WZCW Goodbye: Mayhem Battle Royal

[Lee]

After 12 1/2 years we're shutting up shop. If you've been in the fed before or in the fed now here's your chance to be the last ever Mayhem Champion.

For your chance:
RP Here with any of your characters you have used before
No other rules

If you want to go for one of the other titles you must do an RP in that thread too (But you can Copy and paste if you want)

All four title winners will face off for the grand super championship to end it all. Go wild!


RP deadline Saturday 28th December 11:59pm whatever timezone I CBA with.

[Lee]

Deadline changed to 1st January 2020!

[Yaz]

Jabari Kasim returned home to live out a life of solitude. Everyone involved in the project agrees it should have never been put into action and was in all forms, a massive failure.

[Spidercanrana]

Grindhouse was eventually caught by a grizzled alcoholic detective, but not before he found a dozen dead cheerleaders inside the projection room of The Starbreak Cinema.

[Wildcat66]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmC5bLymUgs

As the camera turns on, a woman with freckles can be seen messing around with it, trying to make sure it's standing up straight. She nods, taking in mind her surroundings and smiles at ther camera.

Annie Halloway: Hello WZCW...it’s been quite some time hasn’t it?

Annie Halloway: Allow me to apologize for disappearing so suddenly. Priorities within ATV permitted me from proceeding further with my wrestling career than I wished.

Annie sighs, shaking her head.

Annie Halloway: It’s a shame, it truly is. We had something special going.

A pause occurs, lasting a few seconds, as if to remind herself of what could have been before she glances at the camera.

Annie Halloway: I assume the populace has been made aware, but if you are among the few who haven’t, i’m afraid I have some discouraging news.

She sighs, a part of her still unwilling to believe the news.

Annie Halloway: WZCW has chosen to shut down after eleven and a half years of service. An era has ended.

Letting it sink in, she points towards herself.

Annie Halloway: I had planned to return as soon as next year and leave Ezekiel to handle office duties while I once more competed in the ring, but now it seems that day will never come.

Looking down at the floor, she sighs once again. Speaking quietly.

Annie Halloway: I know I have paraded myself as a messiah of knowledge, but if there is one regret I have, it’s failing to capitalize on momentum when I should have. One wonders what life would have been had I been able to balance life in and out of the ring before my departure…

After a few more seconds of pondering, she pulls herself together and puts on a serious face.

Annie Halloway: But enough about that, I have an announcement I wish to make. One that I believe may define my legacy within WZCW. I-

Ezekiel enters the shot, looking towards his partner.

Ezekiel Roche: Ms. Halloway?

Annie looks towards him.

Annie Halloway: Yes Ezekiel?

Ezekiel Roche: We have visitors.

Annie nods, smiling pleasently.

Annie Halloway: Send them in.

Ezekiel smiles, motioning for their visitors to enter. In walks a wealthy looking businessman and a man who looks like his muscles have muscles. The businessman walks towards Annie with the type of swagger only seen from an wrestling manager. Annie herself is rather intrigued by this reveal.

Troy Excellence: Well, well, well. What do we have here?

Annie Halloway: Mr. Excellence! This is quite the surprise. What brings you here?

Troy Excellence: The same reason you seem to be here. WZCW’s closure. And with me being a former alumni, I simply couldn’t resist the urge!

Troy motions towards a very annoyed looking War Zone.

Troy Excellence: I brought...him back.

Ezekiel gasps, staring at the tank of a man.

Ezekiel Roche: Is that who I think it is?

Troy Excellence: Indeed. The almighty War Zone, has returned!

War Zone glares at Troy.

War Zone: Troy, How many times have I told you. I don’t want to be called War Zone anymore. From now on, I want to be known as Robert Gwynn.

Unwavering, Troy pats him on the back.

Troy Excellence: Relax buddy, it’s only for one night.

As Troy saunters off to talk to Ezekiel, War Zone sighs in frustration, muttering to himself.

War Zone: Fucking hell…

It's around this time Annie walks towards him, hands behind her back and with a shit-eating grin on her face.

Annie Halloway: Ah yes, War Zone. One of the great duds in WZCW history.

War Zone glares at her. Not wanting to put up with anything.

War Zone: At least I won a title.

Annie Halloway: It was one of only two wins. For a monster, that’s rather pathetic.

Hearing this, Troy turns his head over and walks over to her.

Troy Excellence: Hey now! My client War Zone-

Before he can get too far to Annie, War Zone puts his hand up towards him.

War Zone: Please Troy, let me handle this.

He obliges, stepping back to let War Zone do whatever it is he needed.

Annie Halloway: Well, i’m glad to see you have balls the size of your muscles.

Ezekiel Roche: Ms. Halloway, you know we’re not supposed to swear.

Annie smirks at Ezekiel.

Annie Halloway: Actually, the swearing rule has been abolished. I’m allowed to say whatever I want.

Having addressed the rules, she glances towards War Zone.

Annie Halloway: And to you War Zone, or Robert Gwynn, whatever you wish to be called. Allow me to say this.


Annie clears her throat and takes a deep breath.

Annie Halloway: You’re fucking pathetic. I heard the rumors throughout the grapevine. How you faked your injury so you could leave WZCW when it was clear strength wasn’t going to get you anywhere in life. For someone who was built up as the ultimate fighter, you clearly couldn’t handle the pressure. All the losses you piled up chewed at your fragile machismo and you cracked, like the little bitch that you are!

As Annie continues to get more heated, Troy and Ezekiel stand awkwardly in the background. Concerned, Troy taps Ezekiel by the shoulder.

Troy Excellence: Hot damn, is she usually like this?

Ezekiel Roche: No, she’s usually much calmer.

Annie is then shown, screaming at the top of her lungs to an unmoved War Zone.


Annie Halloway: AND HOW IN THE FIFTY SHADES OF FUCK DO YOU LOSE TO A SPINELESS COWARD WHO ONLY GIVES BACK FOR YOUR FIRST MATCH?!

Beginning to seethe, she looks at Ezekiel who gives her a thumbs up. Seeing this as the signal to end the rant, she takes some deep breathes before staring straight into War Zone's eyes.

Annie Halloway: In conclusion, if there is one thing we can agree on, it's you dear War Zone are a fraud.

War Zone blinks his eyes, looking at the door.

War Zone: Uh yeah. I think that's been proven for a while now.


Annie smiles pridefully.

Annie Halloway: Of course i'm r-

War Zone: Can I do a monologue now?

Annie Halloway: Very well then.


Annie steps back, letting War Zone have the floor for a moment.

War Zone: Yeah, I lied about the injury. I did it cause...well, like you said I thought I was a fraud.

War Zone looks at the others.

War Zone: So after that Gino douche attacked me, put me through a table and I spent a day or so inside an E.R, I began to feel those same feelings of doubt I had when the losses initially piled up. That's when I said fuck it and decided to play up my injury as a career ender.

Troy glares, putting his hand on Ezekiel's shoulder and motioning towards War Zone.

Troy Excellence: I told him, he was making a big mistake. It wasn't the path to excellence I said, but did he listen? No! He was so over the wrestling world cause people were gettin' lucky!

Troy moves his head towards War Zone, same angered glare on his face.

Troy Excellence: Tell em what happened when you got exposed, tell them I haven't let you hear the end of it since!

War Zone: Relax Troy, being blacklisted isn't the worst thing ever. Besides, you wanna know who else is blacklisted?

Ezekiel Roche: Who?

War Zone: Yemrez Reqonic.

Troy blinks. The name is foggy to him.

Troy Excellence: Who?

War Zone nods.

War Zone: Exactly.

Annie Halloway: Estonian gold medalist, embarrassed her country with half assed performances and a shite attitude despite being a so called good girl.

War Zone shrugs.

War Zone: I remember facing her a few times. Always thought she was all-

Realizing Annie described her perfectly, he looks at her in confusion.


War Zone: Wait, you never got to see her. How do you know that?

Annie smirks smugly.


Annie Halloway: Being a hacker has its perks.

Wanting to get involved in the matter, he comes up towards the two.

Troy Excellence: Well er, do you know who else is on the list? That Lynx person!

War Zone: You mean the time traveller?

Troy Excellence: Yes the time traveller.

War Zone crosses his arms, shaking his head.

War Zone: Time paradoxes are a bitch man.


As the others are talking about the blacklisted wrestlers of the company, Ezekiel checks the WZCW Goodbye matchup card on the WZCW website and motions towards the others. to listen.

Ezekiel Roche: Excuse me gentleman, but if I may, I'd like to tell you that the proverbial blacklist of WZCW has been rendered irrelevant. Anyone who wishes to partake in the final event is free to do so.

Troy's eyes widen when he mentions this.

Troy Excellence: Shit now, really?

Still unsure how to take the swearing rule being relaxed, Ezekiel tries to figure out how to respond to his question.

Ezekiel Roche: ...Yes um, your feces is...erm...correct.

Troy blinks at Ezekiel, the latter sweating nervously about how he'll take this.

Troy Excellence: Politically correct as it may be, I say that opportunity has come knocking. Hasn't it War Zone?

War Zone: When are you going to call me Robert?

Troy Excellence: When you're retired or six feet under. Whichever comes first.

Annie Halloway: Tell me Ezekiel, what will be the agenda for WZCW's farewell?

Ezekiel turns his laptop over towards the others.

Ezekiel Roche: According to this match card, there will be four different battle royals. All for the company's titles and will crown the final champions in their lineage. For our main event, we will see the winners of all four matches compete to determine a grand champion.

As Ezekiel talks about the idea of being a grand champion, Annie begins to imagine herself winning one of the battle royals and becoming the ultimate champion and hangs her tongue out of her mouth, drooling profusely. It does not go unnoticed.

Ezekiel Roche: Annie, you're salivating.

Realizing this, Annie puts her tongue back in her mouth and blushes.

Annie Halloway: Apologies.

Putting on her determined face, she gets up on top of the bed. Commanding everyone's attention as she speaks.

Annie Halloway: Friends, I believe our goal from here is apparent. The final conquest of ATV is upon us. Together, we shall rule WZCW!

Ezekiel Roche: Actually Annie, only one of you can rule WZCW...assuming Mr. Gwynn even wants to compete.

War Zone is then shown watching Troy coming closer to him, the puppy dog eyes on his face apparent. He sighs in defeat.

War Zone: Oh fine. Only because Joseph McCarthy would never forgive me if I didn't take the chance.

Annie Halloway: McCarthy's dead.

Once Annie says this, she triggers a distraught reaction towards War Zone.

War Zone: DON'T REMIND ME!!!

War Zone runs out of the room, Troy following him.

Troy Excellence: Wait for me!

As Annie watches the two head out, she shakes her head, jumping off the bed and walking towards the camera.

Ezekiel Roche: Ms. Halloway, I must congratulate you on your return to WZCW. But are you sure you're prepared to take a hold on the grand championship?

Annie glances at Ezekiel, the look of determination now more apparent than ever.

Annie Halloway: I have to. If there is one thing that defines me...let it be this.

She looks at the camera one final time.

Annie Halloway: Farewell WZCW. May your final days be filled joy, happiness...and the smartest little bitch to ever grace the squared circle.

[Dagger Dias]

Read what's in the spoiler tags first if you have not read my World title RP yet.


https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/80984017_10101650835659456_2758847125616852992_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=UkTXe_5cX-kAQlf9hDxQgLNe_sosUNAI0SwdAQa5p29UJFOS08wj3Ejtw&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=40104192987688505746df93860e1fda&oe=5EAEF09C


The Legend Of Theron
The Final Chapter


A black screen is seen. A message from a WZCW Talent Relations official named May Trix had found its way to Theron in the way of an email in his inbox, inviting him to one more match. A final show due to WZCW ending. Theron was ready to break the silence and share the remainder of his story with the world. His thoughts are heard.

Theron: It has been almost 3 years since the last time I competed in the ring for WZCW. Kingdom Come 8 in a TLC match for the Eurasian Championship against Titus, who I looked up to when I was young. Most of my time following that fateful night has been spent serving on an international missionary team. Surprised that I'm not saying "Tidarthian" instead of Titus? or "World Gladiatorial Combat Federation" instead of WZCW?

A few seconds pass, then his thoughts are heard again.

Theron: A lot of healing has taken place these last 3 years. Sometimes life throws you a curveball that you never expected. Here is what happened.


Kingdom Come 8
February 3, 2017

A mosaic animation transitions to the backstage area at Kingdom Come 8. Theron, weak from his TLC match, walks into the room and drinks a bottle of water. Tiffany his onscreen manager walks onscreen behind Theron. She places her hand on his back, but he pushes her away.

Theron: Why would you get involved in that match!? You could have gotten killed out there!

Tiffany: I'm sorry. I was just trying to help you. Why are you always being so stubborn? All I have ever done is try to help you.

Theron turns around to face her and glares at her.

Theron: That's a LIE and you KNOW it!

Tiffany: Hey! You need to calm down!

Theron: No, Kirilah! I'm done!!!! You try to control EVERYTHING! My finances, my gladiatorial career, my gaming accounts. This is MY life! I knew that you managing me onscreen was going to be a bad idea.

She crosses her arms.

Tiffany: I see. So this is how it is going to be. Go ahead and fire me from being your manager if that is what you want. What about our dating relationship? How are you going to fix this?

He walks over to her and is now right in front of her.

Theron: I'm calling Mark Flight and we're going to get counseling. You have not been honest with me and we need help from a man of The Triad in order for this relationship to become healthy again.

She closes her eyes and sighs.

Tiffany: Fine.

The scene fades to black with a mosaic transition. Theron's thoughts are heard again.

Theron: I really did love her, but this relationship was so unhealthy. We ended up having another argument again before our scheduled counseling session with Josh Browning, or Mark Flight as I called him back then, could take place. It was on the night that I was going to be giving a temporary farewell promo at the Aftershock Awards Special in March 2017. I was planning to take some time off to rest due to frustrations with the direction that WZCW was going in. Maybe a semester or a year, I might return I thought. Things did not turn out that way.


Aftershock Awards Special
February 26, 2017

Theron: That night we had one one of the worst arguments we ever experienced. I won't go into the details of this argument other than the fact that it was the end of the relationship. I knew that Tiffany Wyatt could not be in my life any longer, so I broke up with her. I never saw her again. I had signed up to be on Josh Browning's team for an upcoming mission trip with my church. Yeah I know some of you don't like Josh Browning. Tough. He's integral to my story and I'm not leaving him out. Before the trip I attended a training retreat with the rest of the team. This took place during the shows where Lynx had made his debut.



Undisclosed Location
March 21, 2017


A mosaic animation transitions the scene to a view of an outdoor gathering at night, there is a large campfire where a few young men and young women, all in their 20's, are interacting. Theron is laying down by a large wooden stick in a grassy area. Tears are running down both sides of his face, he has been crying for most of the evening. Three men approach Theron. One of them has brown hair and a long brown beard, this is Theron's pastor Josh Browning. The other two are young men in their 20's from Josh's team. The three stand by Theron for a moment as the fire crackles behind them, and then Josh breaks the silence.

Browning: Get up!

Theron does not respond, but his thoughts from his present self are heard.

Present Theron: ((((I didn't want to. My life had fallen apart. I had lost my dream job and also the love of my life. While it was my own decision to take a break from wrestling as well as my own decision to break up with Tiffany, I felt hopeless.))))

Browning: Shawn.... You need to get up. We're about break into a time of discipleship. Come sit with Pecard and DJ. You can be in their group. Let them know what's going on and they'll pray with you.

Still no response from Theron. Josh motions to the other two guys to help Theron up. They do so. Theron hugs Josh then follows Pecard and DJ to their group of men by the campfire. The other men are now listening to Theron as he tells his story to them.

Present Theron: ((((That night I shared my full testimony. About Dungeons & Dragons, my relationship, and about WZCW. Which still included my Theronisms. Pecard, who knew me better than the others, was able to translate some of the Theronisms. Later, as the men prayed for me, I heard a voice. It said "Open your eyes. What I have for you is better!".))))

Theron, who had been sitting by the campfire for a few minutes with his eyes closed while his friends prayed for him, now opens his eyes.

Present Theron: ((((Then, for the first time since 2013, the real world once again became a reality. I was Shawn Daggers. A young man from Texas. Not a Warblade of Mystra or a Hylian from Zelda. I remember going over to Josh Browning after this to speak about this revelation, as myself, and that was the pivotal moment. Now I knew my identity came from my faith and not from a D&D character sheet. My faith grew like never before on the remainder of this training retreat, and then we departed for our overseas mission trip.))))

Scene transitions with a mosaic animation to a picture of Lynx holding the Elite Openweight Championship. Theron's thoughts continue to be heard.

Theron: ((((And that brings us to Lynx. A fan of mine who had been motivated to pick up where I left off, when he saw my promo after Kingdom Come 8. The attack from Flex Mussel afterwards as well. Lynx did pretty well, even going on to capture the Elite Openweight Championship. The title I spent my entire rookie year trying to obtain! I found out about Lynx's initial success during outreaches when speaking with locals who were fans of WZCW. I decided to reach out to Lynx. At the WZCW 10th Anniversary Show, I had Lynx read a letter I wrote for him as well as for our fans. I wanted to pass the torch to him, which I now realize may have been a mistake.))))



Undisclosed Location
December 30, 2019


Scene suddenly shifts to an outdoor area by a waterfall, in present day. Theron is looking out into the waterfall while sitting on a bench on a porch. The angle zooms out to reveal that Doreen, Lynx's Social Media Administrator is next to Theron typing on a laptop.

Theron: You getting all this, Doreen?

Doreen: Yes she is. You know how fast a typer Doreen is!

Theron: Wondering why she's here? Doreen became the Administrator for our outreach team here after Lynx left WZCW. This made her the perfect candidate to correspond with WZCW for me regarding my appearing at the final show. Now, where was I.... Oh yeah. The letter I had written to Lynx was written with all Theronisms intact in order to preserve my character's persona. From that moment on I would speak normal when on outreaches but in-character when making appearances as my character, such as the Lethal Lottery in 2018.

He laughs to himself for a couple of seconds.

Theron: Speaking of Lethal Lottery.... The one in 2019? Turns out someone pretending to be me had entered that match. It should have tipped anyone off that it was an imposter when he came out to the wrong entrance song. While I do love Nightwish, I don't even like "Ghost Love Score". Should have been "Mother Of Light" by Epica, you know, my actual entrance music. Had it been the real me, I would have won that match. Just saying.

Doreen: Theron, another message has just come in. They would like to know if Lynx will also be competing or if it will be just you. What should Doreen tell them?

Theron: Just me. Lynx has no desire to compete again after his departure happening the way it did. I felt bad for him, though I know part of it is my own fault for trying to make him into the "next Theron" when he should have been focusing on being the first "Lynx".

Lynx is seen walking with a group of young adults, he waves at Theron. The men continue walking and Theron waves back to them. They are engaged in conversation and appear to be having a good time.

Theron: When Lynx began to struggle in WZCW, I mentioned it to Josh Browning that Lynx may need the same kind of healing from spiritual community that I did. So we reached out to Lynx and that is what led to my Lethal Lottery 2018 appearance. After quitting WZCW, Lynx ended up taking Josh Browning's offer to join our international team. Lynx lived much of his life thinking he was sent back from the future to prevent us from ending up in a post-apocalyptic world where the only language everyone spoke was Al Bhed. Now that he knows the truth that he was from this era all along and his "future world" never existed, he is focused on meeting people from other cultures and sharing the story of his salvation. He's flourished during his time out here and is now leading one of the outreach teams that I oversee.

Scene shifts to a picture of Lynx's Grand Dream faction as well as Theron's Misfits in 8 bit form. A few seconds after that a mosaic animation transitions to a D&D table with dice, as Theron's thoughts continue to be heard.


https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/66190011_10101492370000906_8471332729433096192_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=vwScZU_keJkAQmdjQGVpdjDZXrTS5SaG3C5psAEqLE nMffnDKFpw61wiQ&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=b5e1ccfa7286c695e1a1f76ff87aedff&oe=5EAA64D0

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/81274805_10101650826557696_4570124380113207296_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ohc=A3sZ7UsR0akAQlE1cHudXdUEmjKi0DBoFtuAlfpyR7 5RRPviQGim5zihw&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=750eb2ee8a05d7b7da30062b66812e16&oe=5EA8CA97

Theron: You may be wondering what happened to the rest of Lynx's Grand Dream group.... Unlike Doreen and Lynx, the others did not get involved in ministry. Remember that gym that Lynx trained with the Grand Dream in before his match with Triple X at Unscripted? Cousin Willy and Masamune ended up taking over ownership at that gym. They now train up and coming wrestlers there.

Theron picks up each of the 20 sided D&D dice except for the red one. It is Theron's crimson red D20.

Theron: Then there's The Merry Band Of Misfits. My closest friends who I saw as their D&D characters. None of which have been mentioned or seen since the Christmas party at Tiffany's mother's house 3 years ago. We still play Dungeons & Dragons at Ian's house, though our schedules never quite line up anymore. We began a 5th edition campaign about fighting lizards in the jungle in 2016 that we have yet to finish.

He throws a blue speckled dice onto the table.

Theron: Ian, who many of you probably remember better as Kaleesta the Healer, was my roommate in the real world. He is still our Dungeon Master. He's married now and works as an Information Technology technician. He plays a Drow Ranger in our current campaign. Ian's Ranger along with my Paladin Of Silvanus lead that campaign's Merry Band Of Misfits. Someday Ian and I need to finish the campaign where his first character, Davivel, took over the Cult Of Shar, however that is a story for another day.

He throws an olive colored dice onto the table.

Theron: Jason, who you knew better as Sheshmish the Orc Swashbuckler, was another of my roommates in the real world. He now manages a pizza restarant and his current D&D character is a human Bard Barbarian multi-class. Jason's Bard Barbarian is our comedic relief character, much like his Sheshmish character was. One such moment was when my Paladin of Silvanus tried to mentor a red Grung, only for Jason's Bard Barbarian to yell at the Grung asking if it spoke Common. He didn't and his family then tried to attack our party.

He throws a green speckled dice onto the table.

Theron: Kelly, who you might remember as Kellia the Elven Summoner, was Tiffany's roommate in the real world. She ended up moving back to her home country of Sweden after graduating from college. All those times she and I spoke in "Elven" it was actually Swedish.

He throws a black dice with blue numbers onto the table.

Theron: Austin, who you knew as Keifasar the Necromancer, was my former roommate in the real world. He's now working in a smartphone repair shop and is a competitive gamer. He has won numerous video game tournaments in his spare time. His D&D character in our current campaign is a Lizardfolk Cleric who he inherited from a guy that never showed up. Austin's Cleric often asks our other characters "Are you gonna eat that?". This became a recurring inside joke amongst the group.

He throws a magenta dice onto the table.

Theron: Last but not least.... Tiffany, who you all knew both as Kirilah the Paladin of Mystra and as my onscreen manager. I never saw her again after breaking up with her. I did however forgive her for how she hurt me, how dishonest she turned out to be, and for trying to control me. I forgave her because that is the right thing to do, no matter how hard it is. Once I had forgiven Tiffany and finally let the pain of that relationship go, I was ready to move on.

He turns around with a smile.

Theron: And then it happened. I remember back in January of 2019 going to my church's World Missions Conference.... Or the World Magic Conference for those who prefer the Theronisms to the real thing.... Josh Browning was one of the speakers that year and during his sermon I prayed, giving back the desires of my heart. Not even 2 weeks later I met a wonderful woman who I started a relationship with and we are serving now together in the young adult ministry.

He picks up the red crimson D20.

Theron: At WZCW's final show I have been invited to participate in one final battle. With Lynx having no desire to compete, I will fight on his behalf as well.

At that moment Dr Anderson flies in on his blue plaid helicopter the ART-Copter. He plays the boss theme from Sonic 2 on his smARTphone.

Anderson: Hullo! A final WZCW show you say? I must pARTicipate! That'll teach those wrestlers for never coming to my ART cless! Then I'll eat a pop tART!

Art's rival, Nunzio Phillip a student who avoided his class ever since the Spring 2006 semester, runs up to Art. Nunzio is dressed up like Hawkeye from Trials Of Mana. Next to Nunzio Phillip are his pets which include a husky named Rando, a great dane named Thor, a german shepherd named Corey, and a donkey, named Tex.

Nunzio: Not so fast, Art! If Theron and Lynx get to complete their story arcs then so do we. It's time for revenge for you trying to force me to go to that class all these years.

Anderson: Wot? Everyone has to go to my cless.

Nunzio: No one is EVER going to your class, Art! Rando, summon Jaws for me!

The husky casts a summon spell that summons a colossal Great White Shark that can fly.

Anderson: No! Not Sharko! Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrttttttttt!!!!

Art flies away in the ART-Copter and Jaws The shark chases the terrified art professor. Sonic 2's boss theme is no longer heard since Art had flown the ART-Copter several miles away.

Nunzio: His name is Jaws! Not Sharko!

Theron: What about all of Art's clones that he sent to department stores all over the world dressed up as Santa?

Nunzio: Ah man. I forgot all about them. Well, at least Art won't show up on your WZCW show now. Good luck, Theron!

Nunzio and his husky walk offscreen in the direction Jaws chased Art off into. Thor the great dane follows them while eating Beggin Strips. Behind Thor is Corey the german shepherd who is playing the Link's Awakening remake on Nintendo Switch as he walks which is impressive. Corey's brother Kory Witha C was also going to come but he got lost and ended up in an ART Anderson RP that never got posted. Behind Corey is Tex the donkey who is eating a good carrot that he made sure is trending on Twitter. The dogs and the donkey chase off ART's sidekick the overweight oppossum that got a 112 in Art class. He hissed at the dogs and ran away before the dogs could scare him away. Aloha couldn't make it because it'll take him 10 Hours to get here, plus he's looking for that bag of chips that they kept talking about at the end of every ART Anderson RP. The Bee Who Got a B in Art For Being a Bee also gives his regards. Oh yeah, hi! Remember me? I was that descriptive paragraph who went on strike in ART's second RP. I'm back for this one appearance. I can't talk any longer though, I have to do the dishes tonight and then I gotta mow the lawn. Ok, bye now!

Theron: Ok then, that was weird. In all seriousness, I am ready to fight. For one last time I will enter battle as The Warblade Of Mystra.


Doreen: So what championship should Doreen register you for? Elite Openweight, Eurasian, Mayhem, or World Heavyweight?

Theron: Let's settle that like we would in Dungeons & Dragons. I'll roll for it. If my D20 lands on anything between 1 and 5, I'll compete for the Mayhem Championship. For anything between 6 and 10, it will be the Elite Openweight Championship. If it's between 11 and 15, the Eurasian Championship. Finally, if I roll something between 16 and 20, then it's the World Heavyweight Championship.

He picks up the red D20 knowing it is the end of an era.

Theron: May the way of The Warblade lead to the Light!

He rolls the crimson red D20 and it lands on a 4.

Theron: So, the Mayhem Championship then. I've never held it before. Here's my chance. I've seen plenty of mayhem in D&D. I welcome that challenge! I'll win that title and then all the mayhem will turn into tranquility as I close the chapter as the final Mayhem Champion.

A few seconds pass. Doreen gives Theron the thumbs up that she has sent his message to WZCW. She puts her computer away and goes inside. Theron lays down on a picnic table and has a flashback of the Hardware Store match he had with Mikey Stormrage. He wonders if the Mayhem match will get as chaotic as that match was. He then laughs and smiles, remember how fun that was, as well as many other good times he had in WZCW.

And so ends The Legend of Theron. Or is this really the end? Be sure to check out the other 3 endings.

Fade to black.

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Big Bad Roadie said goodbye to Mark and Zhanshi as they rode off, victorious in their epic encounter in Toronto. He smiled, showing the top row of teeth missing. He turned and walked off into the distance, his silhouette a round form with the sunset on the horizon....

"Mafee I will fifff foo da Mayham chamfionfip. Always wan one of fose belfs."

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Jeff The Deliverer of Mail watched his hometown get saved by Canada's hero, Remarkable Mark Keaton. He couldn't believe one man could make such an impact on this world by doing something so fucking heroic it really couldn't be put into words. He looked at his mailbag and shook his head. No, not today, the people would have to wait for their mail. There was something else that had to be done... something he was planning ever since being challenged to create a mask for only $10, it was time to become The Dark Order Creeper....

[Lee]

Chapter One. A tale of Mayhem and Morality.

Last week I got a huge piece of information from the office of Vance Bateman. For those not in the know, Bateman is the owner of WZCW. The press release was due to be out next week but it meant that I had an eight day advantage to locate the man, the legend.

For those in WZCW Titus Avison is the hottest commodity, he's been there from the first show and is synonymous with it. Yet for me what that means is the most decorated actor in history is returning to Hollywood. At TMZ the place erupted, I called his Agent, James Montana, and he was just as shocked as me. At least he knows before next week when his phone will be off the hook. Would he be a DC or Marvel or would he join a new TV show. It's what everyone else will be asking at the end of the week but me, I'm going to find him and ask him.

The best place to start is Las Vegas, that's where the final ever WZCW show will be. I go straight for it, the city of sin and I have a contact in the company who can help me out. I stand outside the Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Club right in Las Vegas and the man approaches me. He's tall, white shirt, black tie, black pants, black shoes and weirdly white socks. He introduces himself as Mr. Morality James Chillingham, a former enhancement talent in the company.

Morality is a nice man, he makes me feel at ease and talks about his time with the company. He's someone who stood for what is right and fought the good fight. For our own good. He had a partner called Ben Meldon and for whatever reason they fell out. Rumours were that Morality just put on a front and Meldon was annoyed at that, maybe that's why I'm stood outside a strip club in the city of sin.

I ask him why we're outside the club, he says it's the best way to keep an eye on people to stop them dropping into immorality. I think it's preposterous to suggest such a thing but daren't say it. I ask him about the legend, he scoffs thinking I was talking about him. He tells me he's not in Vegas yet, he's been helping Australia with Koala bears and fires. I immediately book a flight to Erinsbrough and go on my way. This could be the interview of a lifetime.

I hear shouts from the strip club as if a big fight is happening. Out runs Ben Meldon, of all people, carrying a kendo stick. He asks for Mr. Morality to join in the defense. He doesn't hesitate. Weapons and tits? Almost too big a story to miss but I decide to give it up.

The last image I have in my head is the Morality Minders jumping, weapons in hand, with a freeze frame. I guess this is the Mayhem of WZCW.

['Ravishing' Ned Flanders]

As the camera comes into focus we hear a familiar voice as well as two unfamiliar voices.

????: The doctor said he'd be awake by now dad what's wrong?

Dad: Nothing is wrong Alex if you would calm down and breath you would see your l is waking up.

At hearing the name Alex the man we know as Milenko visibly flinches in his bed which causes Alex to exclaim with excitement.

Alex: He moved dad did you see that?

Dad: i saw that Alex now run and go get the doctor.

As he slowly opens his eyes Milenko hears the sound of feet rushing out of the room. As he fully opens his eyes he looks around the room at 3 people. He glares at them but all they do is look relieved.

Dr.: Hello Cory, how are you feeling today?

For a few seconds Milenko stares at the Dr. like he's seen him somewhere before when all ofca sudden it comes to him.

Milenko: Has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like Stephen Kurtesy? I mean you could pass for his twin.

Dr.: That's a name you've not mentioned before. Who is this Stephen Kurtesy?

Milenko looks at the Dr. like he's crazy before shaking his head and answering his question.

Milenko: He's a shrink turned pro wrestler. Won the tag titles twice, was the best part of an awful stable, eventually won the World title and was put in the Hall of Fame. How can you not know of one of the best pro wrestlers of all time?

Instead of letting the Doctor talk Alex buts in and starts talking

Alex: What the fuck are you talking about Cory? How would you know any pro wrestlers let alone one of the best in the world?

As his brother talks Milenko gets more and more agitated until he's almost frothing at the mouth in anger and talking in a slow even voice in order to try and keep in temper in check.

Milenko: Why are you 2 even here Alex? I haven't heard a single word from you in at least six years and you dad, I'm surprised you were able to stay sober long enough to stand upright.

Witnessing all of this the doctor motions for the 2 men to follow him out into the hallway so he can talk to them in private.

Dr.: It's clear he's still suffering from his schizophrenic delusions. I still don't know why he hates you two so if you want to go to the waiting room and i'll be out in a little bit.

The doctor walks back in after that and starts scribbling in a little notepad He pulled out of the breast pocket of his vest.

Dr.: What was that all about Cory? I know for a fact your family is very worried about you.

Hearing that Milenko laughs in the doctor's face.

Milenko: You're joking right? I'm surprised that abusive drunk isn't head first in a bottle of Wild Turkey screaming at everyone within earshot while Alex runs away and hides from it, leaving me to take 99% of the abuse.

Instead of answering the doctor is scribbling in his notebook.

Dr.: Ok Cory, if you don't want to go with your family where do you want to go?

Milenko: I want to go to the WZCW Goodbye Show. I've been a part of that company in some way for 12 years and i'll be damned if I'm going to miss the last show ever.

Dr.: What will you be doing at this show?

Milenko: I'll be fighting for both the world and Elite X Championships. They were the only titles around when i started & they're the ones i want to go for one last time.

Instead of answering the doctor just scribbles in his notebook and excuses himself from the room. He walks down the hallway and into the waiting room where he motions for Alex & his father to follow him into the nearest consultation room where he cuts to the chase.


Dr.: Cory is still mired in his delusion that he's a professional wrestler. He says the company he works for, WZCW, is closing and he is going to be on their final show and hopefully win the World or Elite-X championship.

Alex: what the fuck? Why would he think that?

His father smacks him in the arm and tells him to shut up but the doctor answers him anyway.

Dr.: until he feels like telling us himself all we can do is guess. What i know for certain however is that not only is Cory seems to be slipping further into his delusion instead of getting better like we thought.

Dad: He is? How can you tell?

Dr.: By the fact he's adding in people from his life. You hears what he said, you're an abusive drunk, his brother doesn't care about him and I'm a former wrestler that used to work with him.

Dejected Alex and his father stare into space until his father says something.

Dad: What should we do doctor? He was supposed to come home today.

Dr.: I'm sorry Mr. Bowen but he'll need to stay here in the hospital. I don't know what caused this sudden regression but maybe if this plays out and WZCW goes out of business he'll come out of it.

As the doctor continues to tall the camera slowly fades to black as the voices get softer & softer until everything goes silent and all we see is a black screen.

[Kermit]

Final Chapter: Future Ball
Part 1 or 4

Chris K.O., Haven, Yellow, and Oso Azul are sitting in Chris K.O.â??s living room. Several stage workers are breaking down the room as it appears to be a â??setâ? you might see on television. Kermit the Frog, in a business suit, walks into the scene as he directs the stage workers.

KERMIT: Tear it all down. Weâ??re liquidating everything. Also, make sure the Havenmobile gets to FedEx by 5. That thing is going to appear on an episode of Pawn Stars.

Kermit exits the scene. The group looks sad. Haven perks up and pulls out a sphere.

HAVEN: Blah, blah, blah. Exposition. This is ball that allows us to look into the future! One last look before the final WZCW event. Even you Oso Azul!

Oso Azul is a rapid bear that is chained to the ground. He swipes furiously at the other three as he dawns a blue luchador mask.

HAVEN: Blah, blah, blah. Oso Azul was an All-Stars character that never came to be. Blah, blah, blah. Rapid bear in a luchador mask. Blah, blah, blah.

Letâ??s touch the ball!

Yellow touches the ball first to show his future after WZCW.

----------------------------------------------------------

Once there was, and then there wasnâ??t
A man who must, but he musnâ??t
Flew in on an umbrella in a yellow rain coat
For a moment, but gone in the smoke

He flies from place to place, even to this day
WZCW was a stop or two, but not his final stay
The wind did blow him all across the lands
Until the winds folded his hand

Flip, flap, floo
Piece by piece, folded like stew
An origami he became, a paper crane he did claim
As soul, as spirit, and as brain

So he perches upon a tower
Waiting patiently for his final hour
A yellow paper crane with a black rain diverter
Now he rests, yet he be a wordy word blurter

[Skairipa]

#TheEnd #GoingOutOnTop

Two Days After Kingdom Come: A Beach In Malibu, California

Kingdom Come had come and gone, and of course I won just like I said I would, becoming 2-0 at Kingdom Come. I didn't know what my next challenge would be, and right now I didn't care. I was enjoying my vacation in LA, far away from the cold and snow in New York and enjoying the sun and sand in Malibu. The best part? It wasn't even crowded because these weak people would freeze in anything under 70 degrees. I was laying on my beach chair getting some sun when my phone buzzed with a text. To my surprise, it was from my sister Gabi. How did I not forget to block her number when I cut her out of my life months ago?


Callie are you still mad at me? It's been months, it's time to let it go. I saw your match at Kingdom Come, you've become so good. I can't wait to see you win a title again.

I rolled my eyes, such an obvious attempt to suck up to get back into my life now that I'm a million times more successful than she'll ever be, gross. I thought about it for a minute, then deleted her text and blocked her number. My life has been so much better ever since cutting her out and I didn't need her back, buh bye.

I chuckled and put my phone down on the towel next to me, and put my sunglasses back on, she was the past and I don't live in the past, not when I have such a bright future.


Two Weeks Later: A Restaurant In Los Angeles, California

I had decided to extend my vacation since there was another snowstorm in New York and I had enough stuff with me where I didn't need to go home. I was starting to like it out here, maybe I should get a second house out here, but then again the traffic is terrible and hipsters are annoying, bleh. I was enjoying dinner at the nicest restaurant in the city, when I got a message with some shocking news.


ATTN ALL WZCW TALENT: It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that WZCW will be closing it's doors. Management have discussed this and unfortunatley decided it's something we must do. We will be doing a farewell show and every championship will be defended in a series of battle royals and plenty of faces from the past will compete. Thank you for your service and good luck at the final show. Who will become the final champions of WZCW?

I was in shock, I was mad, I was sad, truth be told, I was slightly heartbroken. I had gotten really good at wrestling and as much as everyone around WZCW annoyed me, some of them were....good competition. Plus how dare this company close before I got a chance to become World Champion! I wasn't even sure how to react to the news, a million thoughts were running through my head, suddenly my waiter came over to check on me.

You! More wine! Chop Chop!

I shooed the waiter away, and he shot me a glare as he walked away, whatever. He was soooo not my problem. I had much bigger problems to worry about, like for starters the fact that I just won a freaking ladder match that's going to mean nothing! I mean I put my body on the line, risked my freaking life to win that match, and now it means nothing? They might be going out of business but they were sooo hearing from my lawyer for that one. But more importantly, what would be next? I needed to talk to someone who could think clear headed right now, I needed to talk to Kira.


Kira! Did you hear the news? WZCW is closing.

I took a a bite of steak and ate a few french fries as I waited for the waiter to come with my new glass of wine. It took him long enough. I took a sip of wine as my phone buzzed with Kira getting back to me.


Oh no that's terrible, sorry to hear that. Are you okay?


Of course I'm okay, I'm me. But that said I have a bunch of thoughts on this running through my head and I don't even know what to think. I mean my cosplaying has become bigger and more successful than ever partly due to WZCW, but I don't wanna just cosplay, that's a boring thought after I managed to become much more than a simple cosplayer. I know how good I am at wrestling and obvi other companies would be offering me millions to go there, but I don't know if that's what I really wanna do. What do you think?

I realized I rambled in the text, oh well. I had a lot on my mind at the moment, this was truly not a good time to give me this news, I wasn't in the right state of a mind or a calming location. But I finished up my meal as I got a text back.


I think you need to take time and think about this, in fact why don't you focus on killing it at the last show first? I mean you always say you wanna go down as the greatest superstar ever right? Imagine being the last ever WZCW World Champion, or winning the Eurasian Championship for the first time. Or even breaking your own record to get back the Elite Championship one last time. You have a chance to really make history at this last show, I say you focus on that and worry about the future after that. It's not like you need to rush into doing anything.

I left money on the table for the bill and walked out of the restaurant, and was now on the way back to my suite at the hotel. I took that time to think about what Kira said, she raised a good point. Maybe I was too focused on the future. After all, I didn't need to rush into anything. I walked into the hotel and took the elevator back up to my suite, after getting back into the room and sitting down, I took back out my phone to text Kira back.


You know what, you're right. The time has come to go from legend of tomorrow, to legend. Tomorrow is today and it's my destiny to finally become the World Champion, in fact maybe I'll take every title on the way out, after all is there a better way to make history than by holding every title all at once? Nobody has ever done that.

I smirked at the thought as I changed into my pajamas to get comfy for the night, and plopped down on the bed. Truthfully I'd be happy to end up being the final holder of any championship, but all the belts? That, that would be the best moment of my life. And I would do anything to make that happen.

I flipped through the channels on the tv, but didn't find anything I wanted to watch so I turned the tv off. Shortly after I got a text back from Kira, sometimes I'm surprised by how much time she makes for me and my craziness, she must really care about me. I should probably stop taking her for granted. I mean I did get her a brand new sports car for Christmas, but is that enough? Before I could continue thinking I got a text back.


There ya go that's the way to think. But I just read the news online, Apparently there's going to be a bunch of old faces from the past showing up, probably some of the best to ever wrestle for the company. What do you think of that? This could be tough for you to overcome.

She was right, the Lethal Lottery was hard enough and that wasn't even a ring full of superstars, but now who knows how many people I would have to fight. But beating a bunch of people who can't let go of the past and want one last moment of glory? That would be sweet. After all they need to learn the future is now.


Bring it on. I'm not afraid of a bunch of old timers, in fact beating them too would just make my moment that much greater when I stand tall as one of the final champions. Don't you think?


Do you need to run through everyone?


No, I've done that a million times. Besides I have no interest right now in playing into the unknown of the past. But they're the past for a reason, because they can't hack it anymore and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let them get in my way. As for the current roster? Some of them are completely useless, and the rest are probably people I know I can beat. This might be the end of WZCW, but I am the present and the future of wrestling, and it's my destiny to be the last champion. It's just a matter of which title I choose to take, if not all of them.

Kira and I talked about a variety of things after that, life, our holidays, how she was liking the new car I got her, and other things. The conversation stopped around 4 AM in Texas when she fell asleep on me, poor thing works herself too hard, even though she knows she doesn't need to. I went to bed about an hour later, after figuring out what my final cosplay for WZCW would be, after all I had to make the last one the best one, or at least one of the best.


The Day Before The Farewell Show: Location Unknown

Finally I decided to end my long vacation in California and head to Las Vegas on my private jet. I had narrowed it down to 2 costumes for what I would wear for the last show. Ever since the news came about about WZCW closing it's doors I had gotten a wide variety of offers, some from wrestling companies, some for reality TV shows, some for shows about me and my life, hell I even got an offer from a record label for some reason! I fully expected something like this to happen, but I couldn't wrap my head around any of it, not right now, I needed to be totes focused on WZCW for a little while longer.

I had been trying to strategize for how to make my moment happen, but it was simply too much to attempt, and my mind didn't wanna focus on that anyway. My mind over the last few days in fact didn't wanna focus on anything except for one thing, Kira. I had been thinking recently how even when I was a bitch to her when I first met her how she killed me with kindness and put up with my bullshit for some reason, probably to help her business. And how even once we became friends how she was always there for me when I needed her, whether it was for something as simple as dog sitting or talking me off the ledge when I go a little crazy, which let's face it, happens a lot. I had been thinking about how much I need her in my life, how she had become my main support system over the last few months and how I would be lost without her, it made me realize something....I care about her a lot, like more than I thought.

But I didn't know how to express that to her, I mean truthfully I was never good at that type of thing, sure I could express things like that to Sid, but he's a dog. I debated calling her multiple times over the last couple days to talk about it with her, but I would always change my mind, tell myself it was crazy talk. But now I was sitting on this plane trying to focus on other things and I simply couldn't. I was never a "feelings" person, I cared about myself, my dog, winning, the amount of followers I have, and looking good more than anything. Sure I had my friends, and Bates, and I guess some family I don't talk to, but I always saw people as tools to use to my advantage and nobody was any use to me if I had nothing to gain from them. But something happened that changed that, Kira had become my lifeline and someone I talked to almost daily, she had become my best friend and someone I couldn't do without. I had to express that to her, I had to tell her that I think I might love her.

But was that a bad thing to do over text? Or even a phone call? I don't know. I thought about it the rest of the plane ride, and when I finally got off the plane and into the waiting car, I texted her.


Kira, we need to talk. After the show tomorrow I'm going to get a good nights sleep then I'm flying to Texas, it's important. Don't worry, it's nothing bad...I think. Don't bother trying to figure out what it's about ahead of time cause I'm not telling you. Wish me luck with the show, I'll see ya in a couple days. XOXO

I was going to be a bundle of nerves in a couple days, I had never really let myself be vulnerable with anyone, but that was a couple days away. Tomorrow was the last ever WZCW show and now hopefully I'd be able to focus on the task at hand. Thankfully that task was what I do best, win some matches, make some history and win titles. The story of Callie Clark isn't over, it's only the end of the first book. But will it have a happy ending? Bet your ass it will.

[Showtime]

The sun beats down on a nearly cloudless day across a desert highway. Nothing appears to be alive here as the wind lazily blows past the small amounts of vegetation dotted along the landscape. The silence is broken by a car tearing down the road at speeds much higher than the regulated speed limit. The road is slightly bumpy and the car appears to take air passing each of these slopes. Inside driving we see former WZCW EurAsian Champion Noah Ryder, hands white knuckled on the steering wheel, hair in a shaggy mess with scruffy facial hair around his face, looking far more like a wanted man than a former champion wrestler. The car speeds over another slope and we hear a loud bang from the trunk, that thud being the deceased body, or remnants of it, of his best friend Steven.

A little backstory may be in order here, Noah Ryder was on his way to his first WZCW match when he was involved in a serious car accident, causing permanent brain damage. His brain could no longer turn memories into short or long term memories. Everyday he woke up thinking it was the day of his first WZCW match. Anytime he drifted off to sleep or lose enough focus he would forget everything he did or was said that day. This caused quite a strain on a number of his relationships, but his friend Steven stayed by his side and built a system of daily record keeping so Noah would never forget. Noah rehabbed and worked his way back to another WZCW try out where, under Stevenâ??s disapproval, he put away the record and wanted to start anew there. Steven helped him along his new path but there were challenges along the way that lead to distrust between the two. Noah believed Steven had run off with his girlfriend from so many years ago and had taken advantage of him because of his condition. With that in mind, Noah convinced himself tomorrow to kill his best friend, and then forged a new identity where Noah believed that he had been framed for Stevenâ??s murder and was on the run while trying to find out who the real killer was. Pretty deep stuff.

The car is continuing down the highway at breakneck speed when the sirens flash and a patrol car speeds onto the highway behind Noahâ??s car. Noah peers back in anger and grips the wheel, holding his speed for a few seconds before making a decision to pull over. He grabs some papers from the passenger seat and tries throwing them into the glove box. A gun falls out, Noah canâ??t fit it back in and shoves it in his pocket. He runs his hands through his hair and breathes deeply trying to remain calm. The patrol officer walks away from his car towards him, Noah had his window already open.

Officer: Iâ??m not going to ask you how fast you think you were going. You fully aware you were driving well over the speed limit.

Ryder: Yes Officer.

Officer: Youâ??re in some kind of a hurry.

Ryder: I am, itâ??sâ?¦..

Noah pauses for a long while, heâ??s not really good on the spot.

Officer: Does it have something to do with the birth of a child?

Ryder: No.

Officer: A loved one passing?

Ryder: No.

Officer: Well are you donating a kidney, delivering a message, trying to save the world some how. So tell me what is so gawd damn important for you to be speeding like you are and risk killing some other innocent human being or maybe even yourself?

Noah doesnâ??t have anything to say. He nods and smiles.

Ryder: Youâ??re right. There is nothing and Iâ??m sorry.

The officer chews his gum and nods his head.

Officer: I didnâ??t ask you how fast you were going, alright, that bit of information is between you and me. Iâ??m cutting you a ticket for the lowest speed infraction. I need to record some semblance of work in this desert and I donâ??t need some government suits trying to install lights or whatever safety features on this road because some guy tried to challenge the land speed record on here. Okay, but I also have one more request for you. You see that shiny nice looking vehicle pulled over just in front of us?

Noah turns and yes he does see the vehicle now. The windows are heavily tinted.

Officer: Heâ??s some sort of a celebrity. He needs to get to the next city for some kind of a big show, and his car stalled out here in the heat. I need you to give him a ride.

Ryder: Well why canâ??t you?

Officer: Iâ??m responsible for this whole entire open area you see and Iâ??m the only patrol on duty. I have to keep my post.

Ryder: Oh come on what is their to patrol. I havenâ??t seen a single car on here for hours.

Officer: Correcting, youâ??ve seen one.

He said pointing at the other vehicle. Noah nods his head in agreement. The office hands him his ticket and smiles, but then something seems to catch his eye. He backs up and studies Noah a bit which he notices.

Officer: Can you excuse me one second first, I got a call coming in.

The Officer heads back towards his vehicle as Noah is in a bit of a panic. Unexpectedly, a cloud has cast itself in wrong of the sun, creating the days first shade. Noah steps outside of the vehicle and opens fire, striking the Officer in the head as he cast a glance towards the sky. Noah is breathless, he canâ??t believe what he has done, even if he has no idea whether heâ??s done it before or not. Noah runs to the body and rolls it away from the road. He pushes it farther and farther until it rests in a ditch and mostly out of sight. The door of the other vehicle is heard opening, Noah turns around quickly towards it pointing his gun.

Ryder: You stay in the there. I donâ??t want to hurt anyone else.

The sunshine returns, blinding Noah and his aim. The figure steps out arms up dressed in an Armani suit, a big hall of fame ring adorning one hand and a gold bracelet with multiple gold title belts fastened around the bar. He adjusts his tie and then puts is hands back up, showing a genuine lack of concern. Noahâ??s vision returns and he finds his gun pointed squarely towards Showtime David Cougar. His hero, the wrestler he most looked up to. It is in this moment that Noah has let go of everything he was holding onto today. Heâ??s still and Showtime points to him.

Cougar: Hey there pistol, why donâ??t we point that thing away so no body gets hurt?

Noah looks down at his hands. A gun is there. A gun! Oh my. What the hell? Why do I have a gun? Noah whips the gun away. Showtime begins walking towards him with his hand extended and a smile on his face.

Cougar: Well that actually works better then. Now we can talk in confidence.

Ryder: Youâ?¦ youâ?¦ youâ??reâ?¦ Sh-Showtimeâ?¦

Cougar: I know, now need for introductions. Thatâ??s why we gave you the whole opening here. And you? You appear, lost?

Noah looks around his surroundings. He is indeed.

Ryder: Iâ??m Noah Ryder, and I am indeed lost. Iâ??m on my way to my first WZCW match?

Cougar: Thatâ??s perfect, because Iâ??m also on my way to the WZCW Goodbye show. Come on letâ??s get in your car and go.

Ryder: WZCW Goodbye? But I just got there.

Cougar: And boy did you pick a wrong time to start.

The two get into Noahâ??s vehicle and they speed back down the highway. Five minutes into the drive Noah has starred at Showtime the whole time, creating a bit of awkwardness.

Cougar: Look, Iâ??m always happy to meet a fan, but if you keep starring at me I am going to have to take over driving.

Ryder: Sorry, itâ??s justâ?¦ itâ??s you! Youâ??re Showtime.

Cougar: I know, I know.

Ryder: Youâ??re the greatest wrestler, Lethal Lottery, Grand Slam champion. Say, where is youâ??re WZCW Title?

Cougar: Iâ??ve won three of those. A pair of EurAsian titles.

Ryder: Noâ?¦ wait, what? I mean, where is your belt belt, your WZCW title belt? Where is that.

Cougar: Well I mean I do have one. They give you replicas when you win one, but Iâ??m not walking around with that fake belt. Thatâ??s why Iâ??m competing at this event. Not just to win back that belt, but all the belts. Then Iâ??ll be the undisputed greatest of all time. Thatâ??ll show that killjoy.

Ryder: Wow, so when did you lose the belt?

Cougar: Noah I seldom lose titles. I never lost the Elite X title, which means Iâ??m still itâ??s greatest champion. And I was never beaten to lose the Mayhem title which is why Iâ??m competing in this god forsaken crap shoot.

Ryder: I can always compete with you, help you out there?

Cougar: Thatâ??s nice, but Iâ??m sure you got your own problems. That corpse in the back isnâ??t going to walk itself out.

Ryder: Youâ??re right it does stink back there. Better clean it when we get to the venue.

Showtime turns on the radio. â??The Manâ? by The Killers blares as Showtime begins to dance a little, the pair make the rest of their way to the arena in total silence. They arrive at the place and roll up to the loading dock. Showtime puts away his cell and turns to Noah.

Cougar: Noah I want to thank you for being a vehicle for me today.

Ryder: You mean driving you here?

Cougar: Sure.

The two exit the car and close their doors. At this moment and team of swat officers tackle Noah Ryder and pin him to the ground.

Swat: Check his pockets! Put your arms! You are under the arrest for the murders ofâ?¦

Cougar: Be strong Noah! Tomorrowâ??s going to be new day for you. Boy, I bet you that guys day has just been mayhem.

It is at that moment that we see standing next to Showtime is Becky Sierra. Showtime recognizes her and the two exchange a friendly hug.

Becky: Showtime David Cougar. I heard rumours you would be returning for this event. Weâ??re happy you were able to accommodate us into your busy schedule.

Cougar: Becky! Glad to see you here first as always for that scoop. Not as perky as previous years, but still got that spunk and determination thatâ??s kept you employed here.

Becky: Showtime I keep telling you Iâ??m not longer an interviewer here, Iâ??mâ?¦

Cougar: Happy to keep giving you some work then. I can only afford a few minutes here, the opening monologue ran long, so the question is why I am I competing in the Mayhem match, of all the matches mind you, when I should only be competing for the title I made famous 3 times over. Well folks, we all got to start somewhere. Seldom do we ever come across overnight starts, even fewer of them become living, breathing, fire proof, indestructible legends. You look up legend in the dictionary you are likely to see a picture of my perfectly sculpted face and that beautiful face cut its teeth in the Mayhem division here in WZCW. It hardened me to the stone of perfection I have become and my records show it. Tonight will be just one more record as I win not 1, not 2, not 3, but all 4 titles. Now you are probably wondering how I am going to do that, arenâ??t you Becky?

Showtime looks towards Becky. Becky is unamused and quite angry actually and holds the mic to talk.

Becky: Yes Showtime, how are you going to do it?

Cougar: Because I am the Man, Showtime David Cougar. Thanks Becky, now Iâ??m going to go find Stacey Madison. The two of us have to catch up. Keep up the good work.

Showtime shakes her hand and then walks away talking off his tie as the scene fades.

[Echelon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe9BKGhgvFE




Kagura found herself kneeling, her head bowed down to the floor. She stood in a room filled with her family members, as she groveled in front of them, begging them to forgive her recent actions of hostility. She knew eventually this day would come, but she never realized it would be so soon. Her journey as a professional wrestler was coming to an end. She knew something was up when her contract did not come up for renewal during her negotiations with Vance Bateman before the Lethal Lottery. She expressed her desire to sign a new one after Kingdom Come, but to her surprise â?? well, everyoneâ??s surprise â?? she received word that the company was folding. Kenneth Banks, on his way out of the company, liquidated all of his stocks and sold what was left of the promotion for pennies. Perhaps it was one last middle finger to those that wronged him. One last show of absolute power. Bateman was only a paper manager, the captain tasked to navigate WZCW to her final resting place in the undying lands.

â??ごめんなさい [Iâ??m sorry,]â? the raven haired beauty said.

Her great uncle let out a sigh. Beside him sat her grandfather. They were the leaders of her clan. They had the final say here.

â??もういいよ、子供 [Thatâ??s enough, child.]â?

Kagura lifted her head and shifted herself back into a kneeling position. She told her uncle and grandfather everything. Sheâ??d wrestle one last match and then sheâ??d be leaving the States and returning to Japan. Sheâ??d done a lot of thinking and knew the best thing to do was to make amends now while the wounds were still fresh. The longer it took to apologize the harder it would be to forgive and move on, and she didnâ??t want that added stress for herself or her family.

Her uncle looked her in the eyes, his gaze becoming more sympathetic. â??神楽は厳しいように見えるかもしれませんが、あなたの行動は追放されました。あなたのライフスタイ ルのた めではありません。家族の誰もあなたのキャリアを本当に公に支持しなかったが、私たちは皆、あ なたがアメリ カに行くために去った日をとても誇りに思っていました。この数ヶ月間、孤立した気分にさせられ たら、許して くださることを願っています [Kagura, though it may seem harsh, you were banished for your behavior. Not for your lifestyle. Though no one in the family ever really publicly supported your career, we were all very proud the day you left to go to the States. I hope you can forgive us if we made you feel isolated these last few months.]â?

Kagura nodded. A part of her was so mad at the world and the people around her that she drug her families name through the mud with her foolish actions. The disownment came because of her fame. People knew who she was regardless of her clans distinction. After thinking about it, she came to the realization that she would have made the same decision to disown herself if she were standing in her uncle shoes.

â??この時点で、あなたが望むようにあなたの人生を生きるのは自由です、もう恥ずかしい行為は控えてく ださい 。 [At this point forward, youâ??re free to live your life however you wish, just please refrain from anymore shameful acts.]â?

Kagura raised an eyebrow, â??そういうのと同じように、私を歓迎してくれるの? [Just like that, youâ??re welcoming me back?]â?

Her uncle shrugged, â??君が気が戻ってくるのにどれくらい時間がかかるか待っていた。幸いなことに、私たちは長く待つ必要 はあり ませんでした。お前は俺たちの一人だワタライという名前とそれが何を表しているのか覚えておい てください。 女神アマテラスの精神もあなたの中に存在します。いつか自分の子供たちに伝統を伝えてほしいと 思います [We were waiting to see how long it would take for you to come back to your senses. Fortunately for all of us, we didnâ??t have to wait long. Youâ??re one of us, child. Remember the name Watarai and what it stands for. The spirit of the goddess Amaterasu resides within you too. I will hope that one day youâ??ll pass down the traditions to your own children.]â?

She smiled, â??あれはずっと私の計画でしたよ、おじさん。レスラーであることは楽しかったし、それはいつも私の心 の近く に何か、愛するものになるだろうが、それは私の呼び出しではありませんでした。家に帰ったら神 社に戻ります 」 [That was my plan all along, uncle. Being a wrestler was fun and itâ??ll always be something near and dear to my heart, but it wasnâ??t ever my calling. Iâ??ll return to the shrine when I come home.]â?


---

Meanwhile, in an unknown location back in the States, Kaguraâ??s manager Sasuke Gozaburo was relaxing in a bar. The old man stayed behind while his protégé went back home to make amends with her family. He didnâ??t want to go. Sure, Japan had been his home once too, but the country brought back so many painful memories. In the end, he was glad that Kagura hadnâ??t become completely jaded by the industry. It was a tough business. It had certainly changed that girl into something fierce. When theyâ??d first met, Kagura had been this shy and quiet little wallflower. He had to lead her by the hand on practically everything. Now she was this tough and grizzled veteran who had seen and dealt with her fair share of shit. She had this iron glare that would tear right through a man. The kids in wrestling today had to deal with exposure that just didnâ??t exist in his era. Sure, he wrestled more often, but they were on television in front of a worldwide audience several times a month. Kagura did her best and smashed every expectation that he ever had. She was a two time world champion. No one expected her to rise to that level, but she did, and he was glad he was able to see her hold that belt high both times.

He tilted his beer back, absentmindedly watching the football game of the television, when he felt a pat on his shoulder. He turned to see the smirking face of his old friend, opponent, and occasional tag partner from the territories, long-time color commentator, Jack Cohen. The magnificent one took a seat and joined him at the bar, ordering a beer of his own.

â??Well, Jackie-boy, this looks like the end of the line for us.â?

The older man nodded, â??Indeed. I was just thinking about retirement the other day, Sauce. WZCW took me in and gave me a job. Bateman, Myles, Serra, and Banks were all good to me. I never thought Iâ??d be relevant again, certainly not with the youngsters, but itâ??s funny how it all works out I guess.â?

â??I completely understand,â? the Asian man replied.

The bartender brought over a bottle and placed it in front of the balding man. The sound of glass clanking together rang out, as the two men toasted their careers and WZCW respectfully. Sasuke began to muse.

â??In the end I am grateful. You were the one that brought me in, Jack. They wanted me to manage some kid and it turned out to be Kagura. She wasnâ??t the best prospect from Japan either. There were several guys and gals who were better, but Banks liked her style. I thought it was cliché really, a shrine maiden wrestler. As if that wasnâ??t already a niche gimmick. I thought her appeal wouldnâ??t last, but she made it work because she was the real deal.â?

â??It reminds me of one particular man from the past," Cohen mused. "Mark the Mortician, remember him? Big, scary looking dude who walked around like a zombie. His father was a funeral director and taught him the trade. Funny how those over the top gimmicks become more realistic when played by those who actually live the life of the character theyâ??re supposed to be.â?

Sasuke chuckled, â??Kaguraâ??s not like me or any other wrestler in the world. She managed to bring a piece of the art of our country to this industry and made it entertaining. In the end, she became more than that. Sheâ??s not simply a shrine maiden who wrestles, nor is she a wrestler who happens to be a shrine maiden. Sheâ??s just simply a wrestler with her own unique style and identity that transcends any type of stereotype or niche. Iâ??m proud of her, Jack. I really truly am.â?

A somber wave of silence washed over the men as Sasuke began to reminisce about his life. About his wife and his deceased child. â??In many ways, Kaguraâ??s like a daughter to me.â?

Cohen nodded. Sasukeâ??s daughter was killed in a car accident many years ago, and while Kagura could never replace her or fill the void that still lingered in the former world championâ??s heart, having met the girl and having her in his life helped.

â??Weâ??ll save the memories then, Sauceâ? replied the announcer. â??Besides, we still have one last show to do before we pack it all up and go our separate ways.â?

â??Thatâ??s true,â? he replied. â??When itâ??s over, you and the wife are always welcome at my place whenever youâ??re in town.â?

Jack smiled, â??Iâ??ll have to take you up on that offer eventually my friend.â?

The two men proceeded to drink long into the night, sharing stories of the good old days, and new ones of the current era, and the kids theyâ??d seen grow into stars along the way.


---

Across the globe, Kagura sat on a bench in a park nestled deep within her hometown. Her fiancé Derrick was beside her. The couple hadnâ??t spoken much in the weeks leading up to Kingdom Come. Heâ??d been in attendance, but sheâ??d been so wrapped up in her anger and frustration that she hadnâ??t even seen him. Derrick could sense the shift in his soon-to-be wifeâ??s demeanor backstage when he saw her that evening. They talked long into the night after the show. A few days after he arrived back home, heâ??d gotten the call that the promotion was shutting down. They both became such a whirlwind of emotions, that he wound up giving her space to think things over. Two weeks later and here they were, reunited once again, but with little to talk about. Kagura was abnormally quiet. Derrick wanted to break the ice, but didnâ??t want to seem pushy.

Suddenly she opened her mouth, â??考えると超現実的ですが、次の試合はWZCWで最後の試合になります。私たちは王国の後に私の行動 と私の 怒りについて多くのことを話しました。私は普通そういう人ではない。何もかもイライラして、ス ナップしただ けなんだ [Itâ??s surreal to think about, but my next match will be my last one in WZCW. We talked a lot after Kingdom Come about my behavior and my anger. Iâ??m not normally that kind of person. I just got so frustrated with everything that I just snapped.]â?

â??I know me leaving last year wasnâ??t easy on you,â? he replied in English. â??But Iâ??m proud of you for pushing forward. You picked yourself back up and won Gold Rush, and then the world title for a second time. You have a will and determination that few can match. Iâ??ll admit that I didnâ??t watch a whole lot of you during the last few months, but I was with you through some dark times before, and Iâ??m sure I saw worse.â?

Kagura lowered her eyes a bit, thinking back to her â??possessionâ? right before she won King for a Day. She and Derrick were together every day and sheâ??d put him through the emotional ringer. Despite that he not only stayed, but their time together made him fall in love with her even further.

â??Besides, you had your reasons.â?

She nodded. Even when he left to go back to Japan after Kingdom Come, her anger did not subside. It was only after learning of WZCWâ??s fate that she finally started to let some of it go. Whether she hated or liked her co-workers, Vance Bateman, or Kenneth Banks, this was their livelihoods here. Everyone was in the same boat now, facing the unemployment line together.

â??私は今、すべてで大丈夫です[Iâ??m okay with everything now,]â? she replied. â??私は本当にそうです。私の怒りは、私が受けていた尊敬と認識の欠如に対する私の認識から主に起因し ますが 、私は本当に素晴らしいキャリアを持っていました。たぶん、私のタイトルの支配は短く、記憶に 残るすべてで はありませんでしたが、チェイスは、私はそれらの瞬間を決して忘れません。私は他の誰かがどち らかを疑う[I really am. My anger mostly stemmed from my perception of the lack of respect and recognition I was receiving, but I really did have a wonderful career. Maybe my title reigns were short and not all that memorable, but the chase was, and Iâ??ll never forget those moments. I doubt anyone else will either.]â?

â??I certainly wonâ??t,â? he said. â??I watched you win the world title the first time. Watching the crowd surf you back and forth across the arena was incredible. You really did become a hero and an inspiration that night. But despite that, youâ??re human too.â?

â??あなたとサスケは、本当に悪い時代を見た唯一の二人です。祖父を含む他の誰もが、中古の知識を持っ ていま した。私にくっついてくってくれてありがとう、デリック。そして、私があなたを押しのけようと しても、決し て私をあきらめないために。君がいなかったら、こんなに遠くまではやらなかっただろう [You and Sasuke are the only two people who really saw the bad times. Everyone else, my grandfather included, had second-hand knowledge. Thank you for sticking by me, Derrick. And for never giving up on me, even when I tried to push you away. I wouldnâ??t have made it this far without you.]â?

Suddenly Kagura leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, as if mentally syncing his thoughts.

â??Thank you for allowing me to share your journey; at least a part of it.â?

She reached out and grabbed his hand as her engagement ring gleamed in the sunlight. She only wore it when they were out in public like this. Kagura smiled.
â??まもなく一緒に新しい旅に出ます残りの人生を続けるもの [Soon weâ??ll be embarking on a new journey together, darling. One thatâ??ll last the rest of our lives.]â?

Derrick laughed, â??I canâ??t wait babe.â?


---

In an undisclosed location far away from prying eyes lay a room that few had seen. This place was special, for it was the very same room that we first saw Kagura. It was still dark and musty, and the light could barely generate enough power to light the center, leaving large pockets of shadows in the corner. Smoke began to seep in from the crack in the door, slowly filling the room with an acrid smell. Suddenly the door burst open, but the entryway was revealed to be empty. The light began to flicker. It crackled and died, bathing the room in complete darkness. The door shut, as if by magic. Seconds later the light sprung to life once more, as a masked figure dressed in black appeared in the middle. Eerie laughter began to fill the room. It echoed off the walls and slowly built to a cacophony of noise. The figure reached up and removed the Shinto mask to reveal a familiar face for the final time. Her beautiful features were unobstructed by her recent choice of face paint, but her outfit was certainly that of Youkai Kagura.

She grinned like a Cheshire cat, as her eyes glinted with a certain amount of madness. Confidently, she opened her mouth to address her competition one last time in her native language.

â??これは私の友人と敵、私たちのキャリアの最後の試合です。私がこの打撃を言うとき、皆さんも私と同 じよう に感じると思います。しかし、それは私たちすべてを売り払うためのあの野郎ケネス・バンクスの せいではあり ません。しかし、私たちは皆、最後に支払われ、私たちの陽気な方法について行く前に、すべての 最後のコンテ ストを1行で持つことができます。私は競争力のある血が沸騰しているのを感じることができます !私が勝った ことがないメイヘム選手権、エリート選手権、ユーラシア選手権、世界選手権は、すべてグラブの ためにアップ しています。最後のチャンピオンとして出て行くのはどっちですか。タイタス・アビソンか、それ ともタイロン ・ブレイズか、マイキー・ストームレイジ、ザンダー、あるいはキャリー・クラークか?それはバ ルボサ、ビッ グウィル、エベレスト、蒸気船リッキー、イブテイラー、あるいはショータイムのような戻ってく る伝説になり ますか?ラッシュやバッティオタク、S.H.I.Tのような古いお気に入りかも?誰にもわかり ません。私は 確かにしません。私が知っているのは、勝ちたいということです。私はそれらすべてを獲得し、W ZCWの最後 のグランドチャンピオンとして歩いてみたい! [This is it my friends and foes, the final match of our careers. Iâ??m sure you all feel the same way I do when I say this blows. Itâ??s not our faults though, itâ??s that bastard Kenneth Banks for selling us all out. But before we all get paid one last time and go about our merry ways, lets have one last contest with everything one the line. I can feel my competitive blood boiling! The Mayhem championship that I have never won, the Elite championship, the Eurasian championship, and the World championship are all up for grabs. Which one of us will walk out as the last champions standing? Will it be Titus Avison, or Garth Black, or perhaps Xander, or maybe Mikey Stormrage, Callie Clark, or even Mark Keaton? Will it be a returning legend like Eve Taylor, or Tyrone Blades? Maybe an old favorite like Ramparte, or Batti Otaku, or ElegAnt? Who knows? I certainly donâ??t. What I do know is that I want to win. I want to win them all, and walk out as WZCWâ??s final grand champion!]â?

Kagura laughed and place a hand to her chin, â??それはそれに素敵なリングを持っています。「グランドチャンピオン」神楽大空。 [That has a nice ring to it. â??Grand Championâ?? Kagura Ohzora.]â?

Suddenly her expression dropped, as did her posture. Sadness filled her soul for a brief moment. Then she smiled. But it wasnâ??t devious this time. This time, it was genuine. Kagura straightened herself up and spoke in English in a rare display. It was broken and no where near concise, but it was clear enough.

â??I want all you to know that I love you like family. This place is like home to me. I have friends and enemies but I treasure my time here. So many years spent travelling, training, and fighting the best. Kagura would not be me without all of you. Thank you all. One last time we fight for glory and honor. Win or lose, I have no regrets.â?

Kagura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly she lurched forward and spat red mist all over the camera screen. It slowly slid down the lens, covering the feed in a haze as the light dimmed and faded leaving nothing but darkness for the final time in its wake.

[JustCarl]

â??One final showâ?

Carl was sitting on his couch, looking up at the camera.

â??The WZCW took me in when I was just another indie darling. Took me in when I couldnâ??t convert my indie experience into wins with the pros. And now the WZCW is going out with one final show, going out with a bang. Had so many plans for 2020, but life can be a cruel unpredictable mistress. Itâ??s a bittersweet thought, I could win my first WZCW title in a few daysâ?¦ but then the reality sets in that Iâ??d be the last person to hold that title, and then the reality sets in that it would be my last title. Reality is a cruel bitch, but she tells no lies. The WZCW had a good run, a great run. Untouchable by its peers. But all good things must come to an end, such is life. And now we stare down the final show and even though that pit in your stomach wonâ??t leave, it really is the final show.â?

Carl signs.

â??Only one thing left to do, time to go out there for the last time and give it my all one more time. Fight until you canâ??t fight anymore and at the end of the night if you did it right, youâ??re leaving with your name etched in the history books for wrestling historians to critique for years to come. The â??coulda, shoulda, wouldasâ? will kick in shortly after the show, the could I have done better? Should I have pushed myself harder? Would the WZCW still be alive if I won more matches?

And no, I couldnâ??t have done better because I did my best. I shouldnâ??t have pushed harder because I was already pushing past my limit. And I am nowhere near vain enough to think it would last longer if I did better. But these thoughts, they creep up on your like a late evening breeze and then they too will chill you to your bones. I look at myself in the mirror and my face changes to all my doubters screaming at me, COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA!â?

Carl shutters in place.

â??But all you can do is brush them off. This is the final show, there is no changing that. There is no going back and changing the timeline, Barry Allen canâ??t come fix this for us. This is it my friends. One more show.â?

Carl gives a half smile.

â??To everyone who I have faced, from Keaton to Milenko to Vlad to Chris KO to Mr. Jones to etc etc. Thank you for helping me grow in the ring. And to my future opponents on the last show, thanks for helping me as well. And Iâ??d thank you to just lay down and let me win as well, if you donâ??t mind.â?

Half smile turns into a full smile.

â??Folks, this is the end. The end of an era. Thanks for sticking with Carl along the ride and thanks for believing in me. Now itâ??s time to believe in myself and push myself to that first title victory. It wonâ??t be easy but nothing good ever is. The opposition will want it just as badly as me, but I cannot give it to them. I cannot fail again. Because for me, this isnâ??t just the last WZCW match. This is my last match. Well, matches. And I intend to go out on top, to prove I wasnâ??t just some sham. To prove to myself that I really belonged. So this is me putting everyone on notice!... is that still a thing people say? Regardless. I am going to win my first and last title and then I am riding off into the sunset with my girlfriend and my sanity. Where we end up, who knows? But just somewhere far away from the noiseâ?¦ but somewhere I can hang my first and last title above a fireplace to admire it.â?

Carl gets to his feet.

â??Donâ??t cry that itâ??s over, be happy that it happened. WZCW will live on in all of us. And THATâ??S Just Business.â?


https://66.media.tumblr.com/cfc5413e261a442791558302cdb3b364/tumblr_inline_opad5w7DnT1r44pit_540.gif

[Theo]

*Life may end, but legacies live forever*

Bzzzzzzzzzz

*A humming sound echoes in a dimly lit room. A young yet aged face can be seen briefly*

It's time to say goodbye to this cruel world. It's time to be real. It's time to be normal. I'm a freak but soon I'll be a real boy

*The buzzing sound grows louder as a pair of hair clippers approach the face of the young boy*

I reckon you don't do that son. I did that once and it lead to some bad bad things.

Papa, I...I thought you were out. Your presence was not expected.

I was out little guy but I sensed trouble. And it seems my senses still work. It's as if I'm Spiderman with a beard. I'm Beardedman!

*Beard puts his hands on his hips in traditional superhero pose as his son looks up, redness in his eyes and tears on his cheeks*

What's bugging you little dude? Papa doesn't like seeing Little Beard so sad.

*Beard wipes away the tears from his son’s face and some runny boogies from his nose*

They keep picking on me papa. Because of my face. Because of our legacy.

*Beard looks on concerned as his son tells him the torturous tales of the trolls from school. His son pauses and Beard lets out a sigh*

Alright kiddo. Take a seat on Papa’s knee. I think it’s time for a story. A very true and very unbelievable story.

*Beard looks around and puts down the seat to the toilet and flicks on the overhead lighting as his son sits on his knee, like a child would Santa Claus.*

These trolls and bullies date back to the beginning of our existence. When my quadruple great grandfather, Jebediah Beard graced this here earth. You see QGG, as we call him, wanted to be a circus performer. No one believed he had any special talents or skills. All QGG had was a luxurious beard. His beard was a folk legend. It glistened in the light, birds would nest their young in his beard, its flow was like a glorious river. He believed his beard was magicial but the town folk thought he was just another crazy old man. That all changed. You see one day, the daughter of a very rich individual become deathly ill. QGG happened to be in town trying to join the traveling circus. The rich man overheard QGG talking about his beard’s powers and he asked if he could heal his daughter.

QGG was unsure but he believed in himself but even this was an impossible task. QGG went with the rich gentleman and attempted the impossible. Crowds gathered as word got out that old Jebediah was going to heal this girl. He bestowed upon her a piece of his beard. And then...it all went black.

What happened Papa?

*Beard’s son asks with worry in his voice.*

Suddenly a burst of light shattered the windows and blinded those nearby. A tornado of golden dust and the power of life circled the ill girl as it levitated her above her deathbed. Suddenly her eyes opened and her feet touched the ground. SHE WAS CURED! But it didn’t come without sacrifice my boy. For poor Jebediah took on her illness and tragically passed within minutes.

But he saved the girl Papa?

He sure did kiddo. The beard, while attached to the body, has amazing powers. But removing it can cause serious damage. I once removed mine and it took me to a dark place. A place we never talk about. I put my trust into a very powerful man and I took over and tried to destroy a community. A community known as WZCW.

And now WZCW is walking into the light, just like old Jebediah. Before you kiddo, I was a wrestler. And I did some crazy stuff. I was world champion, I was a tag team champion, I was king for a day, I wrestled a guy named Grizzly Bob, I wrestled an actual Grizzly. It saved my life. I made friends, I gained a new family. Your godfather was briefly with the company.

Really? Uncle Talent was a wrestler?

You’re rootin’ tootin’ right he was. And a surprisingly good one. So was I. So I think it’s time we say goodbye to our family son. Without them I wouldn’t have the greatest family of them all, you. Thank you WZCW, you saved my life and helped me create a new one. We’ll forever be kicking ass. Peace, love, and Beards.