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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:04:39 GMT -5
“Fast” Eddie Edison: It’s OVAH!!!! KUDO! KUDO! KUUUUDOOOOOO!!! Maxwell McNally: What a brilliant finish to this amazing match! “Fast” Eddie Edison: Just how many headbutts did Kudo manage to land on Bre?!!! Maxwell McNally: Bre took a lot of hard shots to the head, not to mention a nasty Yakuza Knee beforehand. After taking another stiff hit to the head with that Yin-Yang Suplex, there was just no way to get back up.
FSX signals for the bell and upon hearing it, Kudo finally releases his wobbling bridge. The blood dripping down over his face seems to tell the whole story of the lengthy war these former friends just went through.
Philip: And here is your winner -- Kudo Yasuuuuuuuuda!!!
Maxwell McNally: I never thought I’d see a lot of things when this match started Eddie, but we’re seeing them here tonight… “Fast” Eddie Edison: I am almost out of words after watching this match Max. Kudo has done the impossible by putting on a stellar performance and winning both of his matches on the same night! Maxwell McNally: Let’s not forget about Bre and Jearus. Those two have fought with such determination and emotion that they put on, in my opinion, not only one of the greatest matches of the new year, in ACW history as well! “Fast” Eddie Edison: Indeeeeed!
Everyone in the crowd is on their feet applauding the efforts of these men. FSX himself brings his hands together in applause.
Maxwell McNally: Listen to this crowd. They’re showing a lot of respect to the Armada. “Fast” Eddie Edison: It’s quite possibly the last time we’ll ever see these 4 men together in the ring. But what a way to go!
Staff officials begin trying to help the men to their feet but it is no easy feat. Jearus eventually comes to on the outside only learning now that the match is declared over, and Bre is situated on the corner of the ring now with many people pouring water and easing the tension in his neck. Kudo refuses any physical help and only asks for his cut ARMADA flag on the side. Kudo rips the remaining tape on his knee and throws it out in anger, revealing just how red, sore and swollen it truly is. A symbol of the pain this match has caused all of these men, not only physically, but mentally. Medical personnel try to treat Kudo’s open head wound but he decides to cut the treatment early. FSX asks for a mic from the outside, and Philip Jones is more than willing to hand him his own out of respect. FSX manages to clear the ring from all officials and medical people, leaving only the 3 competitors standing, or barely standing, before him. FSX takes off his referee shirt, leaving him in what would be his regular in-ring attire.
FSX: Now don’t any of you dare think about leaving this ring yet.
The fans cheer and the praise continues for all three men who are, even now, still staring each other down still, but perhaps with a little more respect now.
FSX: I’m standing in the ring now as your equal, not as a referee but as a fellow wrestler and friend. And none of you is leaving this ring until you have shaken the hands of your fellow opponents…and your fellow light heavyweights.
“Fast” Eddie Edison: These men have gone through hell and back together…will they do it?
Jearus is the first to step up and extend his hand forward, catching the reluctant gazes of both Bre and Kudo and everyone else in the audience, watching. FSX then extends his arm out as well, striking a pop from the crowd. Kudo and Bre look at each other and back, but both begrudgingly accept Jearus and FSX’s hands in a quick, but firm shake. The crowd lets out another huge wave of applause as they all manage to shake one another’s hands. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes hits the arena, the rare unofficial sound of the Armada theme as Jearus makes his way out of the ring and up the ramp and Bre shortly follows, gathering their own respective standing ovations.
Maxwell McNally: Listen to this crowd, they are certainly grateful and thankful for the performance these two have put on tonight.
FSX and Kudo lock eyes one more time and FSX takes and raises Kudo’s arm in victory, something he had forgotten to do amidst all the post-match emotion. Kudo pulls his arm away and shakes his head in what seems to be some sort of disappointment, the blood still trickling down from his forehead. FSX knows his job is done and takes his leave, leaving Kudo alone in the ring, still piecing together everything that just took place. Kudo drops to his knees, staring with his shaking head looking down at the shred up ARMADA flag in front of him, with the guitar riffs of “Poison” now playing loudly in the background. He stays in this position, wondering if this truly is the end of the Armada and what is to come for R-3. Finally, as medical staff approaches an entranced Kudo, he snaps back into reality and rolls out of the ring slowly, limping on his way to the ramp. Philip Jones hands Kudo his Entertainment title belt and he and medical staff aid Kudo in getting to the back, and this time, Kudo has no option but to willingly accept the help. Kudo throws the Entertainment belt over his shoulder and limps up the ramp with the shredded Armada flag on his other hand, trailing behind him.
-Fade Out-
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:05:26 GMT -5
Segment: Caught! (Credit: ??)
Before the show proceeds to the next match on the card, the lights dim and "Pomp and Circumstance" begins to play, signaling the entrance of the efficiency officers, Triple A. The entire stable makes its way down to the ring to a relatively dead reaction. There are a few snickers at Aurelia and her weight issue, for she seems to have trouble entering and exiting the ring. Both Crocjaw and Cumberdale have to hold the bottom ropes open for her and she manages at least a dignified entrance, albeit a slow one. The music cuts abruptly, and Triple A stands in the center, dressed in their impeccable suits. Aurelia is holding a microphone.
Aurelia: Hello again, dears! It's so nice to see such happy faces staring back at me!
The crowd boos. Aurelia, oblivious, plows on.
Aurelia: Now I know we all want the show to move on, so don't worry, this won't take long. It has come to our attention, however, that Triple A isn't getting the proper respect we deserve amongst you fans. Don't you realize, that without us, your precious ACW would collapse into oblivion? Now, when I say hello, I want you all to reply, "Good evening, Ms. Aurelia!"
Stunned, the crowd merely boos louder. Un phased, Aurelia simply smiles and adds even more sugary syrup to her voice.
Aurelia: Come on, now! You know, we could stand up here all night. I doubt you all want to miss the main event. So now, please, one more time together. "Good evening, Ms. Aurelia!"
The crowd accomplishes the small task, amidst loud grumbling and insults. Aurelia smiles, showing every tooth in between her caked lips. Ash and Aoyama, stoic as ever, stand militant-like beside her. Crocjaw and Cumberdale seem to be comparing the size of their hands.
Aurelia: That wasn't so hard, was it? Now, as I'm sure you all know, our dear Mr. Ginger has been receiving quite a few death threats from an anonymous loon. Fortunately, thanks to the brilliance of Mr. Aoyama's computer abilities, the unfortunate terrorist will be caught in this very ring tonight. Mr. Ginger, please come to the ring. You should witness this, and realize why we deserve the high pay checks we receive weekly.
A few moments pass before Ginger makes his entrance, walking down to the ramp, still paranoid and checking behind his head every few seconds. He enters the ring tentatively and leans against a turnbuckle for support.
Aurelia: There! Alright, it's time to reveal the culprit. Will security please enter the ring. For, you see, the criminal is standing in this very ring...
Ginger squeaks, but the crowd is excited. Who is the culprit? Security enters, somewhat confused, and stand at attention. The lights darken, and the Alphatron lights up.
Aurelia: Hubert Cumberdale!
Cumberdale tries to make a run for it, and nearly succeeds. Security men trip over themselves in an attempt to catch Cumberdale. Aoyama, however, is not so clumsy. He elegantly leaps into the air and plants a gigantic drop kick to the back of Cumberdale's head. The fiend drops to the floor, and Aoyama quickly applies a deadly arm bar. Cumberdale yells in pain and security quickly apply handcuffs to his hands. Aurelia stands smugly over her former bodyguard, and Ginger looks shocked.
Aurelia: Guards, take him away! If he's lucky, he'll be hauled off to a nice mental institution. Teehee.
Ginger: Aurelia! Ash! Aoyama! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Whatever you want, it's yours! Whatever, oh my goodness, thank you so much!
Ginger kisses the ground and crosses himself multiple times.
Unbeknownst to him...
Aurelia, Ash, Aoyama, and Crocjaw stand behind Ginger. They all look at each other, back at Ginger...
And a grin appears on their usually stoic faces, the contrast clearly visible.
Oblivious, Ginger still thanks the Lord while Triple A silently make their way backstage.
End Segment.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:06:25 GMT -5
Segment: A creeping feeling (Credit: ??)
The camera cuts backstage to a hallway located somewhere by the CBK locker room. Scott and Lex are seen walking towards it.
Scott: What the hell is wrong with the ACW talent staff?
NBK: What do you mean?
Scott: This place is becoming a freak show! All of these psychos are coming into the company, and that’s on top of the rest of the escaped mental patients that pass for the roster.
NBK: Yeah, tell me about it. These weirdo's and their "beyond the grave" personas...Where the hell did they find these losers?
Scott: Don't ask me...
NBK: Probably from a mental institution, like you said. Just look at Torak, he's got a few loose up there… now he really does worry me.
Scott Andrews: Yeah, and what about that creepy guy with the "He's coming" promos?
NBK: What, Mr “One promo every ice age”? He may scare a little girl but he doesn't scare me!
Scott Andrews:*Laughing* Yeah man, what a bunch of freakshows. Hey, what about that other guy...Holocaust?
NBK: Anybody that wants to be named after an event that tortured and killed millions of people must be insane.
Scott Andrews: Hey...
NBK: What!?
Scott Andrews: The world better be ready…
NBK: Why?
Scott Andrews: Because… "We're coming!"...oooohhhhh...Scary…
Both Scott and Lex laugh. They continue down the corridor, until abruptly a squeaking sound ahead draws their attention.
Of all things, it’s a young girl on a tricycle. Scott furrows his brow, while NBK just snorts.
NBK: Hey, isn't that original? A little girl backstage alone while her parents are getting drunk watching the PPV.
Scott Andrews: Hey little girl...Are you lost?
NBK: Stupid kids these days!
The girl stares at the two men with a blank expression on her face.
Scott Andrews: Wow, this kid is either dumb or really, really dumb.
The girls blank expression turns into a partial grin.
NBK: What is her damage? Man, I’m not getting involved with some kid.
Scott and Lex continue to talk. They don't notice the light columns turning off one by one behind them. The fans start to become alarmed as the darkness gets closer and closer to CBK. Scott and Lex turn and notice the lights turning off but it is too late…
In less than a second, there is complete darkness.Y elling and loud crashing noises are heard but the fans cannot see what's going on. The lights flicker and then turn on, both Scott and Lex are shaking and close to one another. The two look at each other and laugh nervously with relief.
NBK: What the hell was that all about?
Scott: I wasn't scared. Were you?
NBK: No, I wasn't scared one bit.
Silence.
Scott Andrews: Uhhh, maybe we should leave now.
NBK: Yeah, I agree.
Scott and Lex make a quick escape. As they leave the area the camera notices a blood like substance on the wall. It is a message…
02/25/06… R.I.P. ACW
The girl’s voice comes out of nowhere…
Girl: I told you… soon… very soon… hehehe…
End of scene.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:07:13 GMT -5
Match 9: ACW International Title Match - Capture the Flag Santiago Rivera vs. Rena As the shot returns to the arena, the fans at home see that the crew has been busy ereceting a pair of 15-foot high flag poles in diagonally opposite corners of the ring. At prsent the flag poles are bear, but that won’t be the case for long as Philip enters the ring.Philip: Our penultimate contest tonight is a “Capture the Flag” match, and it is for the ACW International title! The aim of the match is to retrieve your flag from the appropriate pole while also preventing your opponent from doing the same, and the first person to do so will be declared the winner. The crowd murmurs a little as they take this in.Philip: So, introducing first… from New York City, the challenger… ACW’s Supreme Diva, Rena Matheson! ”Violet Sauce” hits and the crowd give Rena a mixed reception as she struts to the ring. In her hands she carries a red and white flag, and as she hands this over to the attendant standing next to her flag pole it is revealed to be a Japanese national flag. With due care and respect the attendant attaches it to the pole and then raises it up to the top, as Rena enters the ring.
Then, “Nymphetamine” plays, and there is an equally mixed reaction to Santiago’s appearance.Philip: And her opponent, also from New York, he is a member of the Senatorial stable and current ACW International Champion… Santiago Rivera! Santiago gets a few patriotic cheers as he is shown to be carrying a US stars and stripes flag with him; he gives this to the attendant at the second flag pole, and the flag is respectfully raised as Santiago enters the ring. He and Rena watch one another closely, and the referee waits for the attendants and timekeeper to confirm that all is in order before he allows the match to begin.Bell Rings. The two superstars have moved around so that they have to pass one another to reach their flagpoles, and so as they move closer it is inevitable that they will come into conflict. Santiago makes the first attempt, running at Rena for a clothesline and intending to carry on toward his flag; Rena though isn’t about to let him make an attempt on it so easily, and hooks his arm swinging him around and sending him into one of the neutral corners. Santiago hits it hard, but bounces straight out and charges back into Rena as she runs forward to try and trap him, knocking her forcefully to the ground. Santiago adds a quick leg drop and then hops back on his feet, running to his pole and starting to ascend. It’s certainly a sturdy construction, and doesn’t feel as if it will bend under his weight, but it’s also very smooth and the muscular, heavy Santiago finds it difficult to get a firm grip. He’s only made it a couple of feet above the level of the corner post when Rena catches up to him, and she is able to stand on the second rope and pull at his clothing. Unable to hold on, Santiago slips back down to get his feet to the top turnbuckle; Rena smacks him a few times in the face and Santiago tries to push her back, but Rena grabs him and they both end up tumbling back down to the ring with a thud. Rena is the first back on her feet, and she glances at her flag, but Santiago too is starting to rise and Rena can see that she needs to do quite a bit of work to have any chance of taking her foe down long enough for her to reach her goal. With this in mind she kicks him a couple of times in the abdomen, then runs to the ropes and rebounds back, going for a running strike- -but Santiago toughens his stance, and Rena runs into him with the result being that she injures herself more than her opponent. Santiago doesn’t waste any time in getting to grips with Rena, and delivers a string of forearm blows before hitting a snap suplex. It looks painful and Rena grimaces on landing, but gets back up again at once with a speed that even has Santiago surprised. She smiles and gives him one of her smoldering looks that both entrance and enrage her male opponents; Santiago tells himself not to be taken in, but still moves in close and tries to punch Rena once more. Rena ducks under this and gets behind Santiago; she shows off her flexibility and agility by jumping up and using a headscissors takedown. Without the run-up to build speed it’s not devastatingly powerful, but it still does the job of sending Santiago to the mat and disorientating him for a few seconds. Rena grabs this chance and runs over to her flag pole – it’s not an easy ascent for her either, but she’s much lighter and thus has less difficulty in trying to climb. Santiago gets up and runs over to her; Rena sees him coming and slides back down a little way, then swings around on the pole to knock him back, flicking her hair sexily as she does so. Evidently those pole dancing skills aren’t completely irrelevant in a wrestling sphere after all… and the male contingent of the audience is fixated as Rena giggles and gives Santiago a little wave before starting to climb again.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:08:22 GMT -5
It’s a good job that Santiago has a long reach; he has to get up on the top turnbuckle and stretch to reach Rena’s legs as she ascends toward her flag, which is only five or 6 feet away vertically when he catches up to her. Rena tries to kick him off, so Santiago holds her ankles and then drops back down to the mat; Rena slides down in sympathy and narrowly avoids getting some nasty friction burns as she tries to hold on. Using his strength advantage, Santiago gets on the second rope and is able to take hold of Rena properly; the crowd watches as he lifts her away and on to his shoulders, and then yells out as he pulls off an F5 Lesnar-style, sending Rena into her own flagpole. She strikes the ropes as she falls and drops back into the ring; the crowd boos, and Santiago smirks, playing up to them as he looks and sees that Rena is still lying on the mat. With some time in hand, Santiago moves to his own corner and takes another shot at climbing up the pole; it’s still hard going for him, however, and Rena’s choice of contest is proving to be a smart one as Santiago repeatedly slips down, making only small gains for large outlays of energy. Realising this is getting him nowhere, he drops back down on to the top turnbuckle, glances over his shoulder… and then discovers that Rena is nowhere to be seen. The crowd suddenly yells out, and Rena jumps up on to the apron next to where Santiago is standing. She springs on to the top rope and performs a lovely Tornado DDT, bringing the pair of them back down on to the canvas and making the crowd cheer loudly; Santiago’s head spins, and Rena looks at him and her flag, working out what to do next…
The crowd is into this match, and Rena smiles with confidence as she waits for Santiago to pick himself up. She delivers a few stiff kicks to his abdomen and then jumps back to avoid getting punched in retaliation; Santiago’s temper flares and he makes a sudden dash at her, but Rena ducks it and then sticks out her foot to trip Santiago over. Santiago sprawls close to the ropes, and Rena hightails over, using the ropes to launch herself into her trademark double footed moonsault stomp. The crowd winces, and Rena leaves Santiago on the mat, dashing over to her own corner. She starts to climb once again, but Santiago isn’t as dazed as Rena thinks, and he gets up and runs over to the corner as well. Rena is some way up, so Santiago has an idea – he starts to shake the flag pole, getting up on the top turnbuckle, and Rena shrieks, holding on as long as she can until her grip fails ands she slides back down. She drops almost literally into Santiago’s lap, and Santiago delivers a powerful german superplex, making the crowd gasp as the pair hit the mat.
It’s a few seconds before either of them are able to get up; Santiago smirks, expecting Rena to be in a much weakened state, but Rena’s exterior beauty masks her inner strength, and she pulls herself up, runs in and hits Santiago with a swift Chick Kick. Santiago stumbles back, and Rena whips him into a neutral corner, approaching carefully to avoid being caught out this time. Santiago meanwhile is dazed, and Rena takes advantage, hitting him over and over with strong kicks. Santiago retreats up the post, and Rena climbs after him; Santiago tries to grab Rena and throw her to the outside, but Rena counters by kicking Santiago smartly in the knee, causing him to unbalance and fall groin-first on to the rope. The crowd cries out and several male eyes water as Santiago tumbles to the outside; Rena sees him clutching his tender parts, and smirks a little before turning her attention to the situation at hand. With a slightly unsteady step she starts to walk across the top rope heading for the corner with her flag; it’s tricky since the rope gives, but Rena concentrates totally and the crowd is equally transfixed. None of them see Santiago crawl around to the other neutral corner; he drags himself on to the apron, and as Rena nears her destination he gets up, runs along and grabs the pole, swinging himself around at great speed in a kind of “619” fashion. He connects powerfully with Rena and knocks her sideways into the ring, and the crowd yells out as Santiago gets up on the post and looks down at his opponent.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:09:01 GMT -5
Rena has only a second or two to react as Santiago jumps off, going for a senton splash; she just barely gets out of the way and the hefty Santiago pays the price for his high-flying efforts, taking a rough landing on the unforgiving canvas. Both competitors are pushing themselves to their physical limits with techniques that are beyond what they would normally employ, but neither is prepared to simply let the match slip through their fingers, and the crowd roars with enthusiasm as they both rise up and confront one another again. Santiago whips Rena to the ropes to set up his ten gallon boot, but Rena drops into a baseball slide and takes Santiago’s other leg out from underneath him. With Santiago brought down to size, Rena fights to try and apply her Fade to Black hold from a grounded position; Santiago knows that this could spell the end of his chances and fights back powerfully so that Rena just can’t quite lock the move in. As the pair slowly move back to their feet, Santiago turns and at last counters into his suicide cutter (vertical suplex to Ace Crusher), but Rena thrashes and the move doesn’t hit with its true force. Adrenaline surging, Rena nips up, takes aim and unleashes her most powerful Chick Kick yet – it may be simple, but it’s incredibly effective, and Santiago is in all sorts of trouble as Rena rushes past him and makes a determined leap upward toward the pole and her waiting flag.
Though his head is spinning, the sound of the crowd getting louder as Rena inches upward toward her flag gets Santiago on the move again. He sprints over, jumps up on to the top rope; Rena has one hand on the edge of her flag and is out of direct reach, but Santiago uses the spring in the rope to propel himself upward just enough to make contact and grab on. Rena starts to slide down, but refuses to be dislodged now and holds on for all she’s worth; Santiago has to use all his strength to inch her into reach, and as soon as he can he starts to use clubbing blows to the back. But still Rena won’t let go, so Santiago makes a risky decision; he pulls her just close enough that he can turn around and face the ring, and with a combined jump and wrench, he pulls Rena clear of the pole and sits out into a powerbomb from amazing height. The crowd goes mental, and both Rena and Santiago take damage from the fall; Rena looks out of it, and Santiago is clearly fatigued as he stands up. How on earth is he ever going to climb up and reach his flag?
…And then it hits him. He slides out of the ring and searches underneath the apron, hoping and praying… bingo! The crowd watches as Santiago pulls out one of the spare ladders from the ET title match and slides it into the ring; the referee isn’t sure about this, but he can’t think of any stipulation in this unique match forbidding ladder use. Santiago looks over and sees Rena stirring; he hurriedly sets up the ladder against the pole. It’s not tall enough to take him all the way, but it will be close…
With the fans shouting their lungs out, Santiago starts to climb, and as he does so Rena rolls on to her feet. She looks, and realizes that her only chance is to out-race her larger, heavier opponent; the noise is incredible as she runs to her corner and starts to climb. Santiago has an advantage, but it’s shrinking with every second; the pair are neck and neck as they reach for their flags… but Santiago has a small but crucial extra card to play with his superior strength. He grabs a corner and pulls hard; the flag comes away from its fixings, and Santiago waves it freely to prove he has retrieved it. Rena has her flag in her hand, but it’s still fixed to the pole rope… and so Santiago achieves victory. The referee confirms this, calling for the bell, and Rena can’t hide her disappointment as she takes down her own flag and puts it over her shoulder.
Philip: Here is your winner, and STILL ACW International Champion, Santiago Rivera!
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:09:37 GMT -5
Santiago holds the American Flag up high as he gets cheers from the whole crowd, something Santiago has never received before. He lets out a smile, showing that he gave his best, and claps above his head as a disappointed Rena slides back down with her Japanese flag in her hands. She holds it up and everyone, including Santiago, acknowledges her superb performance as she heads to the back.
Once Rena has left, Santiago begins to slowly climb down the ladder as he wraps the flag around his body, but then boos begin to fill the arena. Santiago looks confused until he turns around and sees the World Champion, Hunter, walking down to the ring. He has a mic in hand also. Santiago hops off the ladder from about the 5 step, accepts his International belt back from the referee, and slides out of the ring towards the announce table and grabs his tag title as well.
Hunter: Shut up! All of you! I came down here to talk, not be shouted at by some useless pieces of crap!
Santiago: Hunter, I've had enough of you! Don't you dare even come into this ring!
Hunter slows down his tread.
Hunter: And what if I do?
Santiago: Then you'll just make me angry. And I don't know if you know this, but...nobody likes me when I'm angry.
Hunter: Who the hell are you, the Incredible Hulk?
Hunter follows this phrase by shaking his head and sliding into the ring. Santiago folds a chair up and slides in as well. He runs towards Hunter swinging but Hunter drops to the mat and slips out in time but almost is caught by the chair when Santiago swings it over the top rope trying to get him.
Santiago: I've had enough of you! I've had enough of your bullshit and your ego! All I was brought into the stable for was backup. You saw how magnificent I looked and you wanted it just in case. Then once you won the World Title, you've become a gold digger. You wanted these tag team titles Hunter, and oh if you don't get what you want, you fucking pout like a little child. So you wanted these, and you were going to team with Senator but then you though. "No....the record books. If I become champion with Santiago, I could be the first man to ever hold the tag team titles with three different partners in ACW." You're bound for gold Hunter. But do you want to know another place you're bound for?
Hunter: And where's that?
Santiago: Hell...you're bound for hell you son of a bitch and now that you've got me started, I'll take you there, first hand.
The crowd begins to cheer Santiago.
Santiago: Oh no, no, no be quiet. It's not over yet. Hunter do you know that nice little stack of papers back in the office? You know, those ones that guarantee me rights to do some things within a group. Oh what were those papers called? Oh right...
Santiago turns around and the camera catches him with a big grin on his face and Hunter in the background on the ramp-way.
Santiago: My Senatorial Stable contract. Well you know what you can go ahead and do with that? SHRED IT YOU JACKASS! SHRED IT TO A THOUSAND PIECES! I'M DONE WITH YOU, AND YOUR STUPID FUCKING STABLE!
The crowd reacts loudly to this, and then to make things even more intense RDK is seen walking in from the back. He begins walking down the ramp.
Santiago: You told me to make a choice Hunter, yet nobody tells me what to do. No, I'm not leaving the stable because you told me it was you or RDK, I'm not doing that cause you told me to decide. I'm leaving the stable under my own terms. And if you are to come anywhere near me, I swear I will bash your head in. Good day Hunter, and I'll be looking forward to watching you lose the title to Atomic Kitsune tonight.
Santiago drops the mic and grabs the chair as RDK slides into the ring. Hunter has a sadistic smile on his face as he stands and watches RDK tap Santiago on the shoulder. Santiago pulls back and swings around, nailing RDK right in between the eyes with the chair using great velocity.
Edison: OH MY GOD! DID HE THINK THAT WAS HUNTER?!?
Santiago looks at the fallen RDK with a look of disbelief in his eyes. He then slowly drops the chair and picks up the microphone.
Santiago: Like I said...nobody...tells Santiago Rivera...what...to....do.
He drops the mic and looks up at Hunter who is now laughing and joins in with a less than friendly smile on his face as the whole crowd is confused onto what's going on. Santiago looks down at RDK and raises the tag title into the air as the crowd thinks they know what is happening and a group of people begin to boo. The whole arena catches onto this and joins in as Santiago stands over RDK with the title high in the air.
"Nymphetamine" hits the P.A system as Hunter and Santiago stay exactly where they are.
McNally: What the hell is going on here?
Fade Out.
OOC: Ending events credit: Santiago.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:11:23 GMT -5
Segment: Final preparations
The cameras return to the ACW backstage. In a lesser used part of the building, a door opens, and AK steps out fully clothed and ready for her match which is due to start very shortly. Waiting outside are Reg and Ron, keeping an eye out for any undesirables.
AK: Right, time to take the plunge. Everything as it should be?
Reg: Yeah, all quiet.
AK: Good. I borrowed a small monitor from the technical guys, if you two want you can watch the match in comfort in there. Then you’ll see at once if I need you.
Ron: Sounds like a plan. Alright, break a leg…
AK: Ron, this isn’t the theatre.
Ron: Could’ve fooled me. Anyway, I didn’t mean your leg.
AK shakes her head and smiles, starting to walk up the hallway. Ron is about to enter the room, but then an afterthought occurs to him.
Ron: Oh, by the way I saw that kid in the canteen… he must have used that pass you gave him.
AK (calling over her shoulder): Whatever, I’m sure he can look after himself…
She rounds the corner out of sight. Ron scratches his chin.
Ron: Bloody strange, if you ask me… I still don’t like it.
He shrugs, and goes into the locker room closing the door as the scene fades out.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:11:56 GMT -5
Segment: Right or Wrong (Credit: Hunter)
The scene fades in as usual, this time joining the empty hallway, no longer making it as empty. The camera flies down the hallway at an inhumane pace, a description that is more real than one can imagine. It stops before a door, this particular door containing a sign that reads "Senatorial Locker Room." The door opens and the camera follows the pathway inside, showing the interior of the ever famous room. Inside the audience can see the form of the World Champion as well as his two bodyguards, the Capitalists. Hunter lays out across the couch silently, still in his rather bad mood. The Capitalists stand above him chatting amongst themselves, while Hunter's eyes are trained on his two titles that are laid out on a table in front of him.
Kalb: Damn it, Kevin, you know that's impossible!
Fitsharris: I swear to God that I just did it!
Kalb: Hunter, is it possible to sneeze with your eyes open?
Fitsharris: Of course it is, I just did it!
Kalb: Shut up! Hunter, answer the question.
Hunter silently moves his eyes across the room, suddenly stopping them on Kalb. Kalb looks at him and can instantly see that that may not be the best question to ask Hunter right now.
Kalb: Uh...hey Kev, let's get out of here. We can try to talk to FSX and see if he'll come down here.
The second Capitalist is slightly confused, but when he notices the sternness in Kalb's voice, he decides that it would be the best thing to do. The Capitalists turn around and walk towards the door, open it, and file out one by one. The door closes and the camera focuses back on Hunter. Hunter reaches under the couch and pulls out the leather case, then opens it up. He stares at the contents for a few moments, and then begins to piece them together. No one really knows why he's so good at putting a syringe together, but no one dares ask. Hunter puts the syringe down and takes out a small bottle with the label "Formidilosus". He opens it and inserts the contents into the syringe, then slightly squeezes down on it to complete the process. He holds the syringe with the needle up and stares at the needle for a long time.
Hunter: ...what the hell do I do, eh? Do I use this shit? Or do I put it down and fight honestly and almost certainly lose? How the fuck do I know what the right choice is?
He sighs and moves his hands to his forehead, and simultaneously the needle touches him. He closes his eyes and silently thinks to himself what the right choice is. He then looks at a clock hanging on the wall and silently curses to himself.
Hunter: I have less than five minutes until my match, and I still haven't made my choice. What the hell do I do?
He looks at the needle once more and then closes his eyes. His pain and confusion turns to fury as he gets to his feet and kicks the table that the case and his two titles are on. Everything on the table scatters across the room with a loud bang as Hunter gets to his feet and grabs the syringe with both hands.
Hunter: Huh!? WHAT THE FUCK DO I DO WITH YOU!?
He sighs and starts chuckling to himself.
Hunter: I must be losing my fucking mind, I'm talking to a goddamn needle.
Though he doesn't acknowledge it, a single tear is born from his eye and flows lifelessly down his cheek. Hunter looks at the title lying on the floor and scoffs. He raises a hand to his cheek and feels the scar that he earned from his fight with the "bad men" a few weeks ago, and even then his thoughts aren't clear. He picks up both of his titles and straps them around his waist. He looks at the clock and then back at the syringe.
Hunter: ...three minutes. I better be fucking right about this...
He slowly takes off the needle and puts it back into the case, followed by the syringe with the liquid still in it. He looks at the contents of the case once more and closes his eyes, then zips up the case and puts it back under the couch.
Hunter: ...may God have mercy on my soul.
How ironic. He made the supposedly "right" choice and yet he wishes to be forgiven for it. He looks out the window and sees that the sun has eluded him once more, and a dark rain has started to pour on the silent field. This could be an allusion of things to come, but whether or not it is only fate itself knows. Hunter turns and walks out the door, slamming it shut behind him. The camera turns to the window once more and shows the rain as it falls and bounces off Hunter's window, the one barrier that prevented him from feeling the rain itself. With each rain drop comes a darkness so unforgiving that even the bravest of men fear it.
And Hunter will soon have to face it.
Fade Out.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:13:05 GMT -5
Match 10: ACW World Title Match Alicia “Atomic” Kitsune vs. Hunter Once again ACW has succeeded in surpassing everyone’s ludicrously high expectations for the PPV, but this doesn’t mean that the fans are happy yet. Oh no, call no PPV “great” until the credits have rolled… the last match still has to deliver the goods.
Do you think they’ll manage it?... Is the Pope indeed Catholic? Of course they will.
Philip enters the ring.Philip: Our main event tonight is a singles contest set for one fall with no time limit, and it is for the ACW World Championship. Introducing first, the challenger… from London, England, Alicia “Atomic” Kitsune! The fans are cheering even before the sound crew cues “I’m a Bomb” and AK comes out on to the stage. She paces down the ramp with a focused expression; her eyes give away that she’s a little nervous but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. She hops over the ropes and removes her costume props, stretching a few times and mentally steeling herself for the competition.
There is a suitable pause, and then the arena darkens to perfectly complement the chords of “Ex Nihilo”.Philip: And her opponent, from Rochester, New York… he is part of the Senatorial Stable and defending ACW World Champion, Andrew Hunter! Hunter gets plenty of boos from the fans, though the more discerning have greater respect. Understandably Hunter doesn’t really hear them; he gets into the ring and holds up his belt defiantly, as much to psyche himself up as anyone else. He glances around looking to see if he can spot Ms. Smith, but alas of her there is no sign.
Raymond Allen Fleming takes the belt, elevates it, and then gives the competitors one of his trademark stern warnings before allowing the timekeeper to start the clock and ring the bell.Bell rings. Hunter and AK circle the ring under the watchful gaze of RAF, as the crowd settles down to enjoy the contest. They lock eyes, and both see what they expect to see- they are both a little nervous, but primed and ready to bring their full skill to bear on one another. Though she is careful not to give too much away, AK is relieved to see the man she knows staring back at her; even so, she has no idea what she could have been confronted with, nor how close she came to disaster before the match even began… …but the die is cast, the choice made, and now it’s down to the pair of them to use all they know in the chase for victory. Their circle shrinks until they come within touching distance, and then they tie up; Hunter has both a size and raw strength advantage which he presses, pushing AK back toward the ropes, but AK doesn’t make it easy for him in the slightest, and then breaks the grapple up with a boot to the gut, sending Hunter back a few paces. The momentum also sends her back against the ropes, and AK rebounds powerfully, rushing at Hunter and jumping up for a spinning kick which Hunter ducks to avoid, drawing an “ooooooooh” from the fans at the near miss. AK lands and pivots around with a wide arcing kick from the other foot which Hunter pulls back to dodge by an even smaller margin, but this winds up leaving her with her back to Hunter, and the champion grabs the chance while it’s there to deliver a swift german suplex. AK feels it, but pushes herself over on landing to roll backward to her feet, and so beats Hunter back to the vertical; Hunter isn’t slow, but the slight advantage lets AK get in close and pull off a swinging neckbreaker before Hunter can get himself properly balanced to resist it. AK makes a cover but Hunter kicks out at once, and RAF shows that he’s well able to read the situation by not even attempting to kneel for the count at this early stage. Max McNally: There’s nothing to choose between these two at the moment. I’m not one to tempt fate, but I’d say whoever wins this match is going to do it by the narrowest of margins… “Fast” Eddie Edison: I gotta agree with you there, Max. The initial flush of energy from both competitors must by necessity slow after a couple of minutes, but the pace is still quick. Hunter tests out a face-to-face strategy, delivering swift and sharp jabs that are certain to be wearing. However AK won’t just stand around to be hit and keeps up on her toes, defending with patience so that only about 1 in 4 of Hunter’s punches connect with any force. Raising his punching power to try and compensate, Hunter eventually makes an error and overdoes a shot; AK takes the chance and turns, grasping his extended arm and dropping to a knee to throw him over her shoulder. Hunter’s mind works quickly, and as his feet leave the floor he hooks AK’s neck with his free arm so that instead of landing flat on his back he is able to keep the roll going, and shifts into a roll-up out of nowhere. RAF counts, 1,tw- and AK kicks out of it just before the 2 mark.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:13:54 GMT -5
“Edison”: Another great counter from Hunter! Atomic’s not losing her cool, though…
Edison’s observation is correct; the rolling motion has brought the action close to the ropes, and as AK nips back on her feet, she glances back over her shoulder and then slips through the ropes. Hunter’s not slow to react, and the pair swap blows over the ropes; AK grasps the top rope and supports herself as she kicks forward with both feet, shoving Hunter back hard so that he is only just able to remain standing. With the crowd yelling, AK jumps up on to the top rope and then springboards off, going for a hurricanrana. Hunter of course knows how to deal with this, and catches his opponent out of the air – but before he can convert it into an offensive move AK starts to punch him hard in the face, dazing him a little to release his grip before swinging herself around and completing the hurricanrana in a delayed fashion. The crowd cheers as Hunter goes thudding on to the canvas, and AK hops back up on to her feet, giving Hunter the “bring it” gesture with a focused smile.
McNally: Hooo! Blink in this match and you’ll be missing out!
Hunter throws his hair back out of his face as he rises, and rubs his neck a little; he seems slightly annoyed at himself for being caught out, but he’s certainly not going to dwell on the issue. He and AK approach one another again cautiously, since neither is able to predict what the other will do next; then Hunter makes his move, and makes a sudden charge, going for a running forearm. AK swerves aside to avoid it, but Hunter turns tightly and hits his Dynamite (gut kick/jumping DDT). AK is slightly dazed but still gets up as fast as she can – too fast, perhaps, as Hunter works to build momentum with a snap suplex, and then goes straight for a powerbomb. The crowd winces, and Hunter pins; RAF counts and awards him a 2 when AK gets her shoulder in the air.
McNally: I see what Hunter’s thinking is… he wants to keep this match central in the ring, and stop Atomic reaching the ropes. Smart guy.
Certainly, Hunter’s preferred style of fighting is most effective as he continues his assault; AK does all she can to resist him, but Hunter is into his stride, and he demonstrates his raw power with a nasty-looking elbow driver. Some of the fans boo, but it’s fair to say that a majority are more engrossed in watching the match closely; Hunter makes another cover, and once more gets a 2 count. With his confidence building, he decides to up the stakes, and lifts AK up with relative ease into a vertical position – and the second he does so, AK revives and thrashes, causing Hunter’s balance to be disrupted. He has to let her go, and AK drops perfectly down on to her feet, grabs Hunter and runs straight into the-
Edison: FOX FLIP! Daaaaangerous!
McNally: That looked like it was a well rehearsed move, Eddie, Atomic knew that Hunter couldn’t resist going for a vertical-based technique before long- it’s one of the cornerstones of his repertoire.
Edison: That’s one shaky cornerstone now, Max!
RAF drops for the count as AK pins, 1….2- Hunter kicks strongly, and AK inwardly knows that such was to be expected. Nevertheless she’s broken his hold on the match, and climbs up on to the turnbuckle as Hunter starts to get up. Not wanting to get caught up there she leaps off for a simple missile dropkick; Hunter rolls out of the way, and AK also lands safely, moving back close to the ropes as Hunter turns and seeks her out once more. The gap between them evaporates; AK has the option to run, but instead she faces down her foe, and launches into a barrage of kicks to the ribs that have Hunter gritting his teeth in pain. Never one to be outdone, he gives as good as he gets, and there are several seconds of unrestrained battle as each tries to prove that they’re the stronger. In reality of course there’s little to choose between them, and a momentary lull is created as both accept that such a stalemate isn’t going to get them anywhere. It’s broken as AK tries to surprise Hunter with a whip into the corner; Hunter’s too strong for this, and instead reverses it so that AK strikes the post back first. Moving swiftly Hunter runs in and drives in his shoulder; the crowd cries out, and Hunter gets in some powerful strikes repeating the shoulder barge until AK looks to be in quite a lot of pain. Wanting to capitalize further, Hunter backs up and signals one of his killer Spears; the crowd yells as he runs in, and AK perks up just enough to move out of the way. It’s testament to Hunter’s abilities that he manages to abort the Spear by dropping on to his chest and sliding right out of the ring, missing the post by centimeters; he’s up again at once… just in time to be greeted by AK leaping off of the ropes into a plancha that brings the pair of them down to the outside mats, and makes the crowd roar in approval.
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:14:38 GMT -5
Whatever the fans in the front paid for their seats, it was worth it; they get a close-up view of AK and Hunter trading kicks, and seeming only to get stronger with each strike. The cocktail of adrenalin, heat and thunderous noise is practically a narcotic in itself, and both competitors are riding the wave of a natural high… that is until Hunter sees a chance to “turn the tide” and whips AK across into the nearest ring post. The impact looks and is extremely hard, and AK clutches her shoulder, realizing that she’s just been handed a serious handicap.
McNally: Ow, I practically felt that one myself!
With the dangers of being on the outside made clear, AK rolls back into the ring; RAF’s count is at 5, and Hunter takes a few moments to recuperate. His eyes wander to the belt, and then to his opponent; AK is still hurting, but the determination within is still strong. Hunter knows that all he has to do is grab a chair or other implement and DQ himself, and the title will be safe… but he shakes his head with a shrug, for if simply retaining was his goal, he had the tools for that already in his hand before the match. It’s at this moment that Andrew Hunter understands a little more about what separates out the great superstars from the pack, and he takes a deep breath before re-entering the ring to stake his claim to join that elite band.
AK wastes no time in going back on the attack, and the pair of them trade stinging blows for a few moments until she is able to snatch a hold of Hunter and drive his head against her knee. Hunter reels back, stunned, and AK rushes to the ropes; she springs off into a picture-perfect Sunset flip, and brings Hunter down for the pin, 1….2- Hunter not only kicks, but rolls the pair of them over and reverses it, 1…2- and AK shoves Hunter back, pulls up her feet and applies a leg-based choke with Hunter’s face toward the mat.
Edison: SNAP! Hunter’s in trouble now!
But Edison’s predictive skills are a little off this time; Hunter doesn’t panic, and instead takes hold of AK’s clothing to assist as he gets up on to his knees. Though AK is applying all the pressure she can, Hunter repeatedly lifts and slams her back-first against the canvas. When he can’t dislodge her after about 5 repetitions, he presses her shoulders to the mat for a pin, and RAF counts 1….2..- forcing AK to release Hunter and kick away. Both have been weakened by the exchange, and AK’s shoulder seems to be giving her more pain as she gets up; she watches Hunter as he rises, breathing hard to get more oxygen into his bloodstream, and her confidence starts to falter… but she knows that she won’t forgive herself if she lets the match just slip away.
Her moment of reflection is short lived; Hunter gathers his strength and runs forward, clotheslining AK over the top rope. She’s been in enough Battle Royales to hang on by instinct, but this is what Hunter is banking on; he slips quickly through the ropes, blocks a couple of attempted kicks from his opponent, and then lifts AK to pull off the Land Mine Dolphin, letting her fall the extra couple of feet to the outside at the end of it. The crowd is getting louder and louder, and sensing that he has a chance to build to a finish, Hunter jumps off the apron and adds a flipping elbow drop to his foe’s problems.
McNally: Outstanding, simply outstanding…
Edison: Hunter had some trouble getting to grips with Atomic, but he’s well on top of the situation now.
AK does indeed seem to be running out of power, as Hunter gets up and surveys the situation. He rolls into the ring, and sits on the edge as RAF counts, recovering a little; AK stirs and starts to rise, but she looks wobbly on her feet and it’s by no means certain that she’ll beat the count. Hunter takes another look at his belt on the timekeeper’s desk, and sighs… it’s going to be one of those nights where he just has to follow his instinct and hope that it’s not leading him to do something really stupid.
Sliding out of the ring to stop the count at 8, Hunter is cautious as he decides what to do. He applies a headlock to AK and gives her a few punches to the temple in an effort to quell any resistance, and then without any giveaway cue he lifts her up, going for the Shotgun… but although this time he won’t let AK overbalance him, she gets a hand to the ropes and disrupts the move that way. Hunter tries to back up and pull clear, but this instead lets AK drop back forward and as she gets her feet back to the ground she punches upward into Hunter’s jaw. It lacks power, but is still disconcerting enough to make Hunter let her go… and drawing together her reserves AK jumps at the apron, pushes away from it with one foot and then nails Hunter in the back of the head with an enziguri at full power. Hunter’s pupils dilate as he zones out for a moment, and collapses on top of Edison and McNally’s announce desk.
McNally: Whoa, this match is getting up close and personal!
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:15:16 GMT -5
The fans go bonkers; AK is still a little groggy, but when she sees that Hunter is temporarily out of it, she slides back into the ring and starts to climb up to the top of the nearest post. The predominate sound is that of chairs scraping as everyone in range evacuates…
Edison: She can’t be serious… see you on the other side, Max!
The announcers scramble out of the way in the nick of time as AK takes flight, captured in a firestorm of camera flashes as she corkscrews through the air and connects with a variation on the Ground Zero. Though she lacks the weight of most of the roster, she gets a great deal of height to compensate, and the resulting collision destroys the table with a huge CRASH.
McNally: Holy mother of… that’s the second time in two PPVs! I want danger money before I commentate on these two again!
Edison: You’re such a gooseberry, Max, that was DAAAAANNNNGEERROOOUUSS!
Everyone close by strains to see if there are any signs of movement within the blast zone; RAF has a “give me strength” look on his face as he counts for the pair. Slowly they both start to rise, fatigue now becoming evident though their movements and general disorientation.
AK: Hey, hey, only 5.6 from the Belgian judge on artistic impression? Bastard…
To the crowd’s amazement, both Hunter and AK manage to drag themselves back to the ring and roll inside; it takes a few more moments before they see one another, and at once instinct kicks in and brings the main systems back online. They’re both exhausted after the last few minutes, and any expectations of a War and Peace length epic are wiped away; one way or another this match hasn’t got long left to run. Which way it will turn, however, is anyone’s guess, and both Hunter and AK can see that the match and the title are there for the taking, if they can only find a way to push their foe the one remaining step too far…
Hunter makes his mind up, and moves with pure intent. He closes right up to AK and hits her with one, two, three punches and then clips out her calf, bringing her down to her knees. The crowd goes mental as Hunter delivers the Floyd Kick; he covers, 1…2.- but AK kicks away and knees him in the lower abdomen, rolling the pair of them over. RAF counts again, 1….2- Hunter breaks out, and they get back on their feet half leaning on support. Hunter is mentally striking off moves from his mental list, zeroing in on what it will take to win the match, and one move stands out above all else; he elbows AK hard in the chest and then lifts for the Shotgun, but AK pushes up into it and escapes by flipping up and over his shoulders. Hunter curses, and turns and ducks at the same time, but AK predicts this and swings her leg low too, catching Hunter on the side of the head. Hunter staggers, and inhaling deeply AK grabs on to him and hits the Shockwave (Last Rites), sending the crowd nuts.
Edison: Shockwave! Shockwave! Is this it?
RAF hits the mat for the count, 1…2..th- kickout by Hunter, and the groan is audible right to the back of the building. AK shakes her head; she just can’t find the strength to make the move terminal, and Hunter is already hauling himself back up to his feet. They clash once again, and Hunter gets the best of it with a glancing punch and then a powerslam; he wastes no time lifting AK up and delivering his complex but impressive Red Apple driver. The fans make the whole arena resound with their shouting, as Hunter makes a tired pin, 1….2….thre-
McNally: No! Not quite enough, and Hunter can’t believe it!
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:15:50 GMT -5
Hunter does indeed do a double take at AK’s raised shoulder; everything in his body is aching, and knowing AK must be feeling the same, he feels a momentary flicker of admiration. Now certain that there’s only one way he can end this, he pulls himself and his opponent up, and applies a sleeperhold; AK struggles against it, but lacks the power to free herself. RAF checks her hand after 30 seconds or so, and it falls back; that’s what Hunter is looking for, and he doesn’t wait for a miracle comeback. Quickly he releases the hold and elevates AK into a vertical position… and somehow AK’s brain triggers her to thrash, and Hunter can’t hold the pair of them up. They collapse into a heap, and the crowd roars in astonishment.
Edison: He just….can’t… get it, Max! Is this match ever going to end?!
With agonizing slowness, AK and Hunter get back on their feet, sound buffeting them from all sides, and stare at each other with a powerful look. They both know that the end is coming soon, and yet neither has enough energy to outdo the other…
Cheating, interference, countouts… they look at one another, and know that none of these will do, not now. So they gather their strength, and their desire, and take the plunge one more time.
Hunter charges in and kicks AK in the gut, and then attempts to lift her up into the Shotgun once more. AK sees it coming and punches Hunter in the face, then rolls him through with a small package pin; the crowd yells, but Hunter quickly throws her off to the side and curses himself. He knows that if he can hit his fateful finisher, this match must and will end. But he cannot think of any way...and then it hits him. He grabs AK from behind and locks her into a dragon sleeper. Straining to find the energy, he lifts her up into the reverse suplex position. Tired and with her remaining energy at a premium, AK allows this, readying herself to escape once more with gravity’s aid...but this is her biggest mistake, and gravity is not her friend this time. Only at the last second does she realize what Hunter has planned, and Hunter turns around, swinging all of his energy into the Shotgun, nailing AK directly into the mat.
McNally: THERE! HE GOT IT! INCREDIBLE!!
With as much energy as he has left, Hunter hooks the leg as RAF counts the pinfall… 1……2…..3.
The arena explodes with noise, and the announcement is so shocking that even Philip can barely say it.
Philip: Here is your winner...and STILL ACW World Heavyweight Champion...HUNTER!
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Post by Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune on Feb 25, 2006 16:16:38 GMT -5
Hunter lays on the ground in more than a stunned manner. He heard the bell, he heard the announcement, but he can barely believe it anyway. It is only when his hand touches his title again that he realizes it's true. He rises to his feet and looks at his title once more, satisfied that his time with the title will not end just yet. He raises the title high above his head, and though there are still some boos to greet him, there is also much applause for him, as not many people expected him to earn the win, and cleanly at that.
A couple of feet away, AK sits up, her gaze unfocused… if you choose to let yourself truly care about something, you have to take the rough with the smooth, and this feels as rough as hell. For a moment it looks like she might cry, but AK wants to be stronger than that, and instead she listens to the crowd who are still cheering and applauding for the superb match. She lets her gaze travel upward until it finds her opponent; Hunter looks down at AK and slightly nods at her, followed by her just smiling a little bit. Whatever prejudices the pair of them had previously have been tempered by a new-found respect, which the crowd is most pleased to see.
AK rolls to the edge of the ring and slides to the outside, allowing Hunter to enjoy the victor’s rights of celebration. Hunter raises his belt once again, relief and pride etched across his face...but his troubles are not yet over. The lights are suddenly turned off and the fans scream in surprise. The Alphatron flickers on and everyone is drawn to it, like moths to a flame. There is but one simple message displayed on the Alphatron itself:
"In the absence of light, darkness prevails."
There is the sound of a heart beating, softly at first but then louder and louder. without warning, a burning cross appears on screen, with more words beneath –
"He's Coming…"
The lights turn back on and the message disappears. Hunter raises an eyebrow and looks around at his fellow confused individuals; he’s seen plenty of these sorts of tricks, and quite frankly he’s mildly annoyed at the management for letting one interrupt his victory celebration. He doesn’t notice that the ringside crew are frantically whispering into their radios, trying to work out what on earth is going on. Suddenly, there is a loud bang and on the ramp there is an explosion of fire – and yet instantly the whole arena feels chilled and uncomfortably cold, as if the air conditioning’s gone haywire. The fire dies down slightly, and when it is almost gone there is a phrase written on the ramp by the lights:
ANGELUS KINCAID
And suddenly, without any warning whatsoever, the message disappears, the stage is empty, and the lights change again to cast a crimson glow over the whole space. There is a loud crackle over the speakers, and the fans are chilled to hear a little girl's familiar giggle. And then...
Little Girl: He's heee-eeere!
Hunter looks at the stage wide-eyed, and so does everybody else. But this is not where he should look, and as he is being diverted along with everyone else there is a loud, crunching, thumping sound. Everyone looks around trying to work out where it’s coming from… and Hunter’s expression changes in a fraction of a second from peeved annoyance to genuine shock as he realizes it’s coming from under the ring, directly beneath his feet…
The fist that punches through the canvas is smeared with grime; the audience screams in horror, and Hunter is frozen for a crucial moment as the hand grips his ankle, and a second one joins it, ripping a gaping hole in the fabric. The wrench is immensely strong and drags Hunter off of his feet; in the darkness beneath the ring a face is visible for just a split second, grinning with a sadistic glee.
And if he never knew paralyzing fear before, Hunter knows it then; his expression is rigid with terror, and his tongue becomes lead. He is unable to cry out or call for help and his struggle to save himself is in vain, as he is dragged into the void beneath the ring. It’s all over before anyone can even think about moving to try and assist.
Everything falls silent, for a few eerie seconds… no one can explain what’s just taken place, and only Hunter’s dropped ACW Title belt is left lying on the edge close to the apron.
A voice dripping with dark intent intones over the speakers…
Voice: The beast lives out of the raging storm in the dead of night. The ravenous, blood-sick creature searches for its sacrifice. Through the hideous darkness it lurches, driven by death itself. Only the satisfaction of slaughter will cause it to return to the darkness from whence it came.
On the alphatron, a final message appears, though not everyone notices it:
The sacrifices are… just beginning.
The pause lasts a few seconds more, and then the hush is broken as crew radios break into life, and the spell is dissipated; the crowd is confused and frightened, and in the middle of it all AK stands rooted to the spot, staring at the black hole that has just claimed her opponent. She feels as if she’s just given way to someone on the street, only to then see them hit by the proverbial speeding bus…
AK: Bloody hell, that could of… wait…
Her mind races.
AK:… No, it couldn’t be… was that supposed to be… me?
Ice shoots along her spine, and AK shudders – and at that moment she becomes aware of a high pitched repeating tone mixed in with the rest of the noise. She traces it at once to her coat still being stored in the timekeeper’s corner, and as the crew try to find flashlights before attempting to look under the broken ring, she pulls out her cellphone. It’s ringing ceaselessly, not with her usual tune but with an insistent, urgent chord. She knows at once who has dialed the number.
AK has no time to consider whether the two events are linked, and whether Hunter’s disappearance is deliberate, a mistake, or simply a result of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time by winning the match… she races up the ramp and out into the back, not knowing exactly what she will find, but knowing it can’t be good…
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