Post by Ampersand on Dec 4, 2021 8:41:58 GMT
Deep music rich with brass and percussion surges through the darkened air. There’s not a light to be seen until an airy, shivering inhalation is heard, and white luminescence scatters amid the crowd in the Colosseum.
Heart of a lion
Fire inside me blaze like a siren
Why would you try it?
Wake up the beast, no, I can keep silent
I put my time in
Now is my time, your time is expiring
Blood, sweat and tears, I conquered my fears
I'm ready to fly now
White blonde hair like a flame flickering in the dark, Viola Williams stands on the roof of the Colosseum, looking out across the city that has become her new home. The view zips down to the alley below where a battered upright piano covered in graffiti stands against a brick wall. Walking alongside it, Mia Rayne runs a fingertip along the keys, grinning madly. Annie Logan stands at the pier, eyes distant as they gaze out across the glittering, black expanse of the Sound.
I am the pilot
I am so polished, usually modest, but
When is the last time
You seen it this stylish without a stylist, huh?
It's been a long time
I've been on this road, I'm rackin' my mileage up
They don't get loud with us
'Cause they know we loud as fuck
We know they scared of us, know they don't care for us
They wasn't there for us
The view snaps up and zips along the pier railing to find David O’Toole walking along the slim, wooden beam as if it were as broad as the sidewalk below him, his eyes troubled and mouth twisting momentarily. The trouble in his expression is mirrored in Kyle’s, the young man disdainfully kicking aside an empty beer bottle as he walks past a poster promoting matches on the card. Reaching up, he drags his fingers along the portions with his and Davie’s faces, tearing the paper. Those ragged tears resolve into a pattern of teeth. As the camera pulls back, it reveals the teeth belonging to a wolf who sits at the top of a food chain. Standing nearby, Mara observes the pattern with a satisfied expression.
Up in them trenches, hopping them fences
Making the plays while they riding the benches, yeah
Got cool intentions, yeah
I see my goal and get cold as December when
Counting our sins, I don't have no friends
I came here to win, my start is your end
Now let it begin now
SKUP9 sits alone in the locker room, watching footage on a laptop of Mara Lang’s victory over Roy Valentine, taking note of her methodology. Of her cruelty. One such product of which sits on the top of the silvery dome of the International Fountain. The water is off for the day, and he looks for all the world like a serene, meditating penitent seated atop a perfectly spherical chromatic meteor that left a flawlessly circular impact crater all around it. It mirrors the perimeter of the tiny, ruby rose pin held between the index finger and thumb of Roy Valentine. His eyes burn, mouth a hard line, resolve written into his every feature.
Get get, get loud for me
Get, get, get loud for me
Get, get, get loud for me
Hands in the crowd, we tearin' it down!
Gold lights lance over the assembled audience who are on their feet! A few signs catch the camera’s notice as it sweeps over the Ascended Army.
KINGSLAYER O’TOOLE!
PRUNE THE ROSE!
SKUP9 TITLE SHOT WHEN??
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!
At the announcement table, Artemis Direction is dressed in a turquoise blouse and white slacks, seated between Hiro in a tidy navy suit, and Del in a ragged black t-shirt emblazoned with the name of a death metal band written in an illegible logo.
Artemis Direction: Good evening, Ascended Army, and welcome to Collision! I’m Artemis Direction here with Hiro Suzuki and Del Ramos! We have a thrilling show for you tonight, with some major announcements about our final show of the year, our Jingle Bell Bash Pay-Per-View!
Del Ramos: Gonna close this year out with some bloodshed! Sounds perfect to me. I’m still buzzing from our Halloween show. This joint knows how to fuckin’ celebrate.
Hiro Suzuki: I guess you could say someone’s halls are getting decked!
Del Ramos: If I told you my one Christmas wish was for me to punch your lights out, would you grant it?
Hiro Suzuki: I think that kinda goes against the whole idea of Christmas wishes being granted to people on Santa’s nice list.
Del Ramos: Oh, Kringle and I are definitely on the outs. Why do you think I’m not asking him about it? Let’s be real, on the holidays I’m way more down with Krampus and that one Welsh horse skeleton that gets to come into your house and drink all your booze if you lose a rap battle with it.
Hiro just stares at Del as if he can’t quite figure out if she’s fucking with him or not.
Artemis Direction: Our first few matches feature debuting talent on the Ascended roster! We’re kicking things off with Viola Williams! I hear she’s a friend of David O’Toole’s.
Del Ramos: Heh! Love that violently clever streak we saw come out of him this past show. Fucker managed to take out the Rat King. Looks like he’s got another match later on in the show with Beckett that’s cruel in its own way.
Hiro Suzuki: Beckett and O’Toole have grown close over the past few months. Beckett seemed pretty torn up about it.
Artemis Direction: Definitely some juicy drama! Though I’m sure it’s a situation the entire roster has to be aware of - sooner or later you may very well find yourself across the ring from a dear friend.
Del snorts derisively.
Del Ramos: If you didn’t come into this business ready to bust heads indiscriminately, then what the Hell are you even doing here?
Hiro Suzuki: After Williams’ debut match, we’ll be seeing Mia Rayne squaring off against Buck Fruckster!
Artemis Direction: I’m rather excited for that one, I must say! Ms. Rayne turned out to be the one behind all those mysterious videos about MiAtlantis and the rather ostentatious but certainly unique calling card of a grand piano in the middle of the ring!
Del Ramos: She’s related to Zephyr - they’re sisters if I heard right. If Rayne’s even half as violent as Quinn, we’ve got a new fucking Hellcat on the roster.
Artemis Direction: Certainly one to keep an eye on!
Del Ramos: I wanna know more about this Logan chick who’s debuting against McLargeHuge. Seems like we’d get along pretty well.
Hiro Suzuki: Think she’ll make good on that promise of an Irish Wake?
Artemis Direction: Her suplex piledriver?
Del Ramos: If she can I might propose marriage.
Hiro Suzuki: Guess her opponent can be the, ‘something black and blue,’ eh?
Del Ramos: Sweet merciful Satan, what I would not give for the ability to burst blood vessels with a thought.
Artemis Direction: After that is the match with Kyle and Davie, which brings us to our fight between SKUP9 and Mara Lang! Ms. Lang certainly had some… opinions about the sorts of people who deserve gold on the roster.
Hiro fidgets, mouth twisting in discomfort.
Hiro Suzuki: Did anyone else get the willies with all that talk of, ‘people being in the wrong places,’ and whatnot?
Artemis sighs, eyes narrowing.
Artemis Direction: Not anything any of us haven’t heard a thousand times before. SKUP wasn’t having any of it, though. He knows who he is and what he’s worth; no belt dictates that.
Hiro Suzuki: Speaking of belts, we’re going to see Roy Valentine defend his belt tonight against Sebastian Hawke in our main event!
Artemis Direction: Roy has shown significant cruelty to his opponents; sometimes to his detriment in the ring.
Del Ramos: Maybe, but this time he’s fighting Hawke; the Insensate.
Artemis Direction: Formerly, darling. He doesn’t refer to himself that way anymore since he broke away from Mara Lang’s influence.
Del Ramos: Doesn’t change the fact the fucker can decide when he does and doesn’t feel pain. That hasn’t gone away since he and Lang parted. Heh. Guess he takes around a little piece of her mad scientist bullshit now wherever he goes. Fucking metal.
Artemis Direction: He cut a very moving promo, but will he be able to overcome Valentine? After his loss to Lang, I’m sure he’s looking to prove himself. He’s sure to be vicious tonight.
Hiro Suzuki: Regardless of who wins, who will their opponent be at Jingle Bell Bash? Seems like a thorny issue, to me.
Del Ramos: Heard some rumblings in the back about that.
They grin, eyes glittering.
Del Ramos: Think Christmas might come early.
Kevin Kim: Good evening Ascended Army! Your opening contest is set for one fall! Already in the ring with me is Beef Squat Thrust. And his opponent, coming to the ring and making her Ascended Wrestling debut!
Lights fade on the first quiet bars of Centuries then flare to life with the swelling of the music; Viola Williams steps out in black boots, leggings, and a purple crop top. She grins and starts making her way down to the ring, nodding her head to the beat and taking in the reactions from the crowd with unabashed awe.
Kevin Kim: From Baltimore, Maryland, weighing in at 160 pounds, she is Viola Williams, LEGACY!
She turns to a nearby camera and gives a small salute, then taps her thumb to her forehead twice with an open hand—a small sign to her dad back home. Then she picks up the pace, jogging, then running until she gets to the ring and climbs up onto the ropes. She turns to the audience and throws her arms out, grinning and pumping her first at the response. She hops over the ropes and runs to the opposite side of the ring to do the same.
Artemis Direction: Well! Isn’t Ms. Williams a ray of sunshine!
Del Ramos: Yeah, and I wanna see what kinda burn she leaves.
DING DING!
As the bell rings, the pair immediately begin circling each other, each looking for an opening.
Artemis Direction: Goodness that size differential is certainly unmistakable here…
Del Ramos: Williams is gonna have to really ramp up the bloodlust.
They lock up, Squat Thrust with an amused smirk on his face as he goes to overpower his smaller opponent. That amusement turns to surprise, then consternation as he finds himself unable to drive Viola down to the mat with force alone! It’s the debuting fighter’s turn to look amused, a grin flashing across her features before she begins to chain wrestle the big man, Beef looking to get the upper hand with every hold they switch to, but failing to deliver!
Artemis Direction: Oh, my!
Del Ramosi: HA! Look at that! I don’t think Squat Thrust was expecting a fight here! Looks like Williams is taking pity on him and giving him a few different holds to try his luck with.
Hiro Suzuki: Jeez, you think Beef is gonna give Marcus his too weak notice?
Squat Thrust breaks from Viola, any amusement gone from his features as he hits her with a standing lariat! Williams crashes to the mat, Beef following up with a leg drop that connects directly with her stomach! The crowd lets out a groan of sympathy, but as Squat Thrust climbs to his feet, he’s stunned to see Williams is right there with him! The moment of hesitation is all she needs to grab the back of his head and start laying European uppercuts repeatedly into his face! As she releases him, he staggers back a step only for Viola to hit him with a big boot! He falls backward into the ropes, the momentum carrying him back toward his opponent who hits him with her signature discus lariat, sending him on a collision course with the canvas! Williams goes for the cover and referee Jill Kincaid slides in for the count!
ONE!
TWO!
TH--
Kick out from Squat Thrust!
Del Ramos: Oh FUCK yes!
Artemis Direction: Mighty Aphrodite, will you check out the power on Ms. Williams!
Artemis begins fanning herself with one hand.
Artemis Direction: I must say I wasn’t expecting this, but what a pleasant surprise!
As the fighters get back to their feet, Beef using the ropes to help pull himself up, the crowd joins them, chants of, ‘LE-GA-CY!’ resounding through the arena. Squat Thrust snarls, mustering his strength to go for a clothesline, but Viola is ready. Instead of retreating, she steps forward, catching hold of her opponent and hauling him off his feet to nail him with a stunning sidewalk slam! The commentators’ jaws are hanging open and the Ascended Army is electric, but they all but come unglued when they see what Viola is setting up for next. Pulling Squat Thrust to his feet, she sets her teeth and swings him hard, whipping him into the ropes. As he returns, the crowd goes wild as she hits her Michinoku Driver finisher! Williams goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Your winner by pinfall, Viola Williams, LEGACY!
Hiro and Artemis are trying to get a handle on what they just saw, while Del is practically frothing with delight.
At the bell Viola jumps to her feet, eyes wide, as if she’s surprised by the win. She turns to the cheering arena, laughing in amazement, and takes a moment to revel.
Then she heads back toward her opponent, slapping one hand on his shoulder and offering the other to help him to the edge of the ring. With him off, she leans over the ropes and looks to Kevin Kim for a microphone.
Viola Williams: Hey Ascended Army.
A roar from the crowd greets her in response, and she grins as she makes her way back to the center of the ring.
Viola Williams: That’s so fucking cool. I can't tell you how excited I am to be doing this. I was an Ascended fan before I got inside the ring here, and it's like a dream. But, business before pleasure: I've got something to take care of real fast.
Her smile turns mischievous and she scans the crowd, as if searching for something.
Viola Williams: I heard you were looking for me, Valentine. I’m here. Now before you freak out, I'm not after your title; I’m sure it won't be yours much longer anyway. Really, I can't wait to watch you get eliminated tonight. But no, this is just about you.
Viola Williams: Like I said, AW fan. I've been watching, you especially, Val, and…my god. I—I don’t even have words for how much of a dick you are. But fair is fair: now you've seen what I’m capable of too. And I’ve been dying for a chance to introduce that arrogant smile of yours to the canvas. So, you want a legacy? Come and get me.
With that she tosses the microphone back to Kevin Kim, eyes the crowd once more, and finally climbs out of the ring.
Del Ramos: THAT’S THE FUCKING TICKET!
Artemis Direction: I’m still astounded at her strength!
Hiro Suzuki: Reminds me of a friend of mine. I once saw him carrying his whole house on his back while he was moving. At first I was impressed, but then I realized it was a lighthouse!
Del Ramos: Y’know, this is the Emerald City. Maybe there are subsidies you can get for dropping houses on people…
Artemis Direction: Speaking of, how absolutely brazen to call out our Emerald City Champion on her debut bout!
Hiro Suzuki: You mentioned she was a friend of David O’Toole’s. Valentine has had O’Toole under some kind of contract - one he was coerced into - and the details of it have been… sketchy at best.
Del Ramos: It might have something to do with the weird stipulations and other shit he's been doing in the ring lately.
Artemis Direction: I wouldn’t be surprised. O’Toole doesn’t seem like he’s one for in-ring shenanigans.
Del Ramos: Can’t say the same of our next debuting star.
Hiro Suzuki: The mystery behind those MiAtlantis travel ads was finally solved! Mia Rayne has arrived at Ascended.
Artemis Direction: Ms. Rayne has quite a storied history in the industry! It should be interesting to see what someone with her kind of experience brings to the ring.
Kevin Kim: The following contest is set for one fall! In the ring with me is Buck Fruckster, and coming to the ring - his opponent!
The lights go out, leaving the Ascended Army in darkness as ‘Committed,’ by One Eyed Doll, echoes creepily around the arena. The lights flicker back on, the smoke machines around the entrance wreathing a figure backlit with a profusion of colors from the tunnel behind her. Mia Rayne steps out of the fog like a lunatic sylph emerging from a stained glass miasma. Her contrastingly calm demeanor just makes the crazy quilt of colored lights and images stand out all the more. The big screen behind her takes the viewer on a tour through a cathedral whose insides have been converted into a series of padded cells, each one appearing to hold some version of Mia within them.
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Parts Unknown, she is the Forsaken Psychotic, MIA RAYNE!
Mia climbs into the ring, her posture and focused gaze showing pure confidence.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, what do you call the Mad Hatter after he’s calmed down?
Artemis Direction: I don’t know, darling, what?
Hiro Suzuki: The Hatter!
Artemis Direction: Hmm. Not your best, sweetness, but you might be onto something.
The competitors meet in the middle of the ring--
DING DING!
--and before Buck can even seem to breathe, Mia has stepped in to nail him with a headbutt directly to his face! Fruckster staggers back, hand flying up to cradle the point of impact, but that just leaves him open for a big boot to the gut that sends him down to the canvas! Mia lets out a musical laugh before hitting a leg drop across Fruckster’s throat! Buck rolls away, cradling his neck and coughing as he climbs to his feet. Mia approaches from behind, getting rewarded with a back elbow from Fruckster! She takes it to the chest, gasping, Fruckster quickly following up with a chop that causes her to stumble back, collapsing into a turnbuckle! He pursues, grabbing her arm and Irish whipping her into the ropes! He seems to be readying a lariat, but he never gets the chance to use it as Mia launches herself upward and nails him with a Superman punch that sends him to the mat!
Del Ramos: You know the story about why they’re mad hatters, right?
Artemis Direction: I don’t know that I’m familiar, darling.
Hiro Suzuki: Their hats were made too tight and it made them angry?
Del Ramos: Choke and die on your own spit, Suzuki. Anyway, they used mercury to process animal pelts into felt they could use to make hats. Eventually it would poison them and drive them crazy.
Hiro Suzuki: That would explain their favorite drink!
Artemis Direction: What’s that?
Hiro Suzuki: Insani-tea!
Del Ramos: Satan help me not to murder anyone on the job. Or at least not murder anyone on the job and get caught for it.
Artemis Direction: Just wait until you’re both off the clock for the homicide, honeybee. I don’t even want to think of the paperwork. Seems like Rayne’s playing with her food in there.
Mia paces a circle around Buck, smiling serenely, hands clasped behind her back as she waits for him to rise to his feet. Fruckster does, cradling his jaw and glowering at the smiling Mia. Buck goes for an elbow strike only for Mia to duck away. He presses forward, trying for an uppercut, only for Mia to dodge deftly to one side. Frustrated, Fruckster bellows and manages to catch hold of her! He goes for a hip toss, but Mia uses the momentum, twisting and almost pirouetting like a ballerina before spinning around and delivering a wicked cyclone kick to Buck’s chin! He stumbles and she swiftly follows with a shoulder jawbreaker that elicits a roar of approval and sympathetic pain from the audience! Rayne goes for the pin, Godric Smith coming in for the count!
ONE!
TWO!
Kick out from Fruckster!
Artemis Direction: All that experience is certainly serving Ms. Rayne well tonight!
Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, Fruckster gets to his feet, glaring daggers at his opponent. She gives him a little wave, grinning in return. Buck’s hand moves like a striking viper, grabbing her wrist and wrenching it around behind her back into a vicious hammerlock! Mia yelps in pain, writhing to try and break the hold! Forgetting about trying to overpower him with arm strength, Rayne stomps down hard on Fruckster’s foot, causing his grip to loosen around her wrist! Mia immediately drops toward the mat, positioning herself beneath Fruckster and straddling his legs over her shoulders. Rising to her feet, he folds over, trying to take her off balance, but Mia wraps her hands around the back of Buck’s head, slamming him down to the canvas again in the Last Laugh! Mia goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Your winner, the Forsaken Psychotic, MIA RAYNE!
Hiro Suzuki: What did the Cheshire Cat say when he had to leave?
Artemis Direction: You know, sweetheart, I might have been wrong about you being onto something--
Hiro Suzuki: Get meow’t of here!
Del Ramos: It’s too late, Artemis. You’ve broken the seal. The trumpets are sounding. The horsemen are riding. The Olsen twins have completed their 666th movie, thus bringing the ritual to its climax. The end is nigh. I just hope the moon sinking into the sea and turning it to menstrual blood to drown us all happens after I get to watch this match.
Artemis Direction: You know, we have so many powerful women on our roster. It’s so inspiring!
Del Ramos: Logan said she’d use an Irish Wake to end this fool, and I’m gonna be fuckin’ pissed if she reneges.
Kevin Kim: The following match is set for one fall! In the ring with me is Big McLargeHuge. And coming to the ring is his opponent!
Jinjer's "Just Another" blasts onto the PA, accompanied by strobe lights that pulsate to the beat of the intro.
Just another bruise earned
One more lesson learned
Just another kick from behind
Just another punch in the eye
Another broken tooth
Against the bitter truth
Over and over again
I say: "No pain, no gain"
Just as the first verse kicks in, Annie Logan tears through the curtain. She ricochets from one side of the stage to the other while making a point to stop and will the crowd to get into the upcoming match - and behind her - with inaudible calls to action mixed with physical signaling and a handful of horns being thrown up. After a few back-and-forths, Annie takes to the ramp with her attention locked on the ring.
Kevin Kim: From Boston, Massachusetts, weighing in at 143 pounds, she is ANNIE LOGAN!
Artemis Direction: What a firecracker!
Del Ramos: I’m hoping for a stick of dynamite.
Once at ringside, Annie slides herself under the bottom rope facing the ramp, hops to her feet, then heads to the ropes closest to the camera, then gets her feet on the second rope and uses the top rope to brace her. Again, she yells out a few words to the audience that go missing to the fans at home under the music. She eventually hops down and takes to a corner while the "Just Another" is cut.
DING DING!
Maintaining her momentum from her energetic entrance, Annie Logan wastes no time, off like a shot across the ring! She pulls a feint of a punch that draws McLargeHuge’s attention upward, leaving his midsection exposed to the brunt of a high speed running knee strike! With the big man doubled over with the wind knocked out of him, she propels past him, bounces off the ropes, and with a leap steps onto his bent back and then firmly on the back of his skull in her signature One to the Head, sending McLargeHuge to the canvas with a thump!
Del barks out a laugh.
Del Ramos: That’s the way to do it! Use your opponent’s size against them!
Hiro Suzuki: I once broke my arm taking a nasty fall like that.
Del closes their eyes looking blissful.
Del Ramos: Just let me have a moment to savor the idea of you with a broken arm.
Hiro Suzuki: Sure! After all, it is really pretty humerus when you think about it!
Del Ramos: I swear I will find a way to release a horde of ravenous, killer ducklings into your dreams to haunt you for the rest of your days.
Stunned but still fresh, McLargeHuge recovers more quickly than he might have otherwise, sweeping Annie’s leg out from under her! The moment she’s on the ground the pair trade holds back and forth, McLargeHuge using his size to the best advantage he can manage. He briefly gets a pin on her--
--ONE--
--but Annie isn’t having it. She kicks immediately, and drags her opponent’s chin back in a wrenching camel clutch, baring her teeth and digging her heels in! Lucky for McLargeHuge, he’s close enough to the ropes that he manages to hook his ankle over the bottom one, and Jill Kincaid slides in to count the break.
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR--
Annie uses all four of her allotted seconds before she’s forced to relinquish her grip, releasing McLargeHuge with a snap that nearly sends his nose into the mat. He rolls toward the center of the ring, giving himself enough time to get up--and unfortunately, giving Annie enough time to climb the turnbuckle. He turns around just in time to get totaled by relentless Annie’s flying crossbody, slammed down on his already smarting spine!
Del is grinning broadly, a low chuckle rumbling in their throat.
Del Ramos: I fucking knew I’d like this chick! MAKE HIM WISH FOR DEATH, LOGAN!
In a burst of desperation, he manages to headbutt Annie in the sternum as they both get up, sending her reeling back a couple of steps--but she takes advantage of the angle and grabs him! McLargeHuge yelps in shock as she manages to fully lift him from the ground, heaving him skyward and then crashing him back down in her devastating Irish Wake!
Both Artemis and Hiro sit behind their mics, stunned at the tremendous display of raw power!
Del Ramos: FUCK YES!
Hiro Suzuki: First Williams, then Rayne, and now Logan!
Artemis Direction: Just goes to show you size doesn’t dictate ability! I must say all of these powerful ladies have me a little hot under the collar! Were I a younger woman…
Del Ramos: Has that ever stopped you before?
Artemis gives Del a coy little wink.
Artemis Direction: Fair enough, darling.
Panting from the effort, she growls and launches forward, shoving the barely conscious McLargeHuge onto his back and throwing her knee across his collarbone, one of his legs secured in a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: The winner of this match-- ANNIE LOGAN!
Artemis Direction: What a thrilling bout! I think it’s safe to say Ms. Logan has quite a future with the company!
Del Ramos: Are you kidding me? I want every bloodthirsty bitch under our roof. And that includes the men. Seriously - these new broads who are all beef, blood, and guts are my fucking jam.
Hiro Suzuki: I dunno, I think beef, blood and guts would make some pretty gross jam.
Del Ramos: Only if you’re a fucking coward.
Artemis Direction: Speaking of beef, we have one of our roster’s most robust members joining Belle tonight for an interview!
Del Ramos: SKUP9’s been on a tear during his time at Ascended. The guy’s only had one loss, and he hasn’t repeated the mistakes that cost him.
Hiro Suzuki: There’s been a lot of buzz about him getting a title shot.
Artemis Direction: I’d certainly say he’s earned it! But let’s hear it from the man himself! Ascended Army, please welcome Belle Silva to the Colosseum!
“Gave You Everything” by The Interrupters rings out as Belle Silva makes her way out on stage. She smiles at the crowd before heading down to the ring and getting inside, taking her seat on the set of Beyond the Bell!
Belle Silva: HOW YOU DOIN’ ASCENDED ARMY?!
The fans in attendance pop and Belle smiles.
Belle Silva: Thank you for that response. Tonight’s guest is probably one of the most dominant forces in Ascended to date. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in welcoming SKUP9!
The intro to "Hate Me Now" by Nas begins to play as SKUP9 walks onto the stage. He is in his ring gear, ready for his match with Mara Lang later tonight. He starts to extend his hand to Belle, but based on how much smaller Belle's hand is, SKUP gives a small wave and sits down.
SKUP9: Sorry, got that whole sasquatch thing going on.
Belle laughs as the two settle in their seats.
Belle Silva: No worries! However, that begs the question, how does it feel to be one of the most intimidating figures in Ascended as well as one of the most dominant?
SKUP9: It's a blessing and a curse. It's helpful in the ring. But, that's not what I want. I'm just like everyone else, just bigger.
SKUP9 shifts his weight on the slightly undersized stool.
Belle Silva: I can’t imagine! With that said though, how does it feel to be almost undefeated in the ring at such an early point in your career?
SKUP9: It's both expected and but expected. I thought that I would walk in and steamroll people. Zephyr reminded me that strength doesn't come from size. It comes from intelligence. I'm driven. I went out and realized I needed to cover up the holes in my game.
SKUP9 tries to hold his composure, but the tears are still welling up in his eyes.
SKUP9: I try to keep private, but when my father passed, I shared that with the world. I try to be a professional and to have to miss the pay-per-view was not something I wanted to do. But, where I come from we have a saying: FFA - Family First Always. I will get the chance to be on another pay-per-view. I'll never get another chance to say goodbye.
Belle nods, sympathy written on her face.
Belle Silva: Speaking of pay-per-views, I hear that you’re next in line for a shot at Silvio Leon’s World Title. How does it feel to be in the number one contender’s shoes?
SKUP9: It's intimidating. I guess my track record is pretty good, but I'm just trying to find my way. My goal used to be the best wrestler in this business. Now, my goal is different. I don't want to be the best. I just want to be real and I would be lying if I didn't say that I REALLY want to beat Silvio for that championship.
Belle Silva: Let’s dig into that a little deeper. What would it mean for you to win that title belt?
SKUP9: It would mean legitimate validation. I say legitimate because I'm already a Hall of Famer. I had one match for a small company in Utah and they closed down. When they reopened, all of the original talents were inducted. One match does not give you legitimacy. One World Championship, now THAT will give you legitimacy, especially if you can take the title from a talent such as Silvio.
Belle Silva: With that said do you have a message for Silvio or even the roster at large?
SKUP9: My words won't mean a damned thing if I don't do what I have to deal in the ring. Tonight, I have to defeat Mara Lang. I got here by taking things one step at a time. I overlooked Zephyr Quinn and was left humbled. So, I guess the message is this: I am taking each match, each opponent seriously. Mara Lang is no less important than Silvio Leon. If it is my destiny to become a World Champion at this stage in my career, then everyone, myself included, would be wise to remember that.
Belle claps along with the crowd approvingly. When all is settled she says.
Belle Silva: Outside of Silvio is there anyone on the roster you have your eyes on to compete against?
SKUP9: At some point, I'd be down for another match against Zephyr. If that's not in the cards, then I'll be happy to face whomever I have the privilege to stand in the ring with.
Belle Silva: Before we end things, do you have anything you’d like to say? The floor is yours.
Belle smiles reassuringly to SKUP9 and beckons him to go ahead.
SKUP9: Silvio, I respect you. That doesn't mean that I will hold back when we have our match. I started out watching men and women such as Zephyr Quinn, Lab Rat King, and yourself. I know that the best in this business can kick it up a notch, find some hidden reserve, whatever cliche you want to go with. The best have something intangible. My size maybe that intangible. Perhaps, it is something less obvious. Whatever it is, I am willing to do whatever I need to do to prove that I am worthy.
SKUP9 smiles as he says that.
SKUP9: We might have to put that on a t-shirt. Thank you, Belle. It's been a pleasure.
Belle stands to give the massive SKUP9 a hug.
Belle Silva: The pleasure was mine. Ascended Army, let’s hear it for SKUP9!
The fans cheer as the screen fades to black.
Artemis Direction: I do love my child, but I must say SKUP9 has some compelling points. He’s worked hard to get himself to his number one contender’s spot.
Del Ramos: A guy like that in the ring is dangerous. Sometimes you get a putz who just makes the same mistakes over and over again; sticks to the same routine even though it’s not a winning one. That ain’t this guy.
Artemis Direction: Certainly not. People with a student’s mindset are always dangerous because they’re willing to learn.
Hiro Suzuki: Kyle Beckett’s definitely has one of those. He came here to learn and make a name for himself, and I’d say he’s succeeding. Hey, speaking of students, what do you call the king of the classroom supplies?
No one:
Absolutely no one:
Hiro Suzuki: The ruler!
Artemis Direction: You know, they may be on opposite sides of the ring for this fight, but I have to wonder how Beckett and O’Toole might fair as a tag team.
Del Ramos: If they’re looking for gold, that might be the way to do it for them. I’m all for more fighters in the ring - more opportunities for blood.
The dramatic sting of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” kicks in, the lights around the big screen 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: Introducing first—from rom Astoria, Oregon, weighing in at 190 pounds, the Sidewinder, DAVID O’TOOLE!
Del Ramos: Beckett sounds like he considers O’Toole to be closer to being his family than a colleague. Always a double-edged sword getting close to folks in the locker room. Sooner or later, you’re gonna find yourself in the ring against them. And everyone says they’re okay with that until it actually happens.
Dressed in plain black ring pants without design or decor, black ring boots, and a blue hoodie, David O’Toole steps out of the entrance, pausing for a moment at the top of the ramp before making his way down, his steps purposeful. He slips between the ropes, pulls off his hoodie to toss it aside, and keeps light on his feet by the center of the ring.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent!
“Stick to Your Guns” hits and Kyle stands at the top of the entrance ramp, bent slightly forward and arms crossed. He drops the hood of his jacket and throws his arms out wide, letting out an excited roar to the crowd. He looks around to take in the arena before striding down the ramp.
Kevin Kim: From Brisbane, Australia, and weighing in at 91kg, he is the “Culture Clash,” KYLE BECKETT!
Kyle ascends the ring apron, looking out to the arena again, and climbs to the top of the turnbuckle. His “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” is answered with a resounding “Oi oi oi!” from the Ascended Army. He comes to the canvas, and as he approaches the center of the ring, David gives him a nod and extends a fist to him—Kyle hesitates, but returns the fist bump.
Del smirks.
Del Ramos: Hey, Hiro, any new pets you want from Beckett’s home country?
Hiro looks at Del as if he’s bitten into a lemon. After a few moments, however, he averts his gaze and drums his fingers on the top of the announcer’s table.
Hiro Suzuki: …Maybe.
DING DING
The two circle each other, testing the other’s reactions. After a few moments of this O’Toole gives a quick flick of his wrist, inviting Beckett in. Kyle seems to rally himself, and throws a forearm smash to O’Toole’s shoulder—but he telegraphs it just enough for David to dodge, and he takes that momentum to spin up a superkick into Kyle’s side! David keeps moving, and quickly has Beckett’s leg snared with his own, and grabbing his arm he wrenches him back in a Russian leg sweep. O’Toole goes for the cover–!
ONE–!
Beckett kicks out!
Del Ramos: C’mon, Suzuki, what’s your freaky animal this time?
Hiro Suzuki: It’s not freaky!
Del Ramos: The Internet and I will be the judge of that.
Godric Smith hand barely touches the canvas for one when Beckett forces himself upright, and he and O’Toole scramble to their feet! The pair tie up, trading holds and testing one another’s resilience!
Hiro Suzuki: It’s a cassowary! How can a cassowary be weird? They’re like ostriches but more colorful!
Del Ramos: I think it’s metal as fuck that you like the murder bird, but I’m surprised. I thought you were more squeamish.
Hiro Suzuki: It’s a what bird!?
Artemis Direction: Oh, my! O’Toole looks to be taking this match up a notch!
David is quicker on the draw, and he traps Kyle’s arm with Tinker’s Ratchet! Kyle squirms against O’Toole, but O’Toole easily moves with him, keeping the arm bar ratcheted in. Even as he does, David’s expression is nervous and expectant, as if he's watching the match—he’s muttering something, too quiet for any nearby mics but he’s close enough to Beckett’s ear for him to hear.
Artemis wrinkles her nose, brow furrowed.
Artemis Direction: What on Earth is going on with Davie in there?
Del is busily scrolling through something on their phone, smirking as they hold it up for Hiro.
Del Ramos: Check it out - cassowary attacks.
Hiro turns distinctly green.
Beckett grits his teeth, and with a sudden twist he flips David over his shoulders and flat onto his front! As they both make to get up Kyle has just enough space to throw a forearm strike that catches O’Toole in the jaw, staggering him. Beckett is faster back on his feet, races back to the ropes—and as David is standing, before he can straighten up Kyle has launched up onto David’s shoulders, and throws him around in a Cyclo-Rana! David rolls as he hits the ground, and scuttles unsteadily to his feet—he’s rattled and winded, but he grins. They charge each other once more, but Kyle’s momentum brings him in hard, and as they lock up, he knocks aside David’s arm, pivots, and flips him forward in a snapmare! David tries to keep his forward momentum as he hits the ground, but Kyle is already on his back, and quickly cinches a chinlock! O’Toole valiantly struggles against it, and it almost looks like he’s about to lose consciousness—but finally he taps against Kyle’s arm.
DING DING DING
Kevin Kim: Your winner by submission is the Culture Clash, KYLE BECKETT!
As Kyle stands, he pauses a moment, then offers David a hand up. O’Toole breaks into a grin and takes the help—and with a nod he pulls Kyle into a quick embrace.
Artemis Direction: Splendid sportsmanship between these two!
Del scoffs.
Del Ramos: Yeah, yeah, let’s all hug it out. I respect that these guys wanna use their fists to do the talking and all, but it’s always juicier when there’s something venomous going down between the fighters in the ring.
Hiro Suzuki: Speaking of venomous, do you know why snakes don’t drink coffee?
Del Ramos: …Maybe scorpions were the wrong way to go about this. Satan did take the form of a serpent, after all…
Hiro Suzuki: Because it makes them viperactive!
Artemis Direction: If you’re looking for bad blood, darling, look no further than our next match.
Artemis shakes her head.
Artemis Direction: Mara certainly expressed some strong opinions in her promo for this show.
Hiro frowns, brow knit.
Hiro Suzuki: How could she get any creepier? I thought the mad scientist stuff was bad enough, but now she’s got all these weird ideas about who does and doesn’t belong here.
Artemis Direction: I do hope our Eliminator does just what his name promises and shows Lang exactly where she can stick her ideas about hierarchy.
Kevin Kim: The following contest is set for one fall! Introducing first!
The lights in the arena go down, leaving the arena completely dark.
“Escobar’s season has returned.”
The violin intro to “Hate Me Now” by Nas ft. Puff Daddy starts to fill the arena
“It's been a long time, been a long time comin'
It's life or death for me now
But you know, there's no turning back now
This is what makes me, this is what I am
Feel me, let's go”
“Escobar’s season has returned.”
The violin intro to “Hate Me Now” by Nas ft. Puff Daddy starts to fill the arena
“It's been a long time, been a long time comin'
It's life or death for me now
But you know, there's no turning back now
This is what makes me, this is what I am
Feel me, let's go”
The chorus kicks in and a spotlight appears from behind the entrance, creating the large, looming silhouette of the man in front of it. The lights come up and he raises his arms in the air.
Kevin Kim: On his way to the ring, weighing in at 369 pounds from Grand Junction, Colorado… he is “The Eliminator” SKUP9!
SKUP9 stalks his way down the ramp, stopping occasionally to give an intimidating stare to the crowd. He steps up from the ringside area onto the apron, then up and over the top rope and into the ring, He walks over to the corner, where he stretches while waiting for the match to start.
Artemis Direction: You know, I never expected to see what we have from this competitor. His in-ring brutality and dominance isn’t surprising, but his willingness to be vulnerable is.
Del Ramos: Actually being in touch with your fucking feelings? Letting people see the bloody parts of your emotions on live television? Fucking brutal. This guy’s metal as Hell.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent!
The big screen comes to life with what looks like a network of nerves branching out in silvery spikes, electrical impulses crackling through them along to the strains of, ‘Twisted Nerve,’ by Bernard Herrmann. Those impulses form the name, ‘Mara Lang,’ in shivering silver letters before they burst into brilliant sparks.
Del Ramos: Heh! And she’s not one to shy away from any bloody parts.
Kevin Kim: Weighing in at 189 pounds from Bellevue, Washington, she is MARA LANG!
The lights on either side of the entrance rotate, flashing white beams in an almost hypnotic pattern as Mara steps through to the top of the ramp. As the sharp whistling sound of Mara’s entrance music cuts through the air, the crowd is quieter than would be expected. There is something unwholesome about the way she strides to the ring, not a motion wasted. The only thing that would suggest any distraction from her destination is the motion of her eyes; casting back and forth among the assembled as if assessing them.
Hiro Suzuki: You don’t think that Mara’s… uh… looking for any new test subjects since she lost Sebastian Hawke, do you?
Del Ramos: I dunno, Suzuki, why don’t you go ask her?
Artemis Direction: Mara turned things around for herself at our last show. Certainly she’ll be looking to keep that momentum up here.
Hiro Suzuki: She’ll need to use every trick in the book. SKUP9 has been the wall our fighters keep breaking themselves against. Say, do you know why the Kool Aid-man had to stop acting on Broadway?
Artemis Direction: I don’t know, darling, why?
Hiro Suzuki: He kept breaking the fourth wall!
DING DING!
Mara practically glides along the canvas, eyes heavy lidded and contemptuous as she circles her opponent. SKUP9, as promised, doesn’t look like he’s taking this lightly, his expression focused, eyes intent. He makes the first move, surging forward for a bearhug only for Mara to bend backward in a Matrix to evade him! As her legs begin their arch back over her head, however, SKUP9 intercepts them, yanking Mara off balance and proceeding to spin her around in a Giant Swing! Lang lets out a cry of surprise that’s cut short as he releases her, sending her skidding across the canvas and colliding awkwardly against the lower turnbuckle at the opposite end of the ring! Dazed, Mara starts to rise only for the Eliminator to close the space between them, gripping the ropes and planting his boot onto her throat in a corner foot choke! She flails as Jill Kincaid starts a count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
SKUP9 backs off, though his eyes are still hard, bright, and focused as Mara catches her breath and uses the ropes to help her climb to her feet.
Del Ramos: Seems like SKUP’s looking to show everyone he’s absolutely worthy to pursue Ascended gold.
Artemis Direction: Was it ever in doubt, sweetness?
Hiro Suzuki: He’d better watch out - Mara’s looking to even the score!
Sure enough, Lang seems to have caught her breath, but instead of seething, her expression has gone positively icy. Moving quickly, she hops up on the second rope, using it as a height assist to deliver a swift overhead chop to the top of SKUP9’s head! The Eliminator staggers back, his bell rung, and Mara follows with a discus back elbow!
Del Ramos: Lang better not let up. SKUP’s shown he can hang; she’s gonna have to be in all out attack mode if she wants to make a dent.
Lang seems to understand this, going for a superkick only to have SKUP catch her by the leg again! Ready for it this time, Mara seamlessly leaps into an enzuigiri, her opponent collapsing to the canvas after being nailed in the skull! Knowing she has moments, if that, Lang quickly seizes the opportunity and locks in the Twisted Nerve! Kincaid kneels beside SKUP9, the big man vehemently shaking his head, face contorted in pain, before he begins to make the crawl to the nearest rope, seizing it and causing Mara to break the hold!
Del Ramos: Doc better rethink her strategy. This guy’s almost twice her weight. She can do that Sharpshooter all day, but if he’s not worn out enough, he’s just gonna fight through the pain and drag her around the ring.
Del breaks out into a downright carnivorous smile.
Del Ramos: But that Novocaine of hers? If she can get that in, I’d say it’d even the odds.
Both fighters are on their feet, eyeing each other warily as they circle one another like wolves. Mara is the first to move, striking out with a European uppercut! SKUP9, showing off his tremendous strength and surprising dexterity, grabs Mara’s arm as the blow glances off him, and lifts her clean off her feet, dropping her and slamming his knee into her head in his signature Expulsion before going for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE–
NO!
Lang barely clears a shoulder off the mat, but somehow manages!
Hiro Suzuki: Jeez, I don’t wanna give any credit to Lang, but–
Artemis Direction: Oh, darling, I’d rather you use that breath to tell a joke than compliment that harpy.
Del Ramos: …That’s the most metal fucking thing I’ve heard from you.
SKUP9 doesn’t waste time with shock, though as he begins to rise, Mara appears to pull something from her tights, disguising the motion as struggling to get to her feet. Taking advantage of her competitor’s considerable frame to hide her movements, Jill can’t see her slip a ring with what appears to be a little point extending from the band from the palm side. She gives the Eliminator’s neck a slap, the inside of the ring connecting with SKUP9’s skin!
Artemis Direction: What on Earth was that!?
Del Ramos: Not a clue, but Kincaid can’t call what she can’t see.
The Eliminator winces sharply, seeming surprised, giving Mara a puzzled look that quickly hardens into one of determination as he wraps his arms around his opponent and lifts her off the ground again in his Eradication finisher! Mara struggles, though it’s clear she’s fading! Strangely, however, SKUP9 seems to be having a difficult time keeping the hold or even lifting Mara from her feet, his massive frame beginning to sway perilously!
Hiro Suzuki: I think somebody yell, ‘timber!’ Whatever Lang did, SKUP’s clearly feeling. You know, I met a lumberjack at a bar once.
Artemis Direction: Did you, sweetling?
Hiro Suzuki: Yeah! Seemed like a decent feller!
His grip coming loose, eyes rolling back into his head, The Eliminator collapses to the mat, Mara slumping from his grip. Jill Kincaid looks utterly baffled, looking between the two as a chorus of booing and jeers rises from the Ascended Army! Left with no other choice, she begins a ten count!
The commentators look similarly confused.
Hiro Suzuki: What did she do to him!? Did she drug him?!
Del Ramos: If she did, whatever she used must have been strong enough to put down a horse. I don’t think she’d chance putting something into his system, though. Could be she found some kind of nerve or pressure point. That chick’s all about how the nervous system works. Wouldn’t surprise me if she’s got some kind of weird ass Vulcan nerve pinch or something.
In the ring, Jill is continuing her count.
–EIGHT!
NINE!
TEN!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, this match is a DRAW!
The jeers intensify as Mara starts to rise unsteadily, Ernest Conaugher and his team of EMTs coming out to see to the fighters.
Artemis Direction: It looks like Lang didn’t want hard evidence of SKUP9 proving her wrong about being worthy of a title shot or his place on the roster!
Del scowls.
Del Ramos: I’m all for brutality and viciousness, but only when it ends in blood.
Artemis Direction: Then our next competitors are sure to deliver. We have a title fight for the Emerald City Championship between Sebastian Hawke and Roy Valentine!
Del Ramos: It’s been interesting seeing Hawke making his own way without Lang.
Hiro Suzuki: Hawke’s been through a lot. After being experimented on and turned against his friends, Lang’s got a lot to answer for. He may have ridiculous pain tolerance and control over what he feels now, but at what cost?
Del Ramos: Hopefully the price he paid was enough to get him this belt.
Artemis Direction: Don’t discount Valentine. He’s shown himself to be cunning, and he isn’t averse to using some underhanded tactics if it gets him the win. Davie might have fought earlier in the evening, but Valentine may try to get him to do some of his dirty work.
Del Ramos: I think he learned his lesson on trying to get O’Toole to help him cheat. Remember, the kid actually prevented Valentine from using a foreign object in the ring the last time he defended his title. Considering he’s under contract that keeps him at Valentine’s beck and call, I’m sure O’Toole faced some brutal consequences for not helping his ‘boss.’
Artemis sighs, shaking her head.
Artemis Direction: As ever, I am torn about Mr. Valentine.
Hiro Suzuki: Don’t you mean thorn about him?
Del Ramos: If we don’t cut to our next announcement, everyone is going to see a man’s entire skeleton removed from his body intact live on our stream. While I think that’s metal as fuck and could watch it on loop as a meditation aide, I know I’m in the minority.
Artemis Direction: Message received, darling! While our crew sets up for our main event, let us take you to Jodie Nguyen and Silvio Leon for their announcements on the card for our Jingle Bell Bash Pay-Per-View!
The scene cuts away to Jodie seated behind her gleaming desk in her plush office, leaning back in her office chair. Holly is littered across the desktop, and a large pine wreath hung with shining red Christmas ornaments and glittering red ribbon bows hangs in the window behind her. Silvio Leon, dressed in a red version of his typically black ring gear, has a Santa hat on his head at a rakish angle, the World title around his waist and a black velvet bag tied with a gold rope resting across his lap where he sits on the edge of Jodie’s desk. Nguyen’s kittenish features are strained with mild distaste beneath the furry brim of a lush, velvet santa hat as she turns her gaze to the camera. Her voice is somewhat stilted as she speaks.
Jodie Nguyen: Good evening, Ascended Army. As you know, our Jingle Bell Bash event is right around the corner.
Silvio Leon: And as it happens, the Eliminator SKUP9 has been an exceptionally good boy this year! So guess what Santa’s got in the bag for you, SKUP!
Reaching into the black velvet bag, the World Champ pulls out a stack of stapled papers, grinning broadly.
Silvio Leon: It’s a contract for a World Title shot! You’ve been tearing through everything that’s been put in front of you, and that kind of dominance deserves recognition. You and me closing out the year at Jingle Bell Bash, Eliminator. You had better pour every ounce of hunger, every shred of desire, every fiber of need into this fight. I get the feeling you, like me, haven’t had a lot just handed to you.
His smile takes on a different angle.
Silvio Leon: So we both know what it’s like when you finally get something you’ve always wanted. Something you’ve burned for. Something that has consumed your every waking thought. And you know the lengths, when you finally get that special something, that you’ll go to keep it. We’re too wary to take a damn thing for granted. So if you think I’m coming out with anything less than territorial assertions that border on feral, I suggest you reconsider what it means to get into the ring with me.
He gives the camera a wink.
Silvio Leon: Paperwork’s waiting in Nguyen’s office for you, big papa. Enjoy your early Christmas gift. Ho, ho, ho!
Jodie sighs, rubbing her forehead.
Jodie Nguyen: Yes, thank you, Mr. Leon. You’ve launched a hundred new holiday fanfics in that get up. Now, moving on to the rest of the card. We have our Emerald City Championship as well as our Underworld Championship that need defending. However, we don’t have any clear contenders at this point. To that end, our inaugural Jingle Bell Bash will be hosting…
She presses her lips into a hard line as if she hates every word that waits behind them and can make them go away if she just tries hard enough.
Jodie Nguyen: …Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rumble.
Silvio stifles a snort.
Jodie Nguyen: Yes, Mr. Afsah’s acumen for naming is clearly second to none. In any case, we will be hosting an event that will involve two phases in which our fighters will have a free for all to determine who will be our number one contenders for the Emerald City and Underworld Championships, respectively. After each contender is determined, they will fight their respective champion later that night.
Jodie laces her fingers together in front of her on the top of her desk.
Jodie Nguyen: Our debuting star Mr. Dweck may choose to be in this rumble or fight against Brawn Johnson.
Silvio Leon: See you at the Bash, Ascended Army! Remember to stay on the Nice List!
The scene switches to the Ascended Colosseum where Kevin Kim stands in the center of the ring.
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, the following match is your main event of the evening for the Emerald City Championship!
A pop goes up from the crowd!
Kevin Kim Introducing first! The challenger!
High tempo, up-beat rock music suddenly fills the Colosseum and the entrance stage is bathed in flat blue lighting, punctuated by high frequency white strobes, timed to synch up to the beat, as The Near Future VII. Time to Fly by I Fight Dragons begins to play.
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, he is SEBASTIAN HAWKE
Feeling the energy from his old music, Sebastian Hawke bounces out onto to stage and waves to the numerous fans happy to see him without The Insensate mask. Beaming, Sebastian runs down the ramp to the ring and slides in posing for the crowd!
Artemis Direction: It is good seeing Sebastian more like his old self again. I imagine he’ll be coping with the fall out of what Lang did to him for some time, but he seems to have recaptured some of that energy he used to have.
Kevin Kim: And his opponent! Our defending Emerald City Champion!
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 his 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, red and gold roses spelling out the name, “ROY VALENTINE”.
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, weighing in at 219 pounds, he is ROY VALENTINE!
Valentine then makes his entrance in the flesh, struts on stage under a shower of crimson petals. Alongside him stalks his steel wall of an assistant, Anastasia Keller, metal clipboard in hand. Valentine holds a scarlet “Valentine Velvet” 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, perhaps, disgusted--Ascended Army.
Artemis Direction: It wasn’t too long ago that these two teamed up in the ring against LRK and Silvio. Having worked as a team, they may have unique insights into one another’s fighting styles and techniques.
Del Ramos: If that means more brutality, I’m all for it.
DING DING!
Roy doesn’t waste a moment, immediately going on the offense with a backhand chop that slams audibly into Sebastian’s chest! The Ascended Army groans in collective sympathy, but Sebastian isn’t so much hurt by the blow as he is shifted by it, even as angry red welts rise up. He actually smirks, as if relishing the idea of reminding Roy exactly who he is. As Roy goes for another chop, Hawke seizes his hand, wrenching back on his fingers and causing Valentine to go to one knee with a cry of pain. With effort, gritting his teeth, Roy begins to rise to his feet, only for Hawke to catch him in a wrist lock, wrenching him downward to the mat and lifting his knees to hit his opponent with a brutal arm breaker! Roy rolls away toward the rope, clutching his arm!
Hiro Suzuki: Jeez-! Hawke’s matches are always a little… bloodthirsty.
Del is smirking.
Del Ramos: Isn’t it fuckin’ great?
Sebastian approaches his opponent, but as he comes within arm’s reach, Roy surges to his feet with shocking speed, seizing Hawke and slamming him to the mat in a back body drop! His opponent on the canvas, Valentine quickly locks in a crossface, pulling back with all his might! While Sebastian is definitely straining against the physical force of the hold, he isn’t as impacted by the pain. With grueling slowness few others would find bearable, Hawke manages to drag himself and a straining Valentine to the nearest rope! As he grabs hold of it, referee Godric Smith directs Roy to drop the hold. While Valentine does this, he doesn’t give Seb a chance to catch his breath! Grabbing the smaller man and hauling him to his feet, Valentine whips him into the ropes, catching him in a hip toss that slams him against the mat! As the Emerald City Champ hooks the legs for a pin, Godric Smith slides in!
ONE!
TWO–
Kick out from Hawke!
Del Ramos: Valentine’s gonna have to rely more on raw physicality than technical smarts. The kid’s just not feeling the pain the way a normal opponent would.
Hiro Suzuki: Hawke will be a tough opponent to beat, but you never know. After all, every dogwood has its day!
Del Ramos: Hey, Suzuki, I got a present for you. Ever heard of oleander?
Hiro Suzuki: I can’t say that I have!
Del Ramos: Boy are you in for a treat. You can use every part of the plant. Let me know when I can come over - we can–
Hiro lights up.
Hiro Suzuki: Do some arts and crafts?! Are you finally going to show me your Etsy store?!
Del scowls, rolling their eyes with a groan.
Del Ramos: Aw, fuck, you ruined it.
The two fighters get to their feet, each watching the other, breath ragged, pacing tightly as they both look for an opening. Seb finds it first, hitting a roundhouse kick! Roy staggers, but stays on his feet. As he spends time recovering, Hawke has backed into a corner, and once Valentine turns, he finds himself on the receiving end of a running knee! The champ goes down hard onto the canvas as the Ascended Army roars, and Sebastian climbs the nearest turnbuckle. Rising to his feet, he judges the distance to his prone opponent and flies through the air to nail him with a Pinpoint! The commentators all hiss in pain as Hawke goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THR–
Kick out from Valentine!
Artemis Direction: We almost had a new champion!
Valentine is acutely aware of this as he and Sebastian get to their feet again, the exhaustion clear in each fighter’s posture. With a sneer, he stalks over to Hawke, locking up with him and trading holds before yanking backward away from his opponent and hitting him with a quick knee to the gut. Sebastian starts to double over, and that’s when Roy takes the opportunity to gain some momentum, hits the ropes and takes Hawke down with his Whipvine!
Del Ramos: If he can’t get him to feel the pain, he can get him winded instead. Those gut and chest shots won’t let him get a breath in.
Hiro Suzuki: Great strategy if Hawke has allergies. Otherwise, it’s just a pollen!
Seb is clearly seeing stars, blinking rapidly as Valentine, seeming to want to punish Sebastian as much as beat him, stalks over to the nearest turnbuckle and climbs to the second rope. As Hawke starts to shakily get to his feet, he turns just in time to see Roy flying through the air at him with a double axe handle that sends him sprawling onto the canvas! Valentine makes the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE–
Kick out from Hawke!
The audience is stunned, on its feet for Seb as Roy snarls at the ref in frustration. Smith is having none of it, though, holding up two fingers and shaking his head.
Artemis Direction: While Hawke might not feel the pain as keenly as another fighter, it doesn’t mean he’s invincible.
Sebastian himself seems to be well aware of this, cringing as he climbs back to his feet. Valentine is quicker on the draw this time, though, tangling his arms around Hawke and hitting him with an Empty Chalice! Undaunted, Roy goes for another pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE–
Kick out from Hawke!
Del Ramos: Heh! I don’t think our posey liked that one little bit.
Indeed, Valentine looks positively livid in the ring. Eyes bright with rage, he goes for a leg drop on his still prone opponent, but Hawke rolls out of the way! Sebastian reaches deep, seeming to find some hidden well of strength and gets to his feet, the audience roaring his name! Before Roy can regather himself and get vertical, Sebastian seizes his legs, and, with tremendous effort, turns his opponent over to lock in the SNAP!
Hiro Suzuki: This could be it!
Valentine tries, setting his teeth, muscles bulging, but he’s got nowhere to go and no other choice to make. Pressing his face to the canvas, Valentine taps!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, your NEW EMERALD CITY CHAMPION! SEBASTIAN HAWKE!!
Sebastian releases his opponent, crumpling to the mat, breathing heavily as his music hits. As Valentine crawls out of the ring, Godric Smith comes to Sebastian’s side, kneeling and offering him the belt. Drawing in a deep breath, Hawke steels himself and rises, awash in the adulation of the assembled throng. Taking the belt, he stares at it for a moment, a little smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Bruised, beaten, and victorious, he holds the belt aloft, the audience roaring its approval.
Artemis Direction: What a way to end the show! We have an all new way to get gory and glorious in our upcoming PPV, Richard Dweck makes his Ascended debut, and SKUP9 challenges Silvio Leon for the World Title! Sweethearts, someone better get mother her smelling salts, because I may very well swoon!
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, what did Santa say when he found the big puddle?
Del Ramos: I swear I will sacrifice you to Krampus before this holiday season is over.
Hiro Suzuki: It must have reindeer!
Artemis Direction: See you next time at the Jingle Bell Bash, Ascended Army!
Huge thank you to my judges this time around! You are all rock stars.
Credits
SKUP9 BtB - SKUP9 & Zephyr
Annie Logan vs. Big McLargeHuge - Zen
Kyle Beckett vs. David O’Toole - g
Everything else - Ampersand
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