Post by Ampersand on Oct 5, 2021 23:37:30 GMT
Guitars ring through the Colosseum, joined by rhythmic clapping and percussion as lights flicker and pulse through the smoke rolling around the top of the ramp where the Gladiators make their entrance.
‘Adorable’ Adam Prince is shown in the ring, blue eyes determined as he practices some chain wrestling with his brother. He isn’t going to take this chance for granted; he’s going to make it count. Striding down the streets of downtown Seattle like a catwalk, Eleni Tolis’ queenly carriage causes those around her to step aside and stare. Smiling to herself beneath a pair of Gucci sunglasses, her fingers tighten around the brass-knuckles shaped handle of her stylish clutch purse. Chiba Suzumiya looks thoughtful, one fingertip running along a sheet printed with the profile photos of the Ascended roster. As she comes to Zephyr Quinn’s picture, her smile widens, eyes glittering.
We flash to Ascended’s Crazy Angel, finding her standing in a back alley at night, behind her the violent chaos of a street fight, a group of onlookers cheering. Zephyr is slowly, methodically, wrapping barbed wire around her hand. As she looks up at the camera, her pale eyes flash and she closes her wire-wrapped hand into a fist. Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston is flicking through an app on her phone looking mildly annoyed, images of people posing and preening for the camera being disregarded one by one. Glancing up at an inspiration board on her wall, she locks eyes with the Ascended Championship belts pinned to the corkboard. Tossing her phone aside, she gets to her feet and cracks her knuckles with a smirk. Flashing to Silvio Leon, we see Ascended’s new World Champion in the ring, running the ropes, flipping off of turnbuckles, practicing his footwork, skin slick with sweat. A title brings expectations with it, and he’s not going to let himself disappoint his roster.
Roy Valentine, smiling in a self-satisfied way, walks through the gardens of his estate, a vision in emerald green with his championship slung over one shoulder. The wind causes the roses, dahlias, and cosmos to bob downward, almost as if they’re bowing to the newly crowned champion. The view pulls away, and as it does, those flowers begin to flicker and brighten until they burst into flames. Amid the conflagration, we see Frater Perdurabo walking as if through a maze of fire. The flames are extinguished into darkness, nothing on the screen until ‘The Pit’ Bill Woods emerges into view as if the shadows were liquid pulling back from his shape. He raises a finger to the ragged maw of his mask as if to hush the viewer before stepping back into the shadow like some underwater monster sinking back into the deep. At last, we come to David O’Toole, his brow furrowed, his expression determined as he walks down the backstage halls of Ascended. Breathing deep and even, focus unbroken, he continues, the camera following his back as he moves toward the Ascended entrance ramp to the ring.
As the camera moves over the crowd, we catch sight of a few signs from the fans.
At the commentary desk are Artemis Direction, Hiro Suzuki, and Del Ramos, who has a mic at the ready.
Del Ramos: Back already, Ascended Army? Seems like your bloodthirst can’t be quenched! I can understand that. We got just the show for you thirsty bitches. With me on commentary tonight is Seattle drag icon Artemis Direction--
Artemis blows a kiss to the camera.
Del Ramos: --And evidence that my sacrifices to the gods of death and hellfire are going unanswered, Hiro Suzuki.
Hiro gives Del a quizzical look.
Hiro Suzuki: How do you know they’re going unanswered?
Del Ramos: You’re still alive with a functioning larynx.
Artemis Direction: I don’t know about you two, but I’m still bathing in the afterglow of our debut Pay-Per-View!
Hiro Suzuki: We crowned our first champions!
Del Ramos: I’m gonna remember that Underworld match for the rest of my life. Quinn and King made all my bleeding dreams come true. I can’t wait to see those two mix it up again. Quinn’s going to be the one to finally knock the Rat off his pedestal, and now she’s got that much more motivation to do it.
Hiro Suzuki: I suppose now we’re going to see the consequences of whatever was in that contract David O’Toole signed when he lost the Emerald City Championship match to Roy Valentine.
Artemis clicks her tongue, brow knit in concern.
Artemis Direction: I really am concerned about that. The details he shared with us were rather unsavory.
Del Ramos: Hey, he’s the one who agreed to it all. Got no one to blame but himself.
Artemis Direction: On a brighter note, my darling child is now the face of the company! He’s got himself quite the match tonight, though. Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston is proving that she walks it like she talks it!
Del Ramos: Her match against Perdurabo showed us she’s not letting anything stand in her way. If Leon’s not careful, he could have Marcus wondering if the belt might fit someone else’s waist a little better.
Hiro Suzuki: That reminds me! I got some new jeans yesterday, but I realized they didn’t fit me around the waist so I went looking for a belt. I couldn’t find one, but then I had a really good idea! I could attach a bunch of watches together to make a belt! But then I realized it would be a waist of time.
The look in Del Ramos’ eyes reads as nothing but pure, homicidal intent.
Artemis Direction: We also have a newcomer, Adam Prince, making his debut against Biff Jerky! We saw his cousin at Ascension and good heavens!
Artemis flutters her lashes while she fans herself.
Artemis Direction: I don’t think we’ve ever seen anyone quite like him before! Let’s see if that kind of talent runs in the family!
Del Ramos: Perdurabo’s gotta be hungry for a little redemption after Ascension.
They grin maliciously.
Del Ramos: Tearing the Emerald City Champion limb from limb’ll be a good start.
Hiro Suzuki: Will he be defending his belt in this match?
Artemis Direction: Not this match, but on our next Collision, we’ll be seeing our very first title defense for the ECC, which is set to be fought for once a month.
Hiro Suzuki: Huh! I wonder who’ll get the first shot?
Artemis Direction: I’m sure Marcus has a few names in mind, but a strong showing here tonight certainly wouldn’t hurt anyone’s chances.
Del Ramos: Our Lady of Broken Glass and Barbed Wire is gonna throw down with our masked cult-leader, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Zephyr’s throwing all caution to the wind and taking the chains off. I get the feeling we’re going to watch our angel take a little walk through Perdition. And Chiba’s a brand of weird I gotta admire. The head games she’s playing are fuckin’ brutal.
Hiro Suzuki: Which brings us to our main event of the evening - The Pit vs. David O’Toole.
Artemis Direction: The Pit’s been on a bloodthirsty tear lately. I don’t envy Davie one little bit.
Del Ramos: With that contract, it makes for a tricky situation.
Hiro Suzuki: How do you figure?
Del Ramos: Valentine’s whole rationale behind offering the contract in the first place was that Davie needed a trainer; someone to guide him. No matter what the outcome of this match is, he’s gonna prove Valentine right. Either he loses, which shows he does need training, or he wins which shows the training is working. Valentine was slick with this.
Artemis sighs, concern creasing her brow.
Artemis Direction: I just hope the poor boy can keep his head above water in all of this.
Hiro Suzuki: Then I guess he’d better focus on the best exercise for swimmers!
Artemis Direction: Oh?
Hiro Suzuki: Pool-ups!
Del Ramos: ...You know, I hadn’t considered drowning as an option… Hey, Hiro, you wanna eat a big meal and have a pool party?
Hiro Suzuki: Do I!
We cut to backstage, a broad, muscular back filling the screen, lumpy and shining in the fluorescent lights of the Colosseum's hallways. It ripples as "Iron Man" Sherah Prince moves his arms and turns his body. The camera zooms out, revealing "Adorable" standing to the right, facing his older, lager cousin.
Sherah Prince: Remember, Jerky has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He's not going to take kindly to how you spoke about him. You can use that to your advantage, though. He's going to come at you hard style, and try to overpower you early.
Adam Prince: So all I need to do is play defense, and wait for my opening.
Sherah Prince: Yeah. You'll probably have to pick away at him, unless me makes a real doozy. Use his size and momentum against him wherever you can. If you can get him frustrated, you can hit him hard with some flippy shit. You don't want to be the one making the mistakes, though.
Adam Prince: Yeah, I'll play a ground game until I know I can recover from faster than him.
Sherah Prince: Atta boy! You got this, Adam. You're going to show everyone out there what you're capable of!
Amelia Winston: Yeah, give 'em Hell!
Amelia Winston walks into the camera shot, dressed to compete herself, a broad smile on her face.
Amelia Winston: Sorry fellas, heard you two and couldn't resist joining in. I'm Amelia, by the way.
She offers her hand to both, Sherah and then Adam, shaking with each before continuing, addressing Adam first.
Amelia Winston: Good luck tonight. Like he said, you've got this, you're more than capable of handling Biff.
She then glances up to Sherah, unable to keep from grinning a little.
Amelia Winston: And congrats on that win at the pay-per-view; big moment for a debut, you didn't disappoint.
Sherah looks down, smiling, and rubs the back of his head.
Sherah Prince: Oh, geez, thanks. You know, you put on quite the show out there yourself.
Adam Prince: Yeah, thanks a lot!
Adam nudges Sherah with his elbow.
Adam Prince: Say, the big guy and I have to get going for my match. But if you're not busy later, you should come find us!
Amelia Winston: Maybe I will, we'll see how I'm feeling after my match. Good luck!
Adam smiles a friendly smile at Amelia and nods before walking out of frame to the right. Sherah lingers for a moment longer before following. Amelia's gaze lingers on Sherah for a long moment as she watches the pair walk away, smiling to herself before the camera cuts away.
Kevin Kim: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with no time limit. Introducing to the ring, from Prima Porta, Italy and weighing in at 206lbs, accompanied by ‘Beautiful’ Bo Fletcher and ‘Iron Man’ Sherah Prince. He is ‘Adorable’ ADAM PRINCE!
"Warriors" by Aaliyah Rose begins to play over the PA system and yellow lights strobe and pulse to the beat as the Princes of Power, "Adorable" Adam and "Iron Man" Sherah Prince, and their manager, "Beautiful" Bo Fletcher, step out onto the stage. Adam bounces and dances to the music for a moment, showboating for the crowd, before the trio make their way down the aisle. Upon reaching the ring, Sherah climbs the stairs and continues up the outside of the turnbuckles while Adam slides into the ring and ascends the ropes on the opposite side. The two of them look out over the audience, pointing at the fans and pumping their fists in the air.
Artemis Direction: I just adore the attitude this trio has!
Del Ramos: Relentlessly positive and a little bit queer?
Artemis Direction: Exactly! It’s perfect!
Kevin Kim: And already in the ring, his opponent, BIFF JERKY!
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, speaking of jerky, know what you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk!
Referee Godric Smith does a quick preliminary check of the two competitors, then finding nothing awry signals for the starting bell. Adam motions Biff to come at him and the two competitors come to a silent understanding. They both charge against the ropes, bouncing back to build up speed, set for a head-on collision. Biff lunges forward for a shoulder block but Adam deftly leaps over his opponent! Adam maintains his forward momentum by bouncing off the ring ropes again and catches Biff Jerky unawares with a jumping forearm smash. Biff is knocked flat off his feet and Adam kips up back onto his feet as a show of his superior speed and agility. He motions to the crowd and to his entourage at ringside, and is met with uproarious cheers!
Artemis Direction: What an athlete!
Del Ramos: Both of these guys - Adam and Sherah - know how to make things work in the ring with the tools they got.
Hiro Suzuki: All the same, I kind of got the vibe from his promo that Adam feels as if he’s still finding who he is as a wrestler.
Artemis Direction: Well, I’d say he’s definitely figured out part of the equation with a performance like this!
‘Adorable’ Adam Prince climbs out onto the apron and motions his intent to take to the air. He watches and waits as Biff climbs to his feet. Adam leaps, springboarding off the top ring rope, coming down upon his opponent with a flying crossbody! Biff catches the Adorable Adam, staggering back a few steps but ultimately using his greater strength to remain standing and keeping a hold of Prince. Biff connects with a rib breaker then slams Adam Prince bodily to the mat with a scoop slam. With a hook of the leg, Biff goes for a pin.
One!
Two!
Adam kicks out!
Del Ramos: High risk, high reward. Prince better be careful not to get too cocky.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, what do you call an airplane crossed with a snake?
Del Ramos: If the earth beneath us opens its gaping maw and swallows us all into a well of molten rock before you open your fucking mouth again, I’ll consider it a win.
Hiro Suzuki: A Boeing Constrictor!
Scowling, Del proceeds to stomp the ground with one foot.
Del Ramos: I! ASKED! FOR! ONE! FUCKING! THING!
Before Biff can form any response Adam rolls forward, evading his opponent’s clutches. Adam is quickly back on his feet and catches Biff by surprise with a jawbreaker.
Artemis Direction: Looks like Adam’s quick to recover and adapt!
Biff stumbles back into the corner. He tries to recover but is rocked back by a powerful shotgun dropkick, courtesy of ‘Adorable’ Adam Prince! Prince lets Biff just crumple to the floor. Adam climbs the top of the turnbuckle and takes to the air once again, gracefully coming down upon Biff with a flying elbow drop to the back. It takes the Adorable One a moment to recover from the impact, but the better off of the two he is able to pounce on the downed Biff Jerky, locking in the Honourbound submission! With nowhere to go, Biff Jerky has no option but to tap!
Kevin Kim: Your winner via submission, ‘Adorable’ ADAM PRINCE!
Bo and Sherah are quick to converge into the ring with Adam, Sherah hoisting his cousin up onto his shoulders.
Artemis Direction: You see? Absolutely lovely! Oh, I cannot wait to see what else these gentlemen have to show us.
Hiro Suzuki: We’ve had some really spectacular debuts recently!
Artemis Direction: Haven’t we just? And we’re about to get another one!
Hiro Suzuki: Eleni Tollis!
Del Ramos: Oh, fuck, I hear she’s a supermodel or something. Goddamn that shit is metal as Hell.
Hiro looks baffled.
Hiro Suzuki: What, modeling?
Del gives Hiro a look like he’d just pranced up to her in a cartoon mascot suit and offered to be her ‘fwend foevah,’ with a teddy bear bouquet.
Del Ramos: Yeah, Suzuki. Modeling. Think about it for half a fucking second! You got all these bitches that are nothing but angles - cheekbones that could fucking cut diamonds. Then these pointy goddamn murder nymphs starve and pose and bleed - let themselves get sewn up into clothes - and people talk about how they’d kill to have their bones and their faces and their skulls! It’s brutality at its finest!
Artemis Direction: Oh, don’t even get this queen started, hunty. Drag shows take it to a whole other level.
Kevin Kim: This contest is scheduled for one fall, with no time limit! Already in the ring with me is Buck Fruckster! And making their way to the ring, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 115lbs. accompanied by Carl Ross, ELENI TOLIS!
Lights go out as the lyrics, 'I'm hell on heels.... I'm hell on heels, baby I'm comin' for you,' come over the sound system. Eleni, dressed in pink gear trimmed in black and a fashion robe, stands on the entrance ramp with her fingers in a heart shape symbol. As she breaks the heart, she spins around with smirk on her face and puts up a, 'Talk to hand,' to the fans. Some try to take pictures as she walks to the ring, but Eleni blocks their cameras, telling them, 'you can't afford it.' She walks up the ring steps, entering under the middle rope. Standing in the middle of the ring, she unties her robe before slowly dropping it to the canvas and blowing a kiss.
Artemis looks delighted.
Artemis Direction: Some superstar realness from Miss Tolis! Yes, darling, walk!
The bell is rung to commence the match and Eleni surprises everyone by challenging Buck to a test of strength. He shrugs his shoulders and accepts, closing into a grapple with the Hell in Heels. She doesn’t give him the chance, swiftly striking with a thumb straight to the eye. Referee Jill Kincaid admonishes Eleni who plays coy, shrugging shoulders and swearing it was an accident. She didn’t mean to. Eleni comes off with a warning then grabs Buck’s face, drawing him in close, until they are nose to nose. She purses her lips. Buck scrunches his face in confusion, shocked.
Artemis Direction: What is this? A first date or a wrestling match?
Hiro Suzuki: Tinder strikes again!
Eleni shoves Buck away by the face and he snaps back to reality, charging forward! Eleni Tolis sidesteps and locks Fruckster into an abdominal stretch. With a sly grin she drives a thumb in between his ribs as well. Eleni has her back to the referee, who is unable to catch the Hell in Heels in the act! Buck uses his size and power advantage to throw Eleni to the mat with a hip toss. Eleni pouts, sensually giving the point of impact a soft rub, once again confusing and stunning her opponent.
Del Ramos: Fuck’s sake, Fruckster!
Hiro Suzuki: Try saying that three times fast!
Artemis Direction: Eleni certainly knows how to use her sensuality to her advantage in the ring!
Del Ramos: Hey, if it works, it works.
Eleni punishes Buck for his inaction slapping him across the face. It takes Buck a moment to fully realise what just happened and he charges at the young woman! Eleni turns his momentum against him and musters up all the strength she can to lift up Buck and drop him neck first onto the top ring rope, completing her Selfie! Eleni blows a kiss to the crowd, disappointing her manager who wanted it directed at him, and shifting her gear to expose her right knee brace. She kicks Buck in the back of the knee to keep him downed and then unashamedly sending her knee brace into Buck’s face with a jumping knee brace. The cover follows shortly after!
Del Ramos: The aptly named Greek Tragedy. With all those antics, that’s what this match turned out to be. A tragedy. For Fruckster’s face, specifically.
One!
Two!
Three!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, Hell on Heels, ELENI TOLIS!
Artemis Direction: Well that was certainly something, darlings! I love seeing a fighter with some flare in their presentation!
Hiro Suzuki: Speaking of presentations, I hear we have some news about a segment debuting soon on Collision!
“Gave You Everything” by The Interrupters hits the airwaves and the Ascended Universe pops for the one and only Belle Silva! Her usual blonde hair is gone and replaced by silver-gray locks reaching down to her waist. She’s wearing her brightest of smiles to match a sequined top with a plain black skirt. Taking a microphone from a nearby stagehand, Belle gets into the ring using the stairs and takes center stage, her smile dazzling those in the front rows.
Belle Silva: Ascended Army! What’s going on?!
The fans cheer appropriately as Belle continues.
Belle Silva: We’ve seen a lot in just six episodes of Collision, plus a pay-per-view. New champions, new stories to be told, and an ever-growing roster that expands on almost a weekly basis! With all that in mind I’d like to formally announce that starting on our next episode of Collision, I will be starting my own show, “Beyond the Bell!”
The fans pop as Belle smiles, motioning for them to get louder.
Belle Silva: I know! Exciting news! In the coming weeks leading to Collision number seven, I’d like to hear from YOU Ascended Army! Write in and let me know who should be my very first guest as a new era of Beyond the Bell starts! I can’t wait and I’ll see you all again then!
With that “Gave You Everything” picks back up as Belle smiles and waves, getting out of the ring and walking back up the ramp.
Artemis Direction: How thrilling! A chance to really get to know the members of the roster!
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: I bet those fuckers have plenty of skeletons in their closets.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, why do skeletons make great comedians?
Del Ramos: I don’t know, but maybe we should strip off all your flesh to find the answer.
Hiro Suzuki: Because they’re so humerus!
Kevin Kim: Our following contest is scheduled for one fall! Now entering the ring from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, weighing in at 219 pounds, accompanied tonight by Anastasia Keller: your Emerald City Champion, ROY VALENTINE!
Heavy operatic guitar blares through the stadium. The screen follows a trail of twisting, thorny vines as they wind over a pitch-black floor towards the foot of a marble throne. As the thorns begin to engulf the stone, the camera rises to reveal Roy Valentine lying sideways across the marble seat, legs pitched over its arm. The plants trace a deferential space around Valentine, but utterly consume every inch of bare throne. When the vines finally stop twisting, Valentine snaps his fingers, and the all-encompassing wall of green bursts into bloom, emerald and silver roses spelling out the name, “ROY VALENTINE”.
Hiro Suzuki: Y’know, I get presence and all, but I think Valentine’s entrance is a little, uh...much sometimes.
Artemis Direction: When you can live in excess, always do, darling.
Valentine then makes his entrance in the flesh, strutting on stage under a shower of viridian petals. The Emerald City Championship belt glitters at his waist. Alongside him stalks his steel wall of an assistant, Anastasia Keller, metal clipboard in hand. Valentine holds a snow-white rose at his heart, which he tosses into the crowd on his way to the ring, all the while blowing kisses to the adoring--or, more likely, disgusted--Ascended Army.
When Valentine reaches the ring, the house lights dim.
Del Ramos: Ffffuck yes!
The unrelenting introduction of "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe" is accompanied by strobes flashing in time with the drums as Frater Perdurabo emerges onto the stage.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent, from Cefalù, Sicily, weighing in at 336 pounds, he is ‘Necesse Malum,’ FRATER PERDURABO!
Frater wastes no time heading down the ramp and stops once he reaches ringside. He reaches up, takes hold of the ropes, hauls his frame up onto the apron, then climbs over the top rope. Once in the ring, Frater heads to the opposite end and paces back and forth between the corners as the building's lighting returns to normal.
Del Ramos: C’MON, FRATER! RIP HIM APART!
Frater and Valentine immediately lock up in the middle of the ring. Their struggle seems equally matched at first--every inch of ground Frater gains on his opponent, Valentine recaptures a moment later. But Valentine has neither Frater’s endurance nor his weight advantage. With each passing second, it’s clear that Valentine is losing the battle as Frater forces him, step by agonizing step, towards his ringpost.
Artemis Direction: Valentine’s in trouble here!
Then, just before Valentine hits the corner, he ducks down and pulls Frater back! Surprised by the sudden shift, Frater slams face-first into the top turnbuckle! As Frater staggers back, Valentine crawls out from his opponent’s shadow and drags Frater by his arm back to center-ring, whips him into the ropes, and uses Frater’s own momentum to flip the huge man over his shoulder in a back body drop! Valentine poses over his prone opponent, flourishing to the crowd with a hand on his hip while backing towards the ropes.
Del laughs lowly.
Del Ramos: Oh, Perdurabo’s gonna make him pay for that.
Frater is incensed. In a flurry of rage, he stomps to his feet and rushes at Valentine. But the Royal Rose is ever wary and scurries away, sliding from the ring--at which point he spins and challenges Frater to join him. With a laugh, Frater clambers through the ropes after Valentine. As Frater leaps to the ground, Valentine surges forward, and the instant Frater’s boots hit the rubber mat Valentine hits him square in the chest with a vicious backhand chop--that leaves Frater more surprised than injured! Valentine follows with another chop… And again, Frater finds the Emerald City Champion lacking! He looms over his opponent while Valentine’s eyes go wide in terror!
Del Ramos: YOU DON’T CHALLENGE A MONSTER TO A FIGHT IN ITS OWN LAIR, DUMBASS! AHAHAHA OHHH YOU’RE GONNA HAVE SO MANY BRUISED ORGANS!
Valentine dusts off Frater’s chest, then backs away with a smile and open palms raised in innocent protest. But Frater is bigger, faster, and stronger--he yanks Valentine back by the wrist, grabs his shoulder, and slams Valentine’s head against the apron! Before Valentine can recover, Frater scoops him into a ball. Valentine is curled with his feet in the air, head pointed toward the ground. Then Frater tenses, hops up--and Valentine’s head crashes against the rubber as Frater lands flat on his rear!
Hiro and Artemis cry out in sympathetic pain while Del climbs onto the commentary table, laughing maniacally, eyes alive with delight.
Frater throws the stunned Valentine into the ring and rolls him up in a pin!
One!
Two!
Th-
Valentine kicks out!
Standing over the other two commentators, Del howls with bloodthirsty glee.
Artemis Direction: Talk about the skin of your teeth!
Hiro Suzuki: Oh, that reminds me! What did the dentist say to the golfer?
Artemis Direction: I don’t know, sweetling, what?
Hiro Suzuki: You got a hole in one! OW! Hey--! Ow, Del! You’re stepping on my hand!
Del Ramos: Yeah, I know.
Frater’s chest heaves with exertion, but he keeps up his assault. Hoisting Valentine upright by his hair, Frater performs a perfect Irish Whip. Valentine flies into the ropes as Frater rushes to rebound against the opposite side of the ring. But Valentine is somehow lucid and, as he hits the edge of the ring, grasps the top rope and rides it! He twists midair and stands on the apron, staring at his opponent. Frater continues his charge, grinning, and at the last second brings his boot up to knock Valentine down! Suddenly, Valentine leaps to the side and Frater ends up tangled among the ropes! As Frater struggles to escape, Valentine slides back into the ring, grabs Frater’s waist, and throws him backward in a release german suplex!
Del Ramos: HA! Clever fucker!
Artemis Direction: He certainly can be crafty when he puts his mind to it!
Both fighters rise, huffing in pain, fury clear in their eyes. Valentine drops into his tiger stance, but exhaustion has taken its toll, and he shakes on unsteady feet. Frater, likewise winded, manages to thunder towards Valentine and wind up a wild punch. Valentine, too unsteady to dodge, staggers as he eats Frater's strike full on his chest--but quickly retaliates with an uppercut that resounds through the arena and sends Frater reeling. The duo lock up again, and the battle degrades into a vicious brawl as Frater and Valentine knock each other around the ring with weary, but wicked, strikes.
Del Ramos: Fuck yes! People can call me crazy, but I wanna see Valentine in an Underworld rules match! I think this guy could be fukken wild if you let him off the leash!
In an act of final desperation, Valentine grabs the sides of Frater’s head and leans backward, readying a headbutt! He’s too slow--Frater realizes what Valentine’s trying to do, and as Valentine’s forehead whips forward, Frater’s face meets him halfway!
All three commentators let out a sharp cry of sympathy. Hiro scratches at his ears as if to claw the memory of the sound out.
Artemis Direction: The EMTs had better be on their way right now!
The two fall limply to the mat. Referee Jill Kincaid takes a moment to confirm that both fighters are incapacitated and begins a countout!
Hiro Suzuki: Auugh I can’t watch!
Neither Frater nor Valentine so much as twitch during Jill’s entire count!
Del Ramos: Oh, I don’t think either of them is getting up after that one.
… EIGHT! NINE! TEN!
Kevin Kim: Ladies, gentlemen, and gentlethems, we have a DRAW!
The crowd murmurs, cheers, and jeers all at once while Ernest Conagher and his medical staff escort the fighters out of the ring and the arena is prepared for the next match.
Artemis shakes her head, hands fluttering at her neckline.
Artemis Direction: Goodness gracious that was not a pretty ending!
Hiro cringes.
Hiro Suzuki: Seriously! Gahhh I can’t stop hearing it!
Del Ramos: Welcome to my world after one of your stand-up routines.
Artemis Direction: Well, Ascended Army, we get to see another of our newly crowned champions in action tonight! Silvio Leon will be facing off against Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston!
Hiro Suzuki: This is gonna be quite a sight. They’re both high-flyers who rely on speed and finesse more than brute strength.
Del Ramos: All those high-flying moves leave a lotta room for error. One wrong twitch and you’re gonna eat canvas if you’re fuckin’ lucky.
Artemis Direction: They’ve both proven themselves skilled competitors and they’re each positively radiating ambition!
Del Ramos: Leon’s gonna have to defend sooner rather than later. Who do you think his first challenger is going to be?
Hiro Suzuki: Good question! He says he wants to highlight people who’ve never held gold before; give them a chance to show their stuff.
Artemis Direction: I imagine that’s part of why this match is happening. Amelia has impressed with her debut and her PPV victory. She has the right attitude to be champion, and she’s been up front about her goals. Seems like that go-getter attitude has been noticed. It’s going to take a lot to stop this fighter.
Kevin Kim: The following match is set for one fall! Introducing first!
The lights dim, strobing along with the intro of "Black Sheep", Amelia standing at the top of the entrance ramp, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet. The first verse hits and the lights come up brighter, still strobing a bit with the tune as she makes her way down to the ring, a bit of strut in her march. She sprints the last few yards, diving in under the bottom rope and rolling to her feet, climbing onto the ropes to cut a pose for the hard camera as the lights come back to full normal before jumping down from the ropes, ready for her bout.
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Belleville, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 157 lbs, she is AMELIA “WILDHEART” WINSTON!
Hiro Suzuki: Wildheart doesn’t seem the type to let opportunity pass her by. She’s going to be taking full advantage here.
Kevin Kim: And her opponent!
The lights in the Colosseum go out, the big screen displaying a black and white image of a Ouija board lit by candles and surrounded by scattered tarot cards and raw crystals. A planchette's point moves of its own volition across the name, ‘Silvio Leon’ written in the classic Ouija font as the opening solo of ‘Superstition,’ by Kyle Primus goes careening around the arena. The entrance is bathed in blacklight, a figure moving through it to stand at the top of the ramp, lifting their hands in front of their face to create the shape of a planchette.
Kevin Kim: Now entering the ring from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at 195 pounds, he is your Ascended World Champion, the 'Mystifying Oracle,' SILVIO LEON!
At the top of the ramp, Silvio throws down his hands, a pair of white pyros going off on either side of him as the house lights come back up. He wears his title around his waist and, making his way to the ring, he interacts heavily with the fans, giving them high fives, fist bumps, and taking selfies as he progresses. He does an acrobatic little flip over the top rope before landing on the canvas. Striding over to a turnbuckle on the opposite side of the ring as Amelia, he grins, gesturing to his belt before flicking his fingers toward himself as if saying, ‘You want it? Come and get it.’
Amelia grins in return, watching as the World Title is handed off to a ringside aid. The pair cross the ring to the center, where Wildheart extends a hand to the Oracle, who shakes it with a smile. A mischievous glint in his eye, he lifts her hand, spinning her under his arm before dipping her, only to have Amelia roll her eyes with a grin, righting them both, reversing the spin, and dipping her opponent in return. Silvio gives an exaggerated swoon, hand fluttering to his forehead before Amelia drops him to the canvas, both of them laughing. Kipping up, he gives her a fist bump as the bell rings.
The jovial nature of the time before the bell is promptly forgotten as both competitors lock up! They test each other’s strength, the match fairly even between them. As they each strain and press the other for advantage, Silvio slowly begins to take control, catching Amelia off her balance and sending her whipping into the ropes! As she comes flying back, the Oracle hits her with a standing dropkick, taking her to the mat! As she writhes in pain, Silvio gets to his feet again to go for a standing corkscrew moonsault, only for Amelia to roll to safety just in the nick of time!
Del Ramos: See?! What did I tell ya! Fukken brutal repercussions!
As her opponent takes his own turn to think about the consequences of his actions whilst writhing on the canvas, Amelia hops over the nearest top rope onto the apron before executing an impressive slingshot senton! Leon groans as Amelia begins to rise from the move, catching hold of his shoulder and hauling him up with her. As he starts to regain his footing, she hits him hard with a few Muay Thai style knee strikes! Sticking close, she grabs his arm, and executes a a Moneymaker before going for the pin!
One!
Two!
Kick-out from Leon!
Artemis Direction: That was close!
Del Ramos: I think he’s going to show us why that title win wasn’t a fluke.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, speaking of flukes, what do polite whales say?
Del Ramos: You know that drowning idea just keeps coming back to the forefront of my thoughts.
Hiro Suzuki: You’re whale-come!
The Ascended Army is on its feet, chanting the names of each fighter as they rise from the mat. Silvio is grinning, rolling his shoulders and starting to circle Amelia, who looks every bit as eager! Leon goes for a superkick that Amelia bends backwards to avoid in a Matrix, doing a handstand before flipping back onto her feet. The Oracle doesn’t let off the pressure, following up with a jumping enzuigiri that hits its mark! As Amelia falls dazed back onto the canvas, Silvio points to the nearest turnbuckle, the audience at a fever pitch as he ascends to the top and comes back down to deliver a bone-jarring jolt of electric velocity.
Hiro Suzuki: The Color Out of Space!
Leon goes for the pin, Godric Smith sliding in for the count!
One!
Two!
Three!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, your Ascended Wrestling World Champion and ‘Mystifying Oracle,’ SILVIO LEON!
Godric raises Silvio’s hand as he gets to his feet, breathing ragged, smile a mile wide. As Amelia rises to her feet, he takes her hand, raising it and pointing to her with his free one. The crowd cheers and as Silvio gives Amelia one last fist bump, he motions for a mic.
Silvio Leon: Winston, you are one tenacious competitor. Don’t think this is done between us - I’m going to see you in the ring again. Ascended Army I am honored to be your first World Champion and I want to let you know I am going to make good on my promise to highlight the talent in this roster and give extraordinary fighters who have been overlooked and under-valued a chance. I believe every member of our roster is worthy of gold; every single one a champion in the making.
The crowd voices its agreement, chants of, ‘A-SCEN-DED! A-SCEN-DED!’ thunderous in the Colosseum.
Silvio Leon: That in mind, there’s somebody in the locker room who’s been working their ass off since they set foot here. They’ve been putting in the hours and it shows in their record. This is their first foray into the business and they are killin’ it! Not only that, but they walked off a continent to make their dream come true. Sounds like somebody with the right attitude and work ethic to be a champ. Sounds like somebody hungry and fired up enough to set this city ablaze. Sounds like somebody I can’t wait to get into the ring with. So…
He turns and grins at the camera, taking the World title and hefting it over one shoulder. He rests one foot on the bottom rope, leaning over the top and patting the belt with one hand.
Silvio Leon: ...What are you up to lately, Kyle? Got any room on your dance card for your Mystifying Oracle?
The Ascended Army erupts, and Artemis lets out an intrigued little hum.
Artemis Direction: That would be quite the coup, wouldn’t it?
Del Ramos: Beckett’s been looking to make a name for himself out here in the States; fighting for his own legacy. Earning a title so soon after his debut would be a helluva prestigious accomplishment.
Hiro Suzuki: Don’t underestimate Silvio. He’s a champ for a reason, after all.
Artemis Direction: Too true. Speaking of title-caliber talent, our next match is going to be an interesting one.
Del grins broadly.
Del Ramos: Whenever Quinn’s in the ring, I’m a happy bitch. You can always count on her to bring the pain. And Suzumiya’s no slouch, either.
Hiro squirms a little.
Hiro Suzuki: I dunno how I feel about this whole ‘cult’ thing she’s peddling. Do you think it’s real or do you think she’s just saying that to get under her opponents’ skin?
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: I dunno, Suzuki, why don’t you ask her?
Hiro shakes his head looking a bit spooked.
Hiro Suzuki: Cults creep me out!
Nudging him with an elbow, Del continues to needle at the comedian.
Del Ramos: Aw, c’mon, she’s so cute, though!
Hiro Suzuki: That just makes it creepier!
Kevin Kim: The following match is set for one fall! Introducing first!
The whole arena's lights go out as Le chant de Roma gradually grows in volume. Purple lights gradually light up the arena. Chiba appears with outstretched arms before slowly looking up at the ring with determined eyes. She put her hands down and walks straight for the ring, ignoring the audience. She climbs into the ring and mounts a turnbuckle, throwing her arms out wide. Confidence is clear upon her face.
Kevin Kim: Making their way to the ring, weighing in 99lbs, from Tokyo, Japan, she is CHIBA SUZUMIYA!
Artemis Direction: From the promo she dropped, it sounds like Suzumiya may be more interested in recruiting Zephyr than defeating her.
Del Ramos: Quinn did just break up with her girlfriend. She’s in a vulnerable place; might be just the right time for some cult to swoop in and take advantage.
Kevin Kim: And her opponent! From Parts Unknown, she is ‘The Crazy Angel,’ ZEPHYR QUINN!
"Send Me An Angel," rings out as the fans in attendance pop. Zephyr Quinn comes out to the stage, violence embodied in a woman. A look of pure confidence crosses over Zephyr's face as she strolls to the ring. She hops up lightly onto the apron and poses in the center as the music fades.
Artemis Direction: Zephyr means business tonight!
Del Ramos: Oh, these two are going to leave each other bloody gelatin molds with bones and eyeballs suspended in them. I can’t fuckin’ wait.
Zephyr wastes absolutely no time, coming at Chiba with boots, knees, and boxing strikes, forcing her smaller opponent into the nearest turnbuckle before finishing up with a headbutt! A dazed Suzumiya hangs off the top ropes by her arms, slumped against the turnbuckles. Zephyr takes a few steps back, going for a splash, but gets denied as Chiba drops to the floor and slips onto the outside mats under the bottom rope! Quinn slams hard into the turnbuckle! Suzumiya climbs swiftly back into the ring, and as Zephyr tries to reorient herself, Chiba takes the opportunity to hit her with a handspring Pele kick that sends her opponent to the mat! Suzumiya goes for the pin!
One!
Tw--
Kickout from Quinn!
Artemis Direction: Goodness me, Zephyr is so aggressive!
Del Ramos: What do you expect? I figure she’s got plenty of frustration to take out, and she’s got a willing target. Just gotta remember that the target can fight back.
Surging to her feet with a growl, Zephyr catches hold of Chiba’s arms, twisting her around and laying her out with a vicious Get Rec’d that almost sends her smaller opponent skidding out of the ring! Stalking her prey, she drags Suzumiya up to power bomb her, but Chiba writhes and twists until she’s straddling Zephyr’s shoulders, legs locked around her neck as she lays out a few punches to the top of Quinn’s head! Sliding to land on the mat behind her opponent, Suzumiya goes for a roundhouse kick, but finds her foot caught in Zephyr’s hand, the taller woman’s blue eyes ablaze. She throws Suzumiya’s foot down hard, the smaller fighter off balance as Zephyr follows up with The Boom, Bewm, Bang! Chiba hits the mat and Quinn goes for the pin!
One!
Two!
Kick out from Suzumiya!
Hiro Suzuki: What did the foot say when it met its father’s brother for the first time?
Del Ramos: By Satan’s beard--
Hiro Suzuki: Pleased to meet you, ankle!
Both women rise to their feet at once and neither hesitates, even as their bodies are clearly protesting, moving through the pain. Chiba goes for a Last Call that finds its target, Zephyr’s head snapping back as it connects with her chin! As Quinn staggers, Suzumiya climbs the nearest turnbuckle, going for Into the Darkness! Seemingly by instinct, Zephyr catches her opponent, using her momentum to swing her down to the canvas and send her hurtling into the ropes! As Chiba comes back, Zephyr hits her with The Craziest Thing, following up the ripcord STO with a running curbstomp as Suzumiya tries to recover! Her opponent down, Zephyr goes for the pin!
One!
Two!
Three!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, the ‘Crazy Angel,’ ZEPHYR QUINN!
As Zephyr’s hand is raised in victory and the Ascended Army celebrates with her, the house lights flicker and dim.
Artemis Direction: What on Earth..?
Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" fills the air as all eyes turn to the massive screen above the entrance ramp. A plane flies by followed by an eerie voice taking place of the music…
“At Collision number 7 the Ascended ARMY will be taking a trip to MiAtlantis! Come see the sights, sounds, and soon-to-be shared memories of one of THE most… Enigmatic places you will ever experience!”
The music airs again. As the plane on the screen makes a second pass, the same voice once again is heard, quieter than before.
“Participation is necessary. No refunds.”
Hiro looks wan.
Hiro Suzuki: Well that was creepy as all get out.
The look on Zephyr’s face is unreadable, her pale eyes locked on the images on the big screen.
Artemis Direction: Whatever it was seems to have struck a nerve with Quinn…
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: Good. I want her to stay good and pissed off. This new, angry, Belle-free Zephyr’s got all kinds of potential I don’t think we’ve seen the extent of yet.
Artemis Direction: That brings us to our main event of the night, Ascended Army!
Hiro Suzuki: Will the Sidewinder finally get his second win at Ascended?
Del Ramos: It’ll be interesting to see the fall out either way. Valentine’s got the kid by the short hairs and we probably haven’t even scratched the surface of how that contract is gonna manifest in O’Toole’s time here.
Artemis Direction: Let’s just hope the boy has the wits to get himself out of this predicament he’s gotten himself into in the first place. In the meantime, this match is going to be a fascinating study in contrast.
Hiro Suzuki: Each fighter is distinct and completely different from the other.
Del Ramos: Don’t be so sure. O’Toole’s got a vicious side all his own.
Kevin Kim: Our main event tonight is a singles contest scheduled for one fall. Entering the ring first, from Houston, Texas weighing in at 267lbs, he is Bill Woods, THE PIT!
The lights go out in the arena as "Sail" by Jack Trammell begins playing over the PA system. A single strobe light shines down as Bill Woods is raised from a platform below the entrance stage to the entrance ramp. Bill stands at the top of the entrance ramp in his wrestling gear, his head lowered, a large towel covering his face. Bill's left-hand fidgets and twitches nervously, and in his right hand, he's holding a nightmarish mask. He appears to be talking to himself, and several times his left-hand flashes upward and he hits himself in the face, nearly knocking the towel off each time.
Hiro Suzuki: Can we get...like an oven mitt or something that might soften those blows a little?
As "Sail" reaches the forty-second mark and the bass drops, Bill dramatically flings the towel off of his head and puts on his mask, screaming at the top of his lungs to herald the arrival of "The Pit". Bill runs to the ring maniacally, and runs the ropes like he's possessed. His movements become jerky and unpredictable.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent!
As the dramatic string introduction of ‘I’m Shipping Up to Boston,’ by Dropkick Murphys kicks in, the lights around the Titan-tron pulse green and gold in time with the beat. The screen shows an overhead view of an industrial district, hanging in mid-air for a moment before diving down to the alleys below to show gritty images of hands being taped up, quick footwork of fighters wearing work boots instead of ring boots, and blood spattering against brick walls.
Kevin Kim: From Astoria, Oregon, weighing in at 190 pounds, they call him the Sidewinder, DAVID O’TOOLE!
Dressed in plain black ring pants without design or decor, black ring boots, and an army green hoodie, David O’Toole steps out of the entrance, pausing for a moment at the top of the ramp before making his way to the ring, his steps purposeful. As O’Toole reaches the ring, The Pit beckons him, and holds the ropes open for him. David pauses, locking eyes with his opponent. Quickly he pulls off his hoodie and tosses it aside, never moving his head or looking away. Then, with only a moment’s hesitation, O’Toole climbs up and steps in through The Pit’s opening. The two make some space, still staring each other down, shifting their weight in anticipation—The Pit twitchy and feral, the Sidewinder smooth as his nick-namesake.
Hiro Suzuki: There is something seriously wrong with The Pit.
Del Ramos: I know, and thank Satan Marcus cares more about entertainment than anything else so we get to see this.
The Pit charges forward, lunging to grab at O’Toole, but David hits the deck to duck and roll out of the way. He’s quicker to get back to his feet than The Pit is to turn around, so O’Toole darts alongside him, and in a flurry pulls him down and back in a Russian leg sweep! But The Pit holds tight to David’s arm! He hauls David around and on top of him, and he wrenches the both of them upright—The Pit is sitting up, but O’Toole has to arch his back so he doesn’t snap in half at the waist. And with unsettling ease, as The Pit rises he flings the Sidewinder up and around to slam him down to the canvas. He doesn’t relent—he scoops up David as O’Toole is still airborne from bouncing off the ground, and The Pit stands to sidewalk slam him back down! He goes for the cover!
Hiro yelps, Artemis gasps, and Del revels.
One!
Two!
Th– no!
O’Toole just barely gets a shoulder up, and gives himself enough of an opening to squirm out as The Pit is obliged to relent.
Hiro Suzuki: O’Toole’s tenacity saving him there!
Del Ramos: Say what you want about him, the kid’s tough as a coffin nail.
The Pit makes to grab him again, but David lands a decisive cross-hook-cross combination in his chest, buying him time to get to his feet and make some space. As The Pit recovers he glares across the ring at O’Toole—O’Toole looks slightly winded, but his even resolve remains, with no fear in sight. The Pit lunges with a snarl, but David sidesteps him easily, and quickly dodges the next snatch. The Pit is relentless, coming at David with all his feral and chaotic strength, but David keeps weaving dizzying whirligig circles just out of his reach, pinballing them both all over the ring.
Artemis Direction: Goodness I’m getting vertigo just watching this match!
Hiro Suzuki: Do you know what a windmill’s favorite kind of music is?
Artemis Direction: No, dearest, what?
Hiro Suzuki: Well, I hear they’re huge metal fans!
Del Ramos: ...Oh, that fuckin’ does it, where is my calendar we are scheduling a fight in the nearest Denny’s parking lot.
Finally O’Toole finds an opening, and he leaps to deliver a stunning enzuigiri! The Pit staggers—but as O’Toole comes in for a lariat, he throws out his shoulder, and sends the Sidewinder sprawling on his back. With a wicked grin he hauls David back to his feet and hurls him into the ropes—and on the rebound he crouches and explodes up to flip O’Toole over into a backdrop. But in the air O’Toole curls tighter, and instead of landing flat on his back he tucks into a shoulder roll, and he goes rolling to one side and back upright!
Artemis Direction: O’Toole has shown time and again he excels at using the momentum of his opponents to his favor.
Del Ramos: Is Saturday good for you?
Hiro Suzuki: Wait, don’t you have a pottery class on the weekends?
Del sighs, rolling her eyes and putting away her phone.
Del Ramos: ...I don’t want to kick your ass enough to reveal any more to you about my personal life outside of this place.
Hiro Suzuki: Oh, come on!
The Pit whips around, breathing heavily and eyes ablaze, livid that this creature won’t stay down. But as David hops to his feet a shadow crosses his face—with half a moment’s hesitation, he stands up straight and holds out his arms, clearly inviting The Pit to strike. There’s no bombast or pretension in the gesture, but this is the first time that David’s resolve has flickered into something close to fear.
Del Ramos: What the fuck is the kid doing?!
Hiro Suzuki: He’s gonna get himself killed leaving himself wide open like that!
The Pit growls, and with a wild roar he flies across the ring and throws a vicious lariat that nearly takes David’s head, and O’Toole goes down hard.
Artemis hisses in sympathetic pain, Hiro claps a hand over his eyes and Del looks equal parts baffled and bloodthirsty.
David has only just enough time to kick his legs up and over to roll backwards onto his feet, just as The Pit gets to his. He comes at O’Toole with another lariat, but it’s not quite as explosive this time, and this time O’Toole is ready. The Pit throws his arm—David catches it with his elbow, and harnessing that momentum he swings himself across The Pit’s shoulders and hooks the other arm with his legs. The new weight is staggering, but the weight alone won’t bring him down; so David rocks himself up higher on The Pit’s shoulders, and wrenches himself back down, throwing The Pit down to lock in the crucifix pin!
One!
Two!
Three!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, your winner, the Sidewinder, DAVID O’TOOLE!
As Jill raises David’s arm in victory and his music hits, pulsing through the arena, the Ascended Army rises as one to celebrate! The Sidewinder himself is smiling lop-sidedly, something bittersweet in his expression.
Artemis Direction: Oh, my… do you think that little stunt toward the end had to do with a stipulation in his contract?
Del Ramos: That is all the way fucked up if it did. Heh. Valentine’s got his own vicious streak of vindictiveness going, doesn’t he? I wonder what other stipulations he might have hidden in the fine print.
Artemis Direction: And what about that mysterious ad? MiAtlantis? It seemed as if Zephyr was familiar.
Hiro Suzuki: And it looks like Silvio Leon has Kyle Beckett in mind as a contender for the title. You think Marcus will agree?
Del Ramos: Hard to argue with his record. Could be we got a prodigy on our hands.
Artemis Direction: I guess we’ll see how this unfolds on our next edition of Collision! See you then, Ascended Army!
Credits:
Backstage Encounter with The Princes & Wildheart - Kichae & Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston
Adam Prince vs. Biff Jerky - Kyle Beckett
Eleni Tolis vs. Buck Fruckster - Kyle Beckett
Beyond the Belle Debut Announcement - Zephyr Quinn
Roy Valentine vs. Frater Perdurabo - Roy Valentine & Bill
Destination: MiAtlantis - Zephyr Quinn
‘The Pit’ Bill Woods vs. David O’Toole - Oli & G
Everything else - Ampersand
Also I want to give a huge thank you to G, who came in for the save with the formatting when my computer decided that it was time to die.
I'm a savage, I'm a fighter
Making noise in these streets
Haymakers like a fire
Throwing hooks to a beat
Making noise in these streets
Haymakers like a fire
Throwing hooks to a beat
‘Adorable’ Adam Prince is shown in the ring, blue eyes determined as he practices some chain wrestling with his brother. He isn’t going to take this chance for granted; he’s going to make it count. Striding down the streets of downtown Seattle like a catwalk, Eleni Tolis’ queenly carriage causes those around her to step aside and stare. Smiling to herself beneath a pair of Gucci sunglasses, her fingers tighten around the brass-knuckles shaped handle of her stylish clutch purse. Chiba Suzumiya looks thoughtful, one fingertip running along a sheet printed with the profile photos of the Ascended roster. As she comes to Zephyr Quinn’s picture, her smile widens, eyes glittering.
Got my finger on my pulse, it's steady
I was built for the speed
Automatic, shift gears, I'm ready
Headstrong I believe
I was built for the speed
Automatic, shift gears, I'm ready
Headstrong I believe
We flash to Ascended’s Crazy Angel, finding her standing in a back alley at night, behind her the violent chaos of a street fight, a group of onlookers cheering. Zephyr is slowly, methodically, wrapping barbed wire around her hand. As she looks up at the camera, her pale eyes flash and she closes her wire-wrapped hand into a fist. Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston is flicking through an app on her phone looking mildly annoyed, images of people posing and preening for the camera being disregarded one by one. Glancing up at an inspiration board on her wall, she locks eyes with the Ascended Championship belts pinned to the corkboard. Tossing her phone aside, she gets to her feet and cracks her knuckles with a smirk. Flashing to Silvio Leon, we see Ascended’s new World Champion in the ring, running the ropes, flipping off of turnbuckles, practicing his footwork, skin slick with sweat. A title brings expectations with it, and he’s not going to let himself disappoint his roster.
When I close my eyes and count to ten
All I feel's the adrenaline
And when the pain begins to set
All I hear is
All I feel's the adrenaline
And when the pain begins to set
All I hear is
Roy Valentine, smiling in a self-satisfied way, walks through the gardens of his estate, a vision in emerald green with his championship slung over one shoulder. The wind causes the roses, dahlias, and cosmos to bob downward, almost as if they’re bowing to the newly crowned champion. The view pulls away, and as it does, those flowers begin to flicker and brighten until they burst into flames. Amid the conflagration, we see Frater Perdurabo walking as if through a maze of fire. The flames are extinguished into darkness, nothing on the screen until ‘The Pit’ Bill Woods emerges into view as if the shadows were liquid pulling back from his shape. He raises a finger to the ragged maw of his mask as if to hush the viewer before stepping back into the shadow like some underwater monster sinking back into the deep. At last, we come to David O’Toole, his brow furrowed, his expression determined as he walks down the backstage halls of Ascended. Breathing deep and even, focus unbroken, he continues, the camera following his back as he moves toward the Ascended entrance ramp to the ring.
Long live the champion!
Long live the champion!
Long live the champion!
As the camera moves over the crowd, we catch sight of a few signs from the fans.
O’TOOLE WAS ROBBED
WHERE DO I SIGN UP, CHIBA??
ALL HAIL THE CROWNLESS QUINN
WE MISS YOUR GLORIOUS BEARD, SKUP9!
WHERE DO I SIGN UP, CHIBA??
ALL HAIL THE CROWNLESS QUINN
WE MISS YOUR GLORIOUS BEARD, SKUP9!
At the commentary desk are Artemis Direction, Hiro Suzuki, and Del Ramos, who has a mic at the ready.
Del Ramos: Back already, Ascended Army? Seems like your bloodthirst can’t be quenched! I can understand that. We got just the show for you thirsty bitches. With me on commentary tonight is Seattle drag icon Artemis Direction--
Artemis blows a kiss to the camera.
Del Ramos: --And evidence that my sacrifices to the gods of death and hellfire are going unanswered, Hiro Suzuki.
Hiro gives Del a quizzical look.
Hiro Suzuki: How do you know they’re going unanswered?
Del Ramos: You’re still alive with a functioning larynx.
Artemis Direction: I don’t know about you two, but I’m still bathing in the afterglow of our debut Pay-Per-View!
Hiro Suzuki: We crowned our first champions!
Del Ramos: I’m gonna remember that Underworld match for the rest of my life. Quinn and King made all my bleeding dreams come true. I can’t wait to see those two mix it up again. Quinn’s going to be the one to finally knock the Rat off his pedestal, and now she’s got that much more motivation to do it.
Hiro Suzuki: I suppose now we’re going to see the consequences of whatever was in that contract David O’Toole signed when he lost the Emerald City Championship match to Roy Valentine.
Artemis clicks her tongue, brow knit in concern.
Artemis Direction: I really am concerned about that. The details he shared with us were rather unsavory.
Del Ramos: Hey, he’s the one who agreed to it all. Got no one to blame but himself.
Artemis Direction: On a brighter note, my darling child is now the face of the company! He’s got himself quite the match tonight, though. Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston is proving that she walks it like she talks it!
Del Ramos: Her match against Perdurabo showed us she’s not letting anything stand in her way. If Leon’s not careful, he could have Marcus wondering if the belt might fit someone else’s waist a little better.
Hiro Suzuki: That reminds me! I got some new jeans yesterday, but I realized they didn’t fit me around the waist so I went looking for a belt. I couldn’t find one, but then I had a really good idea! I could attach a bunch of watches together to make a belt! But then I realized it would be a waist of time.
The look in Del Ramos’ eyes reads as nothing but pure, homicidal intent.
Artemis Direction: We also have a newcomer, Adam Prince, making his debut against Biff Jerky! We saw his cousin at Ascension and good heavens!
Artemis flutters her lashes while she fans herself.
Artemis Direction: I don’t think we’ve ever seen anyone quite like him before! Let’s see if that kind of talent runs in the family!
Del Ramos: Perdurabo’s gotta be hungry for a little redemption after Ascension.
They grin maliciously.
Del Ramos: Tearing the Emerald City Champion limb from limb’ll be a good start.
Hiro Suzuki: Will he be defending his belt in this match?
Artemis Direction: Not this match, but on our next Collision, we’ll be seeing our very first title defense for the ECC, which is set to be fought for once a month.
Hiro Suzuki: Huh! I wonder who’ll get the first shot?
Artemis Direction: I’m sure Marcus has a few names in mind, but a strong showing here tonight certainly wouldn’t hurt anyone’s chances.
Del Ramos: Our Lady of Broken Glass and Barbed Wire is gonna throw down with our masked cult-leader, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Zephyr’s throwing all caution to the wind and taking the chains off. I get the feeling we’re going to watch our angel take a little walk through Perdition. And Chiba’s a brand of weird I gotta admire. The head games she’s playing are fuckin’ brutal.
Hiro Suzuki: Which brings us to our main event of the evening - The Pit vs. David O’Toole.
Artemis Direction: The Pit’s been on a bloodthirsty tear lately. I don’t envy Davie one little bit.
Del Ramos: With that contract, it makes for a tricky situation.
Hiro Suzuki: How do you figure?
Del Ramos: Valentine’s whole rationale behind offering the contract in the first place was that Davie needed a trainer; someone to guide him. No matter what the outcome of this match is, he’s gonna prove Valentine right. Either he loses, which shows he does need training, or he wins which shows the training is working. Valentine was slick with this.
Artemis sighs, concern creasing her brow.
Artemis Direction: I just hope the poor boy can keep his head above water in all of this.
Hiro Suzuki: Then I guess he’d better focus on the best exercise for swimmers!
Artemis Direction: Oh?
Hiro Suzuki: Pool-ups!
Del Ramos: ...You know, I hadn’t considered drowning as an option… Hey, Hiro, you wanna eat a big meal and have a pool party?
Hiro Suzuki: Do I!
We cut to backstage, a broad, muscular back filling the screen, lumpy and shining in the fluorescent lights of the Colosseum's hallways. It ripples as "Iron Man" Sherah Prince moves his arms and turns his body. The camera zooms out, revealing "Adorable" standing to the right, facing his older, lager cousin.
Sherah Prince: Remember, Jerky has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He's not going to take kindly to how you spoke about him. You can use that to your advantage, though. He's going to come at you hard style, and try to overpower you early.
Adam Prince: So all I need to do is play defense, and wait for my opening.
Sherah Prince: Yeah. You'll probably have to pick away at him, unless me makes a real doozy. Use his size and momentum against him wherever you can. If you can get him frustrated, you can hit him hard with some flippy shit. You don't want to be the one making the mistakes, though.
Adam Prince: Yeah, I'll play a ground game until I know I can recover from faster than him.
Sherah Prince: Atta boy! You got this, Adam. You're going to show everyone out there what you're capable of!
Amelia Winston: Yeah, give 'em Hell!
Amelia Winston walks into the camera shot, dressed to compete herself, a broad smile on her face.
Amelia Winston: Sorry fellas, heard you two and couldn't resist joining in. I'm Amelia, by the way.
She offers her hand to both, Sherah and then Adam, shaking with each before continuing, addressing Adam first.
Amelia Winston: Good luck tonight. Like he said, you've got this, you're more than capable of handling Biff.
She then glances up to Sherah, unable to keep from grinning a little.
Amelia Winston: And congrats on that win at the pay-per-view; big moment for a debut, you didn't disappoint.
Sherah looks down, smiling, and rubs the back of his head.
Sherah Prince: Oh, geez, thanks. You know, you put on quite the show out there yourself.
Adam Prince: Yeah, thanks a lot!
Adam nudges Sherah with his elbow.
Adam Prince: Say, the big guy and I have to get going for my match. But if you're not busy later, you should come find us!
Amelia Winston: Maybe I will, we'll see how I'm feeling after my match. Good luck!
Adam smiles a friendly smile at Amelia and nods before walking out of frame to the right. Sherah lingers for a moment longer before following. Amelia's gaze lingers on Sherah for a long moment as she watches the pair walk away, smiling to herself before the camera cuts away.
Kevin Kim: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with no time limit. Introducing to the ring, from Prima Porta, Italy and weighing in at 206lbs, accompanied by ‘Beautiful’ Bo Fletcher and ‘Iron Man’ Sherah Prince. He is ‘Adorable’ ADAM PRINCE!
"Warriors" by Aaliyah Rose begins to play over the PA system and yellow lights strobe and pulse to the beat as the Princes of Power, "Adorable" Adam and "Iron Man" Sherah Prince, and their manager, "Beautiful" Bo Fletcher, step out onto the stage. Adam bounces and dances to the music for a moment, showboating for the crowd, before the trio make their way down the aisle. Upon reaching the ring, Sherah climbs the stairs and continues up the outside of the turnbuckles while Adam slides into the ring and ascends the ropes on the opposite side. The two of them look out over the audience, pointing at the fans and pumping their fists in the air.
Artemis Direction: I just adore the attitude this trio has!
Del Ramos: Relentlessly positive and a little bit queer?
Artemis Direction: Exactly! It’s perfect!
Kevin Kim: And already in the ring, his opponent, BIFF JERKY!
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, speaking of jerky, know what you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk!
Referee Godric Smith does a quick preliminary check of the two competitors, then finding nothing awry signals for the starting bell. Adam motions Biff to come at him and the two competitors come to a silent understanding. They both charge against the ropes, bouncing back to build up speed, set for a head-on collision. Biff lunges forward for a shoulder block but Adam deftly leaps over his opponent! Adam maintains his forward momentum by bouncing off the ring ropes again and catches Biff Jerky unawares with a jumping forearm smash. Biff is knocked flat off his feet and Adam kips up back onto his feet as a show of his superior speed and agility. He motions to the crowd and to his entourage at ringside, and is met with uproarious cheers!
Artemis Direction: What an athlete!
Del Ramos: Both of these guys - Adam and Sherah - know how to make things work in the ring with the tools they got.
Hiro Suzuki: All the same, I kind of got the vibe from his promo that Adam feels as if he’s still finding who he is as a wrestler.
Artemis Direction: Well, I’d say he’s definitely figured out part of the equation with a performance like this!
‘Adorable’ Adam Prince climbs out onto the apron and motions his intent to take to the air. He watches and waits as Biff climbs to his feet. Adam leaps, springboarding off the top ring rope, coming down upon his opponent with a flying crossbody! Biff catches the Adorable Adam, staggering back a few steps but ultimately using his greater strength to remain standing and keeping a hold of Prince. Biff connects with a rib breaker then slams Adam Prince bodily to the mat with a scoop slam. With a hook of the leg, Biff goes for a pin.
One!
Two!
Adam kicks out!
Del Ramos: High risk, high reward. Prince better be careful not to get too cocky.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, what do you call an airplane crossed with a snake?
Del Ramos: If the earth beneath us opens its gaping maw and swallows us all into a well of molten rock before you open your fucking mouth again, I’ll consider it a win.
Hiro Suzuki: A Boeing Constrictor!
Scowling, Del proceeds to stomp the ground with one foot.
Del Ramos: I! ASKED! FOR! ONE! FUCKING! THING!
Before Biff can form any response Adam rolls forward, evading his opponent’s clutches. Adam is quickly back on his feet and catches Biff by surprise with a jawbreaker.
Artemis Direction: Looks like Adam’s quick to recover and adapt!
Biff stumbles back into the corner. He tries to recover but is rocked back by a powerful shotgun dropkick, courtesy of ‘Adorable’ Adam Prince! Prince lets Biff just crumple to the floor. Adam climbs the top of the turnbuckle and takes to the air once again, gracefully coming down upon Biff with a flying elbow drop to the back. It takes the Adorable One a moment to recover from the impact, but the better off of the two he is able to pounce on the downed Biff Jerky, locking in the Honourbound submission! With nowhere to go, Biff Jerky has no option but to tap!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Your winner via submission, ‘Adorable’ ADAM PRINCE!
Bo and Sherah are quick to converge into the ring with Adam, Sherah hoisting his cousin up onto his shoulders.
Artemis Direction: You see? Absolutely lovely! Oh, I cannot wait to see what else these gentlemen have to show us.
Hiro Suzuki: We’ve had some really spectacular debuts recently!
Artemis Direction: Haven’t we just? And we’re about to get another one!
Hiro Suzuki: Eleni Tollis!
Del Ramos: Oh, fuck, I hear she’s a supermodel or something. Goddamn that shit is metal as Hell.
Hiro looks baffled.
Hiro Suzuki: What, modeling?
Del gives Hiro a look like he’d just pranced up to her in a cartoon mascot suit and offered to be her ‘fwend foevah,’ with a teddy bear bouquet.
Del Ramos: Yeah, Suzuki. Modeling. Think about it for half a fucking second! You got all these bitches that are nothing but angles - cheekbones that could fucking cut diamonds. Then these pointy goddamn murder nymphs starve and pose and bleed - let themselves get sewn up into clothes - and people talk about how they’d kill to have their bones and their faces and their skulls! It’s brutality at its finest!
Artemis Direction: Oh, don’t even get this queen started, hunty. Drag shows take it to a whole other level.
Kevin Kim: This contest is scheduled for one fall, with no time limit! Already in the ring with me is Buck Fruckster! And making their way to the ring, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 115lbs. accompanied by Carl Ross, ELENI TOLIS!
Lights go out as the lyrics, 'I'm hell on heels.... I'm hell on heels, baby I'm comin' for you,' come over the sound system. Eleni, dressed in pink gear trimmed in black and a fashion robe, stands on the entrance ramp with her fingers in a heart shape symbol. As she breaks the heart, she spins around with smirk on her face and puts up a, 'Talk to hand,' to the fans. Some try to take pictures as she walks to the ring, but Eleni blocks their cameras, telling them, 'you can't afford it.' She walks up the ring steps, entering under the middle rope. Standing in the middle of the ring, she unties her robe before slowly dropping it to the canvas and blowing a kiss.
Artemis looks delighted.
Artemis Direction: Some superstar realness from Miss Tolis! Yes, darling, walk!
The bell is rung to commence the match and Eleni surprises everyone by challenging Buck to a test of strength. He shrugs his shoulders and accepts, closing into a grapple with the Hell in Heels. She doesn’t give him the chance, swiftly striking with a thumb straight to the eye. Referee Jill Kincaid admonishes Eleni who plays coy, shrugging shoulders and swearing it was an accident. She didn’t mean to. Eleni comes off with a warning then grabs Buck’s face, drawing him in close, until they are nose to nose. She purses her lips. Buck scrunches his face in confusion, shocked.
Artemis Direction: What is this? A first date or a wrestling match?
Hiro Suzuki: Tinder strikes again!
Eleni shoves Buck away by the face and he snaps back to reality, charging forward! Eleni Tolis sidesteps and locks Fruckster into an abdominal stretch. With a sly grin she drives a thumb in between his ribs as well. Eleni has her back to the referee, who is unable to catch the Hell in Heels in the act! Buck uses his size and power advantage to throw Eleni to the mat with a hip toss. Eleni pouts, sensually giving the point of impact a soft rub, once again confusing and stunning her opponent.
Del Ramos: Fuck’s sake, Fruckster!
Hiro Suzuki: Try saying that three times fast!
Artemis Direction: Eleni certainly knows how to use her sensuality to her advantage in the ring!
Del Ramos: Hey, if it works, it works.
Eleni punishes Buck for his inaction slapping him across the face. It takes Buck a moment to fully realise what just happened and he charges at the young woman! Eleni turns his momentum against him and musters up all the strength she can to lift up Buck and drop him neck first onto the top ring rope, completing her Selfie! Eleni blows a kiss to the crowd, disappointing her manager who wanted it directed at him, and shifting her gear to expose her right knee brace. She kicks Buck in the back of the knee to keep him downed and then unashamedly sending her knee brace into Buck’s face with a jumping knee brace. The cover follows shortly after!
Del Ramos: The aptly named Greek Tragedy. With all those antics, that’s what this match turned out to be. A tragedy. For Fruckster’s face, specifically.
One!
Two!
Three!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, Hell on Heels, ELENI TOLIS!
Artemis Direction: Well that was certainly something, darlings! I love seeing a fighter with some flare in their presentation!
Hiro Suzuki: Speaking of presentations, I hear we have some news about a segment debuting soon on Collision!
“Gave You Everything” by The Interrupters hits the airwaves and the Ascended Universe pops for the one and only Belle Silva! Her usual blonde hair is gone and replaced by silver-gray locks reaching down to her waist. She’s wearing her brightest of smiles to match a sequined top with a plain black skirt. Taking a microphone from a nearby stagehand, Belle gets into the ring using the stairs and takes center stage, her smile dazzling those in the front rows.
Belle Silva: Ascended Army! What’s going on?!
The fans cheer appropriately as Belle continues.
Belle Silva: We’ve seen a lot in just six episodes of Collision, plus a pay-per-view. New champions, new stories to be told, and an ever-growing roster that expands on almost a weekly basis! With all that in mind I’d like to formally announce that starting on our next episode of Collision, I will be starting my own show, “Beyond the Bell!”
The fans pop as Belle smiles, motioning for them to get louder.
Belle Silva: I know! Exciting news! In the coming weeks leading to Collision number seven, I’d like to hear from YOU Ascended Army! Write in and let me know who should be my very first guest as a new era of Beyond the Bell starts! I can’t wait and I’ll see you all again then!
With that “Gave You Everything” picks back up as Belle smiles and waves, getting out of the ring and walking back up the ramp.
Artemis Direction: How thrilling! A chance to really get to know the members of the roster!
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: I bet those fuckers have plenty of skeletons in their closets.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, why do skeletons make great comedians?
Del Ramos: I don’t know, but maybe we should strip off all your flesh to find the answer.
Hiro Suzuki: Because they’re so humerus!
Kevin Kim: Our following contest is scheduled for one fall! Now entering the ring from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, weighing in at 219 pounds, accompanied tonight by Anastasia Keller: your Emerald City Champion, ROY VALENTINE!
Heavy operatic guitar blares through the stadium. The screen follows a trail of twisting, thorny vines as they wind over a pitch-black floor towards the foot of a marble throne. As the thorns begin to engulf the stone, the camera rises to reveal Roy Valentine lying sideways across the marble seat, legs pitched over its arm. The plants trace a deferential space around Valentine, but utterly consume every inch of bare throne. When the vines finally stop twisting, Valentine snaps his fingers, and the all-encompassing wall of green bursts into bloom, emerald and silver roses spelling out the name, “ROY VALENTINE”.
Hiro Suzuki: Y’know, I get presence and all, but I think Valentine’s entrance is a little, uh...much sometimes.
Artemis Direction: When you can live in excess, always do, darling.
Valentine then makes his entrance in the flesh, strutting on stage under a shower of viridian petals. The Emerald City Championship belt glitters at his waist. Alongside him stalks his steel wall of an assistant, Anastasia Keller, metal clipboard in hand. Valentine holds a snow-white rose at his heart, which he tosses into the crowd on his way to the ring, all the while blowing kisses to the adoring--or, more likely, disgusted--Ascended Army.
When Valentine reaches the ring, the house lights dim.
Del Ramos: Ffffuck yes!
The unrelenting introduction of "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe" is accompanied by strobes flashing in time with the drums as Frater Perdurabo emerges onto the stage.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent, from Cefalù, Sicily, weighing in at 336 pounds, he is ‘Necesse Malum,’ FRATER PERDURABO!
Frater wastes no time heading down the ramp and stops once he reaches ringside. He reaches up, takes hold of the ropes, hauls his frame up onto the apron, then climbs over the top rope. Once in the ring, Frater heads to the opposite end and paces back and forth between the corners as the building's lighting returns to normal.
Del Ramos: C’MON, FRATER! RIP HIM APART!
DING DING!
Frater and Valentine immediately lock up in the middle of the ring. Their struggle seems equally matched at first--every inch of ground Frater gains on his opponent, Valentine recaptures a moment later. But Valentine has neither Frater’s endurance nor his weight advantage. With each passing second, it’s clear that Valentine is losing the battle as Frater forces him, step by agonizing step, towards his ringpost.
Artemis Direction: Valentine’s in trouble here!
Then, just before Valentine hits the corner, he ducks down and pulls Frater back! Surprised by the sudden shift, Frater slams face-first into the top turnbuckle! As Frater staggers back, Valentine crawls out from his opponent’s shadow and drags Frater by his arm back to center-ring, whips him into the ropes, and uses Frater’s own momentum to flip the huge man over his shoulder in a back body drop! Valentine poses over his prone opponent, flourishing to the crowd with a hand on his hip while backing towards the ropes.
Del laughs lowly.
Del Ramos: Oh, Perdurabo’s gonna make him pay for that.
Frater is incensed. In a flurry of rage, he stomps to his feet and rushes at Valentine. But the Royal Rose is ever wary and scurries away, sliding from the ring--at which point he spins and challenges Frater to join him. With a laugh, Frater clambers through the ropes after Valentine. As Frater leaps to the ground, Valentine surges forward, and the instant Frater’s boots hit the rubber mat Valentine hits him square in the chest with a vicious backhand chop--that leaves Frater more surprised than injured! Valentine follows with another chop… And again, Frater finds the Emerald City Champion lacking! He looms over his opponent while Valentine’s eyes go wide in terror!
Del Ramos: YOU DON’T CHALLENGE A MONSTER TO A FIGHT IN ITS OWN LAIR, DUMBASS! AHAHAHA OHHH YOU’RE GONNA HAVE SO MANY BRUISED ORGANS!
Valentine dusts off Frater’s chest, then backs away with a smile and open palms raised in innocent protest. But Frater is bigger, faster, and stronger--he yanks Valentine back by the wrist, grabs his shoulder, and slams Valentine’s head against the apron! Before Valentine can recover, Frater scoops him into a ball. Valentine is curled with his feet in the air, head pointed toward the ground. Then Frater tenses, hops up--and Valentine’s head crashes against the rubber as Frater lands flat on his rear!
Hiro and Artemis cry out in sympathetic pain while Del climbs onto the commentary table, laughing maniacally, eyes alive with delight.
Frater throws the stunned Valentine into the ring and rolls him up in a pin!
One!
Two!
Th-
Valentine kicks out!
Standing over the other two commentators, Del howls with bloodthirsty glee.
Artemis Direction: Talk about the skin of your teeth!
Hiro Suzuki: Oh, that reminds me! What did the dentist say to the golfer?
Artemis Direction: I don’t know, sweetling, what?
Hiro Suzuki: You got a hole in one! OW! Hey--! Ow, Del! You’re stepping on my hand!
Del Ramos: Yeah, I know.
Frater’s chest heaves with exertion, but he keeps up his assault. Hoisting Valentine upright by his hair, Frater performs a perfect Irish Whip. Valentine flies into the ropes as Frater rushes to rebound against the opposite side of the ring. But Valentine is somehow lucid and, as he hits the edge of the ring, grasps the top rope and rides it! He twists midair and stands on the apron, staring at his opponent. Frater continues his charge, grinning, and at the last second brings his boot up to knock Valentine down! Suddenly, Valentine leaps to the side and Frater ends up tangled among the ropes! As Frater struggles to escape, Valentine slides back into the ring, grabs Frater’s waist, and throws him backward in a release german suplex!
Del Ramos: HA! Clever fucker!
Artemis Direction: He certainly can be crafty when he puts his mind to it!
Both fighters rise, huffing in pain, fury clear in their eyes. Valentine drops into his tiger stance, but exhaustion has taken its toll, and he shakes on unsteady feet. Frater, likewise winded, manages to thunder towards Valentine and wind up a wild punch. Valentine, too unsteady to dodge, staggers as he eats Frater's strike full on his chest--but quickly retaliates with an uppercut that resounds through the arena and sends Frater reeling. The duo lock up again, and the battle degrades into a vicious brawl as Frater and Valentine knock each other around the ring with weary, but wicked, strikes.
Del Ramos: Fuck yes! People can call me crazy, but I wanna see Valentine in an Underworld rules match! I think this guy could be fukken wild if you let him off the leash!
In an act of final desperation, Valentine grabs the sides of Frater’s head and leans backward, readying a headbutt! He’s too slow--Frater realizes what Valentine’s trying to do, and as Valentine’s forehead whips forward, Frater’s face meets him halfway!
Crack!
All three commentators let out a sharp cry of sympathy. Hiro scratches at his ears as if to claw the memory of the sound out.
Artemis Direction: The EMTs had better be on their way right now!
The two fall limply to the mat. Referee Jill Kincaid takes a moment to confirm that both fighters are incapacitated and begins a countout!
Hiro Suzuki: Auugh I can’t watch!
Neither Frater nor Valentine so much as twitch during Jill’s entire count!
Del Ramos: Oh, I don’t think either of them is getting up after that one.
… EIGHT! NINE! TEN!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ladies, gentlemen, and gentlethems, we have a DRAW!
The crowd murmurs, cheers, and jeers all at once while Ernest Conagher and his medical staff escort the fighters out of the ring and the arena is prepared for the next match.
Artemis shakes her head, hands fluttering at her neckline.
Artemis Direction: Goodness gracious that was not a pretty ending!
Hiro cringes.
Hiro Suzuki: Seriously! Gahhh I can’t stop hearing it!
Del Ramos: Welcome to my world after one of your stand-up routines.
Artemis Direction: Well, Ascended Army, we get to see another of our newly crowned champions in action tonight! Silvio Leon will be facing off against Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston!
Hiro Suzuki: This is gonna be quite a sight. They’re both high-flyers who rely on speed and finesse more than brute strength.
Del Ramos: All those high-flying moves leave a lotta room for error. One wrong twitch and you’re gonna eat canvas if you’re fuckin’ lucky.
Artemis Direction: They’ve both proven themselves skilled competitors and they’re each positively radiating ambition!
Del Ramos: Leon’s gonna have to defend sooner rather than later. Who do you think his first challenger is going to be?
Hiro Suzuki: Good question! He says he wants to highlight people who’ve never held gold before; give them a chance to show their stuff.
Artemis Direction: I imagine that’s part of why this match is happening. Amelia has impressed with her debut and her PPV victory. She has the right attitude to be champion, and she’s been up front about her goals. Seems like that go-getter attitude has been noticed. It’s going to take a lot to stop this fighter.
Kevin Kim: The following match is set for one fall! Introducing first!
The lights dim, strobing along with the intro of "Black Sheep", Amelia standing at the top of the entrance ramp, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet. The first verse hits and the lights come up brighter, still strobing a bit with the tune as she makes her way down to the ring, a bit of strut in her march. She sprints the last few yards, diving in under the bottom rope and rolling to her feet, climbing onto the ropes to cut a pose for the hard camera as the lights come back to full normal before jumping down from the ropes, ready for her bout.
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Belleville, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 157 lbs, she is AMELIA “WILDHEART” WINSTON!
Hiro Suzuki: Wildheart doesn’t seem the type to let opportunity pass her by. She’s going to be taking full advantage here.
Kevin Kim: And her opponent!
The lights in the Colosseum go out, the big screen displaying a black and white image of a Ouija board lit by candles and surrounded by scattered tarot cards and raw crystals. A planchette's point moves of its own volition across the name, ‘Silvio Leon’ written in the classic Ouija font as the opening solo of ‘Superstition,’ by Kyle Primus goes careening around the arena. The entrance is bathed in blacklight, a figure moving through it to stand at the top of the ramp, lifting their hands in front of their face to create the shape of a planchette.
Kevin Kim: Now entering the ring from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at 195 pounds, he is your Ascended World Champion, the 'Mystifying Oracle,' SILVIO LEON!
At the top of the ramp, Silvio throws down his hands, a pair of white pyros going off on either side of him as the house lights come back up. He wears his title around his waist and, making his way to the ring, he interacts heavily with the fans, giving them high fives, fist bumps, and taking selfies as he progresses. He does an acrobatic little flip over the top rope before landing on the canvas. Striding over to a turnbuckle on the opposite side of the ring as Amelia, he grins, gesturing to his belt before flicking his fingers toward himself as if saying, ‘You want it? Come and get it.’
Amelia grins in return, watching as the World Title is handed off to a ringside aid. The pair cross the ring to the center, where Wildheart extends a hand to the Oracle, who shakes it with a smile. A mischievous glint in his eye, he lifts her hand, spinning her under his arm before dipping her, only to have Amelia roll her eyes with a grin, righting them both, reversing the spin, and dipping her opponent in return. Silvio gives an exaggerated swoon, hand fluttering to his forehead before Amelia drops him to the canvas, both of them laughing. Kipping up, he gives her a fist bump as the bell rings.
DING DING!
The jovial nature of the time before the bell is promptly forgotten as both competitors lock up! They test each other’s strength, the match fairly even between them. As they each strain and press the other for advantage, Silvio slowly begins to take control, catching Amelia off her balance and sending her whipping into the ropes! As she comes flying back, the Oracle hits her with a standing dropkick, taking her to the mat! As she writhes in pain, Silvio gets to his feet again to go for a standing corkscrew moonsault, only for Amelia to roll to safety just in the nick of time!
Del Ramos: See?! What did I tell ya! Fukken brutal repercussions!
As her opponent takes his own turn to think about the consequences of his actions whilst writhing on the canvas, Amelia hops over the nearest top rope onto the apron before executing an impressive slingshot senton! Leon groans as Amelia begins to rise from the move, catching hold of his shoulder and hauling him up with her. As he starts to regain his footing, she hits him hard with a few Muay Thai style knee strikes! Sticking close, she grabs his arm, and executes a a Moneymaker before going for the pin!
One!
Two!
Kick-out from Leon!
Artemis Direction: That was close!
Del Ramos: I think he’s going to show us why that title win wasn’t a fluke.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, speaking of flukes, what do polite whales say?
Del Ramos: You know that drowning idea just keeps coming back to the forefront of my thoughts.
Hiro Suzuki: You’re whale-come!
The Ascended Army is on its feet, chanting the names of each fighter as they rise from the mat. Silvio is grinning, rolling his shoulders and starting to circle Amelia, who looks every bit as eager! Leon goes for a superkick that Amelia bends backwards to avoid in a Matrix, doing a handstand before flipping back onto her feet. The Oracle doesn’t let off the pressure, following up with a jumping enzuigiri that hits its mark! As Amelia falls dazed back onto the canvas, Silvio points to the nearest turnbuckle, the audience at a fever pitch as he ascends to the top and comes back down to deliver a bone-jarring jolt of electric velocity.
Hiro Suzuki: The Color Out of Space!
Leon goes for the pin, Godric Smith sliding in for the count!
One!
Two!
Three!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, your Ascended Wrestling World Champion and ‘Mystifying Oracle,’ SILVIO LEON!
Godric raises Silvio’s hand as he gets to his feet, breathing ragged, smile a mile wide. As Amelia rises to her feet, he takes her hand, raising it and pointing to her with his free one. The crowd cheers and as Silvio gives Amelia one last fist bump, he motions for a mic.
Silvio Leon: Winston, you are one tenacious competitor. Don’t think this is done between us - I’m going to see you in the ring again. Ascended Army I am honored to be your first World Champion and I want to let you know I am going to make good on my promise to highlight the talent in this roster and give extraordinary fighters who have been overlooked and under-valued a chance. I believe every member of our roster is worthy of gold; every single one a champion in the making.
The crowd voices its agreement, chants of, ‘A-SCEN-DED! A-SCEN-DED!’ thunderous in the Colosseum.
Silvio Leon: That in mind, there’s somebody in the locker room who’s been working their ass off since they set foot here. They’ve been putting in the hours and it shows in their record. This is their first foray into the business and they are killin’ it! Not only that, but they walked off a continent to make their dream come true. Sounds like somebody with the right attitude and work ethic to be a champ. Sounds like somebody hungry and fired up enough to set this city ablaze. Sounds like somebody I can’t wait to get into the ring with. So…
He turns and grins at the camera, taking the World title and hefting it over one shoulder. He rests one foot on the bottom rope, leaning over the top and patting the belt with one hand.
Silvio Leon: ...What are you up to lately, Kyle? Got any room on your dance card for your Mystifying Oracle?
The Ascended Army erupts, and Artemis lets out an intrigued little hum.
Artemis Direction: That would be quite the coup, wouldn’t it?
Del Ramos: Beckett’s been looking to make a name for himself out here in the States; fighting for his own legacy. Earning a title so soon after his debut would be a helluva prestigious accomplishment.
Hiro Suzuki: Don’t underestimate Silvio. He’s a champ for a reason, after all.
Artemis Direction: Too true. Speaking of title-caliber talent, our next match is going to be an interesting one.
Del grins broadly.
Del Ramos: Whenever Quinn’s in the ring, I’m a happy bitch. You can always count on her to bring the pain. And Suzumiya’s no slouch, either.
Hiro squirms a little.
Hiro Suzuki: I dunno how I feel about this whole ‘cult’ thing she’s peddling. Do you think it’s real or do you think she’s just saying that to get under her opponents’ skin?
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: I dunno, Suzuki, why don’t you ask her?
Hiro shakes his head looking a bit spooked.
Hiro Suzuki: Cults creep me out!
Nudging him with an elbow, Del continues to needle at the comedian.
Del Ramos: Aw, c’mon, she’s so cute, though!
Hiro Suzuki: That just makes it creepier!
Kevin Kim: The following match is set for one fall! Introducing first!
The whole arena's lights go out as Le chant de Roma gradually grows in volume. Purple lights gradually light up the arena. Chiba appears with outstretched arms before slowly looking up at the ring with determined eyes. She put her hands down and walks straight for the ring, ignoring the audience. She climbs into the ring and mounts a turnbuckle, throwing her arms out wide. Confidence is clear upon her face.
Kevin Kim: Making their way to the ring, weighing in 99lbs, from Tokyo, Japan, she is CHIBA SUZUMIYA!
Artemis Direction: From the promo she dropped, it sounds like Suzumiya may be more interested in recruiting Zephyr than defeating her.
Del Ramos: Quinn did just break up with her girlfriend. She’s in a vulnerable place; might be just the right time for some cult to swoop in and take advantage.
Kevin Kim: And her opponent! From Parts Unknown, she is ‘The Crazy Angel,’ ZEPHYR QUINN!
"Send Me An Angel," rings out as the fans in attendance pop. Zephyr Quinn comes out to the stage, violence embodied in a woman. A look of pure confidence crosses over Zephyr's face as she strolls to the ring. She hops up lightly onto the apron and poses in the center as the music fades.
Artemis Direction: Zephyr means business tonight!
Del Ramos: Oh, these two are going to leave each other bloody gelatin molds with bones and eyeballs suspended in them. I can’t fuckin’ wait.
DING DING!
Zephyr wastes absolutely no time, coming at Chiba with boots, knees, and boxing strikes, forcing her smaller opponent into the nearest turnbuckle before finishing up with a headbutt! A dazed Suzumiya hangs off the top ropes by her arms, slumped against the turnbuckles. Zephyr takes a few steps back, going for a splash, but gets denied as Chiba drops to the floor and slips onto the outside mats under the bottom rope! Quinn slams hard into the turnbuckle! Suzumiya climbs swiftly back into the ring, and as Zephyr tries to reorient herself, Chiba takes the opportunity to hit her with a handspring Pele kick that sends her opponent to the mat! Suzumiya goes for the pin!
One!
Tw--
Kickout from Quinn!
Artemis Direction: Goodness me, Zephyr is so aggressive!
Del Ramos: What do you expect? I figure she’s got plenty of frustration to take out, and she’s got a willing target. Just gotta remember that the target can fight back.
Surging to her feet with a growl, Zephyr catches hold of Chiba’s arms, twisting her around and laying her out with a vicious Get Rec’d that almost sends her smaller opponent skidding out of the ring! Stalking her prey, she drags Suzumiya up to power bomb her, but Chiba writhes and twists until she’s straddling Zephyr’s shoulders, legs locked around her neck as she lays out a few punches to the top of Quinn’s head! Sliding to land on the mat behind her opponent, Suzumiya goes for a roundhouse kick, but finds her foot caught in Zephyr’s hand, the taller woman’s blue eyes ablaze. She throws Suzumiya’s foot down hard, the smaller fighter off balance as Zephyr follows up with The Boom, Bewm, Bang! Chiba hits the mat and Quinn goes for the pin!
One!
Two!
Kick out from Suzumiya!
Hiro Suzuki: What did the foot say when it met its father’s brother for the first time?
Del Ramos: By Satan’s beard--
Hiro Suzuki: Pleased to meet you, ankle!
Both women rise to their feet at once and neither hesitates, even as their bodies are clearly protesting, moving through the pain. Chiba goes for a Last Call that finds its target, Zephyr’s head snapping back as it connects with her chin! As Quinn staggers, Suzumiya climbs the nearest turnbuckle, going for Into the Darkness! Seemingly by instinct, Zephyr catches her opponent, using her momentum to swing her down to the canvas and send her hurtling into the ropes! As Chiba comes back, Zephyr hits her with The Craziest Thing, following up the ripcord STO with a running curbstomp as Suzumiya tries to recover! Her opponent down, Zephyr goes for the pin!
One!
Two!
Three!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, the ‘Crazy Angel,’ ZEPHYR QUINN!
As Zephyr’s hand is raised in victory and the Ascended Army celebrates with her, the house lights flicker and dim.
Artemis Direction: What on Earth..?
Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" fills the air as all eyes turn to the massive screen above the entrance ramp. A plane flies by followed by an eerie voice taking place of the music…
“At Collision number 7 the Ascended ARMY will be taking a trip to MiAtlantis! Come see the sights, sounds, and soon-to-be shared memories of one of THE most… Enigmatic places you will ever experience!”
The music airs again. As the plane on the screen makes a second pass, the same voice once again is heard, quieter than before.
“Participation is necessary. No refunds.”
Hiro looks wan.
Hiro Suzuki: Well that was creepy as all get out.
The look on Zephyr’s face is unreadable, her pale eyes locked on the images on the big screen.
Artemis Direction: Whatever it was seems to have struck a nerve with Quinn…
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: Good. I want her to stay good and pissed off. This new, angry, Belle-free Zephyr’s got all kinds of potential I don’t think we’ve seen the extent of yet.
Artemis Direction: That brings us to our main event of the night, Ascended Army!
Hiro Suzuki: Will the Sidewinder finally get his second win at Ascended?
Del Ramos: It’ll be interesting to see the fall out either way. Valentine’s got the kid by the short hairs and we probably haven’t even scratched the surface of how that contract is gonna manifest in O’Toole’s time here.
Artemis Direction: Let’s just hope the boy has the wits to get himself out of this predicament he’s gotten himself into in the first place. In the meantime, this match is going to be a fascinating study in contrast.
Hiro Suzuki: Each fighter is distinct and completely different from the other.
Del Ramos: Don’t be so sure. O’Toole’s got a vicious side all his own.
Kevin Kim: Our main event tonight is a singles contest scheduled for one fall. Entering the ring first, from Houston, Texas weighing in at 267lbs, he is Bill Woods, THE PIT!
The lights go out in the arena as "Sail" by Jack Trammell begins playing over the PA system. A single strobe light shines down as Bill Woods is raised from a platform below the entrance stage to the entrance ramp. Bill stands at the top of the entrance ramp in his wrestling gear, his head lowered, a large towel covering his face. Bill's left-hand fidgets and twitches nervously, and in his right hand, he's holding a nightmarish mask. He appears to be talking to himself, and several times his left-hand flashes upward and he hits himself in the face, nearly knocking the towel off each time.
Hiro Suzuki: Can we get...like an oven mitt or something that might soften those blows a little?
As "Sail" reaches the forty-second mark and the bass drops, Bill dramatically flings the towel off of his head and puts on his mask, screaming at the top of his lungs to herald the arrival of "The Pit". Bill runs to the ring maniacally, and runs the ropes like he's possessed. His movements become jerky and unpredictable.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent!
As the dramatic string introduction of ‘I’m Shipping Up to Boston,’ by Dropkick Murphys kicks in, the lights around the Titan-tron pulse green and gold in time with the beat. The screen shows an overhead view of an industrial district, hanging in mid-air for a moment before diving down to the alleys below to show gritty images of hands being taped up, quick footwork of fighters wearing work boots instead of ring boots, and blood spattering against brick walls.
Kevin Kim: From Astoria, Oregon, weighing in at 190 pounds, they call him the Sidewinder, DAVID O’TOOLE!
Dressed in plain black ring pants without design or decor, black ring boots, and an army green hoodie, David O’Toole steps out of the entrance, pausing for a moment at the top of the ramp before making his way to the ring, his steps purposeful. As O’Toole reaches the ring, The Pit beckons him, and holds the ropes open for him. David pauses, locking eyes with his opponent. Quickly he pulls off his hoodie and tosses it aside, never moving his head or looking away. Then, with only a moment’s hesitation, O’Toole climbs up and steps in through The Pit’s opening. The two make some space, still staring each other down, shifting their weight in anticipation—The Pit twitchy and feral, the Sidewinder smooth as his nick-namesake.
Hiro Suzuki: There is something seriously wrong with The Pit.
Del Ramos: I know, and thank Satan Marcus cares more about entertainment than anything else so we get to see this.
DING DING!
The Pit charges forward, lunging to grab at O’Toole, but David hits the deck to duck and roll out of the way. He’s quicker to get back to his feet than The Pit is to turn around, so O’Toole darts alongside him, and in a flurry pulls him down and back in a Russian leg sweep! But The Pit holds tight to David’s arm! He hauls David around and on top of him, and he wrenches the both of them upright—The Pit is sitting up, but O’Toole has to arch his back so he doesn’t snap in half at the waist. And with unsettling ease, as The Pit rises he flings the Sidewinder up and around to slam him down to the canvas. He doesn’t relent—he scoops up David as O’Toole is still airborne from bouncing off the ground, and The Pit stands to sidewalk slam him back down! He goes for the cover!
Hiro yelps, Artemis gasps, and Del revels.
One!
Two!
Th– no!
O’Toole just barely gets a shoulder up, and gives himself enough of an opening to squirm out as The Pit is obliged to relent.
Hiro Suzuki: O’Toole’s tenacity saving him there!
Del Ramos: Say what you want about him, the kid’s tough as a coffin nail.
The Pit makes to grab him again, but David lands a decisive cross-hook-cross combination in his chest, buying him time to get to his feet and make some space. As The Pit recovers he glares across the ring at O’Toole—O’Toole looks slightly winded, but his even resolve remains, with no fear in sight. The Pit lunges with a snarl, but David sidesteps him easily, and quickly dodges the next snatch. The Pit is relentless, coming at David with all his feral and chaotic strength, but David keeps weaving dizzying whirligig circles just out of his reach, pinballing them both all over the ring.
Artemis Direction: Goodness I’m getting vertigo just watching this match!
Hiro Suzuki: Do you know what a windmill’s favorite kind of music is?
Artemis Direction: No, dearest, what?
Hiro Suzuki: Well, I hear they’re huge metal fans!
Del Ramos: ...Oh, that fuckin’ does it, where is my calendar we are scheduling a fight in the nearest Denny’s parking lot.
Finally O’Toole finds an opening, and he leaps to deliver a stunning enzuigiri! The Pit staggers—but as O’Toole comes in for a lariat, he throws out his shoulder, and sends the Sidewinder sprawling on his back. With a wicked grin he hauls David back to his feet and hurls him into the ropes—and on the rebound he crouches and explodes up to flip O’Toole over into a backdrop. But in the air O’Toole curls tighter, and instead of landing flat on his back he tucks into a shoulder roll, and he goes rolling to one side and back upright!
Artemis Direction: O’Toole has shown time and again he excels at using the momentum of his opponents to his favor.
Del Ramos: Is Saturday good for you?
Hiro Suzuki: Wait, don’t you have a pottery class on the weekends?
Del sighs, rolling her eyes and putting away her phone.
Del Ramos: ...I don’t want to kick your ass enough to reveal any more to you about my personal life outside of this place.
Hiro Suzuki: Oh, come on!
The Pit whips around, breathing heavily and eyes ablaze, livid that this creature won’t stay down. But as David hops to his feet a shadow crosses his face—with half a moment’s hesitation, he stands up straight and holds out his arms, clearly inviting The Pit to strike. There’s no bombast or pretension in the gesture, but this is the first time that David’s resolve has flickered into something close to fear.
Del Ramos: What the fuck is the kid doing?!
Hiro Suzuki: He’s gonna get himself killed leaving himself wide open like that!
The Pit growls, and with a wild roar he flies across the ring and throws a vicious lariat that nearly takes David’s head, and O’Toole goes down hard.
Artemis hisses in sympathetic pain, Hiro claps a hand over his eyes and Del looks equal parts baffled and bloodthirsty.
David has only just enough time to kick his legs up and over to roll backwards onto his feet, just as The Pit gets to his. He comes at O’Toole with another lariat, but it’s not quite as explosive this time, and this time O’Toole is ready. The Pit throws his arm—David catches it with his elbow, and harnessing that momentum he swings himself across The Pit’s shoulders and hooks the other arm with his legs. The new weight is staggering, but the weight alone won’t bring him down; so David rocks himself up higher on The Pit’s shoulders, and wrenches himself back down, throwing The Pit down to lock in the crucifix pin!
One!
Two!
Three!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, your winner, the Sidewinder, DAVID O’TOOLE!
As Jill raises David’s arm in victory and his music hits, pulsing through the arena, the Ascended Army rises as one to celebrate! The Sidewinder himself is smiling lop-sidedly, something bittersweet in his expression.
Artemis Direction: Oh, my… do you think that little stunt toward the end had to do with a stipulation in his contract?
Del Ramos: That is all the way fucked up if it did. Heh. Valentine’s got his own vicious streak of vindictiveness going, doesn’t he? I wonder what other stipulations he might have hidden in the fine print.
Artemis Direction: And what about that mysterious ad? MiAtlantis? It seemed as if Zephyr was familiar.
Hiro Suzuki: And it looks like Silvio Leon has Kyle Beckett in mind as a contender for the title. You think Marcus will agree?
Del Ramos: Hard to argue with his record. Could be we got a prodigy on our hands.
Artemis Direction: I guess we’ll see how this unfolds on our next edition of Collision! See you then, Ascended Army!
Credits:
Backstage Encounter with The Princes & Wildheart - Kichae & Amelia ‘Wildheart’ Winston
Adam Prince vs. Biff Jerky - Kyle Beckett
Eleni Tolis vs. Buck Fruckster - Kyle Beckett
Beyond the Belle Debut Announcement - Zephyr Quinn
Roy Valentine vs. Frater Perdurabo - Roy Valentine & Bill
Destination: MiAtlantis - Zephyr Quinn
‘The Pit’ Bill Woods vs. David O’Toole - Oli & G
Everything else - Ampersand
Also I want to give a huge thank you to G, who came in for the save with the formatting when my computer decided that it was time to die.