbutt that knocks Sikarin back and frees Kronin from his grasp.
Dizon: "Kronin better come up with something awesome or he isn't going to be able to put Siarin down."
Coughlin: "I think the odds of him being able to do this in the first place were rigged against him from being able to do so."
Kronin grabs Sikarin by the long silver hair as it comes free from the robe, and sinks a fist into his belly. Sparks seem to fly from the impact before his fist comes tearing out through the back of Sikarin's robes with a gray ichor flying everywhere. Sikarin falls to his knees, his blood pouring out onto the mat as a sword materializes in Kronin's hand.
Kronin: "Yield! Yield or be slain by my hand!"
Tsooth: "I yield."
Kronin stares at Sikarin as if he didn't understand what was just said.
Tsooth: "I said I yield. She's no good to me anymore anyway. Look."
Lilly stands at the entrance stage, looking at Kronin with a large smile of relief.
Tsooth: "Are you certain she's real? She could be another illusion..."
Kronin: "Then tell me."
Tsooth: "Drop the sword and I will tell you. You've already won the match."
Dizon and Coughlin: "Don't do it!"
Kronin drops the sword, and as he does so it become to transform into a mist. Still, Sikarin reaches for the blade with a certain glee in his eyes.
Lilly: "NO!"
A blink later and Lilly had the sword that Kronin dropped in her hand and has run Sikarin through with it and in the air. Lilly tosses Sikarin to the side, the sword melting into mist as he hits the ground.
Lilly: "Kronin!"
Kronin: "Lilly!"
The reunited couple lean in to kiss, but the haunting laughter of Sikarin Tsooth and as both look to where he was laying, only a burnt spot remains on the mat.
Tsooth: "Enjoy your victory, Kronin. Rest assured that nothing has disrupted my plans for this world. Nothing."
Nullifier Dome
Coughlin: “And now, we have another important match that, at first glance at least, is heavily tilted against one of the competitors, Lenneth vs. Lilly and magic is forbidden, putting Lilly at a huge disadvantage.”
Dizon: “But we thought the same thing about Kronin vs. Sikarin Tsooth and he surprised us all. Lilly might surprise us too.”
‘Grace’ by Apocalyptica plays over the PA as Lilly comes out from the backstage area, escorted by Kronin. The two make their way down to the ring and Lilly hops up to the apron, then to the top turnbuckle playing to the crowd before jumping off in a moonsault landing on her feet, playing to the crowd again.
Coughlin: “And Kronin back by Lilly’s side after having beaten Sikarin Tsooth earlier to free her from his grasp. But he’s also tied in with Lilly’s opponent, Lenneth. It will be interesting to see how things play out.”
Dizon: “I’m not sure why Kronin hasn’t traded up.. I mean Lenneth can kick ass and is freaking HOT!”
Coughlin: “You know, the nullifier dome hasn’t been activated yet. Lilly can still make you pay for that.”
Dizon: “Umm… forget I said anything.”
A golden light bathes the arena as ‘Die with Honor’ by Manowar plays over the PA and, after a few moments, the Bifrost opens and Lenneth appears, with another Valkyrie, looking around at the crowd as she raises her spear and cries out “ODIN!” She makes her way to the ring, slowly removing her helmet, cloak, spear and shield and entrusting them to the other Valkyrie to guard as she steps into the ring, awaiting her opponent and taking in the crowd again. The crowd cheers as Lenneth takes her spot in the corner and Kronin leaves the ring as both fighters are there. Once the ring is cleared, A number of runes begin to glow and energy forms around the ring, forming a domed area and both Lilly and Lenneth winch as they feel the ability to use their magic blocked.
Coughlin: “And there we see the activation of the Nullifier Dome. Neither fighter can use magic which means they have to rely only on physical fighting ability.”
Dizon: “Now we’ll see if we’ll get another surprise.”
As the bell rings, Lenneth and Lilly circle around each other a bit before Lenneth pauses and urges Lilly to attack, giving her the first attack. Lilly narrows her eyes and makes a motion for a lock up, but boots Lenneth in the gut and plants her with a DDT. With no wasted movement, Lilly jumps to her feet and waits, measuring Lenneth and as Lenneth gets up, she turns and nails Lenneth with a Mick Kick style roundhouse kick, sending her to the mat with a stunned look on her face, shaking her head seemingly dazed by the blow.
Coughlin: “Gypsy Kick!” Lilly caught Lenneth by surprise there and is coming out fighting!”
Dizon: “Even Kronin looks surprised by that offense from Lilly”
Lenneth gets to her feet but Lilly rebounds off the ropes and jumps up, planting both feet into Lenneth’s face, sending the Valkyrie to the mat before mounting her and pummeling her face.
Lilly: “That’s for messing with my man, you Asgardian bitch!!!”
Dizon: “Lilly sounds a bit pissed. Now that she’s back with her man, she wants to make sure she stays her man.”
Coughlin: “Jealousy seems to be in fashion these days.”
Dizon: “You telling me you wouldn’t be pissed if some hot viking Goddess put the moves on your man?”
Coughlin: “Considering she brought him back from the dead, and hasn’t even flirted with him? I think I’d be grateful.”
Lilly tries to follow up the offense, pulling Lenneth to her feet, but Lenneth cuts her off with a punch to the gut and then a powerful European uppercut that sends Lilly stumbling backwards. Lenneth rebounds off the ropes and as Lilly charges towards her, Lenneth spears Lilly, nearly breaking the girl in half before pulling her to her feet and hitting Lilly with a massive haymaker that sends blood spraying from Lilly’s mouth and nose. Lenneth then grabs Lilly and lifts her up, holding her for a few moments before trying for a vertical suplex, but Lilly shifts and drives her knees into Lenneth’s back, hitting her with a backstabber.
Dizon: “Lilly is really showing some skill. I didn’t think Kronin had that much time to train her.”
Coughlin: “He didn’t. Her and Sikarin have obviously found a way to cheat the nullifier dome. Though I can’t imagine how.”
Both women roll on the mat trying to recover, getting to their feet at about the same time, only for Lenneth to level Lilly with a short arm clothesline, bringing the gypsy woman back to the mat. Rebounding off of the ropes, Lenneth jumps up and tries for a elbow drop, driving it into Lilly’s chest and pinning her…
1…
2….
Lilly kicks out!
Dizon: “Lilly kicks out of the pin attempt, she isn’t going down just yet.”
Coughlin: “Well, considering she just got her freedom, she has a lot of fight in her.”
Kronin, meanwhile, watches the mat carefully, looking over the battle and raising an eyebrow as both women get back to their feet and Lenneth tries a discus clothesline and Lilly almost seems to sense the blow coming, dodging backwards, bending backwards matrix style before recovering and trying for a German suplex, which is countered when Lenneth smashes her elbow into Lilly’s face and tries to take Lilly over with a snapmare, but Lilly lands on her feet, trying another Mick Kick, but Lenneth catches the kick, Lilly jumps and spins around, trying for a variation of an enziguri but Lenneth ducks and as Lilly lands, Lenneth grabs her and plants her with a German Suplex…
Dizon: “Holy shit! Lilly and Lenneth had a great exchange there! Lilly has definitely managed to learn a thing or two!”
Coughlin: “Indeed. Even Lenneth seems to be giving Lilly some respect. This match is turning out to be much closer than people thought!”
Lenneth rolls over and grabs Lilly and sends her into the ropes and as she comes back to him, he grabs her and spins her around three times before planting her with a Black Hole Slam and then rolls over into the pin one more time.
1…
2…
3!
DING!
Dizon: “Lenneth wins with the Valkyrie slam, but only barely. I think Lilly really put up a fight here..”
Coughlin: “And we might be in for another surprise here… Kronin is climbing into the ring and Lenneth stands over Lilly.”
After waiting a few moments, Lenneth holds out a hand and helps Lilly to her feet and her, Kronin, and Lilly confer for a few moments before the trio walks backstage.
Dizon: “Well this is an interesting development… is Lilly going to be joining the Asgardians as well?”
Coughlin: “We’ll definitely have to try and keep an eye on this situation and see what happens. Personally, I don’t trust Sikarin and would be cautious..”
Steel Cage Match
Winner gets shot at World Champion
Dizon: "We have a minute or two as the steel cage is being set up for this match."
Coughlin: "They are also taking down those odd components for the Nullifier Dome. Why don't they just leave them installed? Would cut down on a lot of chaos in the ring."
Dizon: "That would be why they won't keep it."
Coughlin: "So they really want people using supernatural powers in the ring even while telling them that they should not be using those powers in the ring? Makes no sense."
Dizon: "Doesn't it? With Britain, Carthage, and Russia supporting this company, what nation that they tour to is going to tell them no?"
Coughlin: "The United States? Germany? Brazil? China? Japan? Free countries?"
Dizon: "Can any of those nations stand alone against the might of the Three Empires right now?"
Coughlin: "Maybe China..."
Dizon: "And right now Tsar Miranov of Russia has people over there to treat China to an alliance! There's nothing stopping the IWA from doing whatever it wants."
Coughlin: "Well, the steel cage is ready. Let's get to Stephan Theobald."
Theobald: "This next match is being held within a fifteen foot tall steel cage! The first to escape from the cage will win the match and go on to face KD Bacchus for the IWA World Championship! Featuring first, weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds...Valora Salinas!"
"Death Triumphant" by my Dying Bride plays as Valora walks out from the back to the boos of the fans. She ignores the fans, walking down to the ring like she was the owner.
Dizon: "Valora walking down to the ring in an awful brave way after she stabbed Zolothach with her own ritual dagger."
Coughlin: "She expects to defeat Brice St Vient in the ring tonight and get her chance at winning the World championship."
Theobald: "And her opponent, weighing in at two hundred and thirty-three pounds...Brice St Vient!"
High Wire Escape Artist by Boysetsfire begins to play as Brice St Vient walks down to the ring. He doesn't run, he doesn't wave to the fans or curse them, he just walks down to the ring with a calm expression.
Coughlin: "It says here that Brice St Vient lives in Ireland with his wife and child. They were here when Britain's invasion came."
Dizon: "No wonder he looks like someone pissed in his Cheerios."
The match begins with Brice hitting a number of chops before putting Valora down with an arm drag. He follows with a rear naked choke that only brings a laughter from Valora. He releases her, and she stands to her feet.
Salinas: "My breathing is for decoration, fool!"
Brice responds with a short arm clothesline, sending Valora to the mat. Valora turns, catching Brice's legs with her own, and send him through the ropes and face first into the steel cage. Before Brice can recover, Valora is on him, dragging his face across the cage wall.
Coughlin: "Is this the kind of company that they really want to present? Bloodshed in nearly every match?"
Dizon: "People do dig a good juicing."
Brice blindly strikes back with an elbow, catching Valora in the side of the head. He grabs her as if for a cutter, walks up the side of the cage quickly, spin with her so that he drops her across the top rope with his cutter.
Dizon: "Now that's a come back move if I ever did see one!"
With Valora down, Brice St Vient begins climbing the opposite wall of the cage to get to the top and over. He gets up to the top and is getting ready to put his foot over when something slams into the side of the cage right by him!
Dizon: "Holy shit! Did you see Valora leap across the ring to land right there next to Brice so she can toss him to the mat?
Coughlin: "No, I was watching the other match in progress."
Dizon: "Really? What other match?"
Coughlin: "Don't be dense."
Valora turns and dives at Brice, but he catches her and slams her down with authority. Valora sits up quickly, but a back kick plants her back on the mat. Brice slips through the ropes to get to the cage wall, but Valora reaches up to grab him by the ankle. She drags him to the center of the ring, slapping on a Camel Clutch.
Coughlin: "Brice looks like he's deflating?"
Dizon: "Oh I forgot! Valora has some ability to drain vitality or something. Like a real world effect of what women do anyway."
Coughlin: "The *beep* you say?"
Dizon: "Nothing, hon-I mean nothing, Ja-just nothing...right...nothing."
Brice gets his arms back to hook Valora's legs to bring himself up with her on his back, throwing himself into a corner to get the hold broken. He turns around to kick at her, but Valora springs out of the corner into a spear to send Brice sprawling into the center of the ring. Brice holds on before hitting the ground, bringing Valora down to the mat with a ddt. Both Brice and Valora lay, sprawled out on the mat.
Dizon: "Wo is going to escape the cage to win the match?"
Coughlin: "Hopefully someone gets up."
Valora gets up first, slipping through the ropes to the cage wall. Brice is up right after her, grabbing her to throw her back over the ropes to the inside of the ring. Valora rips open the cage with her hands, shoves Brice's arm in through the hole, and closes it around his arm. Brice looks on in shock, trying to pull his arm out, but the torn cage sinks into his arm.
Valora pats Brice on the head, walking to just out of reach, climbs over the cage, and drops to the floor. The bell rings as medics start coming down to the ring with bolt cutters.
Theobald: "Winner of the match and number one contender for the World title...Valora Salinas!"
Dizon: "How is KD Bacchus going to defend his title when he's off hiding someplace with the old Royal family survivors?"
Coughlin: "Good advertising? They'll find a way I'm sure."
2/3 Falls Rematch
Theobald: "This next match is a rematch scheduled to be for two out of three falls! Featuring first, weighing in at four hundred and fifty pounds...Xerios Kubisa!"
"Back in Black" by AC/DC begins with Xerios walking out from the back and bathing in the hatred of the fans. He walks down to the ring with his chest thrown out and a prideful smile on his face. He steps over the ropes as if daring someone to challenge his might.
Coughlin: "Xerios lost to a single punch last time when he underestimated the might that Clare had. He vows this time to not repeat his mistake."
Dizon: "Kind of hard to get around the kind of power that Clare Miller has, but it seems like Xerios is one that might be able to do it."
Theobald: "And his opponent, weighing in at one hundred and fifty-nine pounds...Clare Miller!"
"Zachem" by 5iveSta Family begins as Clare Miller walks out from the back to the cheers of the crowd. Well, more like a standing ovation from the crowd. She makes her way down to the ring, waving at the fans as she passes with a smile, her toes hovering a few inches above the floor.
Dizon: "I think I heard from the back that Lady Apathy was going to relax the rules for this match a bit...okay a lot. She wants to see what limits Xerios has."
Coughlin: "This sounds dangerous."
Dizon: "At least it isn't an invading army..."
As the bell rings, Xerios steps up to Clare, looking down on her. Clare responds with a punch that doubles Xerios over right away with blood splattering out of his open mouth. Clare steps back and allows Xerios to fall to the mat.
Dizon: "Clare opens up with a mighty punch!"
Coughlin: "Clare wants to make a point in that she wants to show Xerios exactly what she can do."
Xerios gets back up to his knees, growling at Clare. She casually walks back over to deliver another powerful punch, when Xerios catches her fist. There is still a mighty thunderclap from the impact and Xerios looks to be gritting his teeth in pain. Clare turns into him and flips Xerios over in a one armed bodyslam. Clare stands by the fallen form of Xerios with a grin when his hand shoots up and palms her face.
Dizon: "Uh oh. Looks like Xerios is going to take control here."
Coughlin: "Could be bad for Clare."
Xerios gets to his feet while holding Clare by the head. He turns, whipping her body into the corner, and shifting the entire ring about three feet from the impact. He drapes her arms over the top rope and begins pounding her with his fists. The ref manages to get in there to tell him to back off. Xerios laughs as he does so. The ref checks on Clare. She gives him a thumbs up, despite looking like the loser at a street fight. Blood drips from her face, and her right eye is nearly swollen shut.
Miller: "I got this..."
Before Clare can take more than a couple steps away from the corner, Xerios catches her with a boot that plants her back into the corner, and once again shifts the entire ring.
Coughlin: "How can Clare take that kind of punishment?"
Dizon: "The way her sisters do. By not being human."
Xerios grabs Clare Miller by the hair, slamming her face first into the mat. He grabs her ankles in one hand and her hair in another, placing his foot on her back. He lifts her up, stretching her back across his foot.
Dizon: "That's some kind of backbreaker!"
Coughlin: "You can heard the bones popping from here. Xerios might get the first fall."
Clare seems to consider, but then she motions to the ref that she submits. Xerios releases Clare with a laugh, stepping to his corner at the instructions of the ref.
Coughlin: "That was a wise move by Clare. It gets him to release the move and she can make up the two falls and still win this match."
Dizon: "I think it was a give before the end."
Clare Miller stands up as the bell to restart the match begins. She doesn't look the least bit happy at giving the first fall of the match to Xerios.
Kubisa: "Now you know my power, you little bitch!"
Clare Miller flies at Xerios, grabbing Xerios under the arms, and flying toward the ceiling at a speed that brings a thunderclap. Once she gets near the roof of the place, she throws Xerios down at the mat. He hits the mat with an impact that sends the ref flying out of the ring. Xerios goes through the mat, slamming into the floor with a impact hard enough to jar the cheap seats. Clare glides down to the floor, helping the ref back into the ring, and healing his head injury. She pulls Xerios up back onto the mat and pins him.
1...2...3!!!
Coughlin: "Now the pair are tied at one fall each! The next fall will win the match!"
Dizon: "I don't know if Xerios can keep going in this match. He doesn't look too well."
And indeed, Xerios Kubisa has not moved since being slammed through the mat. Clare kneels by his form and slaps him. Nothing. She slaps him again. Still nothing.
Miller: "Come on. Don't let our rematch be what goes on your tombstone."
Xerios opens his eyes, looking at Clare.
Kubisa: "Tombstone? I hadn't considered such an end, but I will now. I'll kill you!"
Xerios brings his hands together while the ref dives from the ring.
Dizon: "Get down!"
Coughlin: "What?"
Neil Dizon ducks under the desk, and when Jane Coughlin doesn't follow, he reached up to put her down by the top of her shirt. She ducks down with before he exposes her.
The middle of the ring explodes with fire, action continuing in the ring despite the fact that no one can honestly see what's going on. When everyone can see again, both Xerios and Clare are standing in the ring. Most of Clare's clothing is burnt away (down to covering the naughty bits), but she stands strong.
Xerios wobbles for a moment and falls to his back. Neil Dizon and Jane Coughlin peek back over the commentary table as Clare goes for the cover.
One...Two...Three!!!
Coughlin: "Clare brought the giant down! I was wondering if she was going to be able to do it!"
Dizon: "Can't keep a good dragon down."
Hanging On
In a secret underground room below London. A room that looks to have been chiseled out of the very bedrock of the Earth itself. The room is lit by four oil soaked torches, the soul occupant in the room stands naked save for a white loin cloth.
Nebiryau.
He paces around a circle in the room that has been drawn in his own blood, a dark trail from the crook of his right arm revealing the source of the macabre ink.
Five small circles around this circle intersect with it, and within each is a small stone. The five Stones of Power that Nebiryau weilds in his belt that magnify his powers.
Nebiryau: "Stone of White!"
A white stone rises into the air to just above waist level and it is here where it floats, glowing a soft white.
Nebiryau walks slowly around the circle until he stands by the Stone of White. He lightly presses the palm of his hand onto the floating stone, closing his good eye as if in prayer. His artificial eye dims to a dull red.
Nebiryau: "Let Druscilla Bathory, Daughter of Shadows, return to this place. Protect her spirit from whence it has been sent and bring her back to hwere it belongs. At odds with and at my side."
The Stone of White begins to glow brightly as tiny cracks begin to rip open in the floor inside of the circle. A black mist rises up from the ground to hang in the air.
Nebiryau opens his eye to look upon the mist as it takes on a shape that vaguely resembles Druscilla.
Nebiryau: "As you have done for me, I shall do for you."
Nebiryau walks a few more steps around the circle, placing his hand in the air over another stone.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Green!"
Nebiryau runs his finger nail across his palm that is facing down to the stone. Blood meets stone with the sound of thunder.
Nebiryau: "Of my blood, I surrender! Of my life, I give! Grant Druscilla a new form of flesh!"
The Stone of Green flashes a brilliant emerald, searing away the blood in a flash. From the cracks in the floor, blood begins to pour upwards as if being poured into a container. It takes on the shape of Drsucilla's lithe form as it fills out. The blood thickening and changing to the nubile form of Druscilla Bathory herself.
She doesn't say anything, but her dark eyes bore into Nebiryau. He walks around to the next stone.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Blue!"
The Stone of Blue rises up to Nebiryau's hand so quickly that the sounds of breaking bones can be heard upon the stone's impact with his hand. Nebiryau grits his teeth, but says nothing about the damage done to his hand.
Nebiryau: "Grant her the speed of mind and thought to counter the attacks sent her way. May she escape battle unscathed."
The Stone of Blue flashes bright casting it's glow onto Druscilla, her form seems to ripple a moment before settling into place. Nebiryau nods at Druscilla before moving onto the next stone.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Red!"
The stone flies up into Nebiryau's waiting palm, a fireball through the air.
Nebiryau: "Grant Druscilla the power she needs! The strength that she craves! The might that she deserves!"
The Stone of Red glows with the rage of a fiery inferno, sending the stream of power into Druscilla.
Nebiryau: "We are almost finished with your final rebirth, my love."
Nebiryau holds his hand over the final stone on the floor with a grin.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Black!"
The Stone of Black rises slowly to hover under his hand without touching.
Nebiryau: "Fill her veins with the venom, the terrible dark strength, the trademarks of being the Daughter of Shadows!"
The Stone of Black seems to shine with a violet light, sending a beam into Druscilla. Shadows along the wall seem to grow bold and dance on despite the light. Druscilla's eyes begin to glow violet, her fangs lengthen, and her skin pales. Nebiryau smiles, taking his hand back from the Stone of Black.
He begins chanting in Phoenician and the Stones respond by flying around Druscilla, moving faster and faster as they send streamss of energy into Druscilla's body. A fine red dress forms from black mist, solidifying onto Druscilla's shoulders.
When Nebiryau finishes his chanting, the Stones fly back to him and attach to a belt that forms around Nebiryau's waist.
Druscilla takes a halting step outside of the circle, keeping her eyes on Nebiryau.
Bathory: "You killed me."
Nebiryau strides to Druscilla, putting his arms around her.
Nebiryau: "You destroyed my brother's empire. You saved me. I died. You brought me back. It's only fair."
Bathory: "What am I?"
Nebiryau: "You are the Daughter of Shadows as you always have been. I have transferred some of my own power into you. So you are so much more...my love."
Druscilla returns the embrace.
Bathory: "Thank you, my love."
Round Two
Nebiryau watches as Druscilla Bathory leaves the room to attend to those still loyal to her within Britain.
Nebiryau: "I can hear you."
Sparks fly in the shadows, revealing in chaotic pattern the form of "Deathstryke" Cyan Komar. Nebiryau says a single word, causing the stones on his belt flare to life and transform him into his armed and armored form.
Nebiryau draws his sword with a confident smile.
Nebiryau: "The last time that we met, you lost your hand and only the Playboy Hero saved your life. Is he here now? It will make things so much easier."
Komar: "He is not here, and nor will he need to be. I am capable of handling the middle sibling by myself. The question you must ask yourself is. Will Druscilla be willing to bring you back after you cost her the throne in Britain?"
Nebiryau sneers, holding out a palm.
Nebiryau: "Stone of Red!"
Lightning streams out from his palm, striking along Cyan's sword, and washing energies over Cyan's body.
Komar: "You are most generous. My turn."
Cyan slashes at Nebiryau with his sword, sending out a wave of fire at the warrior. Nebiryau blocks with his sword while his Stone of Blue glows. The wave of fire splits in half, shattering into steam.
Komar: "No need to call each stone out loud?"
Nebiryau chuckles, sliding into an offensive fighting stance.
Nebiryau: "I like theatrics."
Nebiryau lunges in with a series of blows intended to open Cyan's belly. He parries each blow, dodging to the side as Nebiryau brings a hand up in a slashing motion while his Stone of Green flashes. The stone wall behind Cyan sizzles and begins melting as streams of acid strike it.
Cyan turns to the side of Nebiryau slashing along his left ribcage with his sword, drawing sparks and a thin line of blood. Nebiryau reacts quickly, backhanding Cyan to knock him nearly ten feet away. Cyan rolls with the blow, getting back to his feet.
Nebiryau sheathes his sword with a laugh.
Nebiryau: "This fight is over."
Cyan narrows his eyes, holding his sword in his hand.
Komar: "This fight is over when I kill you."
Nebiryau rubs his thumb and forefingers together with a smile, a small sphere forming within.
Nebiryau: "I have other things to attend to right now, but I don't want to leave you unhappy. So take this as my parting gift."
Nebiryau tosses the sphere to the floor between him and Cyan, speaking a single word.
Nebiryau: "The creature that killed many of your comrades and your friend. I made one just like him, but boosted up a bit. Enjoy!"
Cyan curses as Nebiryau fades away and the sphere explodes into a giant lizardlike humanoid with lots of teeth and sword-like claws. Cyan grits his teeth.
Komar: "This is for you, Takeda."
The creature looks at Cyan, letting out a tremendous roar that sends spittle out all over the place. It lunges at Cyan with its claws, but Cyan dodges out of the way. The claws gouge out a section of bedrock from the earth. Cyan brings down his sword, but a backhanded parry sends the sword flying out of his grasp.
The monster turns to face the now unarmed Cyan with a growl like laughter.
Komar: "I'm not easy prey still, monster. A legacy of fighting your grotesque creator."
The monster slashes at Cyan, but he dodges the blow, and sends two fingertips of his artificial hand into the soft underside of the monster's jaw.
Komar: "Know my power!"
Electricity arcs throughout the monster's body until the whole thing explodes into fiery ash. Cyan dusts himself off before getting his sword and sheathing it.
Komar: "We will meet again, Nebiryau..."
On the Scramjet to Ethiopia
In the Scramjet, Allen Anderson and Terel Walker sit in luxury chairs. Across a small table sit Sebastian Basurto and Captain Trevor Maathai.
Anderson: "I'm glad you decided to come aboard, Captain Maathai. This show in Ethiopia is bound to be dangerous."
Maathai: "This is a poor country were going to put a show on at with minimal advertising. How are you guys making any profit from this show?"
Walker: "Let me take this one, Allen."
Anderson nods, pouring himself a whiskey on the rocks.
Walker: "This first full event has been fully funded by the United States of America. We make a profit no matter what, and a nice tidy one at that. So tickets are free for the locals along with vouchers for food and such at the stands. We are going there for diplomatic and strategic reasons as well as putting on a free show."
Anderson: "So, Sebastian. You've been handling the recruiting side of things for the roster. What do we have?"
Sebastian hands out folders to everyone at the table which all begin reading.
Anderson: "Tarrasque is still alive? I lost track of him after Rome, five years ago. I figured he died in the fighting."
Basurto: "We found him in what was once Northern Italy. He had been preying on some of the Goblin tribes that had moved into the mountains. He was happy to find himself with regular meals and opponents to fight."
Walker: "Candice Kingston. I'm glad she chose to stay with us."
Anderson: "Clare's loyalty is likely still with you, Terel. She's not wearing the insignia of any of the Three Empire. Just fighting from within the system."
Walker: "True enough. The Order of the Dragon have so much power, I worry sometimes that this might be turned against us."
Anderson: "Only natural. Marty Sandal? Wasn't he just in the Return to London pay-per-view?"
Basurto: "An inside man in the IWA managed to slip a few people out of the company that were being earmarked for possible execution. It's us thumbing our nose at them while gaining what could develop into excellent talents at the same time. We also acquired Frietag, Will York, Terence Jennings, and Elliot Lytle from the same person."
Walker: "A huge win for us then."
Basurto: "Yes, sir."
Anderson: "Dixie Clement and Father Nathan O'Connell? I thought they died when going out to fight Gtuhanai? They vanished a good long time ago! Father Nathan was last seen leading a team from the Vatican and Dixie heard he was found during Penance at Cologne and went to find him!"
Basurto: "I have no records of what happened to them, only a phone call saying that they were ready to side with us and fight for what was right."
Anderson: "Terel? I don't know where you found this man, but that was some amazing work!"
Walker: "Who is Khloe Kapla?"
Basurto: "She's an odd sort. Some kind of tech wizard, but her technology she uses is right out of Steampunk novels?"
Anderson: "Interesting. Boris Drago and Dasha? You recruited Russians to the ASA? Sebastian?"
Basurto: "Not every Russian agrees with the change of the guard performed by Tsar Ionis Miranov. Don't be racist."
Anderson: "I didn't say...what I mean is...fine."
Anderson drains his glass and slams it down to refill it, bouncing some ice from the glass.
Walker: "Plate Gilby? Allen, didn't this one also vanish at Cologne?"
Anderson drains his glass again before opening the folder and frowning.
Anderson: "Gilby and Vale both vanished then, yes. How?"
Basurto: "If I told you all of my secrets, then I wouldn't seem like a miracle worker now would I?"
Anderson chuckles, refilling his drink a third time. This draws a side long glance from Terel, but he says nothing. Out loud anyway.
Walker: "Lyght, the Goblin King?"
Basurto: "I think he's human, but leads a group of unified goblin tribes. Should be interesting as I think he has a variety of supernatural powers."
Walker: "Indeed."
Anderson: "Longbeard and Trainwreck? Who the?"
Basurto: "You wanted brave people. I found you some."
Anderson: "And this one?"
Brasurto: "Brave enough to come to Ethiopia."
Anderson: "Fair enough. This will be a show to remember. Jessica Tendonin ready?"
Walker: "Look outside..."
Anderson looks out through a window on the ScramJet to see Jessica Tendonin flying alongside the uber-fast jet. She waves at Anderson, who raises an eyebrow.
Anderson: "Great. Hopefully these people will be ready to take on someone with a Superman complex...or is it a Supreme complex? I hadn't read comics in so long..."
Walker: "Supreme complex. If it was a Superman Complex, she would have been trying to save everyone. Supreme was on a power level with Superman, but was full of himself."
Anderson: "Right. Captain Maathai? Security?"
Maathai: "As good as we can get it without throwing up red flags to Carthage in the north."
Anderson: "Good. With any luck, we'll have a great show, succeed in our mission, and make it out alive."
Walker: "Fun times. And here I wondered why I never toured like WWI did..."
The four laugh as we fade to black.