Midweek Mayhem (2/13) Live from Mons, Belgium

[wyattcox]

FADE in on the film room backstage in Belgium. Stan Fulton and Ecosystem are watching Power & Glory film but have stopped to watch the clip of Clio, Edra and Sunny on OOWF-TV.

SF: “There’s your advantage, Juni.”

Eco: “What. I don’t see anything.”

SF: “Don’t look, listen.”

Fulton rewinds the DVR (remember when this used to be done on VHS tape?) and Eco closes his eyes while the end of the clip plays.

Eco: “Get in their heads.”

SF: “Bingo. The one thing Moose will never be able to teach them. Control over their emotions.”

Eco: “Because they’re women.”

SF: “No. Because of who they are. Every emotion is worn on their sleeves. The slightest perceived insult sets them off. We can use that, without breaking any rules, to our advantage. Working smarter, not illegally.”

Eco: “This is harder than I thought it would be.”

SF: “Not surprising. You’ve spent your whole career being one thing. Now you’re trying to be another. Moose thinks that cannot be done, but I’m proof. Everyone is good and everyone is evil, Juni. The trick is to know which part to repress and which to express.”

Eco: “And Clio and Edra are expressing their evil sides.”

SF: “Yes, but back to the point, they are highly emotional people. Moose is not. You can’t get into Moose’s head. You cannot taunt, tempt or influence who Moose is. I can even respect him a bit for that. He’s never denied what he is and he never apologizes for it. But Clio, and to some extent Edra, can be played like a harp.”

Eco: “So what’s our next step?”

Fulton gets his iPhone out and called Martha Rodriguez.

SF: “Martha. Get Wyatt Cox on the phone. Tell him Juni and I are willing to do an interview if he’s game.”

Fulton hangs up.

Eco: “You are a devious bastard sometimes, Stan.”

SF: “Nothing against the rules about promoting the product. Even Selena could have no objection. But if we can get Wyatt to start promoting us? Endgame.”

Juni smiles as we FADE.


FADE

[wyattcox]

Firewoman comes in to the Darling Luxury suites in sweaty workout wear...cut off grey sweats and a baggie tank top with sports bra underneath, pony tail. Alex hits stop on the DVD player, quickly.

AD: Hey....Is it five already?

FW: No, it's 3:40.

AD: Why so early? Where's Chad.

FW: Medical.

AD: Oh. Wow. That totally sucks.

FW: You don't mean that.

AD: No...I don't...wait....WHY is Chad in medical?

FW: *shrugging and drinking a bottle of Aquafina in one gulp almost* He wanted me to be Moose-like in the ring.

Alex chuckles as Fire flops down next to him.

AD: I think I might have paid to see that.

FW: He'll be fine...just a flesh wound.

AD: Hey...you are all sweaty...

FW: You like it when I'm sweaty.

AD: Not when it's mingled with....HEY!

Firewoman snatches the remote away from him and hits play.

FW: Whatcha watchin?

We see that he is indeed watching video of their match with Power and Glory.

FW: Alex....are you analyzing or wallowing.

AD: ...

FW: ...

AD: Analyzing?

FW: No...you are wallowing. Analyzing would have a notebook, and you wouldn't have tried to hide it from me.

She gets up to walk away and Alex follows her.

AD: I know, you're right, but I just seem to ....there's something just not there but I can't put my finger on--

Alex is interrupted as Firewoman spins around and slaps him hard across the face.

AD: HEY!!

FW: Would you please SNAP OUT OF IT!! Good gods, you're facing GHOSTHEAD this week.

AD: I know that!

*He rubs his jaw*

FW: Ghosthead! Do you need a refresher course?

AD: No, I--

FW: Then move on. What's past is past, and yes I realize the irony of me saying that to you. He promoed earlier. He knows you're distracted and not thinking about him. He's already won in his mind, and if you keep going down this road he'll be right.

AD: Fire, I don't think....ow, DAMN that hurts.

FW: Good. Maybe it'll knock some sense into you.

Firewoman stalks off toward the shower, throwing the empty bottle in the recycling bin loudly as she does. Alex stands there rubbing his jaw, thinking. He kind of glares toward the door to the shower and then nods a little. He grabs his hoodie and puts it on, zipped up, hood up, and walks out.

[wyattcox]

*Later that night*

The camera starts with a very far view of the following:


and slowly starts to zoom in on the very top and we see a figure sitting in one of the windows with his legs swinging over the edge. The hooded figure pulls down the hood and we see it's Alexander Darling. He hears the buzzing and looks up to see a flashing red light from one of the invisible ninja cameramen.

Alexander: Been a while since you found me on one of my little retreats.
I know this will come as a shock but there are some things I like to keep private and this is one of them. When we enter a new town, a new area I find a place that can help me center myself. Keep my mind focused on the tasks at hand. But sometimes the distractions, the voices are overwhelming and I lose that mental balance I need in order to be the very best.

I've talked a lot about where I came from, how I got to the place in this business I am today. The men who trained me in the ring were a big factor of that. But there's been so much more to me than that. Some of those men taught me more than wrestling. They taught me mental control of myself and my surroundings. Sometimes I lose that control of myself and I have to take a step back and re-dedicate myself to those lessons.

I've heard a lot of people talk recently about my role and my place within the company and specifically within my family. Let them talk about me being jealous of my wife or my sister. Let them think I'm distracted by my recent struggles. Let them believe I'm not the same Alexander Darling I've always been because that, that will be their biggest mistake.

People may not realize this, but I have walked the roads of numerous faiths. I have read the teachings of numerous great people. Philosophers, masters of their fields, and teachers of everything I can get my hands on...I listen, I read, I analyze, and I adapt to the current situations. Jeremy Punswick want to show up and talk about his life and history and think it matters one iota to what anyone thinks and it doesn't. We all have lives and histories...what matters is what happens in the ring and on that night he beat me. So kudos but the next time things will be different.

Moosehead Jack...my old friend. The wars, the battles and yet he continues to bring up the Darlings every chance he gets. He loves to claim that we didn't succeed in his ending his career and he's right. But he always fails to mention the opposite. I still stand and fight. Alexis still stands and fights. And Fire, well, she's the current champ so for all his talk and bravado, the fact is Moosehead Jack is a failure and he always will be. And his newest failure, thinking
that Clio & Edra can in any way match his brutality.

Power, Glory...this has never been personal as much as you continue to try to make it so. Have I lost my temper with both of you, clearly I have and what you've said has clearly rattled me or else I wouldn't have felt the need to take a step back and figure out my next plan of action. So here's the thing girls, you have the belts...congratulations, but the fact is quite simple...I think you're a fucking joke. I'll always think you're jokes and there's basically nothing you can do about that. Be the champs. Have everyone chase you, it doesn't mean one god damn thing to me because here's the thing that will always get under your skin. Lexie and I did it first, and we did it better. And individually, well it's not even fair to compare. I'm one of the greatest wrestlers to have ever lived and you two are glorified lackeys doing Jack's bidding. Good luck with that.

And speaking of lackeys, Ghosthead. The Death Knell. The Mayan God of who the fuck cares. I don't need to save anyone. I don't need to prove a damn thing to you but if you want to step up to the plate, I'm more than happy to knock you out of the park. You talked a lot about fate and destiny a few months back and the fact is none of what you expect to happen, happened. Because that's the thing about fate, life happens when you're expecting things. Fire ignored your destiny for her and carried on as the World Champion. And now you want to blame me, blame whoever for your life not following your plans.

Guess what, I don't care who you think you are. This isn't about being perceived as second rate or anything like that. It's about showing up night after night and being the very best. I've been doing that for years and you think you can show up and knock me down. Like I've said before many men have tried, better men than you Jared and I stand. I stand *Alex rises to his feet and stands on the ledge* here on the threshold of immortality and you want to knock me down. Good luck. You'll fail like everyone before you because I am Alexander Darling, and you, well you're just not.

*Fade*

[wyattcox]

Ghost - "I listen, I read, I analyze, and I adapt... to the current... situations." The words of my opponent this week Alexander Darling.

I was fifteen years old when I got into this business in Mexico for a very small, now defunct, promotion. My brother and I drove out there on a whim. A mutual friend introduced us to the promoter and urged me to try it out. I took to it well. Lucas not so much, but he stuck by me, encouraging me to... follow through on something. That was it for me. I had found my calling. I was going to be a professional wrestler and for the first couple of years... it was nothing short of amazing.

I wasn't the best. I lost many more matches than I won, but I loved what I did and slowly but surely I got better. Soon I was encouraged to travel the world, hone my skills, get even better. I went to Japan, immersed myself in the culture there. Took on martial arts training to gain flexibility, endurance, and discipline. I was soon brought before Keiji Mutoh, The Great Muta, and invited to become part of his dojo. He gave me the gimmick of The Ghosthead Killer and I gained some prominence among the populace. I met and fell in love with the wrong woman, sired a child and she was taken from me and I had to leave Japan with my son. I went back to Mexico with The Ghosthead gimmick and came to be known there as Cresta de Muerte, Death Crest or in English as they said, Death Head. And that return to Mexico is when, and where, The Ghosthead Killer was truly reborn.

You see these marks on my arms? They were not voluntary. The ink burned into my flesh, the markings of the Mayan god Nacron they come courtesy of the Cult of Nakrit. For three weeks I was tortured, drugged and brainwashed into believing I was the living embodiment of their god... and when I finally broke through the haze... when I awoke on a stone slab, in the middle of a Mexican jungle... eighty five dead lay all around me. The cult who had kidnapped and tortured me for weeks lay DEAD before me. They had killed themselves thinking they were sacrificing their lives to their god... madness.

So to answer your question Alexander... who cares?

I care.

And I don't give a damn if anyone else does or not.

You listen, you read, you analyze, you adapt... well so do I. We are more alike than you might want to admit Alexander. My life changed after I woke up on that stone slab. I did my level best to forget it ever happened. I married my wife. I tried to move on, but it haunted me. So... instead of rejecting it. I embraced it and in doing so... I control it. It does not control me.

Many have incorrectly assumed that I tried to exercise some sort of control over your wife, Alex. On the contrary... I recognized the demon that possessed her... that still lies in wait. All that crazy was all her. It had nothing to do with me. I merely... served where needed. All I did was give her some jewelry and look what came out.

She wasn't by any means the first... but as it turns out she was the last. She fit the prophecy etched into my mind, blighted onto my soul. I was just as curious as the rest to see how it would turn out and as it was... she chose to spoil everything in favor of embracing you, Alexander. Well good for you Alex. Good for you, but that demon is still there, that blight is still on her heart. And all she has done is deny herself. She hasn't embraced it as I have The Ghosthead Killer. Which means at any moment it will come back to control her, instead of the other way around.

So I'm free from that prophecy. Free to battle and truly test your wife in combat. You say you don't need to save anyone and yet every time I have your wife in peril here comes Alexander Darling to save the day. Every time I go to stake my claim to the World Championship.. there... you... are. Saving the day for your wife.

And here we are... a few days from Midweek Mayhem. Do not fool yourself into thinking that I want anything from you more than for you to... wake.. up.

You think I blame you for her self denial? I don't

You think I want to knock you down and pull you back from the edge of immortality? How long have you been standing there, Alex? How long?

Tell you what. How about we go there together? Immortals in chaos. What do you say Alex? No? Of course not. You'll never do it... why? Because you're a coward. You... like your wife... are of two minds at war with one another. An ongoing conflict that will never end as long as you don't accept what is. You're so afraid of becoming more than who you are that you are stuck there on that precipice to immortality... No... I don't want to knock you down..

I want to push you over the edge.

Then you too will know... just like everyone else... wrath... fury... ruin.

[wyattcox]

**SFJ#47 is standing in front of an OOWF banner with L.D Williams.**

SFJ#47: “L.D., you face Matt Folz this week in the next round of the OOWF invitational. You have a lot of history with Mr. Folz. How will that impact what we see Wednesday night?”

LDW: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I don’t like Matt Folz. Never have, never will. But, for all his faults, he’s exactly what I mean when I talk about the younger generation of the OOWF stepping up. He’s always had the physical tools, but he lacked the focus, the drive, to reach the top. A few months ago all that changed, and he’s been nearly unstoppable since. He’s climbing the mountain, and I’m willing to bet he’ll make it.

Unfortunately for Mr. Folz, the next obstacle in is path happens to be me. I’ve been to the top of the mountain Matt’s climbing. Repeatedly. Everything he hopes to accomplish, I’ve already done. Everything he wants to prove, I have done. When it comes right down to it, I’m Matt Folz with the benefit of experience - and let’s be honest, slightly more skill.

That said, our history - and there’s quite a bit of it - means nothing Wednesday night. Just like Eco, this match is about the invitational, plain and simple. The best man, the best wrestler, the best cheater, however you slice it one of us continues on the path to a World Title shot. The other…finds another path.

Mat Folz, Wednesday night you face L.D. Williams…and that says it all.”

<fade>

[wyattcox]

*Amazing Jos is sitting in a run down locker room, holding a camera at himself.

He looks tired and worn out, probably had a long day of training.

Jos: It's pretty hard to find a gym to train in, over here in Belgium. Luckily I know a guy who knows a guy. It's not really the safest conditions but a real champ knows how to make the most of what he 's got.

Unfortunately for my opponent Chris Evans, no not the actor, Chris isn't making the most of what he's got.

He's taking on a man who's over come adversity, who's a former world class Tae Kwon Do fighter and who's LBCW Heavy Weight Champion.

To compare me to some nobody is below me, buddy. I don't know if you meant to do it on purpose or if you were poorly trying to compliment me. Either way, Chris, you are sadly mistaken.

I'm Amazing Jos and I am NO ONE you have ever met before. You are underestimating me and that will be your demise.

Amazing is in my name, boss, what you think i'm gonna bring when we meet across that ring?

This is an indy dream match if there ever was one, unfortunately for you, after the first 10 seconds of our match, you will be on dream street.

A wise man once said, "There needs to be a lesson taught, that preconceived notions are RIDICULOUS!"

Looks like you will be educated, this Wednesday, Chris.

*Turns off camera

[wyattcox]

Feb 10, 2013 18:39:52 GMT -5 blownspot said:

You see these marks on my arms? They were not voluntary. The ink burned into my flesh, the markings of the Mayan god Nacron they come courtesy of the Cult of Nakrit. For three weeks I was tortured, drugged and brainwashed into believing I was the living embodiment of their god... and when I finally broke through the haze... when I awoke on a stone slab, in the middle of a Mexican jungle... eighty five dead lay all around me. The cult who had kidnapped and tortured me for weeks lay DEAD before me. They had killed themselves thinking they were sacrificing their lives to their god... madness.

Mai: What the fuck?

Stan: Ghosthead? You hadn't heard his story?

Mai: That's got to be bullshit, right?

Stan: I wouldn't bet on it.

Mai: Some days, I think everyone's stories are bullshit, Stan. Sometimes I think Moose and Fire grew up in a nice suburb where Mommy and Daddy were both college professors, and their biggest family struggle washaving to learn to play more than one instrument.

Stan: Your brother's story is completely ridiculous at first glance.

Mai: Maybe the way he tells it. Look, he grew up poor, but had a mom who cared about education, so he did well. Made some friends in organized crime to make some money, just like a lot of fucking stupid kids join gangs. Then he goes to the States, does well in school, makes a shit-ton of money off a stock market bubble--which is like, unlikely, but a lot of stupid, lucky people made money before Enron and WorldCom crashed. Then he starts a wrestling company, because what else does a stupid 24 year old do with his money, and then quits when it's hard and goes back to grad school, like a lot of young entrepreneurs. The End.

Stan: That doesn't sound ridiculous to you?

Mai: "Eighty-five dead lay all around me?"

Stan: "Junichiro Muyo passed a background check for law school?"

Mai sighs.

FADE

[wyattcox]

(Edra, Clio, and Sunny are back in their suite after a day of working out. Edra and Clio go to change while Sunny sits down at the computer. She is shocked to see a large number of emails and starts reading. As she opens each one she gets more and more excited.)

Sunny: Oh. My. God. EDRA! CLIO!

(The twins come running out as if there's an emergency.)

Edra: What's wrong?

Clio: Is everything OK?

Sunny: Better than OK. We have a dozen inquiries from media about the incident on De Laatste Show. And we have other shows in Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, wanting to know if you'll do the same stunt there! Beat up a member of the staff!

Edra: Are they crazy?

Clio: Sickos.

Sunny: Don't you get it? Strong women who won't put up with abuse from anyone, man or woman, just because they don't agree with your lifestyle. It's perfect!

Edra: Are you sure?

Sunny: It's the perfect hook, and you played it perfectly!

Clio: Who was playing? That asshole was a sicko. And nobody insults my Sunny.

Sunny: Well, I'm not just your plaything...anymore...right Clio.

Clio: You know it. Hey, check to see if we can get into Atigui tonight, then find us a nicer place for dinner than that Devos. They were rude.

Edra: Well, we did make those reservations at the last minute.

Clio: Still, they were rude. Try Chez 44 or No Maison. No excuses this time. Tell them if our table isn't ready on arrival we WILL walk. And not quietly.

Sunny: Got it.

Edra: OK, changing for dinner now.

Clio: On it. Sunny?

Sunny: Right there, first I need to get these reservations.

(Edra and Clio go to their bedrooms to change as Sunny looks up the phone numbers. Meanwhile, the scene shifts several thousand miles away, to the offices of the American Sunrise Radio Network in the snow covered mountains of Northern Nevada. As usual, Wyatt is on the phone.)

Wyatt: I understand your position, but this could have some serious blowback on all of us. Yes, I heard about what that de Vlieger asswipe did, and he was out of line for the entire interview. Sexist pig. HE HAD NO RIGHT to use that footage. OK, Stan. If you think it's a good idea. You've been a good friend and I owe you. OK, we'll talk on Wednesday morning my time. OK, tell Mai I said hello.

(Wyatt hangs up the phone and glances at his computer. He walks to the neighboring office where his wife is busily typing while she has headphones on her stomach.)

Wyatt: Playing more music for the girls?

Mary Lou: It keeps them settled down. What's up?

Wyatt: Can't a guy come in to see his lovely wife?

Mary Lou: Not when you've got that “Honey, I'm sorry, but I'm about to fu—screw up your entire day” look on your face.

Wyatt: Look, honey, on Wednesday, second hour, move our 47 past guest to 22 and cancel the original 22 guest.

Mary Lou: OK, why?

Wyatt: I'm bringing on a couple of special guests, thanks to that stunt you pulled last week. Throwing me a questions about the twins cold.

Mary Lou: Well, it was like their fifth time asking the same question. I thought it would get rid of them.

Wyatt: Well first, that question was grabbed off the internet by a Belgian talk show host who's found out how well the twins react to surprises. Between that and insulting Sunny, he's eating his meals through a straw.

Mary Lou: Sounds like your daughters. And....

Wyatt: ...and Stan and Eco want to be on the show on Wednesday.

Mary Lou: Are you kidding?

Wyatt: Stan thinks it'll make them careless in the ring if they come on and get under their skin.

Mary Lou: Think that'll work?

Wyatt: Maybe. Depends on how much they've modified the focus room programs. I know they've cranked up the pain tolerance threshold, wiped most if not all of the performance and behavioral blocks, but as far as suppression of emotional responses, I dunno. It could be an edge, or it could just make things worse for them.

Mary Lou: (Touching her belly)[/i]I hope these two are better behaved. They keep acting like they're dancing the Banga. I have to put on some Mozart to settle them down.

Wyatt: You regret this?

Mary Lou: Only for two things.

Wyatt: What?

Mary Lou: One, not being able to stand up by myself, and two, for having to live in the bathroom. Speaking of which...

Wyatt: Yes Dear.

(Wyatt helps Mary Lou up and to the bathroom as we....)

FADE

[wyattcox]

Feb 11, 2013 2:46:46 GMT -5 @ecosystem said:

Mai: What the fuck?

Stan: Ghosthead? You hadn't heard his story?

Mai: That's got to be bullshit, right?

Stan: I wouldn't bet on it.

Mai: Some days, I think everyone's stories are bullshit, Stan.

Shannon - I heard her brother ate human flesh?

Flair - You heard right, babe. That's how my Eco sub sandwich got it's name, WOOOOO!

Shannon - Eww. I shudder to think what's in it.

Flair - It's not my best seller

Shannon - Anyway... who the fuck is she question anything? Doesn't her brother have a relationship with Nintendo characters and an animated brick?

Flair -

Shannon -

Flair - Don't look at me. I'm just a sandwich shop owner.

Shannon - Aren't you the sixteen time World Champion?

Flair - To be the MAN, you got to.... make money wherever you CAN, WOOOO!

Shannon -

Flair - Ex wives.

Shannon - Right. Is my order ready?

Flair - WOOOOO! One Eco sub coming right up!

Shannon - I didn't order that!

Flair - C'mon lady I need to sell these things!

Shannon - Forget it. I'll grab a bagel at Kofi Kingston's Koffee korner.

Flair - WOOOOO!

Fade

[wyattcox]

We see Matt Folz sitting in his locker room holding a mic in his hand. Jaime McAllister sitting next to him in her role as girlfriend and not an interviewer this time.

MF: In a little more than 48 hours, I face LD Williams. A man who, unlike a egotistical jackass who recently retired, can legitimately claim to be the Greatest of All Time. A man who is without a doubt a first ballot Hall of Famer. Now, I'm not going to sit here and say bad things about his wrestling ability, I've said many times that I fucking love to watch him wrestle.

What I will say is this: Mr Williams, you said some nice things about me in your latest promo, and I thank you for that. You're right, for the first time in quite a while, I do have the motivation and drive to climb the mountain and I will indeed make it. What you didn't say however is that at the same time I'm ascending the mountain, you're slowly sliding down. Very gradually, you're still a better wrestler than 98 percent of this company.... including our paper champion who I'll address here in a moment... but still falling just enough that I've passed you now. Wednesday night you and I are going to go out there and tear the house down and possibly put on a Match of the Year Candidate. You are still that talented, but I'm just slightly better. I know you disagree and look to prove me wrong, and I will be more than happy to shake your hand after I pin you. Good Luck Mr Williams.

Now, moving on to our huge main event this week: OOWF World Champion Lisa Quinn vs Justin Sane. Justin Sane, really? What, was Carl from Fresno already booked? We couldn't get Steve the Lost Viking a plane ticket in time? Hell, if you wanted to pay a little extra for a higher profile Jobber to the Stars, I'm sure Jericho would have loved to lie under (Smirks) excuse me, I meant lie down for Lisa again. Let's face it Lisa, you've barely defended that Championship against any legitimate contenders since you've won it. You're scared to defend it against me, I know it, you know it, even the idiots here in Belgium know it. Unfortunately for you, I'm 3 wins away from getting a guarateed title shot and then you'll be no longer able to duck me. Your title run is on borrowed time.

Oh, and for anyone watching this who doubts that I'm going to win the Invitational? I know projections are always a dangerous thing, but it looks like I'm going to have to beat LD Williams, Chris Evans and finally Moosehead Jack in the finals. Here's a little history lesson to all those watching: In the 2009 Invitational, I beat Moosehead Jack in the first round, Chris Evans in the Second round, LD Williams in the third round, and Lisa Quinn in the finals. History is going to repeat itself.

Fade

[wyattcox]

We come up in catering where we see Jeremy Punswick getting himself some food. He is just about to pour himself a cup of coffee when a hand covers his cup. He looks up annoyed, and sees Dashing Victor Deniro standing there. Before Punswick can say anything Victor places a cup of Kofi Kingstons Kicking Koffee in front of him.

DVD: Catering coffee is awful, have a cup of the good stuff.

Punswick stares at it unsure of how to react.

DVD: (smiling a little) It's not poisoned, hell, it's not even spiked with booze. (muttering under his breath) Which is a little odd considering who your getting it from.

Puns: (takes a sniff) Thanks, but if you think getting me some coffee means I'm taking it easy on your boy wednesday, you are wrong.

DVD: Heh. If you knew anything about Danny, you would know that he never wants anyone to take it easy out there. Last week you said, and I'm quoting here

"If you go into the match overconfident trust me, I'm gonna drop you. You are gonna become just another name on the list of people who've fallen to me. I don't care who you are or what you think you've accomplished. You come in there underestimating me you'll end up like the rest of em have."

Puns: And I meant it. If you have a point, get to it, I'm running out of patience.

DVD: My point, as it is, is that it goes both ways. If you go into this match thinking Danny is just some stepping stone to making your name here, you will be surprised. It wasn't but two year's ago that Danny made his debut, and he's done quite a bit in that time. He's looking forward to tearing the house down with you. He won't underestimate you, it would be a damn shame if you did the same to him.

Vic then tosses a dvd down onto Punswicks tray.

DVD: Watch this, "the new era" chapters in particular that way you know what you are getting into.

Victor walks away and Jeremy picks up the dvd and we see it is titled "Drink and Destroy: Then, Now, and Forever"

FADE

[wyattcox]

Firewoman is wandering the streets of Mons, Belgium as they celebrate Carnival. Fans ask her for autographs, and she obliges.

Fan1: Firewoman! Why aren't you at New Orleans.

FW: *while signing* Well, it'd be too hard to get back in time for Mayhem. I've got a big match coming up.

Fan2: *laughing* Against Justin Sane.

FW: *finishing up* Hey! Justin Sane is good enough to be in the OOWF. That means he's good enough to beat me...but only if I let him. It's not like he's "Cubheart" Chris Evans.

Everyone laughs.

FW: Okay, that everyone? Cos I got some sinning to do so I can make Ash Wednesday worth it.

The fans all laugh and say thanks, and walk off, comparing their autographs. Fire smiles and walks down the street, eating an apple. She rounds a corner and runs into Justin Sane.

JS: Fire.

FW: Justin.

JS: You don't have a baby in you.

FW: And you don't have blood on you.

JS: Can I have 5 bucks?

Fire checks her pockets.

FW: Nope. I got 5 Euros? That work?

JS: *shrugging* Sure.

Fire hands it to him and he pockets it.

JS: Are you going to kill me now?

FW: Huh? Why would I kill you?

JS: We have a match and stuff.

FW: So?

JS: So you usually swear blood and vengeance on your enemies.

FW: Oh...*taking a bite of the apple*...Well, that's usually because ... Um....I don't know why....probably has to do with the crazy. Apple?

Firewoman holds out an apple. Justin starts to take it, and then stops.

JS: Naw, I read that book. I know how this ends. We get kicked out of paradise, although we are already--

FW: I know....Banned from Everywhere. Suit yourself. But no, Justin, I'm not going to rain down bloody death and vengeance upon you.

JS: No? But I've seen you naked.

FW: WHAT? WHEN!!?

JS: I don't remember...you'll have to ask the boss.

FW: Selena?

JS: No, Stank.

FW: How would.....look--

JS: Have you watched Folz?

FW: What? No, why would I watch--

JS: He doesn't like you.

FW: He doesn't like anyone. I know he's been calling me out and--

JS: Not his promos, his matches.

FW: No, why would I watch--

JS: Remember when you got here, and you would watch EVERY match? I can't believe you've missed it.

FW: Missed what?

JS: Just go back and watch.

FW: Okay....so, Wednesday?

JS: I guess we do what we do best.

Suddenly, three guys on motorbikes come up, sort of surrounding them, with their back to the wall.

MB1: Oh look, wrestlers.

MB2: That's fake, you know....

JS: It is not.

MB3: Oh yeah? Prove it!

The three get off their bikes and start to advance.

FW: Oh yeah...this is JUST what I'm going to need to atone for on Sunday.

She gets ready, a look of glee on her face, that is kind of unnerving one of the guys who hangs back, but the other two do not.

MB1: Oh right....Firewoman's going to get tough.

MB2: Guys....

MB3: C'mon sweetheart, give us a slap right? That's all you can do.

Right before Firewoman launches into the closest guy, Justin screams.

JS: DOUGHAWK!!!

There's a white flash of light, scrambling the cameras for a bit, and the sounds of trashcans being smashed against concrete and perhaps a gibbon being pulled through a tennis racket. The camera finally comes back into focus with its picture unscrambled and the three guys are laying on the ground groaning in pain. Firewoman is still standing in her stance, looking around in awe. Justin just shrugs.

FW: That was....

Firewoman digs into her pockets and pulls out what appear to be five more Euros and hands them to Justin.

JS: What is that for?

FW: Just....just take it....see you Wednesday.

Justin shrugs and walks away. Fire shakes her head, looks at the bikers, and then walks the other way to join back in to the festivities.

[wyattcox]

LDW - Well?

Stank - I spoke with my sister last night... She confirmed it, even sent me links to old news articles backing up some of what Jared said.

LDW - Some?

Stank - Well there's no mention of him specifically, but there was a cult there who all apparently... I don't even want to think about it.

LDW - Wow.

Stank - I can't believe he would keep this from me. Scratch that I CAN believe it, after all I didn't know I was an Uncle until Tori was three years old... but THIS... ?

SFJ#8 walks over to the table where Stank and LD are eating breakfast.

SFJ#8 - Stank do you have any words about the recent comments made by your brother Ghosthead?

Stank stares at the SFJ. She looks away, but to her credit, she does not retreat. Stank rises to his feet.

Stank - I don't know anymore about Jar- Ghosthead's claims than anyone else. But since this is the OOWF and not TMZ perhaps you meant to be asking me about my match on Wednesday?

SFJ#8 - Oh.. okay... s.sure... You're in a four way match at Mayhem.

Stank - With NOTHING on the line accept bragging rights.... bragging rights. We got Awesome Leek from Dawson's Creek, Bunny Mask, Dropkick McMurphy, and then you have the only Grand Slam Champion in this match...yours truly. You would think with this level of competition Selena would put the IC title on the line seeing as how it's champion is in the match. Oh well... bragging rights it is.

I see that Murphy has already commented on how he is looking forward to facing me... and why wouldn't he be? The kid's got talent I'll grant him that. He's the Intercontinental Champion for a reason. But he's not just facing a madman in the ring, or another madman who likes to drop people on their heads. He's also got to face me. Let's just see how Murphy and the others feel after I win because despite news to contrary, I'm nowhere near done kicking ass and winning championships.

Don't believe me? Then you haven't... been paying... attention.

Fade

[wyattcox]

(Edra and Clio are beat after the workout Sunny planned for them. The twins flop down on the couch and Sunny sits in the comfy chair.)

Edra: Where did you find all those little flippy guys?

Clio: And that big brute...what was he called? The Belgian Waffler?

Sunny: The Belgian Bruiser. Still, you took him out in pretty good time.

Edra: Yeah, he moves pretty good like Fulton, but he was, what, 450?

Sunny: 6-7, almost 575.

Clio: Daaam, sis, no wonder you had such a hard time getting him up.

Edra: (Smirking) But I did, didn't I?

Sunny: And the way you took out the Belgian Ninjas...

Clio: That was fun. Me kicking the Ninjas and Sis dropping the Bruiser on top of them. No wonder we thought he was the Waffler.

Sunny: OK, shower, change, then to the gym.

Edra: I thought we were knocking off early today.

Clio: Yeah, we've earned a little break.

Sunny: Wait until you hear this. Then I think you'll be ready for another round.

(Sunny clicks on an icon on her laptop and we hear the sounds of a radio promo.)

Mary Lou: Tomorrow morning on American Sunrise a postmortem of the President's State of the Union Address, the Republican Response, and where both sides still don't get it.

Wyatt: And in an exclusive interview Stan Fulton and Ecosystem talk about their match later tomorrow against Power and Glory for the OOWF Tag Team Championships

Mary Lou: Is that such a good idea, dear?

Wyatt: Put up or shut up time for my daughters, we see if they're up to the challenge of two of the best the OOWF has to offer tomorrow night, the preview tomorrow morning, on American Sunrise.

(Sunny looks up at the twins, their weariness replaced with a fire in their eyes.)

Edra: They're going on Dad's show in the morning, to talk trash about us?

Clio: They're gonna let Dad rag on us again?

Sunny: We knew someone would play this card, and since Stan's a friend of your dads...

Edra: They think we'll react...badly again.

Clio: Little do they know...how badly that could go for them.

Sunny: Still wanna knock off early?

Edra: No. Let's be ready to deliver some pain.

Clio: Though I do wanna try that other nightclub tonight.

Sunny: But we need to get in early.

Clio: We'll be in before Edra turns into a pumpkin.

Edra: Speak for yourself, Miss Pie.

(The twins head for their rooms while Sunny sets to answering emails as we...)

FADE

[wyattcox]

**As Stank finishes his Promo, L.D.Williams catches a replay of Matt Folz’s promo. His eyes narrow and stands up muttering to himself.**

LDW: “Sliding? I’ll show you sliding. STANLEY!”

**Stanley the Duck waddles out of Ric’s kitchen (apparently he enjoys the Eco Sub) and flaps into Williams’ arms as he turns to face the camera.**

LDW: “See this? This is a duck.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “I called him Stanley to mess with then World Heavyweight Champion Stan Fulton. A one-off. A joke.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “Turns out, Stanley’ s pretty bright.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “And cuts a better promo than me or Matt Folz.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “So, on a lark-“

Stanley: “Quack!”

LDW: “I can’t say ‘on a duck’. That doesn’t make any sense.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “Your personal feelings aside, ‘on a lark’ is still the phrase.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “Anyway, I made Stanley my manager. Since then? World Heavyweight Champion. Tag Team Champion. Wrestler of the year.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “That too. In the last year I’ve accomplished more than
most wrestlers will in a lifetime…while managed by a duck.”

Stanley: “Quack.”

LDW: “Exactly. That, Mr. Folz, is not sliding. That is progressing. Make no mistake, we may be in the same place Wednesday night, but we are not on the same path. You are climbing the OOWF mountain, striving for your first World Championship, perhaps even a step towards the hall of fame. Stanley and I, we’ve already done that. Now, we’re scaling the peak of Legends. Win, lose or draw, we both have a lot to gain this week, but you surpassing me? That’s not even on the table. After all, I’m L.D. Williams…”

Stanley: “Quack!”

<fade>

[wyattcox]

Fade back to the streets of Mons, Belgium. Firewoman is sitting at a cafe, wearing a few strands of beads, apparently drinking some wonderful Belgian coffee concoction. Just people watching. She sees spies the INC and a RNSFJ who look like they are on the fence about coming over. She sighs and motions them over. The RNSFJ takes a seat.

RNSFJ: Thank you so much. Are you enjoying yourself?

FW: *taking a sip* Mostly. I mean, it's not like home but...it's close. There are no peristyles here that I've found though, so I'll have to just take care of that myself.

RNSFJ: Have found enough ... um...to do?

FW: *smiling* You mean enough debauchery? Well, like I said. It's not Bourbon Street, but yes, I've been....adequately entertained, let's say.

RNSFJ: Well, I thank you for letting us ask you--

FW: I didn't motion you over here so you could ask me questions. I need to send a message.

FW: Matt Folz. If you think I hadn't noticed your using my finshers in your matches, you're wrong. I've notied. I just didn't find it important to me. More amusing really. You'd think people who'd been around here for a while would know better than to TRY to get on my radar.

FW: Althouh, I gotta agree with you Matt. I haven't defended this title much. And I've complained to Selena's about my lack of title defenses. She won't hear of it, unless SHE or the board comes up with it. So the powers that be are the ones you should bitch about.

FW: I guarantee that you'll get your shot, too, but you're going to need to stand in freakin' line. Everyone wants a shot, and almost all of them have more claim to it than you do. Ghosthead has his briefcase, Evans has his rematch...and really, I'm right there with you in not believing Evans is ahead of you...

FW: And then there's whoever wins the tournament. And that could be you. Or it could be Alexis, Danny, Punswick, Jos, or LD Williams.

RNSFJ: You left someone out.

FW: No, I didn't. So IF it's you, Folz, then you fall to third in line. But, don't you worry your pretty little head about it, Folzie, I will still be here, with the belt, waiting. And if you can't wait? Well, I'm not a hard person to find, Mattie-oh. I use the OOWF gym and training facilities, we stay in the hotel OOWF books for us, go to the events...Unlike you, we don't go all secret for sometimes weeks on end.

FW: So if you don't want to wait and see if Selena pulls her head out of her ass, and I really hate to use this, if you want some...come get some. That will totally sparkle with me.

RNSFJ: I think that's all we have tape for.

FW: One more thing. *Fire's demeanor changes, and she's softer, more quiet.* I met this amazing redhead last night, tall, athletic, muscular... reminded me of someone...someone who should still be around.

RNSFJ: Who?

FW: Are you new? Never mind. She knows who she is. Especially when you imagine the irony of my new friend's name....Chl--

Video ends as the camera runs out of tape.

[wyattcox]

FADE up on the film room again. Eco and Fulton are watching “tape” and OOWF-TV. Eco starts laughing uproariously.

SF: (looking up from his notes) “Seriously? What’s so freakin’ funny?”

Eco: “LD. His Stanley the Duck is funnier than hell.”

Fulton is kind of fuming at this.

Eco: “What? You don’t find it funny?”

SF: “Let’s see. If I heard the promo right, and I may have not as I was taking notes on the Power & Glory Double Elimination, his one-off joke on me preceded him taking my World Heavyweight Championship, winning the one championship I’ve been striving for over a year to get and then winning the popularity contest that is Wrestler of the Year over me. Yeah, I’m amused.”

Eco: “Geez. You’ve had a bad few months.”

SF: “It wasn’t a picnic.”

Fulton goes back to his notebook.

Eco: “So.”

Fulton looks back up.

SF: “What?”

Eco: “Power & Glory.”

SF: “What about them?”

Eco: “We’re winning Wednesday right?”

SF: “Sure. You bet.”

Eco: “Way to bring the enthusiasm.”

Fulton rolls his eyes as we FADE.

[wyattcox]

<Moose is sitting in the back, watching a tv, replaying a segment over and over when SFJ13 walks up>

Moosehead Jack...my old friend. The wars, the battles and yet he continues to bring up the Darlings every chance he gets. He loves to claim that we didn't succeed in his ending his career and he's right. But he always fails to mention the opposite. I still stand and fight. Alexis still stands and fights. And Fire, well, she's the current champ so for all his talk and bravado, the fact is Moosehead Jack is a failure and he always will be. And his newest failure, thinking that Clio & Edra can in any way match his brutality.

SFJ13: Well?

MHJ: the arrogance of Alexander Darling stuns me. He measures his success by titles he has won and people he has beat. I have beat the same people, won the same titles, and in some cases, even MORE titles. I am the current Onslaught champion and ………I am the failure. I am still in the Invitational, he lost in the first round to some fucking chump from the minor leagues, and I am the failure. He is riding the pine in the Darling clan, playing third banana and I am the failure? Alex, I would think you would thank me for mentioning your name in my promo, it’s the only fucking recognition you get lately, other than ……whatever happened to that Darling guy?

The fact is, I never said I was going to drive any of you from the OOWF, I said I was going to end your career. And lets face it little Alex, you aren’t what you once were. You talk about letting your dark side out, you talk about the old Alex, but you don’t do a fucking thing about it. You lost it, it’s not in you anymore, and it was never in your sister. You both have talked about eliminating me from the OOWF, how you were Darlings, and you were just better than me. And yet, here I fucking am. You couldn’t do it. Alexis can’t do it. And Fire won’t do it. So take your booyah bitches, and shove it up your ass. You can continue to disrespect Clio and Edra and make excuses why they beat you, that is fine. I know, I know, everyone is beneath the all-powerful Darlings, I am not sure why you and Alexis are not holding all the OOWF titles right now. The fact is, they beat you once, and they WILL do it again, whether you like it or not.

SFJ13: Tell us how you really feel

MHJ: And Matt Folz…..<laughing> you managed to string a few months together where you give a fuck. Congratulations. And because of that, we are now supposed to take you seriously. You are in it for real now! Big plans for Matty Folz! You know what I think of you and your plans? Fuck you, that’s what I think. I don’t give the slightest shit who you beat in the past. I don’t give the slightest shit what you think you are going to win. The fact remains, I am GOING to win the Invitational to get me RIGHTFUL shot at the title. You want to take the fact that Fire is ducking you up with her? Be my guest. Maybe she will grow a pair, or at least borrow Alex’s since he isn’t using them anymore, and step up. The fact is, all she has to do is say the word, and you get a title shot. I don’t have that option.

SFJ13: Which leads to…..

MHJ: <shaking his head> you know…….no one believes this, but my motivation for challenging Fire, for the best of seven, for all of that, was to make her better it wasn’t revenge, or bloodlust, or hate, or any of that. It was because I saw she was becoming a joke in the ring, she was complacent, she was slacking, and I knew that was the only way to bring her back. And it worked. She came back and won the title.

But now? What the fuck Fire? You are ducking Folz and not DEMANDING that he gets a shot. Funny how you have no problem DEMANDING other things you want. Custom locker room? Demands met. Special privileges? Yep. Whatever whim meets your fancy this week? Yep. But when it comes to giving that assclown Folz a title shot, well I guess your hands are just tied, aren’t they?

Which also brings me to my last point. <shaking his head sadly> I never thought I would see the day when YOU of all people jumped on the disrespect wagon. What’s next? Maybe you would like to tell Stank and LD that they are done and need to retire? I evidently have NO shot at winning the Invitational. Interesting. And, of course, if I do, well, it is just written right into your contract…..conveniently….that you won’t face me. And of course….it’s not YOUR fault, nothing ever is…..there is nothing you can do about it! Your hands are, once again, tied.

<Moose just laughs to himself quietly>

We both know that is a lie. And we both know that me having to win this tournament to get a title shot is a fucking JOKE. I’ve said it before, eight years in this company. I have done it all and then some, and I have to fucking BEG for a title shot? I have the General Manager telling me I can’t have one? I have the world champion PROTECTING herself from me? <shakes his head again> You are all just adding fuel to the fire. When it goes up, I am going to burn this fucking place to the ground

And it all starts this week with YOU Alexis. There is nothing in this world I like more than hurting a Darling. And this week, you are getting hurt.

Trust me

[wyattcox]

Selena walks into her office, mumbling to herself....

"OK, so far nothing has happened that could be called a felony..."

(Opens the door to her office - and knocks over a few dozen Red Bull cans stacked behind the door)

What the hell?

.....

[wyattcox]

~~~ Fade into a view of the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. We find Zane and Bridgette walking arm-in-arm along the river. ~~~

Zane: .. SO He cleared me for regular day to day activities. I'm thinking we charter that cruise liner and head for Europe.

Bridgette: Oh no you don't. You wrre cleared to regular activity, driving, mowing the grass, not for wrestling related activity. You remember what the specialist said?

Zane: Not really.....

Bridgette: (laughing) SO full of it. That's why we've been taking these walks. That's all the working out he wants you to do for a few more weeks. THEN you start slowly.. THEN you get back in shape.. and THEN you get into wrestling shape.

Zane: But... Chad needs me.

Bridgette: And you've been helping him prep for all of his matches. And he's been using what you have been sending him. You talk to him every day.

Zane: But...

Bridgette: No buts. You're about to turn 30. You've done nothing but be on the road for nearly a decade. You've made your money. you've established your legacy.

Zane: You want me to quit?

Bridgette: No, I wan't you to slow down and not rush the comeback. Besides, the more time you take to get back, the more time WE can spend together.

Zane: I told you when I met you....

Bridgette: Yes, you're a wrestler and you live a different lifestyle. I don't want to change that, just don't rush to get back, take your time, LISTEN to the doctors, and come back stronger and better than you left.

Zane: The team..

Bridgette: .. Will be there when you get back. Chad's doing fine. He got the hot tub installed on the tour bus also. You should see the footage..

Zane: No I shouldn't

Bridgette: Aww, don't be such a prude. It's almost Valentine's Day. How about I let you buy me something... special for tonight.

~~~ Zane cracks a smile and we fade out... ~~~

[wyattcox]

(Scene: The American Sunrise studios in East Ely, NV. Wyatt is at the controls sitting across from his wife Mary Lou as the music comes back on and Wyatt points at Mary Lou. )

Mary Lou: Good morning, 47 minutes past the hour, this is American Sunrise, I'm Mary Lou Merry, along with Wyatt Cox, and now for something completely different.

Wyatt: You know for the better part of six months on this program we talked with OOWF wrestlers as a part of a promotional agreement we had with the company. Well today, no corporate bosses, no salespeople are involved, just two wrestlers, one whom I consider one of the best friends in the business that I've had in years, Stan Fulton and Ecosystem. And tonight on Midweek Mayhem, they take on my daughters, Power and Glory, for the OOWF World Tag Team Championships. Gentlemen, good morning.

Eco: A pleasure to finally meet you.

Stan: Great to be back, Wyatt, Mary Lou.

Mary Lou: Gentlemen, I got to see you both, more of Stan than Ecosystem, during my time as an interviewer there, and I have to ask how hard has it been for two such divergent wrestlers to get together on the same page?

Eco: It's both less difficult than I expected in some ways, and more in others. Given our histories, you might expect our relationship to be characterized by conflict and distrust. Stan's willingness to extend a hand from the beginning, possibly despite all rational logic, made that a non-issue. He's the Bret to my Shawn; the wronged party whose forgiveness eases my burden. And on my end, even if I have my doubts about Stan, his kind treatment of my sister--more kind than mine at times--has done more than enough to suppress those doubts.

The greater difficulty has been in our diverging styles. Stan is a man who honestly agonizes with his conscience, striving to do what is right and just, and can course-correct through introspection alone. I, on the other hand, can often get lost in my own mind, so focused on my ends that I will accept wildly inappropriate means without thinking clearly or interrogating my conscience meaningfully and sincerely Now, I don't mean to entirely self-flagellate--there are some real benefits to the crooked path that I have taken from time to time, and I sometimes find it frustrating to limit myself by moral bonds. But long term, I do believe it is the better and healthier way to be.

Stan: As Juni said, our styles are very different and though we were in DEVILS together, we never really worked matches together. I'd say it's been more difficult than I imagined, but we're getting there. I think we'll be surprising more than a few people soon.

Wyatt: Stan, you and Mai Muyo were the first to ever see them, weeks before they debuted on OOWF-TV. How do you see Edra and Clio now as opposed to when they first started eight months ago?

Stan: Certainly more polished as wrestlers, but definitely more brutal. I think some of that was ingrained in them from the start, based on some of their heritage, but Moosehead Jack certainly has been able to teach them to tap into that violence and channel it. They're OOWF World Tag Team Champions. We certainly cannot refute their accomplishment.

Eco: I wasn't present for their very beginning, but from afar, they seemed like tremendous prospects, capable of being independent when needed and taking instruction when prudent. Men and women who have open ears and open mouths can improve quickly in this business. Selfishly, I was hoping they could be valued allies to my sister in the way Stan has been. Now...I don't know what to make of them, exactly. I could resent them for what they've done to my sister, but it's hard to resent someone whose motivations you can't quite understand. I think blinders make the best analogy--they enable you to see your path forward without being distracted, but you can miss much relevant information about anything other than the forward run.

Mary Lou: Do you think the twins have lived up to their potential and do you think they're anywhere near where they could or will be?

Eco: (laughs) Very few people are lucky enough to live up to their potential. I think they might be moving faster for the moment, but they're no longer on a trajectory to be great. Without blowing smoke up your ass in particular, there are far better mentors than Moosehead Jack for learning how to have a sustainable life and career in this business. I think Edra and Clio have managed to be happier than Jack thus far by mixing bloodlust with full-blown hedonism, but even that will eventually lose its luster. Bad short-term habits become bad long-term vices, and bad long-term vices become bad ways of being. I hope and pray that Clio and Edra will someday look back on these days as youthful indiscretions on their way to a greater understanding and maturity. But if they do not, they will not only hamper their own growth, but lose the respect of others needlessly and permanently. For many in the company, no matter how many good years I commit to this business, a single year of my life will always define me as Ecosystem, the cannibal dictator. I hope that the image the twins project today can be shed over time, and will someday be out shown by their good work--kind of like Alexander Darling, on days when I'm feeling honest.

Stan: Juni, I think they've exceeded their potential. Frankly I don't think they can keep this up. Being uber-violent without some control will burn them out quicker than they think. Moose can out-violence them, but he can turn it on and off at will. Clio and Edra cannot at this point. If they ever learn that, which I don't think they can, they'll hold those titles again and for a good long time.

Wyatt: OK, gentlemen, let's get to the bottom line. What will it take to beat Power and Glory tonight and win those Tag Team Titles?

Stan: Concentration. Sticking to our plan. Not getting distracted. That last one is the biggest. Title matches are by nature distracting, but this one even more so. I'm sure Moose will be around and I'll have to put Martha's safety out of my mind.

Eco: And the element of surprise. When you're dealing with rookies, there's a little dance you play. You know more tricks and techniques than they do, but you're never quite sure how many more you know or which techniques those are. So you take the risk and go off the beaten path of the holds, strikes and suplexes you're most comfortable with, hoping to catch them with something they haven't seen before. It's a game of chance, but eventually, everyone rolls two sixes. I suspect Stan and I will have a good roll sooner rather than later.
Mary Lou: Gentlemen, best of luck tonight, here's hoping you don't need it.

Wyatt: Stan Fulton and Ecosystem, taking on my daughters Power and Glory, tonight on Midweek Mayhem. Something tells me my daughters better be ready for the fight of their lives.

Mary Lou: And we thank YOU for joining us this morning for American Sunrise on your favorite station, the latest news is next.

Wyatt: We'll be back tomorrow morning at this same time, have a great day.

(The music plays out and Wyatt and Mary Lou take off their headphones.)

Wyatt: Well, that went well.

Mary Lou: We'll see tonight. Meanwhile, help me up. Potty time.

(Wyatt helps up Mary Lou as we....)

FADE

[wyattcox]

Selena is talking to the production manager -

"OK, Hard camera there - put the others there, there, and there. We'll need the interview position over here..."

A delivery man walks up -

"Pardon, madam. Where should I put your delivery?"

S - "Delivery? What delivery? I swear, if DnD put their beer order on the OOWF account again..."
DM - "Beer? No, not beer - 10 cases of Mountian Dew. 5 regular, 5 Code Red..."
S - "10 CASES? We are only here for today! Why would we order that much? Who would drink that much?"

S - "This is starting to piss me off.... This better not be a prank."

[wyattcox]

(The twins come in from their morning workout a little early and see Sunny dressed in a pink martial arts uniform, stretching and going through some basic solo exercises.)

Edra: Whoa, what is this?

Clio: Sunny, honey, what gives?

Sunny: Well, I'm going to be out there tonight with you, I figure I need to be ready.

Edra: But Moose will be there...

Sunny: I don't need anyone to back me up. I'll watch your back.

Clio: Look, sweetie, this is thoughtful and so nice, but I don't want you to....

(As Clio goes to take Sunny in her arms, in one swift motion Sunny takes Clio down and mounts her in a serious fashion, but then gets a huge smile on her face.)

Sunny: You were saying?

Edra: You two, get up.

(Clio picks herself up, while Edra bends over to pick up Sunny, and her hand lingers over her arm.)

Edra: Hey, when did you start working out?

Sunny: I stepped it up when I started working with you two. I remember something your step-mom said about being a target. After what the Darlings did to your folks, I promised myself I wouldn't be a liability. I figured after what happened a while back with Fire's valet Lucky, I wouldn't let myself get into that situation.

Edra: (Kneeling down) Damn, these legs, how much...Clio?

(Clio zones out for a moment at the mention of Fire. Sunny recognizes the symptoms and walks up and kisses Clio. The two share a gentle embrace.)

Clio: Thanks, honey. What were you saying, Edra?

Edra: I said how long have you been letting Sunny cover up these buns of steel?

Clio: Buns of...

(Sunny pulls back the sleeves of her uniform and flexes. Clio feels the muscles and smiles, with perhaps a touch of pride.)

Clio: Wow, honey, that's...totally hot.

Sunny: You two have too much to worry about to think about keeping an eye out for me. I need to be able to take care of myself.

Edra: I think that's cool. Three strong women. No one can take advantage of us!

Clio: For sure, sis.

Sunny: OK, time to change and then tape and focus.

Clio: Sounds like a winner...buns of steel!

(Everyone laughs and take off toward their rooms. The camera follows Edra as she grabs her phone off the nightstand and hits the speed dial)

Edra: It's Edra. I think she's still getting to her. Yeah, Sunny's trying, but I think that we need to make a statement. Yeah, tonight. OK, later. Thanks.

(Edra hangs up the phone. We hear the sounds of giggling in the next room as Edra shakes her head and goes into the bathroom to shower and change as we...)

[wyattcox]

Firewoman walks over to a door and knocks. Ecosystem answers.

E: Wow, Lis...uh, I'm sorry, FIRE. I...uh...

FW: Relax, Juni, I'm not here to see you. Is--

MM: OMG FIRE~! I am so happy you're here! We haven't hung out in so long and I really am interested in your take on the pope resigning and--

FW: Yeah, um...later...I'm actually here to see Stan.

Everyone, including Stan boggles.

FW: It's kinda private.

E: Oh...sure, Fire...we'll go...Mai...Come on!

MM: Okay! Bye Fire!

Fire nods as they leave. Stan is surprised.

SF: I have no idea what this could be about, Fire.

FW: You're a priest, right?

SF: I'm a Lutheran minister, yes.

FW: Close enough.

*Fire sits down, pulls out a rosary*

SF: Huh?

FW: Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it's been....a few months I think? Since my last confession. I--

SF: Wait...Fire...Lutherans don't do confessions.

FW: Well, Father Lou isn't here and--

SF: Isn't there a Catholic church around the corner?

FW: Dude, it's Ash Wednesday. The lines are OUT THE DOOR. By the time I got up to the confessional it'd be time for the show.

SF: Wait, aren't you not Catholic as well?

FW: Dude, if you sat in catechism when you were growing up, you'd know that you are NEVER not Catholic after that.

SF: But the voodoo?

FW: Almost all voudisants are Catholic.

SF: *sigh* Fine...I guess if I'm called to serve, I'm called to serve. I don't know how this is done though.

FW: You say something like "Tell me of your sins, child."

SF: Okay....

FW: Well...you have to say it!

SF: Fine....Tell me of your sins...child? Really?

FW: Okay....I....um.....hmmmm....

SF: I can't believe after two days at Carnival....

FW: No no, I'm sure I've sinned...sometime....but the problem is I have to be sorry...and I can't think of anything I'm actually all that sorry for...

SF: Well....we can go through the 10 commandments...let's see....no other gods before me?

FW: Technically no. The Loa are spirits, like angels and saints but NOT above Bon Dyeu.

SF: Bon--

FW: French creole for "Good god." The slaves--

SF: Never mind. Okay making yourself carved images?

FW: I didn't make them myself?

SF: Fine...but the rest...bowing down and serving them.

FW: I dunno.. I don't bow, and I guess I do give them offerings, but it's not to the image...and they aren't carved so...

SF: *sigh* Taking the name of God in vain?

FW: What does that even mean? I know it's like you're not supposed to say "goddammit" but taking the name of God in vain sounds like professing to be a follower, in this case, maybe a Jew, but not really being one. I'm not claiming to be Jewish, and I do believe in God so--

SF: Right...next. Sabbath day.

FW: Saturday or Sunday?

SF: Um...good question. Because technically it's Saturday, but if it's Sunday we have shows on Sunday. Plus, while it does say to do no work, it also says to keep it holy.

FW: I say my prayers?

SF: Okay then. Honor your father and your mother.

FW: ....

SF: Yeah, there's probably an exception allowed there. Still, I've been impressed that you've tried to at least forge a relationship with them. So I think you're good there.

FW: Okay.

SF: Too bad there's not one about honoring your siblings. You and Moose--

FW: Who?

SF: Fine...um.....

FW: What....

SF: Well.....thou shalt not murder.

FW: Oh....*she looks down sadly*...well...Patrick. I am sorry about that.

SF: Fire, I know you've been over this probably in therapy and with Father Lou, but it was an accident.

FW: That doesn't make me any less sorry.

SF: But it's not something you need to atone for. Now...that guy in Japan that you and Moose hunted...

FW: Hey, he was alive when we left him.

SF: Right....so I guess we'll move on...Adultery.

FW: Nope.

SF: Fire--

FW: I don't think it's adultery if everyone is okay with it.

SF: God isn't okay with it.

FW: Then he shouldn't have invented orgasms.

SF: I don't even know what to do with that...Thou shalt not steal. And don't get all lawyery with this. Stealing is stealing.

FW: I actually haven't stolen anything for a while. And even when I did, it was to survive.

SF: Yeah, I guess you're good there. You shalt not covet your neighbor's house, wife, servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that is your neighbor's.

FW: Hmmm...what does covet mean?

SF: To long for, desire, kind of to the point of envy. In a seven deadly sin kind of....oh...sorry...didn't mean to bring that up.

FW: It's okay. No, not really any coveting...

SF: Fire....

FW: What could I possibly want? I have a job I LOVE, I actually have FRIENDS now, I have a spouse and it's nothing like what I saw with mom and dad, it's awesome, I have family that's somewhat normal--

SF: They still call them the Incest Twins?

FW: I said "somewhat." No one is beating me or selling me to strangers.

SF: Okay, I guess relative to that....

FW: AND I have a shiny OOWF World Championship Belt. I need nothing.

SF: I see...that just leaves "bearing false witness."

FW: Nope. I'm good there too.

SF: Fire.....

FW: I have never lied under oath. Recently.

SF: I know that's technically what that means, however the Bible is a living document. You have lied Fire. In fact, you always lie. I know it's a by product of your upbringing, but at some point you have to move on and stop using that as an excuse.

FW: Okay. I am sorry I lied. Now you give me like 10 Our Fathers or--

SF: Fire...I may not be a priest...YOUR priest...but I do know when someone is sincere. And I don't think your sincerely sorry.

FW: ....

SF: ....

FW: You're right. I'm not. I mean, I feel like I'm supposed to be, but I'm not even sure I know what that means. I mean, with Patrick, that's different, but.....I guess....I guess we're done then.

SF: I guess so. Sorry I couldn't help with your...Catholic thing.

FW: *shrug* No worries. I thought it was important to go. I just....wait.....

SF: Fire...are you okay? What is it?

FW: I....I did tell a lie that I...I kind of felt bad about....

SF: Oh? What?

FW: I don't...I don't really want to say.

SF: Fire, I don't know exactly how this works, but I'm pretty sure you have to be specific, right?

FW: *shakes her head yes*

SF: Then....what is it? "Go on, my child?"

FW: Yes...well...I may have made someone think I felt a certain way...or more accurately...DIDN'T feel a certain way....and....I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have....

SF: Can you talk to this person?

FW: I .... well, I probably shouldn't. It would just make it worse.

SF: While honesty can be difficult at times, and sometimes hard for someone to hear, I don't think it ever really makes things worse long term. I think you should tell the person that.

FW: I...I will think about it.

SF: Okay...well I don't feel right giving you Hail Marys and such so...I guess do what you feel you need?

FW: Okay...Thank you Father Stan.

Fulton starts to protest, but he sees that Fire is teasing him, and so he smiles.

SF: You're welcome. Don't ever make me do this again.

FW: I'll try. Good luck tonight.

Fire gets up and leaves. Stan sits in thought for a moment, as Eco and Mai come back from wherever.

E: What was that all about?

SF: That was the STRANGEST visit I've ever had.

[wyattcox]

Firewoman walks over to a door and knocks. Ecosystem answers.

E: Wow, Lis...uh, I'm sorry, FIRE. I...uh...

FW: Relax, Juni, I'm not here to see you. Is--

MM: OMG FIRE~! I am so happy you're here! We haven't hung out in so long and I really am interested in your take on the pope resigning and--

FW: Yeah, um...later...I'm actually here to see Stan.

Everyone, including Stan boggles.

FW: It's kinda private.

E: Oh...sure, Fire...we'll go...Mai...Come on!

MM: Okay! Bye Fire!

Fire nods as they leave. Stan is surprised.

SF: I have no idea what this could be about, Fire.

FW: You're a priest, right?

SF: I'm a Lutheran minister, yes.

FW: Close enough.

*Fire sits down, pulls out a rosary*

SF: Huh?

FW: Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it's been....a few months I think? Since my last confession. I--

SF: Wait...Fire...Lutherans don't do confessions.

FW: Well, Father Lou isn't here and--

SF: Isn't there a Catholic church around the corner?

FW: Dude, it's Ash Wednesday. The lines are OUT THE DOOR. By the time I got up to the confessional it'd be time for the show.

SF: Wait, aren't you not Catholic as well?

FW: Dude, if you sat in catechism when you were growing up, you'd know that you are NEVER not Catholic after that.

SF: But the voodoo?

FW: Almost all voudisants are Catholic.

SF: *sigh* Fine...I guess if I'm called to serve, I'm called to serve. I don't know how this is done though.

FW: You say something like "Tell me of your sins, child."

SF: Okay....

FW: Well...you have to say it!

SF: Fine....Tell me of your sins...child? Really?

FW: Okay....I....um.....hmmmm....

SF: I can't believe after two days at Carnival....

FW: No no, I'm sure I've sinned...sometime....but the problem is I have to be sorry...and I can't think of anything I'm actually all that sorry for...

SF: Well....we can go through the 10 commandments...let's see....no other gods before me?

FW: Technically no. The Loa are spirits, like angels and saints but NOT above Bon Dyeu.

SF: Bon--

FW: French creole for "Good god." The slaves--

SF: Never mind. Okay making yourself carved images?

FW: I didn't make them myself?

SF: Fine...but the rest...bowing down and serving them.

FW: I dunno.. I don't bow, and I guess I do give them offerings, but it's not to the image...and they aren't carved so...

SF: *sigh* Taking the name of God in vain?

FW: What does that even mean? I know it's like you're not supposed to say "goddammit" but taking the name of God in vain sounds like professing to be a follower, in this case, maybe a Jew, but not really being one. I'm not claiming to be Jewish, and I do believe in God so--

SF: Right...next. Sabbath day.

FW: Saturday or Sunday?

SF: Um...good question. Because technically it's Saturday, but if it's Sunday we have shows on Sunday. Plus, while it does say to do no work, it also says to keep it holy.

FW: I say my prayers?

SF: Okay then. Honor your father and your mother.

FW: ....

SF: Yeah, there's probably an exception allowed there. Still, I've been impressed that you've tried to at least forge a relationship with them. So I think you're good there.

FW: Okay.

SF: Too bad there's not one about honoring your siblings. You and Moose--

FW: Who?

SF: Fine...um.....

FW: What....

SF: Well.....thou shalt not murder.

FW: Oh....*she looks down sadly*...well...Patrick. I am sorry about that.

SF: Fire, I know you've been over this probably in therapy and with Father Lou, but it was an accident.

FW: That doesn't make me any less sorry.

SF: But it's not something you need to atone for. Now...that guy in Japan that you and Moose hunted...

FW: Hey, he was alive when we left him.

SF: Right....so I guess we'll move on...Adultery.

FW: Nope.

SF: Fire--

FW: I don't think it's adultery if everyone is okay with it.

SF: God isn't okay with it.

FW: Then he shouldn't have invented orgasms.

SF: I don't even know what to do with that...Thou shalt not steal. And don't get all lawyery with this. Stealing is stealing.

FW: I actually haven't stolen anything for a while. And even when I did, it was to survive.

SF: Yeah, I guess you're good there. You shalt not covet your neighbor's house, wife, servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that is your neighbor's.

FW: Hmmm...what does covet mean?

SF: To long for, desire, kind of to the point of envy. In a seven deadly sin kind of....oh...sorry...didn't mean to bring that up.

FW: It's okay. No, not really any coveting...

SF: Fire....

FW: What could I possibly want? I have a job I LOVE, I actually have FRIENDS now, I have a spouse and it's nothing like what I saw with mom and dad, it's awesome, I have family that's somewhat normal--

SF: They still call them the Incest Twins?

FW: I said "somewhat." No one is beating me or selling me to strangers.

SF: Okay, I guess relative to that....

FW: AND I have a shiny OOWF World Championship Belt. I need nothing.

SF: I see...that just leaves "bearing false witness."

FW: Nope. I'm good there too.

SF: Fire.....

FW: I have never lied under oath. Recently.

SF: I know that's technically what that means, however the Bible is a living document. You have lied Fire. In fact, you always lie. I know it's a by product of your upbringing, but at some point you have to move on and stop using that as an excuse.

FW: Okay. I am sorry I lied. Now you give me like 10 Our Fathers or--

SF: Fire...I may not be a priest...YOUR priest...but I do know when someone is sincere. And I don't think your sincerely sorry.

FW: ....

SF: ....

FW: You're right. I'm not. I mean, I feel like I'm supposed to be, but I'm not even sure I know what that means. I mean, with Patrick, that's different, but.....I guess....I guess we're done then.

SF: I guess so. Sorry I couldn't help with your...Catholic thing.

FW: *shrug* No worries. I thought it was important to go. I just....wait.....

SF: Fire...are you okay? What is it?

FW: I....I did tell a lie that I...I kind of felt bad about....

SF: Oh? What?

FW: I don't...I don't really want to say.

SF: Fire, I don't know exactly how this works, but I'm pretty sure you have to be specific, right?

FW: *shakes her head yes*

SF: Then....what is it? "Go on, my child?"

FW: Yes...well...I may have made someone think I felt a certain way...or more accurately...DIDN'T feel a certain way....and....I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have....

SF: Can you talk to this person?

FW: I .... well, I probably shouldn't. It would just make it worse.

SF: While honesty can be difficult at times, and sometimes hard for someone to hear, I don't think it ever really makes things worse long term. I think you should tell the person that.

FW: I...I will think about it.

SF: Okay...well I don't feel right giving you Hail Marys and such so...I guess do what you feel you need?

FW: Okay...Thank you Father Stan.

Fulton starts to protest, but he sees that Fire is teasing him, and so he smiles.

SF: You're welcome. Don't ever make me do this again.

FW: I'll try. Good luck tonight.

Fire gets up and leaves. Stan sits in thought for a moment, as Eco and Mai come back from wherever.

E: What was that all about?

SF: That was the STRANGEST visit I've ever had.