"Over the past week in AAA, Dark Sonic has continued his reign of terror!" a somber Michael Cole begins, as footage from the previous week plays.... "It gives me *great* pleasure to introduce my newest associate," Sonic hissed. Lynx briefly glanced at Jamie... and her eyes widened in horror as she saw his expression become hateful. Without hesitation, he promptly rammed his fist into her face. "THE HELL?!" Tenay shouted. "WHAT THE... but she's... what the hell has Sonic done to him?!" JR shrieked. Wolf and Samantha rush in to confront the beserk Jolt. He spun around with a maniacal grin on his face, and began... changing. 'Jamie' briefly became a rougher looking boy in street clothes before hulking out into a purple-skinned, bat-winged demon. "Great Scott! That's Oni!" Tenay shrieked. "Good Gawd... if Sonic has shape-shifting magic at his disposal, then no one's *ever* going to be safe here again!" JR breathed. Rapid footage of Oni's attacks, both in and out of the ring roll, culminating in the Diablo Driver on Captain Universe "He makes Nav look like a *pacifist*!" Flair added in shock. "As Sonic's power base enlarges, the once intimidating Team Foxfire falters on shaky ground..." Repeated of footage of Kintobor stomping on Kronos during his match against Nav rolls. "Did I just see that?!" Tenay shrieked. "I knew it! This *had* to happen sooner or later!" Ric exclaimed. "Mah God..." JR breathed. "Kintobor just KICKED David Kronos in the head!!" "And just last Wedsnday, Dark Sonic upheld his promise to one Chris Cadwell..." The voiceover adds ominously. Footage of her tag-team match with Wolf against Kefkain and Tuxedo Chris. Her partner down, she's about to finish off Tuxedo Chris when Oni interferes, allowing Chris to finish her off with a Tuxedo Press. The clip show ends with Sonic and Tuxedo Chris, along with Oni, Kefkain, and an unconscious Soulstone, vanishing from the ring in a crimson mist. "Tonight, the stars of AAA retaliate..." Cole finishes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Omnidome Neo Brunswick, Near-future Earth. An outside view of the Omnidome opens the Fight Scene: a dense metropolis of buildings with flying cars hovering to and fro. Spotlights beam out into the clear night sky. Inside the Omnidome, the camera panned to reveal an audience of not only the usual VIPS and fans, but many robotic viewers as well. Several fans, including some of the robo-refs, are actually getting autographs from the likes of the very popular gold Transformer Bumblebee, the collected Soundwave, as well as the lovely Arcee. On the edge of the their VIP section stood a rather arrogant creature: An 8' tyrannosaurus with violet scales. He gazed down in shock as a young child clung to his leg. "BARNEY!" the child cheered. The monster bent down to growl at the tyke, and he promptly ran off. It then began morphing into a violet and black android, with a cannon on one arm and a shield on the other. "I really should have chosen a better color scheme..." Megatron growled in frustration. "NAH! You made the perfect choice!" A joking voice answered. A shorter red and brass droid approached with glowing drinks. He smirked up at the villain, "After all, kids can't get enough of big purple dinosaurs." Megatron began to power up his cannon, but promptly stopped as a swarm of armored guards confronted him. "Ah-ah-ah..." The smaller robot playfully scolded. "We're off duty right now, remember?" "Rattrap, you are such a wise-ass." He looked up with a grin, "Yeah, ain't it great?" He began sipping his drink as the camera finally turned to the announcers booth... The obligatory pyrotechnics erupted for an enthusiastic crowd. Head commentator Jim Ross and Ric Flair were at their usual positions, but a special guest is with them... "Welcome back, everyone, to the Fight Scene!" JR welcomed. "I'm joined as usual by the one and only Nature Boy Ric Flair! Mike Tenay was unable to join us tonight, so we're pleased to welcome back to the announcers booth... Miss Gadget Hackwrench!" Gadget blushed slightly, and said "Thanks Mr. Ross! It was wonderful being able to do this the first time. I guess the Powers That Be liked it so well, the offered me the spot tonight." "It is always a pleasure to see you here, Miss Hackwrench." Ric greeted her warmly. "I assume you've been watching the events over the last few weeks." Gadget sighed in concern. "I sure have, Ric. This Dark Sonic guy, he's really messing things up! Abducting Soulstone, and what he did to Lynxara..." she stopped, suddenly uneasy. "Of all the evil things to do, he turned her into a *cat*." JR nodded in sympathy, but was startled by some shrill, but familiar, saxophone notes. "Helllooo, ssssenshi..." a husky voice, with a slight accent, slurred over the PA. JR sunk back into his chair, somewhat relieved. "I was worried there for a second," JR sighed. "Somehow, I don't think *this* pervert is much better," Ric groaned, as a powerfully build Native American with cut-off denim shorts swaggered to the ring. "Yes, this opening match marks the in-ring debut of two new Avatars. This guy being the *Great Red Serpent*." Gadget commented with a smirk. JR rolled his eyes. "Great mother of Freud..." Red took the mic to address a rather irritated audience. "Do not worry, my beauties. There is plenty of Red Serpent to go around..." he said to an overwhelming series of boos. "I bet there's not enough Great Red Serpent for one," Gadget grumbled. "I hear that this young vixen Scarlet is a *first-timer* here," Red continued. "Fortunately, I am a master of many *techniques*, and am ready..." Red allowed himself a blissful sigh, "and *willing*... to show her the *ropes*!" "Geezzz! What a perv!" Gadget yelled. "Issues with women does seem to be a theme with Sonic's Horde," JR commented dryly. The sounds of police sirens filled the arena. As they blended into a techno beat (something like the Iczelion dance music), Scarlet Foxfire strode to the ring. Her red hair was tied back, and she wore a golden top and shorts, trimmed with blue flame, to the ring. She broke into a sprint, hit the ring, and immediately began kicking the Serpent... MATCH 1: THE GREAT RED SERPENT vs. SCARLET FOXFIRE "The Serpent's dazed already... this should be a short..." JR stopped and blinked in surprise as Red suddenly brought Scarlet to the mat with an impressive single-leg takedown. Who knew the pervert could wrestle? "Red's following up with a shoulderblock... he's going for a body slam, and... no good! Scarlet slips away and delivers a back suplex!" Flair continued. Scarlet continued to work on Red with a step toe hold. "Of course, Red counters that with a trip... now he's beginning to work on her knee," Gadget noted. "Serpent's going for a boston crab..." JR began. "Scarlet counters with a kick in the face!" Gadget cheered. Scarlet attempted to scramble up, but was quickly grabbed and dropped with a nice vertical suplex. The Serpent immediately tried for a pin, but only got a two count. "Red's sending Scarlet into the ropes... looks like he's going to drop her on the mat," Flair observed as the Serpent tossed Scarlet into the air. Yet, miraculously, Scarlet found a way to wrap her legs around the Serpent's head and flip him over! "No! Scarlet turns it into a *Huracanrana*! MAH GOD, what agility!" JR exclaimed. Gadget giggled. "Huracan-what? Can't you buy those at Dairy Queen?" "Look, I didn't name it..." JR replied, somewhat embarrassed. Red still managed to get up and drill a hard punch into Scarlet's gut, then sending her crashing to the mat with a forceful power bomb! "Scarlet's weakening... the Serpent's locked her up in a full nelson," Flair said, pointedly trying to return his colleagues to the action. Scarlet stomped on his foot to break it, and attempted a back hand. Red ducked, which caused Scarlet to spin around from the blow's force. "Red's going for a belly-to-belly sup... er, umm...or not." JR paused and stared at the ring. The Great Red Serpent seemed to be... enjoying himself, clutching the lovely vixen, nose-to-snout. An outraged Scarlet kneed Red in the groin (much to Ric and Gadget's delight) and delivered a Northern Lights Suplex for a two-count. "I think Red finally managed to make Scarlet mad... WHOO!" Flair shouted happily. Scarlet's fists had begun crackling with telekinetic energy. She unleashed a flurry of super-charged punches, and finished with a psionic blast that floored the Serpent. "Oh, my... now what's she doing?" Gadget asked curiously as Scarlet flipped the Serpent over. "Well, I'm no Mike Tenay... but that appears to be Scarlet's leg grapevine/crossface combo. I believe she calls it the 10-57," JR answered. The Serpent quickly submitted to the brutal hold. The rest of Team Foxfire, minus one David Kintobor, came down to congratulate Scarlet's hard-earned victory. Jonathan noticed Gadget at the commentator's booth and begins flaunting his blonde locks, grinning lovingly. Gadget looked up at the showboating Brisby, completely unimpressed. "Check it out guys, Kronos has somethign to say." Indeed, David Kronos did have the mic. "After what happened last week, I think I know what he wants..." Ric commented. "Kintobor," an enraged Star Mech yelled, "You better have a *good* explanation for what you did to me last week! We're partners in crime! We're supposed to be the two baddest Avatars in the AAA. And then *you* step in when *I* was trying to prove myself. You think you're *that* superior, just cause you have some gold around your waist? Tonight, you're going to explain to Johnny, to Scarlet, and *especially* to ME, what the hell your problem is! And I'm not going anywhere tonight until I get some answers from you!" Kronos threw down the mic in contempt, and stormed back to the locker rooms with a very concerned Brisby and company trailing behind. "Good Gawd," was all JR could say, "Kronos is furious." "And with good reason... Kronos is a talented competitor who's had an incredible run of bad luck here in AAA. I only wonder if Kintobor will take him up on his offer... and if Star Mech is gonna like what Kinto has to say," Ric said with a thoughtful grin. He knew how these ego contests usually turned out. "Kintobor seems to be making the gravest and *commonest* rookie mistake: letting a little gold get to his head." "Shades of Maivia," JR replied sagely. "Guys?" Gadget broke in as she held one hand to her headset. "I just got word that Michael Cole's in the back to get some words with Wolf and his new manager..." Gadget suddenly gulped nervously. "Lynxara. Ummm, hiya, Lynx-chan..." The camera cuts backstage to Michael standing with a somewhat awkward- looking Lynxara. Wolf is behind her in a sweat jacket, its grey hood draped over his head. Wolf was looking very intense and violent, and was scaring Michael more than just a little. "Oh don't worry, Gadget," Lynxara comforted. "I'm actually a fan!" She smiled, and then winced. She looked behind her and tried to be inconspicuous as she moved her new tail out from under her foot. "Miss Ashby, you've definitely been through a lot in the past few weeks. Are you having any ill effects from Dark Sonic's assaults?" "Well, physically, I'm fine. The feline senses are actually kinda cool, but it's a lot to get used to," she replied. She then sniffed the air suspiciously. "Mike, Old Spice and garlic do *not* mix." Mike looked a bit uncomfortable, but continued. "I can imagine, and it must definitely put a damper on your work." "Well, yeah," Lynxara said, displaying and wiggling her four-fingered hands. "You can't type like this! I've tried!" She then stopped abruptly to grab hold of her tail, and glared at it. "And it's impossible to walk around with *this* thing trailing behind me!" "But this still hasn't hampered your desire to take down Dark Sonic." With this, Wolf stepped in, motioning to speak. "Lynx told me about all the crap you put your former friends through." Wolf said in a dangerously low voice. "And after everything you put her and a whole lot of other people through in the AAA, you *will* go down. And soon!" From off screen, Felix Xavier Jinx and the ever-nerdy Sir Kain suddenly barged in. They looked *very* nervous. "Lynx-chan! You gotta help us!" Kain pleaded. "We were back in the dressing rooms, and Oscar was giving us the *weirdest* looks!" Felix protested. "I am *not* getting into the showers with him anywhere near me!" Lynxara moaned in disgust. "Ugh. Well, at least he hasn't offered to 'comfort' you yet. Come on, I think I saw the Puma sisters and Nuku Nuku in the VIP section..." The furries left the interview area, with a concerned Cole looking on. "Back to you Jim." The camera returned to the ring for the next match-up. "Thanks, Michael. Our next match is a grudge match actually *demanded* by Nightman, who insisted that he was fed up with Lord Thinker trying to meddle in his affairs," JR commented. "Golly! The poor kid was just trying to help," Gadget worried. "Last week, the only thing this self-proclaimed 'dark avenger' proved was that he was a bully when he put the Night Hammer on an unsuspecting Thinker," Ric added. Then he began to grin slightly, "But I think this kid can hold his own. He's got the right moves, and knows when to use them." The whiny saxophone opening of the 'Nightman' TV show signaled his arrival. Nightman fluttered down from the rafters, wobbling around before he landed. The capacity crowd began a 'Night-baby' chant, prompting a very irate reaction from Night's champion. Then the boos turned to cheers as The Sailor Stars Song kicked up and the ever-happy Lord Thinker waded through the crowd down to the ring. He paused briefly to look carefully up at Nightman. He began to unstrap the scabbard of the massive Delete Key from his back, and left the blade at the commentators' booth. Then he headed back to the ring to begin his match. "Why did he just... doesn't he *need* that?" Gadget wondered. "You've got to remember, ol' Thinker believes in good sportsmanship. Nightman's got exceptional strength and martial arts skill, but no unusual powers or weapons," Ric explained. 'It wouldn't be fair to use the Delete Key." "That... *kind* of makes sense..." JR trailed off confusedly. Ric only grinned as Thinker had already begun his Drunken Fist kata. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about him *too* much..." MATCH 2: LORD THINKER vs. NIGHTMAN The dark avenger just stood upright, looking at the wobbling Avatar with tremendous arrogance. He threw a casual punch, and Thinker easily slid to the side and turned it into an armbar. "Lord Thinker's definitely in control... and showing himself to be something of a mat technician as well," JR exclaimed in pleasant surprise. Once on the mat, Thinker had switched around to a headscissors for more pressure, but Nightman quickly escaped. "Oh, my... Nightman's *pounding* on Thinker now," Gadget said with concern. Nightman hammered Thinker into the corner with a series of punches, and a hard elbow sent him crashing, almost comically, into the turnbuckle. But Thinker rebounded with amazing speed. Just as Nightman attempted a shoulder block, he remarkably rolled under and nailed Nightman with a single leg take down. "Thinker's going to the ropes, and... leg drop! And another one!" JR announced. "Somebody should make Hogan watch this," Ric smirked. As Thinker went for what was presumably the third and final one, he inexplicably flipped and dropped squarely on Nightman's neck. He tumbled back and sat on the mat cross-legged as the furious Nightman stands up. Lord Thinker smiled and gave him an almost curious look. The fans (and announcers) were laughing and cheering gleefully... Until Nightman planted a boot into the side of Thinker's head. Amidst the disgusted groans, he grabbed the dazed Thinker and dropped him in a belly-to-back suplex. "Lord Thinker's trying to get back up... ooh, Nightman just nailed him with a vicious clothesline from behind." Gadget winced herself as she heard how hard Thinker hit the mat. "Nightman's setting Thinker up on the top turnbuckle... Nightman's going up himself, and .. MAH GOD! Back suplex to Thinker from the *top*!" "Night-baby's signaling for the Night Hammer... this is over..." Flair moaned. "No! No! Thinker slipped out!" Gadget cheered. Lord Thinker snapped him into a German Suplex for a very close two-count. "Thinker's bouncing off the ropes... NO! Nightman catches him with an *incredible* spinebuster," JR continued tensely. "He's going for the Night Hammer again..." The announcers were unable to call what Lord Thinker did next. This time, Thinker somehow managed to grab Nightman's head and roll behind him. He easily hoisted the off-balance (and utterly confused) Nightman into a fireman's carry and, with an impressive toss, dropped the dark avenger onto the back of his head for the Mindbender (basically, a TKO set-up going into a neckbreaker). After pinning Nightman for the three count, Lord Thinker cheerfully rolled out of the ring to reclaim his Delete Key. He then waded back into the joyous crowd and made his way toward an exit. "That was... that was just incredible!" Gadget enthused. "I haven't seen moves like that in a *long* time," Ric added. "That boy's definitely one to watch." "Truly a well deserved win," JR proclaimed, "Coming up next: Semi final match-ups in the Mobius and Moon Kingdom divisions, one of which has already been tainted by Sonic's influence." "Samantha and Adam Chris Leigh, all over again," Ric grumbled. "We'll be right back." Gadget finished. [The scene shows a black background with David Kintobor in the front of it] Davey: Greetings, loyal fans. Now that you have all heard of my grand victory, I'm sure you'll be willing enough to go buy my merchandise. Let me show you what we have! [Announcer takes over as they show a plush doll of a certain fox. If you can guess, grab a cookie.] Davey: This is the OFFICIAL plush toy of the AAA! Also comes with amazing Voodoo powers for only $49.95! [Crow T. Robot somehow barges onto the set and sees the doll] Crow: Voodoo? You don't do voodoo like I do cause you do not know voodoo! [Grabs doll and somehow yanks its tail] Davey: Oww!! Quit that! Crow: Hey! This is fun! I do voodoo better than you do! [Tickles its stomach. Davey collapses on the floor, clutching his stomach.] Davey: [laughing] Hahaha! Please stop.... HAHAA! [Crow stops] Crow: Does this do voodoo too? [About to grab it's leg and rip it off when Davey comes and points his Prism Rifle at Crow] I'll stop. Davey: Good. Just call 1-666-Dave-Kins for this merchandise and more! [Fade to black] Crow: Does this do voodoo too? [slaps the dolls face] Davey: AGH! ____________________________________________________________________ "Coming up next is the Moon Kindgom semi-final matchup between Ankoku and Soulstone." JR begins, "It *would* have been an impressive match..." The back story clip showed Deb Lawson training after her early fights in AAA. She trained with several other swordsmen as her Author, David Marts, watched sagely. "The past couple months have been promising, for Soulstone." Mike Tenay's voice-over begins, "Not only had she been training her hardest, but she had solidified her relationship with her Author. They realized the kind of bond they share as Author and Avatar: a child/parent connection, not unlike that of Jamie Jeans and Samantha Jones." The tape paused as Ric Flair could be heard faltering over the image. "But...the past few weeks...they've been..." Ric sighed and gave up, and the tape continued. "In the Toshimoko Academy of Swordsmanship, her favorite sparring partner had been a newcomer, a rising star hoping to join the AAA." The voice-over continued, as a very familiar looking silver-haired young man trained with Soulstone. "Ankoku had become both a fierce rival and a good friend of the holy warrior. This match-up would have been a test of skill. Now, it might now be a test of survival..." "My Heart Will Go On" began to play, and a much more somber Ankoku walked to the ring. "Poor guy..." Gadget said in sympathy for the withdrawn beau. "Poor *Soulstone*," Ric growled. "I bet he's as worried as Marts is right now about what has become of..." JR was interrupted by the sultry sounds of Garbage's 'Push It' blaring over the speakers. Tuxedo Chris, along with a cloaked female, paused on the rampway. With a dramatic flourish, she discarded the cloak. It was Deb Lawson...and it wasn't. Chris was giddy with pride as she flaunted her new outfit: a snug, skimpy, black, studded leather costume, with a section conveniently cut out across her bust. Ric's response was a largely incoherent growl of rage. "Oh... Gawd..." JR trailed off. "I think 'issues with women' doesn't even *begin* to describe it," Gadget remarked. Ankoku tightened his fists in rage, as he saw the obviously corrupted Soulstone turn lustfully toward Chris and kiss him passionately. Her *beloved* wishing her luck, Soulstone strode to the ring with a wicked look on her face. MATCH THREE: ANKOKU vs. DARK SOULSTONE Moon Kingdom Semi-Final Match Before Ankoku could put on his helm, Soulstone assaulted him with a series of vicious kicks. "Well, Soulstone is being very... aggressive in this fight," Gadget opened shakily. A drop kick floored Ankoku and Soulstone charged him, but was pulled to the mat with an arm drag takeover. "Good God! Ankoku just *tossed* Soulstone across the ring... we're in for one hell of a fight!" JR exclaimed. Ankoku turned for another attack, but was shocked to see Deb's hands glowing with violet- black energy. She maliciously drilled a nerve strike into a weak section of armor along his shoulder. "Deb's definitely learned some new tricks from Sonic and company," Ric added in. "She nearly floored Ankoku right there." Ankoku staggered back, clutching his wounded shoulder. "Soulstone's charging... but Ankoku can still fight back!" Gadget cheered as Ankoku felled Soulstone with a shoulderblock. He lifted her up and drove her into the corner. "Ankoku has her pinned against corner turnbuckle... he's going for a punch and..." JR stopped. "Oh, no, he's hesitating..." Ric groaned. "The ring isn't the place for that..." Soulstone had ample time to slip away and drive Ankoku's still exposed face into the turnbuckle. With a graceful leap she sprang to the top turnbuckle and moonsaulted onto him, but only for a two count. "Deb is charging again... I guess being evil means you're not too original," Gadget remarked. Ankoku met her with a powerslam, then rolled away. "Ankoku's pulled out his energy blade, and Soulstone's summoning Eternity... this could get *ugly*, guys," JR commented nervously. "Ankoku's blocking, but the force of Deb's sword strikes is driving him back... he just managed to dodge that one, and he grabs Soulstone for a Samoan Drop!" Ric exclaimed. "Ankoku's summoning energy for the Azure Dragon Storm..." Gadget breathed. "And look who's there to screw it up," Ric growled. Suddenly, Tuxedo Chris maneuvered over to where Ankoku was standing. "Isn't she lovely?" Chris hissed. "And you haven't even seen her best, yet..." Ankoku yelled in rage and hurled the Dragon Storm into Tuxedo Chris, sending him flying into the front seats. While Flair began to cheer, JR and Gadget moaned. Ankoku turned around just in time to see Soulstone charging him with Eternity extended... She lowered a hard slash across his chest, ripping through his ceramic armor. Wetting her lips, she began focusing, and a dark blue aura shimmered around her. It was a different, more ominous looking power... "DARK HOLY!" "MAH GOD!" JR rightfully screamed. The arena went dark for a second, as a column of black magical energy engulfed Ankoku. By the time the lights regained power, Ankoku was face down on the mat, battered and slightly burned. "Oh, she's not even giving him the dignity of a pin!" Gadget noted with disgust as the robo-ref counted the fallen knight out. "Well, Soulstone will advance to fight for the Moon Kingdom title at our Pay-Per-View...or whatever Soulstone's turned into," JR muttered darkly. "And this isn't over yet..." Ric trailed off. A singed Tuxedo Chris wrapped Ankoku's arms in the ropes and ordered Soulstone to finish him off. Soulstone was ready to deliver the killing blow as Ankoku opened his pale blue eyes up to her. "Debra," Ankoku choked, "In the past months, we have tested one another countless times. In my eyes you have reached a peak not only as a fighter, but as a person, a friend." Soulstone adjusted her grip tensely. "You are my equal..." She narrowed her eyes on her target... "I love you." Soulstone's eyes opened wide in shock. Her grip, oh so slightly, began to falter around the pommel of Eternity. Ankoku looked down at his wounds "This is not you, Debra, it is not you who has done this. I forgive you." Ankoku closed his eyes, prepared for Soulstone's next action. Her hands shaking, Eternity slipped from Soulstone's hands and fell to the mat. Trembling, she looked upon herself and fell to her knees, attempting to cover her scandalous outfit. "He did it *again*! That's the second time Ankoku's managed to break a Tuxedo Chris mind-warp!" JR shouted incredulously. "Now, that, gentlemen, is a man who knows how to treat a lady," Ric said rather proudly. "This is weird, guys... I don't think Chris even *cares* about Debbie any more," Gadget said rather softly. She was right. Chris saw only yet another obstacle standing in his way. "*FINE!* I'll do it!" Tuxedo Chris growled in frustration, and he bent down to pick up her blade. It flared with a bright emerald light that knocked him back. Furious, Tuxedo Chris summoned his cane to pummel the two. "That monster! He..." Ric began to fume. But he quickly became overjoyed as he saw a familiar figure dash out of the back. "YES! THINKER'S BACK!" Lord Thinker moved with amazing speed as he slid into the ring, hoisted Tuxedo Chris up from behind, and delivered the Mindbender! Chris groggily rolled out of the ring and collapsed to the floor outside. The crowd was on its feet as Dark Sonic and the Great Red Serpent came in to recover him. Dark Sonic glared at Thinker, first in irritation and then... with something else. Thinker returned the evil hedgehog's glare unflinchingly, and drew the Delete Key. The blade shimmered with a silvery white gleam. Sonic paused and looked on at the boy with curiosity, then gathered his minions and began to leave. And that's when something *very* interesting caught his attention at the commentator's booth. "Oh no..." JR groans. "*No*," Gadget growled. "He is *not* looking at me..." "Just don't worry. He doesn't seem interested," Ric assured, "not yet at least." Back in the ring, Thinker had untied Ankoku. Soulstone had moved over to him, and they were both sitting on the mat. "You...You really meant every word you said, didn't you?" Deb asked, blushing lightly. "With every part of my soul." Ankoku gently clasped her hand. "Debra Lawson..." He swallowed hard and met Soulstone's steel-blue eyes. "Will you marry me?" She gasped, overwhelmed at the emotion he had poured out for her, after all the things she just did to him. She drew her trembling hands to her mouth, and nodded in joy. The crowd was overjoyed as the two Avatars rose to their feet and embraced, and Lord Thinker looked a bit misty-eyed. "I have a feeling there's several heartbroken ladies out in the audience tonight," JR said with a smirk. "But isn't it *beautiful?*" Gadget sighed, "Despite Sonic and Chris' most demented efforts, love still triumphed. Cool, huh?" "Couldn't have happened to a better pair of kids," Ric added in approval. "And Ankoku doesn't even *care* that Soulstone used to be a guy!" Gadget finished. Remembering that fact dampened Ric and JR's enthusiasm somewhat. However, Ric had long since grown used to this kind of weirdness and quickly regained his senses. "We'll be right back," the Nature Boy said as the Fight Scene cut to commercial. {Mariryn Manson's "The Beautiful People" begins to play. Johnny Hellfire, in human form storms in front of buildings in the slums. Playing against the walls is footage of Oni's devastating assaults on the AAA.} Join Oni's Legion of Chaos with your Oni 666 T-shirt! {A black t-shirt with a blood red demon's skull and Oni 666 appears. On the back: "I JUST TOOK YOUR SOUL"} Only $19.99! Order Today! {The commercial ends with a Diablo Driver.} The show resumed with Team Foxfire once again assembled in the ring. "We got word that he was heading out, and we're currently awaiting the arrival of David Kintobor, the AAA Virtual Net Champ," JR began. "Oh, my... there he is!" Gadget breathed as Kintobor arrogantly trod to the ring. "He looks ticked!" Kintobor grabbed a mic from ringside and entered the ring. He shot haughty glances at both Kronos and Scarlet. He clicked on the mic and smirked. "Is there a problem?" he asks snidely. "Hell, yes, there's a problem!" Star Mech began. "Ever since you've returned, you've been acting like a friggin' god! We were supposed to take this league by storm together. What's gotten into you?" "I've simply been observing things within Team Foxfire. Who fought through the AAA's toughest contenders, including the Super Saiyan Oscar, to be crowned the first Virtual Champion? Me. Who defeated the supposedly indestructible Nav without *any* help? Me. I have accomplished all these things and more, yet I am still only second in command. All I want is what's rightfully mine." Brisby took the mic. "And, remind me again, just what is *rightfully* yours? I've been checking some of the records at Davey-kin's studio. Just exactly *who* are you the Avatar of?" Kintobor's eyes widened in anger. "Your last adventure was three *years* ago, the public at large doesn't like you...hell, Davey-kins doesn't even like you!" "This coming from a rodent whose lone claim to fame is being the descendant of a washed up toon from an obscure Bluth movie..." Brisby snarled in anger, and Star Mech intervened. "This isn't about him..." Star Mech yelled. "Oh but it is. It's about his right to order me around... *me*. Quite simply, there's only room for one David in the AAA." Kintobor locked his gaze onto Kronos as he continued. "I wasn't scheduled to wrestle at King of the Net, but I've changed my mind. I want a match, Kronos, a match against *you*. But not just any match... there's a special stipulation. The winner will declared one true Avatar of David Gonterman. And the loser... well, I'm sure the loser can have a nice, long talk with Pat Lee about the joys of nonexistence." Team Foxfire was stunned. The announcers erupted into speculation. "Golly! Can Kintobor *make* a challenge like that?!" Gadget asked frightfully. "If Kronos accepts it, it's binding... what would you even call that kind of match?" JR wondered incredulously. "Isn't it obvious?" Flair replied. "It's a death match." Kronos stepped forward, took a deep breath, and finally gave his answer. "One condition:make it a title match. Put the belt on the line, and I'll do it." A gasp went up from the crowd. "Is Star Mech NUTS?!" JR shouted. In a fluid motion, Kintobor lowered the Virtual Championship belt to the mat. "Fine. The winner becomes the champion. The loser is gone from the multiverse for good." Grandpa Coyote moved up to Kintobor, shocked. "Think about what you're askin', boy! What'll this do to JB and the rest of us? I mean... whose side are you on?" Coyote pleaded. The cyber-fox looked over with a serene grin. "The same one I've been on from the start..." The servos in Kintobor's bionic arm hummed, and he unleashed a hard punch into the old coyote's gut. "My own." Grandpa Coyote collapsed feebly to the mat. A horrified Brisby and Star Mech rushed to the old furry. Edward and Mechtail charged the champion in rage. With a snide grin, Kintobor attacked his two former allies. With alarming ease, he disposed of the two and sneered, "I've carried the both of you long enough!" Kintobor then turned his attentions toward the massive, snarling Colley. "And you... you shouldn't even *be* here! Gonterman didn't make you! You're a washed-up mutt from a rightfully canceled show!" The Road Rover angrily charged Kintobor and delivered a hard lariat clothesline. Kintobor flipped back to his feet, grabbed a handful of Colley's hair, and smashed his snout with a series of knee bashes. Then he lifted the massive Colley up and floored him with the Foxfire Thunderbomb! Coldly, he stood up to leave. He stopped abruptly when he heard the hum of a ki aura powering up behind him. The cyber-fox turned slowly to see a determined Scarlet, crackling with psionic energy. Kintobor's face contorted in rage... "And *you!* You think you're better than *me?* Could you stop Pippkin from wreaking havoc in *my* federation? No. Could you do *anything* without your stupid cartoonist host wearing you like a cheap shirt? No. What makes you think you're even in the same *league* as I am?" Kronos and Brisby could only look on in horror as Kintobor assaulted Scarlet with a level of rage and hate that they never seen before. He even bit into the vixen's shoulder! Scarlet continued to battle valiantly, but succumbed to a vicious kick to her knee. Kronos finally rushed in as the cyber fox locked the already wounded Scarlet into his half-crab leg lock. A haymaker from Star Mech sent Kintobor reeling into the corner. His frenzy finally subsided somewhat. Not taking his eyes off of Star Mech, Kintobor stomped back to pick up his AAA belt. As he left the ring, he shot one final glare at Kronos. "I haven't even *begun* with you, Kronos..." Kintobor stormed back to the locker rooms in a hail of boos and trash. He wiped some of Scarlet's blood off his snout as he left. "I don't even know what to say to *that*," Ric commented. "I've seen some ugly break-ups in my time, but nothing, and I mean *nothing*, like that!" "Hideous..." the disgusted Gadget uttered. "Kintobor has left Team Foxfire, but he didn't go quietly," JR noted, equally disgusted. "He absolutely decimated his former teammates single- handedly. "And Star Mech has to face him one-on-one at the King of the Net, with his very *existence* on the line," Ric said gravely. "As a shattered Brisby and company leave the ring, we set up for the main event: Wolf versus Joseph. The winner will compete for the Mobius championship at King of the Net." JR began, "This will be a fierce match-up of..." He is interrupted by an uproarious jeer from the crowd as a very confident Dark Sonic trotted down to the announcer's desk. He took a seat next to Gadget, much to her dismay. "Oh *please* JR, continue," Sonic remarked, absolutely captivated by the irritated Gadget. "It's just that I haven't seen such lovely and intelligent females since, well, since Sally..." Ric glared at him sharply, but Sonic was still focused on Gadget. "Perhaps, after I've gotten my fair Lynxara home, you'd like to join me at the Citadel, my dear Gadget. I'm sure we could play a rather *lively* game of cat and mouse..." Not for the last time, JR had a very hard time keeping Ric in his seat. *Fortunately*, Sonic's lecherous advances were stopped as "My Way" sounded over the PA system. Sandra Nightweaver lead her client Joesph up to ringside. Sonic scowled in contempt as 'Unforgiven II' announced the arrival of Wolf. With Lynxara at his side, Wolf seemed more focused, and charged directly into the ring without his usual shooting display... MAIN EVENT WOLF vs. JOSEPH (Mobius Semi-final Match) JR was hesitant, but began to call the match. "Joseph is first on the offensive tonight, attacking Wolf with a rake across the face and a devastating series of European uppercuts." Joseph then gripped Wolf in a headlock, but the commando rodent managed to wrap his arms around Joseph's waist and escape with a back suplex. "Joesph's *already* up," Flair called through gritted teeth. "He trips Wolf with a drop toe hold and now he's going to work on the legs," As Lynxara looked on, she noticed Sandra looking back at her, shooting her a sly smile... "Wolf is up! He's back up!" Gadget cheered, determined to do her job despite Sonic's annoyance. Once on his feet, Wolf flung Joseph over with an arm drag, then charged in with a double leg takedown. He hammered away relentlessly with punches until the robo-ref forced him off. "Nice to see someone controlling that little beast for once," Sonic muttered. Yet, despite Wolf's furious assault, the only ill effect Joseph suffered was some slightly mussed fur! "Joseph's back up to his feet, and... is he *scolding* Wolf?" JR asked. "I knew Joseph was arrogant, but..." "Wolf is getting *frustrated*... he's charging for the attack and... inverted atomic drop by Joseph!" Ric winced. The much taller Joseph then lifted him off the floor with a bear hug, backed up to the ropes, and dumped him outside the ring! Joseph played arrogantly to the irritated crowd. Gadget looked on her teammate with concern. "Guys, Wolf is struggling... Joseph may be too much for him!" Sandra ominously circled the ring towards the commando rodent, but was abruptly stopped as Lynxara circled around from the other direction to face her. She looked at the lynx-girl innocently, and backed off. "And we've got another visitor at ringside! Look, it's Ryan the Newcomer!" JR exclaimed. Ryan confronted Sandra, and an argument ensued. Ric smirked. "I have the feeling Ryan's a little annoyed that she left in the middle of his match last week." Joseph noticed the fight, and began yelling back at the frustrated Ryan. The Newcomer stormed off angrily... just as Wolf slid back into the ring. "Wolf's charging Joseph from behind... flying clothesline! Even *Joseph* had to have felt that!" Gadget called. "But Joseph's back on his feet," JR continued. "He's sending Wolf into the ropes, and delivers a *vicious* spinning backbreaker." Joseph arrogantly planted a foot on Wolf's chest for the cover. Flair shook his head in dismay. "Joseph's never going to get *anywhere* if he keeps being this sloppy, especially against a guy like Wolf," he commented right as Wolf tripped Joseph and clamped on an ankle- lock submission. Joseph quickly went for the ropes, and delivered a swift backhand to Wolf's temple. Joseph then grabbed the stunned rodent's leg and head. "There it is, the Vulpine Neckbreaker!" JR yelled. "I don't see how..." "Only a two-count! Wolf got a shoulder up!" Gadget cheered again. "He doesn't know when to give up, does he?" Sonic observed. Flair utterly ignored the Dark One. "Wolf's getting mad, he's getting really mad... hell, he's going into BERSERKER MODE!!" Wolf unsheathed his claws and dived furiously onto Joseph... *CLANG!* "'Clang'?" Gadget puzzled. "Did Joseph just go 'clang'?" Joseph gaped in shock at his "wounds"; the slashed portions of his chest had become silver and metallic, and brown liquid seeped out of his cuts. Wolf backed up slightly, his berserker fury cooling as he became uncertain of what he was fighting. "Of course," JR groaned. "Joseph's an android..." Suddenly, Joseph growled and his entire body became silver. "A shape-shifting android..." Gadget trailed off. Joseph morphed into a towering humanoid rhino, quickly overwhelming Wolf with hard punches. "I bet he's a trillion times more powerful than Sailor Moon, too," Ric muttered bitterly. "Joseph with a massive body slam, and... MAH GOD, he's going up top!" JR shrieked as Rhino-Joseph dived on to the hapless Wolf with a crushing body-splash. "Oh, we'll have to pull Wolf up with a spatula after that..." Gadget breathed. "NO! Wolf did it again, he kicked out again!" Flair enthused as Wolf barely broke the pin at 2 and 1/2. Rhino-Joseph bellowed in rage, and charged to bounce of the ropes. But just as he came off them, he staggered and collapsed. The android quickly morphed back into his fox form, clutching his foot in pain. "What in the... could somebody give us a replay?" JR asked. As the footage ran again, the cause became clear: Sandra Nightweaver. She had drawn a long dagger from her belt, and just as Joseph turned and fell into the ropes, she leapt up and ripped a slash across his ankle! "Good Lord, his own *manager* finally got irritated with him!" JR exclaimed. "Either that, or she's cut some kind of deal with Ryan... what's going on here?" Flair asked. "That was a *very* precise cut, right along the back of the ankle," Gadget noted, impressed. "With a wound like that, guys," Ric commented sagely, "it doesn't matter how big or tough you are. There's no way to fight with that kind of injury." Sandra had already jumped over the railing and disappeared into the crowd. Wolf slowly got back up to his feet. Joseph was hobbling on his good foot, and was quickly hooked by both arms for a Taz-style suplex from Wolf! Sensing that Joseph's aura of perfection was finally broken, Wolf howled to the thunderously cheering crowd before dropping Joseph with the AK-47 for the victory. "An incredible victory for Wolf, one that will send him to King of the Net for a shot at the Mobius title!" JR commented amidst the a massive "WOLF-A-RINE!" crowd chant. However, the celebration at the announcer's desk was short-lived. Sonic had gotten up from his seat, and his advances on Gadget had become disturbingly more forceful. Ric jumped up from his set, ready to rather foolishly confront him. Then Wolf suddenly vaulted from the ring apron onto Sonic, slamming the evil hedgehog with a double ax-handle! Sonic only looked irritated, and hurled Wolf away with an alarmingly easy force blast. Lynxara rushed over to the fallen Wolf, and Sonic looked ready to confront them... "Pal! You don't mess in my game!" Sonic spun to face, of all people... Jonathan Brisby! "And *no one* messes with my girl!" the mouse boasted. Gadget scoffed at Brisby's last comment as he clasped his family amulet and began to glow a light red. The sinister hedgehog merely laughed loudly. "I've no time for your parlor tricks, child! Besides..." Sonic shot another devious glance to Lynxara, "I have a more valuable prize to claim. Until next time." With that, Sonic disappeared in a flash of light. "Gadget, my love, are you OK? That monster didn't harm you, did he?" Brisby melodramatically comforted. Wolf approached and irritably shoved Brisby away. They begin to bicker, but quickly stop as a familiar, black haired mouse girl confronted them. "Guys, *GUYS!* She's already seeing someone!" the new girl protested, and looks to Gadget with a smile. "I'm seeing *her*." Gadget informed. "Her name's Caprice and..." Wolf and Brisby exchanged extremely surprised looks, as Lynxara backed away to let the fireworks ensue. Brisby suddenly paused, as if in deep thought. "I think I know what's the deal here..." he began. "...IT'S THAT DARN ZOICITE AGAIN! UP TO HIS OLD NEGAVERSE TRICKS!" Caprice and Gadget rolled their eyes, while Wolf and Lynx-chan seemed equally disgusted by Brisby's ravings. "...don't worry, milady! I and my *mighty* Fauna Force shall storm Beryl's legions and..." Wolf casually bonked Brisby across the back of his head, causing the mouse to fall unconscious in mid-sentance. "'Methinks thou protest too much,'" Caprice quoted, and looks at Wolf with a bemused smirk. "The least you could have done was *tell* me," Wolf growled lowly to Gadget. "Well... no offense, Wolf, but you never asked," Gadget replied with a shrug. Wolf sighed and glanced at the two girls. "You happy?" he finally asked. "Yes," Gadget replied simply. "Then I can live with it," Wolf uttered, somewhat defeated. Caprice looked curiously at him. "Wolf, Gadget had told me how you'd mellowed out during your stay with the Rangers. I was really suspicious, but I'm glad I was wrong. Feel like a beer?" Wolf grinned and replied, "You have no idea. You comin'?" Lynxara nodded, and along with he, Gadget and Caprice, left the ringside area. Ric and JR remained at the announcers desk to finish the show. "That was... different." an amused JR comments. "No one got sneak attacked or double-crossed... it's actually kinda heart-warming." "It was indeed a welcomed change of pace here in the AAA. For the Nature Boy Ric Flair, this is Jim Ross. Good night, everyone, and see you next time! _________________________________________________________________________ Shinji's notes: An interesting event, with a couple touching interludes. I wonder how many guys and ladies will be upset that Ankoku and Soulstone are to be married, hmm? Something a bit different before we hit the home stretch. As usual, contact us to let us know what you think Lynxara's notes: The Wolf/Brisby/Gadget thing was supposed to be an angle at Otakumania, but it got lost in the shuffle. We decided to finish it out here. Hey, even Evil needs a week off every now and then! But I have a feeling Sonic will be back in action soon...