Midweek Mayhem (6/19) Live from Blakely Island, Wa

[BookerShark]

OOWF Midweek Mayhem
Live from Blakely Island, Washington
Wednesday, June 19th 2013


Intercontinental Title Match
Mai Muyo (c) vs. Jason Allen


Saints of Sinners (Moosehead Jack & Chloe) vs. Stan Fulton & Tommy Wilder

Saints of Sinners (Stank, LD Williams, & Jeremy Punswick) vs. Texpress & Amazing Jos

Christian Carter vs. Matt Folz

Drink & Destroy (Danny Taylor & Murphy's Law) vs. DEA (Firewoman, Alexander & Alexis Darling)

The Word & Ghosthead vs. Banned from Everywhere vs. Kai & Poe

Miranda vs. Chris Evans



Card subject to sparkling vampires

[BookerShark]

*Amazing Jos kicks open the exit door to the arena and storms towards his car with his OOWF Onslaught title slung over his shoulder. He is suddenly approached by some random fans*

Random Fan 1: Yo Jos, what happened?!

Jos: *Getting into his car* Chris Evans just pissed me off and now i'm taking it out on the Saints of Sinners LITE, next week!

Random Fan 1: OK!

*Jos begins to drive off but stops and reverses his car in front of the fans*

Jos: If you see two cowboys riding horses out the parking lot, tell them to meet Jos at the Sheridan hotel! We got a lot of business to take care of! 

*Jos Screeches off*

Random Fan 1: *Looks at Random Fan 2* You think Jos will get his revenge?

Random fan 2: *Shrugs shoulders* Who is John Galt?

[BookerShark]

~~~ Chad Madison and Zane Myers are in the trainer' room at the OOWF Arena. The trainers are busying themselves with checking bandages and stitches. A Randomly Numbered Sexy Female Journalist walks in. ~~~

RNSFJ: I'm here with Texpress, less than 24 hours after their second beat donw in 2 days at the hands of the Saints of Sinners

Zane: You forget something there. We won the match.

RNSFJ: You did? (looks at her notes) Wow, you did!

Chad: I know. looking at us, you wouldn't think we had our hands raised in victory, but Stan Fulton and Texpress are on record defeating the Sinners.

Zane: And in their world of "We have the Championships, we run things" Wins and losses cannot be marginalized.

Chad: Moose, your T-Shirt is on it's way.

RNSFJ: DO you really think antagonizing Moose, Stank & company is the best thing to be doing?

Zane: Antagonizing? That's an awful big word for you.

RNSFJ: Thanks?

Chad: Why not? I'm sure as heck not afraid of them. We've taken beatings from them before, we'll probably take another one this week. I'm not changing who I am. Zane isn't changing who he is. We aren't changing who we are. We are The Measuring Sticks. We are The best tag team in the world today. We are Texpress.

Zane: You can mock our phrases. You can mock our home state. What you cannot mock is our record. We are the best team this company has ever seen. We've done it all. We've seen wars, supergroups and factions come and go. Through it all, we've done one thing constantly. We Win.

RNSFJ: So what's next?

Zane: Well, another 6-man match with the Sinners. This time, Stank & LD are involved.

RNSFJ: Do you think a good showing this week will earn you a Title

Chad: Championship

RNSFJ:... Match?

Chad: Do we think it will? no. Should it? Sure. We should have had one already. Stan has his in his pocket. He earned it. Our record in the past couple months says we're as hot as anyone. That alone should get us the match.

Zane: But it won't, and for now, we'll wait. LD and Stank can give lip service to wanting to face us, but until the match is booked, We'll continue to do what we do. Go out. Win match after match. Be the best tag team in wrestling. Tear houses down. Make it harder and harder for us to be passed over.

RNSFJ: This week you team up with Onslaught Champion and fellow Texan Amazing Jos. Will we see the return of Phantos & Lucios.

Zane: Not this time. Teaming with Jos is great, and doing the Tejanos Mascadores was fun. But this is serious business. The Sinners want to burn this place to the ground. We won't let that happen. Jos is with us. So is Tommy Wilder, Firewoman, The Murphy's and a host of others.

Chad: So this week, live from Blakely Island (Cheap pop!) Texpress and Amazing Jos will don the Resistol White Hats and meet the Sinners face to face in that ring. I hope you're feeling frisky that night. I hope you decide to Mess With the Bull.

~~~ Chad & Zane flash the 'Horns' sign ~~~

RNSFJ: That's a wrap. Thanks guys.

Chad: My pleasure.

RNSFJ: So... want to catch a show later on? Maybe some dinner?

Chad: I'd love to, but...

~~~ Zane looks at him inquisitively ~~~

RNSFJ: But?!?!

Chad: I have plans already.

RNSFJ: Oh... Another time?

Chad: Sure.

~~~ The RNSFJ leaves. Chad removes his sirt for the trainers so they can look at the huge bruise on his neck and shoulders better ~~~

Zane: Plans? I'm telling you ... be caref...

~~~ Sexy Boy plays as Chad grabs his cell phone ~~~

Chad : Hey there you........... yeah, I meant to call, but I wasn't in the best of shape after the show......... I'll be fine. Congratulations on a huge win.......... You were great.......... yeah, He's a different type. You'll have to be sharper, but you can do it........... I'll get him to put it on a memory card for you........... probably, but even Lisa will agree, no one can study tape like Zane can........... I'll bring it with me when I come by later.......... Sure, we can do that. My treat.......... Have a good workout then, Bye!

~~~ Zane shakes his head as Chad hangs up. ~~~

Chad: What were you saying?

Zane: Nothing. We need to meet up with Jos at the Sheridan Hotel tomorrow. Don't stay out too late.

Chad: No worries about that. We're going to go watch the PHWF show and maybe grab something to eat. I'll be in pretty early.

Zane: You'd better be......

~~~ Chad looks at him curiously ~~~

Zane:..... Careful.

[BookerShark]

*Bennett's Office*

LJ is sitting down looking at some paperwork while Moose and Carter sit on one of the couches smoking a cigar and drinking some Scotch. Suddenly the door slams open and in walk Alex and Lexie. They notice Carter and Moose about to stand.

Alex: We'll get to that in a minute I assume so calm your jets.

Moose and Carter chuckle/snort/growl as they shake their heads and Alexis takes a seat across from Bennett. Alexander stays standing and keeps an eye on Moose & Carter as well as the door, but he doesn't notice that Carter has pulled out a cell phone and is texting something.

LJB: Ms. Darling, what can I do for you?

Lexie: People said a lot of shit when Selena took over as General Manager of this company, but watching what you're doing is downright disgusting.

Moose: Little Lexie always trying to get back in Poe's good...

Lexie: Would you ever shut the fuck up for one god damn minute?

Moose: I should rip out your tongue and feed it to your brother, but Carter and I still have some of our drink left, and we're not wasters, so please go on.

LJB: Be that as it may, Selena was removed from the board because of her clear biases...

Lexie: That's just damn hilarious coming from the sock puppet of the Saints.

LJB: How dare you...

Lexie: I dare because I was one of the people who brought you down the first time and while it's clear all the power sits on that couch over there, getting you removed once again, would be rather simple. But this is a case of better the enemy you know. So you get to stay and play the marionette for Moose while he tries to destroy this company. You'll fail, because at the end of the day, you're a failure. And the other little puppets will fail because once the cracks start to form, they'll realize they're better than playing second and third fiddle.

LJB: I remember watching and hearing people say the same about The Five. What makes this so different?

Lexie: Because The Five weren't playing second fiddle to the worst wrestler in the group. Poe and Stank and Fire and whoever was at the top of the food chain deserved it. The Bruiser Brody wannabe back there is holding on by the tips of his fingers. He'll keep Chloe in line because she's a lost cause. But Stank and LD, they're not going to be happy forever if they're not at the top. And Punswick has goals that won't always line up with the Saints goals. And my brother's clone back there, well, how long do you think he'll be happy living in the Saints world when he keeps claiming it's a new world.

LJB: Why are you here?

Lexie: Because the fact is, my brother and I...we're not the white hats you have to fear. But forcing us into a role has never served you well Bennett. Some people are afraid of what the Sinners can do, we're not. We know you'll do a lot of talking. And then you'll hurt quite a few people and will believe you're winning. But this is a story that's been told before. You'll wind up losing. It may be Fire that does it, it may be the Texans, it may be us, or it may be one of your own...but you will fail. The question you've got to ask yourself is if you're truly ready for your little inmates run the asylum phase is ready to be over. Keep pushing us, keep pushing your enemies with the backstage attacks and the match run-ins and you'll get people to align quicker than you think. So, put DEA against Drink & Destroy and think it will hurt two of your enemies without getting your hands dirty, but all it's going to do is make us realize who we need to be fighting.

Chloe: Why don't you fight me again dark goddess?

Lexie rolls her eyes as she slowly stands up and turns around to see the other 4 Saints of Sinners have arrived. Chloe tosses HDB to Moose before letting out a primal scream and charging at Lexie. Before she notices, Alex has stepped to the side and grabs Chloe by the hair and lifts her onto his shoulders...DARLING DRIVER through Bennett's Table. But as Alex is getting to his feet, the other 5 SoS swarm and the attack/beatdown of the Darlings commences.


*Fade - hopefully to be picked up by others*

[BookerShark]

Meanwhile... Firewoman is in the Darling Luxury Suites, watching tape of her match with Danny. Miranda sits beside her, but is staring off into space rather than at the screen.

M: I won.

FW: You did.

Time Passes

M: I…won.

FW: *smirking* You mentioned that.

Suddenly, Miranda’s eyes focus, and she turns to Fire with a huge smile.

M: I WON!

FW: Don’t get too-

M: I BEAT THE KAI! He’s held all kinds of titles. He’s been number one contender. And…And…I BEAT HIM!

FW: Calm-

M: This week Chris Evans is going down! I’ll-

FW: KNOCK IT OFF!

M: ...

FW: You won a match. One. An impressive showing, absolutely, but still just one match. It doesn’t make you unbeatable. I’ve taught you better than that. There were at least three places where you got lucky--

M: …sorry. I got a little carried away.

FW: *smiling* I didn’t say I didn’t understand the feeling. You did good, and you should be proud of yourself. You just need to keep it in check. Chris Evans is not The Kai.

M: Obviously.

FW: I mean that while Kai is a great wrestler, he won’t go out of his way to hurt you – unless you give him reason. Evans will. If he gets a chance to injure you, he will.

M: Why?

FW: Does he need a reason? Does anyone around here? He’ll do it because he can. Because he feels like it. Because he wants to prove a point to you. Or to me. Any of those.

Miranda looks at Fire for a long moment, then turns and walks away.

FW: Where are you going?

M: To change. I can tell you’re going to make me train my tail off this week, so I might as well try and squeeze some fun in.

FW: Chad?

M: *grinning broadly* Yes.

FW: Okay....

Miranda walks off. Fire watches the end of the match with Danny, sighing. The video ends and switches back over to OOWF-TV, and she sees the happenings in Bennett's office.

FW: Well, Stank...LD...Moose...you all don't want me involved...you avoid me in the ring....you won't put your titles on the line against me....as if this was something that was up to you all.

Fire reaches down and gets her white hat...spends a slightly long period of time removing microscopic and possibly nonexistent dust or dirt, and then looks up at the camera as she puts the hat on.

FW: It's not. You made your choice when you sided with Bennett. Yipeekai-yay.

Fire gets up and leaves, probably going to join the promo already in progress.

**Fire chuckles and shuts off the television as we**

<fade>

[BookerShark]

~~~ Chad is Walking!!!! beside Miranda outside the arena. We see them from afar. As the camera zooms in, they stop and sit on a random bench ~~~

Miranda: So really, you and Zane have kn0own each other that long?

Chad: yep. Grade School. We went to High School together, played football together, got into wrestling together....

Miranda: Must be nice to have someone around you can trust.

Chad: He's not the only one I trust. he's just the only one who has never broken it.

~~~ They are interrupted by Miranda's phone vibrating. She taps the screen and the OOWF Ap shows the Darling Promo, and the ongoing brawl.... ~~~

Miranda: Oh my....

Chad: Crap. I gotta go find Zane. Let's get you back to your suite.

Miranda: I'm coming too!

Chad: No way. This isn't your fight to fight. I want you out of harms way.

Miranda: But I can handle..

Chad: No you can't. Not this. Not yet. I'm sorry.

~~~ He grabs her by the hand and leads her back inside. They meet Zane, Bridgette & Tommy Wilder not 3 steps in the door.

Zane: There's a problem.

Chad: I saw. (to Bridgette) Get her back to her suites will ya?

Bridgette: Of course. You two be careful

~~~ Bridgette puts her arm around Miranda and steers her down the hall. Tommy, Chad & Zane sprint off in the other direction, stopping at a closed door. Zane kicks it in and rushes inside, SPEARING Punswick into the wall. Chad SUPERKICKS LD in the back of the head as he is laying into Alex. Moose and Stank drop Alex's arms and come at Chad. Tommy grabs Chloe off of Alexis and throws her into the wall, only to be ambushed by Carter. Stank and Moose tear into Chad, opening him up quickly. Stank turns and gut shots Zane, and they square off to trade shots. The fight continues as we Fade...... ~~~

[BookerShark]

*We're back! Tommy Wilder is down and now Stank and LD Williams have Alex in trouble! Stank pins Darling up against the wall with his forearm against Alex's throat while LD lays into him with kicks to the gut! Suddenly, Stank falls to his knees grabbing the back of his head as he had just been struck by an ax-handle wielded by Stan Fulton! Alex slumps to the floor as LD turns his attention to Stan and blocks a swing from the ax-handle by quickly grabbing a nearby chair to use as a shield. Stank, through blurred vision spies Murphy's Law rushing into the fray to help Texpress and Alexis against Moose and Christian Carter. A chair wielding Jeremy Punswick moves to intercept as Chloe begins to stir from the wreckage of LJ Bennet's desk!

Stank meanwhile rises slowly to his feet and steadies himself by the front entrance. He pulls his hand away from the back of his head and finds it covered in blood. The anger is just setting in as he spies Firewoman walking in wearing her white cowboy hat with her back turned to him. Stank reaches over and with his bloody hand SNATCHES the hat off of her head! Firewoman whirls around and faces him.*

Stank - THIS isn't you!

FW - GIVE it BACK!

*Stank smirks, and turns the hat around in his hand. Fire notices the blood stains smearing on the rim.*

FW - Give IT!

*Stank continues to smirk, as he palms the top of the hat with his bloody hand, drops the hat on the floor, and STOMPS on it several times before kicking it over by Stan and LD Williams. Fulton staggers back from a lucky wild swing from LD Williams's chair! He trips and falls right on top of the blood smeared hat! Fire doesn't move. She appears to be in shock.*

Stank - Ooooh I'm sorry about that. Let me get that for you.

*Stank walks over toward Stan who is scrambling to get to his feet. Stank narrowly avoids DK Murphy being thrown into his path by Christian Carter and continues past. Stan Fulton turns around just in time to get punched hard across his jaw by a massive haymaker thrown by Stank! Fulton drops his ax-handle and staggers back, the wall behind him the only thing stopping his momentum. Fulton grabs his jaw as Stank shakes the pain out of his fist. Fulton shakes the cobwebs from his head just in time for them to get thrown back out of whack from a chairshot by LD Williams! LD keeps Stan busy while Stank bends over and picks up Firewoman's ruined hat. No longer fully white, it is marred by bloodstains and black splotches of dirt and debris. Chaos all around, Stank makes a show of shaking the dust off of the deformed hat. He straightens it the best he can, even though it remains horribly wrinkled and dirty. Stank spits on the hat and rubs at one of the dirty splotches succeeding only in smearing the dirt in worse than before. He reaches to the back of his head brings fresh blood down on the hat as he hands it back to Firewoman who reaches out meekly and takes it back from Stank.*

Stank - There you go. Good as new.

*Stank turns and barely catches in time an attempted SPEAR by Daniella Murphy, as Texpress follow Murphy to help, as they make their way past Firewoman who remains still, staring down at the ruined hat in her hands. The camera fades to commercial break.*

[BookerShark]

We see Matt Folz and Jaime McAllister watching the brawl continue to escalate on OOWF TV.

JM: You going to go get involved in that?

MF: Fuck em, let's go get something to eat.

Fade

[BookerShark]

*Stank had blocked an attempted spear by Daniella Murphy, and turned his attention toward Texpress. He failed to notice DK Murphy rushing up from behind to hit a Boomerang, followed in rapid succession by Daniella successfully hitting a spear. Call of the Wild!(Old-school The Team From Down Under fans begin debating the merits of how well they hit the move on internet wrestling boards.) Chloe staggers over to help Stank, but DK hits a flurry of punches, then pulls her up for a powerbomb. Daniella locks in a full nelson, and Murphy's Law hits an Irish Car Bomb on Chloe! The Murphys pause to celebrate, but get dropped by chair shots from Punswick.*

[BookerShark]

(As the battle rages on, Punswick and Stank are stomping Irish mud holes in the Murphys as Chloe scans the room from the floor looking for a weapon. She crawls her way to one wall where she finds a steel pipe. She gets to her feet ready to attack the nearest White Hat, and she sees....

Firewoman, still staring, transfixed, eyes locked on her now seriously damaged White Hat. A visage of pure evil comes over Chloe's face as she quietly approaches Firewoman from behind. She raises the pipe over Fire's head...and stops. Her face shifts from one of evil to sadness. Chloe shakes her head, lowers the pipe, and turns....

and eats a Falcon Kick from Amazing Jos!)

Jos: Yo! Payback's a bitch, Bee-yoch!

(But before Jos can follow up he's tackled by Jeremy Punswick. Chloe realizes she no longer has the pipe and is upset.  Furious, she starts looking around again and sees – a skateboard? She crawls over and grabs the board and just then realizes she's about ten feet away from Tommy Wilder, who's going head to head with Christian Carter. Chloe sneaks up behind Wilder and slams the board over his head. The board splinters and Wilder begins gushing a ton of blood. Chloe high-fives Carter, she turns....and eats a Clear Cut from Stan Fulton! Fulton bends over to say something to Chloe, but Fulton eats a Buisaki Knee from Moose, and the brawl is on as we....)

FADE

[BookerShark]

Miranda comes out of her room to discover the suites are still deserted, what with everyone at the fight. She sees the dining table and notices that nearly every cleaning product they have is out, and nearly empty, some tipped over. She further notices the iron is out...and plugged in....and laying face down! It is at that point she notices the smoke coming from where the hot surface is hitting the table. Lots of smoke. She rushes over to unplug it and then knock it to the floor. More smoke arises, causing her to cough a bit.

M: What the...where is everyone?

She hears a noise and jumps, but then turns and goes toward it. She sees Fire, sitting in the corner, with a cloth and her totally ruined white hat in her lap.

M: Hey, Fire are you o--

FW: I knew...I should have known....he was right....he's always been right....this isn't me.....I'm not good....

M: Who, Stank? He's a big jerk.

FW: They're all right.....I can't make it clean.....I'm not--

M: It's just a hat.....Chad can get you another one.

FW: We don't have the money to be buying new things all the time.....if I didn't have the devil in me everything would be fine....but I do and it'll never be gone...

M: Um...*looking around*...I think this is really outside my sphere of experience here....

FW: I thought he was gone and I could be good but no he's back now and he's laughing so *punches self in head* loud *does it again*....they're all telling me they were right...Danny can't stand to....*I* was right...leopards have spots and scorpions ride the duck's back....

Firewoman continues kind of muttering this way, as Miranda stands sort of helplessly. Suddenly Fire stops and looks up. Her eyes narrow a bit as she seems to hyper focus.

FW: You...could be a message.

M: What? I...no....no, I'm nothing. I'm not even here. You're...um...hallucinating me! Yes, that's it.

FW: *standing quickly* Don't be silly...I know the difference between the hallucinations and the real people.

M: You....do?

FW: The hallucinations laugh and tell me if I squash the ones who are scared, then they will be quiet for a bit....and you look scared....

M: W-what...me? No...I'm .... Totally...not....scared...Fire, can I call Alex for you? Or Lucky? Yeah! Lucky can help you.

FW: No...you can give him my message.

M: Who....

Firewoman moves very quickly, and Miranda flinches expecting impact, but instead Fire rushes past her into her room, but then comes out, bag packed.

M: You pack quickly.

FW: I never unpack.

Fire walks over to where the hat is and picks it up and gives it to Miranda.

FW: Tell him I am sorry, I can't be what he wants. He already knew that though.

M: I don't understand...

Fire tugs at the ring on her left hand...and sets it on the table.

FW: Tell Alex...well...never mind...

Fire grabs her bag again and takes off out the door.

M: Wait!

Miranda follows her to the loading dock where apparently Lucky has had her motorcycle delivered. She secures her bag, climbs on board and screams away, leaving Miranda standing there with the hat.

[BookerShark]

~~~ Miranda is walking down The Hallway (tm) looking pretty lost & confused. She turns a corner and runs into Bridgette. ~~~

Miranda: Have you seen...

Bridgette: No shug. What are you doing out here?

Miranda: I... I was looking for....

Bridgette: She left. Chad's still in Bennett's office with most of the roster.

Miranda: I should go help.

Bridgette: No you shouldn't. Even though Firewoman isn't here, I'm sure she wants you as far away from this mess as possible. I'm sure Alex & Alexis would agree. You ought to go back to your suites and wait this one out. Maybe open up that file Zane sent you.

Miranda: I.. I don't think I could concentrate on that right now.

Bridgette: I understand. Come with me. We'll go get some coffee.

Miranda: I'm not some valet! I'm a wrestler! I should be in there with my friends.

Bridgette: I understand. I want to go in there myself. But that's not my role. I wouldn't do anyone any good. My best bet is to hang back and give Zane one less thing to have to worry about.

Miranda: That's different. I'm a WRESTLER

Bridgette: Yes, but not by much. You may have learned some things in the ring, but you haven't learned the outside the ring things that make a wrestler's life unique. And dangerous. look, if Firewoman hadn't mad it clear you were to not get involved, I'd say go. But she's your trainer. You have to trust her judgment.

Miranda: Even when she's gone?

Bridgette: Even then. If you show up, Alex, Alexis, Chad & even Zane will see you and keep one eye on you the entire time. They'll be more likely to get hurt themselves.

Miranda: Fine

~~~ She hangs her head and starts to walk away. Bridgette puts an arm around her and steers her the other way ~~~

Bridgette: Come on, I'll take you to Kofi's for a Firewoman Special.

~~~ Fade ~~~

[BookerShark]

Ecosystem stands just outside a Zipcar, leg braced, parked next to Firewoman’s motorcycle. Fire is sitting in an alley, playing with a broken broomstick.

Voice: You should go over and talk to her already.

Eco looks to his right. Joker is sitting against the wall.



Eco: And what do you want me to do? Take the opportunity to prey on her mind?

Joker: You really don’t get it, do you? I’m not some invading voice inside your head. We are one. We have the same desire.

Eco: You’re not me.

Joker: Well, whoever I am, I’m telling you to go in there and comfort her.

Eco: Comfort Firewoman?

Joker: Yes. Look, you know what you have to do, I’m not sticking around for this.

The Joker vanishes. Eco pauses, and then hobbles in.

Eco: Hello.

Fire: (looking at him oddly) You’re here. With me. In the gutter.

Eco: I never really left it.

Fire: Neither did I.

Eco sits down by Firewoman in the dirt. Time passes. For fifteen minutes, the two sit quietly. Eco is whispering something to himself the entire time, and finally concludes, just barely audible.

Eco: …that we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eco looks up to Fire, who noticed the sound.

Eco: There’s a common abstinence lesson taught in religious schools, comparing the human person to a piece of chewing gum. The pastor chews a piece of gum, and then asks anyone if they’d like to chew the gum now. Everyone says no. He—usually he—then draws the comparison to having sex before marriage. Who would want someone who has already been chewed?

But it’s a silly comparison. The value of a piece of gum is trivial. So a religious Mormon woman developed a different analogy. If you took a thousand-dollar bill, and chewed it in your mouth, who would want it? Everyone. Perhaps they’d want to clean it off or unrumple it once they took it, but they wouldn’t care that it could never be perfect. None of the damage it took could take away its value, its worth.

You are not your fucking hat. Yeah, the hat’s worthless when you get blood on it, and your pretty little church dress was worthless when you got dirt on it. But that’s because their only purpose was ornamental. Your purpose...your value...is so much greater than that, so much more—

Fire cuts him off, harshly.

Fire: Why are you telling me this?

Eco: Where’s the emphasis in the sentence?

Fire: (coldly, accusing) You.

Eco: I...I'm telling you this because...

There is a pause. Eco closes his eyes, then reopens them. The Joker is now sitting alongside Firewoman.

Joker: Just say it.

Pause.

Eco: ...Because I love you.

Fire looks jolted. The Joker disappears.

Eco: I mean, not like that. Look, if I was interested in women, you’d know by now.

I could never be husband or brother to you. But we share something in common that you don’t share with Moose and Alex. Like you and unlike Alex, I came out of the gutter, poverty and pain all the way down. But like you and unlike Moose, I never lost faith that there was something better; that the world offered something more than pain, and that I could create a life for myself that was more than just the infliction and reception of pain.

And It’s just…it’s just…

Eco is getting teary-eyed. This seems to confuse Fire.

…it’s just that what you have right now is beautiful. And I mean with Alexander, but I also mean all of it. You’re in a place so far above where you were two years ago…you care for others, you forgive, you love.

If the devil is still in you, he has a hell of a lot less power than he once did.

Fire gives no response, but she looks intently at Eco's face.

Eco: You don’t want to talk about you? Fine, let’s talk about me. Let’s talk about what a shithead I am.

I know I will never be as good as my sister. It’s not a naiveté thing, either. She’s just a better person than me. But I don’t have to be perfect, and I don’t even have to be as good as Mai. I just have to be better than I am right now. And when I see you…when I see you genuinely better…

Eco is actually crying now. Fire looks discomfited.

…it gives me hope. And it says, maybe, just maybe, I can beat it too. Maybe I can be better too. 

A pause between the two. Eco is shaking a little bit, making tiny shivering noises as he cries. Fire fumbles around to hand him something to wipe his nose with, and reaching from the trash hands a banana peel.

Both stop and realize what she’s offering, and they start laughing.

Eco: Really now? See, in my gutter, we offered real used napkins.

Fire: Oh shut up.

Fire throws the peel at him playfully. She then becomes conscious of her laughter and stops abruptly. She stands up.

Eco: You’re leaving.

Fire: …Yes.

Eco: And you’d prefer I not follow.

Fire: Right.

Fire exits. She walks toward her motorcycle, walking right through a standing Joker. She gets on her bike and exits as Eco rises and faces Joker.

Joker: And what do we say?

Eco: (smirking through tears) What, you want me to thank you?

Joker: No. I want you to trust me. Because the next thing I ask won’t be so easy.

FADE

[BookerShark]

We see a steady shot of a sign that says "Western State Hospital" in Lakewood, Washington, about 150 miles from where OOWF is scheduled to perform. Once we scene change inside, it's pretty clear this is a psychiatric hospital. We go down a hallway and see Dr. Freedman, Alex and Lucky talking softly outside of a room, before they go in, with a nurse. We pick up their conversation as we see Firewoman sitting on a gurney, legs swinging almost playfully over the side, in a white hospital gown. She looks tired but otherwise okay. As we come in the door, Alex leans against the wall, arms folded, very seriously studying the patterns on the floor.

L: ...But what I don't understand is how did she get HERE?

N: A Mr. Muyo called us to say she where she was and that she needed help.

L: She hates him.

Dr.S: After he contacted me about what to do.

L: Okay, so why here? She hates these--

FW: Lucky, it's fine...

L: No, it isn't. I'm surprised you're even still here and didn't bust out.

Dr.S: Not like she didn't try. I wasn't sure if she'd be injured or dehydrated--

L: Regular hospitals can take care of that, not that she likes them any better, and --

FW: And Dr. Freedman suspected I had not been taking my medication and wanted me someplace where it could be administered. And he was right.

L: WHAT? Fire, you KNOW--

FW: I know that I have been extraordinarily busy and distracted, and just...forgot a few doses....

L: A few doses?

FW: For a few days....

L: Well, still, there's no sense you staying. We will get this all sorted and--

FW: Lucky, I'm fine...things were apparently a bit dicey when I realized where I was and they tried to draw blood, but there's no harm done....well, no permanent harm...the break in the orderly's arm was not too bad and--

Dr.S: Mr. Guttierez, why don't we go see about the release paper work right now?

He gestures toward Alex who is still leaning against the wall, and hasn't moved or said much. He does look very VERY tired.

L: Huh? Oh...sure....

Dr. Freedman and Lucky leave. There's some uncomfortable silence. Alex finally speaks but doesn't look up.

AD: Dr. Freedman says you don't remember much of it.

FW: No....last thing I really remember is turning the corner and seeing Stank there...and then fighting off a blood test.

AD: So you lost a whole day or so?

FW: Yeah...I'm sorry, I know better...I've been busy with Miranda, and I was feeling...well, I was feeling really good, and didn't think I needed--

AD: You know that's the trap, right? That you feel better and then--

FW: I know...I know better...I'm sorry.

AD: You don't remember the hat.

FW: No...Dr. Freedman showed me some of OOWF TV on his phone before you got here. That's just....is Miranda okay? I must have scared her to death.

AD: She's fine. She was talking to I think her grandmother. I dunno it was very fast Spanish. She wants you to call her.

FW: Miranda?

AD: No...abuela....

FW: Oh..........can we just go home now?

AD: They're working on it.

FW: Okay......

AD: ......

FW: ......

AD: So, no more white hat...you joining with Saints of Sinners now?

FW: What? No....NO!!! No, I am more committed to getting rid of Bennett and ending the power trip than ever.

Alex looks up, somewhat surprised at this.

AD: Why? I mean, I'm glad...you have no idea...but--

FW: I recall bits and pieces of my conversation with Eco....he made a lot of sense...it's not .....I can do this. I can BE this....what?

AD: Fire, I've been saying that for ...what, YEARS now? But Stank destroys your hat, you go running to the one man on the planet you fear more than anything--

FW: I am not afraid of anyone!

AD: Right, whatever...

FW: And I didn't go running to HIM, HE found ME! And he's not you or Chad or anyone else that has an agenda--

AD: Really.....

Firewoman holds up her left hand and wiggles her ring finger at him, trying to lighten the mood.

FW: You are contractually obligated to be supportive and encouraging. He has no reason at all except that maybe he believes it to be true.

AD: You appear to be missing something.

Fire looks at her finger for the first time and sees that it is empty.

FW: What? OH, no!!! I must have lost it!!! Dammit, I'm ... I'll go find it.

AD: You don't remember where you've been.

FW: I'll....I'll have Dr. Freedman hypnotize me and--

While Firewoman is making frantic plans, Alex leaves his place on the wall and walks over to her. He takes her left hand in his, before showing in his hand that he has her ring.

FW: What? Where did you--

AD: You left it on the table. You took it off...on purpose...and left it on the table.

FW: ...

AD: ...

FW: Alex...I didn't mean to...I didn't know what I was doing. I only knew that I wasn't right and--

AD: It's fine....

Alex holds the ring up in between their faces.

AD: This is the second time I've had to give this back to you.

FW: I know....

AD: And I know there were extenuating circumstances both times, so this isn't about blame, but....I've never been anything but supportive....I've never done anything to make you feel like I wouldn't be there for you.

FW: I...I know....

AD: I know there will be times for you it will be harder than others, and that's just part of the package, but...the next time...the next time you better mean it, because I can't do this a third time.

FW: ....

AD: ....

FW: Did Dr. Freedman coach you through that?

AD: No...well, a little...but he's right.

FW: Did he lay on all that 'take care of yourself' and 'don't enable' stuff?

AD: Yeah...kind of thick too.

Firewoman thinks for a minute, then smiles and holds out her ring finger, for him to put the ring on, which he does, grinning.

FW: I'ma superglue this thing on.

AD: You better. So you're okay?

FW: Dehydrated and tired, but ready to go. I need to call everyone together. It's time.

AD: Okay...you know, maybe you could get it tattooed on...

FW: NO!!!! That's like the kiss of DEATH!

AD: *chuckling* you and your superstitions...you'll notice the world didn't end.

Fire hops down from the gurney.

FW: THAT, Mr. Darling, is because it's just a ring. A very important ring, to be sure, but, as a very smart person has just told me, its only purpose is ornamental. The value and purpose of what it represents is so much greater than that, so much more, and that was never in danger. So neither was the world.

There's a happy little pause.

FW: Right...LET'S GO! I have work to do!

Firewoman leaves the room in a flash, while Alex shakes his head at his wife's newest obsession. Suddenly, he has a realization.

AD: Hm. I wonder when Mrs. Darling will realize she is only wearing a hospital gown.

Amused, he too leaves the room and we fade out.

[BookerShark]

<Moose is standing in the back watching the latest Firewoman saga. The promos finish and the screen goes blank. Moose stands there for a moment, then kicks the monitor over. SFJ13 is right there with a mic. She sticks it in his face, Moose just pinches his nose and closes his eyes tight and takes a few long, deep breaths>

MHJ: You know......my dear sister is quite fond of listing all my shortcomings. She will gladly tell you that I wasn't there for her when we were kids, and how I wasn't there for her in Japan, and how I wasn't there when Eco.....yes the same fucking Eco that she is now taking LIFE advice from....kidnapped her and tried to brainwash her. And you know....she has a point. I have apologized for that, but I can't change the fucking past.

Back in September, she and I damn near killed one another. When I came back, I tried to repay her for giving my the title shot I had earned by giving her the Grand Slam ceremony she had earned. I thought, for the first time since our time in the Five, we could co-exist peacefully

Fire said she was tired of the drama. She was tired of fighting. All she wanted to do was be a wrestler. Go to the ring, win, and head to the next town. She even got herself a little protege to pass her knowledge on. It looked like she was headed down that road. I tried to extend the olive branch, I offered her a chance to stay out of it. Sit on the sidelines - like I did when the New Guard was trying to take over - stay out of it. Chase your FireSlam. Train your rookie. Stay out of the coming hostilities.

But she just couldn't fucking do it, could she?

You know why? Because Lisa Fucking Quinn HAS to be at the center of attention. That is why Lisa will never retire. That is why that house in New Orleans will sit and rot and never know more than a passing visit, because Lisa cannot walk away and not be the center of attention. Everyone look at Lisa Quinn, she is going to save the OOWF from her brother! She is going to LEAD the fucking White Hats! Never mind that she said she didn't want to fight me anymore. Never mind that she SAID she wanted something like a normal life, you can't be the center of attention and have a normal life, now can you?

<Moose paces around breathing hard, a wild look in his eyes>

This is fine Lisa. Once again, you have placed yourself at odds with me. I gave you the chance. Stank and LD gave you the chance. They are your brothers as well, and you spit in their face just the same as you did mine. Fine. You are now the enemy. We see you, we attack you, we leave you lying in a pool of blood. And that goes for your little rookie too. We WILL get her, you can't protect her forever. You had your chance, we offered you the chance. Now, you are the enemy, plain and simple.

<Moose paces for a moment again, then looks back into the camera>

This week, Fulton and Wilder. I don't care what makes you tick, I don't care why you are doing what you are doing. All that I care about is that you will be across that ring from Chloe and I. And that makes you victims. I am going to take both of you and make an example out of you. We are the Saints of Sinners, we do what the fuck we want, when the fuck we want, and neither of you, or Texpress or Fire, or Alex or Alexis or ANYONE is going to fucking stop us. Don't like it?

Then walk away

The OOWF is going to burn, I will take myself and everyone else down with me to destroy it.

Trust me

<Moose storms down the hall to Bennett's office and kicks the door open, Bennett looks up in surprise, then winces and we see he is wearing a flack jacket to cover what are surely broken ribs>

MHJ: I am not asking.....I am telling you. I want Miranda in a match

LJB: What?

MHJ: A proving ground match. I am demanding a match against her, I don't care if it is at mayhem, or some house show in bumfuck Washington. Make. It. Happen.

LJB: Moose.....Miranda is not ready to face you, she has, what, one or two matches under her belt? She is still a green kid.....

<Moose slams his fists down on Bennett's desk, rage burning in his eyes>

MHJ: I SAID make. it. happen. I don't care if she is ready or not. We will see just how good my dear sister is at training wrestlers

<Moose turns and storms out of the office. Bennett takes a deep breath, winces in pain again, then pulls a flask from the top drawer and drinks deeply>

[BookerShark]

Fire is back in the suites and appears to be hyperfocused on a whole bunch of things, making phone calls, and such.

M: Hey, your brother said things.

FW: Did he?

Fire doesn't look up from her work.

M: You didn't mention him at all.

FW: I know.

M: He said I wasn't safe.

FW: He won't get close...hand me my phone, it's ringing.

Miranda does. Fire answers it.

FW: Hey Davin..........Yeah? Awesome! Crisp and new, right?...... Thanks! Talk to you soon.

Fire hangs up and goes back to what she was doing.

M: What was that all about?

FW: My cousin is sending me a dollar.

M: What for?

FW: Long story....

faaaaaaaaade

[BookerShark]

*Moose walks into the Saints of Sinners locker room and finds, LD, Carter, and Stank enjoying cigars. Punswick is standing by the bar area where Chloe is pouring herself a drink. Stank watches Moose enter and rises to his feet. He walks over to Moose and hands him a cigar. Moose takes it and pulls out a lighter.*

MHJ - Don't say it.

Stank - What?

MHJ - Anything that has to do with my sister.

Stank -

MHJ - You give her too much credit Stank.

Stank -

MHJ - It's done. And I don't want to hear anything about it... from EITHER of you.

*LD Williams stares over at Moose and Stank.*

MHJ - She made her bed... now she can lie in it.

*Moose lights his cigar and inhales deeply. He lets out a slow stream of smoke and relaxes his demeanor a bit before heading over toward Punswick and Chloe. Stank walks back over by LD and Carter and takes a seat across from them on a couch.* 

Stank - I may have gone too far with the hat.

LDW - You think?

CC - Fuck the bitch.

*A flash of murder briefly crosses both Stank and LD's faces. Stank lets it go before speaking.*

Stank - Watch your mouth Carter. She's still our sister no matter how misguided.

CC - Yeah? Your last name Quinn?

LDW - Does it matter?

*Carter looks at the seriousness between both Stank and LD and decides it doesn't matter.*

CC - Think I'll get a drink.

*Carter rises from his seat and heads over to where Moose, Chloe and Punswick are.*

LDW - This is getting out of hand.

Stank - It's not surprising.

LDW - What do you think is motivating her?

*Stank gives LD a knowing look before they both say in unison.*

LDW/Stank - Bennett.

Stank - Which is all well and good except...

LDW - She's following along with the rest of the so called white hats.

Stank -

LDW -

Stank - 

LDW - How does she not- ?

Stank - I don't know. Darling?

LDW - Except neither one of them have embraced the label.

Stank - Maybe we've been too subtle.

LDW -

Stank -

LDW - You're kidding, right?

Stank - Only partially. It doesn't matter. Let's just let it go.

LDW - Stank??

Stank - Hey Billy Dee she's just going to have to take her lumps like the rest of them. Moose is right. She's made her bed.

LDW -

Stank - I'm not saying we slaughter her, but if she gets in the way... we're just going to have to knock her out of the way.

LDW - Moose wants to do a damn sight more than that.

Stank - I know. We'll need to try and convince him that another blood feud between the Quinns will be a distraction and not in our best interest.

LDW - If Bennett grants him this match with Miranda it may be too late.

Stank - Then we'll need to talk to Bennett.

LDW - Let me talk to him. Your approach might...

Stank - What? It's not like I'm going to go in there and whoop his ass.

*Time shifts minutes later and we are in Bennett's office.*

Stank - I WILL WHOOP YOUR ASS, BENNETT! YOU HEAR ME??

*LD Williams physically restrains Stank from reaching across the desk and assaulting the GM. LD muscles his way between Stank and the desk.*

LDW - This is WHY I told you to let me do the talking.

Stank - FINE!

*Stank points at Bennett and backs his way to just outside the office, before LD Williams turns around and faces the GM as the camera fades.*

[BookerShark]

(Moose takes a seat next to a much quieter than normal Chloe who is looking into the glass as if it was going to give here the answer to the meaning of life.)

Moose: So, why did you hold back?

Chloe: Huh? Hold back?

Moose: You had her, you could have taken her out.

Chloe: But you said she was off limits.

Moose: That changed the minute she decided to take a side. You knew that.

Chloe: (Shifting in her seat uncomfortably) She's not a real white hat. She's more like us...

Moose: As are the Darlings, and you attack them like you should.

Chloe: But she's...different. She's damaged. She's...

(Moose touches Chloe on the shoulder and the glass drops to the floor and shatters. Moose takes Chloe by the chin and locks eyes with her. All the emotion drains from Chloe's face.)

Moose: Who are you?

Chloe: I am Chloe. I am a martyr. I am a Saint of Sinners. Baptized in the blood of the innocents and resurrected by your grace, Jack.

Moose: ...and what have I tried to drill into your mind about situations like yesterday?

Chloe: Don't think, just do.

Moose: You KNOW you are better than anyone has ever given you credit for. But you need to stop thinking. Just act. It doesn't matter if it's a friend, an acquaintance, even blood. Remember what Fire and I did at Hell on Earth. We went places that no one, not even family would go.

Chloe: (Hesitates, her eyes get misty but the expression on her face remains blank) I failed you...

Moose: Because you weren't ready. Now you are. You have to be ready for anything, to do anything, without thinking about it. You hesitate, you lose.

Chloe: For you, for the Saints...

Moose: ...and for yourself. No fear, no worry, no second thoughts.

Chloe: Yes, Jack.

Moose: You get a shot like that again and hesitate, I'll kick your ass, so help me. Do you understand?

Chloe: Yes, Jack.

Moose: Good. Now clean this mess up and get yourself another drink.

(Moose lets her head drop and Chloe rushes off to get a dustpan and broom, looking like a very hurt little girl with tears in her eyes. As she rushes off Moose stops her.)

Moose: Oh, Chloe?

(Chloe looks up, worried and wordless.)

Moose: Good job with Wilder. Take him out, my Martyr.

Chloe: (Finally smiling) Whatever you say, Jack. Whatever you say.

(Moose starts laughing and Chloe skips off to get the broom and dustpan as we....)

FADE

[BookerShark]

*The staff are setting up the Destroyitarium while Vic, Danny and The Kai are sitting at a table, when Daniella Murphy bursts in at full speed. Her momentum carries her halfway to the bar before she can stop. Everyone stops what they were doing, and the wrestlers jump to their feet, expecting Saints of Sinners to charge through the door, but instead DK Murphy runs in. He is red-faced, sweating, and breathing heavily.*

Dee: What took you so long?

DK: What about today was supposed to be a 7 to 8 minute miles pace day? Giving ourselves a break after the brawl yesterday? Remember?

Dee: Look on the bright side. We're done early.

DK: That's true.

Dee (looking at her phone): Hey, I got a text from Wally. He and dad are watching right now.

DK: That gives me an idea.

*DK walks behind the bar and grabs two cans of Fosters, and hands one to his sister. They open the cans, drink, and belch loudly.*

DK & Dee: Australian for Happy Fathers Day!

[BookerShark]

**L.D. Williams walks out of the General Manager's office. Moosehead Jack is leaning on the wall outside the office waiting for him.**

MHJ: "Well?"

LDW: "You're not getting the match with Miranda. Not now."

**Moose shakes his head.**

LDW: "Jack, we've been running together a long time. How often have I told you what to do?"

MHJ: "All the time."

LDW: "How often have I told you what to do and meant it."

MHJ: "...fair enough. But why now? Why draw this line. Fire-"

LDW: "Is family. She made her choice. I get that. So did you, so did I, so did Lucas. Inside the ring, she's just another opponent. I'd treat you or Stank the same way. Outside the ring, I'm not getting into it with her if I can avoid it. But the rookie? That'd be like going after Selena. We don't come back from that."

MHJ: "If we have to, then so be it."

LDW: "No. She's family, Jack. I know you and I don't see family the same way, but we can't push Fire like that. I won't push Fire like that."

MHJ: "And if Miranda insists on getting in our way?"

LDW: "If she has to be removed I'll take care of it myself."

<fade>

[BookerShark]

<Moose paces for a minute. Then closes his eyes and sighs and looks at LD>

MHJ: I trust you. If you say leave the kid out of it, so be it.

LDW: And Fire.....

MHJ: <getting irate> DAMMIT why? Why does she have to get involved in EVERYTHING....

LDW: She hasn't said a thing about coming after you

MHJ: She said she will stop us

LDW: She wants Bennett out

MHJ: She opposes the Saints, that is all of us

LDW: look......look at it this way......what gives us the power that we hold over the OOWF?

MHJ: Being the fucking BEST

LDW: That, and that title you hold. Jack.....how many times have you said it, you cannot win a war fought on too many fronts. I know you want the OOWF to burn, and it will, but you can't wage war against everyone at once. You lose your focus, you lose that title, and the White Hats win

<Moose doesn't say anything>

LDW: You have Fulton and Wilder breathing down your neck. You focus on those two, you leave Fire and the rest of the White Hats to me, Stank, Chloe, Punswick and Carter. We will deal with them, you make sure you keep that

<Moose considers this for a minute>

MHJ: Ok.....but if Fire gets in that ring.....

LDW: You said it yourself, she is not with us, so she is against us. In that ring, all bets are off. Outside the ring.....keep your focus where it needs to be

MHJ: Ok. Fulton and Wilder. I am going to bleed them dry.

LDW: Exactly. Now......let's find Stank and the others and get a beer

<fade>

[BookerShark]

A group of wrestlers is gathered in the Destroyitarium: Alex and Alexis Darling, Kai, Poe, Jason Allen, Daniella and DK Murphy, Tommy Wilder, Stan Fulton, Jos and Jason. Bill and Justin are kind of in the back, looking somewhat more lucid than usual. Surprisingly, Ghosthead, Chris Evans, Matt Folz, and The Word are also there, keeping mostly to themselves. There are probably others I have forgotten. Zane and Chad are talking with Firewoman.

CM: I'm glad you're here.

FW: Thanks...me too.

ZM: *whispering angrily* Well, this is fine, but I do NOT like your other idea. In fact, if I cussed, I would say you were freakin' out of your mind.

CM: Zane!

FW: Well, we know that I am out of my mind, at least sometimes.

CM: Are you .... feeling okay?

FW: Yeah...it's weird though, I didn't realize how foggy my brain was...I feel good

ZM: Not unfoggy enough.

Before Chad can retort, Mai Muyo and Miranda come

FW: Hey...guys...what's up? Why are you here, Miranda I told you--

M: And I'm going back to the suites just as soon as we give you this.

MM: But first...how did my brother know where you were?

FW: I dunno...I guess that clown that's always hanging around him told him.

MM: The what?

M: I know it's not....It's not perfect, but.....here.

Mai takes her hands from behind her back and it's holding the white hat, that Stank had ruined. It's not quite perfectly white any more, or unwrinkled, but it's about 90 percent better than it was before.

MM: I know it's not white on the outside, but underneath, the true fiber hasn't been touched. All it needed was a few friends to help it along.

M: Kinda like you, Fire! Your true self isn't--

FW: I get it, Miranda. Thank you, both. Now you--

M: I know, back to the suites....

Miranda goes, and Fire shakes her head, then turns to those gathered.

FW: Okay...thanks everyone for coming...

They all settle down and shut up.

FW: I....well, I'm not sure what to say here...But Stank said if anyone could unite this group, it'd be me. I don't know what he means by that, but I'm here to give it a shot.

This isn't just another chapter in my fucked up sibling rivalry saga. I could care less what he's up to, who he hangs with...this is about one person, and one person only.

L.J. Bennett.

You all can go back and read your history books, but I can tell you why I think Bennett is a problem. It's because he is a puppet.

You all know this business. We are all strong willed, determined, and focused. Well... *looking at Bill and Justin*... most of us. If we each had our individual ways, we'd each hold all the belts, all the time. A promotion needs a GM who is able to handle and balance all that...

Bennett does whatever he's told. If I had gotten a hold of him first, instead of the ones that did, I'd be making the same damn demands. He's done other stuff, that Lexie and ... well, Stank, if he wanted to, could go into more detail about but...for me that's the bottom line. Bennett is out for one thing only and that's whoever is pulling his strings. And that is why he needs to go.

Most of the assembled wrestlers look at each other and nod and murmur. Evans and Folz roll their eyes, but still aren't leaving and appear interested in where this is all going. Both the Word and Ghosthead continue to just glower in their respective corners.

FW: Now....a question. Why are Aces and Eights still a problem for management over at TNA?

Stan: Bad writing?

FW: Besides that.............because the locker room won't get organized to stand against them. And even though Chad and Zane have gotten the ball rolling, there's not a lot of follow through.

CE: *from the back* Is this the "they bring a knife, we bring a gun" speech? Because if it is, I've seen this before.

FW: No Cubbie....Chad and Zane are still the generals here, I'm just....I'm just here. WE collectively need to be committed to two things.

One, we need to get any and all championships out of Saints of Sinners hands, as long as they are allied with Bennett. That means that we have to make SURE Mai keeps the IC and Jos keeps the--

LD: Wait, so we can't go after any belts except the World or the Tags?

FW: No no, we can...but we need to make sure Mai and Jos don't LOSE to the Saints of Sinners.

Lots more nodding and murmuring.

FW: That means stopping interferences on the ramp before they get to the ring, that means backing each other up in pre show beatdowns....Even if you don't like the guy, if they aren't Saints of Sinners...

Which brings me to the next point. This is especially to those of you who are skeptical that this even matters. If you aren't with us...you're against us. I know, I know...that's very Quinn of me, but it's the truth. If you aren't part of the solution, then you are part of the problem, so make your decision soon, before we make it for you. Capiche?

Some more murmuring, and some nodding...some not.

FW: Okay...I'll turn the logistics back over to Zane and Chad...

Fire leaves the front of the room and heads toward a booth in the back, where Danny Taylor has been sitting, head down. She stands there for a few minutes, then grabs him by the ear. He jerks to attention and stands up...kind of...still bent over because Fire has his ear.

FW: You...me...we are having a conversation.

Fire leads him out of the Destroyitarium while everyone else starts talking and deciding and planning.

fade

[BookerShark]

~~~ Fade into Bennett's office. LJ is seated at his desk, Stank standing off to his side. Seated across from Bennett is Bridgette, in her usual business attire. ~~~

LJ Bennett: Well, Miss ...... What is your last name again?

Bridgette: just call me Bridgette

Bennett: Miss... Bridgette. I am glad you could join us. After some careful deliberations, (gestures to Stank) it has been decided to grant Texpress a World Tag Team Title...

Bridgette: ... Championship

Stank: Don't interrupt him woman!

Bennett: ... Match. Now, What I would like is to know what this "Ace in the Hole" Mr. Myers and Mr. Madison keep referring too is.

Bridgette: Oh hon, It's not quite time for that yet. My boys DO appreciate the Championship Opportunity.

Stank: (taking a step towards Bridgette) You listen here. Tell Zane and his little pipsqueak that this is the ONLY chance they'll get. Once we beat their ass, once we brutalize them within an inch of their lives, they're done! Once we leave them a bloody mess on the mat, once we walk away with our TITLES held high, it's OVER! THEY are over!

Bridgette: (standing to leave) Thank you gentlemen. I'll be sure to give Zane & Chad your regards.

Bennett: You aren't leaving here until I know what kind of trick you plan on pulling. Need I remind you who is in charge around here?

Bridgette: Oh, there'll be no trick, shug. Just a simple matter of filling in the blanks. It's all legal and, most importantly, you can't stop it. (she smiles sweetly) Have a nice day.

~~~ She starts to leave. Stank gets around her and blocks her way to the door. Bridgette just smiles at him and waits, and after several long moments, he steps aside and opens the door. Stank turns to Bennett ~~~

Bennett: This had better work.

Stank: I was about to tell you the same thing.

~~~ Stank walks out and we fade... ~~~

[BookerShark]

*Ghosthead follows Firewoman down the hall and is not exactly hiding the fact. Firewoman finally turns around confronts him.*

FW - WHAT!

Ghost - Oh nothing... I'm just wondering how it is I could have been so wrong about you. You cling to this disguise as if it were a part of you, rather than you knowing it for the burdensome cloak it is, weighing you down as it truly does. It is too late for you to be the glorious creature you should have been... now you mire in the muck of mortal men. I too am diminished some, free of the path chosen for me, yet diminished all the same. It makes me wonder further whether the broken prophecy is your doing, or is something else at work here?

FW - I don't care.

Ghost - Of course you do.

FW - I mean I don't care right now. It is not a priority. All I care about is getting rid of LJ Bennett and ending the bullshit.

Ghost - Miring in the muck, exactly. I do not care to join your forlorn crusade.

FW - Why am I not surprised. You do know that means you're part of the problem?

Ghost - I'm simply apathetic to your cause. Yes I am a problem... just not the one you think.

FW - You're just scared to go up against your big brother.

Ghost - Fright has nothing to do with it. Our paths are unaligned. If my joining the Saints of Sinners is a concern it is a needless one. I am more interested in what happens after. The fallout smells sweeter than the campaigns launched by either side. My only immediate interest lies in Danny Taylor and the darkness within which cries out for my blood, the thing there that stirs my soul to a frenzy, and your emerging role in all of it. I would have thought our fates irrevocably... divergent... but it would seem you have a part to play.

FW - Look I don't want to be involved with you anymore than you me. Let's just stay out of each others way and leave it at that.

Ghost - I would gladly do so... but it's too late for that. I don't like how I feel around Taylor. I don't like that you are involved either... like I said... diminished... but unlike you, I do not wish to remain so, for I am the Ghosthead Killer... The Death Knell... and you too will know just like everyone else.

*Despite Ghosthead's seemingly calm demeanor, there is a wild look in his eyes that disturbs Firewoman, but without another word Ghosthead turns and walks away, roaming into the shadows as the camera fades to black.*

 

[BookerShark]

(Moose and Chloe walk into GM LJ Bennett's office. Bennett, still wearing his flak jacket, cringes.)

Bennett: Moose, I just needed to see Chloe. This doesn't concern you.

Moose: Anything that has to do with her concerns me. Now what's the big deal.

Bennett: Some of the board members have expressed ... concern about Chloe's mental state. They'd like to have her checked out...

Chloe: (Turning to Moose) Jack, I don't wanna see Dr Ziff again. He's mean.

Moose: (To Bennett) Nothing's wrong with Chloe. She's just perfect the way she is.

Bennett: I just want her to spend a few minutes with Dr Freedman...

Chloe: (To Bennett) Pull down your pants and slide on the ice.

Moose: Not in her contract, is it?

Chloe: Time is on my side.

Bennett: The board is concerned that something might happen like happened in SHINE.

Chloe: We all need something to be afraid of after all, right?

Moose: What, Bennett? Afraid something might happen to ANOTHER rookie?

Chloe: Deci, trist, Alexia Zholobova, prea rau. Por favor, amigo, la carne fresca.

Bennett: The board is concerned for her well being.

Chloe: Fiddle Dee Dee...

Moose: The board can go fuck themselves, she's perfect the way she is.

Chloe: Change the voices in your head, make them hate you instead. Fuckin' perfect.

Bennett: Moose, this isn't what I signed on for. She's crazy!

Chloe: I know another man you called a psycho. A young carpenter and what did he do for you?

Moose: Too fucking bad, Bennett. Do your job, just like you're told, or there will be consequences. You got that?

Chloe: Truth or Consequences New Mexico...

Bennett: I'll....I'll see what I can do.

Chloe: Do or don't do. There is no try.

Moose: You do that. You fix it. Or there will be consequences.

Chloe: I'm gonna take pleasure in watching you burn. Trust us.

(Chloe skips out of the room laughing and singing ¡Oh, gloria inmarcesible! as Moose follows, laughing, as we...)

FADE